lights. camera. action.

Happy Monday Cleveland! What a great Northeast Ohio weekend we had. Bright blue skies. Sunshine. Time with our closest friends. Good food. A drink..or two. A movie. A trip to the market. What did you do this weekend?



Is anyone as excited as I am about the 34th Annual Cleveland Film Fest? Did you know the film line up is available online and the little paper schedule books will begin circulating end of this week?

When I get my hands on one of the paper movie line ups I will make myself a pot of french press or pour myself a good glass of vino and begin my movie attack. From french foreign flicks to an eye-opening documentary. A romantic comedy to something a bit educational. I like to try and take in as many films while still being able to decipher one from the other.

When you get your time to plan your movie attack, "film" me in on any recommendations. I can't wait to see you at the movies!

Another tricky pic!

I had so much fun around town over the weekend snapping pics along my snowy Cleveland morning...
Do you know where I was here?




I'll give you a few hints, you guess...

#1) It's located on the West side
#2) It's home to many fish, fruits & veggies
#3) It is open every week, but only certain days of the week

Ever been there?

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!

a hot sign.

I don't know if it's the sunshine or the excitement of the big Cavs game tonight but something is stirring in the air.



I found this fun, bright and cheery image off of an amazing flickr account filled with nothing but vintage signage images from all over Ohio plus.

Enjoy the sunny day. Get psyched to root on our team...Go Cavs Go!

Sci-Fi Movie Marathon (1-15/17)

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 15th through the 17th, 2010.

Long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... In the early 1970's, there were several film groups on the Case Western Reserve campus. These groups had formed because of interest in different genres of movies. Along the way, the groups merged and formed the basis of the current CWRU Film Society.

This weekend pack your backpack, Red Bull, sleeping bags and tooth brush and go to the Science Fiction Marathon. This weekend of approx 36 hrs of back to back science fiction movies, trailers, and surprises was started in 1976 and is attended by CWRU students, the Cleveland community, and people from out of state and from other countries.



The movie schedule is as follows...
Friday
8:00pm Terminator Salvation (2009)
10:15pm Moon (2009)

Saturday
12:00am The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
2:00am SURPRISE I
3:30am First Spaceship on Venus (1962)
5:15am Independence Day (1996)
8:00am Moonraker (1979)
10:15am Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
12:45pm The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
2:45pm Short Circuit (1986) (JOHNNY 5 is ALIVE!!!)
4:30pm SURPRISE II
6:15pm The Phantom Planet (1961)
7:45pm The Fifth Element (1997)
10:00pm The City of Lost Children (1995)

Sunday
12:00am SURPRISE III
2:00am District 9 (2009)


For all of the details including parking visit the CWRU Film Society site.

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?

Bazaar Bizarre (12/12-13)

Saturday, December 12th, & Sunday, December 13th 2009

A yearly holiday shopping tradition, you won't want to miss this years Bizarre Bizarre! From wacky indie crafts, to the unique art of area locals...it's a great place to check off every gift on your list.



Dissatisfied with stencils of country ducks and painted wooden slices of watermelon, a hodge-podge of friends started the Bazaar Bizarre craft fair in Boston in 2001. years later this community based event is still growing in popularity and has now spread to Cleveland!

78th Street Studios: 1300 W. 78th St to 1305 W. 80th St., north parking lot, north entrance (behind the building) -- accessible from W. 78th OR W 80th St. Noon to 9:00 pm, and Sunday December 13th from noon to 6:00 pm.

Glog on the Blog

Happy Monday Cleveland!

Hope everyone enjoyed the cool winter weekend as much as I did. With my visitor in town I sure did pack a lot into the holiday weekend. One of the things I wanted to "report" on was this funky little drink I experienced at the Greenhouse Tavern..."Glog!"

Glog, defined in the dictionary as a "hot spiced wine and liquor punch and it is a delicious warming drink. Glog is a traditional drink of the Swedish & Finnish Advent season. Traditionally made with red wine, and each small glass has a few almonds and raisins in it as well as the drink. Glog's origins are with mulled wine - wine heated with spices. Glog also tends to have more sugar as well as a heavier alcohol content. It is said that Glog cures the common cold.



The bartenders at The Greenhouse were kind enough to show me how they made their new holiday drink. The drink is assembled using special house made glog mix & honey liquor, steamed and then accessorized with little golden raisins.

Be warned...I took a big sniff (from my brandy snifter) and wow...I thought I burned off my nose hairs...let's just say it's potent...in a good way! :)

I still can't 100% say I loved it, but I can't stop thinking about this potent hot toddy, so I guess it made an impression on me. Let me know what you think!

Vintage Holiday

The other day I made a quick trip to one of the areas BEST vintage shops around, Flower Child. The holiday windows of old sleds and Xmas cheers drew me inside like a mosquito to a buzzing blue lantern.

Although I had expected to see a mirage of decorations of days gone by, I had no clue the intensity and overwhelming shimmer and glitz that was about to come before me.



The store is filled with every type of holiday decoration you can imagine. From vintage lights, holiday cocktail glasses, delicate glass bulbs, ornate holiday linens, something from the 40's, something from the 80's (see ET stockings!), a pink themed room, a green themed room, a candy cane and mistletoe room....whatever you holiday dreams they have the decorations for you.



This weekend will be a big "get ready for the holidays" weekend. Why not shop local and recycle the past by adding a touch of flair from Flower Child. BUT, be prepared...this store will suck up hours of time on the weekend, so wear comfy shoes and a good friend for hours of fun.

FYI, there is a Starbucks across the street in case you need a gingerbread jolt of energy to make it through the entire newly expanded basement of the store. Happy holidays!

Flower Child : 11508 Clifton Blvd, Cleveland OH 216.939.9933

Thankful for the weekend!

I’m THANKFUL it’s the weekend. The weekend before the “Week of Thanks”... So many things to get done before December madness strikes!




Here is what I am planning to do...hope I can squeeze it all in.

Friday.
> Read a new Zine at Bella Dubby
> Eat some Ice Cream to celebrate the END of Tap! :)
> Listen to some great local tunes at made in the 216
> Party like a rock star.

Saturday
> Groom my little pup (shown at Thanksgiving in DC a few years ago)
> Fall in love with a Vampire..or a werewolf.
> Begin my holiday shopping list...(buying locally thanks to the reminder from Chef’s Widow!)
> Stop by the last farmers market of the season...or see the tree lighting?

Sunday
> Brush up on my manners (there are still a few spots left, call 440.247.2550 to sign up!)
> Explore the gardens & gingerbread creations
> FREE HENNA (with any cosmetic purchase) at Dillards in Beachwood...I am thinking a pumpkin, turkey and fall leaves for the Thanksgiving week?

Roller Girls (11/07)

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

Last night as I was on my third rep of shoulder presses at my neighborhood gym in walks this sprite of a woman. Covered from head to toe in vibrant colors, her coat covered in a mass of ornate patches, her hair pulled up under a cap she floated through the field of sweaty gym rats to discreetly distribute the little postcards.

