Dodging Sniffles

As fall arrives, and the swine flu sets in we find ourselves armed with a pack of tissues, vitamin c and perhaps switching from the morning latte to a hot cup of Echinacea..

This weekend Nolan predicts cold temperatures and chilling rain to blow through the North East Ohio neighborhoods. If you are looking for a little hideaway to keep you warm and toasty, here are a few of my favorites.



> InnerBliss Yoga : for a hot yoga class to sweat away the bad toxins
> La Petite Triangle Café : for a pot of french press coffee
> Brown Aveda Institute : for an upper body relaxation massage ($17!) to move those nasty germs out of you
> The Cleveland Botanical Garden : for a tropical, butterfly infused adventure
> Chelseas : for a bit of therapeutic searching/shopping for vintage fall frocks (1412 W 116TH St)
> The Great Lakes Theatre : For a comfy lounge chair, a stiff drink (don’t they say alcohol cures a cold?) & Shakespeare

A week in review!

What to do this week? No fear, I'm here with a list of fun suggestions!


C : Capitol Theatre - More Than a Game...Monday night $5 movie, $1 drink, $1 candy!
L : In honor of Cleveland Beer Week, swing by Lilly's Chocolate for a beer & chocolate pairing.
E : Explore the new Gauguin exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
V : Vintage finds, deals & steals at the Cleveland Auction House, fine art & antique auction 10/25
E : Edgewater Park on the Shoreway is peaceful on a sunny fall afternoon...go beach glass picking!
L : An evening of dessert at L'Albatros...french press & frozen grand marnier souffle, yumm...
A : Animals come to town with the Ringling Bros Circus!
N : Nature drawing, Join Gail Felix for an evening of field sketching in nature. 10/19
D : A fall drive out east to view the fall hues that nature has painted across our Ohio trees!

Free Concert (7/08)

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

Looking for something to get you through "hump day" the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame kicks off their FREE summer sessions on the Museum Plaza. (weather permitting, if necessary it will be moved inside to the Main Stage) at 7 pm

This weeks musicians include "Man Man" and Clevelands' own, "Mystery of Two."

The New York Times describes Man Man as a “delirious, scrapheap-eclectic Philadelphia outfit.” Previously opening for such established bands as Modest Mouse, the Arcade Fire and Cat Power, Man Man may best be known for their non-stop live shows of kaleidoscopic sound. Their first album on Anti-Records, Rabit Habits, was released this year. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the first stops on the group’s recently announced headlining tour that begins July 3rd.



Original experimental indie rock may be hard to come by these days, but Cleveland act Mystery of Two does a notable job of channeling influences (Pere Ubu, Talking Heads and fIREHOSE) in its debut, Arrows Are All You Know. The Plain Dealer raves, “This first effort can be considered a bull’s-eye.”



For details and a list of the complete musical lineup visit www.rockhall.com

Tribe Gourmet

For those of you headed to Progressive Field for Opening Day, take note, there is more to baseball-gourmet than peanuts, crackerjacks and I-shaped soft pretzels...



The Indians and the Cleveland Clinic have teamed up to create a menu that is healthier than hot dog and nachos. Under the Go! Foods program, which the Clinic created to help people identify healthier foods, the ballpark will begin serving foods that have zero grams of trans fat; less than four grams per serving of saturated fat, added sugars or syrups; 100% whole grains; and 600 milligrams or less of sodium.

Some of the examples of healthy dishes available will be sweet potato “fries,” vegetable chili, Waldorf salad, salmon sliders, grilled chicken breasts, chocolate bars and frozen banana chips dipped in dark chocolate. The healthy menu will be available to all at a new concession stand near Gate A in Section 162.

I may try it out, but there is just something about a soft pretzels with stadium mustard, make my heart melt.

Eat a Book (2/07)

Saturday, February 7th, 2009

Joseph Beth Books at Legacy Village invites you to join them as they welcome author and budhist psychologist Pavel Somov as he introduces his new book "Eating the Moment."

This book is filled with techniques, exercises and tools to help you control overeating. These practices can be used at mealtimes to develop a more positive and healthy relationship to food. You'll learn to develop awareness of the experience of eating and become more centered around your eating. By developing habitual awareness and a playful attitude about the process of eating, you will find that your eating slows down, becoming less compulsive and dictated by external forces such as boredom, emotional pain, or habit.



There are 141 specific exercises in the book to promote mindful eating. Also included are brief discussions of why we eat and stop eating, mindfulness principles, finding meaning in food and the act of eating, and guidance for developing a personal "philosophy of eating."

