Winter video fun!

Hi Cleveland! I found this video of Edgewater Beach, the pier, sledding and snow angels. Tim & "Frank" you guys ROCK! I coudn't help but to share. Have a great weekend. Stay warm.

Whole Food Fun (1/30, 2/06 & 2/13)

Friday, 1/30-2/13, 2009

FIVE dishes - FIVE different beers & wines - FIVE sensational sampling stations - Only FIVE dollars - From FIVE to SEVEN at Whole Foods Market!

Join the grocery foodies for a classy new social ritual. For discriminating and casual appreciators alike, 5x7 is the brand-new weekly tradition featuring a thematic pairing of five new food and wine (or beer) samplings at five different tasting stations, all for an excellent price!

Your $5 cover grants you an all-access punch card listing the evening's pairings, as well as a FREE wine glass that you can bring back to reuse and save $1 off admission on a later date! From meat and seafood to prepared foods and specialty cheese, every week you will discover new tastes and new trends to tantalize your pallet. Upcoming themes: 1/30: Game Day Entertaining; 2/6: Natural Nutrients; 2/13: Couplings for Couples.

For directions and further details visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/cleveland/

Leave Me Alone! (1/31)

Saturday, January 31st, 2009

What happens when you set comic book author Harvey Pekar's inimitable voice to music? Find out when Oberlin premieres Leave Me Alone!, a new opera with words by Pekar and music by saxophonist and composer Dan Plonsey.

A collaboration by two Cleveland natives with a cast and band drawn from Oberlin College and its Conservatory of Music, Leave Me Alone! is a humorous, groovy, and thoughtful meditation on the place of art in our society, produced in cooperation with Real Time Opera. The opera takes the form of a conversation between Pekar and Plonsey, who discuss the difficulties of having a day job, the disconnect between contemporary audiences and contemporary art, their shared love of jazz, and much more.
Opera everywhere.



No matter where you are, you can take part in this exciting premiere. Admission to the performance in Finney Chapel is free and open to all. Tickets are not required, but it is recommend arriving early to find a seat. Doors will close promptly at 8pm to allow the webcast to begin on time. For directions and more information visit new.oberlin.edu/conservatory/

Winter Cleveland - LIST!

Good monday morning Cleveland!
I am back in the swing of things this morning and ready to take on another week of everything Cleveland has to offer. After returning from Washington D.C....a whirlwind inauguration week, I am rested and ready to roll.

As I reviewed my posts for the upcoming week I paused to note that it's almost February...I feel like New Years was just yesterday. With winter almost halfway over (yippy!) there are a few chilly "to-do's" I must squeeze in over the next month...here we go!

Spend an afternoon of skiing at Brandywine - Sunday, February 1st is Learn to Ski Day (www.bmbw.com)

Clean out my closet (during a snowstorm) and maybe buy a new-old sweater from Ohio Knitting Mills (www.ohioknittingmills.com) or hand knit legwarmers from Cleveland Heights Esty Artist (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6278862)

Savor a large mocha from City Roast Coffee & Tea available at the Westside Market (www.westsidemarket.org)

Explore Mars and the stars at the Great Lakes Science Center (www.greatscience.com)

Hit the chutes at the Cleveland Metroparks toboggan chalet chutes. (www.clemetparks.com)

Snuggle into a booth at the Melting Pot (Lyndhurst or Rocky River) for pot of dark chocolate fondue with marshmallows & strawberries perfect for dipping. (www.meltingpot.com)

Prepare for spring by taking my bike in for a winter tune up. Even better, Century Cycles is offering a coupon good for $15 off your "bike Dr. appointment." (www.centurycycles.com)

What is your Cleveland WINTER to-do list? Fill me in! :)

Cleveland in Paris

Along with loving Cleveland, I HEART PARIS.

I heart the architecture, the quaint bistros filled with espresso & wine, the french fashion sense, I heart EVERYTHING french!

Last week my friend and fellow "Cleveland-Lover" Danielle (owner & creator of Room Service) traveled to France to explore, renew and search out fabulous spring merchandise for us Cleveland shoppers. Her talent lies not only as a sassy retail buyer, but clearly she has a great eye for photography too.



