Fellow Cleveland Bloggers

Dear Cleveland,

With a bit of "downtime" over the holidays, I managed to explore some great reading from fellow local bloggers.
We know we are lucky to live in a city rich in history, culture, great music, major league sports and many culinary greats.

Visit some of the other Cleveland-based blogs to learn even MORE about our fair city and our unique people who live here.

http://clevelandfoodie.blogspot.com | a detailed exploration at the city's best restaurants and what makes them tick. A lovely read!

http://irockcleveland.blogspot.com | If you like the music scene here in Cleveland, make sure to visit this blog often. With regular posts on cd releases, concerts and top music picks, you won't be disappointed.

http://www.brewedfreshdaily.com | A very popular Cleveland Blog that is in sync with Cleveland economy, politics and the happenings in the area. A very brilliant writer with a fabulous following.

http://www.thisgardenisillegal.com | if you are lucky enough to have the passion and time to tend to a garden in North East Ohio, you won't want to miss this blog. Filled with growing tips, planting schemes and organic insight that any green thumb would love.

Here's to all of us who take the time to put ourselves, our thoughts, our voices and our hearts into our blogs for all to enjoy. I am sure there are many more great blogs out there, so please don't hesitate to comment and share. Happy blogging everyone!

Winterhurst, The "Coolest" Place in Town

Skate off some of those holiday pounds at Winterhurst Ice Rink, Northeast Ohio's Premier Ice Skating Facility and a Lakewood landmark for over 76 years!

Winterhurst offers a wide variety of ice sports including figure skating, hockey and short-track speed skating. Live organ music and adult-only skate Monday & Thursday evenings.

Admission Fees : Lakewood Residents $3 Non-Residents $5
Skate Rentals : $2

Winterhurst is located at 14740 Lakewood Hts. Blvd., at the intersection of Interstate 90 and Warren Road.

http://www.ci.lakewood.oh.us/pw_ice.html

Music Hits Lakewood @ Bella Dubby (12/27)

Thursday, December 27th 2007

If you still have guests in from out of town and have run out of ideas of things to do with them, take them to Cafe Bella Dubby tonight for a trio of musical enjoyment.

Grab a pint of Brooklyn Ale (a house import brew) and enjoy the three different sounds of the following bands.

The Vagrant Orange : minimalist french pop and neo soul

FOX Japan : FOX Japan is a band from West Virginia that makes catchy, quirky indie rock songs about television, religion and consumerism, perfect for post-holidays!

The League of Proper Musicians : a bit more heavy, songs that teenage girls definitely won't like.

Cafe Bella Dubby : 13321 Madison (just west of 117th, Lakewood) 216.221.4479.
Shows start at 8pm

Merry Christmas Cleveland (12/25)

Tuesday, December 25th 2007

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

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

xo

i heart cleveland

A good sign.

I was drawn to the type treatment of this signage.



Has anyone been to Julio's?
If you have I would love to hear all about it...please comment.

Winter Night Walking (12-20 & 22)

Something I love about Cleveland is the large Metropark system that surrounds our NorthEast Ohio communities.
Although you might think the parks are closed and quite during this time of year, believe it or not, there is a lot going on.

This week there are two opportunities to bundle up and head outside for some crisp winter air while getting in some much needed holiday exercise. Check them out...



December 20 : Walking After Work : 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. : Bedford Reservation, Hemlock Creek Picnic Area
Getting in the 30 minutes of recommended exercise is sometimes easier said than done, especially once you have gone home for the evening. Stop by on your way home from work, for a brisk walk on the Hemlock Loop Trail.
Call to reserve your spot 216.341.3152

December 22 : Solstice : 8 - 11:30 p.m. Brecksville Nature Center (Terrain: hills, slippery, 4 miles)
This night, the longest night of the year, come celebrate the beginning of winter. The 22nd marks the first day of winter and the winter solstice. Spend a few hours trekking the hills and valleys of Brecksville Reservation. Dress for the weather and be prepared for some slippery slopes. Hot cocoa will be waiting upon our return to the nature center.
Register by calling 440.526.1012

For more information about upcoming programs and additional outdoor activities visit www.clemetparks.com

Boys Sing (12/14-16)

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

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

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

Diary of an Elf (12/6-22)

The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris is back by popular demand! If you haven't seen it, get your tickets now!

