The Grand Arcade

I love the holidays. I love the twinkle and glitter of packages, ornaments, the white lights that line the street poles at night. I love history and architecture. I envision what it was like living in Cleveland when downtown was filled with the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. When women would put on their best winter coat and men wore hats to stroll through May Company or the many small boutiques that lined the inside of our downtown arcades.

If you want to take a step back in time and expericence one of our city's best architectural works, visit the Grand Arcade during the holidays. Built in 1890, the five-story glass-topped atrium runs between Superior and Euclid Avenues and features marble floors, intricate metal work railings, and unique shopping.

For the holiday season, the railings are wrapped with greenery and adorned with red velvet bows. From now until December 23, the atrium is filled with the sounds of live holiday music during lunchtime, from 11:30-1:30 on weekdays, pack your lunch and enjoy some holiday carols.

Thanksgiving fun!

Not cooking? Need something to do while you wait for the bird to cook? Better than talking to your in-laws! How about something to keep you busy during the commercials while watching the parade? Well, grab your big box of Crayolas and let the fun begin!

Enjoy a little color by numbers, Turkey style!



light gray = 1, dark gray = 2, black = 3, light brown = 4, dark brown = 5, blue-gray = 6, red = 7, green = 8, black and gray = 9, light blue = 10, pink = 11, yellow = 12

On the Rise!

As you enter this bright and cheery bakery your senses will immediately come to life. The warm sweet smells, the soft sounds of mixers and the visual delights all laid out and ready for you to explore.



I have enjoyed every muffin, cookie, scone and bread I have ever bought at On the Rise Bakery in Cleveland Heights a tiny and quaint neighborhood bakery. They offer delicious treats including scones, cookies, fruit brownies, rustic tarts, croissants and granola as well as a plethora of house baked bread options. On the list is everything from rustic Italian breads like Pave to classic French baguettes. For something a little more adventurous, try the olive loaf or the sunflower shaped loaf crusted with sesame seeds. They also serve coffees and have a few tables for sitting. This summer, perhaps early on a Sunday morning, grab your paper or favorite book and head East to On The Rise!

3471 Fairmount Blvd Cleveland, OH 44118 216.320.9923

a "Lab" Opening (5/15)

Thursday, May 15th, 2008

The Vanity Lab - Salon & Spa welcomes you (and your chic friends) to their grand opening affair. Stop by and check out the new place...complete with wine and beer provided by JW Dover (the winery & brewery downstairs). From what I hear it has a very unique pedicure bench area, can't wait!

7-9pm 24945 Detroit Road (between Clague & Columbia on the south side of the street) Westlake OH
call 440.835.4490 or visit www.vanitylab.com for more information

Product Runway (4/25)

Friday, April 22nd, 2008

The International Interior Design Sociey & The Cleveland/Akron City Center will be hosting "Product Runway" a runway fashion show of one-of-a-kind couture originals utilizing manufacturer’s product as the “fabric” for the garment this Friday night.

Product Runway is a wonderful opportunity for interior design, architecture, product design and industrial design related industries to celebrate creativity in an innovative design spirit. Using extra scraps, samples, over-runs, etc., fashions will be assembled, sewn, glued and styled by the local design community...think of it as a fashion show for earth week. Recycle and go!

This fundraiser will benefit the American Cancer Society's "Look Good...Feel Better" program, a community-based, free, national service that teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments

The event will be on Friday April 25, 2008 at Anatomy Night Club in Downtown Cleveland, Ohio at 6:00pm.
For more information visit www.iidaohky.org/clevak.htm

Lovin "The Bin"

Last Saturday, as I was outdoors enjoying the fresh spring weather, (raking up enough leaves to fill more than a dozen lawn bags) I developed quite the appetite. As I didn't want to get side tracked with my "project," I thought I would run out and pick up something healthy and quick, so off to Nature’s Bin in Lakewood I went...