Take a moment to escape to Paris through the eyes of Danielle, photos tres magnifiques!

blog.roomservicecleveland.com/

FREE Herzig! (1/31)

Saturday, January 31st, 2009

Nesteled in the basement of a small Brooklyn bar I was one of the lucky few to experience the soulful music of Ms. Katie Herzig. Her music though light was filled with rich vocals and lovely lyrics. It made me want to jump on stage and sing a long...I resisted!

Good news, NEXT Saturday night Katie and friends will be in concert along with Matt Nathanson at Kulas Auditorium on the campus of John Carroll University. If you want to get a taste for her music visit www.noisetrade.com or check out her site at www.katieherzig.com



See you there! :) 8pm. FREE!

Represent Cleveland (1/20)

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

Happy Inauguration Day Clevelanders! Today I will be joining our new "First Family" as we join together in D.C. to celebrate the inauguration of our 44th President Barack Obama. I am lucky to have a sister who lives close to the action...so with a tank of gas, lots of warm clothes and a charged camera battery I will be amongst the crowds (hopefully) squeezed onto the Mall and in the midst of history in the making.



For great trivia and information about the days events, luncheons, trivia, etc. visit inaugural.senate.gov

Vocal Powerhouse (1/24)

Saturday, January 24th, 2009

A few years ago I discovered the most intense set of vocal chords I have EVER heard. A thin, long haired girl stood on the set of "Love, Janis" belting out the infamous tunes and life-story of Ms. Janis Joplin. I still can hear her hypnotizing the crowd with her hit, "Piece of My Heart." It was a memorable show.

So, if you missed the performance you can still catch this outstanding perfomer...Mary Bridget Davies (www.marybridgetdavies.com) live at Brothers Lounge this Saturday night, 9:30pm.



Mary made her Broadway debut in the Tony Award nominated musical "It Ain't Nothin' but the Blues" ; was Recipient of the BEST VOCALIST AWARD by the Cleveland Free Times ; an International Blues Challenge Finalist in 2005 ; Won award for BEST MOMENT IN THEATRE 2007 by the Kansas City Pitch for her role as Janis Joplin in the Off-Broadway smash musical, "Love, Janis".

For directions and ore infomation visit www.brotherslounge.com

Nauti & ice

As spring approaches the stores FILL with the best "Nauti" resort looks. I seriously have a problem with my sailor stripes & anchor themed apparel obsession. So..although many of you are thinking about piling on the layers of long underwear and wool..I am on the prowl for buoys, fish, navy & white strips with gold buttons to add to my spring styles.

However, I will keep the tags on until this cold tundra lifts, the ice on the lake melts and the seagulls fly over the East 9th Street Pier...say May?

Monster Event (1/17)

Saturday, January 17th, 2009

If you are looking for Saturday afternoon plans...the Monster Nationals is a family oriented monster truck show, produced by Image Promotions, Inc., a Northeast Ohio Company since 1993. Nationally recognized trucks as Bigfoot, Nitemare, War Wagon, Executioner, Black Stallion, Grave Digger, and more have all competed under the Monster Nationals Banner. Jet Powered snowmobiles, quad racing, motor sport clowns, transforming mechanical dinosaurs, freestyle BMX bicycles and more are used to create a fun filled event.



For times, directions, pricing and more visit www.monsternationals.com

Chilly travels

Bbbrrrrrrr...it's chilly out there! Hope you are enjoying an evening at home, snuggled up on your couch keeping warm (www.getsnuggie.com) and out of the cool Ohio winter temps. I was one of the lucky few escaping the single-digit temps today, headed south to Texas for an overnight work excursion via the Cleveland Hopkins Airport.

Did you know, there will be NO MORE STARBUCKS at the airport? I actually got the last LID, which meant they could not serve anymore coffee, which also meant there was a long line of grumpiness behind me. Sorry fellow travelers...Lucky me.

I will be back shortly, but in the meantime, enjoy this winter shot from the CLE...going places! :)

Good Night Moon (1/17)

Saturday, January 17th, 2008

"Goodnight room. Goodnight moon. Goodnight cow jumping over the moon. Goodnight light, and the red balloon...Do you remember this tale? First published in 1947, written by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd this story is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals and now a charming family afternoon theatre event.



