Mojito Making

Every wanted to play "Bartender" for an evening?

The Rumbar Patio Bar & Grill adjacent to the Intercontinental Hotel hosts "Learn to make mojitos" every Friday at 5:30. Kick off your weekend in style with a sweet summer drink under your belt...or in your belly.



The Rumbar transports you away from the city and into your own Caribbean hideaway. This outdoor, seasonal hot spot is the place to be for tropics-inspired music, tapas-inspired spicy small plates and festive cocktails made with a collection of 30 rums. A choice of 10 mojitos awakens the senses with flavours such as mango, cucumber and watermelon.

$25 per person, per class. For directions and reservations visit http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/hotel-features/dining/restaurants/cleveland-suites

independence rules! (7/04)

American "glitter" (7/04)

Saturday, July 4th

Get ready for the Fourth of July! How fun and cool is it that the holiday lands on a Saturday this calendar year? Does the Lee Greenwood tune come to mind (And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I wont forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today. ‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA.)? I think I whistle the tune every year around this time.



Here's your partial guide to the 4th...aka...Independence Day fireworks shows across northeast Ohio.

Cleveland: July 4th at 9:45pm - The Flats, Waterfront

Avon: July 4th at dusk - The stadium (on State Route 611 and Miller Road)

Bay Village: July 4th at dusk - Cahoon Park

Brook Park: July 12th at dusk - City Hall

Lakewood: July 4th 9:45pm - Lakewood Park

Medina: July 3rd at dusk - Medina Senior High School

North Ridgeville: July 3rd beginning at 6pm at Party in the Park; fireworks start at dusk - South Central Park

Oberlin: July 4th at dusk - Next to Splash Zone on Hamilton St.

Westlake: July 4th at dusk - Clague Park

Rock & Boom (7/04)

Saturday, July 4th, 2009

Looking for someplace new to lay your blanket this holiday weekend to take in the heart pounding, sky glitter known as fireworks?

Celebrate Independence Day in style from the decks of the Steamship William G. Mather. Discover what life onboard a working Great Lakes freighter was like as you take in the fireworks. Walk the decks and marvel at the “engineering firsts” that helped transform Northeast Ohio into a great industrial center. Experience the golden era of steamboats and the holiday "bling" on one of the best tickets.



Food and drinks can be purchased on board. Fireworks begin at dusk, although the ship opens at 6pm, first come first serve. Entrance tickets are $12. For more info visit the Great Lakes Science Center.

Good Dog Fay (7/01-8/16)

July 1st, 2009 - August 16, 2009

The Akron Art Museum is extatic to be one of only two venues to present William Wegman: Fay, a wonderfully witty and moving exhibition about the artistic collaboration between William Wegman (b. 1943) and his celebrated Weimaraner Fay (1984 - 1995).

The breadth of Wegman’s audience is truly remarkable. In addition to being internationally renowned in art circles, he is one of the few artists to successfully disseminate his work—especially the photographs, videos and books featuring his beloved Weimaraner dogs—through the mass media.

Wegman is a conceptual artist who works in many different media. Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, in 1943, he graduated from the Massachusetts College of Art in 1965 with a BFA in painting. Subsequently, he enrolled in the Masters painting and printmaking program at the University of Illinois. In 1970, he moved to southern California and began exhibiting his photographs. He was one of the earliest artists to explore video and has used photography for over four decades.



While living in California, Wegman acquired Man Ray, a Weimaraner whom he named after the surrealist French photographer. The dog became his partner in both life and art during their 12 year collaboration. Man Ray became so famous that, upon his passing, he was named ‘Man of the Year’ by the New York City newspaper The Village Voice.

To hang with Wegman and Fay visit Akron Museum of Art

a new "Boo" in town (7/01)

So many Clevelanders, myself included; think that Mr. Michael Symon is "the bomb."

I mean, who else can pair bacon ice cream with sweet french toast and have guests swarming like bees in a hive for this luscious dessert(found at Lolas)? Mind you, you pay the valet on East 4th and wait for a minimum of :20 minutes to even get your car back...and it's still TOTALLY worth it!

