Give back

You are blessed.

Anyone who has time to squeeze in a blog read or two is blessed.

You have health. You have family & friends. And most likely each evening your heat is turned up to a toasty 68 degrees.

Every holiday season, it gets me thinking how lucky and blessed I am and how I could help those who aren't so lucky.

Have you ever worked at a soup kitchen? It really opens your eyes to how blessed you are. It awakens the compassionate soul and teaches you the idea of being so truly humble and grateful.




If you have always wanted to try to volunteer at a soup kitchen here are a few things you should consider....

1. Find out which soup kitchens are located in your area. Do a search online, look in the phone book, call information or ask your city or town clerk.

Some of the larger Cleveland area soup kitchens that need are....
> Zion Soup Kitchen (call 216.861.2371)
> St Malachi Center (call 216.771.3036)
> Trinity Cathedral (call 216.774.0425)
> Cleveland Catholic Charities (call 216.334.2961)

2. Contact a local soup kitchen and tell them you'd like to help.

3. Organize a group of people from your circle of friends, your neighborhood, work, your church or synagogue who are willing to volunteer on Thanksgiving.

4. Understand that the soup kitchen needs lots of help in other areas besides food service. Offer to pick up donations, do an inventory on them and store them away. You might also set up tables, prepare the food and help clean up after the meal is through.

5. Include your children in your efforts. This is a great way to teach them the importance of community service.

6. Consider making this a tradition in your family every year. Counting your blessings and helping people in need is a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving.


If you have other volunteer options or ideas please make a comment.

Why will you stay? (11/18)

To rsvp for this exciting high-energy event, visit iwsicleveland.blogspot.com

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

Free Theatre (3/25)

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

Speak from the Heart : A powerful evening of original works of drama, story and poetry created and performed by women in transition. Established in 1999, the Women's Voices Project is a collaboration between Cleveland Public Theatre and the Elyria YWCA's Women's Campus Project. Women's Voices connects Campus Project residents with the tools of creative expression to help them achieve independent living and recover from domestic violence, addiction and other adversities. Following performances at Cleveland Public Theatre and the Elyria YWCA, the women tour their work to area shelters, recovery centers and prisons.



Both performances are free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted. Each performance will be followed by a post-show discussion and reception. 8:00pm : Cleveland Public Theatre : 6415 Detroit Ave. Cleveland, OH 44102

Fpr more information visit www.cptonline.org

TOMS @ Geigers (3/12)

Thursday, March 12th, 2009

Since beginning in May 2006, TOMS has given over 10,000 pairs of shoes to children in Argentina and 50,000 pairs in South Africa. In 2009 TOMS plans to give over 200,000 pairs of shoes to children in need around the world. For EVERY pair of shoes you buy TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need...one for one.



This week, why not splurge on a pair of TOMS while doing something better for one small child. Visit Geigers in Lakewood as they feature the TOMS shoe line in store from 4-8pm. TOMS make shoes for women, men & children, including teeny tiny ones for the wee person in your life. These shoes would be a great addition to any spring/summer wardrobe (note* = canvas shoes not too great for snow) so buy now, the fun patterns and styles to go fast!



For the entire shoe line visit www.tomsshoes.com or for directions visit www.shopgeigers.com.

Happy 50th Birthday....

Barbie.

I loved the column in yesterday's PD, written by sassy columnist Connie Schultz, thought you may too?



www.cleveland.com/schultz/blog/index.ssf/2009/03/when_little_girls_have_big_dre.html

Running the Sahara (2/18)

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009

NEHST Studios is hosting a special premiere screening of the film "Running the Sahara" (www.runningthesahara.com) in Cleveland (& Canton on March 13th). "Running the Sahara" is a documentary narrated and produced by Oscar winner Matt Damon, directed by Oscar winner James Moll, and featuring music by Grammy winner Wyclef Jean (I love the music on the website!). the film follows three ultra-marathoners on their 111-day, 4,300-mile attempt to run across Africa's Sahara Desert.



"Running the Sahara" focuses on three runners: Charlie Engle from Charlotte, North Carolina, Kevin Lin from Taipei, Taiwan, and Ray Zahab from Ontario, Canada – accompanied by a support team consisting of an MD, a physical therapist, and a logistics leader – as they attempt to become the first people to ever run across the Sahara Desert. This character-driven film delves into the life-changing experiences of the three runners as they tackle the physical and emotional obstacles in the Sahara Desert. The film delivers a message of hope and puts everyday challenges in perspective.