As I completed my last rep, I swiftly made my way to the card stuck into the bulletin board...

It read “THIS Saturday, November 7th, CSU, Wolstein Center, Roller Derby, Black & Blue : WHIP IT GOOD! Team Black vs. Team Blue, going head to head for charity, Doors open at 5pm”



All I kept thinking was, “I’m so there.” Thanks little roller girl “sprite” You rock!

For more information visit burningriverrollergirls

Bakery Breakfast

With the time change and the bright morning skies, I feel like I have all the time in the world before my work day begins. Yesterday I took my little pup for a long walk to the Lake, while this morning I made a pit stop at the new bakery, Blackbird Baking Company. With the brisk temps outside there is something so comforting in a warm cup of coffee and something sweet and yummy for breakfast.

This morning I was lucky enough to arrive as they were pulling the Pumpkin Pecan (seasonal flavor) Cookies from the oven. The soft, chewy and sugar-coated treat reminded me of a cross between a moist pumpkin pie and my moms banana bread.



If you miss this cookie flavor some of the other goodies include Cranberry Oat Cookies ("oat," it MUST be healthy?), my friend Elizabeth really likes the Sweet Cream Biscuits, Cleveland Magazine voted the Stick Buns the "Best" and the french baguettes make every sandwich or bowl of fall soup better.

If you can carve out an extra 15 minutes, swing by the new Blackbird Baking Co. for your fall carb. fix! Located in Lakewood before you cross the Detroit Ave bridge to "River."

Doughnut adventure

Hi Cleveland and Happy Halloween-Thursday (let the junk food raid begin!)

Lately I have been dreaming of driving from one side of town to the other filling my picnic basket with doughnuts from area fryers and blowing any sort of healthy-living ideas out the window. Unfortunately I have not been able to squeeze in this dreamy doughnut adventure, try as I may, it just won’t happen pre-Friday.



My initial intention of this nutty trip was to assemble a really great plethora of ideas for where you could go Halloween morning as the wizards and witches rise from bed in anticipation of the treat-filled day ahead. Well, instead of all the extra calories, I’ll just give you a brief rundown on some of the spots I have been to over my tenure in Cleveland...

> Doughnut Pantry : 14600 Madison Ave., Lakewood : Saturday 6am-2pm (a bare bones, not fancy, get-em-while-their hot place)

> Spudnuts : 21800 Center Ridge Rd. Rocky River (sweets made from potatoes? Carbs + sugar, yumm)

> Fragapane Bakeries : 650 Dover Center Rd., Bay Village (my friend Meg swears by this place, it has to be good!)

> Prestis : 12101 Mayfield Rd, Little Italy (does Prestis even make doughnuts any more? If not grab anything else, its’ all good!)

> Jack Frost Donuts 4960 Pearl Rd, Cleveland (Saturday 7am- 8pm)

And then there is always Dunkin Doughnuts, Krispy Kreme and even Starbucks is selling good old fashioned sour crème favorites!


Perhaps I will grab a warm doughnut and hit the gym extra hard on Saturday to celebrate the arrival of fall, shorter days and more evenings at the gym :)

Happy doughnut hunting to you.

Pumpkin Workout (10/24)

Saturday, October 24th, 2009

I thought this was a fun little way to end our week and welcome in the weekend.

Feeling frisky and trying to squeeze in a workout? Join Liz Donnelly, personal trainer and family fitness specialist as she gives you and your kids a sugar-burning, exhilarating workout with a PUMPKIN!!!



Bring your own "orange weight," workout with your pumpkin pall, and then be prepared to give your pumpkin friend a break with a special holiday craft.

10-11am. Lakewood Congregational Church Social Hall. 1375 West Clifton in Lakewood. To register call 440.623.0957

A week in review!

What to do this week? No fear, I'm here with a list of fun suggestions!


C : Capitol Theatre - More Than a Game...Monday night $5 movie, $1 drink, $1 candy!
L : In honor of Cleveland Beer Week, swing by Lilly's Chocolate for a beer & chocolate pairing.
E : Explore the new Gauguin exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
V : Vintage finds, deals & steals at the Cleveland Auction House, fine art & antique auction 10/25
E : Edgewater Park on the Shoreway is peaceful on a sunny fall afternoon...go beach glass picking!
L : An evening of dessert at L'Albatros...french press & frozen grand marnier souffle, yumm...
A : Animals come to town with the Ringling Bros Circus!
N : Nature drawing, Join Gail Felix for an evening of field sketching in nature. 10/19
D : A fall drive out east to view the fall hues that nature has painted across our Ohio trees!

The Alice Seed (10/8-24)

October 16th, 2009

Planning your upcoming weekend already? Check out the World Premiere of The Alice Seed by Michael Sepesy at Cleveland Public Theatre. A moving and exceptional tale of loss and the powerful desire to regain the past and hold on to our most cherished ones. Part horror story, part family drama, pure gothic Americana.



The Alice Seed runs through October 24. For tickets, directions and more, visit www.cptonline.org

Good Bird Hunting

This weekend if you are out and about, perhaps checking out the new Capitol Theatre in the Gordon Arts Square District on the westside of Cleveland...grab your walking shoes and try to find all of these lovely bluebirds.



For more information on the project visit www.clevelandpublicart.org

Busy Weekend (10-02/04)

Another great weekend to be living in Northeast Ohio!

Don’t say your have “nothing to do”...don’t complain that “you’re bored”...GET OUTSIDE and explore this amazing place we are lucky to call CLEVELAND!

- Trash to Sailor : takings trash and making a boat to race over Lake Erie. www.lakeerieboatfloat.org

- Comic Genius : meet the infamous American Splendor-Harvey Pekar live and in person. www.pennellogallery.com

- A spooky train trip : Hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for a ghost story haunt : www.cvsr.com/events.aspx

- Now you see it...now you don’t : David Copperfield swoops into playhouse square just in time for tricks & treats : www.playhousesquare.com/Events/Events.aspx?EventID=1857

- Theatre opening : Don’t miss the ribbon cutting and opening of the restored Capitol Theatre : www.gordonsquare.org/capitol-gala/

- Dare I say, football? : Could this be THE WEEK for the Browns? Fingers and toes crossed : www.clevelandbrowns.com

What else is going on? A fun pancake breakfast fundraiser? A local church clambake? A dance recital or high school band competition? Let me know and I will try and squeeze that in too!

Gotta love Ohio in the fall. Enjoy!

Free Orchestra (9/23)

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

Did you read the Sunday Arts Section of yesterdays Plain Dealer? The article was about the upcoming season of the world renowned Cleveland Orchestra. They outlined-in detail the musical season and highlighted each of the violin performers, needless to day it was a musical masterpiece. Inspiring!

