Happy sparkly weekend!

Another chilly winter weekend in Cleveland...how I love how shiny the world is with a little coating of ice. My friend Henry once said that I must have been a crow in a past life as I am constantly attracted to anything glittery, sparkly or shimmery...so needless to say, a dusting of light snow makes my heart skip a beat!

Although this weekend is predicted to be an extra cold one, there are many activities to keep us indoors all warm and cozy. around town. I'm going to try and hit a few of these hot spots this last weekend in January...can you believe it's almost February?

A new season at MOCA means an Opening Night Celebration. Art. Music. A killer gift shop!



A drink with the new Dante.

Arabesques, padashas and pliés at Playhouse Square featuring the Bill T. Jones & Arnie Zane Dance Company

Hot Haitian Nights....a Benefit to Help Rebuild Haiti Saturday night at the Speakeasy (under the Beer Market) 8pm. $10 suggested donation to benefit Habitat for Humanity International and their efforts to help the people of Haiti rebuild their lives.

Two games are better than one! (Cavs play tonight AND Sunday!)

Miss Manners (11/22)

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

Browns Rule!

November 19th through December 13th, 2009

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

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



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

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

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

Dodging Sniffles

As fall arrives, and the swine flu sets in we find ourselves armed with a pack of tissues, vitamin c and perhaps switching from the morning latte to a hot cup of Echinacea..

This weekend Nolan predicts cold temperatures and chilling rain to blow through the North East Ohio neighborhoods. If you are looking for a little hideaway to keep you warm and toasty, here are a few of my favorites.



> InnerBliss Yoga : for a hot yoga class to sweat away the bad toxins
> La Petite Triangle Café : for a pot of french press coffee
> Brown Aveda Institute : for an upper body relaxation massage ($17!) to move those nasty germs out of you
> The Cleveland Botanical Garden : for a tropical, butterfly infused adventure
> Chelseas : for a bit of therapeutic searching/shopping for vintage fall frocks (1412 W 116TH St)
> The Great Lakes Theatre : For a comfy lounge chair, a stiff drink (don’t they say alcohol cures a cold?) & Shakespeare

Gender Bender Play (10/08)

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

As part of the Great Lakes Theatre Festival season opener, the actors and actresses would like to invite you to experience their work in Shakespeares, The Twelth Night.



After a shipwreck on an unfriendly shore and the loss of her twin brother Sebastian, young Viola must pose as a man to survive. Shakespeare’s sophisticated comedy of gender-bending mistaken identity is full of passionate longing and bittersweet romance. Twelfth Night is an irresistible and poignant comedy that is one of the Bard’s most luminous plays.

Get your tickets today!

Hot Cha Cha (8/30)

Sunday, August 30th, 2009

HotChaCha started as a girl band on an early Friday morning in '07 at the West Side Market in Cleveland.

Mandy and Jovana were sipping on coffee and decided that due to Mandys’ brilliant guitar sound, and Jovanas’ outrageous stage presence, they had something HUGE going on. A few days later a local drummer, Lisa, was txt messaged to come and jam with the above mentioned broads.

For three months the girls consumed large amounts of beer, peed in the garbage can at the practice space, wrote music, and jammed. Finally, one night under the influence of large amounts of alcohol, they agreed to play their first show.



After they rocked, offended a bunch of people, and inspired everyone to cry, they realized how HUGE they could be. Another thing became apparent- they needed a bass player!

Local bass playing boys were all in their business trying to get in on the HotChaCha phenomena, but the girls were firm- they wanted a girl bass player. That night Heather saw the show and fell in love with the band. The next practice she joined HotChaCha and never left.

It is than, that HCC was truly created. Mandy, Lisa. Heather, and Jovi became one ultimate machine that will make you laugh, and cry all at once.

See the Hot Cha Chas THIS Sunday at the Grog Shop tickets are $6

FREE Tickets (8/05)

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

Good morning Cleveland!

I have 2 pairs of tickets to this weeks early viewing of the anticipated flick Julie & Julia to give away thanks to the evenings host...Gatherings Kitchen.



