Why? Weekends!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Have you entered to win a $100 gift card to Provenance at the Cleveland Museum of Art? Check it out! Remember, you can tweet daily for additional entries.***

After Friday night’s fun at the Cleveland Museum of Art, I was looking forward to a lazy start to my Saturday, with a little bit of yoga with Katie at Harmony Yoga, a little bit of errands, and a little bit of Honey Hut (their junior scoop is the perfect size for a mid-afternoon ice cream craving). My go-to place for meats, Pinzone’s Market Fresh Meats, was having their anniversary sale, so I scored a great deal on some strip steaks to grill up for dinner.

We seasoned the steaks with seasoned salt and black pepper and served them with grilled skewers of green pepper, onion, and grape tomato, plus a nice grenache. Sometimes simple really is best!

Saturday evening, Matthew and I attended the last concert of this year’s Tri-C Jazz Fest: a performance by the Spanish Harlem Orchestra.

I was so impressed by the performance! The music was bright and energetic. The Spanish Harlem Orchestra has a great brass section and 3 talented vocalists, who brought the crowd to their feet more than once. Many couples also showed off their salsa dancing skills during the show.

The concert was a unique, upbeat musical experience and a good reminder of the thriving arts culture in Cleveland. I can’t wait to check out more of Tri-C Jazz Fest next year!

On Sunday, we celebrated Cinco de Mayo with Alicia, Hans, Kimberly, and Chris at Momocho. A weekend afternoon seemed like the perfect time to enjoy some margaritas, guacamole, and taquitos!

I noshed on the grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter and the rock shrimp and lobster empanadas. Oh, I also ate my body weight in guacamole and had two spicy mango margaritas. Viva Momocho!

Since we couldn’t get a patio seat at Momocho and the weather was so perfect, we headed over to Market Garden Brewery to enjoy this weather as it should be enjoyed: on a patio with an adult beverage.

That evening, we met up with friends Erin and Jeff for some outdoor fun at Squire’s Castle in the North Chagrin Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. If you haven’t been to Squire’s Castle, you should definitely check it out. It’s pretty cool to picnic in the shadow of a castle!

How was your weekend? Did you celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

***Disclosure: I was asked by Tri-C Jazz Fest to help promote the festival. In exchange, I received 2 tickets to attend the concert of my choice. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? SOHO Kitchen and Bar!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Chef Chris Hodgson is nominated for Food and Wine Magazine’s People’s Best New Chef in the Great Lakes region. Click here to vote for Chef “Hodge!”

And while you’re in the voting mood, vote for Cleveland to advance to the next round of cities to potentially host the Social Media Tourism Symposium in July. Click here to vote.***

Last night, I met up with my friend Chrissy for dinner, drinks, and girl talk. And I finally got a chance to check out SOHO Kitchen and Bar. When I lived in DC, one of my favorite restaurants was Georgia Brown’s. There is something about Southern cooking that I just can’t get enough of, so I can’t believe it took me this long to get to SOHO.

I started with a Savannah cocktail, named after one of my favorite cities in the South! This sweet, sippable beverage has tea-infused vodka, lemonade, and hibiscus liquor.

We also enjoyed SOHO’s homemade biscuits, served with rosemary sea salt butter and apple preserves. Delicious!

Since it was a Wednesday, we got to take advantage of the weekly fried chicken special. The “Chicken Scratch” Wednesday is a fantastic deal! You can choose mild or spicy fried chicken for $4.50 per piece and also take your pick of classic Southern side dishes for $3.50 each. I had a hard time narrowing down which sides to order.

I chose the spicy breading for my chicken, along with the mashed potatoes with bourbon gravy and the grilled asparagus. The chicken was tender and juicy, with just the right kick (I also added a bit of SOHO’s homemade hot sauce). The gravy had a bit of sweetness that helped to balance the heat, too.

It was a tasty meal of priced-right haute comfort food. And our server, Misty, did a fantastic job recommending items and just generally knowing her stuff. Whether for “Chicken Scratch” Wednesday or just for a delicious taste of the South, check out SOHO!

Have you been to SOHO? Are you as addicted as I am to Southern cuisine?

Why? Weekends!

This weekend my dear friend, former bridesmaid, fellow dog-lover, and all around fabulous gal Jen came up from DC for a visit. She brought her black lab Skylos as well, so we had a full house of three people, three dogs, and lots of fun!