The produce glistened..the "healthy" cookies were calling my name...the fancy vitamin-packed waters were literally jumping into my basket. And then...I came upon the newly expanded prepared foods section, which is where my new obsession began. When all was said and done, along with my sandwich (with fresh sprouts), I had also purchased 2 pine nut & golden raisin empanadas (which I ate for dinner that night), a tomato & goat cheese tart (which I ate for dinner the next night), a container of peanut chicken whole wheat soba noodles (which made for a great bring-to-work lunch) and a lemon chive quinoa salad (which I ate for dinner last night!), my quick trip to a local favorite turned out to be way more than a lunch pick up, it literally has fed me all week. If you haven’t been to the remodeled Nature’s Bin, there is something waiting to fill your fridge, so stop in on the way home tonight.

Did you know that Nature's Bin is much more than just a natural foods store? This comfortable place where many Cleveland area residents have shopped for years is really a rehabilitation training facility in disguise. Its mission is to "help people with disabilities achieve successful integration into the work place," and they do an amazing job at it. Everyone was so pleasant and welcoming I couldn't help but think, why don't I do all of my grocery shopping here?

As always, a trip to Natures Bin wouldn't be complete without a new tube of organic, natural, super shiny and very tasty lip gloss. If nothing else, I would stop in just to check out the spring selection of flavors! :)

Nature's Bin is located on the west side of Lakewood on Sloane Ave - right off of West Clifton. 18120 Sloane Ave. Lakewood, OH, 44107 216-521-4600

Spring Beauty

March 29th - April 12th, 2008

Ever spent your Saturday afternoon roaming the aisles of Ulta Beauty? If you haven't stopped by the new store at Westgate Mall in Fairview Park, now is the time during their Spring Beauty Event.

The store is a great blend between high fashion beauty products (Smashbox to Stila) to grocery store steals (Cover Girl to Revlon). Although I do love Sephora too... I love the fact that Ulta offers deals & coupons...I am always up for a sale! While I couldn't decide if I really needed that new cosmetic bag (25% off with red coral on it) or the latest in nail polish colors (Buy one get one 50% off), I decided to put the bag down and enjoy my new OPI Nail color, "Vodka & Caviar."

A few of their upcoming featured cosmetic lines are as follows.
April 3rd, Urban Decay :: April 5th, Stila :: April 10th, Lorac :: April 11th, Bare Esssentials
If you are interested in a makeover or learning more about these lines, call the store to reserve an appointment 440.331.4078.

For more information on the Spring Beauty Event, the new store or their products & services visit www.ulta.com

Network @ BYOB (3/12)

Wednesday, March 12th, 2008

The Rocky River Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee invites you,your associates, friends & family to the 2nd annual B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Brush!) at Tomorrow’s Hair Salon. RSVP today as spaces are filling up fast!

Indulge in some chic cocktails & munchies while the Tomorrow's team fill you in on what is happening with their successful, growing, women-owned Rocky River business. Explore the world of specialty salon services such as pedicure’s, waxing, and more. Enjoy discounted pricing on most products, including their fabulous makeup line, and walk away with a killer gift bag of goodies, mini-samples, and discount coupons.

If you'd like, bring your own products and equipment (flat iron, blow dryer, curlers, clips, etc.) for a one-on-one session to update your look or make your style fresher, funkier, quicker-whatever your goals are, the stylists at Tomorrow’s Salon are there to help.

It may not be golf, but hanging out at the salon is a wonderful way to network, so plan to join us. Bring your business cards! RSVP to the Chamber office at 440.331.1140 or info@rockyriverchamber.com by Friday March 7, 2008. The cost is just $5 for Rocky River Chamber members & their employees and $10 for non-members. This is a great opportunity to invite your daughters, granddaughters, or nieces to hear an inspiring story for a successful women business owner.

Tulip Lover (2/25)

I love tulips almost as much as I love Cleveland. To me they symbolize the freshness of spring and the beauty and grace of mother nature. This weekend I was in Heinens and purchased the most gorgeous, elegant bouquet of long-stemmed, french, yellow tulips to brighten my dinner party table.