While I can't honestly say I get to attend the orchestra often...have always wanted too though. This year, I plan to get tickets to one of the Cleveland Institute of Musics concerts. Master students fully staged opera performances, recitals, and other events.

This weeks FREE concert will feature Carl Topilow as conductor and Meredith Clark on harp. They will be performing BERLIOZ Overture to Benvenuto Cellini, GINASTERA Harp Concerto, Op. 25 and DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 9, E minor, Op. 95 (“New World”) at CIM in Kulas Hall.



While most concerts are free, seating passes are distributed before selected concerts when capacity attendance is anticipated. Free seating passes must be reserved in advance of those concerts by calling the CIM Box Office at 216-791-5000, ext. 411. Passes must be picked up at the Box Office on the night of the concert, no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the concert or they will be distributed to patrons waiting for seats.

I hope to be able to squeeze in a sonnet or two this fall. For additional concert information visit www.cim.edu

Shooting Stars

Buy the book...

On the Patio...

Since we as Clevelanders cherish our outdoor months, tonight, why not have dinner on the patio?

These are Cleveland Independents restaurants that are celebrating sunny days and cool nights on their patios. American Tavern and Eatery, Bar Cento, Bar Symon, Beach Club Bistro, Boulevard Blue, Crop Bistro, D'Vine Wine Bar, fire food and drink, Flying Fig, Gamekeepers Taverne, Great Lakes Brewing, Greenhouse Tavern, Grovewood Tavern, Johnny Mango World Café, L'Albatros, La Dolce Vita, Light Bistro, Luxe Kitchen and Lounge, Melange, Melt Bar and Grilled, Michaelangelo's, Moxie, Nighttown, Paladar Latin Kitchen, Parallax, Players on Madison, Prosperity, Redstone, Sergio's SARAVA, Tartine Bistro, Three Birds, Tremont Tap House, Vue Restaurant & Lounge and Willoughby Brewing Company....

Got any other great patio dining suggestions?

A fun hike

Thursday, Saturday, Sunday



Looks like a bunch of fun. I have the perfect pair of hiking boots, perhaps I will out them to use this week? :)

Explore Cleveland

Pick a new Cleveland neighborhood to explore this weekend!



Happy friday! :)

FREE theatre (7/31-8/09)

The teens of the Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) present Eye, Mind, Heart, an original play inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen.

Utilizing The Snow Queen as a starting point, STEP's ensemble of inner-city teens reveal their own hopes, fears, strengths and vulnerabilities. This family-friendly performance is a powerful love story that examines humanity's struggle for compassion and connection in a materialistic and cut-throat world, and is super-charged with a cappella singing, dance and non-stop action. Eye, Mind, Heart is about finding one's path to a joyful life and highlights the power and creativity of Cleveland's youth.



Bring a lawn chair or blanket. All performances are free and open to the public, with no advance reservations required.

July 31, 12pm: Mercedes Cotner Park (W 95 & Maywood Ave)
July 31, 7pm: Fairview Park in Ohio City (W 38 & Franklin + Rain Location: West Side UCC)
Aug 1, 7pm: Lincoln Park (W 14 & Starkweather + Rain Location: Pilgrim Church)
Aug 3, 7pm: St. Stanislaus Warszawa Music Festival (3649 E. 65 + Rain Location: Church)
Aug 4, 12pm: Tyler Village (3615 Superior Ave)
Aug 4, 7pm: Lake Pool Park (W 85th between Lake and Detroit)
Aug 6, 6pm: Lonnie Burten Baseball Field (E 46 & Outhwaite + Rain Location: Gymnasium)
Aug 7, 6pm: Estabrook Recreation Center (4125 Fulton Rd + Rain Location: Gymnasium)
Aug 8, 12pm: Sam Miller Park, Glenville Festival (E 88 & Esterbrook Ave)
Aug 8, 7pm: Kerruish Park (Lee & Tarkington)
Aug 9, 4pm: Drakefield Park (Drakefield Ave between W 157 & Silsby Rd + Rain Location: West Park UCC)


For more information on the STEP program or the performance, visit www.cptonline.org

"Dr. Obama" (7/23)

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

President Barack Obama is expected to visit the Cleveland Clinic Thursday as part of his campaign to promote health care reform.

White House officials said Saturday that the president would visit Northeast Ohio but did not offer a specific time or location for the event.

The appearance comes as Obama's health care plan is under attack by both Republicans and some Democrats, who say the plan is too expensive.



Obama has praised the Cleveland Clinic in the past for playing a role in the health care reform by providing "the highest quality care at costs well below the national norm."

(article from the Plain Dealer, writen by Mark Naymik/Plain Dealer Politics Writer/mnaymik@plaind.com)

Want some Irish? (7/24-26)

Friday, July 24th through Sunday July 26th, 2009

If you are craving some corn beef & cabbage, or perhaps a bit of "river-dance" plan to attend this weekends Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival at the Berea Fairgrounds

I think the highlight of the festival should be the irish girl band, The Screaming Orphans. The lassies are four funny, high-spirited, musically-obsessed sisters with the good fortune to have been raised in the magic of Bundoran in County Donegal Ireland. Don't miss em. (Friday & Saturday on the "thunder" stage @ 5:30pm)



For the other musical acts, dance troupes, food vendors, ticket prices and more visit www.clevelandirish.org

Cleveland Weekend (7/10)

There is so much happening around town this weekend...what to do first?

Here are some amazing events/activities you may not want to miss...

INGENUITY FESTIVAL CLEVELAND : I hear that tonights performance by Peachcake is going to be "sweet."

CAIN PARK ARTS FESTIVAL : Feel like spending the day strolling under the shade of gorgeous trees and viewing art from all types? This festival is always well attended with quality work.

BEACH : Looking for a beach to explore? Ever been to Mentor Headlands? A deep, white sandy beach...the perfect day trip.

RIDES FOR THE "LITTLES" : Even though it may rain on Saturday, the Memphis Kiddie Park has you covered. With many rides under an array of striped awnings you can dodge the heat or the rain and entertain for hours of fun. PLUS, for the grown ups there is a "vintage" put put course guaranteed for hours of fun.

Hope these few ideas kicked off your weekend planning. Aren't summer weekends super fun to plan? I think so too.

Beauty deal!

Economy got your “beauty-budget” down? Had to cut out the fancy highlights in exchange for a bottle of “sun-in?” Your nails are looking chippy and could use a little TLC? Well, have got a few specials for you?

Stylist Barbara Fazio has extended her summer special offers to all “I heart cleveland” readers and I think your bank account will be happy too!