Jen is pretty laid-back and her only request for while she was here was dinner at Melt Bar and Grilled. So, Friday night, we headed there for some cheesy, carby goodness. I had the Rising Sun melt, Jen had the Gyro Melt, and Matthew had the Northcoast Shores Melt.

Saturday morning, I met up with my friend Katie to burn off the cheese and carbs at Harmony Yoga. This was Katie’s first power vinyasa class and I was so impressed how far she’s come in just a couple months of practicing.

Saturday afternoon was spent doing a photo shoot. Jen is an awesome photographer who is building up her business in the DC area. She kindly offered to do photo shoots for friends to add to her portfolio. So, we spent a sunny Saturday afternoon bopping around Ohio City and the Flats doing a glamour shoot with an urban backdrop.

We started with lunch at the West Side Market. The Market is a gorgeous backdrop for photos and a must-see for any non-Clevelander, plus we got to eat some tasty crepes from Crepes De Luxe. The Market was absolutely jammed and it was great to see so many people out and about!

From there, it was down to the Flats for some more glamorous photos. I felt like a model and I definitely credit the photographer for that! Matthew also came along and not only got to play around with his camera, but even got pulled into a few photos. It was a really fun experience and I can’t wait to see the finished product!

After all that hard modeling work, it was time for some refreshments. Matthew, Jen, and I met up with Beth and Enzo at Barrio for margaritas and tacos.

I really like Barrio’s build-your-own-taco concept. Don’t be afraid to add on lots of sauces and salsas. The meat was all very mildly seasoned, so you need those add-ons for flavor.

Sunday, it was time for another photo shoot, this time with my too-cute nieces! Apparently, after photos, we just naturally need margaritas. We headed to my mom’s for a southwest-style feast. Alicia and Amanda joined us, too. We started with a beginner’s yoga session to introduce my Mom to yoga, then proceeded to enjoy great food and great conversation.

This morning, Jen is hitting the road back home. It was a whirlwind trip and we packed in as many friends and as much Cleveland goodness as we could. Now I owe Jen a trip to DC!

How was your weekend? When friends visit Cleveland, where do you like to take them?

Why? Glass Bubble Project!

Last night, I met up with my Kappa Delta alumnae group for a creative adventure at Glass Bubble Project in Ohio City. When we arrived, we were greeted by Morty, the pet rooster.

Morty set the tone for the evening: a laid-back, kitschy, and fun experience. After receiving instruction in the different types of pieces we could make (flowers, paperweights, suncatchers, glasses, or vases), we got to work.

I made a flower, colored with green and cobalt blue glass chips. The most intimidating part was getting extra “grabs” of glass from the searing-hot furnace to make the piece. After you “grabbed” the glass, it was time to apply color.

From there, you pulled the hot glass into flower petals. Our instructors were great, helping us each step of the way, even when our pieces were going in “unique” directions.

Some of us were even brave enough to try actually blowing the glass and creating vases.

Our pieces won’t be done until this evening, so I can’t share my masterpiece with all of you, but I’m sure it will be prominently displayed (or hidden away for a White Elephant exchange). This was a really unique experience and something you should definitely take advantage of, if you haven’t already.

For $40, we got instruction in glass blowing and got to make our own piece of artwork to take home with us, plus we could bring in munchies and adult beverages. Glass Bubble Project offers a wide variety of classes, from groups to individuals that range from $40 to $125. There are even children’s classes starting at $25. For more information on the different types of classes and how to reserve a spot, click here.

And if you don’t want to explore your own artistic side, you can simply shop the collection of beautiful handmade glass pieces.

Have you ever made a glass piece at the Glass Bubble Project? Where do you go to express your artsy side?

Why? Upcoming Events!

Need a way to fight the winter blah’s? Get out and enjoy some of these great upcoming events!

Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week

Friday, February 22 – Sunday, March 3

Downtown Cleveland

Image Source – downtowncleveland.com

From February 22 through March 3, restaurants throughout downtown Cleveland will be offering $30, 3-course dinner menus and $15 lunch specials. The theme of this year’s Restaurant Week sponsored by the Downtown Cleveland Alliance is Pierogi Power (be still my heart!) and each restaurant is encouraged to include a variety of one of Cleveland’s favorite foods on the menu. For more information, including participating restaurants, menus, and to make reservations, click here. Also, stop by East Fourth Street on Friday afternoon starting at 4:30pm for “Go Fourth and Polka,” a festive kickoff to Restaurant Week with DJ Kishka, polka music, pierogi photo ops, and more!

