Weekend & giveaway!

Well, it’s going to be a perfect weekend to finish up those summer project around the home. Me? I’m planning on giving my garage a good clean out before the winter chill sets in as well as hanging some spooky decorations for the upcoming holiday!

I might try and squeeze in a bike ride since the weather is supposed to be amazing. Can anyone tell me how you find the tow path entrance that is supposedly behind Steelyard Commons? Or is that an old wives tale?

Besides cleaning, decorating and riding...here are a few other things that I may try and squeeze into my weekend...what are your weekend plans???

- Tonight's Best of Cleveland Party at the Rock Hall is supposed to be a great time.

- Polka happy hour at Happy Dog if I need to escape the party.

- If I felt like dressing like a zombie...the Dead Ride around town would be a fun event.

- For those of you who have always wanted to spend the night in a movie theatre...12 Hours of Terror at Capitol Theatre!

- Like to craft? A paper making demonstration at the Cleveland Public Library sounds cool, it's part of their Octavofest.

- Stash Style in Chagrin Falls is hosting a Breast Cancer Benefit from 5-11pm. Pink goodies, drinks & food. Vintage and hand knit fashion showing! Mini massages, palm readings & more! LIVE Music at 8:00

Or...drum roll please......

-The second annual Cleveland Beer Week begins TODAY friday october 15th, and runs through next saturday october 23rd. As a celebration of craft and import beer cleveland beer week features tastings, dinners and activities at over 100 venues.



The big gala-type of event; BREWzilla is being held next Saturday, October 23 at the galleria at erieview from 6 to 11pm. BREWzilla acts as the closing event where one can sample beer from over 80 breweries and enjoy tons of food and cheese from heinen's and winking lizard.

Guess what? I have TWO FREE TICKETS to giveaway to BREWzilla. Tell me about your favorite beer and provide your email address and the winner will be chosen by random NEXT Wednesday.

Other than that, have a great weekend!!! Love ya Cleveland!.

Jokers & Jackpots (05/07)

Friday, May 7th, 2010

The Junior League of Cleveland is thrilled to invite you to the second annual Jokers & Jackpots event a benefit to support the leagues' Mission and community outreach programs.

Once inside the "casino" aka The Shoreby Club, you can bid in our silent auction (Lululemon pants, facials, dinner parties & more) on fantastic one of a kind items, enjoy entertainment and the beautiful view of Lake Erie, plus the chance to win some very creative prizes.



6-11 pm : Cocktail attire suggested (per Shoreby Club rules, no jeans please).

For tickets visit the JLC website.

Sips & Dips (9/24)

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

Join the gang at Rainbow Babies for a wonderful evening of hors d'oeuvres (they like to call them "dips"), tasty wines (which they call "sips"), silent auction, great prizes and fabulous live music as they raise money for the babies at Rainbow!



5:30 - 6:30 pm VIP Wine Experience
6:30 - 9:00 pm Main Event

Going down at The Hoyt Block, 700 W. St. Clair, in the heart of Cleveland's Warehouse District (next to Blue Point Grille.)
$35 or $75* per person (*includes VIP Wine Experience)

For information on how to make reservations click here!

Burn River Burn (8/15)

Saturday, August 15th, 2009

Every August, people from all over the Great Lakes region raise a pint at the Burning River Fest to salute the "watershed moment" that raised a new level of eco-consciousness - the 1969 burning of the Cuyahoga River. In recognition of the River's 40th "rebirth-day", 2009's party will feature live music, food from local and organic farms and eateries and, naturally, Great Lakes Brewing Company craft beer.



Proceeds benefit the Burning River Foundation, a local non-profit organization that provides resources for the sustainable future of our waterways. 4-11 PM at the historic Coast Guard Station on Whiskey Island. Help celebrate the "Year of the River" and spark a new level of environmental awareness.

For the music lineup, and celebration details visit www.burningriverfest.org

$15 Online Presale, $20 At the Gate (food, craft beer, non-alcoholic beverages & merchandise will be available at an additional cost inside Burning River Fest.) FREE parking will be available (while spots last) on Whiskey Island. Carpooling is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED (4 or more people per vehicle.) The Ohio City Bike Co-Op will provide Valet Bike Parking for bicyclists.

The "FEAST" (8/13-16)

Thursday, August 13th through Sunday, August 16th, 2009

Cleveland's Feast of the Assumption, is held each year in mid-August in the city's Little Italy neighborhood, it's a four-day street fair that celebrates the Catholic Day of Assumption (August 15), when the Virgin Mary died and assumed her place beside Jesus. Although the hill is a complete "MOB" scene, the Feast is a fun-filled Italian street party with rides, food (Gnocchi & Cannolis), live music and the traditional parade.



The four-day Feast of the Assumption is a wonderful mix of religion and secular fun. The entire length of Mayfield Road, between Euclid Ave and Cleveland Heights is closed off to traffic. In their place are carnival rides, delicious Italian-themed food vendors, arts & crafts booths, and live music stages, playing everything from rock to "It's Amore." In addition, there are fireworks at night and a parade on August 15. The event draws over 100,000 visitors each year. Admission is free.