Located inside the Winton Place, you will find the sleek and sassy new space, perfect for a relaxing $40 Manicure AND Pedicure combo. Yes, that’s right, you heard me right, $40 for BOTH!!! That’s a steal, at most places isn’t it like $60 & up? Call today as this offer is sure to fill up fast! (216.529.6050)

And other one of B’s specials is what she calls the “makeubetter” this fun girly offering includes a consultation discussing your personal needs for a desired look. A haircut and styling lesson on the proper use of product and tools will follow. Also included in the session is a makeup "application" and eyebrow design (pluck, pluck, pluck!!!). You will leave b·fazio salon with before and after photos and the knowledge to help you re-create your new look. This service usually would cost you around $160, but for you...there currently is a $40 discount and you can spend the afternoon with Miss B for all of $120. It’s not pennies, but it sure is a deal.

So clean out your attic, have you garage sale on Thursday and go see B next Friday with your earnings! For more information give her a shout! THANKS B, I am scheduling soon!

b.fazio salon winton place, 12700 lake ave. lakewood, ohio 44107
www.bfazio.com

Buy Local

Cose and “ibuyneo.com” has declared THIS WEEK a celebration of independence! So why not celebrate the local businesses in your area buy supporting them.

So used to swinging buy Target on your way home for all your needs? Don't know where to start or what I mean when I say "buy local?" Here is a list of 100 ideas to keep our cash in the area. Spend $100 locally and we can all benefit from it.



Food
1. Buy vegetables from a local farmers market
2. Fill your belly at a local food festival
3. Buy wine from a local winery
4. Get coffee at a local coffee shop
5. Get fresh meat at a local butcher
6. Get your freshly baked birthday cake from the neighborhood bakery
7. Enjoy lunch at a locally owned restaurant
8. Relax with a beer at a local brewery
9. Get something to make for dinner at a local grocer
10. Cool off at your neighborhood ice cream shop
11. Order out from a local pizzeria
12. Visit the West Side market
13. Order holiday cookies from a local pastry shop
14. Cater a party using a neighborhood restaurant
15. Grab a hotdog from a curbside vendor

Arts & Leisure
16. Get your next CD at a local music shop
17. Catch a live band at a music hot spot
18. Buy art from a local art gallery
19. Shop at a neighborhood art walk
20. Hear the Cleveland Orchestra at Cain Park
21. See a dance performance at Cleveland Public Theatre
22. Take a knitting class at a local craft store
23. Have a party at a local pottery center

Entertainment
24. Take an afternoon drive and go antiquing at local dealers
25. Take in a movie at an independent movie theater
26. See a show at Playhouse Square
27. Get up close with the animals at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
28. Hire a party clown
29. Host a pampering party and hire an independent masseuse
30. Visit a local museum
31. Go bowling at a local alley
32. Shop for a cute summer outfit at a local boutique
33. Buy your next hostess party gift from a local retailer
34. Get your manicure or pedicure at a local nail salon

Sports
35. Enjoy a game of golf at a Cleveland Metroparks course
36. Buy a summer pass at your neighborhood pool
37. Spend a night under the stars at a Metroparks campsite
38. Get shiny new bikes for the family at a local bike shop
39. Enjoy the Cuyahoga River by renting a canoe
40. See the Cuyahoga Valley aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
41. Buy fishing supplies at a local bait shop and get a catch of the day on Lake Erie
42.Take a Karate class at a local martial arts studio
43. Play a game of putt-putt at a local course
44. Catch a minor league baseball team and see the future baseball stars
45. Join a neighborhood sports league
46. Work out at a local gym
47. Take yoga at a local yoga studio


Home
48. Use a local lawn care service
49. Visit a local garden center and get your hands dirty landscaping
50. Freshen up your home with new furniture from a local furniture shop
51. Go to a neighborhood art walk to find local art to decorate your home
52. Get some help around the house and employ a local handyman
53. Fix the leaky pipes. Call a local plumber
54. DIY and get your supplies and advice at the local hardware store
55. Employ a local roofer to fix your roof
56. Pay the neighborhood kids to cut your grass and clean your pool
57. Visit a local frame shop to get you best vacation pictures framed
58. Pick up fresh flowers from the local florist
59. Hire a local moving company
60. Hire a local seamstress to hem your pants
61. Purchase your new furnace from a local HVAC shop
62. Have your home painted by a local painter

Auto
63. Get your next oil change from a local mechanic
64. Detail the inside of your car at a local car wash
65. Get a custom paint job for your motorcycle

Pets
66. Take your pet to the local groomer
67. Reward your dog with a treat from a local dog bakery
68. Use an independent pet daycare
69. Buy a hamster at the local pet store
70. Have a local seamstress make an outfit for the pooch
71. Buy a locally grown catnip treat for your cat

Family/Personal/Kids
72. Get a new look at a local barber shop
73. Read a classic novel from your local book store
74. Buy your next anniversary gift from a local jeweler
75. Use a local cobbler to repair your worn out shoes
76. Order a basket of treats from a local candy store
77. Take your laundry to a local dry cleaners
78. Got a cold? Get some medicine at a local pharmacy
79. Planning a wedding or family reunion? Get help from a local planner
80. Join a locally owned club
81. Purchase a child’s birthday gift at the local toy store
82. Enjoy a day at a local water or amusement park

Green/Sustainability
83. Take public transportation to work
84. Ride the new RTA Healthline
85. Purchase a reusable shopping bag at a local grocer
86. Switch out light bulbs with CFL’s from the neighborhood hardware store
87. Hire a local LEED consultant to green your home or business

Business
88. Purchase your office supplies from a local supply company
89. Use a local cleaning service to clean your offices
90. Work with a local accountant to balance your books
91. Cater business meetings with local caterers
92. Use a local company to help with your IT needs
93. Commission one of a kind party invitations from a local artist
94. Purchase chocolates with your logo on it from a local candy shop
95. Use a local courier service to do freight and truck deliveries
96. Hire an in town design firm or ad agency
97. Order a special event balloon or float from a local manufacturer
98. Order bagels for your office from a local bakery
99. Use a local travel agent to book your business trips
100. Pick up your last minute supplies at the neighborhood convenient store

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

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!

Learn to Stilt (5/16 & 17)

Saturday, May 16th & Sunday, May 17th, 2009

Ever wanted to learn to walk on stilts? An automatic "IN" to any area parade! This weekend the Cleveland Museum of Art, (in preparation for Parade the Circle) is offering "Stilt Weekend."

Canadian stilters Brad Harley and Rick Simon show you how to take a few steps high in the air! Free to all, children must be at least 10 years old to participate. You may order stilts during stilt weekend: $50 (yours to keep after safety training).



Parade the Circle is organized by the Cleveland Museum of Art and is presented through the generous support of the Womens Council of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

1:30-4:30pm, For more information visit www.clemusart.com

Open Studios (5/09)

Saturday, May 9th, 2009

This Saturday, peddal on over to The Lake Erie Screw Factory for their annual open studio afternoon.

The resident artists will be opening to the public to explore the working of a local gallery and artists businesses. A variety of fine art and craft will be on display and for purchase.