West Side Market Cash Mob

Saturday, February 23 at 8am

West Side Market

Image Source – westsidemarket.org

The West Side Market has re-opened after the unfortunate fire and Cash Mobs wants to show the vendors just how much Cleveland loves them. On Saturday, February 23, show up at the Market with $20 to spend, talk to three people you don’t know, and have fun. It’s that simple, but this collective action will mean a lot to the vendors at our beloved Market. For more information and to RSVP, click here.

Moet Hennessey Wine Tour of the World

Tuesday, February 26 at 6pm

Pier W

Image Source – selectrestaurants.com

Pier W, recently named one of the most romantic restaurants in the country, and Moet Hennessey are teaming up for an incredible 4-course wine-pairing dinner, with items like duck, sole, and lamb. For a complete menu for the event, click here. Cost to attend is $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Call 216-228-2250 for reservations.

Silver Spoon Awards Ticket Pre-Sale Party

Wednesday, March 6 at 5:30pm

Hodge’s Cleveland

Image Source – poiseinparma.com

The Cleveland Magazine Silver Spoon Awards Party is always one of the hottest foodie events in town! Join the Arthritis Foundation, Great Lakes Region for a ticket pre-sale party at Hodge’s Cleveland and be one of the first to get your tickets to this great event. At the pre-sale, general admission tickets will be $70 (a $15 savings) and VIP tickets will be $100 (a $35 savings). There will also be prizes, complimentary appetizers, and drink specials. Don’t miss this chance to save on your tickets for the fabulous Silver Spoon Awards Party!

Seafood Dinner

Friday, March 8 at 6:30pm

AMP 150

Image Source – amp150.com

Join Chef Jeff Jarrett for a mouthwatering five-course seafood dinner at AMP 150, perfect for a Friday in Lent. This isn’t your usual Friday fish fry. This is five courses of dishes such as seafood sausage, olive oil poached swordfish, and thyme-basted monkfish. Cost to attend is $55 per person. Call 216-706-8787 for reservations.

March Madness Kickoff Event

Tuesday, March 19 at 6pm

The Market Garden Brewery

Image Source – wementoryouth.org

Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland for an evening of networking and March Madness fun at The Market Garden Brewery. There will be free food, drink specials, a 50/50 raffle and other prizes, and March Madness brackets available for $20. Come out and support this great organization!

What upcoming events are you most looking forward to?

***Disclosure: I was invited by the Downtown Cleveland Alliance to attend the Go Fourth and Polka kickoff for Restaurant Week. Also, I was asked by the Arthritis Foundation to help promote the Silver Spoon Awards Party. In exchange, I will receive 2 complimentary Silver Spoon VIP tickets for myself and 2 general admission tickets to give away (stay tuned). As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? Upcoming Events!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Have you entered to win 2 tickets to the Great Big Home and Garden Show? Check it out! Remember, you can tweet daily for more entries.

Also, I’m starting as a monthly guest blogger for the Lake County Visitor’s Bureau. You can check out my first post today by clicking here.***

Where did January go? I can’t believe how fast this year has kicked off. Probably because there’s so much to keep busy with, like these great upcoming events:

16th Annual Red and White on Thursday Night

Thursday, January 31 at 5:30pm

Quaker Station at the Quaker Square Inn

Image Source – eventbrite.com

The Arthritis Foundation, Great Lakes Region is hosting this annual fundraiser. Stroll around while you sip wine and nibble delicious bites. There will also be raffles and silent and live auctions. Tickets are $85 in advance, $95 at the door, and $125 for VIP, which includes a special wine tasting. Click here to purchase tickets.

4th Annual Pancake Barkfeast

Saturday, February 2 at 8am

Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ

Image Source – secondhandmutts.org

Join Secondhand Mutts, a rescue and adoption organization, for a tasty breakfast and help raise money for treatment of heart worm-positive dogs. There will be buttermilk and chocolate chip pancakes, bacon and sausage, orange juice and coffee. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. Click here for more information (at that link, you can also find out about the Smooches for Pooches Bowl-a-Thon on Friday, February 15).

