Wow, a solid week of blue skies and warm temps…it’s these weeks living in Cleveland are simply the best.

In some cases I don’t love the 81 degree temps…like if I was going to running the marathon on Sunday. Poor poor runners; that’s just a bit too hot for my liking. I ran a marathon once and it was in the upper 80′s that day, they gave each of us runners sponges to dip into water at various mile markers to squeeze over our faces and such to keep us cool…and about half way through I realized I was dipping my sweaty sponge into vat of other people sweaty sponges and then not only did my poor tired feet hurt, but I almost lost my morning banana and bagel…how gross is that? (Note…that if someone offers you a sponge on Sunday, decline with grace knowing you won’t be dripping in sweat from your fellow runners.) On a better note, GOOD LUCK to all of you who have trained so hard myself I battled many a spring flu and cold and therefore sorta slacked on my training. I feel more confident running the 10K rather than pushing myself through the entire 13 mile course. I’ll be your biggest fan waiting for you at the finish line, cheering you on. Keep smiling and with every mile chant “put one foot in front of the other!” GO RUNNERS!

Now, onto the giveaway. When you are finished with the race why not grab brunch in Ohio City and then hop aboard the annual Ohio City Home Tour? Did you know it’s the oldest home tour in Cleveland? Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 day of the tour and don’t worry about tired running feet, Lolly the Trolley will be there to shuttle you from one house to the other. I have a pair of tickets for one lucky winner..drop me a note by friday and a winner will be drawn by random. It truly is a wonderful afternoon event wandering through the well decorated historical homes of some of Ohio Cities most creative and well-established residents. Enter today!

Hey CLE! From the looks of last nights 11pm news broadcast, I am guessing everyone and their long lost aunt is headed to the new Horseshoe Casino this week. If not for the gambling, then perhaps this video of the buffet will tempt you…or maybe not. The rotating gelato bar does look sorta scrumptious and heck, if I was loosing all my hard earned money ice cream does make everything better!

What is really cool was the 3-D light show they projected up onto the building…it was very Vegas of our city…and I sorta love it! If you didn’t see it on Monday night, it is showing at 9pm on Tuesday and Wednesday nights as well.

So folks, if I don’t post a lot this week you know where I’ll be…. :) penny slots all the way!

What a pretty day in the CLE…while it’s still spring jackets type of weather, the sun is shining and we are supposed to have a wonderful Mothers Day Weekend all around. Happy nice weather!

A few little reminds of fun stuff going on around town this weekend (besides all the Mothers Day brunching)…

> Tonight is the perfect evening to stroll around Tremont at their monthly art walk. This evening galleries and shops stay open a bit later. The neighborhood is always buzzing and tonight will be a real busy one because of the sweet summer-like weather.

> Phoenix Coffee as part of Cleveland Brews is hosting the first ever workshop and latte-making competition called “For the Love of the Latte.” The event will take place at the Tri-C downtown hospitality school on Saturday. For more information on how they make that pretty little whipped topping art; visit their site to register.

> Cleveland Fashion Week is still going strong with the big Black Tie Fashion Show this Saturday night. Gents; tuxes are a must!

> The IX Beer Fest is kicking off tonight and goes through tomorrow evening. Don’t miss out!

> This weekend will be a great one for bike riding. So get out there and support all your local bike shops and pick up a new cup holder, bell or basket. Remember it’s not how good of a rider you are; but how good you look cruising along. :)

> Speaking of bike riding…there is a ride at the Cleveland Zoo this weekend. “A Safari on 2 wheels!” For a $12 donation you and your friends can ride around the zoo; enjoying the park, the animals and one of the only opportunities you might ever have to ride around the park! Get your ticket today!

So happy almost-weekend to everyone. To all the Mother’s out there…congrats and enjoy your special day.

Happy Tuesday Cleveland! Hope you had a nice weekend and your “Manic-Monday’s” were productive. I hear it’s supposed to clear up and we are supposed to have a fantastic weekend weatherwise…can’t wait!

Did you know that this weekend is the annual IX Center Beer Fest? I went last year and it was a ton of fun, a lot of beer in all sorts of crazy flavors, but lots of bubbly, hoppy, brewy buzziness (is buzziness even a word? you get my drift!)

