REMINDER...DISCOUNT Jump Back Ball Coupon Code

Just a reminder you have TODAY ONLY to use your I heart Cleveland code to get the TODAY ONLY discounted ticket rate of $135.

Just use the Jump Back Ball coupon code of "HEART" (before end of day, February 2nd) when purchasing your tickets and you will receive the discounted rate! Sweet...you can use the extra cash to buy your date an elaborate corsage...HA!

2010 Cleveland "to-do"

Hello all!

Welcome back to iheartcleveland. Hope everyone had an amazing holiday season. I know I did. I am rested, relaxed and ready to rock and roll as we dive into this new year.

As I was thinking about what my first post of the year should be I started thinking about all the things I have always wanted to do, but somehow never have. Take a look at my list and feel free to let me know what your 2010 Cleveland resolutions are!



my cleveland "to-do-taste-see" 2010 resolutions list

Go to the Orchestra
I have been to Severance Hall for a gorgeous wedding once, but I have never seen the world renowned Cleveland Orchestra play. This year I want to experience the magic of the talented area musucians. Can't wait! In the meantime I may enjoy one of the free tours that are being offered on Sunday January 10th. For more information visit their website, reservations recommended.

Get to know Malleys
Ever wondered how they make the 3 foot Easter bunnies and the millions of luscious Buckeyes? This year I'd love to get a group of fellow choco-holics together for a trip to the 60,000 square feet of chocolate fantasy at the Malleys Chocolate Tour. The tour is self-guided and best of all it's free! Anyone interested?

Celebrate the Jump Back Ball
I've always heard the buzz but I've never attended the massive party explosion called the Jump Back Ball. This year I plan to don my feathers and sequins and celebrate Carnival (this years theme) with my fellow arts supporters. I hear tickets are going fast...so get yours today...then we can all party together!

Ghost Hunt
Ever since I've moved to North East Ohio over ten years ago, I've been tempted to take a walk through the old Ohio State Reformatory at Mansfield. For those of you who know me, I'm not one for blood or guts, but the idea of ghosts is a bit intriguing. Did you know you can go on a ghost hunt year round in Mansfield? Spooky!

Ride the path
I love to ride my bike. I love to ride my road bike down Lake Ave, fast. I love to tool around town in my Schwinn Cruiser with my sweet basket & coffee cup holder. I love to ride my mountain bike through the muddy metroparks in spring. This past fall a friend of mine and I got to sample parts of the towpath, this year, I would love to start on one end and make it all the way to the end...tackle the towpath! Time to look for a new helmet. :)

Get schooled in Beer
I've drank an Elliott Ness, I've snacked on a pub pretzel and recently I've enjoyed one too many Christmas Ales...but as an Ohio resident I feel I should have a better understanding of the happenings and beer types at or our world famous Great Lakes Brewing Co. I think this is the year I'll make it a point to attend a free brewery tour, a tasting or a brewmasters dinner to enhance my palette and enjoy those porters and pale ales to the fullest.

Spend the day at the fair
I post about it every year. Every August I crave funnel cakes and corn dogs. I dream of the biggests blueberry pie and adorable pot belly pigs. This year I promise myself I am going to spend an afternoon at the Cuyahoga County Fair. Perhaps I can get one of you to come with me...if you're up for it, perhaps we can even dress alike..everyone's doing it. :)

Get spooked at the Zoo
I don't have children so there really should be no real reason why I want to spend my afternoon navigating my way through the sea of strollers at the Cleveland Metroparks annual event...Boo at the Zoo. I don't know if I am drawn to the idea of elephants and monkeys in costume or an entire bag of candy corn that i can destroy as I watch the lions, tigers and bears devour their haunted treats. This year I really want to go to the fun alternative to average neighborhood haunting, who wouldn't want to go to an event with candy "Stations?"

Tour of Pasta
If you've ever been to the Westside Market on a saturday morning then you've seen the confetti colored Ohio City Pasta's whimsical little raviolis. Every time I go to buy some I have such a hard decision what flavor to choose...SO, this year I plan on working my way through the glass case and savoring each little pasta creation one flavor at a time. Perhaps a few a month..I'll keep you posted! Any recommendations which ones to start with?

Pumpkins for Joe at the Zoo!

Browns Rule!

