Thumbs Up - Clifton Historic Home at auction

If you have never gone to an auction, don't go to this one either. It can become addictive. Well, I have broken the habit now, but not after a long stretch of finding antique furniture at a steal and a table full of odds and ends for $5 or a "buyer's choice" on a number of tiffany lamp shades from varying years, at very affordble prices.

If I thought the bank would approve my loan, (ha ha ha) I would go to this auction and buy "brightside", one of the historic homes along Clifton Avenue. Whether you are interested in antique furniture or buying a new home at auction, you may want to check out this link to the virtual tour of this magnificent home. Go to Penny Worley's auction page and click on "Watch the Video Tour". It has the list of the fine furnishings, oriental rugs that will be auctioned and a view of the redwood paneled custom wine cellar!


Featured Auction

Saturday
May 3rd

Real Estate-Historical Mansion/Personal Property-Upscale Furnishings

“Brightside”
3892 Clifton Avenue
In the Gas light District of Clifton
Auctioneers note: This home was featured in Great Houses of the Queen City! This home will offered at Public auction!

Auction Date: Saturday May 3rd @ 12:00 Noon
Real Estate Sells @ 3:00P.M.

Open House Date:Saturday April 26th 1:00 to 3:00 P.M.
Sunday: April 27th 1:00 to 3:00 P.M.

http://worleyauctions.com/auction2008/may3/may308.htm

I have seen restaurant equipment and computer equipment go at amazing prices at Penny Worley's auctions and there is always something I just can't pass up. But, I have managed to pass up a $150 big screen TV only 2 years old, outstanding art and fabulous, affordable lawn furniture. It wasn't at a Penny Worldy auction, but a few years ago when I was working at auctions, I passed up a pontoon boat (an older one) for $1. I did not have anywhere to keep it (apparently no one else at this auction did either, because it did not sell that day -- even after they offered it for $1). Now, I would have a place to keep a $1 pontoon boat, but where is that deal now.

Well, I know several other GREAT female auctionneers and I will write about their auctions when I find something coming up to let you know about. Watch that video tour, its like being on vacation and touring a historic mansion without leaving the comfort of your keyboard.

Thumbs Up - Spiritual Center on 12th & Sycamore

Where do people go for a downtown meditation? I can answer that. There is a spiritual center on Sycamore across from the School for the Creative and Performing Arts where you can enjoy a quiet meditation, sometimes a free movie or a book discussion, an empowering workshop or a FINAL FRIDAY happening!

On the last Friday of each month, The Shangri-La Spiritual Center offers music and refreshments to take part in the Historic Over the Rhine's Final Friday Art Walk.

The Shangri-La Spiritual Center is nestled inside Aquarius Star -- the store for unique gifts, jewelry, books and herbs and stones. I have personally enjoyed enlightening afternoons, potlucks and celebrations there. Here's how Aquarius Star describes the spiritual center:

Shangri-La is a fictional place described in the 1933 novel Lost Horizon by British author James Hilton. In the book, "Shangri-La" is a mystical, harmonious valley. Shangri-La has become synonymous with any earthly paradise but particularly a mythical Himalayan utopia—a permanently happy land, isolated from the outside world. The story of Shangri-La is based on the concept of Shambhala, a mystical city in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Wikipedia

If you don't want to sing the Three Dog Night song for the rest of the day, turn your speakers down when you go to their website. You will sing:

Everyone is helpful, everyone is kind

On the road to Shambala

Everyone is lucky, everyone is so kind

On the road to Shambala

How does your light shine, in the halls of Shambala

for the rest of the day! But that is not a bad thing.

Shangri-La Spiritual Center and
Aquarius Star
(513) 381-3436
http://www.aquariusstar.com/
1218 Sycamore St,
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Here is what they say about their April Final Friday! It is definitely worth a visit.

Final Friday Party:
Join us for our monthly Final Friday "Art Walk" party.