Featuring the work of Ann Brown, Gina DeSantis, Katie Hanrahan, Hunter Harrison, Peter Jennings, Marc Konys, Allyson Meier, M.C. Nagel, Martin O’Connor, Steven Ollay, Ann Onusko, Kari Sanford, Josh Sanford, Ruth Sholtis-Furyes, Kate Tobin and Liz Trenholme.

The Lake Erie Building is located in the Bird Town area of Lakewood at 13000 Athens Ave. The building houses artist studios and local businesses. Both the second and third floors house artist studios.

Rutabaga Nights (5/02)

Saturday, May 2nd, 2009

Rutabaga Nights - Lakewood Earth and Food's First Annual Fundraising Gala

Support local food and celebrate the growing season at the first Rutabaga Nights, Lakewood Earth & Food's First Annual Fundraising Gala! Live music, local food and beer throughout the evening. Tons of great art, gift certificates and tickets will be available through a silent auction. Proceeds will benefit LEAF and City Fresh.



Bands Performing at Rutabaga Nights include Outside Jakes (Folk), Mobius (Jazz Quintet), Good Things (World Music), Green Escalators (Indie) and Hobo Monk (Eclectic). Katherine and Jen from WRUW's Maximum Consumption will be spinning food related party music all night between bands.

Yummy food will be graciously provided by 56 West, Bon Appetit Management Company, Buckeye Beer Engine, Dewey's Pizza, Gypsy Beans, India Garden, Italian Creations, Karen Bosworth Confections, Lakewood Phoenix Café, La Pita Express, Lolita and Melt.

In addition to the live music and great food, there will also be an interactive video sandbox and playstation with real sand and dirt, sounds fun!

The event is being held at the historic Lake Erie Screw Factory (Bird Town area of Lakewood at 13000 Athens Ave) Tickets are $25 per person, $15 for students. Tickets are available at Green Smart Gifts 14534 Detroit Ave, Gypsy Beans 6425 Detroit Ave, and Lakewood Phoenix Café 15108 Detroit Ave.

For more information on LEAF visit www.leafcommunity.org

Deck Art Opening (5/02)

Saturday, May 2nd, 2009

Where can you find the most “rad,” “sick,” and “tight,” decks this weekend? Nope, not at your local half pipe skate park but rather at the opening of the “Deck Wreckers” exhibit opening at the Pop Shop. The exhibit includes a mix of over 25 uniquely designed skateboards from edgy area artists. No grip tape or posers allowed. :) Sweet!



6pm at The Pop Shop Gallery, 17020 Madison Ave. Lakewood

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)

David Pogue, tech guru (3/09)

Monday, March 9th, 2009

David Pogue grew up in Shaker Heights. Hi Mom's the Welcome Wagon lady and his dad's a lawyer. He was a music/theatre geek from Day 1, starring in, composing, playing piano for, or conducting musicals and choirs from elementary school through high school. He was also a language jock, winning the Ohio Spelling Bee in 1977, and a magician, performing over 400 magic shows during his teen years.

Today, David Pogue is the personal-technology columnist for the New York Times. Each week, he contributes a print column, an online column, an online video and a popular daily blog, “Pogue’s Posts.”David is also an Emmy award-winning tech correspondent for CBS News, and he appears each week on CNBC with his trademark comic tech videos.

With over 3 million books in print, David is one of the world’s bestselling how-to authors. He wrote or co-wrote seven books in the “for Dummies” series (including Macs, Magic, Opera, and Classical Music); in 1999, he launched his own series of complete, funny computer books called the Missing Manual series, which now includes over 100 titles.

David graduated summa cum laude from Yale in 1985, with distinction in Music, and he spent ten years conducting and arranging Broadway musicals in New York. In 2007, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in music from Shenandoah Conservatory. He’s been profiled on both “48 Hours” and “60 Minutes.” He lives with his wife and three young children in Connecticut. His web site is www.davidpogue.com.



Join Playhouse Square as they welcome Mr. Pogue as part of their Town Hall Series. The mission of Town Hall Cleveland is to educate and to inform, through an annual series of public lectures, an audience of attentive and active citizenry in northern Ohio, promoting no particular social or political agenda other than to enrich the depth and quality of the public discourse essential to a free society.

The meetings of Town Hall of Cleveland are open to everyone with a ticket. Among those who attend are persons from a wide range of business professions, civic activists, religious, social and labor leaders, artists, politicians, teachers and students.

For more information on David Pogue and the Town Hall of Cleveland visit www.townhallofcleveland.org. For tickets call 216.241.1919

Dining Deals!

Monday, February 23rd - Sunday, March 1st, 2009

Looking to explore a new menu, a new cuisine, a new local restaurant? Than look no more... Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week starts TODAY!

Some of Cleveland's finest eateries are offering a $30, 3-course menu (appetizer, entree, dessert) for you to indulge during these "trying" economic times. Some of my favorite participating local businesses are Blue Point Grille, Crop Bistro, The Nauti Mermaid & One Walnut Restaurant. For the entire list of restaurants visit www.cleveland.com/restaurantweek/



Parking is just $2, but make sure to grab your voucher from the restaurant. Don’t miss this delicious opportunity to experience dining downtown for a great price!

An Indian feast (2/23)

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

Grab your sari, Fire on Shaker Square announces the return of guest chef Radhika Rajwade and the traditional Indian feast!

Dinner includes an assortment of Indian condiments, ragda patties, dahi papdi, chicken chaat, tandoori prawns and lahori fish fry, cashew chicken curry, roasted eggplant and garlic clay bread, butter fish, cauliflower and steamed rice, spiced minced goat, rice, saffron and crispy onions with yoghurt sauce, braised goat and spinach with pea, cheese and almond curry. For dessert, warm carrot and cardamom pudding and a cardamom-pistachio cookie. Mango lassi, rose wine cocktails, assorted Indian beers and masala chai will be offered as beverages.



The meal will be served family style at 6:30pm, something for all. For reservations, contact Amber at 216.921.3473 ext 148.
For directions and more information visit www.firefoodanddrink.com

Antique Sale (2/21)

Saturday, February 21th, 2009

Don't miss the Winter Warehouse Sale at Cleveland Auction Company!

An absolute auction featuring fine art and antiques, including furniture (Victorian through mondern), paintings (oils, prints, pastels), ceramics, glass (including Murano, cut crystal, pressed glass), silver, costume and fine jewelry, vintage books and magazines, The Wall of Fun and much more. No Reserves!

10% buyer's premium in-house (live, absentee and phone). Kelly Davis Grimm, Licensed Auctioneer
11 am for directions and more auction information visit www.cleveauction.com

Cooking with Marlin (2/22)

Sunday, February 22nd, 2009

This Sunday, join Marlin Kaplan and friends over at the Old Stone Church (www.oldstonechurch.org) as you cook for your supper.