Now I bet you are wondering why I am telling you this? Well, after a few weekend phone calls to friends (living out of state), the topic of "tulip season" came up. Do you know I purchased a dozen flowers for a whopping $5.99 while my friend in Manhattan paid $9.99 and my sister in Seattle paid $11.00? Now I understand the concept of "price is relevant"...but to all other North East Ohio tulip lovers it seems to me we have it made!



With this steal of a deal I plan to have fresh tulips around until mine actually pop out of the currently frozen Cleveland ground. Off to Heinens I go, won't you join me? :)

Chanel anyone? (2/11)

Monday, February 11th, 2008

If you are coming down off a high from last weeks, Fashion Week, here is a little something to keep you going until the fall shows.

Saks Fifth Avenue at Beachwood Mall invites you to preview the Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear & Accessories Collections by CHANEL. The trunk show will include informal modeling throughout the entire store and light refreshments from 10am to 5pm.

If you aren't ready for such an "investment" you may just want to pickup a bottle of Chanel #5. In an interview given at the airport in Japan, Marilyn Monroe told reporters that all she wore in bed was a few drops of N°5. It's a classic scent that will never go out of style, no matter what season it is...right Marilyn?



For more information on the trunk show or to purchase a bottle of parfum, contact Saks General Manager, Ina Levinson by calling 216.292.5500 Ext. 359 Beachwood Mall, 26100 Cedar Road or visit www.saksfifthavenue.com

A Free Tooth Exam (1/26)

Saturday, January 26th, 2008

Next Saturday from 9-2pm visit the students at Case Western Dental School for a free dental exam and teeth cleaning. The dental students are offering this complimentary service as part of a community wide service project. So, for all of us who may have "visit the dentist" on our 2008 list of "things to do" call now spaces are "filling" up fast 216.368.3570.

You never know, they may throw in a new toothbrush as well?

SMILE :)

Makeover with M•A•C (1/17-19)

January 17th through the 19th, 2008

Stop by the M•A•C counter at Beachwood Mall this weekend for a complimentary makeover featuring M•A•C's most recent collection, The "N Collection." This collection of makeup highlights the simple and pearlized shades of their mineral skin finish collection.

For all us Cleveland make up junkies, it's a great way to sample the new makeup colors and products as we plan for our spring styles.

Call your the M•A•C counter to book your appointment today.
M•A•C @ Beachwood Place, 216.378.2121 10am-6pm

Powder Yourself Pretty (12/1)

Saturday, December 1st, 2007

The Powder Room Boutique at Eaton Chagrin Boulevard, Opening Party

Discover a destination for professional makeup application, brow sculpting, specialized facial treatments and a boutique filled with unique products. Stop by for a nibble and bubbly drink to celebrate the opening of this new "product junkies" paradise.

The celebration will be hopping from 6-9pm. For directions to The Powder Room at Eaton visit www.etonchagrinblvd.com

Thankful for Cleveland (11/22)

I am thankful for lots of things in Cleveland...but here are just a few of them.

> LAKE ERIE. I think we are all so lucky to live close to a real great lake.
Whether it’s spending the day paddling on kayaks or a lazy beach day at Huntington, Lake Erie makes Cleveland a great place to live.

> FAMILY & FRIENDS. The people of Cleveland welcome all with open arms. The Midwest attitude and way of living is the best of the best. From those that are born and raised "Clevelanders" to the many transplants, the area is filled with many interesting diverse individuals, which makes our city a great place to call home.

> THE WEST SIDE MARKET. What better place to go on an early Saturday morning then the Market? Filled with fresh veggies, unique cheeses and the ever popular Ohio City Pasta, it makes for a wonderful weekly shopping extravaganza. The Market makes Cleveland shopping special. Take a trip there to shop for your holiday feasts!

> VINTAGE FINDS. Unlike other cities, we are lucky to have our fair share of fruitful vintage and resale shops to choose from. Stop by half price Monday at Unique Thrift on Lorain or spend a long Saturday morning exploring Chelsea's Vintage Clothing. It's all about the deals, the special acquisitions and the one-of-a-kind scores. Believe it or not, our city is lucky to have such an assortment of vintage vendors nearby.

