Celebrate Maple Syrup & Pancakes (03.13-21)

Saturday, March 13th - 20th, 2010

Celebrate the "pancake capitol of the world" with the arrival of springtime and maple sap = SYRUP!

Drive around and enjoy the 2010 March Maple Madness "Drive it Yourself" Tour. For the details of the driving tour click here.



For the details on the pancake feast click here.

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!

Tremont Art Walk (3/12)

Friday, March 12th, 2010

This Friday is the monthly Tremont Art Walk. All of the cool boutiques, gallery's, culinary shops and sweet eats stay open later than usual to celebrate the neighborhood and this week...the coming of spring.

One of this weeks highlights to the Art Walk would be the special tasting at Lilly's Handmade Chocolates.



From 12pm-10pm they will be hosting a tasting featuring Mad Dogs & Englishmen ($3.50 per taste paired with a truffle), a Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Monastrell blend and Pinkus Organic Hefe-Weizen ($2.50 per taste paired with a truffle), a crisp, light beer.

I know where I want to kick off my walk...where will you start yours?

Ohio City Pasta Review #2

So, If you remember back in January I set some goals or pseudo resolutions for myself as a resident of Northeast Ohio. I planned to see the Symphony, take a tour of the Mansfield State Penitentiary and taste test every flavor of Ohio City Pasta known to man. I’m making baby steps and checking things off my list...

The other evening I made the best dinner, Pumpkin Ravioli courtesy of Ohio City Pasta. I browned some butter (I didn’t say it was low fat.) tossed in some walnuts added the boiled Pumpkin Ravioli and topped the dish off with chopped granny smith apples and a shaving of Parmesan cheese. The dish was decadent and perfect for a chilly winter evening.



Hmmm...wonder what flavor will be next? I’m thinking the goat cheese, but with the onset of spring perhaps an asparagus, lobster or crab might sway my decision.

(I never posted about it officially but in February I whipped up the ratatouille raviolis with a red sauce and grilled chicken, Cest Manifique!)

old OHIO license plate

I like these old license plates. Clean. Simple. Straight to the point.
(no rolling hills, farms, city skylines, etc.)

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)

winter animal attractions

Hello all you lucky Clevelanders. Don’t you just love that they are forecasting tons of the fluffy white stuff this weekend? I do! Everything will look so pretty like it’s covered in butter cream frosting and sparkly sugar...perhaps the last time for sledding or a snow-lady or getting all geared up in your best polar bear ski attire. EMBRACE THE SNOW! (but don’t forget to fill those birds feeders for our little feathered friends)

My dog is so funny in the snow, he hesitantly places each paw on top of the accumulation as if his next step will be his last. The best is when it has rained and turned to ice OVER the snow and he attempts to glide across it but instead gets stuck in a “snow sink hole,” I digress...

Speaking of dogs (or birds or polar bears) there are some very fun animal inspired events going on around town this weekend...so shovel out your driveway, bundle up the kids (or dogs) and get going.

Lake Erie Monsters invite you to pad up and bring your pup to Sundays hockey game against the Grand Rapids Griffins. Your ticket will cost $15, but your dog’ $5 will go directly to the Cleveland APL. I wonder if my little pup would like a beer and a pretzel on Sunday afternoon? (of course, he eats wood dust and fuzz) He sure would look cute in skates!



The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is hosting Breakfast with the Birds on Saturday morning from 8-noon. If you don’t have a bird feeder you can learn to make one there. Want to explore the snowy outdoors? Bring your binoculars for a bird hike. If nothing else check out their live birds of prey show. And if all this activity makes you hungry, they will be serving all you can eat pancakes, sausage & applesauce, no need to eat like bird there. Call 216.321.5935 to pre-register.

