Good morning Cleveland! You gotta love how pretty the snow sparkle covers the ground, so much better than all this yucky gray rain, don’t you think?

This morning I just want to remind you to pass along the Boutique Bridal Bizarre 2 ticket giveaway that is this Sunday at Dredgers to all your fancy friends. Even if you aren’t a bride but just want to meet and greet some of the area artists, swing by, it’s gonna be a lot of pretty fun. You can also register to win 2 tickets to the Home and Garden Show. Both of these events are sure to take the gray rainy weather and add a warm fuzzy twist on winter in Ohio.

(The image above is from last weekend, have you been to the new(er) SOHO on 25th? It really has a great drink menu, a killer deviled eggs and from what I hear the BEST pecan pie, PLUS they just started serving brunch! Might just be the perfect weekend to go snuggle into SOHO and indulge!)

Two words. Chip. & Wade.

Get your tickets to this years Great Big Home & Garden Expo, February 4-12th at the IX-Center now. The 3rd annual expo will feature over 650 exhibitors PLUS as mentioned above an appearance by celebrity contractor handyman Chip Wade of HGTV’s Curb Appeal. Some additional highlights of the show are coking demonstrations by Cleveland native Rocco Whalen & the instructors /students of the Loretta Paganini Cooking School, many theme gardens, an eco-friendly idea home, contests, promos and more!

Don’t forget to visit the expo website as they are constantly updating and adding to the schedule of great night fun  and lots of events!

For all iheartcleveland.com readers use the discount code “HEART” for $3 off your ticket, to purchase them visit the site here. (NOTE* When you purchase your tickets through this link you will automatically receive the $3 off! $11 not $14!)

To win your FREE pair of tickets, drop me a note before Monday January 30th and you might be enjoying a nice warm day indoors, planning for spring on us! Leave me your name and email. Good luck to all of my home improvement gurus and gardener wanna bees!

Since we are just out of the holiday season and quickly creeping towards Valentines Day there are probably a few of you newly engaged Cleveland brides snapping up the Martha Weddings Magazines and “pinning” like crazy. This weekend instead of attending a hum drum wedding show, grab a group of friends and head down to Dredgers Union for the first annual Boutique Bridal Bazaar presented by the ladies at Something White Bridal.

This “indie” bridal show will showcase many area non-traditional vendors including Tremont bakery “A Cookie & a Cupcake,” “Urban Orchid” and “Ting,” to name just a few. See the most updated list on the event website.

Good news! I have TWO FREE TICKETS to giveaway for this show. Drop me a comment below including your email by Friday afternoon and your name could be on the list free of charge. Good luck! For those of you who are looking for the sure thing,  buy your $5 tickets here.

Happy Love. Happy Weddings. Happy coolest wedding show idea Cleveland has come up with thus far! See you all on Sunday!

It’s that time of year when many Clevelanders are starting to fret about their outfits for the Playhouse Square Players, 21st Annual Jump Back Ball extravaganza. This year is like no other;  the “Through the Looking Glass” theme is filled with so many wonderful visual inspirations, magic and mystique..anything goes.

The annual benefit is one of mega proportions. From dancing on the enormous stage to mingling in the stunning lobby, the evening is one NOT to be missed. This year will be no exception, in fact I wanted to remind you that if you are going to buy your ticket, get it today as tomorrow prices go up…and we all know it will be a sell out party.

I was thinking about what might be fun to wear myself. Perhaps something with just a hint of Alice, an homage to the Queen of Hearts or even something with a touch of Tweedle Dee & Dum. (Check out some visual fun below, can we say fun with Photoshop?)

(A sweet little blue dress can be accesorized to compliment Ms. Alice. This one can be found here)

(A striking red gown will help you stand up to the Queen herself, before she exclaims “off with her head!” Check out this one here.)

(If you are really looking to party… these sparkly bold stripes will for sure turn the heads of these silly tweedle twins. You can find this dress here.)

Get your tickets today and THEN get your dress, or outfit, or costume!!! Cheers to Jump Back Ball!

Happy Monday friends. I hope your weekends were great, you were able to enjoy the snowy sunshine, celebrate birthdays, winter and “resort wear” in the stores. The warm temps tease me that we are almost in April and not actually in January, don’t you agree?

Speaking of nice weather, last week I was able to sneak away south for a few days of work and fun to the great state of Texas.  In Texas it was a warm 80 degrees, perfect for busting out my new Rayban shades (awesome Christmas gift!), a great winter warmup for sure.

