Spring Beauty

March 29th - April 12th, 2008

Ever spent your Saturday afternoon roaming the aisles of Ulta Beauty? If you haven't stopped by the new store at Westgate Mall in Fairview Park, now is the time during their Spring Beauty Event.

The store is a great blend between high fashion beauty products (Smashbox to Stila) to grocery store steals (Cover Girl to Revlon). Although I do love Sephora too... I love the fact that Ulta offers deals & coupons...I am always up for a sale! While I couldn't decide if I really needed that new cosmetic bag (25% off with red coral on it) or the latest in nail polish colors (Buy one get one 50% off), I decided to put the bag down and enjoy my new OPI Nail color, "Vodka & Caviar."

A few of their upcoming featured cosmetic lines are as follows.
April 3rd, Urban Decay :: April 5th, Stila :: April 10th, Lorac :: April 11th, Bare Esssentials
If you are interested in a makeover or learning more about these lines, call the store to reserve an appointment 440.331.4078.

For more information on the Spring Beauty Event, the new store or their products & services visit www.ulta.com

Chocolate & Yoga (3/29)

Sunday, March 29th 2008

What could be better than working out, eating fancy-schmancy chocolate and spending your Sunday with good friends? Nothing but Yoga & Chocolate with David Romanelli @ Evolution Yoga Cleveland. This 2.5 hour class is one of David's acclaimed workshops given around the country.

Vosges founder and chocolatier Katrina Markoff and At One Yoga co-founder David Romanelli (check out his website at YeahDaveYoga.com) have been best friends since their college years. In 2000, Katrina and David realized their careers each involved a unique type of "fusion." Katrina was fusing chocolate with curry, wasabe and chiles to create the Vosges experience. David was fusing the 5,000 year old practice of yoga with modern music ranging from Frank Sinatra to Puff Daddy and everything in between to create Yeah Dave Yoga. Katrina and David brainstormed the Yoga + Chocolate concept which culminated in a Yoga + Chocolate in weekend workshops, week long retreats, and corporate seminars



Every one of us struggles with what is called the 3 human weaknesses: lust, anger and greed. In order to stay true to self and purpose, one must build immunity to the seductions of life. We are most vulnerable to those weaknesses when mind, body and spirit are out of sync. There's no better way to re-synchronize then thru peak sensory experiences like delicious chocolate, rockin' music and soothing yoga.

At the end David's flowing vinyasa yoga class, you are guaranteed to be in a deeply relaxed, totally present state of mind as you are guided through a tasting of the Vosges Haut-Chocolat Funk n Disco truffle made with buttermilk banana pudding and milk chocolate...realizing that "nothing can cure the soul but the senses just as nothing can cure the senses but the soul."

$45 in advance. For more information visit www.evolutionyogastudio.com

Spring Motivation

"Sweat is the cologne of accomplishment" -anonymous

As we look towards summer we find ourselves wanting more and more to get outside, spread our "wings" and get moving. Whether you are a runner, walker, biker, boater or kite flyer, now is the time to bust out those sneakers and get your heart rate going. Grab a pal and hit the gym. Take your dog (or the neighbors) for a walk around the block. Head down to the Metroparks and embrace the mud. Stroll down near the lake. Hit the slopes one last time, watch for grass patches. Take your bike in to get it tuned up.

Whatever it is you love about the Cleveland outdoors get out there...get fit...sweat and embrace spring!

A Taste of Wine (3/27)

Thursday, March 27th, 2008

Rozi’s Wine House invites Clevelanders to a special wine tasting featuring Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel Wineries.

Featured Wines Include:
Far Niente Vineyards—06' Estate Bottled Chardonnay—05' Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon—04' Dolce Late Harvest
Nickel & Nickel Vineyards—05' Harris Vineyard Merlot—06' Suscol Ranch Merlot—06' Medina Vineyard Chardonnay — 05' Dyer Vineyard Syrah—06' Searby Vineyard Chardonnay— 06' Truchard Vineyard Chardonnay—05' Ponzo Vineyard Zinfandel— 05' Bonfire Vineyard Zinfandel—05' Darien Vineyard Syrah



James Perko will also be on hand to present gourmet dishes that complement the featured wines. $20.00 admission per person will be collected at the door No reservations required.

