Type City

An experiment with type between design students at Cleveland Institute of Art and font and design merch, Veer turns out to be a stunning success.



Check out these images of Type City Cleveland landmarks using only letter forms, numbers and a few exclamation point (!) sprinkled throughout.





I am still drooling and thinking about how awesome these would look in my office. For more pics take a look here.

Thanks to Leen for this very cool post!

Prep School (2 spots left!)

Gatherings Kitchen is now offering a more skill focused cooking series called Prep School.



Always wanted to study to be a chef? The series is sure to touch on knife skills, baking, stocks, sauces and more. This series would give you a good taste, an intro to some of the lingo and basics. Sign up today as there are only 2 post s left for the first series which starts on March, 2nd. For more the menu and more details click here.

2010 Cleveland "to-do"

Hello all!

Welcome back to iheartcleveland. Hope everyone had an amazing holiday season. I know I did. I am rested, relaxed and ready to rock and roll as we dive into this new year.

As I was thinking about what my first post of the year should be I started thinking about all the things I have always wanted to do, but somehow never have. Take a look at my list and feel free to let me know what your 2010 Cleveland resolutions are!



my cleveland "to-do-taste-see" 2010 resolutions list

Go to the Orchestra
I have been to Severance Hall for a gorgeous wedding once, but I have never seen the world renowned Cleveland Orchestra play. This year I want to experience the magic of the talented area musucians. Can't wait! In the meantime I may enjoy one of the free tours that are being offered on Sunday January 10th. For more information visit their website, reservations recommended.

Get to know Malleys
Ever wondered how they make the 3 foot Easter bunnies and the millions of luscious Buckeyes? This year I'd love to get a group of fellow choco-holics together for a trip to the 60,000 square feet of chocolate fantasy at the Malleys Chocolate Tour. The tour is self-guided and best of all it's free! Anyone interested?

Celebrate the Jump Back Ball
I've always heard the buzz but I've never attended the massive party explosion called the Jump Back Ball. This year I plan to don my feathers and sequins and celebrate Carnival (this years theme) with my fellow arts supporters. I hear tickets are going fast...so get yours today...then we can all party together!

Ghost Hunt
Ever since I've moved to North East Ohio over ten years ago, I've been tempted to take a walk through the old Ohio State Reformatory at Mansfield. For those of you who know me, I'm not one for blood or guts, but the idea of ghosts is a bit intriguing. Did you know you can go on a ghost hunt year round in Mansfield? Spooky!

Ride the path
I love to ride my bike. I love to ride my road bike down Lake Ave, fast. I love to tool around town in my Schwinn Cruiser with my sweet basket & coffee cup holder. I love to ride my mountain bike through the muddy metroparks in spring. This past fall a friend of mine and I got to sample parts of the towpath, this year, I would love to start on one end and make it all the way to the end...tackle the towpath! Time to look for a new helmet. :)

Get schooled in Beer
I've drank an Elliott Ness, I've snacked on a pub pretzel and recently I've enjoyed one too many Christmas Ales...but as an Ohio resident I feel I should have a better understanding of the happenings and beer types at or our world famous Great Lakes Brewing Co. I think this is the year I'll make it a point to attend a free brewery tour, a tasting or a brewmasters dinner to enhance my palette and enjoy those porters and pale ales to the fullest.

Spend the day at the fair
I post about it every year. Every August I crave funnel cakes and corn dogs. I dream of the biggests blueberry pie and adorable pot belly pigs. This year I promise myself I am going to spend an afternoon at the Cuyahoga County Fair. Perhaps I can get one of you to come with me...if you're up for it, perhaps we can even dress alike..everyone's doing it. :)

Get spooked at the Zoo
I don't have children so there really should be no real reason why I want to spend my afternoon navigating my way through the sea of strollers at the Cleveland Metroparks annual event...Boo at the Zoo. I don't know if I am drawn to the idea of elephants and monkeys in costume or an entire bag of candy corn that i can destroy as I watch the lions, tigers and bears devour their haunted treats. This year I really want to go to the fun alternative to average neighborhood haunting, who wouldn't want to go to an event with candy "Stations?"

Tour of Pasta
If you've ever been to the Westside Market on a saturday morning then you've seen the confetti colored Ohio City Pasta's whimsical little raviolis. Every time I go to buy some I have such a hard decision what flavor to choose...SO, this year I plan on working my way through the glass case and savoring each little pasta creation one flavor at a time. Perhaps a few a month..I'll keep you posted! Any recommendations which ones to start with?