>SPORTS. What more is there to say other than Go Brownies! Rise Up Cavs! It's Tribe Time Now! Clevelanders should be thankful for our amazing triad of athletic teams that call Cleveland home. Let's go Cleve-Land!

>THE METROPARKS. Home to the best running and biking trails in Northeast Ohio, the Metroparks are a wonderful place to get moving or slow down, all while taking note of the beautiful natural surroundings. From winter to summer and back around to fall, the scenery and many activities that the Metropark system has to offer are extreme...there really is something for everyone. We are lucky to have such an active park system right in our backyard. Enjoy!

> PLAYHOUSE SQUARE. Cleveland is truly blessed to have such a solid foundation in the arts. With the largest theatre district between NYC and LA, the theatres welcome millions of patrons each year. From comedy and kids’ series to dance and musical performances, Cleveland’s true performance powerhouse offers plenty of live entertainment to choose from.

> CORNER BARS (& late night dance parties). Like most cities there are the local neighborhood bars, but no other city can compare to the numerous little watering holes our fair city has to offer. Whether you are looking for a place to sit and chat with friends, dance the night away to a great band or catch a game on the big screens, it's not hard to find a seat at a friendly little place around the corner.

I am thankful for all that Cleveland has to offer us, I hope you are too!

Holiday Shopping Kick Off (11/16-17)

Friday, November 16th & Saturday, November 17th, 2007

This year’s Poinsettia Place event will feature fabulous vendors, a new Treasures in the Attic sale and other fantastic events including a sumptuous luncheon, exclusive Ladies Night Out cocktail party and a wonderful tea party. This year’s boutique is bigger and better than ever, so stop by to purchase one-of-kind gifts for everyone on your holiday list.

The JLC is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Proceeds from this event will go to support the many projects of The JLC, including our Community Projects: Be Fit Be Fine Community Forum, Cleveland Children’s Museum, Food is Knowledge, Hitchcock Center for Women and The JLC Scholarship Fund.

Poinsettia Place, sponsored by the Junior League of Cleveland. Shaker Heights Country Club, 3300 Courtland Blvd, Cleveland, Ohio 44122 For further information please call League House, 216.231.6300 ext. 2 or visit www.jlcleveland.org

Martini's & Manicures at Mercury (11/15, 22, 29)

Every Thursday Night in November

After a stressful day, swing by the swanky Mercury Lounge located on West Sixth in the Cleveland Warehouse District for a wicked Thursday Night deal. From 9-11pm, Dino Palmeri Salon is offering manicures at the bar, while all night you can grab $4 Martinis & Cocktails, $3 Glasses of champagne and $2 Domestics. PLUS 2 for 1 shots!

The Mercury Lounge offers an alternative to typical club going. "Mercury" is host to some of Cleveland’s finest dance, hip hop and electro-pop music. Come enjoy an award winning cocktails amidst the vibrant crowd.

1392 W 6th St. Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 566-8840. For more information on free manicure nights, visit www.themercurylounge.com

Free Boys Haircut (11)

November, 2007

Through the month of November, grab your little boys (whether son, nephew or some ratty kid on your street) and bring them over to Dante Lucci Salon in Rocky River where they are offering complimentary boys haircuts through the end of the month.



If you can't find a boy to bring, make sure to schedule your holiday updos with Ms. Tiffani or a perfect glittery manicure with Ms. Jessica.

To make your appointment call 440.221.7222 or visit www.danteluccisalon.com for more information.

"B." and the "Mani's"

Barbara Fazio, makeup artist extraordinaire and fellow small business owner has just informed me of her latest addition to her sassy Clifton Blvd. Salon...$15 manicures..."just like those on the streets of Manhattan," exclaimed Barbara! Also the "bloom" cosmetic line has arrived (straight from Australia) just in time for the holidays. Stop in to explore the array of chic products.

To book an appointment at B. Fazio Salon (including holiday hair & makeup) call 216.529.6050. To view some of Ms. Fazio's work visit www.bfazio.com and for the latest in skin care and cosmetics visit www.bloomcosmetics.com