VERY Cool Stuff.

Hello Cleveland.
Can you believe we are already in quarter #2 of ‘09? I surely can’t.

Over the past few months there has been lots of action floating around my little blog. With a handful of readers each day, I constantly question whether the optimistic tune of my thoughts and feelings are reaching out and making a small daily difference. I usually devote a few hours a week to organizing my thoughts around what I am going to say, researching exciting Cleveland happenings and developing small stories that I think much of Cleveland could be interested in. It’s rather time intensive.

With that said I have been approached by numerous readers to develop a successful and profitable partnership in order to keep this blog alive and well. I think you will all be as excited as I am about these opportunities.

Known for her clever sense of fashion and style, Cleveland Plain Dealer Style Editor Kim Crow has approached me and offered to send me on a monthly style shopping trip. I will receive a shopping stipend as long as the PD can piggy-back on my monthly post. I am making my list of fun fashionable Cleveland hot spots right now. I can barely contain my excitement!

Because of the many rave reviews the blog has provided to many area “star” chefs including Michael Symon (Lola's & Lolita’s) and Jonathan Sawyer (Greenhouse Tavern), iheartcleveland has been asked to partner with the local organization Cleveland Originals. Promoting area restaurant “deals & steals” as well as their quarterly discounted gift certificate sales, the blog will be provided a handful of gift certificates to distribute to you, our readers, for FREE in exchange for feedback on your dining experience. I should have these opportunities posted within the month, so stay tuned!

Playhouse Square has recently approached me about possibly partnering with them on a special “iheartplayhousesquare ticket package.” Tickets to many of the hot, mainly sold-out shows will be awarded for the first ten comments to any of our Playhouse Square event postings. Those who comment first will receive complimentary tickets in the special loge area as well as a free intermission cocktail coupon. Some of the upcoming shows that I would LOVE to see at Playhouse Square include Neko Case and Mary Poppins. Be on the lookout for those posts and your opportunity to see them free!

Not that I write too much about area sports, but someone was looking out for me when the blog got mentioned at a recent Indians “viral” marketing meeting. Bob DiBiasio, Cleveland Indians Vice President of Public Relations, recently contacted me about an exciting opportunity writing for the Indians Blog on more of a social, “Tribe Around Town” feature. I will have a press pass and be privileged to sit in the media boxes during all of the summer baseball games along some of the best in the journalism world. This alone makes me think that my time spent writing this blog has been completely worth it! Go Tribe! (My one question...does the gig include free I-shaped soft pretzels?)

Last but not least, a few months ago I sent out a “guest blog request,” to some of our Cleveland celebs. I had GREAT response. Stay tuned for some of my first one-on-one interviews including my morning spent with basketball phenom; Lebron James!!!! (Al Roker’s interview was a blast too, he even sent me these cool NBC rain boots & umbrella after the interview...I love you Al!)

So, as I sometimes wonder if anyone is reading or even cares about my “hobby” I guess it doesn't matter as long as I am having fun and enjoying each and ever day in Cleveland. :) www.iheartcleveland.com Pass it on!