Mr. Kaplan, owner of the new Luxe Kitchen in the Detroit-Shoreway Neighborhood and One Walnut Restaurant downtown will be teaching you how to create some awesome stews to warm your soul and your tastebuds. The cost of the class is $15, proceeds benefit Interfaith Hospitality Network & Transitional Housing.

4-7pm, Memorial Hall. To register, call the church at 216.241.6145 or email carrie@oldstonechurch.org

Fashion lecture (2/19)

Thursday, February 19th, 2009

As President Obama was sworn in as 44th President of the United States, Michelle Obama stood at his side wearing a beautifully embroidered dress and collarless coat designed by New York designer Isabel Toledo. Come meet Isabel and Ruben Toledo, key players in the fashion world.

Ms. Toledo was the creative director for Anne Klein and has designed clothing for more than 20 years. Isabel Toledo's fashions are available at Barneys New York. Ruben Toledo is a painter, sculptor, illustrator, and filmaker. As an artist, he has designed mannequins, award statuettes, dishes, carpets and a great deal more. He is also the illustrator of Nordstrom's national designer ad campaign. Mr. and Mrs. Toledo were born in Cuba and reside in New York City.



6:30-8 pm : Kent State University Museum-Rockwell Hall : Free, first come, first serve : www.kent.edu/museum

Weekend Weather

Let's hope this weekend isn't a repeat of the "Blizzard of 2007."



Incredible video of our city paired with classical tunes. I love the images of downtown traffic, the snow outside the office windows and the ducks on the frozen lake. I hope you enjoy this find, I surely did. :)

Winter Cleveland - LIST!

Good monday morning Cleveland!
I am back in the swing of things this morning and ready to take on another week of everything Cleveland has to offer. After returning from Washington D.C....a whirlwind inauguration week, I am rested and ready to roll.

As I reviewed my posts for the upcoming week I paused to note that it's almost February...I feel like New Years was just yesterday. With winter almost halfway over (yippy!) there are a few chilly "to-do's" I must squeeze in over the next month...here we go!

Spend an afternoon of skiing at Brandywine - Sunday, February 1st is Learn to Ski Day (www.bmbw.com)

Clean out my closet (during a snowstorm) and maybe buy a new-old sweater from Ohio Knitting Mills (www.ohioknittingmills.com) or hand knit legwarmers from Cleveland Heights Esty Artist (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6278862)

Savor a large mocha from City Roast Coffee & Tea available at the Westside Market (www.westsidemarket.org)

Explore Mars and the stars at the Great Lakes Science Center (www.greatscience.com)

Hit the chutes at the Cleveland Metroparks toboggan chalet chutes. (www.clemetparks.com)

Snuggle into a booth at the Melting Pot (Lyndhurst or Rocky River) for pot of dark chocolate fondue with marshmallows & strawberries perfect for dipping. (www.meltingpot.com)

Prepare for spring by taking my bike in for a winter tune up. Even better, Century Cycles is offering a coupon good for $15 off your "bike Dr. appointment." (www.centurycycles.com)

What is your Cleveland WINTER to-do list? Fill me in! :)

Cleveland in Paris

Along with loving Cleveland, I HEART PARIS.

I heart the architecture, the quaint bistros filled with espresso & wine, the french fashion sense, I heart EVERYTHING french!

Last week my friend and fellow "Cleveland-Lover" Danielle (owner & creator of Room Service) traveled to France to explore, renew and search out fabulous spring merchandise for us Cleveland shoppers. Her talent lies not only as a sassy retail buyer, but clearly she has a great eye for photography too.



Take a moment to escape to Paris through the eyes of Danielle, photos tres magnifiques!

blog.roomservicecleveland.com/

"Holly"Wood Christmas

Do you love Xmas movies? Can't WAIT for Thanksgiving to be over to pull out "The Grinch"? Think Will Ferrell is your ultimate HERO in "ELF" Then do I have a place for you to visit!

"Holly"Wood Christmas Movieland in Broadview Heights is filled with collectibles and movie props from many of the beloved Holiday movie classics. What type of stuff?

Among the movie exhibits you will find....
• Santa Claus: The Movie - Costumes and Sleigh Models used for filming
• Jingle All The Way - We do covet this one- the one and only wooden TurboMan costume!
• Christmas with the Kranks - Everybody’s favorite snowman!
• Miracle on 34th Street - Original jewelery, set components, and props
• The Grinch - World’s Largest collection of props - Cars, the Grinch Sleigh, costumes, set components, Martha May’s Engagement Ring, and of course, the very LAST can of Who Hash.
• Elf - Will Ferrell’s snug Costume
• The Santa Clause: Tim Allen’s Santa costume

001 Rt. 82 (E Royalton Road) Broadview Heights, OH 44147 FREE PARKING • 440.453.5889 • www.christmasmovieland.com Bring the whole family while they are in town, fun for everyone!

Winter lights

As we approach the Christmas holiday, take a few minutes to warm the car, a thermos mug of hot cocoa and head out to scope the best holiday light display in your Cleveland area neighborhood.

Last night, myself and a friend of mine bundled up her little elf and made our way out to Westlake, OH to see the holiday light displays. Columbia Road (south of Detroit) has many homeowners willing to spend their hard earned cash on electricity bills for everyone to enjoy the thousands of twinkling bulbs.



From Santa to dancing penguins, nodding reindeer to candy cane fences, we saw it all. There is something to be said about jumping in and out of a warm car on a FOUR degree night, but the excitement of capturing a small child in the middle of an outrageous light display was well worth it.

Do you have a neighborhood filled with lights? A MUST-See that you want to share? Please send me your suggestions and we will drive down your street next. :)

Dino Day (12/20)

Saturday, December 20th, 2008

Want to avoid the holiday shopping crowds this weekend? Head over to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History as they welcome the new Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. The full-size T. rex, a replica of the original fossil in Montana's Museum of the Rockies, will be posed facing off against the Cleveland museum's recently acquired Triceratops, the second-largest dinosaur of the Late Cretaceous Period.

The museum will hold several activities from noon to 4 pm, including dinosaur craft-making, live animal displays at 1 and 3 p.m. featuring "Raptor Show" and "Dinosaur Descendants," a 1:30 pm talk by fossil hunter Darin Croft, and a 2 pm T. rex roaring contest.



Dino Day Activities Throughout the Day Include:
• Paleontologist Vest Craft
• Dinosaur Doorknob Hanger Craft in the Discovery Center
• Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt/Bingo – Complete to receive a Dinosaur Stencil!
• Bring your camera to take a photo with a Museum dinosaur character
• Hands-on-experience with bones and fossils
• Vertebrate Paleontology display of dinosaur fossil casts and Q&A

Also Enjoy:
• Planetarium Shows for $4 at 10:30, 11:30 am and 12:30, 2, 3, and 4 pm
• Live Animal Shows: "Raptor Show" and "Dinosaur Descendants;" 1 and 3 pm
• "Build-a-Beast" in Murch Auditorium; 12:30 and 3:30 pm
• T. rex Roaring Contest – Participants must register in advance
• T. rex balloon figures with Swifty the Clown; 12:30 to 3:30 pm
• Meet a Dino Hunter: Darin Croft, Research Associate at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, CWRU, at 1:30 pm

Activities are free with museum admission. The museum is at 1 Wade Oval Drive in University Circle. For details see www.cmnh.org

Lunch concert (12/17)

Wednesday, December 17th, 2008

Trinity Cathedral is probably best known for their Brownbag Concerts presented by the Music & Performing Arts Department (involved in several initiatives and ongoing projects that further their mission to "build community and enhance the quality of life in Cleveland through the arts.")