Miss Manners (11/22)

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

Free Orchestra (9/23)

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

Did you read the Sunday Arts Section of yesterdays Plain Dealer? The article was about the upcoming season of the world renowned Cleveland Orchestra. They outlined-in detail the musical season and highlighted each of the violin performers, needless to day it was a musical masterpiece. Inspiring!

While I can't honestly say I get to attend the orchestra often...have always wanted too though. This year, I plan to get tickets to one of the Cleveland Institute of Musics concerts. Master students fully staged opera performances, recitals, and other events.

This weeks FREE concert will feature Carl Topilow as conductor and Meredith Clark on harp. They will be performing BERLIOZ Overture to Benvenuto Cellini, GINASTERA Harp Concerto, Op. 25 and DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 9, E minor, Op. 95 (“New World”) at CIM in Kulas Hall.



While most concerts are free, seating passes are distributed before selected concerts when capacity attendance is anticipated. Free seating passes must be reserved in advance of those concerts by calling the CIM Box Office at 216-791-5000, ext. 411. Passes must be picked up at the Box Office on the night of the concert, no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the concert or they will be distributed to patrons waiting for seats.

I hope to be able to squeeze in a sonnet or two this fall. For additional concert information visit www.cim.edu

A Night Out With the Stars (8/20)

Thursday, Aug 20th (new moon), 2009

Join Museum naturalists and astronomers (Clyde Simpson, Judy Semroc & Larry Rosche) for a night of music (from the insects) and bright lights (from the stars) at the beautiful Wendtwood Preserve. Discover what comes alive when the sun goes down. Bring a flashlight and your night vision. Telescopes will be set up for the astral viewing.



9 to 11 pm Location specifics will be revealed when you register. Members: $6; nonmembers: $8. Limit 20. To register visit www.cmnh.org

"Sustainable" Creation

Last week I had the privilege of attending one of the most inspiring, insightful conferences around. No, it was not another design conference where we got together to talk fonts, paper and alternative printing options...this was a conference about world change! The Global Forum 2009 : Business as an Agent of World Benefits...pretty heavy stuff.

As I sat through lectures, round table brainstorms and paper discussions one thing I took away is that each of us, little by little can add up to greatness. By doing one small thing, having one conversation, taking time to read and question, expanding our thoughts, sharing your vision...the GLOBAL world can only be a better place. (Oh and don’t forget the idea of sustainability in everything you consume and design moving forward...I almost forgot.)

During the conference there were many ideas on display, lots of public-sharing and enthusiasm of new ideas. What if there was an “American Idol” of the most sustainable organization in the world? Do you think millions of people would tune in and vote? What if there was a government mandate, a tax credit program for businesses to do good? Would executives set aside more time in their days to give back? What if there were temporary places; spaces that could exist to become a hub of inner-city community wellness? Would residents flock to the possibilities or look the other way? My mind was swirling of open ended thoughts, how could I get my arms around everything?

Then I came upon a really great visual, an idea, a design solution. Cleveland Institute of Art; environmental design student, Abby Bickel (info@abbybickel.com) had put much thought into the idea of “architecture as a catalyst for change”...what’s not to love, I had to share.



Her project, appropriately titled “Socialscape” hits on the idea of developing a central space for human interaction as well as community growth, making neighborhoods “sustain.” “With Socialscape, I conceptualized an experience that would provoke our senses and encourage social interactions, strengthen the community, provide a way for us to collectively identify ourselves as individuals within the larger context to our urban landscape and ultimately improve the quality of our lives,” explained Bickel.

Amy told the story as if the space might exist in Lincoln Park in the heart of Tremont...Cleveland. Take a peak at Amy’s extensive renderings, she makes it very easy to want to pitch in and make socialscape truly exist as more than a great idea.







Cleveland is filled with big thinkers, (hence hosting a GLOBAL conference here) artists, designers, philosophers, educators and more. This conference was only a catalyst for discussion. Tap into your sphere and have those discussions of greatness, of growth, of world change. You’d be surprised how others are interested too.

Thanks to Amy for allowing me to share her idea with you. Amy, I look forward to attending the “socialscape” opening, I promise to help, I love your concept! Keep up the wonderful sustainable creative work.

Supper @ Gatherings Kitchen

On any given Friday you can find the windows of 17004 Madison Avenue aglow. The aromas of a busy gourmet restaurant are rolling out into the street. The low rumble of excitement and chatter fills the air...it’s time for “Supper.”

