A Touch of Sunshine

FINALLY! Mother Nature has graced Cleveland with some real springtime weather: cool nights, pleasant, sunny days. Its been a long time coming!! And, its just in time for summer. ; )

Speaking of summer, I've found myself really drawn to the color yellow lately. And I'm madly in love with this beauty:

Look how gorgeous!!! And it would look fabulous at the Solstice Party. AND would make a fabulous anniversary present (hint, hint N).

Do you find yourself drawn to particular colors at different times of year? Mine was purple through the winter. What's your color lately?

Summer Solstice

This year is going by a little too quick for my taste. I'm really not ready for it to be June already, although with June comes nicer weather, and one of my absolute favorite parties of the year: The Summer Solstice Party at the Cleveland Museum of Art on June 25th! N and I attended last year, and for some unknown reason, I have ZERO pictures!!!

You will just have to trust me when I say that this party is ridiculously fun, and is THE BEST PEOPLE-WATCHING in Cleveland. Seriously.

The Summer Solstice Party attracts a very diverse crowd, and with it, come some very diverse fashions. Last year, there were some incredible outfits, ranging from casual, to very formal, although my favorites were the "fashion forward" pieces, especially the head-wear (you know I LUUUUURRRRVVEEEE a great hat!!). I wore a white embellished tank with a black bubble skirt, black braided belt and yellow wedge heels; this year I think I'm going the maxi dress route. There's great bands, a fireworks show, and of course, you can tour the museums as well!!

Here's what I recommend:
1. You should really really really REALLY consider going. Last year N and I went at 10:00 pm, when the admission price dropped to $20.  We had so much fun that this year we're going to the 7:30 admission.
2. Ladies, it is almost inevitable that you will end up on the lawn. As you well know, lawn = no pointy heels, so definitely consider wearing flats or wedges
3. Wear something comfortable, but don't be afraid to try a new look that may not necessarily be "you". You never know how great you will end up looking, and this is an incredible event to test it out!!
4. Unlike me last year, take a camera and make sure you take loads of pictures!!!!!

Hope I see you there!!!!

...And the winner of the $25 Legacy Village gift cert is....

....#22 Rosy Girl Baked Goods, who follows me via Google Reader!!! (picked via Random.org)

Rosy Girl, please email me at cleshopaholic@gmail.com with your mailing address so I may have your gift certificate mailed to you!! Happy Shopping!!!!

Product Runway Cleveland 2011

If you haven't signed up for your chance to win a $25 gift card to Legacy Village, please do so here

Last Friday, N and I went to a Fashion Show hosted by iida cleveland/akron. The theme of the show was Product Runway, and like some of the prior Project Runway, the purpose was to create fashion using uncommon products, in this case: interior design products. And wow! What a show!! It always amazes me that there are so many incredibly talented Clevelanders, and I love the opportunity to see their work!!! This is going to be a post filled with pictures, and when you look at them, I want you to remember that all these outfits are made with products used in interior design: upholstery, cork, paper, rubber  tile, carpet backing, carpet, l.e.d lights and even chairs!!! Enjoy!!

I can't wait to go to the next one!!!

Charming in Black and White

This past Sunday, I was invited to a blogger shopping event at Legacy Village, hosted by Charming Charlie and White House Black Market. If you read my blog, then you know that I absolutely lllluuuuurrrrvvvveeee accessories, and I've already discussed my love for WHBM, so the event was a no-brainer!! It was so fun to meet other Cleveland bloggers in person, and to shop uninterrupted! If you've never been to Charming Charlie, its a really great accessory store with the products displayed by color selection, and nothing is over $50!!!  Seriously, it reminds me of playing dress up as a kid: fun shiny baubles and SO much color!!

Two of my favorite colors for the summer!

The event began with a little styling: WHBM LBD's paired with various accessories. All the looks were very sweet; I personally like to go more dramatic with mine, so I think I would've paired the looks with bigger earrings, more dramatic headbands, and more bracelets (I was surprised none of looks included bags...hmmmm). 

I fell is love with the hat selection, and if you follow me on twitter, then you know I really really really want hats to come back this year. Come on Cleveland: you can do this with me!!!

The kind folks at Legacy also gave us a swag bag, which included a $50 gift certificate, that I promptly used to pick up a cocktail ring and an animal print clutch (not pictured).

Swag

All in all, a great way to spend a Sunday evening!! But the fun is not over yet! Legacy Village is also sponsoring a giveaway for a $25 gift card, which you can use at ANY Legacy Village Store. Here's what you need to do to enter:

1. Must be a U.S. Resident

2. Tell me which store you would pick at Legacy to spend your $25 (one entry)

3. Tweet about this contest with a link back to my blog and leave a comment telling me you tweeted (second entry)

4. Add me to your blog roll and leave me a comment telling me you did (third entry)

Good luck!! I will announce a winner on Monday, May 23rd!

Disclosure: As I've mentioned in this post, I received a swag bag that included coupons for various Legacy Village stores, miscellaneous items such as water bottles, candy, cookies,AVEDA products, a gift card to Starbucks, and a $50 gift card to Legacy Village. Legacy Village is also sponsoring the $25 giveaway that is part of this post. 

