OooooH Baby

Hi Cleveland, happy Monday.

So I have these friends who used to live here but moved to California. They are expecting their second baby this week and I wanted to send them a little midwest love from the Land of the Cleve. I turned to Etsy, my go-to gift source for a baby gift of sorts and I just had to share.

I found this one store called LilBurritos, check out these two adorable onesies. I just LOVE LOVE them!!!





I ended up turning to my good friend Small Screen Designs for the perfect Terminal Tower onesie as the final gift selection.

Needless to say, they loved the gift and the baby will wear it proudly...this Wednesday! Congrats you two.

Local Esty faves!

Every few months I like to spend hours falling deeper and deeper into my ultra fave site, ETSY!

I search for vintage globes, adorable crafty headbands, retreo fashions, chic homegoods, party supplies and more. I always try to shop from local Cleveland sellers and am amazed when I stumble upon great Cleveland shops; there are so so many!

Here are just a few to celebrate, all different but all great at what they do. Take a peak, plan your purchases and shop, shop, shop!

Giardino : Hand printed linen fabrics, home decor & paper goods. Amazing graphic botanicals for any chef or foodie. (printed purple pillow)



JoieDeCleve : Exquisite vintage finds, Soothing color palette. Simple imagery. Fair pricing. (sailboat pitcher!)



Orange Twine : AMAZING retro styling. Simple, playful and fun. Can we be friends? I LOVE EVERYTHING at your shop! (yellow skirt)



Do you have a local Etsy shop? Please share with us!!!

Tremont Farmers Market

After a long holiday weekend, why not spend your Tuesday night in Tremont.

Buy your fresh veggies at the Farmers Market to stock your fridge with local good greens and more. Baked goods, meat, fresh eggs and more are available at the market as well. Every Tuesday now through October. Located in Lincoln Park.

You could also grab a glass of wine from the Visible Voice Wine Bar to enjoy in their charming courtyard.

There is lots to do in Tremont, Where do you like to hang when you visit?

wear a dress... Lizzy & Jane

Last weekend I spent a relaxing day strolling though Chagrin Falls with one of my closest gal pals. As we meandered through the tiny shops we stumbled upon this amazing dress shop named “Lizzy & Jane.”

Every wall displays darling unique dresses...I wanted one of each. Did you know there is a dress for every occasion? There is. These hand crafted, works of art can be worn with cowboy boots right up to your best pair of stilettos. When I was in the store I had the pleasure to meet one of the owners, Marilyn. She told me how they work with their designer to choose very select fabrics and craft them into the perfect dress for you.

Not only do they carry unique dresses they also carry the real simple line of bridesmaids dresses which are stunning! The store also carries pretty jewels and bags to accessorize your dress. Seriously I was like a kid in a candy store, I wanted to buy one so bad and now I can't stop thinking about them.....so maybe this weekend...

It truly is a gorgeous store, you simply must visit!

Bike Week @ Room Service (5/15)

Saturday, May 15th, 2010

5% off to anyone who rides their bike! Fun promo from Room Service.

"Spa Saturday" @ Be Studios

I simply love when I discover a new gem in town. First thing I think about is sharing the excitement with you guys, then I sit back, relax and enjoy the find. This past Saturday "relax," can't even come close to my experience at BE Studios in Cleveland.



First founded as the "go-to" place for bachelorette parties, a killer core workout and a swing on the pole, BE Studios has now grown to more than just a fitness and dance studio. This spring Christina and her incredibly talented staff expanded to include a gorgeous spa destination.



From the moment I walked into the space I was enveloped by aromas of calming oils, a soft undertone of electronic beats and the design of the interiors to die for. The peaceful gray color palette seems to have stepped off the pages of a luxury living magazine, yet most elements to the interiors are vintage and have been re purposed and or reupholstered to compliment one another. Every detail has been well thought through, each candle, each piece of art, every shelf, mirror and stack of towels visually work together to create the overall drama. Let's just say, I was blown away.



It was a girls afternoon, we kicked off "Spa Saturday" by sweating it out (the night before's wine intake) in the infrared sauna. While we sat in the 140 degree dry heat we gulped down the Smart Water that was provided at the spa. I don't think I've ever challenged myself to sit in a sauna for a full :30 minutes, let alone site STILL for :30 minutes...but we did it!

After that I had one of the most amazing massages ever. Every muscle in my body was worked too mush. The technician performed this fast kneading method up and down my back to which she later referenced as her "secret technique." If you like a great deep massage call today.

As I stumbled out of the treatment room, I felt like a half melted summer Popsicle. I was so at peace, so relaxed, my brain could barely tell my feet to move one foot in front of the other. A crazy feeling.



