Category Archives: blog

{Mar 28, 2013}
  Guest Post recipe : Carrot Cake

Every now and then you come across a blogger who makes you smile. Today I get to introduce you to Courtney a fashion student, chef and fellow CLE-lover. I hope you enjoy the recipe she has “whipped” together for you, perfect for Peter Rabbit who might be hopping down your bunny trail for Easter weekend. Thanks Courtney & happy baking weekend to ya!

Hi Friends! My name is Courtney McCrone and I post my musings at 23 Skidoo Blog. I am a Cleveland-lover (what classy lady isn’t?) currently completing my fashion design degree in L.A.; upon graduation this June, and will quickly hustle back to the CLE to live the dream! This summer I will be working on launching some of my designs, so look out world!

Easter is just around the corner, so I am really excited to share a great recipe with you to enjoy with your friends and family–perhaps even some little bunnies that might stop by for brunch!

MORE! →

Posted on March 28, 2013 by charity
Posted in bakery, baking, blog, blogs, cooking, eat, families, family, holiday, holidays, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

{Mar 12, 2013}
  Being social!

Hey friends, did I tell you how excited I am to have scored one of the coveted tickets to this summer’s Alt Design Summit NYC conference? I’m psyched.

You see, besides posting about all things happening in the CLE; I regularly scour the web for every inspiring design tip, striking image and “how-to” story that I can soak up in my creative head.

As a professional designer I love to surround myself with other creatives and what better location to be infused with creativity than at the offices of the queen of creativity, Martha Stewart. The conference will be hosted by Ms. Martha and her amazing team of creatives at the MSL Omnimedia offices (eeeekkk!)

So I am starting to prep for the workshop and I am doing a bit of blog updating and writing homework. I’m cleaning up my pinterest palace (@charity216) and making a conscious effort to tweet and “RT” on a more regular basis (@iheartclev) I’m exploring new photo apps to share pics on instagram (@charity216) and even making movies on the latest and greatest the creepy, crawly Vine (@iheartcleveland). So much to do in so little time.

Before I know it I will be surrounded by other bloggy, blogsters covered in polka dots and neon prints, this years floral pants and sassy sandals. Spending time sharing tips with one another about life/blog balance, creative apps and design business successes.

This summer can’t come soon enough but this past weekend warm Cleveland temps sure were a treat! Happy Tuesday.

Posted on March 12, 2013 by charity
Posted in adventure, blog, blogs, conference, creative, entrepreneurs, event, events, learning, Uncategorized, website, workshop | Tagged | 1 Comment

{May 10, 2011}
  beer on tap – giveaway

Hello Cleveland, happy Tuesday to each of you. Isn’t this weather divine? A wonderful past weekend of riding bikes, patios and sunshine makes me a super happy CLE-camper. I even switched over my closet from winter blacks and greys to more pattern and vibrancy…summer is when my closet comes to life, another reason to be happy…flip flops, I digress.

Do you like beer? Well, you are in luck because I have a pair of general admission tickets (valued at $90!) to the IX International Beer Festival happening THIS WEEKEND at the IX Center. I am way more a wine drinker (mostly reds) but I am a sucker for a good light wheat ale, a Corona on a beach or the seasonal brews, especially at Christmas time…you know what I’m talking about. :)

The ticket includes admission to selected entry sessions, unlimited tastings, a special tasting cup and special demos and educational sessions on everything BEER! Tell me which brewery you’d like to sample and a random winner will be drawn this Friday by noon. Good luck and happy hops to all.

Posted on May 10, 2011 by charity
Posted in adventure, beer, blog, blogs, drink, eat, event, explore, fair | 24 Comments

{Feb 1, 2011}
  a new Blog Friend

So I “met” this new blogger a week or so ago and thought perhaps some of you might like to follow his photography blog….“How’s the Salmon.”

A young photographer, entrepreneur and sneaker collector, Carlos was born and raised in Lorain and currently resides in Elyria, OH. “I’ve been coming to Cleveland for various events, shopping or to experience the restaurants for as long as I can remember” commented Carlos.

After exploring his site, I had to get to know this guy a bit better, so I asked “Mr. How’s the Salmon” a few questions…

Where did the name of your site come from?
“It’s really and inside joke with my friend from high school. We decided to have a mini reunion at Great Lakes Brewery, and we all agreed on bar food (fries, burgers, etc.) and well out of nowhere, one of my friends turns to the waitress and asked “How’s the Salmon?” and we all started to laugh hysterically (You kind of had to be there, but coming from where we’re from, and growing up how we did, you’d understand why we found it so funny)”

As a sneaker conisseour, what’s your favorite pair of sneakers?
“This is a question I get often yet still struggle on an answer. I have to say, it’s hard to pick just one. I’ll say my two favorites are, my Air Jordan Aqua VIII’s and my Air Jordan True Blue III’s.”

Please share one of your pictures of Cleveland with the iheartcleveland readers.
(photo above) “This picture of Lake Erie, I think some people may not realize how great the lake can be (especially due to lake effect snow) but in the summer, relaxing and watching the sun set is one of the best things to do.”

Thanks Carlos for sharing your images, your insight and your blog to me. I hope others find it as fun and unique as I did.

Posted on February 1, 2011 by charity
Posted in blog, blogs, cleveland, creative, entrepreneurs, explore, local, photo, promotion, shoes, website | 3 Comments

{Dec 10, 2010}
  Day 4 : Gatherings Kitchen, Supper Club

Wow, happy Friday Cleveland. What a winter week we’ve had. The snow, the traffic, the sparkling winter decorations, it’s all just lovely.