For more information call (216) 221-1119 14900 or visit www.rozis.com
Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44107

Swim for a Cure (4/05)

Saturday, April 5th, 2008

Grab your goggles & towel and join me in making a splash for diabetes by getting involved in the 33rd Annual Central Ohio Diabetes Association Swim for Diabetes held at 40 Central Ohio pools...Lakewood YMCA Pool!

Participants collect pledges for the laps they complete. All the money raised from this event stays in Central Ohio to support important services including diabetes education, detection, diabetes youth camps and social services. Swimming laps, or choosing to walk your laps around the pool, is a great way to help the 184,500 people in Central Ohio with diabetes.

Swim for Diabetes in 4 Easy Steps:
> Register by calling the hotline at 1.800.422.SWIM.
> Raise $$$$$. (Ask your Friends, Family, Neighbors, Co-workers)
*Sponsors can pledge per lap or contribute a specified amount.
> On the day of the Swim. Bring your completed form to the pool and check in at the registration table. Swim as many laps as you wish from 1-72.
> After the Swim. Collect your pledges and mail them into the Association.

What is Diabetes? Diabetes Mellitus is a condition in which the body fails to produce insulin or respond to insulin. Without insulin, the body cannot use food for energy. Over a period of time, high blood sugar can result in complications such as blindness, heart or kidney disease, and limb amputations.

To participate or for more information visit www.dagc.org

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

Easter Weekend in Cleveland (3/21-22)

Friday & Saturday March 21st & 22nd, 2008

Although the weekend will be filled with Cadbury Cream Eggs and black jelly beans (my personal favorites!) there is a lot to do around town other than gorge ourselves on our Easter baskets.

Here are a few things that sound fun...

LISTEN : Parts & Labor perform (www.partsandlabor.net) as part of the rock! MOCA art rock series. $6 @ 8pm www.mocacleveland.org

SEE : Caramel (a big hit @ this years film festival) will be showing for an exclusive engagement @ the Cedar Lee Theatre. www.caramelmovie.com for show times visit www.clevelandcinemas.com

DO : Hunt Easter eggs with the kiddies @ Legacy Village (www.legacy-village.com). Between noon and 3pm. FREE

EAT : Saturday morning, explore the West Side Market for fresh spring produce, cheese & meats. The Easter holiday will bring out the best hustle and bustle the market has to offer. www.westsidemarket.com



Happy Easter Cleveland!

The Last Hurrah! (3/21)

Friday, March 21st, 2008

Anne E. DeChant may be the best singer|songwriter in Cleveland. She has certainly won enough Free Times|Scene "Best Of" awards to make that case. This is a rare full band show, and even rarer by the fact that she is moving to Nashville right after this show. That's with a celebratory farewell will also feature a full band and a number of a special guests including Alexis Antes, Chris DeHass, Brian Bretton, Chris Allen, Chris Hanna and Tim Longfellow.

"It just felt right, and I had been there before," DeChant said. "I just don't want to go to New York City and triple my rent. Nashville is not only affordable but it has the highest concentration of publishing companies."



Although DeChant will be missing from her regular gigs several times a week at area venues, she does plan on returning to her roots for the occasional special performance.

This is it, the last chance to see this Cleveland icon before she moves away! The Winchester in Lakewood, $10.00. 9pm. For more information visit www.thewinchester.net

World H2O Day (3/22)

Saturday, March 22nd, 2008

In a country filled with Brita, Evian & Disani...World Water Day is an international day of observance and action to draw attention to the plight of the more than 1 billion people that lack access to clean, safe drinking water.

