Happy (Mickey) Monday!

Hello Cleveland & welcome Fall,
You might all think I’ve been doing a slacking job at reporting what’s happening in our land of the CLEV, or maybe it’s my own personal blog guilt, but I promise October will be better.

You see for the month of September I was writing for Chevrolet’s “Gotta Love Chevy” test drive a traverse promotional program (see my posts here!) and I gotta admit... I couldn’t keep up. Work got busy, the weekends were slammed and something had to take a bit of a back seat...

BUT, now that October, tights and fall have officially arrived, it’s time to have some fun! In the next month a new design for iheartcleveland will be realeased, I am working on some very exciting promotions and I am ready to rock and blog roll our way through these chilly months with lots of hot stuff. I can’t wait!

Thanks for a little tip from my fellow blogger and friend Cleveland Foodie about one of our own Clevelanders who is gracing the pages of this Months Cosmopolitan Magazine. Mickey is OHIO’s representative to this years HOTTEST Bachelor contest. If you want to see for yourself visit Umami or Market at the Fig and check him out! Otherwise let’s bring Ohio home a win, Vote today!!!



Enjoy your Monday morning. Hope you had a big cup of (pumpkin Spice) Joe. What’s on the agenda this week???

A BIG "Taste of the Browns" DEAL

Hello Lovers of CLEV!

How was your weekend? Mine was sorta quiet but really nice. Sometimes, isn't it nice to just slow down, stay at home and enjoy the downtime of a relaxed weekend? I think so.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't stay in ALL weekend...I had attended a kick off weekend for the Junior League of Cleveland Members. This amazing group for women always inspire me to give back, strive for better and look to the future, very poignant to living in Cleveland, don't you think? If you are interested in learning more about the JLC, they are having an open forum, info session next Saturday morning at Joseph Beth booksellers for more information call 216.231.6300. I also enjoyed a peach pizza at Players and spent Sunday with fellow blogger Allison & pal Shannon wandering around Chargin Falls...a WONDERFUL weekend!

So what' the big deal you might ask??? Ever been to the Taste of the Browns? It's an evening on Monday, September 13th, where big hunky football players, mingle with area chefs all to support the Cleveland Food Bank. People come from miles around to grab a gourmet dinner as well as a few autographs from the Browns team members. I can't wait to go this year!!!

So, the deal is TWO THINGS...

THIS WEEK, August 23-26th you can purchase your Taste of the Browns tickets from the link below for $125 a $25 discount. www.clevelandfoodbank.org/heart

In addition to the sweet discount I have been given TWO TICKETS PLUS a TASTE OF THE BROWNS COOKBOOK to give away to one of my readers...so, let's have a little contest...tell me your favorite Cleveland Browns memory or fact and this Friday at 4:00 I will choose a winner at random....Good Luck, and happy week!

Yo Yo Contest (7/31)

for more information visit www.ohioyoyo.com

scoop scoop, yum yum contest

Ruggles, gotta get me some....more!

Grab your bowl and grab your spoon Ruggles Premium Ice Cream announced that it wants fans of the frozen treat’s popular radio commercial to create their own version of the company’s catchy jingle and enter to win an impressive array of high-tech prizes in the “Ruggles Scoop Scoop Video Contest.” The online contest will run throughout July, also known as National Ice Cream Month.

To enter, visit www.RugglesVideoContest.com, download the jingle’s music and words, and by using a digital or video camera, or cell phone camera, create a video version of the famous Ruggles jingle. The Web site will contain rules, a sample video and instructions for uploading contest entries.

“Our popular jingle always ranks high on the list of commercials you sing with,” explains Penny Baker, marketing director for Ruggles. “We can’t wait to see the videos as our own ‘ice cream idols’ get creative. It’s a fun way to celebrate the summer ice cream season and win some fantastic prizes at the same time.”

Videos will also be available via the Ruggles Premium Ice Cream Facebook page, with updated “scoops” posted on Twitter throughout the contest via www.twitter.com/rugglesicecream.

Participants must be 18 years or older to submit an entry, but anyone can star in the video, such as family members, children, or church choirs, for example. Winners will be announced on July 30, 2010.

ALSO....for discount tickets to any summer sweet treat that Smith Dairy/Ruggles sells....you can grab discount coupons at Smith Dairy under SAVE MONEY!

