Obligatory SNOW photos

Around the homestead today! Click on the pics to see a larger version. Much nicer view.

Used books, cd, dvd sales start next weekend!

The Friends of the Public Library Used Book Sales start Feb. 12-13 (Fri-Sat) at the Sharonville Branch, 10980 Thornview Dr.

The sales run through throughout the year including the main branch and branches in Green Township, Pleasant Ridge, Mariemont, Clifton, and Blue Ash.

Go HERE for the full schedule.

You can get some good deals here, and you can also volunteer to work at the sale or become a member of the friends organization. Proceeds go The Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, a non-profit organization that supports the library, purchases library materials and equipment and sponsors library programs.

Fashion, guns and metaphysical fusion in Sharonville

I know the Sharonville Convention Center is there, but I kinda forget about it because it's a smaller venue and most of the media attention goes to the big convention center downtown.

But...there's usually some sort of event going on most weeks at the convention center, and for us in the 'burbs it's more convenient, smaller, and I would say somewhat quirky and interesting.

Now all the conventions aren't my particular cup of tea (like the gun and knife show), but others definitely are. In fact, on Feb. 27-28 there's the 20th Century Cincinnati Show and Sale of Vintage Modern Design. It's the 16th annual furnishings, art and fashion show, spanning the years from 1910 to 1980. (Huh, my childhood years are vintage now). Admission is $7 bucks for adults 18+ and covers both days.

You might be surprised at the variety of events the convention center hosts, including the fairly well-publicized Midwest Crystal & Healing Energy Event in March. Go here to see this year's convention schedule.

In Defense of the Suburbs

I'm gonna shoot you over to another Cincinnati blog today. The entry is called "In Defense of the Suburbs" and the writer talks about why she chooses to live in the suburbs, suburban haters and her love of the city.

She says I lot of things I agree with and says it well, so no need to reinvent the wheel right?

Take a look.

Green Drinks and Zoo news in Mason Wednesday

I wrote about Green Drinks in Mason when the chapter started. You can get some background here.

And the founder asked that I pass along the upcoming meeting. Looks interesting:

Ride the Green Wave of Eco-Smart choices

When is next: Jan. 27th 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Where next: Fox-n-Hound Pub

http://www.greendrinksmason.blogspot.com for more info and SEE you there!

Our guest presenter will be Mark Fisher, Senior Director of Facilities & Planning for the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. www.cincinnatizoo.org Come out and get your eco-green Zoo news 2010, then be ready to enjoy a drink with us all.
Green Drinks Mason is an informal networking opportunity for individuals, organizations and businesses interested in improving their environmental footprint on Mason,OH. So, whether you are just curious about sustainability or already live the green life, come have a drink and chat it up with us.

4th Wednesday of every month at Fox-n-Hound Pub, to discuss, newtwork and learn about sustainability in the city - and we have a good time doing it. Check out: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=43569082723 for information about when/where we are going to meet. There you can also sign up to our mailing list to keep current on all Green Drinks Mason things going on.

Ringing in the New Year at the Melting Pot

The Melting Pot in Montgomery is one of those places where people always say, I really want to go there some time. Well, on New Year's Eve, Jason and I did!

The Melting Pot is just off I275 at 11023 Montgomery Road (near Gate of Heaven Cemetery). It's a fondue place, and part of a franchise, but this is the only one in the Cincinnati area.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect before we got there, because fondue seems 70'esque and old fashioned to me. But the Melting Pot is very upscale and the food is modern.

Like I said, it was New Years Eve so we made a reservation and I'm glad we did, because there was a big line shortly after we arrived.

Our spot was low lit and quiet, though when the place got really busy it started getting louder.

The food that night was a five-course meal, with a few set choices. We told them I was a vegetarian beforehand and they accommodated. (Except for the appetizer, which was a shrimp cocktail. YUK) Jason enjoyed it though.

After the app, we had different little breads dipped in broccoli and cheddar cheese. YUM. I kept eating bread, but had to stop so I wouldn't fill up on it. Then we had salads. They were fine, normal salads. Nothing special, but good.

Then the main course: Jason had a selection of Chicken, lobster, shrimp, and some other meaty things. I had a tray of veggies: mushrooms, artichoke, asparagus, marinated tofu, and spinach artichoke ravioli. We also had a side of vegetables mushrooms, broccoli and potatoes (though the potatoes never fully cooked.) We dipped each item into a wine based broth with garlic, herbs and spices.



The pot cooks the food

I liked the flavor with my veggies, Jason thought it added too much flavor to the meat. It was a lot of food, and I didn't finish everything! I thought to shoot the food after we were more than half done. Ooops.


Jason getting his grub on


Jason's Food


My Food

Then, THE BEST DESSERT EVER. It was soo good I forgot to take a picture. We had a selection of fresh strawberries, bananas, cheesecake (you don't dip that), marsh mellows and brownies. They were all dipped in a bowl of warm, if I remember right, white chocolate and caramel. It was the BEST part. I would go there just for a dessert before or after a night out.

We ended the night with a champagne toast, which was part of the package. And we got a little gift bag with a Melting Pot drinking glass and some other food trinkets.

Overall, it was a great night. It took us about two hours to get through everything, but usually dinner takes and hour and a half, we were told. It was a busy night. Service was good, but it slowed down the longer we were there. Our sever was very nice and attentive.

The night was pricey (about $175 including tip, without other alcohol) but we weren't too worried about the price because the experience was so great. And it was a special occasion menu, which probably made the price a little higher than normal.

We would highly recommend.

Hi all! FB

I've been a bit low key this week because I had my wisdom teeth out Tuesday. I'm feeling ok, but am sore and kind of tired. But I wanted to check in and remind you blog readers that I have Facebook Fan page for CincyBurb. I'm very engaged on Facebook and can post articles and other informative and fun info that doesn't ever make it to the blog. So if you're interested go HERE.