Get your seats for the Mermaid Theatre’s staged adaptation of this highly acclaimed children's story. 11am or 2am shows, tickets $10-20 each. www.playhousesquare.org/Events/Events.aspx?EventID=1582

Hobby shopping? (1/16 & 1/25)

As we enter a new year, filled with possibilities it is time to take inventory of your hobbies. Maybe you are looking afor a new creative outlet or in my case trying to pull in the reigns and get focused. Either way hobbies are what make us each unique, interesting and special...what's your hobby?

I learned of this very interesting art medium a few weeks ago...fabric paiting..and although I am NOT taking on a new hobby, I am SO tempted to take this workshop.

Hosted by Cleveland's own, Stitch Cleveland (www.stitchcleveland.com) featuring products and techinques by Cedar Canyon Shiva Paintstiks (www.cedarcanyontextiles.com) you will spend the afternoon learning some interesting techniques using artistic oil based paints on various fabrics. With your one-of-a-kind painted masterpiece you could make a tote bag or a new scarf for the winter snow. Once dry, the fabric can be machine washed and dryed. All supplies are included in the $45 class fee. Plan to get dirty, wear your artist smock!



Pre-registration required by calling 216.220.4808. Friday January 16th, 1-4pm or Sunday January 25th, 1-4pm

I hope someone goes and fills me in. Can't wait to hear about your new hobbies!

a "sparkling" exhibit

I know I may have mentioned this happening prior....but I wanted to make a note of the most exquisite exhibit I have ever seen and urge everyone to MAKE TIME over this final week to visit the “Artistic Luxury” exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art... it is stunning.

This past Friday evening I had the privilege of exploring the works of Peter Carl Fabergé (Russian), Louis Comfort Tiffany (American), and René Lalique (French) with my three friends (Clevelanders). It was an evening of “oohhss” and “aaahhhs”. There were lots of “We should have been born in another era” dreamy comments. We were drawn to the sparkles of diamond headbands and orchid broaches wondering who exactly had the honor of accessorizing their “going out” clothes with such bling. Our imaginations ran wild with thoughts of royalty all adorned and poised just so.



Artistic Luxury offers a glimpse—through the stunning creations of three great artists—into the world of the rich and famous during the years leading up to the First World War. Each designer was known for his own characteristic style and achievement, and the exhibition devotes a separate gallery to each jeweler, recreating the ambiance of the Paris world’s fair.

The 6-7 room exhibit was filled to the brim with works that will only grace the walls of the museum for one more week. Don’t miss it! The museum is open late this Wednesday until 9pm and Friday until midnight. Cost : CMA members FREE, $17 adults, $12 college students & seniors. $8 children ages 6–18. For more details visit www.clevelandart.org.

Cento rocks! (1/15)

Thursday, Janury 15th, 2009

As many of you know, I am a HUGE (Huge doesn’t even begin to describe it!) fan of Bar Cento (margarita pizza & a carafe of the house wine at the bar).

As one of Cleveland Magazines (www.clevelandmagazine.com) “2009 Most Interesting People” chef Jonathon Sawyer always manages to pull of not only delectable savory treats, but really swanky parties and events.

His next “not to miss” soireé will be an experiment with rock & roll music and fine wine notes. Live music. Lots of interesting wines to taste and discover. Don’t miss an evening of fun at Bar Cento (www.barcento.com).

Go Cavs! (01/09)

Hello and Happy Friday!

So one of the reasons "I heart cleveland" is all the pro-sports that roll through our Northeast Ohio calender year. Baseball, Football and Basketball, we are a lucky city to have the ability to support this many professional athletes around town.

This morning I wanted write something sassy about tonights Cavs vs. Celtic game (8pm). Lebron, the uniforms, the home advantage, the dance team and how we are gonna pound the celtics...but I found this tantalizing article from “The Optimist” (www.nba.com/cavaliers/features/optimist_celtics_090109.html) and thought he summed it up best! A great read for an even better game tonight!