7pm : Tower City Cinemas. $35 per person (includes admission to the film, a gift bag valued at over $50, a cocktail reception and Q&A with star of the film, ultra-marathoner Charlie Engle.) A portion of proceeds will benefit the Rodale Institute and Team In Training. For tickets visit www.nehst.com

Race to the CURE (9/13)

Saturday, September 13th, 2008.

Put your pink on and lace up those shoe strings...it's time to race for a cure. The 15th Annual Race is this weekend at Malls B and C in downtown Cleveland. Join in for the Survivor Ceremony at 8 am and the competitive Race at 9:15 am.

There is still time to register, Friday afternoon (12-6pm) take a ride over to Tower City where the Komen foundation will have registration availble to all.

I look forward to seeing everyone for the annual 5K race and lots of fun.

For more information on the race or the foundation visit www.komenneohio.org

A Scoop for a Pint! (7/13)

Sunday, July 13th, 2008

Don't miss this annual blood drive hosted by Mitchells Ice Cream in Rocky River in collaboration with the American Red Cross. From noon to five, stop by and donate a pint of blood and in return you will get a free scoop of their Cleveland-made ice cream.



My current favorite is peach but I also love the mango sorbet...what's yours?

For details call Mitchell's at 440.333.4563 19700 Detroit Rd, Rocky River
For the full flavor list visit www.mitchellshomemade.com

Freedom Yoga! (7/04)

Friday, July 4th, 2007

Join Evolution Yoga for this year's 5th annual outdoor yoga fundraiser for and at The Gathering Place, a caring community for those touched by cancer. Bring a friend to this all levels yoga class team. ALL funds collected go directly to The Gathering Place!

This year, you can choose to donate online, click through as if you are registering for a class to donate online. We recommend you bring sun glasses and wear sunscreen if the day is sunny.

The Gathering Place : 23300 Commerce Park in Beachwood, behind the Beachwood post office, just off Green Road.
For more information visit www.evoyoga.com

Volunteer for Cleveland

Applications for the 2008-2009 Junior League of Cleveland are being accepted until June 1st; ladies..get yours in today!

The Junior League of Cleveland, Inc. is a group of women volunteers dedicated to community change. The group is composed of diverse, creative, compassionate, and action oriented women who are committed to promoting the League's mission of promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action of trained volunteers. Our members have varying backgrounds and interests and share a commitment to volunteering.

The JLC's main projects include: Done in a Day, Girls Make Great Leaders, Kids & Seniors, and Touch a Life. The Sustainer Members of The JLC also have a project they're involved in called Reading is Fun.

If you are interested in becoming part of this strong Cleveland organization, visit www.jlcleveland.org or contact Lindsay Pollock, next year's provisional coordinator, at advisor@jlcleveland.org.

Cleveland Speaks

Have you noticed the new "words on the street"? The other night in the parking lot I was captivated by one and had to know more...



“The Mind of Cleveland” is a public conversation in billboard/poster form, a conceptual town meeting where everyone has the opportunity to be heard publicly. The project employs modes of communication common in urban spaces, such as billboards, letterpress posters and the Internet. With the use of public signage, the thoughts, feelings and wishes of Cleveland residents are displayed.

Next time you see one of these bold, dynamic statement on the street, stop and think, how cool is it that we live in a region, in a country for that matter where people thoughts and opinions are not only heard but made public for all to read.

For more about this project, visit www.themindofcleveland.com

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

Kentucky to Cleveland (5/03)

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Get your tickets and start decorating your hat for the second annual "From Kentucky to Cleveland - A Derby Celebration." You can WIN, PLACE, and SHOW at this year’s Junior League of Cleveland fundraiser.
 
WIN : Win an assortment of great prizes in the silent auction and hat contest! An assortment of gaming will also be happening throughout the evening.
 
PLACE : Place your bets. Kentucky Derby will be televised live and you can get in the fun by naming a horse for $20 in the “Night at the Races” events.
 
SHOW : Show your support for this wonderful volunteer organization, tickets are only $50 a person. Bring your friends & family.
 


Tickets are $50 a person, or $90 per couple including fabulous food & drinks; soda, beer and wine included in ticket price. Cash bar for mixed drinks and $6 Mint Juleps. Grand Stand attire (no jeans please). To purchase your tickets visit www.Blacktie-Cleveland.com or mail your check made payable to The JLC, attn: Derby Party, 10819 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland, OH 44106.
 
Questions? contact Vanessa Stanbridge, derbyparty@jlcleveland.org

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

World H2O Day (3/22)

Saturday, March 22nd, 2008

In a country filled with Brita, Evian & Disani...World Water Day is an international day of observance and action to draw attention to the plight of the more than 1 billion people that lack access to clean, safe drinking water.

