Weekend fun!

Living in Cleveland there is always SO MUCH to do when it comes to planning my weekends. Some people might think there is nothing going on, but I beg to differ, I can barely squeeze in a load of laundry with all the super fun activities that are going on...




> Swoosh, woosh and fly like a bird...well almost! (Tobogganing is fun!)

> Indulging in a plethera of sale coupons

> A nibble of Strawberries & Pink Champagne AND a bite of MSC Fluff

> A sale and some “pleasing” snack with RS

> A dance with my dog!!!

> Get my “bollywood” on!

> Making a birdie sling with some fabulous friends.

> Supposedly there is a big football game on?

What will you be doing this weekend? Celebrating family & friends? Shopping for a fancy dress? Sipping a hot toddy or two? Fill me in on what I am missing!

Groundhog, Greenhouse Brew (02/02)

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Hello & happy Monday!

Hope you had a fun-filled Cleveland weekend, mine was nice...lots of rest and relaxation. Though it was sunny, boy was it cold...brrrr....

Wonder how long this winter will last? Will it "spring up" late March? Will the snow coat the ground till April? Well...wait no longer, tomorrow is Ground Hog Day. According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.



Either way, there is gonna be a party at the Greenhouse Tavern to celebrate the furry "weatherman" prediction AND their new beer release that they crafted at Buckeye Brewery. Stop by after work for a pint of the "Groundhog, Greenhouse Brew!" I'll be there, will you?

Bakery Breakfast

With the time change and the bright morning skies, I feel like I have all the time in the world before my work day begins. Yesterday I took my little pup for a long walk to the Lake, while this morning I made a pit stop at the new bakery, Blackbird Baking Company. With the brisk temps outside there is something so comforting in a warm cup of coffee and something sweet and yummy for breakfast.

This morning I was lucky enough to arrive as they were pulling the Pumpkin Pecan (seasonal flavor) Cookies from the oven. The soft, chewy and sugar-coated treat reminded me of a cross between a moist pumpkin pie and my moms banana bread.



If you miss this cookie flavor some of the other goodies include Cranberry Oat Cookies ("oat," it MUST be healthy?), my friend Elizabeth really likes the Sweet Cream Biscuits, Cleveland Magazine voted the Stick Buns the "Best" and the french baguettes make every sandwich or bowl of fall soup better.

If you can carve out an extra 15 minutes, swing by the new Blackbird Baking Co. for your fall carb. fix! Located in Lakewood before you cross the Detroit Ave bridge to "River."

Pumpkin Workout (10/24)

Saturday, October 24th, 2009

I thought this was a fun little way to end our week and welcome in the weekend.

Feeling frisky and trying to squeeze in a workout? Join Liz Donnelly, personal trainer and family fitness specialist as she gives you and your kids a sugar-burning, exhilarating workout with a PUMPKIN!!!



Bring your own "orange weight," workout with your pumpkin pall, and then be prepared to give your pumpkin friend a break with a special holiday craft.

10-11am. Lakewood Congregational Church Social Hall. 1375 West Clifton in Lakewood. To register call 440.623.0957

Pumpkin fun! (10/21)

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009



By now I would assume some of you have your upcoming weekend, “to do” list completed. (Groceries. Rake leaves. Concert. Laundry. Buy Pumpkins!) Instead of waiting till this weekend to buy your pumpkin, swing by flourish, grab one of the 1001 pumpkins and give a donation to Harvest For Hunger and the Cleveland Foodbank in exchange for an “orange ball of carving fun.” All donations welcome!

If you’re feeling lucky you might also run into Rebecca Wilde from Q104...she is said to be hanging around the neighborhood giving away Miley Cirus tickets! (I still love “Ms. Montanna,” even though her new rap stinks!) Good lucky tweens & teens alike!

The pumpkin palooza frenzy will begin around 9am and run until 7pm, or while supplies last. Flourish : 1001 Huron Road East. Questions? Call “team get & give” at 216.696.9116.

Good Bird Hunting

This weekend if you are out and about, perhaps checking out the new Capitol Theatre in the Gordon Arts Square District on the westside of Cleveland...grab your walking shoes and try to find all of these lovely bluebirds.



For more information on the project visit www.clevelandpublicart.org

Busy Weekend (10-02/04)

Another great weekend to be living in Northeast Ohio!

Don’t say your have “nothing to do”...don’t complain that “you’re bored”...GET OUTSIDE and explore this amazing place we are lucky to call CLEVELAND!