"Que pasa, proud citizen-soldiers of the Wine and Gold! I am the Optimist, and there are Celtics in town. So Let’s Get It On.
That’s right, the World Champion Boston Celtics are amongst us at this very moment – skulking around Tower City eating our hot pretzels and driving guests at the Ritz-Carlton insane by blasting their Irish folk music at all hours.

That’s how these Celtics roll. They’re Champions with an attitude. Don’t like it? Pound salt.

That’s fine by me. The Cavaliers and Celtics have always had, at best, an acrimonious relationship. And you readers know how I personally feel – and have always felt – about our Gaelic nemesii. For some people, it’s Michigan. For others, it’s the Pittsburgh Steelers or New York Yankees. For me, it’s the Celtics.

Whether it was their derailment of the Miracle squad in ’76 or Larry Bird and Co. snuffing World B. Free’s Comeback Cavs in ’85, the Boston Celtics have brought the Wine, Gold and I nothing but heartache. And I’ve witnessed much of this ugliness first-hand – from seminal events like last season’s seven-game slugfest in the Eastern Conference Semis, to traumatizing incidents like watching the flight of Paul Pierce’s lung-butter the night he chugged one in the direction of little Luke Jackson at an exhibition game in Columbus.

But that stuff’s all ancient history when these two teams get down tonight at The Q. Right now, the Celtics and Cavaliers are the Eastern Conference’s heavyweight division. So prepare ye for a Friday Night Fight on the corner of Huron and Ontario.

Two weeks ago, the Mighty Mighty Bostonians looked like they might not lose again all season. But then the Lakers dropped them on Christmas Day and they ain’t been right since – dropping six of their last eight. Doc Rivers’ club needs to get themselves back together. And they’re thinking that a nationally-televised win over the top dog in the East would do the trick.

That’s just the kind of East Coast bias that cheeses we Midwesterners off. Get off the schneid somewhere else, Celtics! You can huff and puff, but you can’t blow this house down. And we both know: If P.J. Brown doesn’t put back a pair of errant air-balls, the Wine and Gold wins Game 7 in Boston.

Yeah, when the Celtics roll into town, it gets everyone’s medulla oblongata throbbing. Even our little mop-topped friend from Gamecock Country has his panties in a bunch over Boston."

GO CAVS!!!!

Happy Day 8

Thursday, January 8th, 2009

There is a lot going on around town, but don't forget to celebrate today, January 8th.

It's National English Toffee Day. It's Elvis Presley's birthday. Did you know eight is the first number to be the aliquot sum of two numbers other than itself; the discrete biprime 10, and the square number 49 (for you number people!) So with that enjoy the eighth in NorthEast Ohio, get your giggle on. :)

Mystery Theatre Night Social (1/08)

Thursday, January 8th, 2009

Join Visible Voice Books for an evening of old time radio mystery theater, Every 2nd Thursday of the month starting at 7pm. Sit back, relax…have a glass of wine (the bookstore sells it!), a snack, and hear many famous voice actors performing great stories by classic radio writers--all in a nostalgic and intimate setting. These stories were crafted especially for radio and to stir your imagination without relying on a picture on a screen!



Between acts, there will be breaks for socializing and mingling with others who appreciate this truly unique lost art form existing long before television. The evening will be hosted by “The Cleveland Classic Movies, Musicals, and More” Meet Up Group, in cooperation with Visible Voice Books. Please call Robert at 330.393.4448 to learn more about this free event.

Visible Voice Books (www.visiblevoicebooks.com), Tremont 1023 Kenilworth Ave. Cleveland, 44113

Winter Beach Love

“Oh baby it’s cold outside” streamed through my mind as I set out to capture the winter and the lake this past weekend...



The sun was out in full effect but there were no sunbathers, no picnics and hardly a seagull to be seen this afternoon at Edgewater Park Beach. There were however shimmery ice crystals, dagger-like icicles and snow encrusted saplings. The air whipped across my cheeks with every photo I snapped, the sound of waves crashing over the hardness of ice was a different tune than those of the summer waves. Cold and hard, yet melodic, evolving and true. Nature is an amazing creature so fragile and yet so strong. How do the little plants live through this harsh winter, yet in a few months they will lift their little heads and awaken with Miss Spring? I am always in awe of our gorgeous Cleveland winters.