Celebrated since 1993, World Water Day was designated in 1992 when the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution. In many ways though, World Water Day is still a relatively unknown event. World Water Day is today at a similar stage as Earth Day was in the early 1970’s – important but relatively unknown.

For information on this initiative visit www.worldwaterday.net

Yoga Fundraiser (3/22)

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Join in the fight to end local hunger by participating in a fun, family-friendly yoga fundraiser at a lovely studio in Cleveland's historic ArtCraft Building! Enjoy yoga classes, raffle, silent art auction, community art project, health vendor information, refreshments, and door prizes. Proceeds benefit Harvest for Hunger.

Art enthusiasts and children of all ages are invited to express themselves with supplied Crayola Classic Colors markers and "canvas." Support hunger relief as you bid on one-of-a-kind works from emerging and established local artists!

Marigold Catering brings to our table their generous offering of food and drink for the days event refereshments

9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. @ 2570 Superior Avenue, Suite 200 (ArtCraft Building, Jim Baron Photography). Plenty of free, secure parking in lot behind building. Suggested donation per yoga class $5.00. For a detailed class schedule, visit http://pinklotusyoga.com/h4h.aspx

Wear Red! (2/1)

Friday, February 1st, 2008.

EEK! Too few people realize that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women (and men), but the good news is that unlike broken hearts, heart disease can be prevented! Today is National Wear Red Day! It’s such a cool day that it has its own dress code. Tonight wear your favorite red clothes or accessory – a red coat, a fabulous red bag, – put on red lipstick, or sport a red tie and red socks. Go red in your own fashion to show your support for women and the fight against heart disease.

Take the American Heart Association’s Online Checkup. Share the results with your physician and follow their recommendations. Encourage your friends to do the same! www.goredforwomen.org/hcu/index.aspx



If you plan top do some shopping tonight wear red to a Macy’s store today and receive an exclusive All-Day savings pass for 15% off apparel and accessories. Not wearing red? Stop by the Accessories Department, make a $2 donation and receive a Red Dress Pin and All-Day Shopping Pass! www1.macys.com

www.goredforwomen.org

Comedy for a Cause (1/25)

Friday, January 25th, 2008

At the end of THIS week, head over to Bottoms Up for an evening of good laughs for a great cause. Join Clevelands comedic trio Ryan Dalton, Luke Jones and Judson Laipply as they showcase their talents in support of two local memorial/scholarship funds. Come for a good laugh, a big brew and if we are lucky we may even get to experience the YouTube phenomenon, the evolution of dance, (www.theevolutionofdance.com) you don't want to miss it!

21 and over (who knows what they'll say?) Doors open at 8:30, show begins at 9:30. For tickets ($10 each) call 419.308.3038. Call soon they are going fast.

Bottoms Up, 1572 W 117TH St, Lakewood

Happy Snow Neighbors

As you know, snow both adds to the charm and creates a lot of frustration in Cleveland. And by snow, I mean snow removal. Now that it's the snow season, you might be interested in the website I discovered, www.thankyouforshoveling.org

This site offers free "Thank you for shoveling" cards, designed to encourage your neighbors to shovel the sidewalks during the winter. It's easy to curse your neighbors when it takes you ten extra minutes to get to work in the morning because you have to wade through snow or jump over slush. They're making it easy for people to do something constructive and neighborly about keeping their block shoveled this winter.

They will send you cards, and all you have to do is drop them in the mailbox of your neighbors who shovel. A little positive reinforcement goes a long way towards making a snow-free and friendlier block.

http://thankyouforshoveling.org

Merry Christmas Cleveland (12/25)

Tuesday, December 25th 2007

As we celebrate the holiday with family, good friends, great food and gifts, I would like to take a minute to wish each of you a very merry Christmas.

May your holidays be filled with joy, a sense of peace and lots of love as we move into a new and exciting year.

xo

i heart cleveland

Boys Sing (12/14-16)

This weekend take a break from the hustle and bustle to go out and listen to some sweet, boyish voices as they sing the sounds of the season.

Friday night join St. Ignatius High School Choir at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (E. 9th St. & Superior Ave.), the mother church of the Cleveland Catholic Diocese. With over 80-voices, St. Ignatius High School Choir, will perform a seasonal program titled Advent Lessons and Carols. At 7:30 p.m. It's free but a goodwill offering will be taken.

On Saturday & Sunday the North Coast Men's Chorus will be performing a series entitled, Swingle Bells. Expect the usual blend of light-heartedness, uplift, slapstick and tear-evoking sentiment, embellished with costumes and choreography. The holiday performances will take place at the Lakewood Civic Auditorium. 8p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets: $10-$50. Go to ncmchorus.org.