Well, Cleveland ("West-siders,") no need to drive downtown to get your little "Symon on the side," look no further to the new "boo" in town...Bar Symon, opening this Wednesday evening, July 1st, 2009.



Bar Symon; an American bar and brasserie, will occupy the site of the previous Swingos Grand Tavern, which closed suddenly in February. Bar Symon, will be “like an American version of Balthazar,” Symon said, referring to the popular New York restaurant that serves classic French brasserie food.

Symon said the food at the 80-seat restaurant will be “our kind of twist on very Americana food,” such as truffled fried chicken, vegetable pot pie and smoked brisket. The restaurant will have 40 domestic beers on tap, with many from the Midwest, and another 60 beers in bottles. By contrast, he plans to offer about 50 wines. He anticipates a price point of $8 to $18.

To visit your "soon-to-be NEW BOO," swing on over to 32858 Walker Road, this Wednesday,

No Doubt Monday (6/29)

Monday, June 29th, 2009.

No Doubt last made their Cleveland-rounds in 2004. Since then, singer Gwen Stefani aka "hollaback girl" has launched a successful solo career, while gracefully juggling two kids. Now that Stefani has reunited with her old bandmates, count on a fun evening of turn-of-the-millennium hits such as "Just a Girl" and "Hey Baby" when these effervescent pop enthusiasts headline a concert at 7:30 at Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls.



Paramore and Bedouin Soundclash open. Tickets are $10 (lawn seats till available)-$80 at the box office and Ticketmaster, or call 1.800.745.3000. www.ticketmaster.com

Diana meet Cleveland (6/30)

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

International jazz superstar, Diana Krall is on tour to promote her 12th studio album, Quiet Nights. This tour marks the first time that Krall will perform tracks from the new album, for her fans. Celebrating this highly anticipated new release, Quiet Nights takes listeners on a romantic and intimate journey through the lush textures of her ballads and bossa novas. Even those already familiar with the breathy vocals and rhythmic lilt in Krall’s music – and there are millions – will be taken aback by just how far the music pushes, unabashedly, into the realm of sweet surrender.



Ticket Price Range: $10-75, to purchase tickets visit www.playhousesquare.com

Trolley Tours of Lakewood (6/28)

Sunday, June 28th, 2009

Explore the fascinating history and beautiful architecture of Lakewood on a Lolly the Trolley ride guided by Lakewood Historical Society Executive Director Mazie Adams. Tour starts at the Oldest Stone House Museum parking lot and includes a stop at the historic Nicholson House for light refreshments.



Tickets are just $15. Reservations are required. Call (216) 221-7343 for more information. 1:00 p.m. (Meet at the Oldest Stone House Parking Lot)

Made in the Where? (6/26-27)

Friday, June 26th & Saturday June 27th, 20009

In case you haven't already planned your outfit and planned to be there...

The MADE IN THE 216 event is THIS WEEK! Created by ROOM SERVICE (RS) owner and my friend, Danielle DeBoe to highlight just how many talented designers are choosing to STAY and build their businesses in CLEVELAND; And to underscore their high level of talent by merchandising the Cleveland-made designs seamlessly amongst the items RS purchases from NYC, LONDON, LA, SAN FRANCISCO and PARIS-based designers. There are no ‘booths’ or traditional craft/trade show set ups that differentiate the designers’ wares. They are integrated in the same creative, narrative-driven way that RS merchandises their products year round.




Miss Danielle curates this event so all of the participants, while representing a wide weft of types and styles of merchandise still fall under the umbrella of design that represents the aesthetic that RS carries year-round. The other thing that makes this show different is the diversity of the products being offered at the show. The show features a wide weft of creations from men and women’s apparel, jewelry, t-shirts, totes and personal accessories; to stationary, photography, screen-prints, household goods, FURNITURE and music. These Cleveland-based creators represent all levels of entrepreneurship, from the craft circuit, to etsy shops, to international sales….all people who have chosen to stay and build their business in the 216 as opposed to leaving for bigger cities…And RS thinks this is worth celebrating.

