Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Holiday Planning Countdown

Are you ready for the holidays? We have found a great Holiday countdown checklist. In this blog, we will learn about what needs to be in done in the third and fourth week of December. You can learn more at Real Simple.


ONE WEEK BEFORE

Deep clean your house.

You’ll enjoy those decorations even more if the floors are clean and the kitchen is organized. One important task: Clear out your refrigerator. Toss old leftovers to make room for big dishes and ingredients that’ll be piling up closer to the holiday.

Buy batteries for children’s toys.

If you haven’t stocked up while Christmas shopping, make sure you have all the accoutrements necessary for that handheld video game or remote-controlled car.

THREE DAYS BEFORE

Shop for fresh ingredients.

Hit the store for the last-minute vegetables or fruit you need for meals.

Set the table.

So you use those gold-rimmed goblets only once a year? Enjoy them! Go ahead and set the table. 

Make it even easier on the big day by putting a sticky note on each platter that states what dish you plan to serve on it. (That also allows people to help you without asking 12 times.)

TWO DAYS BEFORE

Start cooking.

You’ve probably socked away some things in the freezer already, but now’s the time to prep main courses and make anything that can sit for a couple of days.

Buy fresh flowers.

Whether they are for a party or a family meal, fresh flowers should always be purchased two days in advance. Blooms have time to open up, and they’ll still be lush and fragrant.

THE DAY BEFORE

Recharge the batteries on your camera or video recorder.

You don’t want to miss the reaction on a little one’s face because the battery ran out during the school pageant the week before.

Finish last-minute wrapping.

And assemble toys that will be surprises from Santa.

Finish cooking, and make a timeline for the next day.

Decide when you’ll be feasting, then count backward to determine when to put the turkey (or ham or roast beef) in the oven and what else needs to be cooked.

Sit back and relax.

Enjoy your family and friends and relish the traditions you share.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Elf the Movie Free

Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color? This is one of our all time favorite Christmas movies. You and your loved ones can watch it for free on December 17th at the Kelly-Strayhorn theater. This is event is free and it includes snacks and holiday beverages. You can find out more information at Living Pittsburgh.

WHEN:

December 17, 2014 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

WHERE: Kelly-Strayhorn Theater


5941 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
USA


COST: FREE

CONTACT: EVENT WEBSITE


Come enjoy a free showing of Elf, the hilarious 2003 Christmas classic. On Wednesday, December 17, at 7pm, join us for the movie, along with free snacks and holiday beverages! On screen you can enjoy the star-studded cast of Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, Bob Newhart, James Caan, and more, and in the theater you can make new friends and share the holiday cheer with other East End families.

Holiday Party Tips and Tricks

Are you hosting a holiday get together this year? You may be stressed, but there are a few things that are not worth stressing over. Your guests want to have a good time, but they do not need everything to be perfect. Here are three focus points for your dinner party, and a few things you should not worry about. You can learn more at Apartment Therapy.



What to not focus on:

Having a picture-perfect setting. We all want to put our best foot forward, but holding your home to shelter mag standards is hardly necessary. So there are some half-built shelves in the living room; string some fairy lights on them and call in a feature! Putting off a party because your house isn't up to par only results in missed opportunities. Same goes for cleanliness. While I'd never advise having guests over without at least a quick clean, focus on the things that matter: a sparkling bathroom, relatively dust-free surfaces, a clutter-free living room. No one will care if your medicine cabinet or fridge are organized, and no one will notice if the walls in the entryway need a scrub. Low lighting and the distraction of good conversation can work wonders.

Whether all the food is homemade. As someone who loves to cook and entertain, I've fallen into this trap more than once. Serving an array of finger food while guests arrive? Better make three kinds of flatbreads and homemade hummus, then. Store-bought ice cream with that pie? Not at my dinner party!This, quite frankly, is exhausting and ridiculous. If you can swing a 100% homemade meal, by all means go for it, but otherwise, cut yourself some slack. Good breads, cheeses and olives always go down a treat as pre-dinner nibbles, as does a bakery-bought dessert if you're not a natural baker. Even consider ordering in the main if that's your thing: as long as it's tasty and abundant, no one will care where it came from.
The group dynamic. When mixing friend groups, it's easy to worry about whether everybody will hit it off. Equal numbers of guys and girls, whether every guest has a "buddy" other than you: my advice is not to worry about these things, and choose your guests based on their fab and mesh-able personalities. Think about it like this: you're an awesome person with awesome taste in friends. All yours friends are thus, similarly awesome. Everyone will be friends by the time dessert rolls around, anyway.

Instead, focus your energy here:

Presentation. While I'm not suggesting Martha levels of prep are always necessary, I do think that presentation is the best way to make your guests think they're getting a Michelin-star meal (even if you did buy half of it at the deli around the corner). Toss a simple salad on a beautiful platter, arrange the cheeseboard with care. Don't ignore the table either: flowers, candles, place cards if you're so inclined— all will create the sense of a considered, yet effortless, occasion.
Abundance. It's always better to have too much food and drink than too little. Offer more dessert, even if everyone is stuffed. Bring out tea and coffee. Heck, send guests home with leftovers for their lunch the next day! I keep cheap plastic take-out containers around for this purpose, and it's a huge compliment when someone eagerly takes me up on the offer.
Enjoyment. If you're enjoying yourself, so will your guests. Answer the door with a drink in your hand and a smile on your face. If you're stuck in the kitchen for a bit, take up an offer to join you and help. They came to see you, after all.

Gifts That Won't Break The Bank

The holiday season means there are many parties and gift giving events we all have to attend. However, these prices can add up after attending all of your holiday functions. We have found a few gift options that will not break the bank. Your friends and family will also appreciate these thoughtful gifts. You can learn more at Apartment Therapy.





Give Your Time

Be it babysitting, dog walking or heck, even watering your neighbor's plants, your time is a valuable commodity and spending it for someone else, especially for something they need, is a great gift idea that will always be appreciated.


Give an Experience

Some experiences will cost you (like a trip or a show) but they don't have to. Surprising a loved one with a visit to a special place, to see a sorely-missed person or just with a unique, new experience that you can do together will probably be the best gift of the season and one they're likely remember for years to come.


Use Your Skills

Are you really good at doing something? We bet you are. We bet it's a valuable skill that other people would love to get a piece of. Why not use your baking, sewing, photography, graphic design or DIY skills to help someone you know who needs help in your area of expertise? You will feel so much more satisfied sharing something you love with someone you love than you would by charging something on your credit card.

Let's make holiday giving more about celebrating the people you love and less about the stores you shop.

The Four Best Herbs For Your Thanksgiving

Do you know what herbs need to be in  Turkey for the best stuffing and taste?  The Kitchn has instructions on how to use these four herbs to make the perfect Thanksgiving turkey.  These herbs are easy to find, and they will bring the perfect taste to your Thanksgiving Dinner.