Gatherings Kitchen is a custom catering kitchen that provides corporate and social catering to fit your enetertaining needs. Chefs Ruth and Doug also open their doors for Friday night Super Clubs - where you and your friends have the opportunity to cook together under their supervision. Along with catering & Supper Clubs, Gatherings Kitchen is also available for your private dining needs. Tucked along Madison Ave in Lakewood the space is a wonderful location for your engagement party, team building and childrens birthday party needs. GIve them a shout today for more informtion 216.228.2285


If you'd like one of the pairs of MOVIE TICKETS, leave a comment and tell me this: If you could learn to cook something along side of Ms. Child what would it be?

The contest is open until end of day August 3rd. (please include your email so I can contact you for your mailing address, the tickets will be mailed out today!)

Rock & Cook (7/26)

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

This Sunday, the Beachland Ballroom is host to the first ever Cleveland Food Rocks event. Rain or shine, more than 20 of the city's chefs (Bar Cento, Crop, Dante, Flying Fig & More) will be creating the finest Bar-B-Q in all the land. There will be lots of food and even more music. While you are there you can also win prizes in the raffles including many "celebrity" chef autographed merchandise!



To buy your $25 ticket visit www.clevelandfoodrocks.com

Strings on Sunday (7/26)

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

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

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



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

Circle Home Tour (5/03)

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

Ever wanted to explore some of the old homes in the University Circle area? This Saturday join University Circle Inc. as they present the first annual Circle Home Tour.



Look into ten very diverse homes and lifestyles of the University Circle area. Start your tour at the University Circle Visitor Center (11330 Euclid Ave) or at Judson Manor (1890 East 107th Street at Chester Ave.)

1-5pm : Tickets are $10 per person if purchased in advance; $15 if purchased on Sunday. Registration available online at www.universitycircle.org

Around the World (3/13)

Friday, March 13th, 2009

While I don't have all of the details, I do know that this Friday, the quaint row of shops and restaurants in the Detroit Shoreway Neighborhood will be hosting it's first ever "WORLD of Detroit Shoreway" a weekend celebration.

The neighborhood is so diverse, make a stop to experience all that their "world" offers. There is fine ethnic dining from Vietnamese to Puerto Rican, Irish to American. An array of art galleries lets you experience art from artists both local and international. Retail boutiques let you find home accessories and furniture, greeting cards, music, apparel, jewelry and books all hand-selected by friendly, fun store owners.



One thing I am sure of is Danielle, owner of Room Service, will be playing the role of "France" as she unveils her french finds straight from her recent journey to Paris. Stop by her store for all things magnifique, including sweet tunes and tastes. www.roomservicecleveland.com

duoHOME will be celebrating Germany. From bottle openers to cheese slicers, wine racks to business card holders, every item boasts sleek, contemporary design, partnered with the high quality one has come to expect from German-produced goods. www.duohome.com

The event is Friday from 5-9pm and Saturday from 11-7pm, invite your pals and take in all "the world" offers on Detroit Ave! :) (I don't know why I loved the little pic of the "world dolls" but I thought they were fun and cheery, hope you do too!?!)

Free art and the family (04/08)

Sunday, March 8th, 2009

Shih Chieh Huang created the imaginative creatures and interactive environment at the entrance of Superlight.



At Sundays activities table, the creative team at MOCA will use Huangs artwork "Twilight Zone, 2008," to inspire us as we experiment with kinetic objects, color, and sound. Family tours, refreshments and activity guides complete this seasonal FREE Family Fun Day.

1-4 pm : FREE & open to the public : For more information visit www.mocacleveland.org

Missy Higgins (3/10)

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

"Passionate and sincere, Australian singer-songwriter Missy Higgins is a welcome relief in a music landscape littered with disposable pop. The 24-year-old Melbourne native has enjoyed phenomenal success in her homeland, and a growing fanbase in the U.S.,in spite of — or perhaps because she shuns the usual synthetic packaging and tabloid tackiness. Instead she's adopted a more timeless approach, relying on her undeniable songs and unforgettable live performances to forge a genuine connection with her audience." -someone wrote this on her site (and I thought it summed her up best)



For tickets visit the House of Blues Cleveland. For more information on Missy check out her well designed site at www.missyhiggins.com

Warm thoughts & wine.

