I recently did a segment for “That’s Life” on Fox 8 at a store called “Room Service”.  It’s in the Gordon Square Arts District (you know, the hip and upcoming area in the Detroit Shoreway Neighborhood).  While I was there, the owner, Danielle DeBoe told me about “Made in the 216″, an event that she created to highlight how many designers are choosing to stay and build their businesses right here in Cleveland…  super cool, huh?  Support this fantastic event happening this weekend!

Items you’ll see there:  men and women’s apparel, jewelry, t-shirts, totes, personal accessories, stationary, photography, screen prints, household goods, furniture and music. 

Hours:  Friday 4-9 pm, Saturday 11-9 pm

To check out the “Room Service” website and get more info on “Made in the 216″, click HERE.

Of course they’re the greatest… my friend Donna makes them!  What an artiste!!  ’Stickwit’ makes it’s official debut this weekend at the Clifton Arts and Musicfest… right on Clifton Boulevard between 114th and 117th this Saturday beginning at 10 am.  (for more info on the Clifton Arts and Musicfest event click HERE)

She makes cards, bookmarks, framed art…they’re hand made, unique and super hip!  They definitely make a statement - in fact,  I’ve just sent out a batch of the ‘Thank You’ cards for my bday thank you notes!   Here’s a taste of what she does (and I swear these pix barely do them justice)…  for the full effect, get out to the Clifton Arts Fest and visit her booth this Saturday - I’ll be there replenishing my stock!

Cleveland Magazine Editor Steve Gleydura took me “backstage” at the Silver Spoon awards for a quick interview about the Summer Fun Guide that’s included in this month’s Rating the Suburbs issue of Cleveland Magazine.  Not only did they feature a photo and my Summer Fun picks, I got to be part of their June podcast! And it’s defintely the raw, unedited audio…  fun stuff - have a listen here:

Download

I was so honored to be the host of the live auction at the Mask-or-Aid Ball for the Domestic Violence Center last night…  it’s an organization that does amazing work and it’s a cause that I’m personally very passionate about.  Cavs Coach Mike Brown was there with his lovely wife Carolyn who was the Chair of the event… he even got up and helped me auction off a super cool Cavs package (ride on the team plane to an away game, tix, signed LeBron stuff)! 

For those who have been hurt by domestic violence, they are there to help.

Domestic violence occurs in homes throughout every community. It knows no color, gender, age or socioeconomic status. The abuse can be physical, mental, sexual or emotional. And as a victim of domestic violence, you may feel like there’s nowhere to turn. But there’s hope. SAFELY VISIT THE WEBSITE:  www.domesticviolencecenter.org OR CALL THE 24 HOUR HELPLINE AT 216-391-HELP.  YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

HERE’S SOME PIX FROM OUR NIGHT AT THE RENAISSANCE HOTEL:

This is Tim Boehnlein the Associate Director of the Domestic Violence Center… and my co-auctioneer!

Danita Harris from Newschannel 5 was the Mistress of Ceremonies

Carolyn Brown was the chair of the event

I even got to meet her husband, NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown

Johanna Orozco is one of the bravest gals I’ve ever met.  Her boyfriend shot her in the face - and she has told her story to help other women that are victims.  Read about her here:  http://tinyurl.com/c855ur

Cavs Coach Mike Brown got up and helped us auction off a Cavs Package that included a ride on the team plane and autographed LeBron shoes and jersey!  2 packages went for $8500 each!  WOW!

Yep, there was some “Electric Slide-ing” to be done… booogie woogie oogie

My super handsome date (and boyfriend) Nate

Sunday, May 3 :: NAUTICA QUEEN CRUISE SHIP :: 5:30 pm boarding :: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm evening cruise

Presented by Beachwood Place

Grand Prize gift from Beachwood Place valued at over $500 :: DJs Impure & GO :: Complimentary appetizers of fresh vegetable curdite with dip, imported and domestic cheeses with crackers, pasta station with tortellini alfredo and penne marinara, oriental potstickers with orange glaze, chicken sates with peanut sauce, mini bries with raspberry topping, coffee and tea :: Cash Bar :: Lake Erie and Cuyahoga River Cruise :: Cleveland’s Celebrity Fashion Show :: Spring Nautical Attire :: Tickets $40

NAUTICA QUEEN :: 1153 Main Avenue :: Flats - West Bank :: Cleveland, Ohio 44113 :: 5:00 pm