i heart cleveland

Screw Factory Artists' Open House (05/01)

2010-04-29T17:56:00.003-04:00

Saturday, May 1st, 2010

If you've never been...try to squeeze in some time this Saturday for the Screw Factory Artists Open House. The Screw factory is located in the Lake Erie Building in Lakewood's Birdtown neighborhood,

Mediums vary, but include fiber, ceramics, glass, mosaics, photography, paintings and sculpture. For this event, the artists are hosting an auction of Birdtown-related artwork...hmmm...nests, feathers, blue birds...I can see it now! All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Friends of Madison Park.

1-8pm. For a map to the building, visit www.screwfactoryartists.com

Free Comic Books (05/01)

2010-04-29T07:53:00.000-04:00

Saturday, May 1st, 2010

Saturday is Free Comic Book Day! Visit freecomicbookday.com to find your area comic book shop that is participating in the giveaway. One shop that I know will be handing out the freebies is Carol & Johns in Kamms Corner, visit them for event details.

Enjoy the detailed illustrations and super hero stories. Bring the whole family! FREE

Rutabaga Nights (05/01)

2010-04-27T08:01:00.001-04:00

Saturday, May 1st, 2010

Jokers & Jackpots (05/07)

2010-04-27T07:35:00.003-04:00

Friday, May 7th, 2010

The Junior League of Cleveland is thrilled to invite you to the second annual Jokers & Jackpots event a benefit to support the leagues' Mission and community outreach programs.

Once inside the "casino" aka The Shoreby Club, you can bid in our silent auction (Lululemon pants, facials, dinner parties & more) on fantastic one of a kind items, enjoy entertainment and the beautiful view of Lake Erie, plus the chance to win some very creative prizes.

6-11 pm : Cocktail attire suggested (per Shoreby Club rules, no jeans please).

For tickets visit the JLC website.

celebrate earth day!

2010-04-22T15:35:00.000-04:00

"Spa Saturday" @ Be Studios

2010-04-20T19:00:00.000-04:00

I simply love when I discover a new gem in town. First thing I think about is sharing the excitement with you guys, then I sit back, relax and enjoy the find. This past Saturday "relax," can't even come close to my experience at BE Studios in Cleveland.

First founded as the "go-to" place for bachelorette parties, a killer core workout and a swing on the pole, BE Studios has now grown to more than just a fitness and dance studio. This spring Christina and her incredibly talented staff expanded to include a gorgeous spa destination.

From the moment I walked into the space I was enveloped by aromas of calming oils, a soft undertone of electronic beats and the design of the interiors to die for. The peaceful gray color palette seems to have stepped off the pages of a luxury living magazine, yet most elements to the interiors are vintage and have been re purposed and or reupholstered to compliment one another. Every detail has been well thought through, each candle, each piece of art, every shelf, mirror and stack of towels visually work together to create the overall drama. Let's just say, I was blown away.

It was a girls afternoon, we kicked off "Spa Saturday" by sweating it out (the night before's wine intake) in the infrared sauna. While we sat in the 140 degree dry heat we gulped down the Smart Water that was provided at the spa. I don't think I've ever challenged myself to sit in a sauna for a full :30 minutes, let alone site STILL for :30 minutes...but we did it!

After that I had one of the most amazing massages ever. Every muscle in my body was worked too mush. The technician performed this fast kneading method up and down my back to which she later referenced as her "secret technique." If you like a great deep massage call today.

As I stumbled out of the treatment room, I felt like a half melted summer Popsicle. I was so at peace, so relaxed, my brain could barely tell my feet to move one foot in front of the other. A crazy feeling.

I got myself into the next room where I experienced a deep cleansing facial. The organic Eminence products smelled yummy enough to taste, I almost licked the ice wine raspberry toning masque right off my chin.

One last thing that I need to tell you about BE Studios, they have this great little relaxation area in the back of the space which would be so perfect for a small baby shower, a bachelorette afternoon or just a group of close friends. Next time you're faced with planning a gathering, this place would "WOW" your group, I promise.