I don’t know if I have ever mentioned to you that I am a big fan of red wine? An evening in with a good bottle of Pinot and great conversation with friends is such a luxury. A small glass (or two) of Malbec with dinner makes for a great evening. A glass of Beaujolais before bed, keeps away the nightmare-monster....or maybe that’s because I never can drink just one. :)

Well, in any case while I was trying to think “warm thoughts,” and as you have already figured out, my thought today (thought #2) is...drink more wine to stay warm (such a good excuse).

We all have our favorite wine hot spot, and with wine there is something for every taste. From the selection at World Market to a good bottle at the Market Avenue Wine Bar, we all have our own unique style. Below are a couple of the real deals, steals and tastings in the area to keep you warm (or pleasantly buzzed). Hope you enjoy!



D’Vine Wine Bar (www.dvinewinebar.com)
All Wednesday nights are “Flight Nights,” which means half off select wine flights from 4-7pm. D’Vine is located in the Warehouse District at 836 West St. Clair Avenue (between West Sixth & West Ninth on the north side of the street).

Heinen's Rocky River Café (www.heinens.com)
This Friday (March 6th), Heinen’s is hosting “Think Spring Wine Feast!” (perfect for this “thought”) A special selection of 30 different wines paired with delicious fare prepared by Heinen’s chefs. Pre-registration is requested. Contact Customer Service at 440.331.3830. $25 per person. 6:30-8:00 pm. Rocky River location at 19219 Detroit Road.

Flying Fig (www.theflyingfig.com)
Looking for a real steal of a deal? Then look no further than The Flying Fig and their selection of $5 dollar wine happy hour (4:30-7pm) specials. Nestled in the heart of Ohio City at 2523 Market Avenue, Cleveland.

Wine Bar Rocky River (www.winebarrr.com)
Visit the Wine Bar Rocky River every Wednesday from 6-7pm to learn about various wines and how to pair wine with food. Each Flight School includes 5 wines paired with 5 food tastings. $20 plus tax & gratuity. This little wine oasis is tucked away at 1313 Linda Street, Rocky River.

Visible Voice (www.visiblevoicebooks.com)
What’s black and white and red all over? A book that has a glass of Merlot spilled all over it (sorry, bad joke!). But seriously, if you are an avid book lover (for words or pictures) than this independent bookstore has the perfect pairing for you. Order a glass at the register than wander through their delightful selection of area authors and national must-reads. The actual Wine Bar is open: Tues-Fri: 3:30-10pm, Sat: 1-10pm, Sun: 3-8pm. Visible Voice is located at 1023 Kenilworth, Cleveland.

Warm thoughts & the greenhouse

Cleveland it’s cold! But come on...we are in Ohio, wait five minutes and the weather will shift. See, we have this large body of water which greatly effects how the temps will swing, one day it’s 18 and the next it’s 50. Where else can you experience such “flexible” weather patterns?

I have heard a ton of complaints and even “prayers to the gods” to make spring come faster this year. For those cold babies, I have a few ideas I will try and share throughout the next few winter weeks.

Thought #1



While most of us are aware of the grandiose beauty that lies within the glasshouse at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens (www.cbgarden.org), have you ever visited the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse (aka : City of Cleveland Greenhouse)? Built in 1912 and located just off 90 on MLK, this greenhouse not only grows all of the plants used in the city landscaping it also is a place of wonderment, discovery and "vacation."



Don’t have the cash to escape the cold and get to the tropics? The greenhouse has a vast collection of orchids and citrus trees. Wish you could fly to the desert for a blast of the hot (but wicked dry) air? The garden has a room filled with cacti and succulents. This weekend pack your lunch, grab your notepad and colored pencils and head over to the garden for a few hours of warmth in the greenhouse. Note* unlike the larger botanical garden (although I LOVE this museum too), this greenhouse museum is free (thanks to our tax dollars at work!) and open daily from 10-4.

For more on the greenhouse visit www.rockefellergreenhouse.org

Oscar Intensive (2/21)

Saturday, February 21st, 2009

This year, gearing up for the Oscars will be a breeze when you spend the afternoon at the 2009 AMC Best Picture Showcase. See all five nominated films (for $30) up for "Best Picture" in one afternoon just in time for the Oscars the next evening.