As a fellow Lakewood-ite, I would like to introduce and welcome the new business Gatherings Kitchen to the ‘hood. The brain child of Chefs Ruth and Doug, Gatherings Kitchen is a boutique catering business by day, but when Friday nights roll in, let the cooking fun begin!

Ever wanted to learn how to dismantle an artichoke, make hand-rolled gnocchi or “french” a lamb? This is the place to go. Each Friday a lucky twelve “chefs” meet at the kitchen for a culinary exploration. Nothing too difficult, just recreational cooking at its best. After a solid two hours in the kitchen, students move into the storefront dining room (which features a custom-made farmhouse style table and a vintage crystal chandelier) where they are served the fruits of their labor, course by course, by Chefs Ruth & Doug.



Supper is BYOB, so bring some spirits to share with your fellow foodies. You are guaranteed to walk away with a few knife tricks in your pocket, a full belly and a handful of new Cleveland friends.

The new June menu has arrived at Gatherings Kitchen (South American Cuisine.) Spaces are filling up fast, so grab your friends and sign up together. $50 per person. 6:30-10:00pm-ish!

Student Art (5/08)

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Looking for a new piece of art to hang above your sofa or to brighten up that solid wall in the family room?

Join Art House as they celebrate the artistic accomplishments of artists from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District at the annual "Students & Teachers Year End Exhibition Reception."

View inspiring, fresh artwork and enjoy refreshments provided by McDonalds....french fires at a gallery opening, how "PBR" of them!



4-7pm Art House, 3119 Denison Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44109. For more information contact 216 398 8556 or visit www.arthouseinc.org

Free art and the family (04/08)

Sunday, March 8th, 2009

Shih Chieh Huang created the imaginative creatures and interactive environment at the entrance of Superlight.



At Sundays activities table, the creative team at MOCA will use Huangs artwork "Twilight Zone, 2008," to inspire us as we experiment with kinetic objects, color, and sound. Family tours, refreshments and activity guides complete this seasonal FREE Family Fun Day.

1-4 pm : FREE & open to the public : For more information visit www.mocacleveland.org

Warm thoughts & wine.

I don’t know if I have ever mentioned to you that I am a big fan of red wine? An evening in with a good bottle of Pinot and great conversation with friends is such a luxury. A small glass (or two) of Malbec with dinner makes for a great evening. A glass of Beaujolais before bed, keeps away the nightmare-monster....or maybe that’s because I never can drink just one. :)

Well, in any case while I was trying to think “warm thoughts,” and as you have already figured out, my thought today (thought #2) is...drink more wine to stay warm (such a good excuse).

We all have our favorite wine hot spot, and with wine there is something for every taste. From the selection at World Market to a good bottle at the Market Avenue Wine Bar, we all have our own unique style. Below are a couple of the real deals, steals and tastings in the area to keep you warm (or pleasantly buzzed). Hope you enjoy!



D’Vine Wine Bar (www.dvinewinebar.com)
All Wednesday nights are “Flight Nights,” which means half off select wine flights from 4-7pm. D’Vine is located in the Warehouse District at 836 West St. Clair Avenue (between West Sixth & West Ninth on the north side of the street).

Heinen's Rocky River Café (www.heinens.com)
This Friday (March 6th), Heinen’s is hosting “Think Spring Wine Feast!” (perfect for this “thought”) A special selection of 30 different wines paired with delicious fare prepared by Heinen’s chefs. Pre-registration is requested. Contact Customer Service at 440.331.3830. $25 per person. 6:30-8:00 pm. Rocky River location at 19219 Detroit Road.

Flying Fig (www.theflyingfig.com)
Looking for a real steal of a deal? Then look no further than The Flying Fig and their selection of $5 dollar wine happy hour (4:30-7pm) specials. Nestled in the heart of Ohio City at 2523 Market Avenue, Cleveland.

Wine Bar Rocky River (www.winebarrr.com)
Visit the Wine Bar Rocky River every Wednesday from 6-7pm to learn about various wines and how to pair wine with food. Each Flight School includes 5 wines paired with 5 food tastings. $20 plus tax & gratuity. This little wine oasis is tucked away at 1313 Linda Street, Rocky River.

Visible Voice (www.visiblevoicebooks.com)
What’s black and white and red all over? A book that has a glass of Merlot spilled all over it (sorry, bad joke!). But seriously, if you are an avid book lover (for words or pictures) than this independent bookstore has the perfect pairing for you. Order a glass at the register than wander through their delightful selection of area authors and national must-reads. The actual Wine Bar is open: Tues-Fri: 3:30-10pm, Sat: 1-10pm, Sun: 3-8pm. Visible Voice is located at 1023 Kenilworth, Cleveland.