I know it may not be your number one destination throughout these “below-zero” days, but I would highly recommend a pair of mittens and an afternoon adventure to the beach, where the sand cracks like walking on glass and the wind sings a tune of pure exhilaration.

$20 Rent (1/06-11)

January 6th-11th, 2008

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize, RENT is about being young, learning to survive, falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. RENT has made a lasting mark on Broadway with songs that rock and a story that really resonates....and you could have tickets for as little as $20!

Beginning two hours before each scheduled performance of RENT, a limited amount of $20 lottery ticket numbers will be distributed. A drawing will take place approximately fifteen minutes before the scheduled performance and if your number is called you will then be able to purchase these select tickets within the first three rows for only $20. Please note that cash is only accepted for the RENT lottery. Guests can enter the lottery in the State Theatre Ticket Office lobby at PlayhouseSquare no later then 30 minutes before their selected show date. Seating is extremely limited! Limit of two tickets per winning number, per performance. Even though I have already seen the show, I am VERY tempted to go and put my name in the lottery...EVERY night!



"To hand-crafted beers made in local breweries. To yoga, to yogurt, to rice and beans and cheese. To leather, to dildos, to curry Vindaloo. To Huevos Rancheros, and Maya Angelou." (-MIMI & ANGEL)

For behind the scenes, tour schedule and more information visit www.siteforrent.com for details, times and directions visit www.playhousesquare.org

Free Stretch from Lululemon

As we enter the season for for extra gym time, more water intake and peace in the new year we look for different ways to spark our workouts. At the new Lululemon Showroom they will offer a few classes to kick start the month of January, check them out! Classes begin at 10am.

01/03 : Pilates Mat, Jodi Brinkman
01/08 : Exotic Fitness:Pole Dancing & Sensual Movement (6-9pm)
01/10 : Dance Train, Allison Baker
01/17 : Cardio Kickboxing, Yana Salwan
01/24 : Muscle Madness, Linda Robson
01/31 : Hiphop Hustle, Renee Schwartz

Cost: complimentary! For directions to the Beachwood location visit www.lululemon.com/cleveland/clevelandshowroom

My Cleveland Year In Review

Happy 2009 fellow Cleveland-lovers! I hope everyone had happy and safe New Years Eve around town. As the new year arrived I began thinking about my 2008 and all of the amazing experiences I have had around town, with new and old friends. From good music to great food, from nature at it's best to unique happenings, 2008 was a year to remember.

Below are some of my top 2008 favorites that i thought I would share with all of you.

> Antiquing in Medina with friends brought new finds to my home.

> Live music of Feist, Baby Dayliner, Rachael Roberts, Return To Simple (www.returnofsimple.com), Kate Tunstall, JayMay (www.myspace.com/jaymay) The "Idols," Girl Talk & Jay Z brought many new playlists to my ipod.

> Made in the 216 (blog.roomservicecleveland.com/events-at-room-service/) brought together unique finds and fun friends.

> Fun times with close friends including a wild St.Patricks Day Pub Crawl (www.lakewoodpubcrawl.com), an 80's house party-complete with prom dresses, a day of exploring the city by RTA, an excuse to wear a big hat at the Junior League of Cleveland-Kentucky Derby Party, a bike trip to Put-In-Bay, a street yard sale boutique, a fall art walk complete with peanut butter martinis!

> The Cleveland Triathlon (www.pacificsportsllc.com) challenged me to push farther, be stronger, dream big...plus I got to swim behind the Rock Hall! Oh, and my awesome road bike from Century Cycles (www.centurycycles.com) deffinatley makes the top 2008 list.

> Wicked & Legally Blonde and the new Hanna Theatre (www.playhousesquare.com) brought me to a standing ovation.

> The Cleveland Film Festival (www.clevelandfilm.org) always rekindles my love of independent films, 2008 was no exception...favorite flick, Priceless.

> The Lake. The Metroparks. The Sunshine!

> Cleveland Bridge Builders (www.cleveleads.org) has allowed me to meet many other passionate Clevelanders.

Happy New Year. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog, whether you check daily or from time to time poke in to see what Cleveland has to offer, I hope that my efforts and interests spark excitement, energy and passion to you as you move into another year living and loving our city, Cleveland.