Movie Times are as follows :
10:30 : Milk
1:05 : The Reader
3:45 : The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
7:15 : Slumdog Millionaire
9:45 : Frost/Nixon



Looks like Cleveland's closest AMC theatre is located in Brooklyn, at Ridge Park Square (4788 Ridge Rd., Ridge Road @ I-480)

For more details visit www.amctheatres.com
Popcorn and unlimited refills included in your ticket price...can one live alone on movie popcorn and twizzlers? I am destined to find out. :)

Monster Event (1/17)

Saturday, January 17th, 2009

If you are looking for Saturday afternoon plans...the Monster Nationals is a family oriented monster truck show, produced by Image Promotions, Inc., a Northeast Ohio Company since 1993. Nationally recognized trucks as Bigfoot, Nitemare, War Wagon, Executioner, Black Stallion, Grave Digger, and more have all competed under the Monster Nationals Banner. Jet Powered snowmobiles, quad racing, motor sport clowns, transforming mechanical dinosaurs, freestyle BMX bicycles and more are used to create a fun filled event.



For times, directions, pricing and more visit www.monsternationals.com

Good Night Moon (1/17)

Saturday, January 17th, 2008

"Goodnight room. Goodnight moon. Goodnight cow jumping over the moon. Goodnight light, and the red balloon...Do you remember this tale? First published in 1947, written by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd this story is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals and now a charming family afternoon theatre event.



Get your seats for the Mermaid Theatre’s staged adaptation of this highly acclaimed children's story. 11am or 2am shows, tickets $10-20 each. www.playhousesquare.org/Events/Events.aspx?EventID=1582

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

a Table Feast! (11/27)

Thursday, November 26th, 2008

Not going home for the holiday? Not feeling like plowing through the grocery store and cooking for hours on end? head over to the Intercontinentals best kept restaurant secret, Table 45. The restaurant will offer their regular menu from 11am-11pm but more importantly they will be hosting Thanksgiving for only $26! Check out the tasty menu below.

1st Course
Mixed Green Salad with Poached Pears, Candied Walnuts, Dried Sour Cherries and Cranberry Vinaigrette Or Butternut Squash Soup with Toasted Hazelnuts

2nd Course
6oz of Roasted Turkey Served with Sage and Roasted Chestnut Stuffing, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Buttered Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry Sauce and Turkey Gravy

3rd Course
Traditional Apple Pie with Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream Or Pumpkin Pie

sounds great...leave the cooking (and the dishes) to them! For reservations and directions visit www.tbl45.com

Halloween with Nature (10/31)

No plans this Halloween Friday? Interested in the outdoors and in nature? Love to look up at the stars at night?

If you answered "yes" to both, get your ticket to this years Bones, Bugs & Dead Animals Halloween Party at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Enjoy a costume contest, live music by Abby Normal & the Detroit Lean, plenty of food, and $2 cash bar.

Tickets are $25 Nature League members, $30 nonmembers, $35 at the door. For more information visit www.cmnh.org or call the Box Office at (216) 231-1177

Pollan Speaks on Food (10/28)

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008.

Even though this event is scheduled for next week, I couldn't resist posting early, I think it will be an evening of insight and inspiration.

For the past 20 years, Michael Pollan has been writing books and articles about the places where the human and natural worlds intersect: food, agriculture, gardens, drugs, and architecture. Pollan is the author of, most recently, In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto. His previous book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals, was named one of the 10 best books of 2006 by the New York Times and the Washington Post.

A contributing writer to the New York Times Magazine since 1987, his writing has received numerous awards, including the James Beard Award for best magazine series in 2003. He often lectures widely on food, agriculture, and gardening.

8pm, Finney Chapel at Oberlin. Free, no ticket required! For directions visit www.oberlin.edu

Bristol Palin’s Baby Shower? (10/19)

Sunday, October 19th, 2008

From BUST Magazine | This is a pretty hilarious and bright idea. Bristol, daughter of vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, is as you probably already know getting married to the father of her unborn son. What better way to celebrate the miracle of life (and possibly the loss of choice) than with a baby shower? Swing state Cleveland, OH is where this event is taking place, THIS SUNDAY head over to the Prosperity Social Club in Tremont at 3:30pm to make it for all the festivities. This event is not just a big joke mind you, instead of bringing gifts, bring your checkbook and all donations will be given to Planned Parenthood of Alaska in Sarah Palin’s NAME!