I got myself into the next room where I experienced a deep cleansing facial. The organic Eminence products smelled yummy enough to taste, I almost licked the ice wine raspberry toning masque right off my chin.

One last thing that I need to tell you about BE Studios, they have this great little relaxation area in the back of the space which would be so perfect for a small baby shower, a bachelorette afternoon or just a group of close friends. Next time you're faced with planning a gathering, this place would "WOW" your group, I promise.

So, with all that said...my skin is glowing, my knots are gone, and the Friday night toxins have left the building. You've got to see it to believe it, so swing by the Clifton Blvd business and make an appointment today!

Anthropolgie celebrates Earth Day (04/14)

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010



Stop by "anthro" at Eaton at lunch and learn from the pros how to make your garden grow! Happy Earth Day. Happy fabulous lunch break. Happy perhaps pick up something from the sale room!

Hello HGR Industrial!

It’s officially Spring! The air is warm during the day but blows a cool breeze through my windows at night. The tree branches above sprout little flowers of pink and white, while the concrete sidewalks don the remnants of pollen and little thing-a-ma-jigs from the recent flowering above. I love this season.

I especially love this season because I start day dreaming about home improvement. A new paint color, a fresh light fixture and even some simple yard furniture...perhaps. :)

...Flash forward to my weekend adventure at HGR Industrial Surplus in Euclid, Ohio...

I had heard about this complete monster of a warehouse that was home to all unwanted manufacturing machines, pieces and parts, but I never imagined the visual stimuli that I was about to encounter. Row and rows of lathes, compressors, lifts, pallets, pumps, random old office furniture, casters, you name it they got it.



The afternoon of exploring the public showroom stirred my imagination (“wonder where this came from?”) and my creativity (“I could do something really cool with this!”), I was basically like a kid in a candy store, although instead of getting a good sugar buzz I was on a natural adventure high.

I wouldn’t advise bringing kids to the showroom as there were many dangerous; perhaps toxic stuff hanging around. Also, do as I say, not as I do and leave your high heels at home in exchange for your pumas...this showroom is almost 12 acres large.



What did I get you might ask? Well, I wanted to go home with a cafeteria booth, some glass jars, a few chemical tubs (for planting herbs in of course?) but instead opted for a lovely vintage filing cabinet for only $20 bucks. Bring a big car!



Next time you are feeling a little willy wonka scientist or artsy, or even just looking for that visual escape from your daily cubicle...take a drive to HGR, it was totally awesome!

AI Root.

The other day I had an opportunity to travel down to Medina for a women's business luncheon. The lunch was to be hosted by A.I. Root, the famous Ohio candle makers.

Knowing me I had expected to end up leaving the meeting with a few “Root” candles in hand (chocolate, hosta & spiced ginger to be specific) but I never expected to find the most amazing gift shop ever. Anything and everything you can imagine from unique pillows, frames and candle holders (duh?) to a darling childrens shop, cook books (they offer cooking classes occasionally), purses and adorable little home accents. Let’s just say it was more than I had expected. Tres chic.



If you ever are looking for that perfect “afternoon drive,” drive down to sunny Medina where the folks at A.I. Root will WOW you with their special gifts for everyone. (they even have Ohio State stuff for your guy friends.)

This Thursday evening March 11th, Root Candles at West liberty (623 West Liberty Street, Medina) is hosting a Ladies Night Spring Sale Preview Party. Special savings on candles and other giftables. Light refreshments and drinks to be served.

grey cardigan celebrates spring weddings (03/12)

Friday, March 12th, 2010



Celebrate Spring. Celebrate Love. Celebrate Engagements, Showers and Weddings.

This Friday, celebrate the unveiling of the new Grey Cardigan "Something Borrowed, Something Grey" print collection by artist Brian Jasinski. His work is refreshing, youthful and sassy with a sense of humor twist.

Anyone getting married in your life? These pieces would make a delightful gift for any of the many wedding infused occasions. No standard Bed Bath & Beyond Prints for the newlyweds pad...only the best will do. :)

See you there!

Shopping @ NEXT

Hello and happy Monday Cleveland!

Last week was a whirlwind of fun and activity around town. Were you able to get to TEDX CLE last friday? If not, make sure to keep your eye out for next years event. Super inspiring and exciting happenings all around the CLE>

Also pretty fun... a few weeks ago I was invited to be part of an after work shopping spree courtesy of the store NEXT located in Beachwood Place. When I was originally invited, I thought to myself...the hip hop urban store that i usually stroll past as I escape Nordstrom's on a perfume sample high? Yep...that be the one.