Growing up my dad gave my mom this really cute Gmund Polar Bear stuffed animal that used to sit on their bed (insert cute “Aww” sound), myself and my sisters used to love to crawl into their bed and play with it, I think we enjoyed it more than my mom...another tangent...Did you know that real living polar bears (not the little stuffed ones) are indicators of our ecosystem? They are. Join Geoff York, senior program officer for polar bear conservation w/the World Wildlife Fund TOMORROW, Friday the 26th from 7-9pm when he speaks at Happy Days Lodge (500 W Streetsboro Rd in Peninsula.)

So if your feeling cooped up inside you home and need to get out...grab your real animal, your stuffed animal of your binoculars and explore! Enjoy.

Prep School (2 spots left!)

Gatherings Kitchen is now offering a more skill focused cooking series called Prep School.



Always wanted to study to be a chef? The series is sure to touch on knife skills, baking, stocks, sauces and more. This series would give you a good taste, an intro to some of the lingo and basics. Sign up today as there are only 2 post s left for the first series which starts on March, 2nd. For more the menu and more details click here.

Winter Fun (2/27)

Looks like chilly winter fun. Bundle up and head outdoors.



For more information, visit britewintercleveland.wordpress.com

lights. camera. action.

Happy Monday Cleveland! What a great Northeast Ohio weekend we had. Bright blue skies. Sunshine. Time with our closest friends. Good food. A drink..or two. A movie. A trip to the market. What did you do this weekend?



Is anyone as excited as I am about the 34th Annual Cleveland Film Fest? Did you know the film line up is available online and the little paper schedule books will begin circulating end of this week?

When I get my hands on one of the paper movie line ups I will make myself a pot of french press or pour myself a good glass of vino and begin my movie attack. From french foreign flicks to an eye-opening documentary. A romantic comedy to something a bit educational. I like to try and take in as many films while still being able to decipher one from the other.

When you get your time to plan your movie attack, "film" me in on any recommendations. I can't wait to see you at the movies!

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. :)

film classics & egg benedict

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

This Sunday kicks off the first in the Sunday Classics at the Capitol Theatre - Brunch & Movie Series

Come to the Capitol Theatre at 10 am for a screening of the vintage classic of An American In Paris followed by Sunday brunch at LUXE Kitchen. Gene Kelly stars in director Vincent Minelli's 1951 classic musical that won 6 Oscars including Best Picture...I can't believe I have NEVER seen it yet?



The Capitol Theatre is launching its Sunday Classics Brunch & Movie Series. See a different classic film, each month and then enjoy brunch at their partnering restaurant immediately after the film.

The Brunch/Movie Package tickets are $25 ($5 for just the movie) and reservations must be made via phone M-F between 9:00 and 5:00. Please call 440.349.3306 ext. 111 to make your brunch reservation. Call today!

old cleveland map

I just found this and couldn't wait to share...LOVE how old it is.

make your reservation

because next week is Cleveland Restaurant Week!





Get yourself a group of friends or ask your best friend to dinner, pick your place and then get out and support our local independent restaurants.

Never been to Mr. Symon's Lola's? This is such a great opportunity to take in the gorgeous atmosphere and the tasty food for only $30 for your entire meal. Looking for something more intimate for two, D'Vine wine bar is offering a $30 deal for two people, wine additional.

Reserve now, times are filling up fast!

Did you know?

That in 1902, a resident of Akron, Ohio, Martin F. Christensen, invented an automated machine that could manufacture glass marbles. Traditionally, workers made marbles by hand from clay or stone, including marble. Christensen's invention made glass-marble production an entirely automated process. Christensen established the M.F. Christensen and Son Company in Akron to produce the thousands of colored balls of glass.



While the Akron factory does not still produce marbles, you can still visit the American Toy Marble Museum located in downtown Akron. Free and open to the public. With thousands of marbles to look at I'm sure you'll find your favorite Aggie or Boulder. Throw the family in the car, take a thirty minute road trip south for a few hours of fun.

happy hearts weekend

happy hearts day cleveland.

I hope everyone has a wonderful sweet winter weekend. Lots of love... i heart cleveland, i know you do too!