The party will also involve discussions regarding the status of the Ohio Prevention First Act as well as learn how to take action on the legislation. This act ‘will reduce unintended pregnancies through: realistic sexuality education and teen pregnancy prevention programs, funding for family planning programs, guaranteed access to birth control prescriptions, contraceptive equity, and emergency contraception access and education.’ Sounds like a fun event for a great cause for women’s rights, which is a great combination regardless of the Palin’s attempts at taking them away…

There will also be ‘Choice Cupcakes’, a performance by Lounge Kitty (an AWESOME cabaret act) and Rachel Catherine from Cupcake + Cuddlebunny, who will be on hand selling original ‘Bad Buttons’ from New York artist, Kate Black.

Thanks for the heads up “Karl & William!” sounds like a fun afternoon...pre-bar to the Browns game perhaps? :)

If you need any more info, feel free to email the events organizer, Maria Miranda at mariammiranda@sbcglobal.net.

Party @ Ray's (10/16)

Thursday, October 16th, 2008

You won't believe it until you see it with your own eyes. Ray Petro has transformed an abandoned Cleveland factory warehouse into 100,000 square feet of mountain bike and BMX trails, ramps, elevators and trick jumps, and you are invited to party while the best of Cleveland's trick riders show off their awesome skills, as we celebrate the Civic Innovation Lab's 5th birthday party.

5:30-7:30PM at Ray's indoor MTB, with open bar, delectable dishes like hot german potato salad, a mediterranean bean salad, 7-layer Brownie Bash, Shortbread Raspberry Sammies & more, all from Constantino's Catering!

For tickets visit www.coolcleveland.net for directions and more info on Rays visit www.raysmtb.com

Dance! (10/10)

Friday, October 10th, 2008

This Friday there are so many wonderful arts driven events in Cleveland, why not add another event to the list? Join the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company as they present three works from their extensive repertoire : J Lawrence Paint, Children of the Passage and Beyond a Cliff.

8:00pm, $15.00 For ticket information visit www.playhousesquare.com No children under 2.

Free Backstage Pass (9/06)

Saturday, September 6th, 2008

Ever wanted to see where the magic happens? Where the lights come down on the house? Where the drama divas hang? Visit Playhouse Square for a free backstage tour!



Beginning at 10:00am, tours will depart every fifteen minutes from the State Theatre Lobby. Tours will last approximately 1.5 hours and will include a 12-minute video before the walking portion of the tour begins. Plan to dress casually and with comfy shoes for walking. This tour is NOT handicapped or stroller accessible as it encompasses many of the historic backstage staircases, hallways and teeny dressing rooms.

If you can’t make it on the 6th, the tours are being offered on October 4th and November 1st. For more information on this behind-the-scenes event, visit www,playhousesquare.org

BOGO Ice Cream

Stop into Malley's Ice Cream Parlor on Madison Ave (near 117th) in Lakewood and with every ice cream purchase you will get one free! It's a Buy One Get One for ice cream! Grab a friend or two and sit and enjoy the quaint space, the illustrations of Alice and Wonderland and crew are worth the trip alone...but the homemade hot fudge is pretty good too!



I don't have the details on this promo, but for more information give them a shout at 216.529.6262. Enjoy!

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

Deco in River

How many times have you driven by the tall "pink" building in Rocky River and always wondered what it looked like inside? For me....hundreds.

Well, last night I was lucky enough to get inside the landmark for my monthly girls-only dice game. The exquisite art deco design and architectural details were enough to make anyone with a slight passion for design drool. Everything from the hallway signage to the scrolling iron work, the relief sculptures that welcome you into the asian-inspired lobby to the hand silkscreened wallpaper was in immaculate condition.



The "Westlake Hotel," was constructed in mid-1920s, has 11 floors and now serves as an upscale housing complex. If you are lucky enough to be in the market for a swanky Humphrey Bogart-inspired pad, I wouldn't pass up an opportunity to live in this historic space of Cleveland.

Old buildings with historic charm..one of the reasons I heart cleveland! :)

Clubbin' with the Kids (4/12)

Saturday April 12th, 2008

Rock-n-Tot is here! A VIP afternoon "on the town" party for kids and their parents.

From 2-5pm, Clevelands-own Velvet Dog Nightclub will be transformed into a kid-friendly party zone. The dj plays adult music and you'll find free airbrush tattoo artists for the kids and complimentary massages for the adults, not to mention free juice boxes and snacks!