So, with all that said...my skin is glowing, my knots are gone, and the Friday night toxins have left the building. You've got to see it to believe it, so swing by the Clifton Blvd business and make an appointment today!

Let's go CAVS!!!

2010-04-18T23:12:00.006-04:00

Just a Monday shout out to our CAVS, Good luck tonight team! Unfortunately I don't have tickets to the game, but I will find myself some fancy tv, a chicken sandwich and perhaps a cold beer to help in rooting on our home team.

Come on CAVS you can do it, put a little power to it, do it, do it, do IT!!!

(photo by andrewjweber.com)

a busy weekend in CLE

2010-04-14T17:00:00.003-04:00

Wow, have we a busy weekend or what Cleveland???

Feel like a dance party with a wrestling twist? Don’t miss Front Room’s “Ultimate Chapped & Chaffed Wrestling Federation International Extreme Entertainment Fighting Championship.” Beginning at 9:00pm, wear your dancing shoes. (3615 Superior Ave, East Cleveland) FREE

Sign up TODAY, for the Ultimate Sugar Cookie Decorating Class from Sandusky’s talented, Wendy Kromer. (contributing editor & baker aficionado to Martha Stewart Weddings) Join Wendy and her team as you learn her special secrets and tips of the decorating trade in her Sandusky Bake Shop. Limited spots available. Saturday, May 8th. From 9:00-11:30. $42 per person, supplies provided. To RSVP email sales@wendykromer.com

American Greetings Spring Fine Arts Show, This Friday at Spaces Gallery from 6-9pm. Don’t miss this outpouring of very talented local artists. This is a juried show so you’re in for a BIG TREAT! Spaces Gallery is located at 2220 Superior Viaduct.

I hear there are free pet nail trims at the remodeled PetSmart’s in North Olmstead & Mayfield Heights this Saturday? That’s all the info I have on that one, can’t find anything online.

Can’t make it to the Tri C Jazz Fest, Roots Concert Saturday night? Swing by B-side for some record mixing by ?uestlove. $15.00 pre-sale.

Did you know Saturday is also “Record Store Day?” As a new record player owner, I may have to get some new vinyl to spin in my kitchen. Baking and listening to records is my new love.

Anthropolgie celebrates Earth Day (04/14)

2010-04-13T06:21:00.002-04:00

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

Stop by "anthro" at Eaton at lunch and learn from the pros how to make your garden grow! Happy Earth Day. Happy fabulous lunch break. Happy perhaps pick up something from the sale room!

and the winner is...

2010-04-09T15:04:00.004-04:00

Congratulations "Susan" (My favorite springtime memory is Memphis Kiddie Park!) you are the winner of a pair of tickets to this years Market Under Glass Event on Thursday, April 22nd, 2010.

Drop me a note and send me your address (editor@iheartcleveland) and I will make sure they get to you. While you are there, find me. I will be serving at the Three Birds table and would LOVE to meet you. Happy weekend and congrats.

To everyone else, THANK YOU for the wonderful springtime in Cleveland memories. From Opening Day to daffodils and tulips, to ice cream and eating outdoors, I couldn't agree with you enough. Cleveland is a wonderful place to call home...especially in Spring. :)

If you still want to go to the Market Under Glass event, there is still time to buy your tickets. Gather up your friends and get ready to enjoy a night out.

ArtMart (04/09)

2010-04-08T07:53:00.002-04:00

Friday, April 9th, 2010

I haven't actually been to this Spaces Gallery event, but I've heard about it for many many years, and this time...it's time to check it out!

This is how Spaces is promoting the party, and I couldn't have put it any better...I love their writer, whomever it is?

"Looking to add to your art collection without breaking the bank? How about fulfilling your undying urge to accessorize? Or maybe you just want to party whilst being surrounded by beautiful things. Aside from attending one of the coolest annual parties in town, you can take home fresh art on the spot while supporting your favorite artist and art space. Profits from this event benefit the participating artists and SPACES. Can you think of a better way to support a cause while having fun shopping?"