This Wednesday pack your lunch, pick up Subway or purchase one of the $5 lunches provided at the Cathedral. Then find a seat and spend an hour enjoying the music of the Chamber Orchestra & Chamber Choir.



12-1pm. Free parking in the Trinity Commons lot off Prospect Avenue. For more information visit www.mandpa.org/index.html

Chinese Buns

Are you already burnt out on gingerbread and sugarplums? craving sweets? Be adventurous at Koko Bakery in Cleveland's own Chinatown, sample a bright purple pastry filled with a small duck egg or you can play it safe and try the cheesecake. Either way, you will be overwhelmed and delighted inside this bright Payne Avenue storefront. Go explore.

In addition to its huge selection of sweet and savory pies, the place is also known for its bubble teas and exotic fruit smoothies. 3710 Payne Ave., Cleveland p.216.881.7600. Credit card accepted for purchases over $5

Shop till you drop (12/13-14)

Saturday December 13th, 2008

This weekend we celebrate the artists who stay up late, who cram their thoughts into a worn sketchbook, who day dream to invent the next “it” item in the DIY crafting-world. Don’t miss the Bazaar Bizarre, Cleveland's fabulous original indie craft show this Saturday and Sunday December at 78th Street Studios (1300 W. 78th St)



Vendors are ready to rock and roll. A few of my personal favorites are oddball press www.oddballpress.com (letterpress creations to fill my card stash), [base] line (unique jewelry, I LOVE my tic tac earrings!) and small screen designs www.smallscreendesigns.com (whimsy illustrations with a touch of sass!)

New to the show this year...a gift-wrapping. Buy handmade! For more information visit www.bazaarbizarre.org/cleveland.html

Celebrate Polka

I knew that Polka was BIG here in Cleveland, but what I didn't know was that we actually have a National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame located in our backyard!

The Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of polka music, the happiest sound around. Polka has its roots in Slovenian folk music, but the influence of American musicians has given it universal appeal and popularity. Just as English and Irish music has evolved into country music, the polka represents the music of central Europe.



The Polka Hall of Fame and Museum is located in the Shore Cultural Center in Euclid, Ohio, in close proximity to the Collinwood neighborhood where leading polka musicians lived such as Frankie Yankovic, Johnny Vadnal, Johnny Pecon and Eddie Habat. The Museum has free admission and is open five days a week. For directions and holiday hours visit www.clevelandstyle.com

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.

Le Plasir (11/29-30)

Saturday, November 29, at 5:30 pm & Sunday, November 30, at 4:15 pm

LE PLAISIR (aka “House of Pleasure”)

Max Ophuls’ 1955 color and ‘scope spectacle Lola Montès may be the revival of the year, but until that film gets to Cleveland, feast your eyes on this Ophuls wonder made three years earlier. It’s one of three masterpieces that ended the director’s extraordinary career (the third, The Earrings of Madame de…, shows at the Cleveland Museum of Art on Dec. 30.), and the only one of the three not distributed theatrically in the U.S. (We’re showing a rare 35mm print from France.) Le Plaisir tells, with peerless lyricism and intoxicating camera movements, three de Maupassant stories of fleeting happiness: an old man wears a mask to perpetuate his youth; urban prostitutes spend a day in the country; an artist marries his mistress/model. Subtitles. 35mm. 95 min.



Show Times : Nov 29 (Sat) - 5:30PM : Nov 30 (Sun) - 4:15PM For additional information visit www.cia.edu

MORE Holiday fun

Let the cheer continue! Another week and another slew of holiday dinners, specials, events and happenings upon us. Hope you are able to take advantage of some holiday fun & cheer!

Last Chance to Ditch the Relatives Night! (11/29) Enough is Enough! No More Turkey leftovers! Visit the Garage Bar for an evening of fun...they WON’T be serving Turkey ANYTHING! :) Music by DJ Blackbird. www.thegaragebar.net

Home Alone (12/06) directed by Chris Columbus will be showing at the Lakewood Library, 3pm. Free as part of the holiday festivities...Light Up Lakewood! Main Library Auditorium. Rated PG.

Sugarcoat tunes. (12/07) Spend an afternoon with Jazz vocalist Kelly Wright and keyboardist Chris Hanna as they present an hour of Jazz standards. Lakewood Main Library Auditorium. 2pm

North Coast Greyhound Connection (12/20) Stop into Smith & Hawken at Crocker Park this afternoon to meet some retired racing greyhounds looking for their new forever homes. Volunteers will be on hand to give you all the information on owning and caring for the sweet-natured dogs. 12-4pm.

Movie Journey

Mysteries of the Great Lakes

Ever wanted to explore the ecology of our inland seas, its threatened species and conservation efforts? Looking for something to do, other than shopping, this weekend? Than why not take a holiday break or a long lunch and go experience the “Mysteries of the Great Lakes” playing at the Great Lakes Science Center.

It takes a drop of water nearly 400 years to travel from the headwaters of Lake Superior to the edge of Lake Ontario. Along the way, the water passes by towering cliffs dotted with early Native American pictographs, caribou and moose grazing on the shores, over giant prehistoric sturgeon lurking among thousands of shipwrecks and past nearly 40 million people who live along the more than 10,000 miles of coastline. It is a dramatic journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. It’s a MUST SEE!



November 28-30, 12 & 3 pm and December 1-24, 12pm. For directions, fees, etc. visit www.glsc.org

Where the "Wild Things" read (11/21)

Friday, November 21st, 2008

Meet the "Wild Things" at Barnes & Noble in Crocker Park, Westlake. Stay for the entire story hour, or just swing by for the first gingerbread latte of the holiday season and story time with Max.

Discover if Max has fun with the "Wild Things" before he drifts off to sleep. Don't be scared to come to story time in the children's department upstairs. 10:30-11:30am



For directions and additional information visit www.barnesandnoble.com

Tremont faves (11/14)

Friday, November 14th 2008

Don't miss the monthly Tremont Art Walk this evening. Visit Asterisk Gallery for the latest and greatest show-All Things Cleveland. The exhibition will be a nostalgic trip down Cleveland memory lane. Swing by the new cupcake boutique; A Cookie & A Cupcake and don't miss the sweet treats and new exhibit (works by Sarah Doughtery) at Lilly's Chocolates of Tremont.