The DJs play today's club mixes, no "kid" music here, just clean lyrics, a great beat and encourage everyone to get their booties shakin. When you just need to get away from it all, check out the lounge, stuffed to the brim with toys, puzzles, and books. Best of all, it is in a separate location from the dance floor, rejuvenate yourself and the kids here! For all those little Rock stars in our lives (kids 8 to 12) we know that sometimes they get tired of hangin' with younger siblings and just need to relax and chill with kids your their age, check out the rock star area and spend time getting to know other kids (that don't still take naps), play some games, and take some time for yourself.



Most importantly parents, services will vary month to month, but may include : mini-massages, paraffin wax dip, eyebrow waxing, golf pro tutoring - just to name a few! These services are complimentary, they just ask that you consider tipping the folks that have graciously offered these services. Also each family walks away with a fantastic goody bag filled with . . well, you'll have to wait and see!

Juice boxes and kid-friendly snacks are provided by Rock-n-Tot. Please remember to bring any necessary items such as bottles, sippy cups, wet wipes, etc. The bar is open (cash or plastic) for those parents not driving, who wish to have a drink.

Pre-walkers are admitted free, everyone else must have a ticket. $12 a ticket. For more info, or to purchase tickets visit www.rock-n-tot.com

Dance Dance Revolution! (3/28-30)

Friday, Saturday and Sunday the 28th, 29th & 30th, 2008

Not your grandmas dance recital....Groundworks Dancetheatre at Cleveland Public Theatre unleashes it's 2008 show. Do a pirouette and an arabesque and don't miss this weekend of modern dance.

Program features
> New Work Premier by Groundworks Artistsic Associate Amy Miller
> Sweet (Cleveland Premier) by David Shimotakahara
> Latitude performed with live music by Hal Walker
> Several Truths Duet by Gina Gibney

Friday & Saturday shows @ 8pm, Sunday @ 3pm. $20 general admission, $18 for students & seniors. For reservations call the CPT Box Office @ 216.631.2727 or visit www.notsoobvious.com for more information

A "Sweet" Tour

With the Easter bunnies arrival quickly approaching make your way to your closest Malley's Chocolate shop...or even better, take a tour of how the sweet creations come to life!

See 60,000 square feet of chocolate fantasy as you guide yourself through the tour hall. Discover a wonderland of delicious chocolates in the fantastic chocolate gift shoppe and taste a special surprise made from our secret recipe when you complete the tour!



TOUR TIMES : Year round: Mon-Fri, 9:30 am - 4 pm. Tours up to 50 people, wheelchair accessible. ADMISSION is Free! Malley's Chocolate Factory : 13400 BrookPark Road. Call to reserve a tour 216-362-8700 or Toll Free 800-835-5684 www.malleys.com

Cleveland FIlm Fest (3/6-16)

Thursday March 6th - Sunday March 16th, 2008

The films are coming! The films are coming! This weeks marks the beginning of the 32nd Cleveland International Film Festival. So many great flicks and not enough vacation days to take off for every show. Below are a few of the films on my "must-see" list. Get your tickets early these shows are sure to sell out!

PRICELESS : Directed by Pierre Salvadori
Ah, life among the jet set on the French Riviera. A whirlwind of parties, shopping, champagne, and caviar. Nice work if you can get it, which gorgeous young party girl, Irene (Audrey Tautou of “Amelie” and “The DaVinci Code.”), certainly can. Jean is one of the have-nots, a mild-mannered bartender in one of the chicest hotels who takes on all the little jobs he can find for the cash. Crazy rich ladies hire him to walk their dogs; sad drunks tell him their stories in the bar late at night. When Irene and Jean’s paths cross, he fakes being a millionaire. Eventually, though, they find they have something in common; a lack of personal finances and a taste for the good life. When Jean begins to take tips from Irene, he soon finds it’s much easier to escort older ladies than to wait on them. In French with English subtitles. Saturday, March 15 at 7:15pm



