While we've had a really nice winter so far this year, this past week of warm temperatures really has me thinking of spring! We walked the dog like crazy and even made ribs in honor of the 60+ temps.


I know snow is in the forecast (back to reality, right?) but you can keep the spring fling alive when you head to the Great Big Home + Garden Show.

The Show returns to Cleveland’s I-X Center February 3rd-12th with lots of ideas to renew, restore and refresh any home. With more than 600 exhibits, hundreds of home industry experts, appearances by home and garden celebrities, and your returning favorites from the 2016 show, there is something for everyone at this year’s show. 
And this year, the Great Big Home + Garden Show celebrates heroes. Active and retired members of the military, as well as first responders, receive free admission to the show with valid ID on Friday, Feb. 10. 
I seriously look forward to their Garden Showcase every year - I love to get a little sniff of real flowers and dream about what's going to be happening in our yard. This year's theme is Blockbuster Movies - From Wizard of Oz to The Godfather, each garden will leave visitors wanting to pop some popcorn and enjoy their favorite movie! And since we moved into the new house, I really can't wait to get planning this year!

See the work of the top 10 finalists of the 20th annual Student Model Home Design Contest featuring the theme “The Great Urban ReuseHouse.” Entrants include participating students in grades 10 to 12 who are taking classes in engineering, architecture, design and the building trades at schools across Northeast Ohio.

Visit the daily cooking sessions presented by local chefs and instructors of the Loretta Paganini School of Cooking.
Some of my don't miss events are:

Friday 2/3
Taste of Maine 3pm
Kortney Wilson, HGTV'S Masters of Flip 6pm

Saturday 2/4
Death by Chocolate 5pm
John Hall - 25 Design Tips Towards that Perfect Kitchen 7pm

Sunday 2/5
Mexican Food Truck 2pm

Monday 2/6
French Favorites 12:00

Tuesday 2/7
Craft Beer Cookery 6pm

Sunday 2/12
Pasta from Puglia 11am
Matt Fox's Great Weekend Projects 4pm

You can get tickets here and use Promo Code EATCLE17 to save an additional $1 on the already discounted online ticket price. Or, if you're feeling lucky, you can enter to win two tickets right here!

There are 3 easy ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this blog or on the Facebook post telling me what you are planning to do to spruce up your home or yard this year.

2. Tweet the following - Head to the @GreatBigShow with @EatDrinkCLE at the #CLE @IXcenter Feb.3-12 

3. Head over to Facebook and Twitter and follow the Great Big Home + Garden show. Leave a comment here telling me you did so you can get credit for the entry.

Contest ends Monday January 30th. Winner will be randomly selected. Please make sure you provide at way to contact you if you win. Good luck!

Here's some fun gift ideas for the minis on your list! Photo Credit This is a game changer for the artist in training -  Kwikstix...

**Click  here  to see my favorite garden and some pictures from this year's show. ** Oh my gosh I'm beyond sick of the freezing ...

Cleveland has SO many fabulous food places so finding the foodie on your list a gift shouldn't be too hard. Obviously, this list is near...

I've been a homeowner for over 10 years and it always seems like there is something new to do. These things are normally broken d...