When the Rolling Stones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, no one questioned it, because they deserved to be there. Their concerts were legendary, Mick Jagger commanded the stage and they changed the landscape of rock and roll. So when the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland opened their new exhibit, The Rolling Stones: 50 Years of Satisfaction last week, I made sure I was there to see it. As I walked through the red lipped doorway, an image that is synonymous with the Rolling Stones, it was clear to... Continue reading

They say somewhere that if you read five books on the same subject, you can become an expert on that topic. Apply that same theory to margaritas and I am a Margarita Guru! As Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) approaches, the commemoration of the Mexican Army’s defeat over the French during the Franco American War and a day of Mexican heritage and pride, Mexican restaurants open their doors for a day of celebration. As a self-proclaimed Margarita Expert, I want to lend you my expertise on where you could find some great Mexican restaurants in Ohio that will be celebrating... Continue reading

Did you know that it takes 50 gallons of maple tree sap to yield one gallon of maple syrup? That is just one of the amazing facts that I learned on my trip to the Log Cabin in the village of Burton in Northeast Ohio. It was also interesting to learn that there are only a small number of places in the world that can produce maple syrup because of the climate and maple trees. Not to mention that true maple syrup is a delicious addition to any pancake. Maybe this is what earned Burton the name Pancake Town, USA... Continue reading

Minutes west of Downtown Cleveland, over the Detroit Bridge lays a not so hidden oasis of great restaurants, flavor and culture. In Cleveland’s Ohio City, there is so much to see and do. For me, it’s all about where to go eat. On West 25th Street, there are a great amount of restaurants to visit. My favorite is Bier Market/Bar Cento. The names would imply I love these places simply based off of their drink menu. This is only partially true. While the adjacent restaurants boast an extensive wine and beer list, the draw for me is their delicious pommes... Continue reading

It’s that time of year again. I’m in the store wrestling another mother for the last pack of No. 2 pencils and a Star Wars lunch box. For me, it’s just getting my son ready for first grade, but other parents are getting their kids ready for their first day of college. While you are away getting your kids set up in their dorms, why not make a trip out of it? Friends of mine recently sent their child off to Wilberforce University, so I researched ideas of what was nearby for them to do. Here were my suggestions: Wilberforce... Continue reading

I will be the first to admit that I don’t know a thing about how to fill out the NCAA basketball tournament brackets. My choices on who will take the title are randomly selected except for the schools I choose with cool names, like Gonzaga, or schools that are just the best all around, like The Ohio State University. (Yes, I'm biased!) Yet, none of that has stopped me from watching the games. Now that March Madness has arrived, I would like to share some fun Ohio locales that are perfect places to see who will advance in the Big... Continue reading

We begin our fall fun with a peaceful stroll through the Euclid Creek Reservation. Just like the different colors on the trees, Euclid Creek is like a melting pot itself with several neighborhoods and ethnicities all converging to bike, hike, walk, run or stroll. My dog takes every opportunity to stop and sniff all the various alluring smells she can find. My son rides his bike and becomes distracted by the dazzling colors on trees. Fall is mesmerizing. We drop the dog back off at the house and head out to Patterson Fruit Farm in Chesterland for our annual pumpkin... Continue reading

Jazz, in my opinion, is the most sensual and soulful musical genre. When Miles used to blow into that trumpet, it was like the instrument was an extension of him. His pain and joy rang through like a voice reaching out to lament, to cry and to make your body sway involuntarily in response. People say, “They don’t make them like Miles anymore.” But what if they do and they are gracing a stage in Toledo? For many years, Murphy’s Place on Toledo's Water Street was the primo spot to listen to jazz greats Clifford Murphy and Claude Black. When... Continue reading