All the galleries downtown participate in this exciting cultural event. April 25th 6pm to 10pm

This month's Final Friday artist is Amy Chapmon. Amy is a local artist who creates work in many mediums and styles. Though her pieces are varied, the main imagery is of the fanciful creatures of faerie and nightmares. Her works include polymer clay sculptures, figure drawings and paintings, mixed media creations, and abstract portraiture. Join Amy in celebrating in her first art show!

Also joining us will be the local band InnerState- and a special guest grooving an eclectic mix of jivey sounds to create the perfect atmosphere.

Wine, Cheese and various refreshments provided.

Thumbs Up - Going Green in Over the Rhine

Went I went to Cincinnati's green general store, PARK + VINE, I was looking for all natural, eco-friendly and locally produced products for gift giving. They met all my criteria and I found an environmentally-sound shopping bag full of gifts.

Last fall I saw postcards advertising PARK + VINE at every venue in the city. I asked the store clerk who did their advertising or promotion because the saturation of the target audience was so great ... I thought I could use that type of exposure for MY business.

Well, it looks as if whoever is responsible for their marketing, has brought Cincinnati into the world of Going Green because the merchandise is moving, the partnering with other groups continues and the promise of bringing more Green goods to our city has prevailed.

What can you get at PARK + VINE?

I was there around Winter Solstice and I saw a number of locally created products. There was stationery and journals and eco friendly gifts for everyone in my family. The selection of soaps, natural deodorant and cruelty free beauty products was outstanding.

I found some home goods and kitchen products and the quality of the products were all truly environmentally sound. The buyers have done a great job of checking out the natural claims of the products. I had some discerning buyers with me and the merchandise received the Green Thumbs Up from our whole crowd!

I did not get an answer on who does their promotion and they did not comment when I spoke about the type of work thier buyer must be doing. Given the lack of two-way communication, I did not ask why they named it Park + Vine, but if you are interested in natural products and not natural questions, Park + Vine is worth a visit. I recommend you take a trip downtown and check 'em out.

They have a blog and you can subscribe to their e-newsletter to find out about their events and specials. Check out the Earth Day Final Friday this month as they will be displaying art from recycled products and offering a fine celebration.

Park + Vine
1109 Vine St.
Over the Rhine (downtown)

A Virgo Critiques 042308

Many are asking if I will review their business, product or event.

I have a backlog already. I will be glad to review your goods and services. Send info to my assistant to be considered for review. Comment on your review and forward it to your friends!

I am not interested in trashing you or your business. I may
publish some "missed the mark" reviews, but I will not review anything to specifically run it into the ground. You will either get a "thumbs up" or you may not be mentioned at all.

What we don't say may echo loudest

by your omission in your category.

If you would like me to critique your business, you can send info to my assistant:

virtualteam2@gmail.com

Thumbs Up - See Jane Give Benefits Dress for Success

A long standing charity in Cincinnati is "Dress For Success"! I have been involved in organizations who contribute to this for years. They can use gently used business clothes to help women have updated clothes in their wardrobe to interview and land the jobs they deserve.

I won't be able to make it to this one as I have a previous commitment on Wednesday, but I guarantee it will be a great time. I can recommend The Avenue and Dress For Success and I recommend Happy Hours in general, so this sounds like a great event. Take a purse to The Avenue and help women re-entering the workforce! Here's what they have to say about the event.

Wednesday, April 23nd - See Jane Give Happy Hour
Benefits Dress for Success

5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Avenue,
411 Madison Avenue in Covington.

Every women, every wife, girlfriend, sister, daughter, mother, aunt, grandmother . . . . .has a purse or two in their closet that they aren't using anymore (you can only use one at a time, right???)

The price of admittance to this fun evening is simply one of those purses (gently used, please)! (Guys - check with the women in your lives about their stash of purses or bring a $10 donation) There'll be a designer purse raffle, too!!