Celebrated since 1993, World Water Day was designated in 1992 when the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution. In many ways though, World Water Day is still a relatively unknown event. World Water Day is today at a similar stage as Earth Day was in the early 1970’s – important but relatively unknown.

For information on this initiative visit www.worldwaterday.net

Minty Goodness Recipe (3/17)

Monday, March 17th, 2007

Happy St. Patrick's Day Cleveland! Top 'O the morning to ya!

I used to absolutely love it when McDonald's brought out their Shamrock Shakes around St. Patrick's Day. The past couple of years I haven't been able to either find the special treat or want the extra calories...so I was thrilled when I found this copycat recipe!

Ingredients (makes 2 large glasses0
2 cups vanilla ice cream or soy ice cream
1 1/4 cups 2% low-fat milk or soymilk
1/4 teaspoon mint extract
8 drops green food coloring

Directions
1) Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth.
2) Stop blender to stir with a spoon if necessary to help blend ice cream.
3) Pour into 12-ounce cups and serve each with a straw.
4) Happy St Patrick's Day!

So, if you aren't out "celebrating" with a green beer (or 2), stay in this evening and whip up a pitcher (or 2) of "healthy" Shamrock Shakes. Enjoy.

Yoga Fundraiser (3/22)

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Join in the fight to end local hunger by participating in a fun, family-friendly yoga fundraiser at a lovely studio in Cleveland's historic ArtCraft Building! Enjoy yoga classes, raffle, silent art auction, community art project, health vendor information, refreshments, and door prizes. Proceeds benefit Harvest for Hunger.

Art enthusiasts and children of all ages are invited to express themselves with supplied Crayola Classic Colors markers and "canvas." Support hunger relief as you bid on one-of-a-kind works from emerging and established local artists!

Marigold Catering brings to our table their generous offering of food and drink for the days event refereshments

9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. @ 2570 Superior Avenue, Suite 200 (ArtCraft Building, Jim Baron Photography). Plenty of free, secure parking in lot behind building. Suggested donation per yoga class $5.00. For a detailed class schedule, visit http://pinklotusyoga.com/h4h.aspx

St Patty's (3/17)

Monday, March 17th 2008

For those of you taking Monday off of work to indulge in some excess corned beef and green beer, perhaps a pub crawl is in order? www.lakewoodpubcrawl.com



Or for those of you braves souls who want to take on our dug up downtown the parade is still on! For more information visit www.clevelandsirishparade.org

Fancy Fish (3/14 & 21)

Friday March 14th & 21st, 2008

If you have always wanted to go, now is the time to make your reservation at Little Italy's Baricelli Inn. In celebration of Lent, the Inn offers a special "Go Fish" $22 pixe fixe menu featuring three delectable courses with your choice of starters, fresh fish entrees and dessert.

Make your reservation today! www.baricelli.com

A Sweet Saturday (3/15)

Saturday, March 15th, 2008

Its maple syrup time in Geauga County! The Northeast Ohio Maple Producers invite you to visit over 20 Amish sugarhouses in Geauga, Ashtabula, Portage and Trumbull counties.

The drive-it-yourself tour allows you to spend as much time as you like at each location and visit as many as you want. Everyone in the family will enjoy a day in the country exploring and learning about the magic of the maple tree.

Maple syrup production in Northeast Ohio dates back to the days of the Native Americans. Maple Syrup is made in only a very small part of the entire world. Northeast Ohio is the heart of this amazing area.