November 19th through December 13th, 2009

Cleveland Public Theatre is proud to present Browns Rules by Eric Schmiedl Directed by Bill Hoffman Original songs written and composed by Hoffman and Schmiedl

Don't miss the world-premiere of this cabaret style musical by nationally recognized local playwright Eric Schmiedl. Browns Rules is both a send-up and a love-letter to The Cleveland Browns. Three performer musicians and the audience are on a mission - successfully name the 29 rules of being a Cleveland Browns Fan and the Browns will win the Superbowl in 2010.



Part vaudeville, part sideshow, part variety show Browns Rules is an interactive exploration of the relationship between Cleveland and our beloved football team. With a rock band on stage, three performers combine storytelling and drama as they rip apart myths, celebrate heroes, and try to understand what makes the Cleveland Browns so important to our culture. What was the All-America Football Conference and who destroyed it? How did Paul Brown inspire his famous 1949 all-star team? Art Modell, friend or foe? Who called "Red Right 88?" Who wrote the song "Bernie, Bernie?" Cleveland Browns Stadium, asset or financial disaster? These questions and more are examined as Browns Rules looks at our dear Brownies and the city that loves and hates them.

Showtimes: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00pm
Monday, November 30 at 7:00pm (Tickets only $10!)
Sunday, December 13 at 3:00pm (Browns have a bye week!)

Tickets: $30 Reserved Seating at Cabaret Table (includes corkage, reserved seats and tableside bar service during the show) | $24 General Admission | $22 Online Advance Purchase | $2 Discount for Students and Seniors | Special Thursday night pricing: $10 General Admission, $16 Cabaret Table Seating

Startup Weekend (11/20-22)

Friday November 20th through Sunday November 22nd, 2009

Have a new business idea? Looking to make a "go" of it? Check this out!

"Startup Weekend" Cleveland is a 54 hour event to help launch a tech company. The goal of the weekend is to allow people with ideas for technology companies to meet up with a team of developers and business people to produce a business plan with a working prototype of the idea by 6:00pm Sunday.



Personally, I think this event is one of the coolest ideas I have seen in a while as the event is ALL ACTION, no talk. The winning team, (as voted on by people all over the country,) is awarded a $5,000 cash prize provided by Microsoft and a free space to start the business. The event will take place at the Idea Center in Downtown Cleveland.

For more information on the schedule, please visit cleveland.startupweekend the event is sure to sell out, so register today!

Looking up!

Hi i heart cleveland readers!

I hope everyone enjoyed the gorgeous midwest weather over the weekend. I was out of town and missed all of the sunshine. Just a quick note tot let you know once I get caught up with work and such I will jump back to blogging on all the fun happenings in the area. Until then, check out this image I took from the plane...isn't it fun to see life from a different perspective? Enjoy!

Strings on Sunday (7/26)

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

This weekend they are calling for off and on showers. What better way to shield ourselves from the sprinkles than to head indoors to this years "String Spectacular" as part of the Cleveland Orchestras summer series.

Come hear over 100 of the country’s finest young string players performing all-time favorites such as Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings, Barber: Adagio for Strings and Vivaldi: “Spring” from The Four Seasons.



Severance Hall, 3pm, For tickets and more information visit www.clevelandorchestra.com

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

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

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

Vintage Cleveland

Just a fun find that I wanted to share. Enjoy your Wednesday Cleveland. If it's good weather take your bike and go for a spin over this bridge for a great workout!

Road Trip : Bike Museum

It’s supposed to be such a nice weekend, why not plan to take a LONG bike ride (almost 200 miles Yo!) to the Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen, OH (3 hrs by car).

The Museum has more than 300 bikes on display and more than 1,000 sets of wheels on rotation. Take a tour or explore the collection on your own, no helmets required! :) The museum covers the history of the bike from the early 1800’s to the most recent BMX designs.



For more details on this Ohio gem, visit www.bicyclemuseum.com.

Art Mart (4/23-5/01)

Looking to add to your art collection without breaking the bank? How about fulfilling your undying urge to accessorize? I haven't actually been yet, but I am planning on swinging by on Friday pre-Cavs game; GO CAVS!

With over one hundred regional artists exhibiting (paintings, photography, prints, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, and more) gather all the mall rats and personal shoppers and bring ‘em over. Art sales benefit both individual artists and SPACES.