PSYCLE: a new beginning

As I've mentioned before, I'm SUPER excited about the opening of the new spin studio PSYCLE in Westlake. The studio is hosting its grand opening on May 20th, between 7-9 pm with an open house. You will have the opportunity to check out the space, meet the instructors, sign up for lessons, and have a chance to win giveaways.

In preparation for the grand opening, I asked the founders Jenn, Scott, and Ed some questions on the studio and the philosophy behind the rides. So here goes:

1)      What prompted you to start PSYCLE?  

We’ve been riding for years and have literally changed our lives on a bike.  We started PSYCLE as a way to give back by creating an indoor cycling sanctuary that would help inspire others to transform their lives and manifest their dreams.  There’s nothing like PSYCLE in Cleveland and we are happy to be the first to deliver it to this market.

2)      How is PSYCLE different from spin classes offered elsewhere?

The rides at PSYCLE are so much more than just a workout.  Sure, you’ll sweat and change your body, but you do it by working from the inside out first and the physical change happens along with it.   Our instructors are taught to teach about the power of intention, how to create goals and work with focus and discipline to achieve them.  It’s about learning to take your personal power back and transform not just your body but change your whole life.

Consistency in class quality is another key difference at PSYCLE.  While all instructors will bring their individual personality, the fundamentals in the message, flow and energy will be consistent between all the instructors.

3)      Why should people try PSYCLE?

Anyone who isn’t finding total fulfillment in their life, from personal, career, family, money perspectives may benefit from PSYCLE.  Whether you’re looking to lose weight, stay in shape, get in shape, work through a difficult emotional time in your life like the loss of a loved one or a divorce, you will find a safe harbor in PSYCLE.  By taking the time for you, participating in an active mediation and learning to create the life you’ve always wanted are the fundamental reasons to share in the experience of a PSYCLE class.

4)      What should a new student expect from class?

When you come into PSYCLE you will immediately notice the difference.  No judgment, all welcoming, great energy and friendly faces.  We celebrate the courage of new students beginning their journey and everyone will help you along the way.  The instructors will help you get set up on a bike and get settled.  Once the music starts, your role is simply to follow along to the rhythm.  You will get lost in the music and time will fly by.  When class ends, you should feel energized, empowered and ready to go create your day.

5)      Tell me about instruction style and differences between each of you:

We feel that consistency in the fundamentals of the classes are extremely important, but there are ways that the instructors personality will come alive in class.  Music selection is probably the most noticeable area of difference between instructors.  While the overall flow of class will be similar, the music used to create the rhythm will vary.  Some like more dance type music, others prefer popular music and some will rock it out!  We’ve made a significant investment in a dance club like sound system that will enable the riders to feel the beat (don’t worry, we provide free ear plugs for those with sensitive ears!)  We’ll even do some themed rides like 80’s or a certain artists.  Almost every single class will have a brand new playlist so you’ll never get bored hearing the same ride over and over again.

6)      Favorite song to ride to?

The founders certainly have signature songs that contain significant meaning and you’ll find each instructor has their own favorite.  Some examples include songs like Drive by Incubus and Fix You by Coldplay.  It’s not always so serious and we enjoy playing some hard driving songs from Linkin Park and cranking up the energy with some old school hip hop.

Editors note: If you ask nicely, they will even take requests. Adele is one of my favorite rides!!

7)      Details on opening and how people can reach you:

Our grand opening party will be held on Friday May 20^th from 7-9pm at the studio (24945 Detroit Ave in Westlake – just off I-90 between Columbia and Clague).   People can visit www.psycletherapy.com to find details about classes, making reservations, and directions to the studio.  We also encourage people to like us on Facebook to get tuned into the dialogue among the riders and get the latest updates.

I hope you will check out the studio either on Friday or some time in the near future. It really is a fun experience, and if you end up going more frequently, you will meet a great group of people that enjoy riding together!! I hope to see you sweating on a bike real soon!!

Neighborhood Gems: Clifton Martini & Wine Bar

When we first moved to our new house, I was a little concerned at the lack of eating/drinking establishments within walking distance. We used to live in Tremont, one block from Professor Ave, so I was hoping for something in the new 'hood that was as close. Turns out I really didn't need to worry, because we have a really fun establishment literally a 1 minute walk from our place: Clifton Martini & Wine Bar!

Reasons I luuurve Clifton Martini & Wine:
1. I can stumble home
2. Great Happy Hour specials
3. The food is delicious!!
4. Dog friendly patio!!!!!!!

Last time we were there, N and I ordered the Garlic Parmesan Wings, Arrabiata Calamari, New England Clam Chowder, and Lobster Ravioli. The wings were AH-MAZING!! The sauce was so so so good!! To be honest, all the food is really good; the portions are well-sized, and the food tastes really fresh and home made, They take care to make sure all the veggies in the Clam Chowder are evenly sized, which I LOVE!!! And now, the food:

Garlic Parmesan wings

Calamari Arrabiata

Clam Chowder

 Lobster Ravioli

So the next time you're in the Clifton/Edgewater neighborhood, you should definitely check out Clifton Martini & Wine Bar!!!