Thank you to everyone who have commented on Day 1, 2 & 3 of the holiday giveaway. Your comments and facebook traffic have been a great way to support these local businesses and for that we are thankful….Now, onto today’s goods…

Have you ever been inspired to stay in with a group of friends on a Friday and cook a feast fit for a king, all while picking up some new culinary tips (knife skills perhaps?) while downing your favorite cocktail or vino?

If you answered YES have you heard of Gatherings Kitchen? A professional culinary kitchen located in a charming storefront in Lakewood, this complete gourmet catering operation is the brainchild of Chefs and fellow entrepreneurs, Ruth and Doug.

While their weekends and most weeks are filled withwriting recipes, shopping for the finest ingredients, teaching aspiring chefs-both young & old(er) new techniques, catering intimate dinner parties, corporate lunches, hosting birthday, anniversary and engagement soirees, Ruth and Doug take time every week for an event near and dear to their hearts called “Supper Club.”

Once a week you have the opportunity to gather together with a group of fellow food enthusiasts to work on a common goal, a Friday night meal. The menus are pre-set monthly and focus around the time of the year or what’s in season. You enter the warm dining room, drop your bags and bottles of wine at the door and let the evening unfold. Everyone is introduced, the menu gets presented and then the individual recipes divided up. Once the cooking begins the sound level in the kitchen gets louder and louder, or perhaps that’s because of the BYOB beverages.

After dinner has been prepped, the Chefs send you into the dining room where all of your creations are then served to you in a formal “going out to dinner” manner. No details unturned, so much food you can’t imagine, so much fun learning about new recipes and new people.

For todays giveaway Gatherings Kitchen would like to offer i heart cleveland readers a pair of “Supper Club” passes (valued at $110). So invite your fellow foodie to enter the contest to increase your chances of winning.

To enter please “Like” Gatherings Kitchen on thier Facebook page and tell us why you would like to attend a Supper Club. Are you looking to learn to make pasta? Are french maccaroons something you’ve been hoping to master (that one would be mine)? Do you like the idea of communal cooking? Why would you like to be part of a weekly Supper Club? (please include your email, winner will be drawn Thursday, December 16th)

On a similar food note, please take the time to read my fellow blogger and friend Cleveland Foodies post about the aspiring program called Veggie U. This national orgainzation gives teachers and students the opportunity to educate and learn more about nutrition, agiriculture, farming and the like. There are 157 participating classrooms in Northeast Ohio and we MUST support this continued leaning. Donate today to this intitiative and have the opportunity to win over $2,000 worth of gift cards to area restaurants, just for donating. It’s a win win for everyone. Winner will be drawn December 23rd, please support this effort.

Posted on December 10, 2010 by charity
Posted in amazing, benefit, blog, business, celebrate, chef, class, deal, donation, eat, eating, entrepreneurs, food, giveaway | 39 Comments

{Mar 1, 2010}
  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)

Posted on March 1, 2010 by charity
Posted in blog, boutique, clothes, collections, shoes, shopping, store | 2 Comments

{Feb 19, 2010}
  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. :)

Posted on February 19, 2010 by charity
Posted in basketball, blog, read, sports | 1 Comment

{Jan 14, 2010}
  donate & win!

My friend Michelle of Cleveland Foodie has recently posted a wonderful opportunity for her readers and I just wanted to make sure everyone knew about it.

To support the Culinary Vegetable Institute, Veggie U, and area Cleveland City Schools, Michelle is requesting a minimum donation of $5 for the opportunity to win a slew of gift cards to many area restaurants, including Greenhouse, Parallax, L’Albatros and more!

This is a wonderful opportunity to take a chance and donate to a yummy cause. Thanks Michelle for your enthusiastic and educational post. We heart you!

Read and enter here!

Posted on January 14, 2010 by charity
Posted in blog, contest, non profit, restaurant | 1 Comment

{Mar 9, 2009}
  The Scoop

Just a little congrats to my friends Laura (Hudson resident) and her pal Emily (Chicago native) editors of “The Scoop;” a daily dose of design inspiration.

Their blog was recently featured in TimeOut Chicago Magazine…way to go you two!

The article touched on the fact that many Home Decor Magazines were no longer and how people are turning to bloggers for our interior, fashion and design inspiration. Laura and Emily do such a great job, I am definitely visit daily.

For more about “the Scoop,” or the article visit www.orangebeautiful.com/blog/post.php?post_id=994

Posted on March 9, 2009 by charity
Posted in amazing, blog, favorites, outdoors | Leave a comment

{May 4, 2008}
  Cleveland Speaks

Have you noticed the new “words on the street”? The other night in the parking lot I was captivated by one and had to know more…

“The Mind of Cleveland” is a public conversation in billboard/poster form, a conceptual town meeting where everyone has the opportunity to be heard publicly. The project employs modes of communication common in urban spaces, such as billboards, letterpress posters and the Internet. With the use of public signage, the thoughts, feelings and wishes of Cleveland residents are displayed.

Next time you see one of these bold, dynamic statement on the street, stop and think, how cool is it that we live in a region, in a country for that matter where people thoughts and opinions are not only heard but made public for all to read.

For more about this project, visit www.themindofcleveland.com

Posted on May 4, 2008 by charity
Posted in art, blog, explore, good deed, non profit | 1 Comment