Warm thoughts & the greenhouse

Cleveland it’s cold! But come on...we are in Ohio, wait five minutes and the weather will shift. See, we have this large body of water which greatly effects how the temps will swing, one day it’s 18 and the next it’s 50. Where else can you experience such “flexible” weather patterns?

I have heard a ton of complaints and even “prayers to the gods” to make spring come faster this year. For those cold babies, I have a few ideas I will try and share throughout the next few winter weeks.

Thought #1



While most of us are aware of the grandiose beauty that lies within the glasshouse at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens (www.cbgarden.org), have you ever visited the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse (aka : City of Cleveland Greenhouse)? Built in 1912 and located just off 90 on MLK, this greenhouse not only grows all of the plants used in the city landscaping it also is a place of wonderment, discovery and "vacation."



Don’t have the cash to escape the cold and get to the tropics? The greenhouse has a vast collection of orchids and citrus trees. Wish you could fly to the desert for a blast of the hot (but wicked dry) air? The garden has a room filled with cacti and succulents. This weekend pack your lunch, grab your notepad and colored pencils and head over to the garden for a few hours of warmth in the greenhouse. Note* unlike the larger botanical garden (although I LOVE this museum too), this greenhouse museum is free (thanks to our tax dollars at work!) and open daily from 10-4.

For more on the greenhouse visit www.rockefellergreenhouse.org

Everest

Looking for that perfect matinee flick filled with adventure? Join the science gurus over the the Great Lakes Science Museum as they present the Ominmax film, Everest.



The dramatic true story of a team of climbers that takes audiences up dangerous, towering cliffs, through a harrowing rescue and into the dangerous zone of oxygen-thin altitude.

Plays through March 1st. 3pm daily. www.greatscience.com

Fashion lecture (2/19)

Thursday, February 19th, 2009

As President Obama was sworn in as 44th President of the United States, Michelle Obama stood at his side wearing a beautifully embroidered dress and collarless coat designed by New York designer Isabel Toledo. Come meet Isabel and Ruben Toledo, key players in the fashion world.

Ms. Toledo was the creative director for Anne Klein and has designed clothing for more than 20 years. Isabel Toledo's fashions are available at Barneys New York. Ruben Toledo is a painter, sculptor, illustrator, and filmaker. As an artist, he has designed mannequins, award statuettes, dishes, carpets and a great deal more. He is also the illustrator of Nordstrom's national designer ad campaign. Mr. and Mrs. Toledo were born in Cuba and reside in New York City.



6:30-8 pm : Kent State University Museum-Rockwell Hall : Free, first come, first serve : www.kent.edu/museum

Twestival for water (2/12)

Thursday, February 12th, 2009

This Thursday, Harry Buffalo (2120 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH) is sponsoring the first ever Twestival (Twitter Festival) to benefit Charity-Water. According to the site www.charitywater.org/twestival/index.html , 1.1 billion people on the planet don't have access to safe, clean drinking water. That's one in six of us.

Many communities in developing nations often have a plentiful supply of clean drinking water just below the ground, but no way to get to it. This is where charity-water and their partner organizations come in. Drilling a well can cost from $4,000 - $12,000 USD and many living on less than $1 a day cannot afford one in their community, even if the money is combined.



On Thursday 100+ international cities will be hosting a Twestival to bring Twitter communities together in an effort to raise money for charity: water. Twestival is organized 100% by volunteers around the world and 100% of the money raised from these events will go directly to support charity: water projects. By rallying together globally, under short timescales, for a single aim on the same day, the Twestival hopes to bring awareness to this global crisis.

6pm Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door. There will be a lot of interesting people, a raffle and an opportunity to enjoy a unique event while benefiting those who do not have the fortune of clean water on a daily basis.

For more information on charity-water visit www.charitywater.org

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! :)

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!

Learn to Snowboard; ladies!

Listen up ladies! Does your upcoming resolution include getting in shape, spending more time outdoors, learning to cut through the snow on a snazzy snowboard? If it does, then I have found your resolution solution...

Get registered for the Women’s Snow Discovery six-week snowboard lesson program for women, taught by women at Boston Mills and Brandywine Snow Resort. The program includes lift tickets, rental equipment, a 1.5 hour group lesson for all ability levels--and of course, lots of laughs! After the six weeks of lessons are finished, participants are welcome to visit BMBW once a week on their designated day for the remainder of the season to practice their skills at no additional cost.