This year they are expecting over 230 breweries with over 800 beers to taste including a special area for those of us who like ciders (me!), something for everyone. This week, I have 2 general admission tickets to giveaway to a lucky reader who posts about their favorite beer….winner will be drawn by random Friday around noon. Good luck. Check out all the details on their facebook page!

(oh and by the way, the beer shirt above was one of my most favorite memories from last years fest…fashion is key and this took home the prize in my mind!)

Hi there. How psyched are we that it is Friday! This week has been a busy one and now it’s almost time to enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Just a short weekend update… If you missed all the Rock Hall Induction events from last month and you (or a friend) have HBO…tune in Saturday night for the Induction Ceremony whittled down from 5 hours to the best 2 hours!

If you are out and about Saturday, stop into Aperture Photography for their opening of “A Satorial Exposition” where designer (& attorney) Theodore Crispino “Esquire” will share “Rifle Quality” an exhibit of custom suits, shirts, and accessories. Dress to kill! Starts at 6pm

Last but not least I have meaning to share this cool video of Chef Jonathan Sawyer as he tells his story of ideas. It was filmed so nicely, it shows his family in an easy fun-loving light and also shows Cleveland; which is pretty groovy. This video is part of a series from the new “defining edge” presented by Wusthof Knives.

So there you go, a few little morsels of Cleveland fun. Happy Friday friends. Enjoy this nice weather.

Only in Cleveland do we start the week frigid in multiple clothing layers and then end up in skirts and sandals half way through! I am not complaining as this morning I opted for NO TIGHTS! Exciting stuff folks. :)

Anyhow, today I just wanted to remind you of a couple of fun things happening this weekend if you are looking for something more active (besides beach cleaning). First there is FREE YOGA all day Saturday at the new Nishkama Studio in North Olmsted. Check out their list of classes and then go get your stretch on.

After morning/afternoon yoga…perhaps you are in the mood to rev it up with a run and a margarita? Then join the folks at Hermes for the annual Cinco de Mayo 3/3.5 mile run…with no set course, chips & salsa and many a sombrero hat…this race should be a fun one for sure. Note, you MUST be 21 or older to run this race…what does that say?

Last but not least, just a little reminder about the Lakewood Hospital Ambulance (5K) Chase on Sunday morning. I saw this funny little comic this morning thanks to “Lakewoodites” with the accompanying massage “I heard once a runner catches the ambulance, they lose the incentive to run. Just like the metal rabbit at the dog track.” It made me laugh hope it brings a smile to your face too.

With that said…lace up your sneaks and downward dog you go! Happy Thursday.

I don’t know if it’s the nice weather or not, but I am dreaming for the weekend today. AND as always, there is tons to do in Cleveland…where to start?

With the nicer weather, I start thinking about summer and all the fun community-based events. Want to support one of the coolest Cleveland events? This Friday night (thanks Kristen!) the Ingenuity Festival is channeling the spirits of Kokoon Arts Club with it’s first annual “The Bal Ingenieux” – a masked ball taking you through a journey art performances, art and music. Not looking to donate at the “premier level?” Swing in a bit later (10pm door) and join the “Bohemian Party” for a donation of $20 (includes one drink ticket!) This event also takes place at the Halcyon Lodge (West 28th & Franklin) a place most Clevelanders have not been too…getting inside this statuesque building is an event in and of itself. Pretty cool.

Saturday marks the 138th Kentucky Derby. What better excuse to put on your best fancy hat and head down to the Market Garden Brewery for a sweet mint julep and to watch the running of the horses. The MGB will be offering special tasty treats and bourbon drinks to celebrate the annual event!

Secondly  the team at Fashion Week Cleveland is kicking off their week of swanky fashionista events with Saturday nights Glam Jam fashion & music in the Rock City event. There will be a cocktail party, a wearable art runway show and a rock city after party. It will take place in the old Halle Department Store Building…a very cool space.

Perhaps less clothes and more dancing is your thing? Head on over to Beachland Ballroom for Burlesque-A-Pades After Dark! A sizzling stage show featuring music from the Brian Newman Quintet and burlesque from international super star Angie Pontani and the world famous Pontani sister. The ballroom show starts at 8:30, Doors at 7:30.