Want to stuff the Thanksgiving turkey with some fresh herbs or chop some up for stuffing and are not sure which ones to use? Here are the four traditional herbs you should pick up and use in your cooking to really give it that authentic Thanksgiving aroma and taste!

1. Parsley

There are two types of parsley sold in the store: Flat-leaf and curly. Choose Italian flat-leaf parsley since it has a more pronounced flavor, although many people like to decorate with the curly variety. Strip the tender leaves off the stems before chopping them up, but you can always save the stems to flavor stocks and soups. Parsley is a great all-purpose herb to have around to add fresh, delicate flavor. Add the leaves into your dish at the last minute for the freshest flavor and brightest color.

2. Thyme

Thyme is one of my favorite herbs and the one I most associate with Thanksgiving. I especially love it in stuffing and to flavor the turkey. Thyme stems are woody, so you should strip the tender leaves off of them for cooking. Thyme benefits from some cooking time to bring out the oils and aromas of the leaves.

3. Rosemary

The piney scent and flavor of rosemary helps conjure images of Christmas trees and cozying up to the fire. A little goes a long way with rosemary, so err on the side of starting out with less and know that you can add more. Like thyme, the needle-like rosemary leaves should be stripped off the woody stems and chopped up finely, and they also benefit from some cooking time, especially since the coarse leaves aren't great eaten raw.

4. Sage

I love the feeling of soft, velvety sage leaves. Its leaves are extremely tender and have an aroma reminiscent of pine and eucalyptus, but again, make sure to strip the leaves off the tough stems first. Sage is a member of the mint family and pairs well with poultry, pork, and sausage, and it also pairs well with butternut squash and other sweet flavors.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

The Perfect Dessert

What is your holiday staple? We love baking apple pies for the holidays! However, baking a pie to have it crumble is something that no one wants to experience. We have gathered five baking tips to make the perfect apple pie every time. You can learn more at Apartment Therapy.





1. Using the wrong variety of apple.

When choosing apples for your pie, keep in mind that all apples were not created equal. Just because your favorite apple variety is perfect for eating out of hand, doesn't necessarily mean it's the best choice when it comes to making pie. Certain apple varieties, as well as overripe fruit, will break down quite a lot during baking, leaving you with mushy pie filling.


→ Follow this tip: Choose your apples with care. The best apples for baking provide a nice blend of sweet-tart flavor, and hold their shape well under high heat. Some of the best varieties for baking include, Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, and Honeycrip. It's also nice to use a blend of apples to vary the taste and texture of the filling.






2. Not chilling the pie dough.

Nothing beats tender, flaky pie crust. And, there's one key to making this happen every single time - chilling your pie dough. This step is important for two reasons — it re-solidifies the butter, and allows also the gluten to relax and de-activate. Not taking time to rest and chill the dough will result in pie crust that's tough and more likely to shrink during baking.


→ Follow this tip: When making pie crust, keeping it cold is the rule to live by, starting with using cold butter to prepare the dough. After making the dough divide it into two equal portions (assuming you're making a double-crust pie), form it into disks, cover each with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Then, chill the dough again after its been rolled and placed in the pie dish, before filling it. Also consider popping your fully assembled pie in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes before putting it on the oven.
3. Not using egg wash.

This last little step before the pie goes into the oven is so easy to overlook. Skipping this is also one of my pet peeves when it comes to double-crusted pie. Again, it's a small step and it doesn't affect the taste of the pie, so much as it affects its appearance. But, that's equally as important! Egg wash gives the pie crust a nice golden brown color and beautiful, glossy sheen.


→ Follow this tip: Whisk together 1 egg, plus 1 tablespoon of cream or milk, then brush over the top layer of dough once the pie is completely assembled.


4. Not pre-baking your pumpkin pie crust.

If you've got plans to bake a pumpkin pie, or any other custard-based pie, take note, because this is crucial. This step is also known as blind baking, and requires that the bottom crust be partially baked before the filling is added. Skip this and you'll find yourself with an soggy, under-baked pie crust that's totally inedible.


→ Follow this tip: Blind baking is necessary when making a custard pie, like pumpkin, and when the pie filling doesn't get baked.

5. Cracked pumpkin pie.

Have you ever taken a perfect-looking pumpkin pie out of the oven, only to have the center cracked once the pie cools? This is the result of overcooking. Even though the pie may not looked overcooked when it comes out of the oven, residual heat continues to cook the dessert, and the overcooked eggs are the cause of the crack.


→ Follow this tip: Remove the pie from the oven as soon as the filling sets, but before it completely firms up.

Veteran's Day Fact

We want to thank all of the veterans that have served our country. We can not thank you enough for the sacrifices you have made. Here are some facts about Veteran's Day that you may not know. You can learn more here.


Fun Fact #1:

Veterans Day was once known as Armistice Day. The term comes from an armistice between Germany and the Allied Nations on November 11, 1918 (Also known the armistice ending on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month). World War I actually ended on June 28, 1919, during the Treaty of Versailles. The first Armistice Day was acknowledged on November 11, 1919.

Fun Fact #2:

November 11 is both a State and Federal Holiday. (And yes, we’re still open.)

Fun Fact #3:

The original idea behind the celebrations for this holiday was parades and public meetings and also a brief suspension of businesses at 11:00 AM. This is true to this day as a number of parades are held across America as well as speeches are given.

Fun Fact #4:

On June 1, 1954, Armistice Day had its named changed to Veterans Day. This was due to a change in an act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, which made the 11th of November a legal holiday, known as “Armistice Day”. The primary purpose was to honor the veterans of World War I, but in World War II, there was a great immobilization of Veterans, thus changing its name of “Armistice” to “Veterans”.

Fun Fact #5:

Disney made films for during World War II, for each branch of the United States government.

Fun Fact #6:

Approximately 90% of Disney employees worked in the making of propaganda and training videos during World War II.

Fun Fact #7:

Today, there exists about 1.6 million female veterans.

Fun Fact #8:

Between 1971 and 1977, Veterans Day was celebrated on the fourth Monday in October. It was changed back to its original date, on November 11, 1978 due to a General R. Ford’s signing of Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479).

Fun Fact #9:

Arlington National Cemetery has ceremony on Veterans Day every year to honor those who died during times of war. The ceremonies are held around the Tomb of the Unknowns and at 11:00 AM, on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes “Present Arms” at the tomb.

Fun Fact #10:

Veterans Day falls on the same day as Remembrance Day and Armistice Day in other countries.

Fun Fact #11:

There is not supposed to be an apostrophe in Veterans Day. Still some spell it Veteran’s Day or Veterans’ Day.

Fun Fact #12:

Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran came up with the idea to honor all veterans on November 11, not just the ones who died in World War I.

Fun Fact #13:

On November 11, 1921, an American soldier was buried at the national cemetery in Arlington. His identity was unknown (and his grave site is what we know as today as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier). Every year on November 11, the president or a high-ranking member of the government lays a wreath on his grave.

