Shopping @ NEXT

Hello and happy Monday Cleveland!

Last week was a whirlwind of fun and activity around town. Were you able to get to TEDX CLE last friday? If not, make sure to keep your eye out for next years event. Super inspiring and exciting happenings all around the CLE>

Also pretty fun... a few weeks ago I was invited to be part of an after work shopping spree courtesy of the store NEXT located in Beachwood Place. When I was originally invited, I thought to myself...the hip hop urban store that i usually stroll past as I escape Nordstrom's on a perfume sample high? Yep...that be the one.


(sneakers, Allison & pal)

Last tuesday night a bunch of us gathered to spend our loot on many unexpected finds...WAY more than graffiti tees...now I know. From fancy party dresses, to sleek sandals, studded bracelets to chic leather coats, scarves and sorbet colored sneakers...there really is more to NEXT than I ever knew.


(studs, Amelia & Michelle)

The sales staff was incredibly helpful. They knew what piece would flatter what figure. What ran small and what was a great buy for your dollar. Just returning from a big women's fashion buying trip, they spilled the beans that florals are going to be the "IT" thing this spring. The staff couldn't have been more accommodating to those of us who had never shopped their before.


(watches & Alexa)

I was thrilled when I scored a new fluorescent green G-Shock watch as well as two really great tops. Seriously cleveland ladies & gents...next time you are in the mood for some true boutique shopping, don't forget NEXT...it really impressed me.


(girls of NEXT & my new watch)

The Giving Z

I try really hard not to forward emails, or link other sites to the blog, or copy someone else's thoughts or emotions, but with that said, this story by John Krolik (Cavs blog) was incredibly moving and poignant and I couldn't help but forward it for your Friday reading.

First published in 1964, the Shel Silverstein book, The Giving Tree is about a relationship between a boy and a tree...this new story is about a basketball player, his team and his city.



"Once there was a Z….

And he was drafted by a crappy team.

And every day the team would come

and he would score them baskets in the post

and find his teammates with sharp passes

and they would run the offense through him

and ask him to win games

and even after his feet were hurt

he came back

and he made the All-Star game.

And the team loved the Z

very much.

And the Z was happy....."

For the rest of the story click here.


Mr. Krolik, that was incredible. Nice work. "Z," we wish you the best of luck...but secretly hope you can forgive our city and come back soon. :)

donate & win!

My friend Michelle of Cleveland Foodie has recently posted a wonderful opportunity for her readers and I just wanted to make sure everyone knew about it.

To support the Culinary Vegetable Institute, Veggie U, and area Cleveland City Schools, Michelle is requesting a minimum donation of $5 for the opportunity to win a slew of gift cards to many area restaurants, including Greenhouse, Parallax, L'Albatros and more!

This is a wonderful opportunity to take a chance and donate to a yummy cause. Thanks Michelle for your enthusiastic and educational post. We heart you!

Read and enter here!

The Scoop

Just a little congrats to my friends Laura (Hudson resident) and her pal Emily (Chicago native) editors of "The Scoop;" a daily dose of design inspiration.



Their blog was recently featured in TimeOut Chicago Magazine...way to go you two!



The article touched on the fact that many Home Decor Magazines were no longer and how people are turning to bloggers for our interior, fashion and design inspiration. Laura and Emily do such a great job, I am definitely visit daily.

For more about "the Scoop," or the article visit www.orangebeautiful.com/blog/post.php?post_id=994

Cleveland Speaks

Have you noticed the new "words on the street"? The other night in the parking lot I was captivated by one and had to know more...



“The Mind of Cleveland” is a public conversation in billboard/poster form, a conceptual town meeting where everyone has the opportunity to be heard publicly. The project employs modes of communication common in urban spaces, such as billboards, letterpress posters and the Internet. With the use of public signage, the thoughts, feelings and wishes of Cleveland residents are displayed.

Next time you see one of these bold, dynamic statement on the street, stop and think, how cool is it that we live in a region, in a country for that matter where people thoughts and opinions are not only heard but made public for all to read.

For more about this project, visit www.themindofcleveland.com

Sweet Rain (5/03)

Saturday May 3rd, 2008

Rain, sweet rain. On day three of this Cleveland downpour, take a moment and embrace the drenching outdoors and venture into the city. It's the perfect excuse to grab that favorite umbrella and those wellies you had to buy for those big spring puddles.

This morning after swimming, I needed to go downtown to pick up some things for work, so I decided instead of taking the highway to slowly venture down Detroit and investigate what new and exciting things were happening in that part of town....minus my wellies.

With a quick pit stop at Gypsy Bean Bakery (the skinny Londoner latte rocks!) I was ready to explore. The rain really does make the city look like a set from a movie. The clouds hovering over Terminal Tower and the monumental "BP" Building looking as if they are here to stay forever. As I crept through the sleepy quiet city, I wanted to make sure I reminded everyone what a great place we live in, sunny AND rainy. The bridges, the architecture, the sports (GO CAVS!) the small businesses cropping up around us is what makes Cleveland a force to be reckoned with.



Today, as most of you will be tempted to stay under the covers, all dry and warm, I challenge you to get outside and discover an area of town you may not travel to daily. I look forward to some great stories from everyone. Try and stay dry, although a little water has never killed anyone. :)

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!

What to do with all the Zucchini?

Although she doesn’t reside in, or even near Cleveland (Paris, France). Clotilde Dusoulier author of Chocolate and Zucchini knows just what to do with this years overflowing crop of zucchini. The 28 year old Parisian whips up the best recipes while keeping French cooking to it's most simple form.

My dear friend Doug has a fabulous culinary garden and at this time of year it is overflowing with zucchinis so we decided to "test" Clotilde's recipe for Chocolate and Zucchini Cake. In addition to being a deep and beautiful shade of brown, the cake has a voluptuous chocolate flavor. Let's just say, one would never know that the cake is actually good for you. You must try it for yourself.

For the cake recipe & more ideas of what to do with your mid-west zucchini harvest visit http://chocolateandzucchini.com

Sweet Orange

Interested in fashion, travel and design? You can’t miss out on a daily stop to my good friend Laura’s blog. Visit The Scoop at www.orangebeautiful.com/blog/
Check it out, she has impeccable taste.