- Trash to Sailor : takings trash and making a boat to race over Lake Erie. www.lakeerieboatfloat.org

- Comic Genius : meet the infamous American Splendor-Harvey Pekar live and in person. www.pennellogallery.com

- A spooky train trip : Hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for a ghost story haunt : www.cvsr.com/events.aspx

- Now you see it...now you don’t : David Copperfield swoops into playhouse square just in time for tricks & treats : www.playhousesquare.com/Events/Events.aspx?EventID=1857

- Theatre opening : Don’t miss the ribbon cutting and opening of the restored Capitol Theatre : www.gordonsquare.org/capitol-gala/

- Dare I say, football? : Could this be THE WEEK for the Browns? Fingers and toes crossed : www.clevelandbrowns.com

What else is going on? A fun pancake breakfast fundraiser? A local church clambake? A dance recital or high school band competition? Let me know and I will try and squeeze that in too!

Gotta love Ohio in the fall. Enjoy!

On the Patio...

Since we as Clevelanders cherish our outdoor months, tonight, why not have dinner on the patio?

These are Cleveland Independents restaurants that are celebrating sunny days and cool nights on their patios. American Tavern and Eatery, Bar Cento, Bar Symon, Beach Club Bistro, Boulevard Blue, Crop Bistro, D'Vine Wine Bar, fire food and drink, Flying Fig, Gamekeepers Taverne, Great Lakes Brewing, Greenhouse Tavern, Grovewood Tavern, Johnny Mango World Café, L'Albatros, La Dolce Vita, Light Bistro, Luxe Kitchen and Lounge, Melange, Melt Bar and Grilled, Michaelangelo's, Moxie, Nighttown, Paladar Latin Kitchen, Parallax, Players on Madison, Prosperity, Redstone, Sergio's SARAVA, Tartine Bistro, Three Birds, Tremont Tap House, Vue Restaurant & Lounge and Willoughby Brewing Company....

Got any other great patio dining suggestions?

Urban freshness (8/15)

Saturday, August 15th, 2009

Looking for those less-common "market" items such as bok choy or yellow beets? Look no further than the Gordon Square Arts District Farmers Market (formerly Ward 17 Farmers' Market). These vendors all grow their "freshness" within 50 miles of the W. 65 Street and West Clinton Ave. location.



This farmers market also offers items such as vegan and gluten-free baked goods.

9-1pm. Located in the parking lot of Bethany Presbyterian Church at West 65th & West Clinton streets (one block south of Detroit Avenue) For more information e-mail gordonsquaremarket@gmail.com.

Rummage Sale (6/13)

Saturday, June 13th, 2009



The Cleveland Buddhist Temple will hold a fundraising rummage sale. Lots of housewares, yard accessories, clothes for all ages, wonderful vintage finds and more. Check it out!

9-3pm. 1573 E 214th St, Cleveland 216.692.1509 www.ClevelandBuddhistTemple.com

Warm thoughts & the water.

Thought #3.

So when I think about how chilly we have been, I can't help but to think about how much colder it would be if we were to take the plunge into our great frozen Lake Erie. As spring approaches the lake freezes and thaws and therefore leave a vast glittered canvas for those who take the time to appreciate the beauty and splendor of the frozen body of water.



Soon the water will be free, splishing and splashing against our shores. Free from the Ohio winter we will be able to dance in the warmer spring air. This weekend as we spring ahead, know that it's only a few more weeks (okay maybe a month) until you and the lake can run around without a coat, hat or mittens, wave your arms and revel in the fact that the ice and winter has lifted.

Think warm thoughts Cleveland.

a Valentine for you :)

It may be french, but I couldn't resist sharing this lovely Valentine video/illustration project. Enjoy!

Happy Heart Day (2/14)

Happy heart day Cleveland. I "heart" that I have so many readers to my daily Cleveland blog. Thank you!

Now go feast on conversation hearts and truffles.

xoxo
i heart cleveland

Weekend Weather

Let's hope this weekend isn't a repeat of the "Blizzard of 2007."



Incredible video of our city paired with classical tunes. I love the images of downtown traffic, the snow outside the office windows and the ducks on the frozen lake. I hope you enjoy this find, I surely did. :)

Local sweetness

For the candy-lover in your life...swing by Cleveland-based chocolatier; Malley's for the "Puppy Dog Heart" gift box. Filled with Malley's finest assortment of mixed chocolate delights, this $7 investment will have them on a sugar high all week long!



