When our bodies are in a good physical state, that naturally transcends to a positive emotional state. Getting out, keeping busy, maintaining an active mind and socializing with others naturally makes one feel better. Isolation is to depression, as socializing is to connections. As humans, we’re naturally wired to desire connections with others. ...

Almost no movie is more aligned with Cleveland than "A Christmas Story." Take a few minutes to read about this iconic film and how it continues to live in the hearts and minds of Northeast Ohio residents. ...

Before the holidays become a blur of gift lists and obligations, make a plan to make them special. While long-held traditions like watching live performances of “The Nutcracker” or “A Christmas Carol” certainly hold their place, why not break the mold and start a few offbeat holiday traditions with your friends and loved ones? Northeast Ohio has plenty of fun and entertaining options from Thanksgiving through the New Year. ...

Over the years, the team has built homes, a water filtration plant, guest housing for mission teams, churches, basketball courts, and smaller projects. This year, the team worked on a construction project and provided a women’s Bible study and Vacation Bible School for 60 children.  ...

 

You make your list; you check it twice. Then there’s nothing nicer than settling back in your comfy chair and shopping online for all the gifts you need for the holidays. This season, you can support small, local business owners who sell meaningful, creative gifts while enjoying the convenience of online shopping.

Earlier this year, votes from 36,000 Northeast Ohioans were compiled into The Cleveland Hot List, featuring 6,690 businesses competing for the title of greater Cleveland’s best through CityVoter, an online ballot. Within that listing were 58 nominees for Best Gift Shop.

We whittled finalists into these top-rated gift shops that also offer online shopping. From fun stocking stuffers to keepsake legacy items, you can buy creative and meaningful gifts from local shopkeepers — all from the comfort of your own home.

 

STEM Handmade Soaps

This small company offers premium handcrafted soaps, using 100 percent all-natural ingredients. Only high-quality pure vegetable oils and high-concentration glycerin are innovatively combined to create hydrating soaps. Products also include lip balm, deodorant, body butter, scented candles, men’s grooming products, hygiene accessories, pet shampoos and gift sets.

Price range: $3-$40

12405 Madison Ave., Lakewood

stemsoaps.com

Wood Thingamajigs

A female veteran-owned and -operated woodworking shop, this may be Northeast Ohio’s premier source for all custom furniture, home items, decor and outdoor games. Products include cutting boards, Cleveland- and Ohio-themed wall hangings, customized family trees and special orders.

Price range: $10-$125

Newbury Township

www.woodthingamajigs.com

Earth Angels Holistic Health

Earth Angels Boutique provides “Tools for better living — Release. Balance. Restore.” Products include incense sticks and burners, worry stones, selenite and quartz products, gemstone sets, salt lamps, sterling silver/stone jewelry, and even an Amethyst Geode Calcite Quartz Healing Empowerment stone.

Price range: $2.50-$185

3518 Scranton Road, Cleveland

earthangelsholistic.com/boutique

The Framer’s Gallery

Choose from a wide selection of artwork and gifts created by local, regional, national and international artists.

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Yvonne speaks all five languages better than ever. A few months ago, she addressed an audience of 200, speaking in fluent Latvian. And now, she is writing a book (in English) about her childhood. She plans to renew her expired passport and travel back to Europe. The sky’s the limit. ...

A child should be seen right away if they seem sluggish, won’t eat or drink, appear mottled, have cool hands and feet (suggesting shock), have difficulty breathing or have an unusual rash such as purple spots under the skin. ...

Cookies aren't just cookies when they're Lucy's homemade cookies. They are an overwhelming expression of thanksgiving, a motivation for healing, and an inspiration for the rest of us to follow as we continue to serve our community in measurable and meaningful ways. ...