A Beautiful Bakery

Elmwood Bakery
(15204 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, 216.221.4338)

You walk into this "vintage" bakery and are just overwhelmed with the wonderful sights and smells of carb goodness. Elmwood is on my way home and when I've had a crazy day, I like to stop in the bakery to pick up a treat for myself. Or if there is a special occasion, the "order-ahead" petite fours are just darling. The cakes are simply delicious and should probably be considered sinful. Just another reason "i heart cleveland."

The Shops at Chagrin Falls

A recent visit to "the east side" proved to be more than just an afternoon of site seeing. Chagrin Falls, home to the gorgeous waterfall and the historic main street Popcorn Shop (originally built as a flourmill in 1875) is flourishing with one-of-a-kind stores for everyone.




Next time you have an "open" Saturday afternoon, travel to Chagrin Falls and stop in the following stores :

STASH STYLE (formerly Teacups In Time) : An eclectic mix of antique finds paired with darling French-inspired treasures. (46 N. Main St., 440.247.2550)

NOLA TRUE : Great clothing and accessories for the girl on the go, from mod shift dresses and "Jackie-O" coats to bangles and bags. With affordable pricing, it’s the place to find that perfect outfit for a fall event. (37 W. Orange St. 440.247.8980)

HEDGES : In addition to being a great place to find a gift, Hedges also sells a few specialty clothing collections. Be sure to stop in to take a look at everything from jewelry to pajamas! (13 N. Franklin St., 440.247.2344)

Speaking of Women's Health (9/8)

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Get your ticket today! The Cleveland Clinic Women’s Health Center is hosting a day-long conference to encourage all women to take time out for themselves and focus on their own health. Participants attending the day long conference will celebrate health and wellness--learning that small changes, done consistently will contribute to years of improved quality of our weeks, months and years. I went last year and highly encourage everyone to attend. It was fun and very informative, a great time for ones self.

Tickets are $35 and include:
▪ Continental breakfast
▪ A fabulous luncheon
▪ Complimentary health screenings
▪ National and local speakers
▪ Luxurious gift bag
▪ Raffle prizes

The event will be held at the InterContinental Hotel and Bank of America Conference Center 9801 Carnegie Avenue. For ticket information visit www.clevelandclinic.org/womenshealth/speaking/sisters/sunflower.htm

Snip Snip (8/31)

Friday, August 31st

Watch as Edward Scissorhands snips his way through a small suburban community. Showing at the Cleveland Museum of Art with cinematographer Stefan Czapsky there to reflect on the film, and the following. Showing at 7:00 pm. $8 a ticket.

http://www.clevelandart.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.

Walk Like a Bangle... (8/30)

Thursday, August 30th

New Wave, Pop or Dance...Whatever genre they categorize it nowadays...It will always be the music of “growing up” to me. Don’t miss out on another “Manic Monday, “ Eternal Flame” or the ever fabulous “Walk Like An Egyptian.” Visit the House of Blues next Tuesday for your chance at half price tickets, a perk to buying Tuesday tickets!

For tickets of concert information visit www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues/cleveland/

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.

Naaaannny! (opens 8/25)

"The Nanny Diaries” tells the story of the humorous journey of Annie Braddock (Scarlet Johansson), struggling to understand her place in the world. Fresh out of college, she gets pressure from her mother to find a position in the business world although Annie would prefer to trade in her blackberry for an anthropologist's field diary. Through a serendipitous meeting, Annie ends up in the elite and ritualistic culture of Manhattan's Upper East Side. Annie accepts the position as a nanny for a wealthy family, referred to as simply "the X's." She quickly learns that life is not very rosy on the other side of the tax bracket, as she must cater to the every whim of Mrs. X (Linney) and her precocious son Grayer, while attempting to avoid the formidable Mr. X (Giamatti).

Opens in theatres this Friday, August 25th.
For more information on the movie, and to watch the trailer visit www.thenannydiariesmovie.com.

Trailer not doing much for you? There is always the audiobook available on iTunes.

Tango Buenos Aires (9/29)

Saturday, September 29th

Considered the world's most authentic tango company. Tango Buenos Aires has taken the world by storm. They are sure to show Cleveland a flawless evening of spectacular costumes, dances and musicians.

The Washington Post reports "(Tango Buenos Aires is) Swirling, fast-paced tapestries of movement, laced with proud postures and sensual couplings."

For ticket information contact the Cleveland Museum of Art, www.cma.org or the State Theatre at Playhouse Square.

