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