I found this image at leloveimage.blogspot.com

this & that

This week I have been sharing some images from my excursions around town, last weekend.

I mentioned the Salvation Army on Euclid and East 55th as one of my top places to score a deal. Check out their in-store signage, very vague as to what their selling, but the perfect directional signage for those of us looking for a unique find. I love the drippy white paint over the older orange walls.



Someone had a great suggestion that from here on out, when i find something to post that doesn't quite have obvious headline, I should name it "this & that," I think that's a terrific idea...stay tuned for more of "this & that."

Happy Wednesday Cleveland. Stay warm!

Another tricky pic!

I had so much fun around town over the weekend snapping pics along my snowy Cleveland morning...
Do you know where I was here?




I'll give you a few hints, you guess...

#1) It's located on the West side
#2) It's home to many fish, fruits & veggies
#3) It is open every week, but only certain days of the week

Ever been there?

Where in Cleveland?

Over the weekend I spent some time driving around enjoying the snow fall and chilly winter weather. It's amazing how things sometimes look different with a fresh coating of fallen snow.



I drove by this old E.B. Brown Opticians painted building mural and couldn't resist asking you, do you know where this mural is?









I was driving to my favorite thrift store (Salvation Army on Euclid & 55th) and the mural was on 30th and Danford (between Superior & Payne)

I love old murals, vintage cleveland, painting and more...this find was AWESOME!

Weekend fun!

Living in Cleveland there is always SO MUCH to do when it comes to planning my weekends. Some people might think there is nothing going on, but I beg to differ, I can barely squeeze in a load of laundry with all the super fun activities that are going on...




> Swoosh, woosh and fly like a bird...well almost! (Tobogganing is fun!)

> Indulging in a plethera of sale coupons

> A nibble of Strawberries & Pink Champagne AND a bite of MSC Fluff

> A sale and some “pleasing” snack with RS

> A dance with my dog!!!

> Get my “bollywood” on!

> Making a birdie sling with some fabulous friends.

> Supposedly there is a big football game on?

What will you be doing this weekend? Celebrating family & friends? Shopping for a fancy dress? Sipping a hot toddy or two? Fill me in on what I am missing!

Vote for Grey Cardigan!

okay Cleveland...time to step up and VOTE for a local favorite!

My friend, fellow designer and emerging illustrator has made it to the (almost) big leagues...let's make sure we vote for his design on Threadless.com and see too it that Brian's Design (one of his precious Grey Cardigan prints) gets national top score this week! It would be great to nab up a few of the shirts for fun guy pal summer birthdays...don't you think?



Go Brian, we are so proud of you for following your vision and sharing your talents. You are a inspiration to many. Now Cleveland...VOTE HERE!

REMINDER...DISCOUNT Jump Back Ball Coupon Code

Just a reminder you have TODAY ONLY to use your I heart Cleveland code to get the TODAY ONLY discounted ticket rate of $135.

Just use the Jump Back Ball coupon code of "HEART" (before end of day, February 2nd) when purchasing your tickets and you will receive the discounted rate! Sweet...you can use the extra cash to buy your date an elaborate corsage...HA!

Groundhog, Greenhouse Brew (02/02)

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Hello & happy Monday!

Hope you had a fun-filled Cleveland weekend, mine was nice...lots of rest and relaxation. Though it was sunny, boy was it cold...brrrr....

Wonder how long this winter will last? Will it "spring up" late March? Will the snow coat the ground till April? Well...wait no longer, tomorrow is Ground Hog Day. According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.



Either way, there is gonna be a party at the Greenhouse Tavern to celebrate the furry "weatherman" prediction AND their new beer release that they crafted at Buckeye Brewery. Stop by after work for a pint of the "Groundhog, Greenhouse Brew!" I'll be there, will you?

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!)

Ravioli Review #1

One of my "to-do's" for this year was to explore each flavor of Ohio City Pastas Raviloi's.