(sneakers, Allison & pal)

Last tuesday night a bunch of us gathered to spend our loot on many unexpected finds...WAY more than graffiti tees...now I know. From fancy party dresses, to sleek sandals, studded bracelets to chic leather coats, scarves and sorbet colored sneakers...there really is more to NEXT than I ever knew.


(studs, Amelia & Michelle)

The sales staff was incredibly helpful. They knew what piece would flatter what figure. What ran small and what was a great buy for your dollar. Just returning from a big women's fashion buying trip, they spilled the beans that florals are going to be the "IT" thing this spring. The staff couldn't have been more accommodating to those of us who had never shopped their before.


(watches & Alexa)

I was thrilled when I scored a new fluorescent green G-Shock watch as well as two really great tops. Seriously cleveland ladies & gents...next time you are in the mood for some true boutique shopping, don't forget NEXT...it really impressed me.


(girls of NEXT & my new watch)

friend in town!

I am so excited the weekend is here!

My college roommate is in town from the big apple and I am always SO THRILLED to share with here the fun and fabulousness of the "land of Cleve!"



We have tons planned for the weekend, from good eats & swanky drinks to a Broadway show, holiday art fest, to a cruise with Santa, perhaps a walk in Ohio City, a light festival and maybe a rockin flea market!

There is so much to do here, I gotta run, let the weekend begin! Cheers. :)

Vintage Holiday

The other day I made a quick trip to one of the areas BEST vintage shops around, Flower Child. The holiday windows of old sleds and Xmas cheers drew me inside like a mosquito to a buzzing blue lantern.

Although I had expected to see a mirage of decorations of days gone by, I had no clue the intensity and overwhelming shimmer and glitz that was about to come before me.



The store is filled with every type of holiday decoration you can imagine. From vintage lights, holiday cocktail glasses, delicate glass bulbs, ornate holiday linens, something from the 40's, something from the 80's (see ET stockings!), a pink themed room, a green themed room, a candy cane and mistletoe room....whatever you holiday dreams they have the decorations for you.



This weekend will be a big "get ready for the holidays" weekend. Why not shop local and recycle the past by adding a touch of flair from Flower Child. BUT, be prepared...this store will suck up hours of time on the weekend, so wear comfy shoes and a good friend for hours of fun.

FYI, there is a Starbucks across the street in case you need a gingerbread jolt of energy to make it through the entire newly expanded basement of the store. Happy holidays!

Flower Child : 11508 Clifton Blvd, Cleveland OH 216.939.9933

Trot Home Grand Opening (12/05)

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

There is a new kid in town...a new home decor destination that is celebrating their Grand Opening this Saturday. What could be more fun than an afternoon trip to downtown Peninsula to explore the new store, Trot Home, while you are there, visit Winking Lizard for a Christmas Ale or Cranberry-tini to kick off your holiday festivities!

I won't give you all the details because my friends over at Orange Beautiful posted the complete story and some great photos of the store, so make sure to read the entire article there.



I plan on visiting the store at some point from now until Christmas..a new lamp, a throw pillow, perhaps a reupholstered stool...you can never have too many! PLUS, if you visit THIS Saturday during the open house, Trot Home is offering a 10% discount, every penny counts!

Miss Manners (11/22)

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

Auction Time (11/14)

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

Looking for a new-old rugs, a sweet lucite coffee table, a string of pearls for the holidays or a new painting for your dining room? This weekend is the big Grays Auctioneers Fine Arts, Antiques & Decorations Auction. The Auction starts at 1pm but you are more than welcome to stop by Thursday and Friday in the afternoon for a preview.



Gray's Auctioneers is one of the largest Fine Art & Antiques Auction Houses in Cleveland and the surrounding Northeast Ohio region. Thinking of flying south for the winter? They also have an office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

For the complete auction catalogue visit www.graysauctioneers.com

Monster Makers

Located just down the street in Lakewood stands an unassuming 4-car garage. Each day UPS and fed-ex make frequents stops at the side door, carrying large packages back and forth, in and out. Being a "slightly" nosey-neighbor, I had to get to the heart of what was going on...little did I know I was in for a complete spooky surprise.

Monster Makers is a thriving business that caters to the movie making and special effects industry nationwide. From special latex mask making to artificial hair and eyes, there is something for every mask-maker in your home.



Looking to make a spooky mask in the likeness of your own face? Check out this link, it's the coolest!

Interested in trying your hand at the art of mask making for your halloween costume? Give Monster Makers a shout at 216.521.7739.