Thursday Aug 13, 6-11pm
Friday Aug 14, 6-Midnight
Saturday Aug 15, 10-Midnight
Sunday Aug 16, Noon-9:30pm

Renegade Lunch, TODAY (6/11)

Thursday, June 11th, 2009

Have you heard the word? Ben & Greg's Renegade Lunch Project is at it again.



Be one of the first to show up at Mall B. TODAY for a scrumptious dining experiment. Who knows what they will serve, but gourmet it will be. Donations will be accepted as the lunch will benefit the good work of Cleveland Public Art, the organization responsible for doing so much to beautify our fair city.

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!

Animal Attraction (2/05)

Thursday, February 5th, 2009

While the weather is chilly outside, why not spend a hot and steamy evening...in the rainforest at Animal Attractions presented by the Cleveland Zoo! Enjoy a Valentine's celebration while sampling dishes from Cleveland's favorite area restaurants, sipping tasty beverages and trekking behind-the-scenes for even "closer" animal "encounters!"

Listen to stories and learn more about your Zoo’s wildlife "conservation" efforts as you enjoy presentations from Marc Ancrenaz, Director of the Kinabatangan Orang-utan Conservation Project in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo (KOCP), and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo staff: Geoff Hall, General Curator; Dr. Chris Kuhar, Curator of Primates & Small Mammals; Jim Nemet, Education Specialist & Staff; and, special guest speaker Joe B. Keiper, Curator of Invertebrate Zoology & Director of Science at The Cleveland Natural History Museum.



Some of the participating restaurants include Blue Canyon, Cleveland Cupcake Company, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, Hoggy's Restaurant & Catering, Paladar Latin Kitchen, Sammy's and Sans Souci.

6-9pm. $65, Adults 21 & over please. (there may be LOTS of monkey business. tee hee hee)
For more information visit www.clevelandzoosociety.org

Fashion for the Cure (10/15)

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008

This Wednesday if you are feeling charitable AND looking for a fashion fix purchase a ticket to the Key to the Cure Kickoff Party at Saks Fifth Avenue.



Cocktails, Hors d'oeuvres from 12 of Cleveland's Finest Restaurants, Balloon Raffle, and Silent Auction. Also, the limited edition t-shirt designed by Karl Lagerfeld will make it's debuts this evening.

6-9pm. Tickets are $50 per person. For more information or to purchase a ticket, please call Jaclyn Chapple at 216.445.3358 or email chapplj@ccf.org Proceeds to benefit Women's Cancer Research at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute.

Walk & Roll Lakewood (7/19)

Saturday, July 19th 2008

Come celebrate Lakewood’s walkability and its finest assets: a vibrant downtown, historic architecture and a spectacular Lake Erie park. Two-miles of streets in the heart of the urban community will be closed for walking, running, strolling, bicycling, blading and socializing. Programming includes tumbling, dancing, aerobics, yoga, a bike rodeo, skateboard demonstrations and more. All activities are free and will take place on the streets or in Lakewood Park. Visitors will have the opportunity to join “classes” on an impromptu basis. This is a progressive and unique event for health, environmental and community-minded Ohioans.



For activity details, visit www.walkroll.com

A Scoop for a Pint! (7/13)

Sunday, July 13th, 2008

Don't miss this annual blood drive hosted by Mitchells Ice Cream in Rocky River in collaboration with the American Red Cross. From noon to five, stop by and donate a pint of blood and in return you will get a free scoop of their Cleveland-made ice cream.



My current favorite is peach but I also love the mango sorbet...what's yours?

For details call Mitchell's at 440.333.4563 19700 Detroit Rd, Rocky River
For the full flavor list visit www.mitchellshomemade.com

Luau on the Lake (7/12)

Saturday, July 12th, 2008

Now in its 3rd year, Luau on the Lake is a Hawaiian themed event to benefit Shoes and Clothes for Kids. Guests enjoy a feast fit for a tiki god – great food, drinks, sand volleyball, live music and fabulous views of Lake Erie – all to support a great cause! The evening event also features many give-aways and fabulous raffle prizes.



Shoes and Clothes for Kids is the only non-profit organization in Greater Cleveland providing new shoes and clothes to thousands of children in need at no charge throughout the year. Support this worthy organization and get your tickets today. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door for $50 each. The event is heald at Wendy Park at Whiskey Island (2800 Whiskey Island | Cleveland OH 44102)

For additional information visit www.luauonthelake.com

Volunteer for Cleveland

Applications for the 2008-2009 Junior League of Cleveland are being accepted until June 1st; ladies..get yours in today!

The Junior League of Cleveland, Inc. is a group of women volunteers dedicated to community change. The group is composed of diverse, creative, compassionate, and action oriented women who are committed to promoting the League's mission of promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action of trained volunteers. Our members have varying backgrounds and interests and share a commitment to volunteering.