Come visit a maple syrup camp during the 2008 March Maple Madness Driving Tour and enjoy a sweet experience. For a map and list of tour stops visit www.ohiosweetmaple.com

Cleveland (sandwiches) Represent

February, 2008

If you are a magazine junkie like I am, than you not only read the magazines "for girls," but the guys pubs. as well! Last month in Esquire, the article "BEST Sandwiches in America" caught my eye; there we were in black and white, three Cleveland hot spots taking center stage on top of the list. Check out Esquire reviews below to see if you agree or for your own taste test hop in your car and grab a sandwich for lunch...feel free to send us your own review. :)

Trailer Park Monte Cristo : Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland
Bobbing in a sea of Blue Ribbon, battered by gale-force amps, you need something solid to hold on to -- and hold down. So: Dip a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich in pancake batter, dunk it in a deep fryer, and dust it with powdered sugar. Voilà: Bar eats supreme. The crisp, cakey crust conceals a molten heart as sweet as Cleveland’s own. (15711 Waterloo Road; 216-383-1124)



Corned Beef : Slyman’s
Bernie Kosar jerseys outnumber the business suits, but just barely. The corned beef is why you go: a softball-sized lump of lean the color of a Great Lakes sunset, kissed with fat and slow-cooked to succulence, then nestled between clouds of fresh bread. (3106 St. Clair Avenue; 216-621-3760)

Polish Boy : Freddie’s Rib House
Soul on white. A pipe’s length of kielbasa is wrapped in a bun and mounded with french fries, then dressed with coleslaw and barbecue sauce. Ignore any toxic runoff: Locals consider cuff stains a red badge of courage. The genteel can request a fork, because, yo, every circus needs a clown. (1431 St. Clair Avenue; 216-575-1750)

For the entire article visit www.esquire.com/features/food-drink/sandwiches

Bunny Breakfast (3/15)

Saturday, March 15th, 2008

If you and your little chicks want to head out to visit the Easter Bunny, reserve a space at this years Nordstrom Bunny Breakfast. The morning will feature a balloon artist, face painter, pictures with the Bunny, and a special gift.



Tickets are $14 per person. Seating is limited, so reserve your space today. 8:00 – 10:00am Nordstrom Cafe in Beachwood Mall. To RSVP, call 216-378-2121, ext. 1840.

Spring Style Ahead

As I crept home Friday evening, in the huge snow storm, I was stopped at a red light and couldn't help but notice the bright-hued spring fashions in the window of Dots. To be honest, I haven't been in Dots in a few years but as the snow fell I was somehow drawn into the store like a mosquito to a bug zapper.

Founded in a Cleveland suburb in 1987 Dots prides itself on affordable, fun fashions. The bright colors, funky patterns and young styles awakened my style sense and gave hope through this snow storm that spring was quickly approaching. After looking through racks and racks of ruffled shirts, graphic tee's and jeans galore, I choose a long-length, cap-sleeved, tangerine t-shirt...the perfect bathing suit cover-up for only $15!



Next time your craving a spring wardrobe pick me up..or just something bright to shine through the snow stop by Cleveland based, Dots! www.dots.com

Healthy Families (3/08)

Saturday, March 8th, 2008

In honor of National Nutrition Month, please join the Junior League of Cleveland as they host the Kids in the Kitchen Program at the Children's Museum. An educational initiative, children & families can take part in a number of interactive activities where they will learn about nutrition, exercise & healthy eating habits. Pack up the mini van and head to the Children's Museum of Cleveland for this exciting and worthwhile event. If you have kids, neighbors, nieces or nephews bring them too!

www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org

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.

Winter Mojito Madness

Oh the weather outside is frightful but cocktails are so delightful...and since Starbucks has makes their own liqueur...let it snow, let it sleet, let it snow!

Since it's March and still blistery outdoors, here's the plan. Call your pals, crank up the heat to 70 degrees and create your own little cabana haven with a Starbucks Liqueurs Coffee Mojito. With a sparkling cocktail in your hand and the warm air blowing through your swanky pad, it will be like a relaxing vacay in your living room!

Here's the how-to...
- 1 part Starbucks™ Coffee Liqueur
- 1 part Cruzan Light Rum
- fresh mint sprigs
- sugar
- ½ lime
- club soda



Muddle mint and sugar. Squeeze lime, add Starbucks™ Coffee Liqueur, rum and ice. Fill with club soda and garnish with more mint. Enjoy. You now have a mojito infused with the best tasting coffee liqueur!