Artists will be restocking their work throughout the run of the exhibition. Come as often as you like during gallery hours. Admission during normal gallery hours is free. Gallery Hours : Tues-Thu 11-5:30, Fri 11-7, Sat 11-5:30 and Sun 1-5. Spaces Gallery : 2220 Superior Viaduct Cleveland, OH 44113 (www.spacesgallery.org)

Sweet films (3/19-29)

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

Grab your popcorn, twizzlers and large fountain coke and head to the 33rd Cleveland International Film Festival which kicks off tomorrow night!



Did you get your book? Planned your attack? Purchased your tickets? I have and am ready to enjoy an evening or two at this years Festival. Take the RTA, embrace Tower City Cinemas, grab a friend and expericen the film world from across the globe. You won't be sorry with this years lineup of flicks, there is something for everyone. Short animations to documentaries, romance to thrillers, old school to way far out, get your tickets TODAY!

For tickets or information about the festival in general visit www.clevelandfilm.org

I loved last years 32nd CFF film trailer. Wonder what this years will be?

Chairlift (3/13)

Friday, March 13th, 2009

"I tried to do handstands for you, I tried to do headstands for you, Everytime I fell on you, yeah everytime I fell. I tried to do handstands for you, But everytime I fell for you, I'm permanently black and blue, permanently blue for you." -Chairlift



Anybody with a TV knows the spot: a female voice sings “I tried to do handstands for you” over synths and an electro-indie beat, while multi-colored iPod Nanos tumble across the screen.

The song is “Bruises” from Brooklyn trio Chairlift’s debut album, “Does You Inspire You.” The voice is Chairlift singer and co-songwriter Caroline Polachek’s; backing comes courtesy Aaron Pfenning, who co-writes and plays synths and guitar, and drummer-producer Patrick Wimberly. According to group lore, the three met while attending the University of Colorado in Boulder and ended up hanging out a lot in a mostly deserted, possibly haunted jazz bar. After late nights spent watching Wimberly drum at the spooky watering hole, Pfenning would show Polachek to the shed behind his house where they’d loosely collaborate on making “music for haunted houses.”

The pair eventually took some songs Pfenning had been working on for a solo project and combined them with aspects of the fright-night electro they’d been creating in the shed. Somewhere in the process, they also moved to Brooklyn and reunited with Wimberly, adding him to the Chairlift lineup. It all resulted in iPod commercial soundtrack gold.



Don't miss these three live at the Grog Shop (www.grogshop.gs) in Cleveland Heights. For more Chairlift tunes visit www.chairliftmusic.com (a "video feast!")3/13)

The Scoop

Just a little congrats to my friends Laura (Hudson resident) and her pal Emily (Chicago native) editors of "The Scoop;" a daily dose of design inspiration.



Their blog was recently featured in TimeOut Chicago Magazine...way to go you two!



The article touched on the fact that many Home Decor Magazines were no longer and how people are turning to bloggers for our interior, fashion and design inspiration. Laura and Emily do such a great job, I am definitely visit daily.

For more about "the Scoop," or the article visit www.orangebeautiful.com/blog/post.php?post_id=994

Warm thoughts & the water.

Thought #3.

So when I think about how chilly we have been, I can't help but to think about how much colder it would be if we were to take the plunge into our great frozen Lake Erie. As spring approaches the lake freezes and thaws and therefore leave a vast glittered canvas for those who take the time to appreciate the beauty and splendor of the frozen body of water.



Soon the water will be free, splishing and splashing against our shores. Free from the Ohio winter we will be able to dance in the warmer spring air. This weekend as we spring ahead, know that it's only a few more weeks (okay maybe a month) until you and the lake can run around without a coat, hat or mittens, wave your arms and revel in the fact that the ice and winter has lifted.

Think warm thoughts Cleveland.

Peking Acrobats (2/22)

Sunday, February 22nd, 2009

Back for the third consecutive year, Cleveland welcomes the Peking Acrobats. The gravity-defying, juggling, gymnastic, cyclists of the ever-popular Peking Acrobats are back to thrill and entertain. Using graceful athleticism, daring acrobatics, and contortions that appear physically impossible, the Peking Acrobats amaze and delight the whole family.

"The Peking Acrobats regularly passed from the seemingly impossible to the virtually unbelievable." - Los Angeles Times



3pm. Tickets $10-32. For directions & ticket information visit www.playhousesquare.com

Skate TOGETHER

Anyone feel like skating this weekend?



(Get through the intro cheers and you will discover one of the coolest area sports EVER!)