sports AND shopping...

What could be better?

Have you checked out the new Cavaliers Team Shop? Well, if you haven't I swear you are in for a treat.



Remember when you used to attempt to squeeze into the small gift shop, pushing and shoving your way through the racks of jerseys, hoddies, warm up pants and more? Now everything is spread out for your shopping pleasure. They expanded to open up another floor, added a tv so you can stay in touch with the action as well as an ENTIRE new line of team apparel.



I have to say, for someone who really isn't a huge team clothing fan, there were a few things that caught my eye, especially the retro blue and orange line.

Looking for something to do on your downtown work lunch break? Go take a walk over, it's really cool. GREAT JOB CAVS!

Browns or Art? (09/19)

Sunday, September 19th, 2010

"Sunday Funday" and there are so many options around town...the two biggest events would be A) the Browns Home Opener and B) The Cleveland Museum of Art Chalk Festival & Membership Appreciation Day. What will your Sunday hold for you?

The Browns vs. the Kansas City Chiefs, game time 1:00pm, will you be at the Munny Lot? Plan to put on your orange and brown and support your local football team. Let's go BROWNIES!!!

Not into sports and feeling like playing with some chalk and exploring the new collections at the Museum of Art, then invite your friends to join you in creating a unique piece of chalk art.

Family Day with the Browns (08-07)

Saturday, August 7th, 2010

The Browns will switch it up from its daily training camp practice schedule in Berea for a Brown team vs. White team scrimmage at Cleveland Browns Stadium THIS SATURDAY! Fans will also enjoy music, inflatables and numerous giveaways starting at 9:00 am on Tailgate Terrace, located outside the stadium on the east patio.

The scrimmage is free of charge and is a non-ticketed event. Gates open at 11:00 am. Parking is $5 per vehicle in the Port Authority Lots surrounding the stadium. Fans who arrive between 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. should enter through BrownsTown located on the north side of the Stadium and park in the North Port Authority lot.

For more information visit www.ClevelandBrowns.com.

Yo Yo Contest (7/31)

for more information visit www.ohioyoyo.com

Cleveland weekend!

Hello my dear i heart cleveland readers...

I am oh so sorry for being a delinquent poster this week. My work has been super busy and on the side I have been purging my home for this weekend's "tag sale." It's really no excuse except that I just wanted to say hello and wish you all a very wonderful Cleveland weekend.

As always, there are SO MANY things we could get ourselves into, but here are just a few...

- An awesome "Tag Sale"

- Pedal for PRIZES....

- A dark & stormy cocktail on the patio (if the rain holds up!)

- Let's go Tribe!

- Prepare for the big MOVIE by renting the entire series!

- Shop for adorable dainty jewelry from the comfort of home.

- SAVE at Whole Foods (I'm not joking, 2-4pm on Saturdays)

- Swing by Room Service to see the Bike Art show she has on exhibit. (see photo)

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. :)

Happy sparkly weekend!

Another chilly winter weekend in Cleveland...how I love how shiny the world is with a little coating of ice. My friend Henry once said that I must have been a crow in a past life as I am constantly attracted to anything glittery, sparkly or shimmery...so needless to say, a dusting of light snow makes my heart skip a beat!

Although this weekend is predicted to be an extra cold one, there are many activities to keep us indoors all warm and cozy. around town. I'm going to try and hit a few of these hot spots this last weekend in January...can you believe it's almost February?

A new season at MOCA means an Opening Night Celebration. Art. Music. A killer gift shop!



A drink with the new Dante.

Arabesques, padashas and pliés at Playhouse Square featuring the Bill T. Jones & Arnie Zane Dance Company

Hot Haitian Nights....a Benefit to Help Rebuild Haiti Saturday night at the Speakeasy (under the Beer Market) 8pm. $10 suggested donation to benefit Habitat for Humanity International and their efforts to help the people of Haiti rebuild their lives.

Two games are better than one! (Cavs play tonight AND Sunday!)

Snow surf!

They are predicting snow for Tuesday in Cleveland. With that said, it could snow, be sunny, rain, be foggy or all of the above.

To some of us the winter snow hinders our morning jogs, keeps us in bed those extra fifteen minutes, warrants an extra large latte rather than the daily grande.



To these guys, winters in Cleveland equals the perfect surfing weather. Jeff Sierputowski’s photos of a group of surfer dudes gave me chills but then I thought...how COOL is that?