Fun Fact #14:

In a 2009 report, there were estimated to be 21.9 million veterans.

Fun Fact #15:

The median income for veterans in 2009 was approximately $35,000 a year.

Fun Fact #16:

Many people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day. Memorial Day is primarily remembered for those died during their service to our country, particularly ones who died as a result of battle. Veterans Day is to acknowledge primarily all those served in the military, either during wartime or peacetime.

Fun Fact #17:

Some schools close on Veterans Day and some stay open. There is no legal requirement for a school to close or to stay open, as individual schools districts or states are free to establish their own policies.

Fun Fact #18:

The word veteran comes from the nomenclature of the old English language, meaning old, experienced soldier.

Fun Fact #19:

The first use of the word, veteran came to use in 1789, in the English language when referring a former member of the armed forces or an ex-serviceman. The extended meaning of the word goes back to someone who has served a longtime in any position.

Fun Fact #20:

California has more U.S. military veterans than any other state.

I hoped you enjoyed these fun facts about Veterans Day and for all those veterans out there, living or dead, we proudly support you.

Make The Perfect Pie Crust

The holiday season is quickly approaching. What do you like to make for those family dinners at the end of the year. We have provided you some tips on how to make the perfect pie crust. This crust will be delicious and perfect for your favorite pie. You can learn more at The Kitchn.


1. Blind Bake

The most common way to ward off a soggy pie crust is by a process called blind baking. Blind baking means you pre-bake the crust (sometimes covered with parchment or foil and weighed down with pie weights to prevent the crust from bubbling up) so that it sets and crisps up before you add any wet filling.

You can fully blind bake a pie until it's completely cooked, which you have to do when adding a cooked filling like custard or mousse, or you can partially bake the crust before adding the filling and finishing the baking. In either case, blind baking goes a long way in keeping everything nice and crisp!



2. Brush With Egg

Another way to prevent a soggy crust is to basically seal the surface of it to make a barrier between the crust and the filling. Brushing the surface of the unbaked crust with beaten egg or egg white mixed with water before adding the filling means that as it bakes, the proteins in the egg will form a moisture barrier over the crust and provide a layer of protection.
3. Brush With Chocolate

Along the same vein as brushing unbaked crust with egg to make a moisture barrier is the tasty method of brushing blind-baked crust with chocolate to make things even crispier. Let your fully blind-baked crust cool completely, then brush with melted chocolate and let that set before adding your filling. Not only do you end up with a super-crisp crust, but you get a sweet bonus layer of chocolate too!
4. Bake on a Hot Baking Sheet

Pie crust gets light, flaky and crisp when the heat of the oven melts the little nubs of fat inside the crust quickly and so that they form steam that puffs the crust up. You want that process to happen quickly so that the crust sets before the filling has much of a chance to seep in and make things soggy. Place a baking sheet in the oven as it heats, then place your pie dish directly on that hot baking sheet — this little extra boost of heat will do wonders in terms of getting the crust to cook and set quickly.

5. Keep Moisture Out

One of the easiest ways to prevent a soggy pie crust is to keep the moisture out in the first place. Toss your fruit with sugar, let it sit for awhile so the juices start to come out, then strain out those juices. You can discard those juices or boil them down into a syrup that gets tossed back in with the fruit before baking.

And if you're doing a double-crust fruit pie, don't forget to cut a little circle in the middle or slits in the top crust — it's important to create a vent where steam from the filling has a chance to escape instead of settling into the crust.

Things to Pay Attention To After Vacation

Did you recently travel? There are so many things that you can learn from coming back from vacation. Make sure to pay attention to how you feel when you walk back into your home. Keep reading and you can learn more below. Check out Apartment Therapy for more information.



How Your Home Smells

Our bodies are wired to get used to familiar smells; if a particular scent doesn't pose a threat, your brain likes to ignore it and focus on other things. This kind of "nose blindness" is in effect in your home, too. Coming back home after a long trip away gives you a chance to smell your home like a guest would, and take action against pet odors or a musty scent that you might regularly ignore.



How to Get Your Best Sleep

Staying over in a new place gives you an opportunity to hit reset on your sleep habits. An unfamiliar bed or free reign over a hotel thermostat can make you more mindful of the things that make a good or bad night's rest for you at home. When you return from your lesson, do some homework. Swap out your sheers for blackout curtains and turn the temperature way down without guilt.

The Basics of A Streamlined Wardrobe


As you're packing a few days' worth of clothes into a carry-on bag, you'll inevitably have to make some sacrifices (especially for me; I like having options). Yet living out of a suitcase somehow makes getting dressed in the morning easier. A vacation away from home will teach you a bit about being a closet minimalist, and show you which versatile wardrobe basics are worth holding on to.

Halloween Recipe

Do you want a quick delicious Halloween treat for the weekend? Martha Stewart has come up with some delicious crackers to make for your Halloween festivities. Try this recipe, and let us know what you think! You can learn more here.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Fun Fact: 

Jack o’ Lanterns originated in Ireland where people placed candles in hollowed-out turnips to keep away spirits and ghosts on the Samhain holiday. Learn more here.

Reilly's Farm for the Harvest Festival

This weekend head to Reilly's Farm in the North Hills for their annual Harvest Festival. The event is being held every Saturday and Sunday in October from 10am-4pm. The event has food, entertainment, games, and rides. You can learn more at Living Pittsburgh.


Every Saturday and Sunday in October from 10am until 4pm, Reilly’s Summer Seat Farm in the North Hills holds it’s annual Harvest Festival for just $6.50 per person.

Take a hay ride to the Pumpkin Patch to pick your own pumpkin. After that, you can head to the New Boo Barn with added excitement, the Cornstalk maze, Marshmallow roast, Balloon Typhoon, Pedal Go Carts, and much, much more. Visit the website for specifics.

Wagons depart every 15-20 minutes between the hours of 10am – 4pm. Children under 1 are free, and pumpkins from the patch are extra.

Reilly’s Summer Seat Farm
1120 Roosevelt Rd
Pittsburgh, PA , 15237
412-364-8270 or 412-364-8662

Pittsburgh Opera Season

The Pittsburgh Opera wants everyone to be able to enjoy the shows they produce every year. This is why they are including some new prices and shows for everyone in the tri-state area. This is perhaps one of the best deals in the city for the performing arts. You can learn more at Living Pittsburgh.



The Pittsburgh Opera is proving to our city that high caliber culture doesn’t always have to come with high ticket prices.

“As part of our ongoing mission to enrich Pittsburgh and the tri-state area, Pittsburgh Opera strives to make opera intellectually and financially accessible to a diverse audience, offering both high quality opera productions and several free community events throughout the season.”