Loneliest Monk : WIN! (7/18)

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

It's summer, so I've been craving a trip out to the Beachland Ballroom for some great music and a cold brew or two... the other evening I was perusing the upcoming calendar when the costumes of Loneliest Monk (listen to them) caught my interest.

Chicagoʼs art rock duo, The Loneliest Monk, is the musical marriage of two artist with two different backgrounds. Front lady, Michelle Morales (master- of-cellos, keyboards, vocals), has performed live with talented acts such as Phillip Glass, Kanye West, and The Foo Fighters. With a lovely, fragile voice, she sings of all things cute, fun, and innocent while Miles Benjamin (percussion, vocals, tiny pianos) lets his untamed passions pour over in a darker, more mysterious tone. I am thrilled to go see the their performance because I hear it's not just a rock show. Elaborate costumes, masks, and sets are supported by an avant-garde sound that combines cellos, pianos, organs, drums, samples, and voices. Michelle and Miles bring to the stage a sort of cool, haunting, and sexual air that is a welcoming detraction from the current indie trend.

PLUS, Ms. Blake the bands manager has offered iheartcleveland readers a free pair of tickets as well as TWO digital downloads of their album. Tell me all about the last concert you've seen in Cleveland and if you'd like to win these tickets for the Sunday night show OR free tunes. Winner will be drawn Friday afternoon. GIVE ME YOUR EMAIL SO I CAN CONTACT THE WINNER.

Coming from Brooklyn, a sleepover in Cleveland and then on to Chicago...come on Cleveland show 'em what we got! Hope to see you there, 8pm Tavern. $6 a ticket

Celebrate the arts with your kids (05/03-08)

Today, through Saturday May 8th, 2010

This year Playhouse Square has decided to dedicate an entire week to developing future arts lovers through wonderful shows, art installations, exciting music, puppets, interactive theatre and much more at the first annual International Children's Festival.

With performers from all over the world, your child will be amazed and delighted by the stories, music and interactive performances. From The Dream Jam Band, to the world renowned The Man Who Planted Trees; performed by the Puppet State Theatre Company to an intimate performance of Farfalle (Butterflies) a children's performance presented in Italian...expose your youngsters to the world of performing arts this week at Playhouse Square.

The ticket are affordable, $14 each or if you attend 2 different shows you can purchase 2 different show tickets for $20. With the purchase of your tickets, you will have free access to workshops, hands on activities and more. For details on these events, to buy your tickets, and to pass along the world to you play groups, your bunko clubs and your PTA pals visit their site.

Oh...how could I almost forget...would you like a FREE PAIR OF TICKETS to either The Man Who Planted Trees or Terrance Simien? Send me your top Childrens's art event, exhibit or summer activity in Cleveland. Winner will be chosen at random by Friday at 4:00, be sure to include your email so I can contact you! Good luck.

and the winner is...

Congratulations "Susan" (My favorite springtime memory is Memphis Kiddie Park!) you are the winner of a pair of tickets to this years Market Under Glass Event on Thursday, April 22nd, 2010.

Drop me a note and send me your address (editor@iheartcleveland) and I will make sure they get to you. While you are there, find me. I will be serving at the Three Birds table and would LOVE to meet you. Happy weekend and congrats.

To everyone else, THANK YOU for the wonderful springtime in Cleveland memories. From Opening Day to daffodils and tulips, to ice cream and eating outdoors, I couldn't agree with you enough. Cleveland is a wonderful place to call home...especially in Spring. :)

If you still want to go to the Market Under Glass event, there is still time to buy your tickets. Gather up your friends and get ready to enjoy a night out.

Market Under Glass : Free ticket contest

Hello & happy best spring weekend EVER!

I hope you were able to enjoy a bit of sunshine while also enjoying your friends and family on this holiday weekend. I had a nice weekend, and can't believe it's a new week all over again. Let the good times roll...

So, a few months ago I was approached to see if I might volunteer my time to the Cleveland Foodbank for their annual premier event, Market Under Glass. They wanted myself and a handful of other area bloggers to appear as "celebrity" servers, and I use that word very loosely. I laughed at first and thought that was the silliest request...me? A minor "celebrity," I think not.

But since it was for a good cause, and since I could be the "Three Birds server," I signed up for the evening event.