Somov will be on hand at 2pm to discuss the thought behind the book and the helpful techniques. Book signing available. www.josephbeth.com

Skin Check Up (7/23,24)

Wednesday & Thursday, July 23rd and 24th, 2008

Get your skin screened! The Road to Healthy Skin Tour kicked off in New York City in early May and will run through the fall. The tour is expected to screen more than 10,000 people and will visit more than 50 cities at 100 different locations across the country. The Road to Healthy Skin Tour presented by AVEENO® and Rite Aid with support from Columbia Sportswear will offer free full body skin cancer screenings conducted by local board-certified dermatologists. The 38-foot customized RV will stop at participating Rite Aid stores and other locations in order to provide early detection services to thousands of people. Currently, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 1 million cases diagnosed annually across the country.

“Many people don’t know that they should get a yearly skin exam. The goal of this tour is to educate the public about skin cancer and encourage people to schedule regular skin screenings,” said Perry Robins, MD, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “Caught in the early stages, skin cancer is almost always curable.”

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and has increased more rapidly than any other form of skin cancer during the past 10 years. With nearly 60,000 cases and 8,000 deaths occurring each year in the United States melanoma has reached epidemic proportions. However, when diagnosed and removed early, melanoma is usually curable.

Sneak out on your lunch break for a quick, private, one-on-one screening at either of these locations. 7/23, Cleveland Rite Aid at 10090 Chester Avenue or 7/24, Strongsville Rite Aid at 15153 Pearl Road

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

Get Fresh!

Every Monday!

Are you looking for the perfect red ripe tomatoes on your way home from work? Not wanting to stop at the same old crowded-on-a-monday-night (because you couldn't squeeze it in on Sunday?) grocery store?

Swing by the Downtown Farmer's Market in front of Constantino's Market (www.constantinosmarket.com), 1278 West 9th Street every Monday from 4;30-7:30 for the regions freshest food! Support the local growers and you may even learn a thing or two about Scallions with hair, (super cute!) lettuce varieties or growing tips and tricks!



For more information email tstarinsky@warehousedistrict.org

Walk Cleveland (4/16)

Wednesday April 16th, 2008

Come on Cleveland..get out and walk...tomorrow is National Start Walking Day. The goal is to encourage Americans to incorporate at least 30 minutes of walking into their average work day. National Start Walking Day is a part of the American Heart Association's Start campaign. The American Heart Association has challenged Americans to walk one million miles on Wednesday.

The American Heart Association focuses on walking as an activity because it's accessible, free and has the lowest dropout rate of any type of exercise. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for heart disease. Heart disease and stroke continue to be the nation's No. 1 and No. 3 killers. 142 million Adults, 66% of U.S. Adults are overweight.



Start! is the American Heart Association’s groundbreaking national campaign that calls on all Americans and their employers to create a culture of physical activity and health to live longer, heart-healthy lives through walking. Promoting physical activity through workplace walking programs can help employees reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke and lead longer, stronger, healthier lives.

For more information visit www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3045557

Banff Film Fest & Bash (04/11-12)

Friday & Saturday April 11th & 12th, 2008

For the dare-devil in each of us, don't miss out on the 11th annual Banff Mountain Film Festival.

This festival is a collection of some of the world’s most inspiring and thought-provoking active, environmental, and adventure mountain films. Traveling from remote landscapes and cultures to up close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports, these films provide an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world.

The tour makes a stop in Cleveland for an exclusive showing in Northern Ohio, starting at 7:30 p.m. each night. The Cleveland showing of the film festival showcases different films and a reception each evening. Be there for Friday’s Opening Night Reception! The festivities will kick off with appetizers by Chipotle and Mustard Seed Market & Cafe, Great Lakes Brewing Co. beer and dessert by the Cleveland Cupcake Co. Complimentary Red Bull and Caribou Coffee will be offered for both nightly receptions. The receptions, which run from 6:00-7:30 p.m., also feature exhibits of interest to outdoor enthusiasts, charity raffles, prize sign-ups and a cash bar.

Saturday’s HIGH ALTITUDE PARTY, held in the balcony of the Allen, returns in 2008. High Altitude ticket holders will be treated to: Appetizers & drinks as well as a canvas bags full of goodies from our sponsors. Exclusive balcony seating. Live music by guitarist and singer Frankie Starr, who has opened for name acts such as B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Walsh and Ted Nugent!