You may not want to dunk yourself in our fair Lake Erie at this time of year, but try and get outdoors, bundle up, breathe the brisk air and imagine if YOU picked up winter surfing as next years hobby!

Cavs (1/25)

It's CAVS time!

On Thursday we watched Lebron and Shaq crush Kobe. On Saturday we bit our nails as the final score totalled 100 to 99. Let's see what those Cavs can do tonight in Miami?



Game time is at 7:30. Tune in!

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?

Browns Rule!

November 19th through December 13th, 2009

Cleveland Public Theatre is proud to present Browns Rules by Eric Schmiedl Directed by Bill Hoffman Original songs written and composed by Hoffman and Schmiedl

Don't miss the world-premiere of this cabaret style musical by nationally recognized local playwright Eric Schmiedl. Browns Rules is both a send-up and a love-letter to The Cleveland Browns. Three performer musicians and the audience are on a mission - successfully name the 29 rules of being a Cleveland Browns Fan and the Browns will win the Superbowl in 2010.



Part vaudeville, part sideshow, part variety show Browns Rules is an interactive exploration of the relationship between Cleveland and our beloved football team. With a rock band on stage, three performers combine storytelling and drama as they rip apart myths, celebrate heroes, and try to understand what makes the Cleveland Browns so important to our culture. What was the All-America Football Conference and who destroyed it? How did Paul Brown inspire his famous 1949 all-star team? Art Modell, friend or foe? Who called "Red Right 88?" Who wrote the song "Bernie, Bernie?" Cleveland Browns Stadium, asset or financial disaster? These questions and more are examined as Browns Rules looks at our dear Brownies and the city that loves and hates them.

Showtimes: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00pm
Monday, November 30 at 7:00pm (Tickets only $10!)
Sunday, December 13 at 3:00pm (Browns have a bye week!)

Tickets: $30 Reserved Seating at Cabaret Table (includes corkage, reserved seats and tableside bar service during the show) | $24 General Admission | $22 Online Advance Purchase | $2 Discount for Students and Seniors | Special Thursday night pricing: $10 General Admission, $16 Cabaret Table Seating

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

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!

Shooting Stars

Buy the book...

Fireworks & Baseball (9/04)

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 4th-6th, 2009

This weekend, as the Cleveland Indians play the Minnesota Twins don't miss all the promos the team has in store...besides a few home runs.

Friday there will be a big fireworks display after the game-best seen from the dugout seats! Saturday, get your Travis Hafner Pen Holder Bobblehead, one for every fan. Sunday is Kids Fun Day, which includes the opportunity for our little kiddies to run the bases and receive a FREE Miss Onion plush doll.

For tickets and times visit cleveland.indians.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=cle

Roller Disco Bash (8/28)

Friday, August 28th, 2009

clevelandrolls.org



7-10pm : Leff Electric building, 1163 East 40th St., Cleveland, 44114 : Free!

Donate your tickets TODAY

I know it's happen to you before...tickets to a game, or a show, last minute meeting called at work or project that isn't quite complete and there is NO WAY you could be downtown in time for the opening act or even the first four innings. But you have called all of your family and friends and noone can take the tickets off your hands...have we the "good deed" solution for you!

Most Valuable Kids (MVK). It's an organization that gives kids in Cleveland the chance to see a sporting event, concert or play that they might not normally have the chance to go.

They take tickets donated from companies and individuals like YOU and put them in the hands of underprivileged kids throughout Cleveland. Given the current economy, it's a great way for people to contribute and do something good without spending a dime.



Think about it, how many people have season tickets and decide at the last minute not to go to the Tribe game or pass on the orchestra? Instead of letting the tix go to waste, you can call us and we'll give them to a child (plus chaperone). It's incredibly easy and the kids love it!

Check out their website or give them a call at 216.556.5933 to DONATE YOUR EXTRA TICKETS RIGHT NOW!

Go Cavs (5/11)

Monday, May 11th, 2009

Cheer our team on TONIGHT at 7pm against the Atlanta Hawks! Only one more game and we SWEEP!



For team information including schedules, visit www.nba.com/cavaliers/playoffs_atlcle_090511.html

Let's Go Cavs!

Who doesn't LOVE new shoes?



Good luck tonight Cleveland Cavaliers, game time 7pm on ESPN

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.