Personally I am so excited to see the work of my friends B. Jasinski (look for...freakin adorable octopus prints) and Stash Style (creative vintage jewelry) they have been so busy I know their work will be HUGE sellers. And...as always, small screen designs has "whipped" up some amazing work including pink, kitchen-aid mixer notecards, a "must have" for any seasoned baker.

Along with art and shopping there will be 10 bands including many from the CLEVELAND-BASED record label Exit Stencil Recordings playing at various locations, including the neighborhood’s live music venue, HAPPY DOG and under the marquee for the soon to open, CAPITOL THEATER. While you’re here stop by our EAT IN THE 216 location which will feature savory and sweet food items from independent local caterers and bakers. This summer event will get people out and walking around the neighborhood.

MADE IN THE 216 will be held THIS Friday JUNE 26 from 4-9pm & Saturday JUNE 27 from 11-9 with bands playing at HAPPY DOG both evenings starting at 9pm.

Wonderful Waterloo (6/27)

Saturday, June 27th, 2009

Some wise person recently tipped me on to the "BEST" arts festival in Cleveland...and I MUST see what the excitement is all about! (I am so there.)



Cleveland’s fastest-growing grassroots, family-friendly arts festival is back and better than ever, with more exhibits, installations performances and activities. More than 5,000 people are expected to spend the day on Waterloo, seeing and making art, catching live performances, shopping an array of vendors and noshing on local eats, as well as visiting all the one-of-a-kind businesses that make this burgeoning district unique.

PLUS, while you're visiting...The Beachland Ballroom is hosting a "Rock n' Roll Flea Market," wonder what treasures we can find?

For hours & directions visit www.artscollinwood.org

A Tuesday Flick (6/23 & 30)

Tuesday June 23rd and Tuesday June 30th, 2009

Looking for something to do on a quiet Tuesday afternoon? Beat the summer heat by taking in a movie shown on our big screen. Bring a snack if you wish. (twizzlers, rice krispie treats, "juice" boxes...sshhhhh...)



June 23 = Muppet Treasure Island



June 30 = Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Movies begin at 1:00pm For directions visit www.lkwdpl.org

Fun Friday!

image/design courtesy of gotopublicschool.com

BOGO, Qdoba!

Buy one entrée get (quesadilla?) one free coupon. Print as many as you want until June 30th. Pass it along.

http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/qdoba.html



For a location closest to you, visit www.qdoba.com

(thanks Michelle & friends)

Mani's & Music!

Every Thursday @ Brothers Lounge

Grab your gal pals and head over to "Ladies Night" = martini's, makeup & manicures...in the music hall. (makeup by Mary Kay, manicures by The Studio)



(fun photo from www.alllacqueredup.com)

Drinks Specials include...
$4 Martinis
$4 Champagne
$4 Wine of the Week

Complimentary Live Music at 9pm

Good Pickin!

It’s almost officially summer (6/21), how do I know? Because the berry patches are filled with juicy, finger-staining creations... aka Strawberries.

Last weekend a friend of mine and I took in the early morning sunshine and set out to pick us some berries. We drove to Avon and south on Rt. 83 to a berry palace called Fitch Farms. We drove the hay filled tractor trailer back into the fields. Pick one...eat two...pick three...eat two....I know we picked 4 quarts (one basket) but I wonder how many we ate along the way? Shhhh.



Fitch's Farm Market is a sixth generation vegetable farm. In-market and pick-your-own vegetables are available while in season. Beginning in late April, vegetable and flower plants are also available. Berry picking times are as follows...Mon-Fri 9:30 - 7:00 (you could squeeze it in after work some evening), Saturday 9:30 - 5:00 and Sunday 11:30 - 5:00. For other details give them a call at (440) 934-6125.

Also, be warned, Strawberries stain, I used to have a white tank top...now I have a white tank top with pink polka dots! :)

Summer Solstice Soirée (6/20)

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Welcome the longest day of the year with an all-night party celebrating the Cleveland Museum of Arts new East Wing. Be the first to unveil the new east wing (I hear they painted the walls a fabulous shade of yello-ish green!).