In September of 2008, they moved their home to Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District into the building that was built as George Westinghouse’s original air brake factory in 1869. We caught a Brown Bag Concert Series performance last season and were lucky enough to get a personal tour of the massive facility thanks to Allison Ruppert, Marketing and Community Relations Manager at the Pittsburgh Opera. At 45,000 square feet, the building still manages to create an inviting sense of warmth and coziness, which is likely due to the pronounced “green” atmosphere. They are currently seeking LEED certification, and that should give us all yet one more reason to think that The Pittsburgh Opera rocks!

This is perhaps one of the best culture deals in the city, so do yourself a favor and check out some of these performances. You just can’t ask for a better ticket price!


Brown Bag Concert Series – FREE

In the George R. White Opera Studio at Pittsburgh Opera’s headquarters in the Strip District, friends, families and Pittsburghers of all ages are invited to enjoy intimate concerts of some of opera’s most popular arias as well as a mix of Broadway, musical theater and other surprises. These concerts are a wonderful opportunity for an informal introduction to opera. Guests can even meet the performers after the show!


Opera Up Close – $5

An in-depth look at the upcoming production, with the artists that make them happen at Pittsburgh Opera’s headquarters in the Strip District, at 2:00 PM on Sundays before the opening of each production.


Art Song Recital Series – $5

In the George R. White Opera Studio at Pittsburgh Opera, Art Song Recitals are high-level, one-hour performances of art song literature by the Resident Artists of Pittsburgh Opera. These recitals are free and open to the public. The Pittsburgh Opera Guilds from Sewickley, Fox Chapel, South Hills and the City serve as reception hosts at these events.

Here is their full listing of FREE performances for the 2014-15 season.P

Soergel Orchards Fall Festival

Make sure to head to Soergels before October 26th.  You can participate in their fall festival.  This annual event includes games, food, and pumpkins!  You can learn more at Living Pittsburgh.

Event: Soergel Orchards Fall Festival

Location: Soergel Orchards, 2573 Brandt School Road, Wexford, PA 15090

Date: Saturdays & Sundays September 20 through October 26, 2014

Time: 11am – 5pm

Cost: FREE (items and additional activities available for purchase)

Description: Starting this weekend and throughout October, Soergel Orchards is holding Fall Festivals each weekend. Pick out a pumpkin (additional cost), enjoy kid’s activities, games, hayrides, great food (additional cost) and more! Each ticket is $1, with activities ranging from 1 ticket to 5 tickets. The pirate ship and tiny town play areas, the straw sack, and visiting the farm animals are free. Many activities are only 1 ticket!


More info online at : http://soergels.com/events/fall-festival/


Soergel Orchards2573 Brandt School Road

Wexford, PA 15090

724-935-1743

Secret Uses for Wax Paper

We love secret uses for everyday household items. There are many items in your home that can be used for more than one purpose. Here are ten great uses for wax paper in your home. There are problems on this list that wax paper can solve easily! You can learn more at Apartment Therapy.



Add wax paper to the long list of items with surprising applications and usefulness well beyond their original purpose. Wax paper (as opposed to parchment paper) has a thin layer of wax on each side, and was designed to keep food fresh longer. Its both water resistant and non-stick — two attributes that make this handy item versatile and helpful, even outside the kitchen.



Rub a sheet on the teeth of a zipper to discourage snags.


Roll it up and insert in the neck of a bottle, and use as an impromptu funnel. The wax keeps the paper stiff.

Rub it on bathroom and kitchen faucets to both buff the metal, and make them more resistant to future water spots.

Layer the tops of kitchen cabinets with the stuff, and replace every so often instead of dusting that hard-to-dust spot.

If you have a door that stubbornly sticks, rub the edges to keep it from jamming as much.

Keep wooden salad bowls and cutting boards in good shape by giving them an extra layer of wax protection.

Protect the fridge from spills by covering the shelves. It makes it infinitely easier to clean.

Lost your wine cork after opening a bottle? Make an plug out of a wad of paper, and stick it right in there.

Cover bowls and plates when you use the microwave to prevent splatter.

If your shower curtain has trouble moving over its rods without squeaking or catching, a light rub with wax paper will help it move smoother.

Use it as drawer liner in your dresser.

Before you close up paint cans, add a sheet over the top of the paint to keep skin from forming.

Swipe non-stick appliances , to give it a little more non-stickiness.

Wrap up paint brushes to keep them from drying out in between coats.

If you have drafty windows in winter, use it to plug up holes. Again, the wax wards off precipitation.

Wrap up any delicate fabrics when you store them. The wax keeps out light and keeps colors from fading or turning yellow.

If you are out of kindling, wax paper makes a good fire starter.

Five Tips On Non Stick Cookware use

Are you cooking with non stick cookware? These five tips will help you preserve your cookware and make it last longer. Make sure to avoid making these mistakes when cooking your favorite dish. Keep reading and you can learn more at The Kitchn.


1. Cooking over high heat
Cooking over high heat should be avoided for a few reasons. First, the higher temperatures are bad for the nonstick coating on the cookware. Over time exposure to high heat will deteriorate the surface. Also, depending on the type of nonstick coating on your pan, cooking over high heat can lead to the release unhealthy, potentially toxic vapors.

→ Follow this tip: Cook over low and medium heat with nonstick cookware.

2. Using nonstick cooking spray
Using nonstick cooking spray on nonstick cookware is a big no-no. Here's the problem with it — after a while your pan will get a sticky buildup of the spray that doesn't burn off during cooking. This usually happens around the sides of the pan. Scrubbing this sticky film off takes some serious elbow grease and doesn't happen very easy.

→ Follow this tip: Use whole fats, like oil or butter, instead of cooking spray.

3. Failing to season your pan
Just like cast iron, it's helpful to preseason and re-season your nonstick cookware. Not only will this help your pan last longer, it will also improve the way food cooks in it.

→ Follow this tip: To preseason your pan, simply rinse and completely dry, then use a paper towel to rub about a teaspoon of oil (any type will do) around the inside of the pan. It's also a good idea to re-season the pan by rubbing it will a small amount of oil each time before using it.



4. Using sharp or abrasive objects anywhere near your nonstick pan
This goes for both cooking and cleaning. Using sharp objects like, knives or metal spatulas to stir food or remove it from the pan, along with things like steel wool for cleaning, can scratch and damage the coating on the pan. Once the coating on nonstick pans starts to peel or gets pitted, it's best to replace them.

→ Follow this tip: For cooking, stick with wooden spoons or silicone spatulas for stirring food. When it comes time to clean, use a soft dishrag or non-metallic sponge or brush.

5. Cleaning nonstick cookware in the dishwasher
True, many nonstick pans claim to be dishwasher safe, but the super hot water and harsh detergents aren't good for the nonstick coating. Over time this will cause the pan's coating to deteriorate much faster than washing by hand.

→ Follow this tip: Wash non-stick cookware by hand. It will help your pans last a lot longer.