A few weekends ago I was faced with "where do I start?" Each little pasta package looked so yummy and exciting. My mouth watered in anticipation. I could start with the richness of lobster or crab or I could begin with something a bit basic and work up from there.



I bought a dozen of smoked mozzarella raviolis-not basic in the least-and had the perfect Sunday night supper. They were robust yet fragile, smoky and rich like an aged bottle of wine, yet simple and lovely paired with a basic pea shoot salad. Quick to cook, these ravioli's get a ten out of ten!

1 down...many many more to go!

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!

a hot sign.

I don't know if it's the sunshine or the excitement of the big Cavs game tonight but something is stirring in the air.



I found this fun, bright and cheery image off of an amazing flickr account filled with nothing but vintage signage images from all over Ohio plus.

Enjoy the sunny day. Get psyched to root on our team...Go Cavs Go!

Dyed in Cleveland

While over the holidays I caught the "must buy yarn bug." No, I don't knit or crochet (I can't take on ANY new hobbies as of late) but I saw this very fun braided scarf at one of the holiday bazaar's and thought...I can make that!

As I was searching for the perfect yarn for my upcoming project I came across this wonderful shop on Etsy...come to find out the yarn is inspired by the sellers travels outside of Cleveland but the actual yarn spinning and dying process happens right here in Northeast Ohio!



All you yarn aficionados take a look at Destination Yarn...way to go Cleveland entrepreneurs!

Yoga for foodies (2/17)

Wednesday, February 17th, 2009

Do you like to downward dog or happy baby? What about sprouts and goat cheese? Well, then I have a perfect evening out for you.



Join David Romanelli (chocolate & yoga originator) for an evening of yoga at the downtown hot spot, Greenhouse Tavern. After the class is over, float downstairs for a family feast of farm to table yummies.

I posted this early because spaces are filling up fast. David is an amazing teacher, has wonderful music selections and is light and fun in his teachings....and we all know how much we LOVE Chef Sawyers eggs & fries...wonder if that is good to eat after yoga? :)

Dreaming of ski fashions

Sometimes I wish I wrote a fashion or design blog.

I peruse various national blogs and the inspiration to my real daily work is usually influenced by the next best shoe designer, the art exhibit in Tokyo or that new cafe in Paris.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE, lust, yearn to write about Cleveland...but today I want to take the opportunity to write about something that has recently been on my mind...something that I can't seem to get enough of, I love the colors, the sick patterns, the techie cuts, it's all very alpine chic...let's talk about ski clothes!

I was on the Boston Mills and Brandywine site the other evening, did you know that you can take a lesson (ski or board), rents equipment and get a lift pass for only $39 as part of their Sunday Super Saver promotion? That alone deserves new mittens and fancy boots, don't you think?

So, I decided to put together that perfect ski-bunny outfit in hopes to hit some "after Christmas Sales" at some of the area ski & sport retailers including Geiger's (free coupon for ski or snowboard hot wax here!) or Village Snow for these latest in winter aprés fashions.

What do you think? Like my winter fun, make believe outfit? Do you have the perfect puffy-coat you want to recommend? Seen any great Thinsulate® sales lately? I'd love to know where the deals are....fill me in!



Torah Bright Jacket by Roxy. A great base layer zip up from Athleta.Tivoli Boots by Sorel. Bootleg ski pants by North Face. Smith "Catwalk" Sunglasses (the name alone and I want them!) A snug little beanie by Spacecraft. a pair of Burton Profile Mitts..they are guys, I would just buy an Xsmall. :)

Warm. Winter. Weekend.

After a winter whirlwind of a week I am looking to Cleveland for weekend fun. It’s supposed to be warm so the snow will melt a bit, perfect wellie weather...get outside, wear your sunglasses, soak up the cool sunshine. Enjoy.

Here is what’s on my tentaive weekend “agenda” ...what’s on yours?



> A wild after party (because I couldn’t get tickets to the big show?)