The evening is a progressive party-bash, something for all, not to be missed. The evening starts at 5pm with the most fancy option..."Eventide"-Experience the party from its beginning and enjoy open bars. $150 public, CMA members $100. At 7pm - Twilight beginns, join the party a little later in the evening, but keep the party going until 2am $55 public, CMA members $35. At 10pm come for "Solstice," welcome in the Summer Solstice with us at the end of the evening and close down the party at
2am $15 all tickets.

If you want to take your chance at luck visit the daily CMA blog contest here. Answer the "noodle Vision" question and earn a chance to win free tickets to the event!

Not to be missed...DJ Rekha (beginning at 11:30 pm) NYC’s “Basement Bhangra” queen melds Indian dance music with electronica. Get ready to boogie like bollywood!



For more information including the hour-by-hour music showcases visit Cleveland Museum of Art

Free Arby's

Every summer Wednesday!

Do you live in Cleveland, Ohio? (yes.) Then you're in luck (if you like this sorta thing) because your Arby's restaurants are going to give you free food on Wednesday. Here is the "food" schedule

JUNE
17: Free Regular Sidekickers® with any sandwich purchase
24: Free Regular Roast Beef with any soft drink purchase

JULY
1: Free Regular Beef 'n Cheddar with any soft drink purchase
8: Free Orange Cream Swirl Shake with any sandwich purchase
15: Free Regular Roast Beef with any soft drink purchase
22: Free Roastburger with any soft drink purchase
29: Free Iced FruiTea with any sandwich purchase

AUGUST
5: Free Regular Roast Beef with any soft drink purchase
12: Free Roast Chicken Club with any soft drink purchase
19: Free Iced FruiTea with any sandwich purchase
26: Free Regular Beef 'n Cheddar with any soft drink purchase

Sassy Barn Sale (6/18-20)

Thursday June 18th through Saturday June 20th

Last year my friend Laura of Orange Beautiful posted about this fantastic Barn Sale in Hudson...and it's that time again!



Lots of fantastic colors, textures and patterns. Reupholstery and shiny bold enamels. I can't wait to clear out my station wagon and come home with a new chair or two! :)

For more information on the sale (times, directions, etc.) visit www.orangebeautiful.com/blog/post.php?post_id=1105

The Wedding & Funeral Orchestra (6/15)

Monday, June 15, 2009 (TONIGHT!)

“Bregovic creates the most breathtaking music on this continent . . . intense, vigorous, colorful, passionate, exotic, fascinating.” –El Pais (Madrid)



The Sarajevo-born musical icon of the Balkans is best known in North America for his compositions written for the films of director Emir Kusturica (Underground, Time of the Gypsies). Bregovic has been likened to peers Ennio Morricone and Nino Rota, creating unforgettable scores that transcend their medium. Joined by his Wedding and Funeral Orchestra, featuring a Serbian gypsy band, a string ensemble, a men’s choir, and three Bulgarian singers, Bregovic marries the dance tunes of a raucous gypsy brass band with traditional Eastern European choral music—all with a rock and roll edge. Bregovic’s live concerts are an event, cathartic, delirious, and joyous. (PLUS, he drinks wine on stage)



$45, CMA members $43. 7:30 p.m.

Renegade Lunch, TODAY (6/11)

Thursday, June 11th, 2009

Have you heard the word? Ben & Greg's Renegade Lunch Project is at it again.



Be one of the first to show up at Mall B. TODAY for a scrumptious dining experiment. Who knows what they will serve, but gourmet it will be. Donations will be accepted as the lunch will benefit the good work of Cleveland Public Art, the organization responsible for doing so much to beautify our fair city.

"Sustainable" Creation

Last week I had the privilege of attending one of the most inspiring, insightful conferences around. No, it was not another design conference where we got together to talk fonts, paper and alternative printing options...this was a conference about world change! The Global Forum 2009 : Business as an Agent of World Benefits...pretty heavy stuff.