Dinner in the Dark

Monday, February 4 at 6pm

The Q

Image Source – dinnerinthedarkcleveland.com

Dinner in the Dark is a way to tap into both your culinary adventurous side and your philanthropic side. A group of six local chefs create a meal and you only find out what’s being served as each course appears. It’s a chance for these chefs to have some fun and for you to taste some interesting dishes, all to benefit a local charity. Tickets are $87 and can be purchased by clicking here.

10th Annual Orchid Mania

Tuesday, February 5 – Sunday, March 10

Cleveland Botanical Garden

Image Source – cbgarden.org

If the grey and gloom are starting to get to you, then head over to the warmth and beauty of the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Orchid Mania will feature more than 100 varieties of orchids on display. New for this year, check out “Orchids After Dark” every Wednesday and Friday until 9pm, with cocktails, chocolates, and exclusive tours. Tickets for Orchid Mania are $9.50. Click here for more information.

Cupid’s Undie Run

Saturday, February 16 at 12pm

Tremont

Image Source – cupidsundierun.com

Cupid’s Undie Run is a one-mile-”ish” run in your skivvies, with a pre- and post-run party at The South Side. Registration is $25 and there are awesome incentives for fundraising levels, including VIP Open Bar access for raising $150. You think you’re brave? Brave enough to run for a mile through Tremont in February in your undies? Even if you’re that brave, you’ve got nothing on the children helped by The Children’s Tumor Foundation, the beneficiary of all funds raised by Cupid’s Undie Run.

Brite Winter 2013

Saturday, February 16, starting at 4pm

Ohio City Market District

Image Source – britewinter.com

It’s the fourth annual Brite Winter festival, combining art, music, games, snow and fun. 48 different bands are scheduled to perform on various outdoor stages throughout the Market District. This year’s theme centers around light and fire, so there will be amazingly-lit art installations to check out, as well as some fun games to let the kid in you come out to play in the snow. Admission is free.

Winter Warmer 2013

Saturday, February 23 at 2pm

Windows on the River

Image Source – eventbrite.com

Join the Ohio Craft Brewers Association for the 7th annual Winter Warmer event. There will be lots of Ohio craft breweries with samples of winter, limited-edition beers, as well as live blues music from Austin Walkin’ Cane. Tickets are $35 and include 20 tasting tickets and 1 deli lunch ticket. Click here to purchase tickets.

***Disclosure: I was asked by the Arthritis Foundation to help promote Red and White on Thursday Night. In exchange, I was offered 2 VIP tickets, but declined due to scheduling issues.***

Why? Emerging Chefs Naughty Claus!

Last night, an adult-version of the North Pole came to Cleveland with Emerging Chefs‘ Naughty Claus event at Speakeasy. Matthew, Amanda, and I were excited to check out all the festive course and libations prepared by Chef Adam Lambert and his staff.

Our first course was a “snow globe ornament:” an oyster encased in gel and topped with a bit of Douglas fir, juniper, and tonic. This course was paired with a Bijou cocktail, which was heavy on the gin and sweet vermouth.

The snow globe was an amazing visual treat, but the texture of the dish was off-putting for us. I could barely find the oyster for all the gel. Also, I’m not a huge fan of gin, but my fellow table mates really enjoyed the cocktail. This was my least favorite course of the evening, although huge credit to Chef Lambert for such an interesting presentation.

Next up were “XXX-mas cookies,” topped with foie gras and whipped chantilly icing. While I’ll let your imagination figure out what “XXX-mas cookies” look like, I will show you pics of us enjoying this course:

I never met a Christmas cookie I didn’t like

The cookies were served with a milk punch, which consisted of a lot of rum and a bit of scalded milk. Luckily the cups were tiny, as this tasty punch packed a punch!

Course three was “Snowball” and my favorite of the evening: truffled arancini (fried rice balls) topped with white truffle snow. This course was rich and earthy. The arancini were breaded with brown rice, so were very crunchy and not greasy at all.

This course was paired with a cocktail made with – I kid you not – truffle-infused Everclear. The cocktail on its own was interesting, but when paired with the arancini took on a sweetness that I really enjoyed.

Next up we had “Who Ham for One.” Chef Lambert told us he took great care to make sure this dish mimicked the look of the ham in Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The ham was packed with traditional flavors of cherry, pineapple, and clove. It was delicious and Matthew’s favorite course of the evening!

It was paired with my favorite drink of the evening: mulled wine. Sangiovese was warmed and spiced with cloves and cinnamon. This drink would be a perfect fireside sipper!