Have Priced Pizza

Pizza is a staple no matter how old you are. However, that does not mean you need to pay a lot for a good pizza. Pittsburgh has some great half priced pizza deals throughout the week. You can learn more at Living Pittsburgh.







1/2 Priced Pizza Time!


If you’re looking for half-priced pizzas in Pittsburgh then look no further because we’ve started (yes, just started) our list of local half priced pies. Of course we always love to add to our lists, so if you know of other great half priced pizza deals, please send them our way at info@livingpittsburgh.com.

Joe Mamas – half priced pizzas daily from 4-5pm, dine in only
3716 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 621-7282

Fuel & Fuddle – half priced pizzas from 11pm until 1am every day
212 Oakland Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 682-3473

Lupi’s Famous Pizza – BOGO pizzas (even the toppings)
2311 Babcock Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
(412) 931-0666



Juliano’s – half priced pizzas on Mondays. Dine in only. Excludes gourmet pizzas
5476 Steubenville Pike
Robinson Township, PA 15136
(412) 787-2959

Bites and Brews – half priced small pies Monday through Friday from 5pm until 7pm
5750 Ellsworth Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
(412) 361-4425

Sharp Edge Beer Emporium - half priced 9 inch pizzas from 5pm until 7pm Monday through Friday. Dine in only.
302 S. St. Clair Street
Pittsburgh PA 15206
(412) 664-3537

Elements Contemporary Cuisine - half priced pizza during happy hour M-F 4pm until 6pm. Dine in only.
444 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 251-0168

Lets Go Bucs!

Are you ready for the Pirates versus Giants Wild Card game tomorrow?  The Pirates are in the playoffs again.  Volquez will be the starting pitcher.  Will you be watching or attending the game?

Here’s how far Edinson Volquez has come in one year: Last season he posted a 5.71 ERA and allowed the most earned runs in the league. This season the Pirates just chose him to start the Wild Card playoff game Wednesday against the Giants … and it’s not even a crazy decision.

Pittsburgh going with Gerrit Cole in Game 162 of the regular season rather than holding him back was worth debating, but once that decision was made Volquez is a deserving choice after throwing 193 innings with a 3.04 ERA. Not a bad return for a one-year, $5 million investment.

However, his secondary numbers weren’t nearly as good as his ERA and, as always with Volquez, control is a huge issue with 3.3 walks per nine innings, 14 hit batters, and a league-high 15 wild pitches.

You can learn more here.

Recipe for the Fall Weekend

Deep Fried Apple Fritters are a perfect dessert for the fall season. Do you have a party or dinner you need to go together this fall? This is the perfect recipe to bring. Do not let the deep fried scare you, this recipe is simple and delicious. You can learn more at The Kitchn.


Yes, they are deep fried. I decided to go against the current food blogging trend of baking donuts. I understand how, even aside from the calories, that the thought of deep frying is sort of scary for some of you. I get it — boiling oil, pitter-patter-splatter, equals hot painful burns. Yep, been there (don't be like me and multi-task deep frying with social media!).
Tips for a Better, Easier Fritter

Since this isn't the shortest recipe ever and it's a bit more advanced, I'm sharing some tips to make sure things move along smoothly for you.

I'll start with the apples: core, peel and chop your apples then submerge them in ice cold water with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to prevent them from browning. Push the apples down and place a piece of parchment paper on top so the apples don't bob above the surface of the water. You can do this the night before so the apples are ready to go when you're ready to fry.

And here's a shortcut for proofing the dough: Place an oven thermometer inside your oven and heat the oven to 100°F, then turn it off. Wait until the oven thermometer inside reads 90°F then place your bowl of dough inside. I use this method a lot in the winter when warm spots in the house can be hard to find, plus it speeds up the proofing in recipes like this. If you use this method, make sure you have an oven thermometer and the temperature in the oven does not exceed 90°F.

Now for the deep frying. You want to do your best and keep the oil at a steady 360°F. If it's too low, your fritters will absorb too much oil and become sodden; too high and the outsides will end up burnt, or worst — appear to be finished with a nice golden browning while the inside is still doughy.

A few deep frying rules!
Use the right tools: (1) a deep frying thermometer is a must for eliminating guess-work, (2) use an Asian-style spider spatula — not tongs — to remove the finished fritters. If you don't have a spider, a very wide slotted-spoon will also work so the fritter doesn't slip off and fall back in the oil with enough splash to splatter your tender skin.
Don't multi-task. See note above.
Minimize any splatter burns by being careful and not deep frying shirtless (guys), or in a tank top. I'm serious.
Start out only frying one or two fritters to get it down and establish and workflow pattern. Additionally, adjust any timing as needed to make sure your fritters are cooked through.

Sound good? Not too scared? You shouldn't be — apple fritters await. Now lets get started.

Glazed Apple Fritters


Makes 12 fritters



For the apple filling:
2 1/2 pounds (about 5 whole) Granny Smith apples
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

For the dough:
1 packet of active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
3 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup whole milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the glaze:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Prep the apples: Core, peel and chop apples into small pieces. Submerge them in ice cold water with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to prevent them from browning. Push the apples down and place a piece of parchment paper on top so the apples don't bob above the surface of the water. Set aside or refrigerate (for up to 24 hours) until ready to use.

Make the dough: Whisk together the yeast, 3 cups of the flour, sugar, salt and cinnamon in the bowl of a stand mixer. With a dough hook and the mixer on low speed, mix in the milk followed by the eggs. Continue mixing until the dough gathers into a ball around dough hook, 2 to 4 minutes.

Continue mixing the dough, and add in the butter one tablespoon at time. Allow each tablespoon of butter to combine into the dough before adding another. If dough starts to fall away from the dough hook, add the remaining 1/4 cup of flour 1 tablespoon at a time until dough comes back together before adding in next butter piece.

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turn to coat and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.

Make the apple filling while the dough rises: Heat the butter for the filling in a skillet over medium-high heat until butter turns brown and smells nutty. Drain the apples and add them to the pan with the butter. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, and cook until tender. Add in vinegar and cook until liquid is reduced by half. Set aside to cool.

Assemble the fritters: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle. Starting from the end closest to your body, scatter 3/4 of the apples over the surface of the dough then roll it up in a long tube.

Now rotate the tube of dough so that it's perpendicular to your body. Flatten the tube slightly, then scatter the remaining apples over the surface. Roll up the tube like a snail's shell — the finished dough will look like a large ball.

Using a rolling pin, roll out the apple-filled dough ball to a 1/2-thick rectangle. Some apples may pop out — don't worry if they do, just set them aside and pop them back in where you can. Use a bench scraper to cut the dough into 2 1/2-inch squares to make 12 fritters. Use your hand to and pull the four corners of each square towards the center. Again, don't worry about any apples falling out or if they are exposed. Pinch dough together if necessary to create a rough circle.