> a trip to the Market for ...Ohio City Pasta (and apricots for baking)

> Unique Thrift has a sale...until 1:00pm

> a bit of Eric Carle at Playhouse Square

> a 4-5pm free spinning class

> a late night night happy dinner

> go CAVS!!!

> Perogies for breakfast

photo by medalie

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!

Sci-Fi Movie Marathon (1-15/17)

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 15th through the 17th, 2010.

Long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... In the early 1970's, there were several film groups on the Case Western Reserve campus. These groups had formed because of interest in different genres of movies. Along the way, the groups merged and formed the basis of the current CWRU Film Society.

This weekend pack your backpack, Red Bull, sleeping bags and tooth brush and go to the Science Fiction Marathon. This weekend of approx 36 hrs of back to back science fiction movies, trailers, and surprises was started in 1976 and is attended by CWRU students, the Cleveland community, and people from out of state and from other countries.



The movie schedule is as follows...
Friday
8:00pm Terminator Salvation (2009)
10:15pm Moon (2009)

Saturday
12:00am The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
2:00am SURPRISE I
3:30am First Spaceship on Venus (1962)
5:15am Independence Day (1996)
8:00am Moonraker (1979)
10:15am Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
12:45pm The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
2:45pm Short Circuit (1986) (JOHNNY 5 is ALIVE!!!)
4:30pm SURPRISE II
6:15pm The Phantom Planet (1961)
7:45pm The Fifth Element (1997)
10:00pm The City of Lost Children (1995)

Sunday
12:00am SURPRISE III
2:00am District 9 (2009)


For all of the details including parking visit the CWRU Film Society site.

Want to be famous?

The Cleveland InternationalFilm Festival would like to invite you to participate in the production of the promotional trailer for the 34th Film Festival.

I guess, after the turnout for last year's production, they realized how many Clevelanders wanted to be involved. This year, they invite you to participate by telling them your story. They will select some of you to be filmed for the promotional trailer and all entries will be showcased on thier website, blog, and in other social media.

So, tell them, how would you complete the following sentence:

(your opening here)...because of the Cleveland International Film Festival.

Wouldn't it be fun? Remember last years trailer?

New Year, New Art!

I came across this business the other day and LOVE some of their illustrations, take a peek!



"Cleveland is one of the great unsung American cities. Certainly a large part of the industrial backbone that made this the greatest country in the world. There are so many landmarks and historical aspects of Cleveland that are beautiful and worth a second look. With your support we hope to do many more such matchbooks and posters. Let us know if you have a great subject you'd like to see. Thanks, The Management at The Great Lakes Match Co."

Hometown Writers Movie Picks.

The Golden Globes are quickly approaching, ten more days to be exact. I always love this season when I try to squeeze in as many of the nominated films as possible, although my intake of twizzlers and popcorn and is a bit overboard right now, I am trying to get a handle on it.

Although not all nominated for "Best Performance by an Actor," Clint O'Connor of the Plain Dealer wrote a great run down on what HIS favorite top 10 movies of 2009. I think it was a great article and I couldn't resist passing it along!

Top 10 movies of 2009: Frequent fliers, troubled teens, blue aliens, political screams. By Clint O'Connor, The Plain Dealer

The 3-D revolution raged in 2009, evolving from visual gimmick to movie staple.

"Up," "Monsters vs. Aliens," "My Bloody Valentine," and "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" burst through screens to slap us in the face with brighter, sharper digital images. My brain is still processing those little white floaty things fluttering around Pandora in James Cameron's 3-D "Avatar."

Cameron waited years for the technology to catch up to his vision, and it was worth it.

Michael Bay should have waited for a good script to catch up with to his robots in "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." The drab "Transformers" sequel did score in the green dimension, however, topping the box office with more than $402 million. It needed to make a bundle, because it cost about $200 million to produce.

Conversely, Oren Peli made the scary "Paranormal Activity" for a paltry $15,000. It has pocketed $107 million at last count.

