Bright Pink is really every girl's favorite color

Just a few weeks ago, Cleveland was introduced to Bright Pink and Fab Fest.  I remember hearing about Bright Pink months ago when one of my favorite fitness instructors, Lori Standen of Pure Barre, was named one of the event instructors. I knew Lori so if she was involved, I knew it was an event I didn't want to miss.

What is FabFest you ask? It is the fitness fundraiser for Bright Pink, the only national organization focused on risk reduction and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer. FabFest started in 2009 and 2014 was the first year it came to our great city of Cleveland.

event details

The kick off started with more information and facts than I knew about and the importance of prevention and regular checks. We all nod and say "of course" but do you really take the appropriate steps each year to make sure we are healthy? If you don't, start now and make a year appointment and get to know your breasts as they say. We have to take care of ourselves and I am the first one to cancel and rebook doctor's appointments because 1) I think I'm indestructible and 2)  I push myself to the limits until my body shuts down from one hell of a sinus infection. Cancer does run in my family so it's imperative that we understand our bodies and what is going on in them.

Feeling the burn

The event was a mix of high-intensity 30 minute workouts with yoga, massages and even bra measuring from the girls at Aerie as in American Eagle. (Side note: American Eagle was my JAM back in the day and I still even own a bomber jacket from 1999 that I can't part with because it is coming back in style you guys!)

No makeup selfie in front of a pink glitter curtain

FabFest Cleveland had 150 participants and raised $114,000. Fundraising is still open and you can donate here until October 21, 2014.

Disclosure: I was provided a media pass to attend the event.

a quick weekend getaway

Through several friends who have recently visited this area, I am happy to introduce you to an adorable spot 5 hours west of us that isn't Chicago.

You know those radio ads you have heard for years with "Tim the tool man Taylor" talking about the breeze or leaves or something about the outdoors? The ones that always end with "pure Michigan?"

I finally took good old Tim the Tool Man Taylor up on his offer and my boyfriend and I booked an impromptu weekend getaway. We both had the weekend free - no travel, no weddings and a Browns away game meant it was a sign to take the weekend and get the hell out of downtown Cleveland.

After under an hour of research, we found a small condo in downtown Saugatuck and took off without knowing what exactly we would be doing for two nights. Even though it was raining and sometimes sleeting, we could still experience the how quaint and charming the little downtown was and it reminded me of the set of Dawson's Creek. No joke - I imagine the little town of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Saugatuck have a lot in common with the restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.

Accommodations from Bella Vita Spa and Suites

I have a thing for tea and toast and American Spoon is serious about their jam.

The Chocolate Garden - sample truffles for days

As seen at the wineries

While you have to drive almost 1.5 hours to get to the largest cluster of wineries, there are still a few about 45 minutes south of Saugatuck and we made sure to hit four of them on Saturday plus one brewery.

If you want a quiet and affordable weekend, go there - it's only a five hour drive from Cleveland and there is still so much to explore that we couldn't because the weather wasn't cooperating with us for any of the outdoor activities like boat or dune buggy rides.

Go. With your girlfriends for a wine weekend, or mom for a spa weekend or boyfriend for a romantic few days- it's a great little relaxing getaway.