Martha @ Macy's (8/23)

Thursday, August 23rd from 6:00-8:00pm

You're invited to the Preview Party that Macy's is throwing for Martha to celebrate her new home collection. Sample scrumptious snacks & sips from Martha's own recipes. Learn about the latest in bed & bath, tabletop decor & home accessories A La Martha! Plus there will be a live cake decorating demo, using the Martha decorating kit hosted by a local pastry chef...wonder who?

To RSVP for this special event call the Cleveland/Great Northern Macy's Store at 1.800.836.1782

Here are a few things from the collection available online at Macy's :

Flamenco does a booty good!

Every Tuesday from 6:30-8:00pm

Dramatic. Sensuous. Sassy. Flamenco dancing brings out the gypsy in each of our "soles."

Instructor La Romera is an award winning, internationally recognized dancer with over 30 years experience performing and teaching in Spain and North America. Considered by the Spanish maestros as being one of the most authentic flamenco dancers in the US, La Romera's students can be assured of receiving the highest quality training. La Romera's uncanny ability to use her technical skills, teaching expertise and sense of humor to support your learning experience will leave you energized and amazed at your own accomplishments.

All classes are held at the Lisa Wilhelm Academy of Dance in Rocky River. $12 a class. For more information about dance classes visit http://laromeraflamenco.com

Salsa with Picasso (8/24)

Friday, August 24th

The Cleveland Museum of Art, welcomes you to hang out in their courtyard and dance the night away to Roberto Ocasio’s Latin Jazz Project salsa tunes. A cash bar will be provided with beer, wine, and spirits. Courtyard opens at 5:00 pm, Live music 5:30–8:30 pm, No cover charge.

http://www.clevelandart.org/

Celebrate the 3-day (8/19)

Sunday, August 19th

After three days and 60 miles, participants in the Avon 3-Day walk for Breast Cancer will take a final and incredibly emotional victory walk into the Closing Ceremonies around 4:00 pm. Friends, family and supporters should arrive at the Closing Ceremonies Site (Mall B, Lakeside Avenue between East 6th Street and Ontario Street, Downtown Cleveland) at least one hour early to get the best view of the program. Please allow extra travel time due to expected congestion at the site.

Congratulations to all those who have trained all summer and raised funds and awareness for this cause. To my friend Diane, we will be thinking of you this weekend. You are an inspiration.

For more information on the event visit www.the3day.org

a "lady perk"

Every Tuesday & Thursday

Join the staff of One Walnut for their 2 for 1 drink special to all “ladies” each and every Tuesday and Thursday. From a summer mojito to a solid glass of Pinot Noir, grab your girl friends and head downtown to the completely posh One Walnut

For more information including meus and specials visit www.onewalnut.com

New Improved Apple (8/13-18)

Monday, August 13th- Friday 18th

In case you missed the launching of the new iPhone or the all-new iMac...swing by the newly renovated, super chic Apple Store (The store was closed for a week for redecorating!) at Legacy Village to play with your soon to be new “toy.”

For more information visit Legacy Village or the Apple Store

Salsa with Monet (8/17)

Friday, August 17th

The Cleveland Museum of Art, welcomes you to hang out in their courtyard and dance the night away to Sammy DeLeon’s salsa tunes. A cash bar will be provided with beer, wine, and spirits. Courtyard opens at 5:00 pm, Live music 5:30–8:30 pm, No cover charge.

http://www.clevelandart.org/

Rock Out with Wade and Joe (8/15)

Wednesday, August 15th

Local talent Joe Rohan will perform on Wade Oval as part of the Wade Oval Wednesday Series. Grab dinner in little Italy, bring a blanket and head over to Wade Oval for a FREE outdoor summer concert. Bring the kids as there will also be activities for them provided by CHABAM. During the concert you can pop in to the Botanical Garden the Museum of Art or the Natural History Museum all of which will have extended hours and discounted admissions on Wednesday evenings during the summer.

For more information visit http://www.joerohan.com OR http://universitycircle.org/content/wow.asp

The Feast (8/18)

Wednesday Aug 15th – Sunday August 18th

Join the residents of Little Italy in celebrating “the feast” (The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin)
Dancing, feasting and the religious parade brings the neighborhood and the city together.

Get there early as parking is at a minimum.

Funny Face at the Playhouse (8/11)

Saturday, August 11, 2pm & 8:30pm

Escape the heat for an evening at the movies as the Tenth Annual Cinema at the Square Series presents Funny Face.

