cincinnati ohio

A potholder from a homeless man

November 16, 2015 By Nedra McDaniel 9 Comments

I was involved in a feeding program for the homeless community in downtown Dallas for one semester during college. Each week we would meet a pastor who would drive 30 miles one way with donated food from local fast food restaurants. Each week we would spend time getting to know the people who came for a meal.

On my first day, I met a man named Charles. He was middle aged and great at crocheting things. The following week, I decided to bring him some yarn. As a college student it wasn’t much, but I thought it would be nice for him to have more supplies to make items with.

On one of my next visits I was given a gift from my friend. A potholder. That potholder has been in my kitchen since 1998. It reminds me that someone who had nothing, gave a gift from the heart out of what little he had.

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PINKALICIOUS The Musical

January 27, 2014 By Nedra McDaniel 16 Comments

As a mom of boys, I enjoy opportunities to attend super girlie events from time to time. I’m looking forward to sharing the upcoming PINKALICIOUS The Musical play with some special girls at The Children’s Theater of Cincinnati. I’ll admit that I haven’t read the popular children’s book but any girl who shares a love of cupcakes is a girl after my own heart. The show is based on the book by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann.

Based on the popular book by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, this is the tale of Pinkalicious, who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe – a dream come true for this pink-loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this pink predicament.

You can see “PINKALICIOUS The Musical,” at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

Friday, Feb 14 at 7:30 PM

Saturday, Feb 15 at 2 PM*

Saturday, Feb 15 at 5 PM

Sunday, Feb 16 at 2 PM

Saturday, Feb 22 at 2 PM

Tickets $7-$25.

You can order tickets by phone 1-800-745-3000 or by Ticketmaster. You can find more information about the show from The Children’s Theater of Cincinnati website.

I’ve been given 4 Tickets to Giveaway to PINKALICIOUS The Musical,”

at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.

**Giveaway is for four seats to

the Friday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 PM performance

the Saturday the 15^th at 5 PM performance.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Taft Theatre is located at 5th & Sycamore Streets, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

Disclosure: I was given tickets for review and giveaway purposes. All opinions are my own.

Avant Garden Spring Show at the Krohn Conservatory

January 26, 2014 By Nedra McDaniel 2 Comments

This winter weather has me really looking forward to spring. I picked a snowy day to daydream of warmer temps at the Krohn Avant Garden Spring Show.

Experience a fresh and creative spring landscape at Krohn Conservatory’s 2014 Spring Show, the ‘Avant-Garden.’ The show will highlight a unique variety of exotic spring bulbs, fragrant shrubs, and bright annuals that are not commonly used in the typical spring garden. Red crown imperials, twisted grasses, water hyacinths, brilliant blue delphiniums, and black tulips are just some of the plants to look for among the exciting palette of blossoming plants.

Recycled materials are used in an ‘avant-garde’ style to enhance the imaginative landscape. Basket frames and tomato cages are transformed into moss-covered chandeliers, striking flower sculptures are created from layered glassware, and paint cans are repurposed to even hang plants upside down. Enjoy an early spring at the Krohn Conservatory and be inspired by the ‘Avant-Garden!’

I absolutely loved the creative repurposing of plates and glasses!

This wine bottle display was also colorful and fun!

There are also bowls with flower vases that made creative mushrooms.

The Avant Garden Spring Show was a refreshing way to spend the afternoon and a great reminder that spring will be coming soon.

The Avant Garden Spring Show is from January 18 – March 30

Show Hours

Tuesday – Sunday 10am -5pm

(Closed Mondays)

Extended hours on Sunday, March 31

Admission

Adults $4

Youth (5-12) $2

Children under 4 FREE

There are also several special events coming up at the Krohn. Check the website for dates and times.

Disclosure: I was given complimentary admission for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

The Krohn Conservatory is located at 1501 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

Venice on Vine ~ Good Food for a Great Cause

December 20, 2013 By Nedra McDaniel Leave a Comment

My family has been going to Over the Rhine pretty frequently and we had been curious about Venice on Vine for a while. A few weeks ago, I attended a blogger event to find out more about the heart behind Venice on Vine that included sampling a variety of food from their restaurant and catering menu.