"Over one hundred regional artists (all members supporting SPACES’ mission) will exhibit and sell paintings, photography, drawings, prints, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, handbags, textiles, videos, and much more. Meet and mingle with over 500 of your closest friends on opening night as you enjoy art for all different tastes, music, and food from your favorite neighborhood restaurants."

Hope to see everyone there!!! Admission is $5 for guests at the door, Free for members.

Hello HGR Industrial!

2010-04-07T15:22:00.002-04:00

It’s officially Spring! The air is warm during the day but blows a cool breeze through my windows at night. The tree branches above sprout little flowers of pink and white, while the concrete sidewalks don the remnants of pollen and little thing-a-ma-jigs from the recent flowering above. I love this season.

I especially love this season because I start day dreaming about home improvement. A new paint color, a fresh light fixture and even some simple yard furniture...perhaps. :)

...Flash forward to my weekend adventure at HGR Industrial Surplus in Euclid, Ohio...

I had heard about this complete monster of a warehouse that was home to all unwanted manufacturing machines, pieces and parts, but I never imagined the visual stimuli that I was about to encounter. Row and rows of lathes, compressors, lifts, pallets, pumps, random old office furniture, casters, you name it they got it.

The afternoon of exploring the public showroom stirred my imagination (“wonder where this came from?”) and my creativity (“I could do something really cool with this!”), I was basically like a kid in a candy store, although instead of getting a good sugar buzz I was on a natural adventure high.

I wouldn’t advise bringing kids to the showroom as there were many dangerous; perhaps toxic stuff hanging around. Also, do as I say, not as I do and leave your high heels at home in exchange for your pumas...this showroom is almost 12 acres large.

What did I get you might ask? Well, I wanted to go home with a cafeteria booth, some glass jars, a few chemical tubs (for planting herbs in of course?) but instead opted for a lovely vintage filing cabinet for only $20 bucks. Bring a big car!

Next time you are feeling a little willy wonka scientist or artsy, or even just looking for that visual escape from your daily cubicle...take a drive to HGR, it was totally awesome!

happy hot & hazy day!

2010-04-06T17:11:00.002-04:00

As a Cleveland "Westsider," I always see the city from one way...check out this view of it from the "Eastside"....lookin good Cleveland!

Market Under Glass : Free ticket contest

2010-04-02T06:00:00.001-04:00

Hello & happy best spring weekend EVER!

I hope you were able to enjoy a bit of sunshine while also enjoying your friends and family on this holiday weekend. I had a nice weekend, and can't believe it's a new week all over again. Let the good times roll...

So, a few months ago I was approached to see if I might volunteer my time to the Cleveland Foodbank for their annual premier event, Market Under Glass. They wanted myself and a handful of other area bloggers to appear as "celebrity" servers, and I use that word very loosely. I laughed at first and thought that was the silliest request...me? A minor "celebrity," I think not.

But since it was for a good cause, and since I could be the "Three Birds server," I signed up for the evening event.

Market Under Glass, will take place on Thursday, April 22 from 6-9 pm at The Galleria at Erieview. The event benefits the annual Harvest for Hunger campaign, a 21-county food and funds drive, coordinated by the Cleveland Foodbank.

Over 1,200 guests will spend the evening grazing on superb cuisine and delicious wines and beers from more than 50 of Cleveland’s premier restaurants and beverage purveyors. There will also be the opportunity to win prizes through the Continental Airlines Silent Auction & Raffle. Tickets are for sale $100. Tickets to Market Under Glass may be purchased online at www.cleveland.com/marketunderglass or by calling 216.738.2046. For the complete list of restaurants check this out!

The good news for you is that I have a pair of general admission tickets to give away for this big Cleveland benefit. Just tell me by THIS Friday, April 9th @ 3pm, what your favorite Cleveland springtime events, activities and or memories are. I am so excited to hear from everyone.

