Warm. Winter. Weekend.

After a winter whirlwind of a week I am looking to Cleveland for weekend fun. It’s supposed to be warm so the snow will melt a bit, perfect wellie weather...get outside, wear your sunglasses, soak up the cool sunshine. Enjoy.

Here is what’s on my tentaive weekend “agenda” ...what’s on yours?



> A wild after party (because I couldn’t get tickets to the big show?)

> a trip to the Market for ...Ohio City Pasta (and apricots for baking)

> Unique Thrift has a sale...until 1:00pm

> a bit of Eric Carle at Playhouse Square

> a 4-5pm free spinning class

> a late night night happy dinner

> go CAVS!!!

> Perogies for breakfast

photo by medalie

Trot Home Grand Opening (12/05)

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

There is a new kid in town...a new home decor destination that is celebrating their Grand Opening this Saturday. What could be more fun than an afternoon trip to downtown Peninsula to explore the new store, Trot Home, while you are there, visit Winking Lizard for a Christmas Ale or Cranberry-tini to kick off your holiday festivities!

I won't give you all the details because my friends over at Orange Beautiful posted the complete story and some great photos of the store, so make sure to read the entire article there.



I plan on visiting the store at some point from now until Christmas..a new lamp, a throw pillow, perhaps a reupholstered stool...you can never have too many! PLUS, if you visit THIS Saturday during the open house, Trot Home is offering a 10% discount, every penny counts!

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?

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!

Weekend Plans?

Its fall right?

I mean, I've switched over my closet, flip flops to knee hi's, straw beach bags to suede slouch bag...so now what? What's with the dog days of summer? The September humidity is enough to make my hair curl like Bernadette Peters.



I mean, I love it! Don't get me wrong, there is till more summer fun to be had this weekend...the questions is, how to fit it all in...

> The Tribe is in town against Baltimore. One last soft pretzel before snowfall?
> Opening weekend at The Great Lakes Theater Festival. I think the Twelfth Night looks super fun!
> Did I mention the party on the Bridge?
> How about a drink at Great Lakes Brewing for Ocktoberfest? Doesn't dumplings, cabbage and pretzels sound dreamy?
> Let's go Brownies! Game time 1:00 against Baltimore.
> Feel like an afternoon movie? This documentary looks amazing, although I'm not sure I want to know about how tuna will be extinct in a few? (sorta yummy!) Playing at the Cleveland Art Museum.
> Or maybe I'll go pick a pumpkin out at one of the many NorthEast Ohio Farms

Guess I'll go try and "mapquest" my plan of attack. I HEART fall!

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

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.

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

Made in the Where? (6/26-27)

Friday, June 26th & Saturday June 27th, 20009

In case you haven't already planned your outfit and planned to be there...

The MADE IN THE 216 event is THIS WEEK! Created by ROOM SERVICE (RS) owner and my friend, Danielle DeBoe to highlight just how many talented designers are choosing to STAY and build their businesses in CLEVELAND; And to underscore their high level of talent by merchandising the Cleveland-made designs seamlessly amongst the items RS purchases from NYC, LONDON, LA, SAN FRANCISCO and PARIS-based designers. There are no ‘booths’ or traditional craft/trade show set ups that differentiate the designers’ wares. They are integrated in the same creative, narrative-driven way that RS merchandises their products year round.




Miss Danielle curates this event so all of the participants, while representing a wide weft of types and styles of merchandise still fall under the umbrella of design that represents the aesthetic that RS carries year-round. The other thing that makes this show different is the diversity of the products being offered at the show. The show features a wide weft of creations from men and women’s apparel, jewelry, t-shirts, totes and personal accessories; to stationary, photography, screen-prints, household goods, FURNITURE and music. These Cleveland-based creators represent all levels of entrepreneurship, from the craft circuit, to etsy shops, to international sales….all people who have chosen to stay and build their business in the 216 as opposed to leaving for bigger cities…And RS thinks this is worth celebrating.

Personally I am so excited to see the work of my friends B. Jasinski (look for...freakin adorable octopus prints) and Stash Style (creative vintage jewelry) they have been so busy I know their work will be HUGE sellers. And...as always, small screen designs has "whipped" up some amazing work including pink, kitchen-aid mixer notecards, a "must have" for any seasoned baker.

Along with art and shopping there will be 10 bands including many from the CLEVELAND-BASED record label Exit Stencil Recordings playing at various locations, including the neighborhood’s live music venue, HAPPY DOG and under the marquee for the soon to open, CAPITOL THEATER. While you’re here stop by our EAT IN THE 216 location which will feature savory and sweet food items from independent local caterers and bakers. This summer event will get people out and walking around the neighborhood.

MADE IN THE 216 will be held THIS Friday JUNE 26 from 4-9pm & Saturday JUNE 27 from 11-9 with bands playing at HAPPY DOG both evenings starting at 9pm.

Wonderful Waterloo (6/27)

Saturday, June 27th, 2009

Some wise person recently tipped me on to the "BEST" arts festival in Cleveland...and I MUST see what the excitement is all about! (I am so there.)



Cleveland’s fastest-growing grassroots, family-friendly arts festival is back and better than ever, with more exhibits, installations performances and activities. More than 5,000 people are expected to spend the day on Waterloo, seeing and making art, catching live performances, shopping an array of vendors and noshing on local eats, as well as visiting all the one-of-a-kind businesses that make this burgeoning district unique.

PLUS, while you're visiting...The Beachland Ballroom is hosting a "Rock n' Roll Flea Market," wonder what treasures we can find?

For hours & directions visit www.artscollinwood.org

Sunday Spin (6/14)

Sunday, June 14th, 2009

Join over 700 riders for the 33rd annual ride throughout one of the largest Amish settlements in the world. All cyclists are welcome including casual recreational cyclists, road warrior tourists and energetic triathlon competitors.



Routes of 25/50/63 & 100 miles are offered. Rolling hills with some steeper inclines. Rest stops, route markings, maps, pasta lunch! Entry form available online at www.clevelandtouringclub.org

Paris 36

If it rains this weekend, you'll know where to find me...

Opening this weekend at Cedar Lee....Paris 36. A film set in 1936 Paris where three out-of-work friends (Gérard Jugnot, Clovis Cornillac, Kad Merad) create a musical and must struggle with their lack of experience and a local thug in order to run the show and raise enough money to buy the theater.



If you want more, check out this scene in the movie filled with a french nautical musical review...I was in heaven!
www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1846084377/



For showtimes visit www.clevelandcinemas.com

A Custom Hat

Dreaming of the perfect East bonnet? Have a Derby Party to prepare for? Get your orders in now, just in time for the perfect spring accessory...a hat!



After many years of training and practice in the textile arts, Marta Glazen opened her millinery shop in 1996 in downtown Cleveland. Her third floor suite at the Tower press Building was the home of many parties among the artful people who gathered to enjoy her work. After two years of steady business, she has now moved "Busy Broad" to a storefront on Clifton Blvd.



Open Friday-Sunday, Marta is available to her clients who want to come in, have a cup of tea (in the tearoom) and talk fabric, form & design. A brim here, a tuft there, perhaps a flower to match with your spring suite or a broach to accompany your evening affair, Marta will create a masterpiece custom to your accessory dreams. Along with the custom hat design, Busy Broad also showcases an array of vintage coats, dresses and accessories. I serioulsy could hang out in there all afternoon.



On the wall is a quote "So many hats, only one head." (I completely agree!) For more information on this talented “broad,” and the cute boutique visit www.busybroad.com