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“Livin In The Cin” Photo Challenge {Instagram Favorites}

November 23, 2013 By Nedra McDaniel 2 Comments

One of my favorite forms of social media is Instagram. I LOVE checking out photos of friends and travelers. I also really enjoy taking pictures.

I’ve been a contributor for Cincinnati USA’s Livin In The Cin campaign over the past few months where myself and a few other local bloggers highlight hidden gems in our city.

My third mission from Cincinnati USA was to “Photograph one or more things, places, people, etc. that represent the challenge word given and show off reasons you are excited to live in Cincinnati USA.”

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Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains

November 6, 2013 By Nedra McDaniel Leave a Comment

It’s that time of year again.

There are some Cincinnati traditions that families look forward to each year. The Holiday Trains are one of those special traditions that mean a lot to audiences of all ages. I have fond memories of seeing the trains downtown as a child and now visitors can see the trains at their permanent location at the Cincinnati Museum Center. You know that Christmas is just around the corner when the trains are on display.

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Eden Park Segway Tour

November 1, 2013 By Nedra McDaniel 5 Comments

My husband and I joined the Food Hussy and her husband for our second tour with Segway of Cincinnati.

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Flashdance -The Musical on Broadway

October 30, 2013 By Nedra McDaniel Leave a Comment

Even if you are too young to remember the movie, there is a good chance that you have heard the classic songs from the 1983 film Flashdance. I was really excited about seeing this play.

As a child who grew up in the 80’s, I knew that Flashdance – The Musical would be a fun show with lots of great dance numbers. I also recently went to Pittsburgh for the first time over the summer and I fell in love with the city and it’s hard working roots and grit, which is where the story takes place.

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“Of Mice and Men” by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

October 26, 2013 By Nedra McDaniel 1 Comment

Somehow my high school required reading skipped over the book “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinback. I remember hearing about the book but I had no idea what the plot of the story was about. I got to understand more about the story by watching the play performed by the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.

“An American literary classic, “Of Mice and Men” is John Steinbeck’s tale of enduring friendship amidst unendurable hardship. It tells the story of George and Lennie, two down-and-out migrant laborers in pursuit of work and their dream of a piece of land to call their own. As they travel from town to town, the pragmatic George (Jeremy Dubin) struggles to protect the giant but simple-minded Lennie (Jim Hopkins) from his own mistakes and the world’s cruelty. When they secure jobs at a working ranch, a hot-tempered and volatile ranch hand seems bent on causing them trouble, testing their resolve and the limits of their loyalty. “

The play gave perspective for the difficulty of that time period, unconditional friendship and the hope for better days.

(Jim Hopkins as Lennie and Maggie Lou Rader as Curly’s Wife)

Each cast member did a great job of creating a believable character that was trying to cope with their circumstances.

(Ken Early as Crooks and Jim Hopkins as Lennie)

This play will give you an appreciation for the all of the opportunities and better living conditions that we can easily take for granted.

You can still catch a performance until November 10.

(Jim Hopkins as Lennie and Jeremy Dubin as George)

(J. Sheldon Photo)

Performances of “Of Mice and Men” are scheduled from October 18- November 10, 2013

on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm.

(Jeremy Dubin as George and Joneal Joplin as Candy)

Single ticket prices range from $22-$31 on Thursdays and Sundays and from $26-$35 on Fridays and Saturdays.

If available, $14 student rush tickets may be purchased 30 minutes before a show with a valid student ID.

Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups as well as Enjoy the Arts and AAA members.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or go online at www.cincyshakes.com.

The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is located at 719 Race Street, downtown Cincinnati.

* All photo credit goes to Rich Sofranko unless otherwise noted.

Disclosure: I was given complimentary tickets for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Learn about the city that was Vegas before Vegas on the Newport Gangster Tour

October 21, 2013 By Nedra McDaniel 1 Comment

I grew up in Northern Kentucky but I had no idea that the city of Newport had a lot of gangster activity back in the day. The Newport Gangster Tour has been on my list for quite a while and I was really excited to learn more about Newport’s shady past.

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