While I was there I had a little conversation that I wanted to bring back to share….I was sitting at this great bar, drinking a fun little whiskey cocktail and munching on the house snack, truffle popcorn when I started to chat with the bartender about all the great things going on in the neighborhood. I said to him “I really like it here” and without even missing a beat he smiled a big Texas smile and replied “Thanks WE LIKE IT TOO!”

From there my table was ready, but I couldn’t shake this short interaction. It really made me think, do we as Clevelanders welcome visitors with such hospitality and ease? Do we krinkle up our noses when people come to town to visit? Personally, I don’t, but I am taking this little Monday post to remind all of us that the next time you meet someone from out of town and they say “I really like it here,” YOU are quick to reply…”We like it too!”

Have a great week, there are a few fun giveaways on the horizon so stay tuned!

(picture by me all the way from Concourse D at the CLE…going places!)

Already excited about the third annual TEDxCLE conference? I am.

This annual event brings together thinkers, doers and anyone with sheer passion or enthusiasm to share.

Know someone who is amazing in their field? Perhaps someone who is paving the way for others? How about a leader who is moving an issue forward? An educator, artist or entrepreneur?

Nominations for this years TED Talk 2012 are being accepted now through February 17th. Get those nominations in, the sooner the better. Nominate one person, 10 people or an entire bakers dozen. As Clevelanders, let’s really give it some thought and get pumped for this TEDxCLE spring event. I can’t wait to see you all there!

After the holiday decorations are all put away, I always feel a little twinge of sadness…of lackluster shine in my home. No more twinkling lights, pretty poinsettias, boxed up little elves on shelves and all the vintage twinkle and glow packed away for next year.

So without totally taping up hearts everywhere (think refrigerator from kindergarten) I turn to my biggest shopping habit; faithful Ms. Etsy.

So many awesome Valentine’s, heart, love and Cleveland reference ready to add that mid-January sparkle to your nest. Check ‘em out!

An awesome print for any special nook in cranny in your posh pad. Made in Massachusetts from someone who loves us here.

Another pretty print, less CLE and more OHIO. Love the handmade-looking typography.

Re-use and up-cycle! Taking those old road maps and using them as artwork for your home. Take a look at this artists work. Such a great housewarming gift, don’t you think?

Looking for the tiny little gift for your sweetheart? This small 5 x 5 print mixes happy hearts sweets with another CLE map. A sweet little home decor gift perfect for any friend.

Last, but certainly not least is the artwork of my friend “Small Screen” designs. I think the pairing of chilly winter blue and the warm red heart on Terminal Tower tells a great little story for this time of year, we heart our city! Another great option for cheering up any wall or cubicle for sure.

So not to worry if all of your decorations came down, there are plenty of sweet CLE treats for you on Etsy. Pick a few up today!

Just a few fun finds as we ease ourselves back into the work week…

I am LOVING the new design/illustration for this years Cleveland International Film Festival. Besides it being sweet and lovely…it’s NAUTI and you gotta love a little whale action! Hooray…just a few more weeks to be “Carried Away” by films from near and far off lands. Can’t wait!

Uuum…did you see the amazing bike rack in front of Market Garden Brewing? Gotta love a creative bike rack/art installation, great work Rustbelt Welding!

Last little Monday tid bit…if you love Chef Jonathan Sawyer and crave his unique vinegars served at the Greenhouse Tavern, take a look at where it comes from! Such a fun creative little ditty, I couldn’t help but pass this on.

Happy monday and cheers to great productive week!

Since today is a bit overcast as we wait for the impending snow storm (yippee!) I thought I would share a bright mural that I cruised by the other day. The sun was out and it was almost like the little bird was pleading with me to pull over and take it’s picture. Where was I?

Happy Thursday Cleveland! Now, let’s bring on that SNOW!

The tickets went on “sale,” Tuesday January 3rd at 8am and were completed distributed by 10am; it’s the Cleveland Orchestra’s 32nd annual (free of charge WITH TICKETS) concert celebrating the spirit of Dr. King’s life, leadership and vision in music, song and community recognition.

Guess who has two tickets to giveaway? Yes indeedy…it’s time to enter to win 2 tickets to the concert this Sunday Night, January 15th 2012 at 7pm. This concert is truly a gem in our community, a night with both the orchestra as well as Central State University Chorus and the MLK Jr. Celebration Chorus, a musical spectacular.

Please only enter if you are committed to attending the show, I don’t want these seats going to waste. To enter drop me a note/comment with your name and email address. Winner will be chosen WEDNESDAY, around 5pm, in order either A)drop the tickets in the mail or B) arrange a pick up. Winner to be drawn by random, good luck.