Our final savory course was “Kosher Khristmas,” which featured Asian-style duck with crispy vegetables, sugarplum, and rice. This dish was salty, but appropriately so, and the vegetables added just the right texture contrast to the shredded duck. As with all the courses, the presentation won us over as well, as the dish was served in personal-sized Chinese food take-out containers.

This was paired with chilled sake. Normally, I don’t enjoy sake, but this pairing won me over and made me think I need to give sake another shot.

For our final course, there was a double-dose of dessert: “coal” for our naughty side, which was hard candy made with fernet (a “bitter, aromatic spirit” according to Wiki)…

…and cookies and scotch-spiked eggnog for our nice side.

Note the homemade leg lamp, made from a pig’s leg

From scantily-clad elves to suggestive food courses to an appearance by Naughty Claus himself bearing gifts from Ambiance, the evening was a fun and decadent way to put you in a (holiday) mood.

***Disclosure: I was asked by Emerging Chefs to help promote Naughty Claus. In exchange, I received one complimentary media pass. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? Upcoming Holiday Events!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Click here to enter to win 4 tickets to the Cavs game on December 5. Remember, you can tweet daily for additional entries!***

‘Tis the season, Cleveland! All over, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, which means tons of fun goings-on around town. Read on for a sampling of all the festive fun:

Glow Wintershow 2012

Now through December 31

Cleveland Botanical Garden

Image Source – cbgarden.org

Even the name sounds magical! Glow has something for everyone: take a ride on the Garden Express train, listen to carolers, decorate a gingerbread house, check out the beautifully decorated trees and poinsettias, and go ice skating at the Rink at Wade Oval. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6.50 for children. For Glow times and tickets, click here.

Ohio City Holiday Festival

Saturday, December 1 at 11am

Market Square Park

Image Souce – facebook.com

Come down to Market Square Park and shop for Christmas trees and gifts, have your photo taken with Santa, raise a Christmas Ale and generally celebrate the season. Click here for more information.

Cookie Decorating Party

Saturday, December 1 at 2pm

Veggie U

Head out west to Veggie U for an afternoon of fun with the kids. Children can decorate a dozen cookies to take home, as well as extra cookies to be donated to a local nursing home, plus sneak in a visit with Santa! Tickets are $35 per child under 12. Call 419-499-7500 for reservations.

Playhouse Square Partners Night at The Santaland Diaries

Thursday, December 6 at 6:30pm

Playhouse Square

Image Source – facebook.com

Join Playhouse Square Partners as they attend the theatrical performance of David Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries, the story of an out-of-work actor who takes a job as a Macy’s Christmas Elf. Tickets are $30 and include beer, wine, and light appetizers. This show is for mature elves only! Click here to purchase tickets.

White Christmas

Saturday, December 8 at 12pm

Cedar Lee Theatre

Image Source – twitter.com/cedarleetheatre

Head over to the Cedar Lee Theatre for a screening of this Bing Crosby holiday classic. Admission is $5 or 2 non-perishable food items, both to benefit the Cleveland Foodbank. You can purchase advance tickets online by clicking here or by taking your 2 non-perishable food items to the box office prior to the show.

John Carroll University Christmas Ale and Cookies

Wednesday, December 12 at 6pm

Panini’s Bar & Grill in Mayfield and Westlake

Image Source – jcu.edu

The John Carroll University Cleveland Alumni Chapter wants to celebrate the season with Cleveland-area JCU alums. Head to Panini’s in Mayfield or Westlake for food and fun. Cost to attend is $12, which gets you food, Christmas cookies, and one drink ticket. Attendees are also encouraged to bring new winter gloves, hats, etc. for donation to the JCU Labre Service Project. Click here to RSVP by December 8.

Ohio Blogging Association Holiday Party and Cookie Swap

Wednesday, December 12 at 6pm

Battery Park Wine Bar

Image Source – bigboldbeautifulfood.blogspot.com

Calling all bloggers and blog supporters to a fun evening of food, wine, conversation, and cookies! The Ohio Blogging Association is hosting its second annual holiday party and cookie swap at Battery Park Wine Bar. Happy hour menu will be available for the event, which includes $4 select beer and wine and discounted appetizers. If you want to participate in the cookie swap, bring 4 dozen cookies and a container to collect your treats to take home. For more details and to RSVP, click here.