Market Under Glass, will take place on Thursday, April 22 from 6-9 pm at The Galleria at Erieview. The event benefits the annual Harvest for Hunger campaign, a 21-county food and funds drive, coordinated by the Cleveland Foodbank.

Over 1,200 guests will spend the evening grazing on superb cuisine and delicious wines and beers from more than 50 of Cleveland’s premier restaurants and beverage purveyors. There will also be the opportunity to win prizes through the Continental Airlines Silent Auction & Raffle. Tickets are for sale $100. Tickets to Market Under Glass may be purchased online at www.cleveland.com/marketunderglass or by calling 216.738.2046. For the complete list of restaurants check this out!

The good news for you is that I have a pair of general admission tickets to give away for this big Cleveland benefit. Just tell me by THIS Friday, April 9th @ 3pm, what your favorite Cleveland springtime events, activities and or memories are. I am so excited to hear from everyone.

Calling All Browns Fans

a shout out from Cleveland Sports Blog by Terry Pluto

"Dear Browns Fans: In conjunction with The Plain Dealer and Gray Publishing, I'm writing a book with the working title of What I've Learned From Watching the Browns.


I need your input. Here are some of the topics:

- The scars from the move.
- Why fans love Bernie Kosar.
- Why I keep watching this mess.
- What NFL draft day means to me.
- My BEST/WORST day at Browns stadium was…
- What the Browns mean to my family.
- Favorite Browns: Jim Brown, Brian Sipe, Sam Rutigliano, Joshua Cribbs, Brian Brennan, etc.
- Meeting Browns players.
- To make the team better, I wish the Browns would....
- Anything else that comes to mind.

If you'd like your email to be considered for the book, please send me your FULL name and HOME town. Keep the emails SHORT. NO profanity. If your email is chosen, you will get a free signed copy of the book."

Please email your thoughts to brownsbook@yahoo.com

Vote for Grey Cardigan!

okay Cleveland...time to step up and VOTE for a local favorite!

My friend, fellow designer and emerging illustrator has made it to the (almost) big leagues...let's make sure we vote for his design on Threadless.com and see too it that Brian's Design (one of his precious Grey Cardigan prints) gets national top score this week! It would be great to nab up a few of the shirts for fun guy pal summer birthdays...don't you think?



Go Brian, we are so proud of you for following your vision and sharing your talents. You are a inspiration to many. Now Cleveland...VOTE HERE!

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!

Want to be famous?

The Cleveland InternationalFilm Festival would like to invite you to participate in the production of the promotional trailer for the 34th Film Festival.

I guess, after the turnout for last year's production, they realized how many Clevelanders wanted to be involved. This year, they invite you to participate by telling them your story. They will select some of you to be filmed for the promotional trailer and all entries will be showcased on thier website, blog, and in other social media.

So, tell them, how would you complete the following sentence:

(your opening here)...because of the Cleveland International Film Festival.

Wouldn't it be fun? Remember last years trailer?

Go Tyler from Ohio! (12/03)

So I have a few favorite “burgers” in Cleveland, who doesn’t? Some of them are tiny and (more) healthy and some topped with a fried egg and cheese and dripping with greasy goodness (Royal Red Robin Burger) just depends on my mood as to what I’ll order.

Word on the street has it that we North East Ohioans' are represented in this years Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, 4th Annual KIDS COOK OFF! Tyler from Mentor, Ohio has been selected as ONE of TEN finalists (11,00 entered!) to develop his own perfect burger creation.

Ten year old Tyler will compete with nine other kids from around the country on December 3rd in Denver Colorado. During the championship, the finalists will make their gourmet burgers for a panel of judges including Robin Miller, host of the Food Network’s “Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller.” The winning gourmet burger will be sold in Red Robin restaurants in summer 2010 and featured in a kids’ cookbook available online.



To make sure Mentor brings home the WIN, VOTE for the online fan win by clicking here! Or cheer on Tyler during the competition which will be streamed live online at www.redrobin.com/kidscookoff on Thursday, Dec. 3, starting at 10:30 and see the grand-prize winner named in real time.

Go Tyler! Make us proud! (and if you win...will you make me an "Awesome Cordon Blue Burger?")

Startup Weekend (11/20-22)

Friday November 20th through Sunday November 22nd, 2009

Have a new business idea? Looking to make a "go" of it? Check this out!