As I sat through lectures, round table brainstorms and paper discussions one thing I took away is that each of us, little by little can add up to greatness. By doing one small thing, having one conversation, taking time to read and question, expanding our thoughts, sharing your vision...the GLOBAL world can only be a better place. (Oh and don’t forget the idea of sustainability in everything you consume and design moving forward...I almost forgot.)

During the conference there were many ideas on display, lots of public-sharing and enthusiasm of new ideas. What if there was an “American Idol” of the most sustainable organization in the world? Do you think millions of people would tune in and vote? What if there was a government mandate, a tax credit program for businesses to do good? Would executives set aside more time in their days to give back? What if there were temporary places; spaces that could exist to become a hub of inner-city community wellness? Would residents flock to the possibilities or look the other way? My mind was swirling of open ended thoughts, how could I get my arms around everything?

Then I came upon a really great visual, an idea, a design solution. Cleveland Institute of Art; environmental design student, Abby Bickel (info@abbybickel.com) had put much thought into the idea of “architecture as a catalyst for change”...what’s not to love, I had to share.



Her project, appropriately titled “Socialscape” hits on the idea of developing a central space for human interaction as well as community growth, making neighborhoods “sustain.” “With Socialscape, I conceptualized an experience that would provoke our senses and encourage social interactions, strengthen the community, provide a way for us to collectively identify ourselves as individuals within the larger context to our urban landscape and ultimately improve the quality of our lives,” explained Bickel.

Amy told the story as if the space might exist in Lincoln Park in the heart of Tremont...Cleveland. Take a peak at Amy’s extensive renderings, she makes it very easy to want to pitch in and make socialscape truly exist as more than a great idea.







Cleveland is filled with big thinkers, (hence hosting a GLOBAL conference here) artists, designers, philosophers, educators and more. This conference was only a catalyst for discussion. Tap into your sphere and have those discussions of greatness, of growth, of world change. You’d be surprised how others are interested too.

Thanks to Amy for allowing me to share her idea with you. Amy, I look forward to attending the “socialscape” opening, I promise to help, I love your concept! Keep up the wonderful sustainable creative work.

Circle the Parade (6/13)

Saturday, June 13th, 2009

Parade the Circle is University Circle's signature summer event. This fabulous, fun, FREE celebration features the Parade, presented by The Cleveland Museum of Art, and Circle Village, presented by University Circle Inc. The Parade, which begins at Noon, incorporates the drama and artistry of colorful floats, puppets, costumes, dancers, and musicians. Circle Village invites visitors onto Wade Oval for an afternoon of activities, live music, and delectable food.



11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Parade at Noon
Wade Oval, University Circle

Rummage Sale (6/13)

Saturday, June 13th, 2009



The Cleveland Buddhist Temple will hold a fundraising rummage sale. Lots of housewares, yard accessories, clothes for all ages, wonderful vintage finds and more. Check it out!

9-3pm. 1573 E 214th St, Cleveland 216.692.1509 www.ClevelandBuddhistTemple.com

Sunday Spin (6/14)

Sunday, June 14th, 2009

Join over 700 riders for the 33rd annual ride throughout one of the largest Amish settlements in the world. All cyclists are welcome including casual recreational cyclists, road warrior tourists and energetic triathlon competitors.



Routes of 25/50/63 & 100 miles are offered. Rolling hills with some steeper inclines. Rest stops, route markings, maps, pasta lunch! Entry form available online at www.clevelandtouringclub.org

Burton Antique Fair (6/06)

For more show details visit www.geaugaantiquesmarket.com

Paper Route & Young Love (6/04)

Thursday, June 4th, 2009

At first this show jumped out at me because I saw the band "Paper Route" (crazy website!) last summer in Atlanta and really liked them. The young Nashville 4-some have a full ambient, sweet electronic sound soothing to the ear. They don’t exactly define the sound of their Tennessee city: “We tend to be the black sheep in Nashville,” programmer/keyboardist Chad Howat says, “but we love it here.” So needless to say, I wanted to see Paper Route again...I even have a t-shirt!