Place the shaped fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet and loosely cover with plastic wrap. Let rise for about 30 minutes or until the fritters puff and almost double in size

Make the glaze: Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl. Stir in the milk and vanilla until smooth. Set aside; warm in the microwave in 10 second bursts if the glaze starts to harden.

Deep fry the fritters: Heat 6 to 7 inches of oil to 360°F a large Dutch oven. Meanwhile, line a wire rack with paper towels.

Carefully lower 3 to 4 fritters into the hot oil. Fritters will float and not sink. Fry on one side for 30 to 60 seconds or until golden brown, then flip the fritter and fry the other side for 30 to 60 seconds until golden brown. Remove fritter with a spider or slotted spoon, and drain on prepared wire rack. Repeat with the remaining fritters. (Between batches, make sure the oil temperature returns to 360°F and remove any floating pieces of dough or apples.)

Let fritters cool slightly, then brush the glaze on top. Serve immediately.

Wine Festival in Millvale

This weekend make sure to head to Millvale for the Harvest Moon Wine Festival. The festival is this Saturday from 5pm-8pm. There will be live entertainment, food, wine, and more. You can learn more at Living Pittsburgh.

Event: Harvest Moon Wine Festival (Enter ticket giveaway below!)
Location: Millvale Riverfront Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2014
Time: 5pm until 8 pm
Cost: $40 and $20 for food only
Description: The Borough of Millvale and The Millvale Borough Development Corporation will host the fifth annual Harvest Moon wine festival on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at the Millvale Riverfront Park. The event will feature a single session; 5-8 PM.

Tickets include wine, live entertainment by Etta Cox Band, fresh locally grown food, honey, tea, coffee, chocolates, desserts, specialty beers, and a bottomless souvenir logo tasting glass. Ticket cost is $40; designated drivers can purchase a food ticket for $20. Bike or kayak to the festival and receive a free gift. The Harvest Moon Wine Festival will be held at the Millvale Riverfront Park on the shore of the Allegheny River.

Western Pennsylvania wines will be featured along with live jazz, fresh prepared local food grown in Millvale and great wine pairings from our friends and partners. Wine by the bottle and case, merchandise and other sundries are offered by various vendors on a pay-per-item basis.

Monies raised will help the Nonprofit Millvale Borough Development Corporation stabilize, revitalize and rejuvenate Millvale’s neighborhoods, through the development of housing, and businesses. This is a 21 and over event.

Enter to win a pair of tickets by emailing us at info@livingpittsburgh.com. Subject title the email Harvest Moon. In the body, include your first and last name, contact email, and phone number. Winners will be selected and notified on Monday, September 22. You must reply to the email to claim tickets.

A Delicious Breakfast Every Morning

What is your breakfast routine like? If you are getting sick of the same food and coffee everyday, we have found a new recipe for you to try. These baked apple donuts are perfect for fall and will taste delicious with your favorite coffee. You can find more great recipes at The Kitchn.



What could be better than sitting around a morning fire, listening to the pop and crackle, while dunking an apple cider donut into a mug of spiced tea? Not much in my book. It's the simple act of sharing a special treat with friends that makes this time of year just precious—especially when you're tucking into something so quintessentially "Fall" like an apple cider donut! Here's an easy recipe for a seasonal favorite. No fryer required.

These doughnuts are baked instead of fried. Some purists may argue that these aren't "donuts" at all, merely cupcakes dressed in a ring–shaped form and I wouldn't entirely disagree. However, they are so much fun to eat and very reminiscent of a traditional, fried apple cider donut, that I say bake on!

When considering the preparation of a big batch of fried foods at home, the task just seems too messy and inconvenient for an impromptu morning project. By layering the apple cider flavors into a quick bread and baking them in donut form, you really get a similar effect without the fuss of large quantities of oil. These donuts are also much lighter, yet still packed with spice and apple flavor. After eating them I don't feel heavy and stomach achey as I do after the real thing.

Have you ever worked with a donut pan? Usually found in non-stick, they come in two sizes - mini and regular, they are handy to have on hand for occasions such as this. I used the regular size this time, but I find the mini donut pan to be pretty darn cute. You can pour any type of cake or quick bread batter into one of these and bake according to your original instructions and voila, a round of donuts is born!

Whether you are tired of cupcakes or just want to add some humor and fun to your baking repertoire, I highly recommend experimenting with a donut pan. A tray of these apple cider donuts make for great conversation and delight!

Baked Apple Cider Doughnutsmakes about 8 donuts, depending on size of your donut pan



2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 egg
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup apple butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup apple cider
1/3 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons canola oil (plus a little extra for greasing your donut pan)
powdered sugar for garnish

Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a donut pan.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In another large bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients (these are all your wet ingredients). Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture and whisk until just incorporated. Don't over-mix! A few lumps are okay; they won't show in the final product.

Spoon the batter into each donut mold until about 3/4 full. Bake for approximately 12 minutes and cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with tea, cider or black coffee.

5 Ways to Re-Energize Your Home

Are you bored with the rooms in your home? If you have had the same furniture layout or decor for years, maybe it is time you try to switch things up. These five easy tricks can give new life to your home. These are all ways to give your home a new look without breaking the bank. You can learn more at Apartment Therapy.

Often I find myself tempted to buy things for my home not because I actually need new things, but because I suffer from ennui. I suppose it's the human condition: a space which seems exciting and fresh one year can seem a little same old, same old the next. But there are plenty of ways to make a space feel fresh and re-energized without pulling out your wallet. If your home is feeling a little stale, try one of these five strategies for refreshing your home without spending a dime.

1. Get rid of things.
Earlier this year I got rid of about half my furniture. I was sort of forced into it: I was staging my house to sell, and everyone knows that a house looks bigger with less stuff in it. My house did look bigger, post-purge, but what surprised me the most was how much more I liked my house. (It almost made me not want to move after all!) Getting rid of furniture meant that the pieces that were left were ones I really liked, and that they had room to breathe.

So try this at home: go into a room, and pick out one piece that doesn't really need to be there. Or just get rid of a little bit of clutter. Bonus: if you sell your old things on Ebay or Craigslist, you can actually make money while improving your home.

2. Move furniture (and art!) from room to room.
When I shot Sarah Hazel's house tour, she gave me a bit of advice for keeping your home feeling fresh: "I think that furniture gets bored staying in the same place all the time. Rearrange often." Sure enough, the next time I visited her home, furniture, art, and tchotckes had wandered all over the place. Even though it was the same stuff, I felt like I was seeing these things for the first time.

So shake up your house with a little re-arranging. Move a rug from your bedroom into the living room. Hang a big painting in the bathroom. If you're feeling really bold, you could switch two rooms entirely. You'll feel like you have a whole new house, but it won't cost you anything (except maybe beer for your furniture-moving friends).