For additional information on these local finds visit www.asteriskgallery.com, www.acookieandacupcake.com and www.lillytremont.com

Stylish Fun (11/13)

Thursday, November 13th, 2008

Why not spend the evening exploring Chagrin Falls as Stash Style will host their Holiday Open House. Featuring antiques and some soon-to-be antiques, the home furnishings boutique will feature all things glittery for your holiday decorating, gift-giving and more. Join Shannon for a wonderful evening reconnecting with friends and preparing for the months that lie ahead. The evening affair will also showcase cupcakes by Pat Hoose and the creative work of Chic Unique and Old World Design Studio-both furniture refinshers with a knack for making something new again!



Light refreshments including petite fours and bubbly will be served. For direction and additional information call 440.247.2550.

made in the 216 (11/7-8)

Friday, November 7th, 2008

By now most of you are probablly aware that THIS Friday (& Saturday) marks the second "Made in the 216" event presented by Room Service and the ever-so-creative; Danielle! If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend THIS is the event for you. Not only will there be shopping, but I bet you bump into a few friends you haven't seen in awhile, plus there will be a few yummy munchies on the scene too, don't miss it.



For two days only, Room Service will be showcasing 18 different Cleveland-based designers offering a wide range of items from menswear to women's jewelry & handbags to household and children's goods and more (think early holiday shopping). Along with many new designers participating in this 216 event, local favorites that Room Service carries year-round will be introducing new designs for the show as well.

For more information visit www.roomservicecleveland.com

Lululemon Opening (11/01)

Please join Lululemon as we welcome them to Cleveland!

Stop by their new space at The Hampton's Luxury Apartments (220-Rec, 27040 Cedar Rd., Beachwood OH 44122) this Saturday morning for a complimentary yoga class, taught by lululemon ambassador and yoga/fitness guru Deanna Black at 10-11am. The showroom will be open from 11-4pm with live music, healthy treats, and lots of mingling with Clevelanders in the yoga and fitness community.

Hope you can stop in and give this east coat company a warm midwest welcome!

For more information visit www.lululemon.com

Another Haunt!

So I know I mentioned a few hauted house earlier in the week...but one I left off that you ghosts and goblins may be interested in is The Ghostly Manor: A Haunting Experience.

Be prepared, this old mansion instantly comes alive as the door closes behind you and your deepest fears are revealed. Walk through this amazing haunt, filled with chills and thrills sure to give you an experience unlike any other. That's why it is one of the WORLD'S Top 10 Favorite Walkthrough Attractions, according to the 2007 Dark Ride and Funhouse Enthusiasts' (DAFE) members' survey.

For more information and driections visit www.ghostlymanor.com

Pumpkin Fest!

Haven't got your pumpkin yet, pumpkin? This weekend make your way out to Red Wagon Farm in Columbia Station for some fall fun. Choose your Jack-o'-lantern-to-be and buy some freshly picked apples at the annual Pumpkin Festival.

Kids can tackle "Straw Mountain" and meet with the scarecrows while Mom & Dad can roam through the corn maze and enjoy a roll in the hay..I mean a hayride! :)

Happy Fall Weekend Cleveland!

For directions and more information visit www.redwagonfarm.com

"FREE" Pizza! (10/09)

Thursday, October 9th, 2008

Who couldn't use a midweek escape? Here's your chance. Thursday from 4:30pm to 2am, Bar Cento is giving away one of its "traditional" pizzas - "free" - with the purchase of a bottle of house wine or a carafe of beer. It's chef Jonathon Sawyer's way of telling customers "thanks" for their restaurant's first year in business.

I have to say, it is my ultimate favorite place to spend the evening with good friends, nestled up at the bar...a traditional pizza, sometimes an order of warm olives and a bottle of their house red, nothing could be more perfect!



For directions and their full menu visit www.barcento.com

Art on Friday (10/10)

Friday, October 10th, 2008

Come to the West 11th Street pedestrian bridge for a one-night outdoor celebration, including:

> circle remains : David Jurca; Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative
> Where RU? Here or There? : Patsy Kline Gallery U-Haul
> drops of light : Gauri Torgalkar Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative
> street sofa : Alex Tapie & Wes Johansen

plus…

> Miss Melvis and the Buford Pusser Experience
> One Dollar Hat
> Stargazing, Congolese dances, music, storytellers and Capoeira



Food and drink from Gypsy Beans Café, Fresh produce from Hooper's Farm

The event is free and all are welcome. The West 11th Street bridge is two blocks south of Lincoln Park on West 11th Street (or) one block north of Clark Field on West 11th Street (parking at Clark Field) In the event of rain, Bridge Mix will be rescheduled for Saturday, October 11th from 6-11pm.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/popupcleveland

A Pop Up City production, sponsored by the Kent State University Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative with the support of the Civic Innovation Lab, Tremont West Development Corporation, and Progressive Urban Real Estate.

Come to "Your Senses" (9/28)

Sunday, September 28th, 2008

Nothing to do on a Sunday evening? Look no more! After an afternoon of Sunday football (Browns play Cincinnati @ 1:00pm) come down to Wooltex Gallery as Angrychick productions presents “An Evening of the Senses!"

Live bands stir up your eardrums, local artists amaze your eyes and Lilly Handmade Chocolates of tremont will tantalize your taste buds and have you sniffing out the chocolate goodness!! Lilly will be serving her newest concoction, Hotte Chocolate (available at this event ONLY-for the time being anyway!) Come experience bliss!

Tickets are $10 in advance and are currently available through the artists & performers. If you’d like tickets, swing by Lilly Handmade Chocolates (www.lillytremont.com) or track down one of these lovely people-Steven Carriker, Corissa Briggs, Rachel Shortt, Julie Stanley, Shawn Kranes, Krisztina Lazar or Henry F. Elliot V.

Doors open at 5:00pm. Music and Chocolate, this could be the best Sunday night ever! :) For directions to the gallery visit www.thewooltexgallery.com

Chalk Festival (9/20-21)

Saturday & Sunday, September 20th & 21st, 2008

In 16th-century Italy, beggars, using chalk on the plazas outside cathedrals, copied paintings of the Madonna by Raphael and his contemporaries. With these street painters, called I Madonnari (painters of the Madonna), an artistic tradition was born. Today I Madonnari festivals are held annually in Europe, Africa, and the United States. Our festival brings this Renaissance tradition to Cleveland. Enjoy chalk artists and entertainment at no charge at the Cleveland Museum of Art.



Featured Chalk Artists are Story Lee Cadiz, Mark Jenks, George Kozmon, Wendy Mahon, Debra Sue Solecki, Rafael Valdivieso, Robin VanLear

You too can chalk your own pictures large square and 24-color box of chalk: $16 each, small square and 12-color box of chalk: $8 each Children under 15 must be accompanied by supervising adults.

For more information visit www.clemusart.com