AMERICAN TEEN : Directed by Nanette Burstein
A huge hit at the recent Sundance Film Festival, winning the Documentary Directing Award for director Nanette Burstein. Burstein spent the 2005-2006 school year shooting footage of seniors at Warsaw Community High School in Indiana. Her film chronicles some of their hopes and lots of their fears as they navigate the tricky waters of small-town high school life and impending adulthood. AMERICAN TEEN is not your grandma’s talking-heads documentary. Burstein uses brilliant animated sequences to express the kids’ fantasy lives, plus a pop soundtrack, voiceovers and graphic collages in the style of MTV’s “Laguna Beach.” It’s a new style of documentary for a new generation totally at home in front of the camera. Sunday, March 16 at 7:00pm

WORLD'S BEST COMMERCIALS!
Ballets have “The Nutcracker.“ Classical theaters have “A Christmas Carol.“ The CIFF has “World’s Best Commercials.“ Buy your ticket early. This one always sells out. Friday, March 14 at 12:00pm

Advanced ticket prices for most films are $9 per film for CFS members and $11 for non-members. Day-of-show ticket prices are $10 for CFS members and $12 for non-members. Tickets are available online, by telephone (1-866-865-FILM),or at the CIFF store in the lobby of Tower City Cinemas. For more information on the 290+ films that will be shown at the Cleveland International Film Festival, log on to www.clevelandfilm.org.

Awesome Autos (2/23-3/02)

Friday, February 29th to Sunday, March 2nd 2008

Guys & gals, enter a playground of over 1,000 new vehicles, concept cars (Like the Chevrolet Camaro Bumble Bee below), classics and the new interactive ride & drive exhibits at the 2008 Cleveland Auto Show presented by AutoTrader.com. Parking is free!

A few show highlights/events not to miss besides the cars of course..
March 1 : Cavs Day - Appearances & autographs by Sasha Pavlovic, Anderson Varejao, Devin Brown & Donyell Marshall (4pm-6pm) March 1 : Appearance by Brown's Brady Quinn in Hummer display (1pm-3pm) (photographs only)



Hours Friday and Saturdays: 11am to 11pm Sundays: 11am to 8pm For more information visit www.clevelandautoshow.com

Orchid Mania (2/09-3/09)

Why are orchids so alluring? Is it their endless color combinations? Their heady scents? Their sensuous shapes? Orchid Mania is Cleveland Botanical Garden's annual ode to nature's most exotic plant. Escape winter and surround yourself with hundreds of colorful, blooming orchids.

Throughout time, orchids have seduced people with their unrivaled beauty and intoxicating fragrances. Orchid collectors have searched to unlock the secrets of orchids in the remotest forest regions of the earth. Come see "The Seductive Orchid" presented in a variety of beautiful and mesmerizing ways.



Cleveland Botanical Garden in University Circle
11030 East Boulevard Cleveland, Ohio 216.721.1600 or 888.853.7091
All Orchid Mania exhibits are FREE with general admission.
www.cbgarden.org

Eco-Ladies Take on Home Depot (2/25)

Monday February 25th, 2008

Hey Cleveland women, ever wonder how you can make those small changes to make your home more "green?" Home Depot invites you to register for a FREE workshop on making your bathroom both eco-friendly and energy efficient. In just 90 minutes, they’ll show you how to: conserve water by repairing a leaky toilet, or by installing a low-flow faucet, showerhead or toilet. Upgrade to low-voltage lighting that requires 75% less energy. Cut heating and cooling costs with proper insulation and ventilation....and MORE!

Register today and learn from the experts in an environment that’s friendly, fun and just for women. With the know-how you’ll gain, you’ll not only save money by doing it yourself, you can save money by reducing your utility bills as well. Impressive.

Also a 10% off on a single purchase coupon will be awarded to all those who attend, who doesn't love coupons? Register today at http://www.homedepotclinics.com/dih/?utm_source=DIH_FEB08_eREG2-DIH

Stretch Together (2/16)

Saturday, February 16th, 2008

If you haven't had enough of your love after this weeks Valentines Day Holiday, enjoy an afternoon of partner yoga with Michele Ford at Inspiral Motion.

In this fun-filled, and invigorating workshop, partners will explore a dynamic series of postures, co-meditation and partner breathwork. In assisting one another, you help deepen each other's practice and experience a peaceful balance between assertion and surrender. You will experience doubles yoga, partner-assisted yoga and contact yoga, designed to open the body in ways that can be challenging in a solo practice.  As you learn how to breathe and flow together on the mat, you'll learn how to find ease and balance in relationships off the mat.
 