So...who was this band that "MY" Paper Route was opening for? "Young Love?" Come to find out....he is really great too. Sounds like the perfect summer music evening! The dance-rock outfit "Young Love" is headed by Dan Keyes. Keyes, who has assembled a band to tour with this summer, ultimately sees Young Love as a culmination of hard work, taking chances and allowing himself the chance to write the music that's been knocking around his head for years. Very electric, very catchy, very can't get out of your head!

"This record has been a long time coming," says Keyes, "These songs have existed with me for so long. I'm excited to get them out there. And I hope people get excited by them: I feel like I'm just the instrument to give the songs to everyone."



Check out video, it's funny, clever and charming. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kgokj9lAlU

Hope to see you at the Grogshop. Doors are at 9:00pm, Tickets are $10

Supper @ Gatherings Kitchen

On any given Friday you can find the windows of 17004 Madison Avenue aglow. The aromas of a busy gourmet restaurant are rolling out into the street. The low rumble of excitement and chatter fills the air...it’s time for “Supper.”

As a fellow Lakewood-ite, I would like to introduce and welcome the new business Gatherings Kitchen to the ‘hood. The brain child of Chefs Ruth and Doug, Gatherings Kitchen is a boutique catering business by day, but when Friday nights roll in, let the cooking fun begin!

Ever wanted to learn how to dismantle an artichoke, make hand-rolled gnocchi or “french” a lamb? This is the place to go. Each Friday a lucky twelve “chefs” meet at the kitchen for a culinary exploration. Nothing too difficult, just recreational cooking at its best. After a solid two hours in the kitchen, students move into the storefront dining room (which features a custom-made farmhouse style table and a vintage crystal chandelier) where they are served the fruits of their labor, course by course, by Chefs Ruth & Doug.



Supper is BYOB, so bring some spirits to share with your fellow foodies. You are guaranteed to walk away with a few knife tricks in your pocket, a full belly and a handful of new Cleveland friends.

The new June menu has arrived at Gatherings Kitchen (South American Cuisine.) Spaces are filling up fast, so grab your friends and sign up together. $50 per person. 6:30-10:00pm-ish!

Art Stuff Sale (6/03-06)

Wednesday, June 3rd through Saturday June 6th, 2009
(CMA members and staff get an exclusive preview day on June 3rd, 2009)

Join the art crew from the Cleveland Museum of Art a they unload their warehouse of art stuff at this years "Art Store Warehouse Sale."



Books, jewelry, posters, umbrellas, scarves, ties, T-shirts, DVDs, CDs, postcards and more are among the items available for purchase. Some products are inspired by works in the museum collection. Items will be 30-70% off.

10am to 5pm at 3635 Perkins Ave, Docks C & D.

Night Ride (6/05)

Friday, June 5th, 2009

Century Cycles invites all of their cycling friends to their Night Rides on the Towpath Trail. These rides are FUN and FREE! All skill levels are welcome. They meet at the Century Cycles - Peninsula store (Rt 303 between Rt 8 and I-271, next to the Winking Lizard Tavern). Parking is available at the Lock 29 Trailhead (follow the signs around the corner, it is north of the store).



Rides are 15 to 20 miles long (depending on what the group decides), which usually takes from one and a half to two hours. You must have a light and a helmet. Usually, a group goes to the Winking Lizard after the ride and re-lives past cycling adventures. I'm game...You?

Keyshia Xplosion (6/03)

Wednesday June 3rd, 2009

Join Z 107.9 (Blazin Hip Hop & R&B) as they CELEBRATE their 10th Anniversary "Xplosion" starring Keyshia Cole (You Complete Me!) with The Dream, Keri Hilson and Bobby V.



State Theatre, Tickets range from $40 to $60. I think this show will be outstanding!

Your Town

Today I had the privilege of having lunch (me & like 100 others) with Mr. Al Ratner, co-chairman of the board of Forest City Enterprises, Inc. His forecast for Cleveland was not as positive as I would have liked to hear, but the reality made sense. His main message to us "young" professionals was that Cleveland needed more people, more diversity and with this more positive change would happen. He challenged each of us to bring simply one family to Cleveland and it would make our city a better more prosperous place to thrive.