Run "Pumpkin" Run (10/28)

Saturday, October 27th, 2007

Run those extra candy calories off at the annual Great Pumpkin Fun Run & 5K Race. The race begins (@ 8:30 am) and ends at Lakewood Park in Lakewood, with all of the proceeds from the event benefit Keep Lakewood Beautiful and Project H2O.



For more information, call Hermes Sports & Events at (216) 623-9933 or visit www.hermescleveland.com.

Cleveland is Sweet (10/20)

Saturday, October 20th, 2007

In 1922, Herbert Birch Kingston, a Cleveland, Ohio philanthropist and candy company employee founded Sweetest Day.
He believed that the city's orphans and shut-ins often felt forgotten and neglected, so he conceived the idea of showing them they were remembered. He did this through the distribution of small gifts. With the help of his friends and neighbors, he distributed these small remembrances on a Saturday in October. During the years that followed, other Clevelanders began to participate in the celebration ceremony, which came to be called "Sweetest Day".

In time, the Sweetest Day idea of spreading cheer to the underprivileged was broadened to include everyone, and became an occasion for remembering others with a kind act or a small remembrance. And soon the idea spread to other cities all over the country. This holiday is much more important in some regions than in others (Detroit, Cleveland and Buffalo being the biggest Sweetest Day cities).

Now isn't that sweet?

Bitches at Mitch's (9/22)

Saturday, September 22nd, 2007

Yes, you heard right. There will be "bitches" at Mitchell Sotka...and a few dogs and cats too, to raise money for the Cleveland Animal Protective League.

Joining Sotka will be local artists Kimberly Engel, Gai Russo and Susan Scaporati. 10% of sales will be donated to the Cleveland APL. Kimberly has wonderful silhouettes and mixed media images of canines. Gai and Susan have animal-lover themed jewelry in addition to their well-known lines of aromatherapy and lariats.

So bring your pooch for all the fun. The Cleveland APL will be available with animals to adopt from 12-4pm and other activities include give-a-ways, dog care, training tips, homemade dog treats, t-shirts and dog ice-cream.

So if you are a dog lover or just want to help support a wonderful cause Swing by Mitchell Sotka's in Rocky River on Old River Road. For more information, visit www.mitchellsotka.com

Rolling on the River (9/14)

Friday, September 14, 2007

Rolling on the River

Join our friends at the Hunger Network for a fabulous evening affair at Windows on the River. What could be better than gambling (roulette, black jack, texas Hold 'em, craps and more!) with "play money" all for a good cause. Complimentary food, wine and beer will be included.

6:30-10:30pm. Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore, Cleveland.
Tickets are $50 in advance, $75 at the door. For more information call 216.619.8155, ext. 18 or email mwohlfeiler@hungernetwork.org

A "Charity" Dinner (9/14)

Friday, September 14, 2007

Be the first to see the new McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant at Beachwood Place (Located next to Maggiano's) while supporting the Cleveland Chapter of The Foundation for Community Betterment at a pre-opening celebration charity dinner.

$35 per person includes appetizers, entrée and dessert. Seatings will be between 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

All proceeds directly benefit the Foundation for Community Betterment
RSVP: msvip@robertfalls.com or call (216) 773-1019

For more information on the Foundation visit www.communitybetterment.org

Open Doors @ Anatomy (8/30)

Thursday, August 30th

Come down to Open Doors' monthly Young Professionals Happy Hour, with celebrity bartender Jen Toohey from Q104, at Anatomy Night Club + Ultralounge. Network with other Young Professionals from throughout the Cleveland area from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. while enjoying free appetizers, drink specials and mojitos.

Open Doors, Inc. is a non-profit organization developed to support and enhance academic, social and emotional growth in middle-school-aged children. To learn more about Open Doors, Inc., visit www.opendoorsafterschool.org or contact Annemarie Grassi at 216.320.9563 or e-mail grassiam@aol.com.

From the farm to the table (8/27)

Monday, August 27th

A benefit collaboration between the garden and North Union Farmers Market, the evenings menu & decor will feature a Tuscan theme. From 5:30 to 9 p.m. Prices for this evening are $75 for garden & North Union members, $85 for others. All proceeds from the evening feast will benefit the Garden's Green Corps program.

For reservations, call 216-707-2846.

Know how to fix bikes? (7/25)

Wednesday, July 25th

Join the Ohio City Bike co-op for their annual FIXATHON
If you have the “know-how” then show up and help fix lots of bikes for kids & adults.
They will then be given to those who need them. Keep Cleveland rolling! 5-9pm

http://www.ohiocitycycles.org