Whether you are new to yoga or a dedicated practitioner, you will enjoy this healthy, playful, and life-affirming practice. Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing.  Mats and blankets will be available. Register today for this workshop: 216-320-9446, classes@inspiralmotion.com or call 216.320.9446. $30 or $50 per couple
www.inspiralmotion.com

Home & Garden Show (2/09-10)

Saturday-Sunday, February 9th & 10th, 2008

If the cold weather is driving you a little batty head indoors this weekend for the 2008 Home & Garden Show. This years theme is "Bella Italia" and although I am not sure a trip to the IX Center can really replicate the streets of Rome and rolling hillsides of Tuscany, they really have given it their best shot. As a visitor to the show you will be transported to Europe's famous "boot" via vibrant flowers, stone statues, majestic fountains, cobblestone piazzas and Tuscan gardens.

Some of the weekends highlights include:
Saturday
~ Noon : An Eco-Fashion Show for Kids
~ 2:00 : Cooking a romantic Valentines dinner with Loretta Paganini
~ 4:00 : A Book Reading/Signing with Cleveland food writer, Laura Taxel

Sunday
~ 2:30 : Vegetable Gardening the Easy Way with the Cleveland Botanical Gardens
~ 7:00-8:00pm : Closing night plant SALE !

For show details (hours, ticket prices, schedules, etc.) visit www.homeandflower.com

Bowl Bash (2/03)

Sunday, February 3rd, 2008

Although the Browns won't be on the big screen Saturday there is still a way to celebrate the Super Bowl in style.

Don't have a big tv to host this years party? The Wine Bar in Rocky River is hosting the first annual Super Bowl Bash so get the gang together and head over. Open bar from 5:30 until the best team* wins! Top shelf, bottled beer, select wines, tailgate food and one chance to win a 42" HD Flat Panel Television. Tickets are going fast, only 100 will be sold. Must be present with your ticket to win.

www.winebarrr.com 1313 Linda Street, Rocky River
$50 per person, for tickets call 440.799.4300
(*Go Patriots!)

Afraid of Heights, No More!

Saturday, January 5th, 2008

If you are like me, you have a long list of "to-do's" to cross off for 2008.
Mine contains everything from mastering French cooking to doing my first sprint tri-athalon (don't quote me on that), but indoor rock climbing was NOT part of this list.

Let me go back to the beginnning...a dear friend of mine called to see if I wanted to join him on an afternoon adventure of snowshoeing in the Metroparks. However, you can't snowshoe in the less than 2 inches of snow...especially not in a downpour.

Since we had driven all the way down to Peninsula (to the Metroparks Winter Cabin), we wanted to make the drive worth it by scheming up an alternate activity. Driving to Little Italy for sweets and coffee or heading to a matinee movie were suggested possibilities, but nothing compared to what we were about to do.



As we approached the large warehouse-looking building my palms were dripping. Not only had I agreed to spend the next hour with a private rock climbing instructor, but I had also agreed to face my fear of heights, three stories tall.

We spent the afternoon at Kendal Cliffs (www.kendallcliffs.com), the only professionally-designed and built rock gym in Ohio. The indoor gym had a combination of textured plywood and "natural" rock surfaces that we were able to learn on. With over 7,000 square feet of climbing surface and a peak height of 35 feet (been there!) there was plenty of room for all those who were staying dry from the cold Saturday rain.



Our instuctor Caitlin could not have been better. Her constant encouragement made me reach higher, feel stronger and get to the top...which I am still glowing about. She also managed to "accessorize" my harness with a great orange "chalk bag" to help with my slippery hands. She tied each rope knot around the harness loop with a sense of ease and allowed me to take a break now and then when every muscle in my body was visibly trembling (from terror AND exhaustion). Thanks Caitlin, you rock! (no pun intended).

I never thought I would begin '08 on such a literal high, but if you are looking for a great workout and a ton of fun this winter, head to Kendal Cliffs Indoor Rock Gym in Peninsula, Ohio. It truly was an adventure!



Kendall Cliffs. 60 Kendall Park Road Peninsula, Ohio 44264. 330.655.5489. ROCK GYM BASICS (No experience necessary) They provide the staff and equipment, you provide the desire to climb. Reservations are required. COST: $20.00 www.kendallcliffs.com