Ale and Cookies and Ugly Sweaters

Monday, December 17 at 6pm

Bier Markt and Bar Cento

Image Souce – clevelandfoodbank.org

Join the Cleveland Foodbank’s YP Pantry group for some holiday merriment. From 6-9pm at Bier Markt and Bar Cento, just mention you’re with the YP Pantry and 15% of your tab will be donated to the Cleveland Foodbank. There will also be a canned goods collection, Christmas cookies to nibble, and a contest for the ugliest Christmas sweater. Click here to RSVP.

Stone Mad Chestnut Roasting Party

Monday, December 17 at 7pm

Stone Mad Pub

Image Source – unitedwaycleveland.org

Stop in at Stone Mad Pub for this yearly tradition, with live holiday music, carriage rides through Gordon Square, chestnuts roasted in the outdoor fireplace, and more festive fun.

Emerging Chefs Naughty Claus

Thursday, December 20 at 8pm

Speakeasy

Join Emerging Chefs and Chef Adam Lambert at Speakeasy for a unique holiday celebration. Chef Lambert will present five courses of naughty and nice treats, paired with holiday drinks. Put this event on your list and check it twice! Tickets are $60 and can be purchased by clicking here.

You can find more great holiday events on Positively Cleveland’s Guide to Celebrating the Season Locally and also find out about your chance to win a full-size leg lamp through their #HomeinCLE Instagram contest.

What holiday events in Cleveland will you be attending?

***Disclosure: I was asked by the Cleveland Botanical Garden and Emerging Chefs to help promote their events. In exchange, I will receive 2 complimentary tickets to Glow and one complimentary media pass to Naughty Claus. I am a board member for the John Carroll University Cleveland Alumni Chapter and the Cleveland Foodbank YP Pantry. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? Holiday Shopping!

It’s beginning to look a lot like holiday shopping time. Stores are decorated, commercials for holiday deals are everywhere, and the over-achieving already-bought-gifts people are making me feel guilty. So, here’s a little holiday shopping guide to hopefully make your gift giving a bit easier:

For the Fashionista

Image Source – sophia-fashionista.blogspot.com

There are lots of great options, but ultimately you want something unique for the glamour queen in your life. Here are some places to check out:

Banyan Tree - Clothes, accessories, jewelry and more with a laid-back vibe, located in the heart of Tremont.

Yellowcake Shop -Designs from Cleveland’s own Project Runway diva, Valerie Mayen.

Room Service – Danielle DeBoe’s store features a collection of fun and whimsical apparel.

For the Homebody

Image Source – homedecorationdesigns.blogspot.com

For the person who needs or can never have enough art, vases, and various home accouterments, check these places out:

Wine and Design – From trinkets to furniture to artwork, this store has a little bit of everything. Plus, you can pick up a bottle (or a case) of wine while you’re at it!

DUOHOME – Much like Wine and Design, this shop has a little bit of everything, from knick knacks to furniture and lots in between.

Salty Not Sweet - From candles to cool art prints and more, this store has great gifts, with a very strong Cleveland theme.

For the Cleveland Lover

Image Source – midwestmoviemaker.com

Maybe you know a friend (or a blogger) who loves them some CLE and loves to show that love off. Shop for them at:

C.L.E. Clothing Co. – Everything you need to dress from head to toe in Cleveland gear, while reading a Cleveland book and looking at Cleveland artwork.

Fresh Brewed Tees – A great collection of Cleveland apparel, now with a store in South Park Mall.

For the Sweet Tooth

Image Source – armyspouseonline.com

Is there someone in your life who wants nothing more than a stocking filled with candy? Get them some of the best at these places:

Lilly Handmade Chocolates – Amazing truffles and barks in interesting and adventurous flavors, plus wine and craft beer.

Sweet Moses – Take a step back in time at this soda fountain and pick up a bag filled with delicious candies, popcorn, and baked goods (plus reward yourself with some ice cream while you’re there)!

Malley’s Chocolates - It’s a Cleveland institution for a reason: delicious candy! You’ll find lots of great gift box options here.

For the Wine and Beer Aficionado 

Image Source – wineclubreviewer.com

Shopping for the wine or beer snob in your life? Aside from some of the places already mentioned that carry wine and beer, also check out:

Rozi’s Wine House - A huge selection of wine and craft beer, plus liquors! Check out the gift baskets.

Vineyard’s Wine Merchant – Run by the nicest guy you’ll ever want to meet, with a story about every wine. Go on an evening when they have a tasting and discover a new favorite for yourself too!