In Funny Face, Jo Stockton (Audrey Hepburn) can only get to Paris if she agrees to model a line of ultra-chic fashions for photographer Dick Avery. Paris provides the backdrop for this blend of Gershwin music and Givenchy fashion. (1957 USA, 103 minutes. Directed by Stanley Donen; Starring Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire.)



For the ultimate visual experience, the films are shown on the Palace’s 20 foot-high by 47 foot-wide super Hurly-Glo projection screen – the largest non-Imax screen in Ohio. Moviegoers will be treated to pre-show organ recitals on a restored 1928 Kimball organ that contains 13 sets of pipes, a xylophone, Glockenspiel, a complete set of drums and many cymbals. The organ, donated to Playhouse Square in 1975, was painstakingly restored by volunteers and is the perfect complement to your evening at this year’s 10th annual Cinema at the Square! Following the organ performance is a delightful, classic cartoon. See classic films the way they were meant to be seen! Unlike seeing a movie at the local multiplex, CINEMA AT THE SQUARE transports audiences back to Hollywood’s Golden Age through its setting in the lavishly restored Palace Theatre, originally built in 1922 for Vaudeville.

For more information visit http://www.playhousesquare.us/cinema2007/movieschedule.asp

What to do with all the Zucchini?

Although she doesn’t reside in, or even near Cleveland (Paris, France). Clotilde Dusoulier author of Chocolate and Zucchini knows just what to do with this years overflowing crop of zucchini. The 28 year old Parisian whips up the best recipes while keeping French cooking to it's most simple form.

My dear friend Doug has a fabulous culinary garden and at this time of year it is overflowing with zucchinis so we decided to "test" Clotilde's recipe for Chocolate and Zucchini Cake. In addition to being a deep and beautiful shade of brown, the cake has a voluptuous chocolate flavor. Let's just say, one would never know that the cake is actually good for you. You must try it for yourself.

For the cake recipe & more ideas of what to do with your mid-west zucchini harvest visit http://chocolateandzucchini.com

Cotton Candy on the Ferris Wheel (8/9-12)

Monday August 6th - Sunday, August 12th

It wouldn't be summer without a trip to the fair. From the "best blueberry pie" contest to the "gravity swings" ride to the BEST people watching around, make it a point to get to the Cuyahoga Country Fair this weekend.

The fair is located at the Berea Fairgrounds open everyday from noon to 11pm. General admission is $6 and each ride costs $1.

For more information visit http://www.cuyfair.com

Girls for a Great Cause (8/15)

Wednesday, August 15th

Please join us as we kick off the new 2007-08 Junior League of Cleveland year. Come learn about all the opportunities that are available through the Cleveland league. Whether through volunteering, networking or just becoming acclimated to the Cleveland area, the JLC is a wonderful organization that gives back to Cleveland. For more information on membership to the league, please join us at the Starbucks in Rocky River from 6:30-8. For more information email Robyn at forneykr@adelphia.net

Dancing Under the Stars (8/10-8/11)

Friday August 10th & Saturday August 11th

Join Groundworks Dancetheater for their annual performance at Lincoln Park in Tremont. Pack a picnic, grab your chairs and blanket and head over to Tremont’s gathering place, Lincoln Park. All shows begin promptly at 7:00pm. Rain locations will provided within walking distance in the event of inclement weather.

A Weekend for Wine (8/3-4)

Friday & Saturday, August 3rd & 4th

Don't miss the Annual Premier Ohio Wine Festival this weekend at Lake Farmpark in Kirtland. Whether red, white or the new "blush," there will be a taste or two that I am sure will excite your palette.

Also, don't forget to stop by Cleveland's own International Culinary Arts and Sciences Institute Tent where students will be offering demonstrations on great summer foods to pair with your wine.

For more details visit www.visitvintageohio.com

Celebrate Thirty! (8/5)

Saturday, August 5th

The Lakewood Art Festival will be celebrating it’s thirtieth birthday down Detroit Avenue in Lakewood from 10-6pm.
Come for the amazing art, mingle with musicians and fill yourself with the food of the day. Remember, pups (including Franklin) are not allowed at this festival.
Hope to see you there.

A Warped Night (8/2)

Thursday, August 2nd

Join VAN’S for America’s longest-running touring festival, the Warped Tour, as they roll into Tower City Amphitheater for a one night show. Don’t miss the awesome graphics that my dear friend Christopher (Alternative Press Magazines’ Art Director) designed for the tour, they will be everywhere!

For more bands and more info visit http://www.warpedtour.com/