For start dates and pricing visit www.bmbw.com

Dino Day (12/20)

Saturday, December 20th, 2008

Want to avoid the holiday shopping crowds this weekend? Head over to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History as they welcome the new Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. The full-size T. rex, a replica of the original fossil in Montana's Museum of the Rockies, will be posed facing off against the Cleveland museum's recently acquired Triceratops, the second-largest dinosaur of the Late Cretaceous Period.

The museum will hold several activities from noon to 4 pm, including dinosaur craft-making, live animal displays at 1 and 3 p.m. featuring "Raptor Show" and "Dinosaur Descendants," a 1:30 pm talk by fossil hunter Darin Croft, and a 2 pm T. rex roaring contest.



Dino Day Activities Throughout the Day Include:
• Paleontologist Vest Craft
• Dinosaur Doorknob Hanger Craft in the Discovery Center
• Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt/Bingo – Complete to receive a Dinosaur Stencil!
• Bring your camera to take a photo with a Museum dinosaur character
• Hands-on-experience with bones and fossils
• Vertebrate Paleontology display of dinosaur fossil casts and Q&A

Also Enjoy:
• Planetarium Shows for $4 at 10:30, 11:30 am and 12:30, 2, 3, and 4 pm
• Live Animal Shows: "Raptor Show" and "Dinosaur Descendants;" 1 and 3 pm
• "Build-a-Beast" in Murch Auditorium; 12:30 and 3:30 pm
• T. rex Roaring Contest – Participants must register in advance
• T. rex balloon figures with Swifty the Clown; 12:30 to 3:30 pm
• Meet a Dino Hunter: Darin Croft, Research Associate at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, CWRU, at 1:30 pm

Activities are free with museum admission. The museum is at 1 Wade Oval Drive in University Circle. For details see www.cmnh.org

Today is National Poinsettia Day.

December 12th, 2008

So, I am totally serious when I say today is National Poinsettia Day. You know, those bright red plants usually spotted as you approach the entrance to your local Giant Eagle or Home Depot? The one wrapped with holiday foil all ready to be purchased for your holiday hostess gift? Yes, those are the ones.

Did you know that poinsettias are native to Mexico? Did you know poinsettias are not poisonous, (a study at OSU showed that a 50 pound child who ate 500 bracts might have a slight tummy ache)? Did you know poinsettias represent over 85 percent of the potted plant sales during the holiday season, 80% purchased by women? Did you know poinsettias have been called the lobster flower?

I happen to really like the white poinsettia plant. They seem so sophisticated and elegant amongst the brightly lit trees and sparkly presents. The plant sings to the joy of the season, simple and gorgeous. Nothing can replicate the beauty of nature. This weekend why not head out to one of these amazing Cleveland nurseries and explore their poinsettia selection.



Ever been to Daisy Hill Greenhouse? Tucked away in Chagrin Falls (34050 Hackney Rd Chagrin Falls, OH 44022) this nursery will blow you away with their selection of interesting pants (including hundreds of orchids & birds of paradise) and actual greenhouse structures that go as far as the eye can see. One thing unique to Daisy Hill is if you are an orchid enthusiast but don’t find joy in misting the plant and bringing them back to bloom, the orchid experts offer a pick up from your home, take back to the nursery and in a few months return the plant filled with blooms back to your home service. An orchid daycare if you will.

Another great poinsettia resource would be your local Petitti Garden Centers (www.petittigardencenter.com). They have many types of plants everything from small centerpiece-ready plants to massive poinsettia explosions. ($2.99-$19.99) Red, pink, polka dotted, white and even ones covered in glitter, the selection is wild. Along with a tropical greenhouse filled with these holiday plants, Petitti also carries an insane variety of holiday ornaments, something for everyone. The displays are over-the-top stunning, and this weekend you can get your picture taken with Santa.

A few little tips I learned about selecting the perfect holiday plant...

> Choose a plant with dark green foliage down to the soil line.
> Choose bracts (modified leaves) that are completely colored.
> Do not purchase poinsettias with a lot of green around the bract edges.
> Do not choose plants with fallen or yellowed leaves
> The poinsettia should look full, balanced and attractive from all sides
> The plant should be 2 1/2 times taller than the diameter of the container
> Choose plants that are not drooping or wilting.
> Do not purchase plants that are displayed in paper or plastic sleeves. Plants held in sleeves will deteriorate quickly
> When you take the poinsettia home, be sure to have it sleeved or covered when outdoor temperatures are below 50°F.