Help the 16 graduates of SOAR a professional development program for young women, launch SEE JANE GIVE, a new program to boost giving in our community.

Come see how these women are working hard to make a difference in our community!

Thumbs Up - Best Thai on West side of Cincinnati

I don't remember when I discovered Thai Namtip, but I have been eating Pad Thai, Pad Hmee and all of the appetizers and soups on their menu for a couple of years.

Tonight was a special celebration and 6 of us ate Tofu Ramrong, Chicken Curries and noodle dishes and enjoyed the Jasmine tea and shrimp hot and sour soup. Their business has been picking up recently and I noticed that you have to wait a few minutes for a table on the weekends the last few times we went.

Tonight was particularly busy and the ... always busy staff ... was rushing around and turning over the tables to accommodate the big crowd. Well, we were celebrating so we had several courses, talked a lot and did not rush out of there. When they came back to the table to bring the check, they said they had been written up as "Best Thai on the West Side" on the internet and they think that has really added to their business.

Well, if you like Thai food (and they have a list of Chinese dishes as well), you will enjoy the Thai atmosphere and the delicious meals.

I'm glad they got this honor -- I went out on the web and copied it from best of cincinnati . com. Try it -- and don't be surprised if you have to wait for a table. It will be worth the short wait.

Best Thai on the West Side:
An always welcoming staff and an bevy of tasty dishes make Thai Namtip a West Side treasure. The workweek lunch specials are especially noteworthy, featuring a nicely portioned entrée with soup or spring roll for just $5.95.

Thai Namtip
5461 North Bend Road,
Monfort Heights
513-481-3360.

I don't know how many other Thai restaurants there are on the west side, but I would put Thai Naptip up against any of them on the east side, the north side and northern Kentucky as well! I have tried quite a few of their dishes over the years and I can highly recommend it.

Thumbs Up - Victory of Light Festival - Sharonville Conv Ctr

Life does not happen to us, it happens from us.
-- Mike Wickett

By now, most people have marked their calendars for the Victory of Light Festival, but if you have lost track of the date -- It's This Weekend!

If you are interested in a whole day of new age, psychic, and alternative-type workshops for $10 bucks, you will not get another chance until this fall! Well, not like this. I always enjoy the chanting and meditations by the Tibetan monks. I may be there both mornings for that. Throughout the day you can browse the vendors offering aromatherapy, gifts, aura photography, magikal stones and fabulous jewelry. You will be sure to find something for yourself or the right gift for Mother's Day.

The massage therapists and psychics offering relaxing massages and tarot readings are the best this city has to offer. You can find these services all around town, but this is a place to saturate your whole weekend in spiritual energy, get a reading, a massage and meet and greet your friends to share a workshop or to spend time together.

This is a rare jewel in the city of Cincinnati and it does not happen every weekend so get out and experience this for $10 or $15 for both days. You would spend more than that for one workshop outside of this festival. I Highly Recommend It!

Cincinnati's Premier Body Mind Spirit Event!
Victory of Light Festival
April 19th and 20th, 2008

Sharonville Convention Center

10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $10/single day - $15/weekend

Children 13 & under FREE, Seniors & Students $1 off

Readings $20-40 - Parking is FREE
Experience the Energy!

You will definitely enjoy Patti Jacobs, Massage Therapist; Francine Haydon, workshop leader and reader and the unique gifts and clothes from Body of Light as well as the belly dancers and other entertainment offered throughout the day! I sure do!

On the Web - Meditation Timer

When you are first experimenting with meditation, you may only be able to clear your mind for 3 minutes at a time. If you use this handy timer, you can build your meditation skills one minute at a time. Increase your meditation time by one minute each time! There is some great meditation music on there for you to enjoy or set it on None for a silent mediation - special music for each chakra and other nature sounds. You will hear the gong sound at the end of your timer.

By the time you are up to 15 or 20 minutes -- 3 times a week, you will feel calm and peace as a part of your life.

