Don't Just Sit There. Go Out & Party!

Writing again... only 2 months later= a new record! :)

The first big snowstorm of the season has hit Chicago and soon part of it will hit Cleveland. It certainly felt windy enough today! With all the cold outside, the majority of people want to stay nice and warm. But face it, Cleveland, there are too many cocktail parties, grand openings, and get-togethers happening for you to be sitting around on the couch this month!

Friday, December 11, begins the first night of Chanukah. HAPPY CHANUKAH! With such a large Jewish community in Cleveland, there will be plenty to do and plenty to eat! This is a holiday celebrating the miracle of light by eating lots of delicious fried and fattening foods. The latke, or potato pancake, is the most famous of the yummy treats. You don't feel like frying up your own potato pancakes?! Good news! There are wonderful local east-side diners to choose from that will make them for you-- Corky & Lenny's (27091 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood) and Jack's Deli & Restaurant (14490 Cedar Rd., University Heights) are hometown favorites. Stop in the brand new state-of-the-art Hillel Jewish Student Center building on Kent State's campus and I'm sure you'll be able to find plenty of latkes there. If you're aching for a Chanukah party where you can dress up, have some drinks, and dance, dance, dance, then group 2139-- a group for Jews in their 20s and 30s-- has the solution for you! "The 9th Night of Hanukkah Blow-Out!" is taking over the 2nd floor of the Velvet Dog (1280 W 6th, Cleveland) on Saturday, December 19 from 9:30pm until close. Go to www.jewglue.com to get on the guest list.

You may be the person who just doesn't want to wait until next weekend to get your party on. I have the perfect solution for you! Star Pop-- a vintage toy store that is making headlines in Cleveland as one of the coolest stores around-- is having it's grand opening party Saturday, December 12 from 6pm-10pm. The "who's who" of the up-and-coming Waterloo Arts District will be at 15813 Waterloo Rd. in Cleveland this Saturday. Will you?

After a great weekend, the long work week ahead of you seems daunting. Never fear! I have something extra special for you to look forward to Monday night. The Grog Shop (2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., Cleveland Heights) will be presenting a Pure Romance Holiday Bash on Monday, December 14. The demo of products will take place from 8pm-9pm, but this is unlike any other Pure Romance party you've been to because men are invited to join in the fun too at 9:30pm-close. There will be prizes, drink specials, and plenty of holiday sales. You'll be able to get your lover, spouse, or friend exactly what they want for the holidays! You'll have the perfect gift on the 4th night of Chanukah and with plenty of time before Christmas. Preview the products at www.mayaziton.pureromance.com.

With all these parties and holiday shopping, don't forget to give some of your time. I know our schedules are packed, but find a couple of hours to give to those who are in need. A perfect place to volunteer this month is the Cleveland Food Bank (www.clevelandfoodbank.org). With the economic situation as it is, there are even more people who are in need of basic necessities. The Cleveland Food Bank does a great job at providing for those who need it.

Have a wonderful, busy month!