VOTE Cleveland (3/04)

Tuesday, March 4th, 2008.

Cleveland...just a friendly reminder...Get out and ROCK THE VOTE!

And if you like presidential trivia check out the small sampling I've collected below.

1st President George Washington had a dog named drunkard. He also owned a hemp field and was given a jackass by the King of Spain.

20th President James Garfield was ambidextrous and multilingual. He could write Greek with one hand while writing Latin with the other.

23rd President Benjamin Harrison was afraid to touch light switches.

31st President Herbert Hoover was a cross-dresser.

37th President Richard Nixon ate cottage cheese with ketchup to manage his weight. He was also the first president whose name contained all the letters in the word "criminal."

43rd President George W. Bush and Wife Laura only knew each other three months before getting married.

C. Allen @ Happy Dog (3/04)

Tuesday, March 4th, 2008

Chris Allen, former lead singer, songwriter, heart and soul of the Cleveland-based band Rosavelt, who Paste Magazine calls a "first-rate chronicler of life's minor ups and downs," is at it again with his second solo effort, Things Unbroken, an 11 song rocker that takes his work into new sonic and emotional territory. Unveiled March 4th!

Be the first to hear the new CD as it debuts in Cleveland Tuesday at The Happy Dog in Cleveland, (5801 Detroit Ave.) at 9:00pm



Visit www.chrisallenmusic.com and enter the following Tune Card code (RTXA892) which will allow you to download the title track on Things Unbroken for FREE! enjoy.

Antiquing in Medina

A few weeks ago a friend had called to see if I would join her on an antique shopping trip to Medina. Of course I could not resist the opportunity to catch some great girl time while exploring vintage finds in a town relatively close to home, so off we went...

It was a rainy morning but the chilly air didn't dampen our spirits. The four of us met at Starbucks for coffee (because antiques look better when you've had some caffeine?) and then all jumped into one large car for our 25 minute car ride south. Instead of tackling the infamous Medina Antique Mall, we opted for a smaller, more off-the-beaten path store called Brothers Antique Mall (6132 Wooster Pike Medina, OH 44256).

The morning was spent discovering "new" china patterns from the 60's, scoring a few unique pieces of furniture for a new home, buying a collection of vintage black and white photographs of Paris & Florence, and lots of reminiscing (..."remember when we used to wear these?"..."remember when people used to use these?").



After a long morning of shopping we were starved. We quickly headed back to "the square" and enjoyed a great lunch at The Main Street Cafe (www.themainstreetcafe.com). The afternoon was a complete success...time to shop, eat and catch up, what could be better!

Network @ BYOB (3/12)

Wednesday, March 12th, 2008

The Rocky River Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee invites you,your associates, friends & family to the 2nd annual B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Brush!) at Tomorrow’s Hair Salon. RSVP today as spaces are filling up fast!

Indulge in some chic cocktails & munchies while the Tomorrow's team fill you in on what is happening with their successful, growing, women-owned Rocky River business. Explore the world of specialty salon services such as pedicure’s, waxing, and more. Enjoy discounted pricing on most products, including their fabulous makeup line, and walk away with a killer gift bag of goodies, mini-samples, and discount coupons.

If you'd like, bring your own products and equipment (flat iron, blow dryer, curlers, clips, etc.) for a one-on-one session to update your look or make your style fresher, funkier, quicker-whatever your goals are, the stylists at Tomorrow’s Salon are there to help.

It may not be golf, but hanging out at the salon is a wonderful way to network, so plan to join us. Bring your business cards! RSVP to the Chamber office at 440.331.1140 or info@rockyriverchamber.com by Friday March 7, 2008. The cost is just $5 for Rocky River Chamber members & their employees and $10 for non-members. This is a great opportunity to invite your daughters, granddaughters, or nieces to hear an inspiring story for a successful women business owner.