Experienced in meditation? You may want to set this timer for 20 minutes to remind you to get back to work or to get on with your day. I guarantee Meditation will help you stay focused and bring intiutive awareness to you. This meditation timer will help.

Listen for the 2 gentle gongs to remind you to wiggle your toes, begin to move and stretch and gently bring yourself back to awareness of the world out there waiting for you.

Make it a great day -- no one else can!

Thumbs Up - Bistro and Deli Secret at 4th & Walnut

Always an Adventure and Good Food, too! It's a little known secret and far away from the hustle and bustle yet it's right in the heart of downtown Cincinnati.

If you are looking for an out-of-the way place to get a great salad, great soup or great sandwiches that is not too crowded and not overpriced, then try Bakes' Place in the Mercantile building in downtown Cincinnati.

Bake's Place
(513) 651-3344
www.bakesplace.net
414 Walnut St # 1
Cincinnati, OH 45202

What! You don't know about Bake's Place. It does not have a big sign on 4th or on Walnut -- you almost have to know it's there. Enter the Mercantile Building from either street (next to the Strauss Smoke Shop on Walnut) and go down a few steps to the sunken sandwich shop and you will be in Bake's Place. The y do a lot of carry out, but they do have tables AND there are small tables all through the lobby of the Mercantile building where you can have an unhurried lunch ... and work or read and have a quiet lunch. They even deliver to the offices and board rooms in the Mercantile Library Building.

The chicken ceasar salad wrap is better than the chains offer and you can get an overstuffed turkey or roast beef sandwich on croissant, wrap or assorted delicious breads. You can have it your way every time -- let them know if you want those great pickles or tangy banana peppers on the sandwich. They have great soups, too! They have daily specials such as meatloaf and mashed potatoes and a vegetable and some days its lasagna, but it is always great. They offer more than the standard soft drinks and brownies and chips as well!

That's where you may find a local journalist writing at one of the tables-for-one out in the lobby or an attorney reviewing some notes ... and find people txting or twittering ... around breakfast or lunch time! Bring your camera if you like to get pix of Elvis memorabilia.

I have eaten at every eatery within 2 blocks of there and Bake's Place can't be beat!

Thumbs Up Meditation Classes

This is your opportunity to find out what Meditation is all about. Holly Terry is an experienced meditation teacher who explains a variety of meditation techniques in a 3 hour session. See the description of the two classes below and put these on your calendar. The May class will give you a chance to experience several types of meditation and that may be just what you need to help you determine what type will work for you.


Holly is also doing a Mother Earth Healing Energy workshop in June! I can highly recommend Holly, her knowledge of meditation styles and her classes!


Classes:

Alliance Healing Center

3484 Irwin-Simpson Rd, Ste B, Mason, OH 45040

Call 236-8224 or 204-0091 to register


Introduction to Meditation
Saturday, May 17, 2008 1:00pm to 4:00pm Holly Terry is the instructor. ~Discover the physical and mental/emotional benefits of meditation ~Practice various meditation poses, hand positions, and use of props ~Get in-depth, experiential training in 8 different types of meditation ~Includes free packet of materials to help you develop your own meditation practice at home Cost: $20 per person. Please call 236-8224 or 204-0091 to register in advance so that we may plan accordingly.


Earth Mother Healing Energy
Saturday, June 14, 2008 (Rain Date: Saturday, June 28) 1:00pm to 4:00pm Holly Terry is the instructor. ~Tap into the energies of the Earth for personal healing & awakening ~Learn how to restore Mother Earth's energy in a sacred ceremony ~Includes free clear quartz crystal to use in your home practice Please bring picnic blankets or beach towels for sitting comfortably OUTDOORS Cost: $20 per person. Please call 236-8224 or 204-0091 to register in advance so that we may plan accordingly.


Holly is the greatest! Check out the other classes and workshops at the Alliance Healing Center in Mason, Ohio.