Despite the putrid economy, the Cleveland International Film Festival set glowing attendance records, proving Clevelanders love their movies. Especially if they're dark, weird, and foreign. Cleveland's Capitol Theatre, shuttered for 24 years, reopened as a sparkling three-theater digital palace. A victory for community partnerships and the West Side.

Sandra Bullock wins performer of the year honors for knocking out three films: "The Proposal," "All About Steve," and "The Blind Side." The latter is still going strong in theaters. Bullock expertly plays real-life force-of-nature Leigh Anne Tuohy, the Memphis woman who took in a homeless teenager in crisis and helped set his life on a strong course. A worthy deed in any dimension.

1. "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," directed by Lee Daniels. Brutal, harsh, harrowing. Daniels' documentary-like style lent the story of an abused teenaged girl a realism that gets inside your heart and stays there. Gabourey Sidibe's stunning performance as Precious was backed by unforgettable turns from Mo'Nique, Mariah Carey and Paula Patton.

2. "In the Loop," directed by Armando Iannucci. Savvy, sharp-edged political satire about a verbal gaffe that sends Middle East policy spinning. Iannucci's quick, two-camera shooting technique lent his fast-talking cast a comic immediacy that juiced the laugh-out-loud moments.

3. "Fantastic Mr. Fox," directed by Wes Anderson. The most painstaking process -- stop-motion animation -- was the perfect format for presenting Roald Dahl's children's story. Anderson's best film, with nifty voice work from George Clooney and Meryl Streep.

4. "Up in the Air," directed by Jason Reitman. Refreshingly smart and funny (and highly relevant in our downsizing cooperate-controlled world). George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, and Anna Kendrick have a ball with their roles. And so do we.

5. "Avatar," directed by James Cameron. It's not a movie, it's an experience. Cameron creates an entire world complete with its own language and culture, and lifts the medium of film to a new technological level.

6. "Me and Orson Welles," directed by Richard Linklater. One of the best and least appreciated American directors, Linklater spins a marvelously entertaining tale of Welles (Christian McKay) and his blustery brilliance at the Mercury Theatre in 1937.

7. "Inglourious Basterds," directed by Quentin Tarantino. Brad Pitt shines in this elaborate Jewish-revenge fantasy about the Nazis and World War II. Pitt's speech recruiting potential killers is a classic Tarantino talkie torrent.

8. "The Hangover," directed by Todd Philips. Somehow Philips and screenwriters Jon Lucas and Scott Moore managed to take the most overdone premise (a wild bachelor party in Las Vegas) and make a fresh and funny film.

9. "The Hurt Locker," directed by Kathryn Bigelow. The non-stop intensity of a bomb squad in Iraq is highlighted by Jeremy Renner's gutsy performance as Staff Sgt. Will James. When an officer asks what's the best way to dismantle bombs, James responds, "The way you don't die, sir."

10. "A Serious Man," directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. The care and detail devoted to even the most minor of characters sets the Coens apart yet again as they investigate the meaning of life in Minnesota, circa 1967.


Thanks Clint!!!! I agree on many of your pics...I still have a few I want to see including Precious, Inglourious Basterds and Me and Orson Welles.

a funny local find

Over the holidays while shopping at a few of my favorite Northeast Ohio boutiques (Room Service & Stash Style) I came across this"colorful" greeting card line. They are a bit sassy, a bit surreal and they are the creative brainchild of Cuyahoga Falls resident Candra Squire.



I bought a 10-pack of "Car Cards" each include a little saying about those horrific drivers we all know and love to hate. One of the cards says "That's cool dude, I don't really like being able to open my car doors anyway." and another says "I saw you beating your kids a*s and I just wanted you to know I taped it and put it on youtube." I will tuck them into my glovebox for the next run in with an oversized SUV that infringes upon my parking space.

To see some of Candras other cards and novelties, visit her etsy shop but be warned, they are all sorta rated "PG-13" to "R." I laughed a bunch!

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?