3. Finish a project you've been working on for a long time.
Everyone who is even slightly DIY-inclined has a dirty secret: at least one project that lies moldering in a cabinet or garage, waiting to be completed. Want your home to feel fresh and new? Finish it! You've already paid for the materials, and finishing that project will free up space, add something new to your home, and give you the satisfaction of completing something you started.

4. Do a deep clean.
Yeah, yeah. Cleaning is boring. But cleaning, especially when your home really needs it, is also deeply satisfying. Tidy up, do a deep clean, open up the windows for some fresh air, and you may feel like you have a whole new space.

5. Change your perspective.
Don't feel like moving furniture? You can always move you. As I write this, I am sitting on the same side of the dining room table that I always sit on. On the other side of the table, there is a whole half of a room that I have never experienced. I think we all get into these house ruts — sitting in the same spot on the sofa, sleeping on the same side of the bed. Try changing it up. You may see your home in whole new way.

Oktoberfest in Greentree

Just a few minutes from the city you can celebrate Oktoberfest in Greentree. Music, food, and activities start this Saturday at Greentree Park! You can learn more below and at the Greentree borough website!

New Movie Shooting in Pittsburgh

Are you a star chaser? Here is your chance to see two stars that are not that easy to find. Vin Diesel and Elijah Wood will begin to shoot a movie in Pittsburgh starting Friday. "The Last Witch Hunter" is going to film on the North Side and South Side. You can learn more at KDKA.




A movie starring Vin Diesel and Elijah Wood is starting production here in Pittsburgh this week.“The Last Witch Hunter” starts filming on the South Side on Friday. Greb’s Bakery on 27th Street has been under construction for the movie. The Pittsburgh Business Times says the production is bringing 600 jobs to Allegheny County. The producers are taking advantage of a $14 million taxcredit to film here.Production will prompt a street closing on the North Side Friday.
West North Avenue between Allegheny Avenue and Galveston will be closed all day.

Grab a Slice

Pizza is a staple no matter how old you are.  However, that does not mean you need to pay a lot for a good pizza.   Pittsburgh has some great half priced pizza deals throughout the week.  You can learn more at Living Pittsburgh.





1/2 Priced Pizza Time!


If you’re looking for half-priced pizzas in Pittsburgh then look no further because we’ve started (yes, just started) our list of local half priced pies. Of course we always love to add to our lists, so if you know of other great half priced pizza deals, please send them our way at info@livingpittsburgh.com.

Joe Mamas – half priced pizzas daily from 4-5pm, dine in only
3716 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 621-7282

Fuel & Fuddle – half priced pizzas from 11pm until 1am every day
212 Oakland Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 682-3473

Lupi’s Famous Pizza – BOGO pizzas (even the toppings)
2311 Babcock Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
(412) 931-0666



Juliano’s – half priced pizzas on Mondays. Dine in only. Excludes gourmet pizzas
5476 Steubenville Pike
Robinson Township, PA 15136
(412) 787-2959

Bites and Brews – half priced small pies Monday through Friday from 5pm until 7pm
5750 Ellsworth Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
(412) 361-4425

Sharp Edge Beer Emporium - half priced 9 inch pizzas from 5pm until 7pm Monday through Friday. Dine in only.
302 S. St. Clair Street
Pittsburgh PA 15206
(412) 664-3537

Elements Contemporary Cuisine - half priced pizza during happy hour M-F 4pm until 6pm. Dine in only.
444 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 251-0168

Strip District World Festival

In just two weeks, the annual Strip District World Festival will begin. Have you attended the festival held in Pittsburgh every year. This event includes music, entertainment, and food from around the world. This event has something for all ages, and it is a must see for every resident of Pittsburgh. You can learn more here.

The Festival

Join us for food, fun and music from around the world as the Strip District World Festival celebrates the cultures of Pittsburgh’s melting pot. In 2013 the top-notch entertainment included everything from reggae, Irish and Italian music to a Chinese lion dance and Bruce Springsteen and Rolling Stones tribute acts. Ethnic food as well as festival favorites ensure that no one goes home hungry. Stay tuned for this year’s entertainment schedule.


Friday September 12 – 6pm-9pm
Saturday September 13 – 12pm-9pm
Sunday September 14 – 12pm-7pm



What to Expect

Great music & entertainment
Ethnic food booths
Games & activities for kids
Sponsor booths and giveaways
Sidewalk sales
Plus much more!

Ditch the Phone, Get an Alarm Clock

Ditch the phone and start using an alarm clock in the morning. Many people use their phones for alarms, but there is evidence that this can hinder your sleep. You can learn more at Apartment Therapy.

For the last three years, I've been using my smartphone as an alarm. It seemed innocuous enough, until I came upon an alarm clock that I found quite cool and decided to try using it instead of my mobile. The results were surprising.


Here are five reasons I'm ditching my smartphone in the bedroom:

When your phone goes to bed with you, you spend your last few minutes before sleep staring at a glowing screen. This is bad for falling asleep. Most sleep doctors will tell you that you should have a full hour screen-free before trying to go to bed. This is partly because the glow is tough on your eyes, but it's also psychological.

Holding your phone first thing in the morning means you're probably going to do more than just turn off the alarm. I often found myself checking emails before I even brushed my teeth. That made my mornings feel rushed every single day, even when the emails weren't that important.

Middle of the night Facebook sessions are never OK. Whenever I found myself waking up in the middle of the night, I had a nearly never ending source of entertainment within arm's reach. If I couldn't fall asleep, I'd pull up the news or a game and soon I'd lose an hour and find myself even more wired than when I woke up.

Bed time should be private time between partners. Too many couples are letting their smart phones get in the way of private time in the bedroom. If you're spending more time Facebooking in bed than cuddling with your partner, it's time to change that habit.

It's not the best alarm clock, anyway. At the end of the day, the really light ringing noise that my phone put out in the morning just wasn't even as loud or effective as the real deal.


Do you allow smart phones in the bedroom? Are you using it as an alarm too? What are the pros and cons from your point of view?

Tomato and Garlic at Phipps

Do you love tomato and garlic? Then, this festival is for you. This Sunday head to Phipps Conservatory with a bag of food, and you receive free admission to this event. This is the tenth year of the festival and includes naturally grown produce from local farms. You can learn more below and check out Living Pittsburgh for more information.



Event: Red, Ripe & Roasted: Tomato & Garlic Festival

Location: The historic front lawn and in the Outdoor Garden at Phipps Conservatory, Oakland

Date: Sunday August 24, 2014

Time: 11 am until 4 pm

Cost: FREE to event & Phipps show w/ bag of food

Description: Join us to celebrate two of western Pennsylvania’s quintessential summer crops! On Aug. 24, our annual tomato and garlic festival, Red, Ripe & Roasted, returns for its tenth year of good food and family fun. Our historic and sustainably managed front lawn will come to life with a farmers’ market highlighting organic and Certified Naturally Grown produce from local farms; a tomato contest; cooking demos and tastings by Café Phipps and other festival participants; and fun activities for kids.