The JLC's main projects include: Done in a Day, Girls Make Great Leaders, Kids & Seniors, and Touch a Life. The Sustainer Members of The JLC also have a project they're involved in called Reading is Fun.

If you are interested in becoming part of this strong Cleveland organization, visit www.jlcleveland.org or contact Lindsay Pollock, next year's provisional coordinator, at advisor@jlcleveland.org.

art FUR animals (5/23)

Friday, May 23rd, 2008

The Friends of the City of Cleveland Kennel is a group of volunteers dedicated to providing the necessary medical & general care for the animals at the Cleveland Kennel in the hopes of giving them a second chance at a good life. Their mission is to provide the necessary medical & general care to the dogs & cats who need it; no animal should be denied that chance because of a lack of funds or help. As well as to raise awareness in the community by providing affordable training & other education to Cleveland residents.

Join them at The Galleria at Erieview (located at 1301 E 9‏th St # 3333, downtown) for an evening art auction and gala to celebrate Cleveland's pets! Tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

Limited edition custom designed ceramic dogs will also be for sale designed by over 20 talented Cleveland artists. Dozens of gallery quality art work up for bid in silent and live auctions. Delicious food & drinks. Music performances from Martini 5-0 & DJ Neil Chastain!



www.friendsofclevelandkennel.com

Farmers Ball (4/28)

Monday, April 28th, 2008

All are welcome at tonight's North Union Farmers Market Let's Get Fresh Spring Benefit. The North Union Farmers Market is a non-profit community organization that operates and promotes farmers' markets in the greater Cleveland area. The markets sell only food and products grown and produced by local farmers and artisans.

The benefit hosted by ETON Chagrin Boulevard (West Entrance) will feature a feast from dozens of top local chefs, wine and beer stations, musical entertainment by Grupo Brazil and a silent auction. Festivities kick off at 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $80



For more Information call (216) 751-7695 or visit www.NorthUnionFarmersMarket.org

Kentucky to Cleveland (5/03)

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Get your tickets and start decorating your hat for the second annual "From Kentucky to Cleveland - A Derby Celebration." You can WIN, PLACE, and SHOW at this year’s Junior League of Cleveland fundraiser.
 
WIN : Win an assortment of great prizes in the silent auction and hat contest! An assortment of gaming will also be happening throughout the evening.
 
PLACE : Place your bets. Kentucky Derby will be televised live and you can get in the fun by naming a horse for $20 in the “Night at the Races” events.
 
SHOW : Show your support for this wonderful volunteer organization, tickets are only $50 a person. Bring your friends & family.
 


Tickets are $50 a person, or $90 per couple including fabulous food & drinks; soda, beer and wine included in ticket price. Cash bar for mixed drinks and $6 Mint Juleps. Grand Stand attire (no jeans please). To purchase your tickets visit www.Blacktie-Cleveland.com or mail your check made payable to The JLC, attn: Derby Party, 10819 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland, OH 44106.
 
Questions? contact Vanessa Stanbridge, derbyparty@jlcleveland.org

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

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

Free Pancakes for Charity (2/12)

Tuesday, February 12th, 2008

It's National Pancake Day! What better time to visit any IHOP from 6am to 10pm this Tuesday for a stack of FREE pancakes? Whatever flavor you would like, from chocolate chip to blueberry, cinnamon to strawberry or back-to-basics original, there is a pancake for everyone. In exchange for a free, fluffy, golden stack, IHOP is requesting that in return you will be full and feeling super generous that you will gladly donate to the Cleveland Foodbank.

The mission of the Cleveland Foodbank is to alleviate hunger by providing food and support to community organizations that feed the hungry. The Foodbank serves as a clearinghouse for donated and rescued food in the Cleveland area. Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised nearly one million dollars to support local charities across the country.



For more information on the events surrounding National Pancake Day and the Cleveland Foodbank visit www.ihoppancakeday.com or www.clevelandfoodbank.org

Charity Wine (2/7)

Thursday, February 7th, 2008

This year marks Rozi's, third annual wine tasting to raise awareness of Congenital Heart Disease. The fund-raising event will take place at Rozi’s Wine House this Thrusday night, from 6-9pm. The line up consists of heart-healthy gourmet dishes prepared by Lolita’s (Cleveland, Ohio) Executive Chef, Matt Harlan. The food will be paired with exquisite red wine samplings from award-winning St. Supery Winery, Napa Valley, presented by their winemaker,. A charity raffle will also be taking place throughout the evening in efforts of raising money, support and awareness.

The proceeds of the night’s events will benefit Jordan’s Family Foundation, The Cleveland Clinic Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Diseases, and The Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital. All are invited and welcome to the event. Admission is $25 per person which includes all wines sampled and gourmet menu pairings (heart-healthy conscious). There will be door prizes and a raffle. No reservations required. I definitely want to go...hope to see you there. :)

Rozi’s Wine House 14900 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, OH
http://www.rozis.com/