Calling All Browns Fans

2010-03-30T07:41:00.003-04:00

a shout out from Cleveland Sports Blog by Terry Pluto

"Dear Browns Fans: In conjunction with The Plain Dealer and Gray Publishing, I'm writing a book with the working title of What I've Learned From Watching the Browns.

I need your input. Here are some of the topics:

- The scars from the move.
- Why fans love Bernie Kosar.
- Why I keep watching this mess.
- What NFL draft day means to me.
- My BEST/WORST day at Browns stadium was…
- What the Browns mean to my family.
- Favorite Browns: Jim Brown, Brian Sipe, Sam Rutigliano, Joshua Cribbs, Brian Brennan, etc.
- Meeting Browns players.
- To make the team better, I wish the Browns would....
- Anything else that comes to mind.

If you'd like your email to be considered for the book, please send me your FULL name and HOME town. Keep the emails SHORT. NO profanity. If your email is chosen, you will get a free signed copy of the book."

Please email your thoughts to brownsbook@yahoo.com

Pink Martini, the music (03/30)

2010-03-28T23:09:00.003-04:00

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

If you haven't got your tickets to Tuesdays "Pink Martini" show than you may be out of luck.

The “little orchestra” from Portland, Oregon will be partnering with the Cleveland Orchestra Tuesday night and I belive it's a sold out show. You'll have to check on Craigs List perhaps?

If you've never heard of "Pink," they are simply magnifique. A sweet blend of Japanese pop, Italian film scores, and French cabaret. They have put out numerous albumns, each of them is as sweet as a little upcake. Can't wait!

Dante "tastes"

2010-03-24T21:16:00.002-04:00

I keep meaning on posting just a little something about the new Tremont restaurant; Dante. I went there on a really cold winter snowy night, I could barely walk through the snow and on the ice in my super high healed boots.

The place was hopping but we scored a seat at the bar. I think the Cavs game was on so that was an ultra bonus. Anyways, I just wanted to mention that I really liked the way they offered "tastes" as a portion of many of their menu items. Think bigger than a tapa but smaller than an appetizer. I keep meaning to go back for another dish of the amazing beef carppacio, but this time I want my own. :)

If you are planning your weekend and haven't checked out Dante, perhaps it's time?

welcome back Z!!!

2010-03-23T16:06:00.000-04:00

Welcome back Z, we missed you! :)

Photo credit: Cavs.com

Food & FIlm Fest

2010-03-22T16:35:00.003-04:00

So here we are, in the midst of this years Cleveland Film Festival...

Over the weekend I had the privilege of screening five fantastic films; from “Ingredients” to “A Matter of Size.”

While the festival committee requests of the viewers that all cell phones, audible watches and even pagers (do people still carry pagers?) be turned off during the film...what about growling stomachs?

Yes, this past Sunday as I sat and enjoyed the afternoon film, my stomach let out a loud, whining growl, and man was it long. Was I hungry? Did the walk through the “food” court of Tower City entice me? I think not. Had I not stuffed enough sweets into my pocket to satisfy my afternoon hunger? I had no idea why my belly was making such a scene.

Then I thought about it, although there is the “food” court and the traditional movie supplies (popcorn, twizzlers, m&m’s, etc) you often see film goers darting from theatre to theater with a small cooler in tow...what did they know that I didn’t? Even if you don’t think you will get hungry, YOU WILL! Watching movies is a hard sport and one that needs to be fueled strategically.

So, with that said, here are a few ideas for you to munch on as you plan your trip to the film fest this year....

Wine & Chocolate for those late night films...stop in at Lilly’s in Tremont to pack your purse with a “juice box” sized servings of vino and pair it with the perfect truffle for you and your movie sweetie. A big step up from diet coke and snowcaps.