If you are looking for something more chill, laid back, peace love and reggae…then mark your calendars as Carlos Jones and his crew will be performing at Brothers Lounge Saturday night.

So, as always…a busy weekend in the CLE…grab your friends and start making plans today!

Good gloomy morning cleve-o’s! Hey, I guess we should all just be thankful there isn’t snow, way to look on the bright side!

Today I’ve got a couple of great things to share with you. Have you ever been to the Lakewood Historical Society, Nicholson House “Sale on the Grounds?” If not, the event is this Friday night (preview party/shopping for $15 a ticket,) Saturday (9-3pm) and Sunday (half price day 12-3pm). I have been in previous years and the deals and steals were really great. From linens and dishware to odds and ends for your yard and local artwork, it is one of those not to be missed summer kick off sales!) For more details visit http://lakewoodhistory.org/

Also happening on Saturday is the Annual Perennial Plant Sale at Rocky River Memorial Hall. Get your hands on some specialty clippings and plants unique to the Rocky River community. Perfect for Mother’s Day, this event will also be staffed by avid gardening enthusiasts, so if you have a question feel free to stop on by just to talk flowers, shrubs and trees. Don’t miss out, this sale is only from 10am to noon, so get there while they still have plants!

If you miss out on the plant sale, I went to Petitti’s last weekend and let’s just say they are stocked for the spring/summer planting season. Everything is in full bloom and just begging to be planted. So if you are in the market for a collection of culinary herbs or looking for a new topiary for your front yard, swing by Petitti’s while they still have tons of plants.

Happy rainy, house sales and plant sales Tuesday!

Good Monday morning Cleveland, did everyone have a great weekend? I had family in from out of town and enjoyed the weekend showing off our fair city. From the Tri-C Jazz Fest concert featuring Diana Krall to dinner at Dante’s (super yummy) to a luxurious facial at Be Studios to flower shopping at Petiti’s…it was a great weekend to live in the CLE.

In planning this week, it seems to be a really busy one. Tons of arts events, lots of Cinco de Mayo celebrations, a few good sale events and then I came across this…Beach (cleaning) & Bubbles? I couldn’t resist but to share, sounds right up my alley.

This Saturday morning, May 5th, Barefoot Wine is teaming up with the Alliance for the Great Lakes and Drink Local Drink Tap to host a public Adopt-a-Beach™ cleanup at Edgewater Park. Following the cleanup, volunteer’s (ages 21 & older) are invited to attend a celebration featuring Barefoot Wine and surf-inspired fare.The event is part of a partnership between Barefoot Wine and the Alliance’s Adopt-a-Beach™ Program to help clean up Great Lakes beaches and shorelines and offer a special celebration to recognize volunteers’ efforts.

Details : Meet at the Beach Pavilion at Edgewater Park,  at 10:am and clean up the beach “treasures” then head over to the Harp (4408 Detroit Avenue) for the complimentary celebration filled with Barefoot Wine & Bubbly! 12:30-3pm. No charge to volunteers.

As an avid beach junkie, I just can’t resist the opportunity to pitch in and help beautify the beach. I look forward to seeing all you other sun worshippers there. It will be beachy keen jelly bean. :)

Happy monday, hope your week is great!

Every now and then while sitting at a red light (hint) I see some great old signage left from a Cleveland business. Check out this one I saw today.

Can’t you just image stepping back in time, making your way down to this large building, parking your chic convertible outside and stepping inside their showroom to pick out your custom made trunk or suitcase for your upcoming travel adventure? Sometimes I still wished we still shopped that way.

With summer around the bend, are you planning any adventures where you would need a “Travelers Custom Case?”  (I’m not talking about a new case for your IPhone 4.) This company still does business and if you need just the right custom carrying case, bold trunk or chic suitcase, they are the people for the job. Take a look at some of their offerings on their website.

Moral of this little story? Next time you are sitting at a stop light and think perhaps maybe the company went out of business…jump online and you’ll discover that places like these have evolved with the times and while they may not be updating signage, they are still kicking in Cleveland-style!