Tickets to this special party section are limited, so be sure and reserve your space early. Advance ticket prices, thru April 1 at midnight, are: $30 for Friday (includes the Opening Reception and films); $25 for Saturday (includes the reception and films); and $35 for the Saturday High Altitude Party (includes the reception and films, plus admission to the High Altitude Party and balcony seating). Partial proceeds from the Cleveland showing of the BMFF benefit CAI and Pennies for Peace (from the book, Three Cups of Tea, www.threecupsoftea.com).

Event is open to ages 13 and over; parental guidance is advised for some films.
Allen Theatre Playhouse Square Center 1407 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44115 www.playhousesquare.org

6:00 p.m. - Receptions 7:30 p.m. - Film presentations

Built! (4/05)

Saturday, April 5th 2008

Feeling flabby? Not these guys and gals. The 2008 Vyotech Nutritionals NPC Natural Ohio Bodybuilding & Figure Championship, will transform Lakewood High School Auditorium (14100 Franklin Blvd.) into a living layout of Muscle & Fitness this Saturday night.

With Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler and Ironman Magazine's Lonnie Teper as special guests, pumped-up athletes pose and flex like Greek gods and goddesses for mega trophies, sometimes in dance routines which make you Proud To Be An American. :)



This is a drug-tested event, suggesting that muscular physiques are attainable by the average mortal using gym discipline and legal nutritional supplements. Preliminaries start at 10 a.m., with $12 admission. Finals are at 6 p.m. tickets $25-$30, cash only. Call 440.942.5634 or 440.984.2762.

Chocolate & Yoga (3/29)

Sunday, March 29th 2008

What could be better than working out, eating fancy-schmancy chocolate and spending your Sunday with good friends? Nothing but Yoga & Chocolate with David Romanelli @ Evolution Yoga Cleveland. This 2.5 hour class is one of David's acclaimed workshops given around the country.

Vosges founder and chocolatier Katrina Markoff and At One Yoga co-founder David Romanelli (check out his website at YeahDaveYoga.com) have been best friends since their college years. In 2000, Katrina and David realized their careers each involved a unique type of "fusion." Katrina was fusing chocolate with curry, wasabe and chiles to create the Vosges experience. David was fusing the 5,000 year old practice of yoga with modern music ranging from Frank Sinatra to Puff Daddy and everything in between to create Yeah Dave Yoga. Katrina and David brainstormed the Yoga + Chocolate concept which culminated in a Yoga + Chocolate in weekend workshops, week long retreats, and corporate seminars



Every one of us struggles with what is called the 3 human weaknesses: lust, anger and greed. In order to stay true to self and purpose, one must build immunity to the seductions of life. We are most vulnerable to those weaknesses when mind, body and spirit are out of sync. There's no better way to re-synchronize then thru peak sensory experiences like delicious chocolate, rockin' music and soothing yoga.

At the end David's flowing vinyasa yoga class, you are guaranteed to be in a deeply relaxed, totally present state of mind as you are guided through a tasting of the Vosges Haut-Chocolat Funk n Disco truffle made with buttermilk banana pudding and milk chocolate...realizing that "nothing can cure the soul but the senses just as nothing can cure the senses but the soul."

$45 in advance. For more information visit www.evolutionyogastudio.com

Spring Motivation

"Sweat is the cologne of accomplishment" -anonymous

As we look towards summer we find ourselves wanting more and more to get outside, spread our "wings" and get moving. Whether you are a runner, walker, biker, boater or kite flyer, now is the time to bust out those sneakers and get your heart rate going. Grab a pal and hit the gym. Take your dog (or the neighbors) for a walk around the block. Head down to the Metroparks and embrace the mud. Stroll down near the lake. Hit the slopes one last time, watch for grass patches. Take your bike in to get it tuned up.

Whatever it is you love about the Cleveland outdoors get out there...get fit...sweat and embrace spring!

Swim for a Cure (4/05)

Saturday, April 5th, 2008

Grab your goggles & towel and join me in making a splash for diabetes by getting involved in the 33rd Annual Central Ohio Diabetes Association Swim for Diabetes held at 40 Central Ohio pools...Lakewood YMCA Pool!

Participants collect pledges for the laps they complete. All the money raised from this event stays in Central Ohio to support important services including diabetes education, detection, diabetes youth camps and social services. Swimming laps, or choosing to walk your laps around the pool, is a great way to help the 184,500 people in Central Ohio with diabetes.