Lunch on the go...put your emergency flashers on and run into Nate's Deli (on W 25th, near the Market) for a hummus or shawarma rolled pita sandwich ($3-$5). Both sandwiches could be devoured during a film if you quietly roll down the paper and offer your neighbor a bite. Otherwise schedule a few extra minutes prior to the film and have a Tower City “Nates” fountain picnic in order to have that extra energy to wait in the stand by aisle

Taking a break between films...there are many places close by that you can escape the crowds of tower city and enjoy a quick food fix. If you want to stroll around Tremont to stretch your legs, stop by Dish Deli for the lemon scented tuna salad and daily veggie special. Thinking you’ll meet your friends for the next movie for a drink or a bite first? Flying fig and Momocho both have great happy hours, check them out. Need to run home to let your dog out between movies? How about a smoothie from Liquid Planet? If you want to take a break, but aren’t looking to loose your parking space...when is the last time you’ve enjoyed the bar at the Hard Rock Café or sipped a manhattan at Mortons? Check it out!

Speaking of food...I’m hungry; for more films and for some good food. Happy Film Fest, happy eating to you!

She & Him in Cleveland!!!

2010-03-22T07:45:00.002-04:00

This tour is selling out in every city from LA to Paris, I was sweetly surprised when She & Him, a duo comprised of Zooey Deschanel and Matt Ward announced last week that they would stop in Cleveland.

I LOVE Zooey, last summer I even cut my bangs using her likeness as reference. Her quirky style, her charming smirk and her sassy sense of style, what's not to love?

Get your tickets today, they re SURE to sell out. Performing at the House of Blues June 10th, tickets start at $22.

Happy Minty Day

2010-03-17T06:15:00.000-04:00

FREE HALLMARK Card

2010-03-16T07:50:00.004-04:00

When is the last time you perused the aisles at your neighborhood Hallmark store? I know, we live in an American Greetings town and I'm all about supporting local...But every now and then the "gold crown" calls out to me like a mosquito to blue light and I am sucked into card utopia.

The other morning as I was getting ready for work I heard the little ditty, "BE-OK" by Ingrid Michaelson streaming from the tube. I took a quick break from brushing my teeth to see what the commercial was for, low and behold, a FREE HALLMARK CARD. Not just any card, a card to celebrate your kid or your best friend. :)

These cards are available from now until April 4th, so find your store and stop on by. Wouldn't it be so fun to get one of these in your lunch box?

Cleveland Spynga

2010-03-16T07:27:00.002-04:00

Do you like to sweat and cycle? Are you a yogi who enjoys a great stretch? There is a new studio in Coventry called Buddhaful Spin which incorporates both spinnng and yoga...it looks incredible.

I haven't personally been over to the studio yet, although it is on my to-do list. As an avid spinner and yoga lover, I am excited there is this new resource in Northeast Ohio. Explore their website, take a class, spin and stretch....Oooooommmmm.

Celebrate Maple Syrup & Pancakes (03.13-21)

2010-03-11T16:27:00.002-05:00

Saturday, March 13th - 20th, 2010

Celebrate the "pancake capitol of the world" with the arrival of springtime and maple sap = SYRUP!

Drive around and enjoy the 2010 March Maple Madness "Drive it Yourself" Tour. For the details of the driving tour click here.

For the details on the pancake feast click here.

AI Root.

2010-03-09T10:13:00.002-05:00

The other day I had an opportunity to travel down to Medina for a women's business luncheon. The lunch was to be hosted by A.I. Root, the famous Ohio candle makers.

Knowing me I had expected to end up leaving the meeting with a few “Root” candles in hand (chocolate, hosta & spiced ginger to be specific) but I never expected to find the most amazing gift shop ever. Anything and everything you can imagine from unique pillows, frames and candle holders (duh?) to a darling childrens shop, cook books (they offer cooking classes occasionally), purses and adorable little home accents. Let’s just say it was more than I had expected. Tres chic.

If you ever are looking for that perfect “afternoon drive,” drive down to sunny Medina where the folks at A.I. Root will WOW you with their special gifts for everyone. (they even have Ohio State stuff for your guy friends.)

This Thursday evening March 11th, Root Candles at West liberty (623 West Liberty Street, Medina) is hosting a Ladies Night Spring Sale Preview Party. Special savings on candles and other giftables. Light refreshments and drinks to be served.