Always a seasonal highlight, Red, Ripe and Roasted is a foodie’s dream-come-true with a focus on fresh, local produce and its many culinary possibilities. Café Phipps will prepare and share a variety of delicious dishes to sample, and a farmers’ market highlighting organic and Certified Naturally Grown produce will give guests an opportunity to buy plenty of tomatoes and garlic to experiment with at home. Beloved garden writer and television/radio host Doug Oster — author of Tomatoes, Garlic, Basil — and food writer Miriam Rubin, author of Tomatoes, will also be in attendance to present some of their favorite recipes and sign copies of their books.

Come with a bag of fresh produce to donate to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, or purchase some fresh fruit and veggies onsite, and receive free admission to the festival and to Summer Flower Show andButterfly Forest during event hours. Don’t miss this great event for a great cause!

Visit Phipps Conservatory website for more details.

New Lasagna For Dinner

Are you looking for something new to try for dinner? We have a great recipe for you that will go over great with friends and family. You can find more great recipes at The Kitchn.

Cheesy All-Vegetable Lasagna
Serves 8 to 10

1 onion, diced small
1 (8-ounce) package baby bella mushrooms, diced small
1 small (12-ounce) eggplant, diced small
1 small zucchini or yellow squash, diced small
1 red bell pepper, diced small
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 teaspoon fresh oregano, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano)
Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
6-ounce package baby spinach
3 cups tomato sauce (or one 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes)
15 dry lasagna noodles (regular noodles, not no-boil)
2 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Warm a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until the onions are sweated and are just starting to turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms have released their liquid and most of that liquid has evaporated, 5 to 8 minutes more. Add the eggplant, zucchini and bell pepper, and cook until all are softened, another 3 to 5 minutes.

Clear a little space in the middle of the pan. Add another teaspoon of olive oil, the garlic, salt, and spices. Stir the garlic until it is fragrant and just starting to turn golden, about 30 seconds, then stir it into the vegetables. Scatter the spinach over the vegetables and stir until it is wilted, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the skillet of vegetables from the heat.

Spread a few spoonfuls of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9"x13" baking dish. Lay 5 of the lasagna noodles over top, breaking them if needed to create a single layer. Spread 1 cup of the ricotta over the noodles, then half of the vegetables, 1 cup of the tomato sauce, and 1 cup of the mozzarella. Arrange another 5 noodles over the top, followed 1 cup of ricotta, the remaining vegetables, 1 cup of the tomato sauce, and 1 cup of the mozzarella. Top this with a final layer of 5 noodles and the remaining sauce. 

Dot the top with the remaining 1/2 cup of ricotta. (Reserve the remaining mozzarella for the end of cooking.)

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour. Check to make sure the noodles are done by poking the lasagna with a knife; the knife should slide easily through all the layers. If it doesn't, cover and cook for another 15 minutes. When the noodles are done, sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella over the top of the casserole and bake, uncovered, until the mozzarella has melted, another 10 to 15 minutes.

Turn on the broiler and place an oven rack 6 inches below the heating element. Broil the lasagna until the mozzarella is browned and bubbling, 1 to 2 minutes.

Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. 

Leftovers will keep for 1 week in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

First Home Game of the Season

Will you be attending the first home game of the season this weekend?  The Steelers take on the Bills and a new team is not the only thing new at Heinz Field.   There are many new amenities that fans will get to enjoy this season.  You can learn more here.



A new scoreboard, wifi, and new hamburger choices highlight the list of new features.


It’s not going to take Steelers fans long to notice what is new at Heinz Field for 2014, as the bright new scoreboard in the Northwest corner of the stadium is a beacon for diehard fans and hard for anyone to miss.

The Steelers installed the 35-foot by 73-foot high-definition scoreboard this offseason and it will thoroughly enhance the game day experience for fans, showing game highlights, statistics and scores from around the league, and visible to those who can’t easily see the scoreboard in the South Plaza.

The Heinz Field grass field looked lush and green, ready for football, and will be re-

sod midway through the 2014 season and after the WPIAL Championship games.

But that isn’t all that’s new this year, and fans will be able to enjoy all of it when the Steelers host the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, Aug. 16 for their first home game of the year.

Additions to the Heinz Field food menu always get fan’s taste buds going and this year they will be able to enjoy incredible burgers on a stick and gourmet artesian sausages in the clubs and concourses, my favorite the carved turkey and pasta-stuffed meatballs in the clubs all prepared by Aramark and Burgatory sliders and milkshakes in the suites.

The highlight of the new menu is Aramark’s Emperor (Chuck Noll) Gourmet Burger on the main concourse, named for the legendary Steelers’ coach that passed away this offseason. And it got rave reviews from those who tasted it during the “What’s New at Heinz Field” tour on Tuesday. Fans will also be able to enjoy personal pan pizzas from Fox’s Pizza on the main concourse and the D-Line Burger in the club, and you might want to bring a defensive lineman along with you to finish it.

“Every year we sit down and look at items we eat every day and think how can we make it in the stadium and get it to the guests the way it would be on your dining room table,” said Aramark Executive Chef John DiMartini. “We’re trying to make this fun food, different ways to do things, fun novelty ideas. Once the season is over we start talking about ideas for the next year.”


While fans are enjoying the latest culinary delights they can follow the Steelers on the mobile app, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram thanks to Wifi that is now available in the FedEx Great Hall and West Main Concourse. Clubs and suites also have free Wifi, and customer service reps will be stationed throughout Heinz Field to deal with issues.

Another feature this season is the Bud Light Deck, located under the Northwest Scoreboard. The deck is a private area and tickets will be distributed by Bud Light through retail activations, customer events, contests and promotions.

Heinz Field will also host the Joe Greene jersey retirement on Sunday, Nov. 2 when the Steelers play the Baltimore Ravens.

Other highlights for 2014 include:
- The Steeline Drum Line will entertain fans from the field level this season.
- Digital menu boards have been added to the club level, in both the East and West Clubs, to enhance the ordering process.

Carload Sale at Idewild

Do you want to go to a few amusement parks this summer?  You can gather your friends in a car and head to Idewild for their August Carload sale.  Keep reading and check out Living Pittsburgh for more details!


One of the best discount opportunities of the season! Bring from 3 to 8 people to Idlewild in whatever vehicle you drive, and get everyone in for $99.99 when you present a coupon available at participating Giant Eagle locations.(Must redeem coupon at entrance gate for discount). SAVE AN ADDITIONAL $4.00 per car when you present your Giant Eagle Advantage Card with your coupon. Carload days are: August 11-15 and 18-20, 2014 That’s a savings of $211.93 off of 8 regular $38.99* admissions. All guests must be present and in same vehicle at time of coupon redemption.

*Plus Amusement Tax.