Walking For Health

So since the beginning of this month, my work has been trying to encourage its employees to pursue a healthier lifestyle, including working out more. As part of this initiative, they have given us pedometers and we've set up teams for some healthy competition between groups. An "active" person takes 10,000 steps a day, and to be honest, I never gave my activity level much thought until I started wearing the pedometer. I consider myself generally fit; I spin 2-3 times a week and do yoga another 1-2 times a week, and I walk the dogs, so I figured the 10,000 steps would be no problem at all.

Turns out, its harder than it looks!!! I usually walk the dogs for 20-30 minutes in the morning, spend the next 9-ish hours at my desk, with breaks to walk to conference rooms and the printer and the bathroom. All this only amounts to 5,000 or so steps a day!!! To get 10,000 steps, I need to walk for at least an hour and fifteen minutes a day, AND take the long route to the furthest printer at work!!! Needless to say, the pups are going to get lots of walks while I've got this pedometer on!!

Have you ever measured the amount of steps you walk per day? What do you average in your everyday life?

Form to Fashion

So you know how malls have a reputation for only housing national retailers?  Well, luckily for us CLE folk, we have a few malls that defy this perception, one of which is Beachwood Place. In addition to local stores like Brigade and Style Lounge, this weekend, Beachwood Place is playing host to a really fun event that is a great opportunity for the area's budding designers.

The event is called Form to Fashion, and the event challenges 14 finalists from Ursuline College and the Virginia Marti College of Art and Design to construct pieces for their own collection. Themed "Be What's Next", the even encourages students to create garments using up-and-coming techniques to showcase fashion's next big trend! The 14 finalists were chosen from a panel of five "celebrity judges" that include Valerie Mayen (of Project Runway fame), Kimberly Criado (personal stylist manager at Nordstrom), Maria Pujana (with Fashion Group International), and Susan Smith (a fashion blogger; sorry I don't have the link to her blog!).

The 14 finalists creations are displayed at the mall and online, and the finalist receiving the most votes will win a $500 gift card!! The live fashion show is FREE and open to the public from 2:00pm-3:00 pm on 5/14/2011, so if you're in the area, you should definitely stop by and take a peek and enjoy some hors d'oeuvres provided by Maggiano's. Voting ends on May 12th, so if you have a second, please go ahead and vote!! My vote is going to #12, the cape by Rochelle Beres! What's yours?

Celebrate your 'hood

This past Friday, N and I stopped by Room Service for the launch of "The District" series of art by Arterx.  The series celebrates the unique Cleveland neighborhoods, however, for all my De-Sho (thanks seanski)/Gordon Square-dwellers, I will warn you that it is not one of the featured neighborhoods, but please don't shoot the messenger.

N and I picked up the black and white poster of the Guardians, since (a) we love the Guardians, and (b), N has one of them tattooed on his forearm. We're planning to have the walls of our dining room filled with unique posters! I can't wait to show you pictures of the finished product (when I eventually get around to it). Anyway, these posters are great gifts for a long time CLE resident, a new CLE resident, a former CLE resident, or someone who just plain loves CLE!!

PSYCLE de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone!! Hope you had a super fun time, because I certainly did. Although, instead of margaritas and guacamole, I was sweating my behind off at the VERY FIRST RIDE at the newest spin studio in the Cleveland region: PSYCLE. Its so new in fact that the construction isn't even complete. But, we're a dedicated group of spinners, and damn it, we wanted a class with our favorite instructor, the fabulous Ms. Jenn Sommers! PYSCLE is founded by Jenn, her husband Scott, and the a**-kicking Ed Meyer, and in a few weeks, they will have a full roster of classes and instructors available for you to experience.

I will have a more detailed post on PSYCLE early next week, including a CONTEST, so say tuned!!! In the mean time, here are some early preview pics:

Brand new bikes ride oh so smoooooooth

The fabulous JV and soon-to-be PSYCLE instructor Michelle!

I'm seriously so excited about this place! I can't wait to share more details with you. It will CHANGE you. 

Don't call it a wig

So this past weekend, N and I attended the wedding of  clefoodgoddess and richness. It was a beautiful wedding, held at Mon Ami. But that's not what I'm going to blog about since I know that clefoodgoddess will be blogging about that soon. Back to this post: for fun, I decided to try the Jessica Simpson hair extensions. I know, I know, its Jessica Simpson; but hey, she sold a billion dollars worth of merchandise last year so she must doing something right!!

Here's what they looked like:

I absolutely loved having the super long curls for the night! I had them professionally put in, and to be honest, I'm not sure how I would put them in unassisted. That said, I kinda suck at doing complicated hair do's anyway, so if you are skilled at them, you may be able to do them yourself. I also had a bunch of bobby pins holding up the 'do, and I would certainly recommend the extra assistance. I had the 'do in for over 10 hours, and it did get a little heavy towards the end of the night, but it wasn't that bad at all! So there you have it! I would definitely try these again; it was a fun little change with absolutely no commitment.