"Startup Weekend" Cleveland is a 54 hour event to help launch a tech company. The goal of the weekend is to allow people with ideas for technology companies to meet up with a team of developers and business people to produce a business plan with a working prototype of the idea by 6:00pm Sunday.



Personally, I think this event is one of the coolest ideas I have seen in a while as the event is ALL ACTION, no talk. The winning team, (as voted on by people all over the country,) is awarded a $5,000 cash prize provided by Microsoft and a free space to start the business. The event will take place at the Idea Center in Downtown Cleveland.

For more information on the schedule, please visit cleveland.startupweekend the event is sure to sell out, so register today!

Beer = Pumpkin (10/29)

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

Don’t have plans for tonight? Join the team at Bar Cento for the 2nd Annual Pumpkin Beer & Pumpkin Carving Contest.



Purchase a pumpkin beer and get a free pumpkin to carve. Winner receives dinner for two at Bar Cento. Bring it!

FREE Tickets (8/05)

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

Good morning Cleveland!

I have 2 pairs of tickets to this weeks early viewing of the anticipated flick Julie & Julia to give away thanks to the evenings host...Gatherings Kitchen.



Gatherings Kitchen is a custom catering kitchen that provides corporate and social catering to fit your enetertaining needs. Chefs Ruth and Doug also open their doors for Friday night Super Clubs - where you and your friends have the opportunity to cook together under their supervision. Along with catering & Supper Clubs, Gatherings Kitchen is also available for your private dining needs. Tucked along Madison Ave in Lakewood the space is a wonderful location for your engagement party, team building and childrens birthday party needs. GIve them a shout today for more informtion 216.228.2285


If you'd like one of the pairs of MOVIE TICKETS, leave a comment and tell me this: If you could learn to cook something along side of Ms. Child what would it be?

The contest is open until end of day August 3rd. (please include your email so I can contact you for your mailing address, the tickets will be mailed out today!)

Fashion Feud (5/18)

Monday, May 18th, 2009

SCION is thrilled to present Fashion Feud a "Project Runway"-esque event in which two emerging local designers compete to create the best possible outfit, all from a bag of raw clothing material, scissors, needles, thread and a few accessories.

Each designer will have an hour to create an outfit for one of two female models, and the audience will vote for their favorite designs by applause. The event will run 7pm-10pm. The winning designer will receive a cash prize from SCION.

Fashion Feud Cleveland is held at the Grog Shop (www.grogshop.gs) free, 18+ event. Hair and make up is provided by Erin Ferguson and Sara Tanno.

Stuff your face (4/11)

Saturday, April 11th, 2009

Always dreamt of becoming the next Kobayashi, (National Hot Dog Eating Champion?) ...you have to start somewhere.

To celebrate the kick off of Tribe baseball season, Zog Dogs (www.zogdogs.webs.com) in Rocky River is hosting it’s first annual hot dog eating contest. Get there early pre-reistratiopn is required.

Free peanuts and popcorn for all attendees, wear your Tribe attire and they will kick in a free drink to wash your dog down. Not into the whole processed meat thing? No worries, they also offer grilled cheese sandwiches, yummm.



Festivities begin at 11am | Zog Dogs is located at 21800 Center Ridge Rd.

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!

Run-DMC tunes (3/04)

Saturday, April 4th, 2009

This Saturday, while the city fills with music-industry legends and celebs, why not pay your respects to this years Rock Hall Inductee Honoree Run-DMC* at Touch Supper Club (www.touchohiocity.com) as they welcome “The Kings” (a tribute Run-DMC band). Free until Midnight, $10 after. Music by DJ Steph Floss, DJ K-Nyce & DJ Majette, spinning the best in old school hip hop.



If you can make it for happy hour, Touch offers free sushi from 4-8! Come for a bit of free fish, stay for a bit of mixing and good beats!



*Founded by Joseph “Reverend Run” Simmons, Darryl “D.M.C” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam-Master Jay” Mizell, Run-D.M.C. took hip hop from the streets of New York to the national stage. Formed in Hollis, Queens, the group is arguably the most important and influential act in the history of hip hop. They were the biggest act in hip-hop throughout the 1980s and is widely credited with breaking hip hop into mainstream music. In 2004, Rolling Stone named them one of the greatest musical artists of all time. In 2007, the trio was named Greatest Hip Hop Group of All Time by MTV.com. They were also named Greatest Hip Hop Artist of All Time by VH1.