Swim for Diabetes in 4 Easy Steps:
> Register by calling the hotline at 1.800.422.SWIM.
> Raise $$$$$. (Ask your Friends, Family, Neighbors, Co-workers)
*Sponsors can pledge per lap or contribute a specified amount.
> On the day of the Swim. Bring your completed form to the pool and check in at the registration table. Swim as many laps as you wish from 1-72.
> After the Swim. Collect your pledges and mail them into the Association.

What is Diabetes? Diabetes Mellitus is a condition in which the body fails to produce insulin or respond to insulin. Without insulin, the body cannot use food for energy. Over a period of time, high blood sugar can result in complications such as blindness, heart or kidney disease, and limb amputations.

To participate or for more information visit www.dagc.org

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

Network @ BYOB (3/12)

Wednesday, March 12th, 2008

The Rocky River Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee invites you,your associates, friends & family to the 2nd annual B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Brush!) at Tomorrow’s Hair Salon. RSVP today as spaces are filling up fast!

Indulge in some chic cocktails & munchies while the Tomorrow's team fill you in on what is happening with their successful, growing, women-owned Rocky River business. Explore the world of specialty salon services such as pedicure’s, waxing, and more. Enjoy discounted pricing on most products, including their fabulous makeup line, and walk away with a killer gift bag of goodies, mini-samples, and discount coupons.

If you'd like, bring your own products and equipment (flat iron, blow dryer, curlers, clips, etc.) for a one-on-one session to update your look or make your style fresher, funkier, quicker-whatever your goals are, the stylists at Tomorrow’s Salon are there to help.

It may not be golf, but hanging out at the salon is a wonderful way to network, so plan to join us. Bring your business cards! RSVP to the Chamber office at 440.331.1140 or info@rockyriverchamber.com by Friday March 7, 2008. The cost is just $5 for Rocky River Chamber members & their employees and $10 for non-members. This is a great opportunity to invite your daughters, granddaughters, or nieces to hear an inspiring story for a successful women business owner.

Stretch Together (2/16)

Saturday, February 16th, 2008

If you haven't had enough of your love after this weeks Valentines Day Holiday, enjoy an afternoon of partner yoga with Michele Ford at Inspiral Motion.

In this fun-filled, and invigorating workshop, partners will explore a dynamic series of postures, co-meditation and partner breathwork. In assisting one another, you help deepen each other's practice and experience a peaceful balance between assertion and surrender. You will experience doubles yoga, partner-assisted yoga and contact yoga, designed to open the body in ways that can be challenging in a solo practice.  As you learn how to breathe and flow together on the mat, you'll learn how to find ease and balance in relationships off the mat.
 
Whether you are new to yoga or a dedicated practitioner, you will enjoy this healthy, playful, and life-affirming practice. Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing.  Mats and blankets will be available. Register today for this workshop: 216-320-9446, classes@inspiralmotion.com or call 216.320.9446. $30 or $50 per couple
www.inspiralmotion.com

"Table" Dining

You don't run across many fine-dining restaurants owned by hospitals, but the Cleveland Clinic Foundation definitely hit it right with Table 45. Voted one of the “Top 20 Best New Restaurants” in the United States by Esquire Magazine, costing (some say) $12 million to design. The space is divided into five "zones" allowing for high-end dining or a casual bite at the counter, the space is sleek, polished, and very cool. The blond-wood bar buffed to a low sheen with leather-covered curved metal chairs is a fun place for happy hour as well.



Chef Zachary Bruell has never been more versatile, drawing on global influences in dishes like his homespun bowl of Vietnamese noodles and veal meatballs. When you make a reservation, gather five friends and sit at the chef's table in the kitchen, or hide away in one of the curving-glass private rooms...perfect for a romantic evening out...Hint. Hint.



InterContinental Hotel, 9801 Carnegie Avenue; 216-707-4045
Www.tbl45.com

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/

Great "Pairings" (2/7)

Thursday, February 7th, 2008

This Valentine’s Day season, Whole Foods Market would like to help single shoppers get a heads up on finding a romantic interest. Research shows that people meet in places close to home where they feel safe and comfortable enough to talk to friends of friends and even strangers. With this in mind, they believe that there is no better place to meet than in the aisle of their store. Expect some creative ideas to break the ice and help you meet that special someone. If all else fails you’ll enjoy healthy food, live music entertainment, sustainable door prizes and you may get some grocery shopping done.

Whole Foods Market : 13998 Cedar Road University Heights, OH 44118. For additional information call 216.371.5320 or visit http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/
6-9pm.