It was a gorgeous day downtown. The sun was shining, a warm breeze was rolling off the lake and over browns stadium. As I walked to my car I tried to reflect on the poem that Mr. Ratner left each of us with.... it took a bit of searching (thanks Hanna), but I would like to kick off this gorgeous weekend by imparting this poem to each of you.

I hope it speaks to you, like it did to me. Thanks Al! Happy Weekend.



Your Town

If you want to live in the kind of town
Like the kind of town you like,
You needn’t slip your clothes in a grip
And start on a long, long hike.
For you’d only find what you left behind–
There’s nothing that’s really new.
It’s a knock at yourself when you knock your town,
It isn’t the town–it’ YOU.

Real towns are not made of men afraid
Lest somebody else gets ahead.
When everybody works and nobody shirks
You can raise a town from the dead.
And if while you make your personal stake
Your neighbor may make one too,
You can make a town what you want it to be,
It isn’t the town-it’s YOU!

-Unknown

Pools!

With the passing of Memorial Day weekend, your local neighborhood city pool SHOULD now be open!

I LOVE a public pool on a weekend afternoon. Nothing is better than a stack of junk mail, a large soda fountain diet coke, a layer of SPF 15 and the concrete around the sparkly blue pool water of your neighborhoods swimming hole. Why not check yours out this weekend...looks to be a great weekend weather wise!

Most outdoor pools are open from mid-May through Labor Day and many offer free swimming lessons. For more information, see the Cleveland Parks and Recreation Department Web site.

Some of the neighborhood OUTDOOR Pools are listed in alphabetical order below...wouldn't it sorta be fun to visit each of these pools this summer? One a weekend?



Camp Forbes, 25440 Harvard Rd.
Duggan Park, Catalpa Rd., north of Euclid Ave.
Forest Hills Park, Thornhill Rd., south of Arlington
Glendale Park, E. 149th St., north of Harvard
Glenview Park, Dupont Ave. and E. 109th St.
Greenwood Park, W. 38th St., south of Lorain
Grovewood Pool, E. 164th St. and Grovewood Ave.
Halloran Park, 3550 W. 117th St. -- Outdoor pool
Impett Park, W. 155th St. and Montrose Ave.
James Bell Pool, E. 71st St. and Central
Kovacic Recreation Center, 6250 St. Clair Ave.
Lake Park, W. 85th St., North of Detroit Ave.
League Park, E. 66th St. and Lexington
Lincoln Park, W. 14th St. and Starkweather Ave.
Loew Park, W. 29th St. and Oakpark
Luke Easter Park, MLK Jr. Blvd. and Ramona Ave. (bonus waterslide!!)
Mark Tromba Park, Mandalay and Rudyard Aves
Meyer Pool, W. 30th and Meyer Ave.
Neff Park, E. 193rd St. and Bella
Sunrise Pool, 3521 W. 95th St.
Warsaw Park, E. 64th St., North of Harvard
Zelma Watson George Recreation Center, 3155 MLK Jr. Blvd

Terminal Tower

More of my fun finds...



Three potcards all representing the Terminal Tower. One of the cards is postmarked 1944. They each have a 2 cent stamp on the back!

Franco For Sale (6/21)

Sunday, June 21st, 2009

He's talented, attractive and IN PERSON, Cleveland welcomes Golden Globe winning actor (Pineapple Express & Milk), James Franco

Franco, of Milk and Spider-Man fame, makes a live appearance at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The museum will screen the Cleveland premier of the art film, Erased James Franco. After the film, Franco and the filmmaker, contemporary artist Carter, will speak to the audience in person. Museum Director Timothy Rub will moderate. The film will be screened in the museum's Lecture Hall.



For the film Carter approached Franco about reenacting scenes from previous films in his oeuvre (James Dean, Spider-Man trilogy & Rock Hudson) but to revisit these scenes with restraint. At no point is Franco given the opportunity to delve deeply into any one character. Instead Carter directs Franco to use a flat voice and limit his instinctual movement during the filming of each scene. Carter describes his direction as “artificially relaxed - to withhold James' natural ability to act …” which gives the film a muted quality.