The Wine Spot – Another great place to get both wine and craft beer.

For the Techie

Image Source – the40yroldtechie.blogspot.com

Need to buy for the person who has to have the latest technology? Head over to:

Microsoft Holiday Pop-Up Store – Located in Beachwood Place, this only-for-the-holidays shop makes Microsoft technology and service even easier to access.

Apple Store - With locations at Crocker Park and Legacy Village, you can get your iGifts on either side of town.

For the Athlete

Image Source – scientificamerican.com

For the person who will be working off the Christmas cookies before the last gift is opened, these stores have just what you need:

Lululemon Athletica – A wonderland of incredibly well-made clothes, catering largely to runners and yogis.

Athleta – Gap brand’s workout clothing store just opened in Beachwood, with a great mix of cute, comfy, and performance gear.

Second Sole – THE place for running shoes, with professional advice on finding the right pair. Also a great stop for workout apparel.

Where are your favorite spots for holiday shopping?

Why? Upcoming Events!

There are lots of great upcoming events to give thanks for in Cleveland! Check these out:

Karaoke at the Cat

Friday, November 9 at 9pm

Noodlecat

Join Noodlecat and Cleveland’s a Plum for a night of singing and slurping. The fabulously cheap Noodlecat happy hour menu will be available from 9-11pm. There will be Jell-O shots to help get up your karaoke courage, too! Anyone brave enough to sing will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 Noodlecat gift card.

Marble Cities

Now through Saturday, November 17

Ohio City Masonic Temple

Image Source – theaterninjas.com

Check out the latest original theater production from Theater Ninjas.Theater Ninjas Associate Artistic Director Ray Caspio points to Cleveland as a major inspiration for the devised work. “Cleveland and its people are the heart of Marble Cities. Most of us are native Clevelanders – we’ve been through the ups, the downs, and the ups with everybody else.” The show runs Thursdays through Mondays until November 17 and tickets prices range from $10-$30. You can purchase tickets by clicking here.

Give Thanks Volunteer Event

Saturday, November 17 at 10am

Trinity Lutheran Church

Image Souce – clevelandfoodbank.org

Join the members of the Cleveland Foodbank YP Pantry to help with the Trinity Lutheran Church’s monthly produce distribution. Volunteers will help clean and distribute produce to those in need in the community. Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. After the produce distribution, volunteers will head to Deagan’s Kitchen for lunch. This is a great way to help in the community and meet other young professionals. Space is limited, so click here to RSVP.

Sonic Cinema

Saturday, November 17 at 3:30pm

Cleveland Main Library, Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium

Image Source – fiveonemusic.org

Sonic Cinema is a presentation by the FiveOne Experimental Orchestra combining live music with new video art and film shorts. This collaborative, cutting-edge performance is free! Just show up and take in all the great music and art.

Huddle with MedWish

Saturday, November 17 at 6pm

Wickliffe Italian and American Club

Image Source – medwish.org

Join MedWish for an evening of food, fun, and football! There will be a delicious Italian dinner, a raffle with tons of sports memorabilia, and Browns’ highlights playing in the background. Tickets are $25 and proceeds benefit MedWish’s mission of sending repurposed and repackaged medical supplies to developing countries. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Blizzard Bash 2012

Sunday, November 18 at 6pm

Brother’s Lounge

Image Source – wjcu.org

WJCU 88.7 FM is hosting its annual benefit for the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland. There will be live performances by Lowly, oldboy, the Tree Ghost, and the Commonwealth. Admission is only $5 and that money goes directly to the Hunger Network. Rock out for a great cause! Click here for more information.

Guest Griller Night for Liver Life Challenge

Wednesday, November 28 at 6pm

B.D.’s Mongolian Grill

Image Source – gomongo.com

The members of the Liver Life Challenge marathon team will be feeling the heat as they grill up your stir fry at B.D.’s Mongolian Grill. Tickets are $30 and include all-you-can-eat stir fry, salad bar, fountain drinks, and tax and gratuity. There will also be a raffle and gift baskets! Proceeds benefit the Liver Life Challenge marathon team, as they raise money and race for a cure to liver disease. Click here for more information and to RSVP.

What upcoming events are you most looking forward to?

***Disclosure: I am a council member for the Cleveland Foodbank YP Pantry group. I was offered 2 complimentary tickets to attend Marble Cities, but declined due to scheduling conflicts. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***