The Santaland Diaries is told from the perspective of a 33-year-old slacker who takes a job as Crumpet, a Macy's Christmas elf. As thousands of customers come through his display, our elf teaches parents and children the realities of holiday cheer. Sedaris' hilarious retelling of his unique experience in the throes of the holidays is sure to bring a smile to even the grinchiest face!

Cleveland Public Theatre, Gordon Square Theatre, Featuring Doug Kusak
Showtimes: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm, Sundays at 3:00pm
Tickets: $18 General Admission | $15 Students and Seniors | $10 Thursdays
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cptonline.org

Sunday Dinners at Lolitas

In the craziness of the holiday season it's nice to sit down for a meal rather than the regular microwave dinner or granola bar snack. So this Sunday night why not grab your friends and family and head over to Lolita's in Tremont for a yummy family feast!

Bruschetta, salad and pasta (served family style) is offered for $19 per person.
Make sure to call ahead for reservations as being part of the "Symon Family" fills up fast.



Lolita's, 900 Literary Road, Cleveland. Make your reservations by calling 216.771.5652.

A Day of Art in Cleveland

Last weekend I was able to spend the day with two of my closest friends while exploring our own fair city.

The morning began with breakfast at the triangle cafe (previously, la oui oui cafe) in Ohio city. After an egg white omelet with goat cheese and tomatoes and a skim cafe au lait, we were pleasantly full and ready to start our day of holiday shopping.



First stop Bizarre Bazaar. Walking down Huron Ave we fought the cold winds as we approached the buzz and warmth of the creativity inside the artistic festival of fun. Each booth had something whimsical and clever to offer, each artist on hand to review their work. After hours of scouring the show we scored many unique finds. From a silver razor blade necklace to hand letter pressed holiday cards, from sassy illustrated mouse pads to unique "Christmas-morning" earrings, there was something for everyone. If you didn't make it this year, don't miss out next year.



After a quick pit stop at Starbucks for a few gingerbread lattes we headed over to University Circle. Second stop, the Cleveland Institute of Art Student Show and Holiday Sale. To be honest the sale was a bit underwhelming - and that's being nice. It is always such a delight to enter the halls of an educational institution to experience "flyer-ed" walls looking for roommates or band members, but in general, the student art at the show was more like a series of mistakes and '"do-overs" (Think lots of very thick pottery pieces). In giving the school and students the benefit of the doubt we guessed that perhaps many of the student artists were participating at the Bizarre Bazaar. We hope that was the case.

From the two more quirky younger art sales we decided to cap off our day with a final stop at the Art Craft Building on Superior and East 30th. The space itself houses many working artists studios but this weekend on the third floor more than 40 artists shared with Cleveland some awe inspiring talent and impeccable craft. From exquisite glass blown wine glasses to completely museum-quality-like jewelry. If only I could devote my entire paycheck to art, it could have been fun. Although we didn't buy much there we ran into a few friends, indulged in fresh popcorn and were inspired to keep saving our pennies for that day when we were going to walk away with a large painting of sorts.

The day was about celebrating Cleveland artists while spending time with friends and picking up a few holiday treats along the way...what could be better?

Holiday Auction (12/8)

Saturday, December 8th, 2007

Craving some action when it comes to bargain hunting? Head over to the Cleveland Auction Companys (formerly Davis Crawford Auctions) Holiday Fine Art & Antique Auction. Doors open at 9:00am, Auction begins at 11:00am. Come early to preview some of the areas best treasures including some great mid-century modern pieces (Eames anyone?) to unique Victorian Jewelry. Come early for a number and the best seat in the house. If you can’t make it downtown, log onto www.cleveauction.com for online bidding.



For additional information on the items available visit www.cleveauction.com or swing by the auction house for an auction catalog at 3910 Lorain Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44113.

Shop Green (12/8)

Saturday, December 8th, 2007

Take a drive over to the Mustard Seed, Solon Location for the Second Annual Holiday Green Gift Fair. Why not buy your sister a great alpaca fiber scarf or your Mom a piece of locally handmade pottery. One of a kind gifts, handcrafted by local artisans that are good for the earth, the home and for you, await.

While you visit the Mustard Seed, don't forget to stop into Ecokiss, a boutique filled with hip, eco-friendly goods for you, your home and even your little pets! You may also want to indulge in the Mustard Seed Café...the smoothies and avocado salad are the best!

For more information visit www.mustardseedmarket.com or www.ecokissstyle.com. 10am-4pm. Free and Open to the Public. 6025 Kruse Dr. Solon