Tickets are selling fast $20 for members, $25 for non members. 2:30pm.

West Side Market "House"

Look what the market used to be called. How fun! I am going to start calling it the market house again.

Vintage Edgewater

Last week I was lucky enough to accompany my friend Shannon on a buying trip (Shannon owns Stash Style in Chagrin Falls) to the Clark Country (near Dayton) Antique Extravaganza.

I found many odds and ends including a vintage purse, some great nautical buttons, an old retro Schwinn cruiser and many postcards.

As we welcome the official start to summer I thought I would share these postcards ($1 each) from Edgewater Beach in 1909! There is something about discovering a little image from one hundred years ago that is super cool. I hope you enjoy the cards as much as I do. Happy Memorial Day Weekend.

It's Blossom Time (5/21-25)

Thursday May 21st - Monday, May 25th, 2009

Looks like this weekend is going to be SPECTACULAR! I am so excited because I am going to experience Blossom Festival in Chagrin Falls for the very first time! Hot air balloon races, pie eating contests, music, carnival rides and a race (Sunday @ 9am), my kinda weekend!

Join the residents of the Chagrin Falls as they welcome the arrival of warmer weather to the Falls. With flowers and trees in full bloom, the Chagrin Falls area is transformed from a winter wonderland into a warm, peaceful, enchanting place to spend your lazy summer evenings. After shopping, eating, rides, and games at the festival, don't forget to spend some quality time enjoying the natural beauty of the area homes, gardens, parks, and the Chagrin River.

I think the best part of the weekend (besides the cotton candy) will be all the hot air balloons scattered over the village sky. There is something about a hot air balloon that hypnotizes me. Perhaps it’s the purring sound of the rush of flames being thrown into the sky, or the quiet calmness that hovers over the crowd as they watch in astonishment. Anyone want to get up early and meet me out there to watch the balloons take off Sunday morning, 6:00am, I will bring the coffee?



For those of you who think they are as cool as I do, check out these few fun facts....
• the most popular balloon is as tall as a 7-story building
• the average balloon costs $20,000 to $40,000
• ideal times to fly are just after sunrise and just before sunset
• a hot air balloon can land in water
• balloons can stay up for 1-2 hours depending on conditions and occupants
• inflating a balloon takes about 15 minutes
• invented back in 1783 in Paris, France (GO PARIS!)

For the full schedule and race application

Hops @ Crop (5/20)

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

Join the gang at Crop Bistro to sample a quintet of out-of-the-ordinary beers from Chicago’s Two Brothers Brewing Company

Among the evening’s top quaffs, you’ll be tasting Domaine DuPage (a spicy, fruity French Country ale); Dog Days (a Dortmunder-style lager); and the extraordinary 2008 Bare Trees Weiss Wine, a barley-wine ale, bottled like fine Champagne, and boasting a whopping 11.5% ABV. Rounding out the offerings, Ebel’s Weiss Beer, a traditional German hefeweizen; and Cane and Ebel, a hoppy red-rye ale crafted with Thai palm sugar.

To eat, the kitchen will be crafting a special assortment of beer-friendly small plates. And for answers to all your beer-related queries, take time to chat with Two Brother’s representative Christian Wicklund, who will be on hand with tasting notes, food-pairing suggestions, and beer lore.

Sample all five beers for $20; add a la carte small plates for $4 each; or order from our Spring dinner menu. (Tax and tip not included.)

www.cropbistro.com 5:30-8pm



Reservations are appreciated, walk-ins are welcome, and those under 21 should think again.

Celebrate LUXE (5/24)

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

All day Sunday, come and toast the first Birthday of Luxe Kitchen & Lounge. Party on the new Patio! Listen to two bands, no cover! (Diane Chittester from 3-5pm & Quadrophonic Desperation from 7-9pm.



It's been a GREAT year, and why not celebrate on this holiday weekend.
www.luxecleveland.com