For the sweet location nearest you, or to order online visit www.malleys.com

Think Spring

Although it's -4 degrees outdoors, the sunshine keeps me enthusiastic for spring. Although there aren't daffodils peaking their danity heads from the earth quiet yet, I did see them last night at Giant Eagle for $3 a bunch and that is a sure sign of spring to me! Enjoy this little bird as reminder of the months ahead. Stay warm.



peace.

My Cleveland Year In Review

Happy 2009 fellow Cleveland-lovers! I hope everyone had happy and safe New Years Eve around town. As the new year arrived I began thinking about my 2008 and all of the amazing experiences I have had around town, with new and old friends. From good music to great food, from nature at it's best to unique happenings, 2008 was a year to remember.

Below are some of my top 2008 favorites that i thought I would share with all of you.

> Antiquing in Medina with friends brought new finds to my home.

> Live music of Feist, Baby Dayliner, Rachael Roberts, Return To Simple (www.returnofsimple.com), Kate Tunstall, JayMay (www.myspace.com/jaymay) The "Idols," Girl Talk & Jay Z brought many new playlists to my ipod.

> Made in the 216 (blog.roomservicecleveland.com/events-at-room-service/) brought together unique finds and fun friends.

> Fun times with close friends including a wild St.Patricks Day Pub Crawl (www.lakewoodpubcrawl.com), an 80's house party-complete with prom dresses, a day of exploring the city by RTA, an excuse to wear a big hat at the Junior League of Cleveland-Kentucky Derby Party, a bike trip to Put-In-Bay, a street yard sale boutique, a fall art walk complete with peanut butter martinis!

> The Cleveland Triathlon (www.pacificsportsllc.com) challenged me to push farther, be stronger, dream big...plus I got to swim behind the Rock Hall! Oh, and my awesome road bike from Century Cycles (www.centurycycles.com) deffinatley makes the top 2008 list.

> Wicked & Legally Blonde and the new Hanna Theatre (www.playhousesquare.com) brought me to a standing ovation.

> The Cleveland Film Festival (www.clevelandfilm.org) always rekindles my love of independent films, 2008 was no exception...favorite flick, Priceless.

> The Lake. The Metroparks. The Sunshine!

> Cleveland Bridge Builders (www.cleveleads.org) has allowed me to meet many other passionate Clevelanders.

Happy New Year. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog, whether you check daily or from time to time poke in to see what Cleveland has to offer, I hope that my efforts and interests spark excitement, energy and passion to you as you move into another year living and loving our city, Cleveland.

Sweet gifts (12/20)

Saturday, December 20th, 2008

It’s all about the gifts at Lilly's Chocolates in Tremont. So grab a few friends and register today for their Sweet Holiday Bash.

Play reindeer games such as “Twas the Night Before Christmas” (where EVERYONE goes home with a gift), indulge in some eggnog & drinking chocolate, and nibble on some limited edition truffle treats including “Snogger” (eggnog milk chocolate), GingerMan (gingerbread & candied ginger dark chocolate), & “Snowball” (moroccan mint green tea milk & white chocolate).



The event costs $20 per party-animal, but with that you'll receive 10% off your total purchase of gifts plus the fun listed above! Buy 2 or more gifts and you’ll receive a stocking stuffer gift too! 8-10 pm Call 216.771.3333 to reserve your spot now! www.lillytremont.com

Movie Journey

Mysteries of the Great Lakes

Ever wanted to explore the ecology of our inland seas, its threatened species and conservation efforts? Looking for something to do, other than shopping, this weekend? Than why not take a holiday break or a long lunch and go experience the “Mysteries of the Great Lakes” playing at the Great Lakes Science Center.

It takes a drop of water nearly 400 years to travel from the headwaters of Lake Superior to the edge of Lake Ontario. Along the way, the water passes by towering cliffs dotted with early Native American pictographs, caribou and moose grazing on the shores, over giant prehistoric sturgeon lurking among thousands of shipwrecks and past nearly 40 million people who live along the more than 10,000 miles of coastline. It is a dramatic journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. It’s a MUST SEE!



November 28-30, 12 & 3 pm and December 1-24, 12pm. For directions, fees, etc. visit www.glsc.org

Launch shopping party (11/20)

Thursday, November 20th, 2008

Join the girls for the TrendyTrousseau.com for their big launch party!

TrendyTrousseau.com is a new online boutique that serves the everyday girl. Clothing, Handbags and Accessories (in all price ranges) will be on hand for holiday shopping. Join the gang for the shopping spree plus wine, snacks and style!



To rsvp drop a note to info@trendytrousseau.com. 7 -9pm At Wooltex Gallery, Tower Press, 1900 Superior Ave Cleveland, OH 44144