Holidays In The City

Image From Pixabay

Pittsburgh is a beautiful city. We have a gorgeous skyline and a bustling restaurant scene. There are always a ton of events going on in the city and the surrounding areas. This month is no different. With the holidays coming up on us, there are sure to be tons of things going on. Pittsburgh has what you need:

Before the holidays, you can brush up on your hot holiday drink repertoire with Wigle Whiskey. Join them as they teach you some delicious holiday cocktails that will shake the winter chill out of anyone. Swing by for a free hot toddy, mulled cider or spiked cocoa. The event is free so stop by if you’re of drinking age.

Saturday the 28th you can enjoy a little storytelling. Yinz'r Scrooged is a family friendly comedy set in Pittsburgh during the holidays. This comedy is based off of Charles Dickens' classic The Christmas Carol. Buy your tickets online here.

If you’d like to feel a little fancy you can head to the Byham on for a holiday show to really get you into the spirit. A Musical Christmas Carol is an annual tradition from the Pittsburgh CLO. There are various dates and times through December that you can attend the show. This show is great for the entire family, and a perfect new tradition to start with loved ones. You can find out more information here. 

Everyone is getting all geared up for the brand new Star Wars movie, coming out December 18th. But if you didn’t manage to snag yourself tickets to opening night (it’s okay, we didn’t either) you won’t want to miss the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s rendition of some of the most popular tunes from the franchise. Show up when doors open at 5:30 for Star Wars music played by a 14 piece trombone choir. The real show isn’t until 7 so you have plenty of time to get a drink and enjoy the opening act. Get your tickets here.

Thanksgiving in Pittsburgh

Image From Pixabay

The holiday season starts tonight in Pittsburgh. Light Up Night is the official start of holiday activities all throughout the city. As everyone starts to get into the holiday spirit, Grandview Pointe is in the perfect location to watch the tree being lit. Here are a few more activities you can experience tonight or throughout the holiday season.

First, Macy's may be gone, but the windows will still live on at 6:30pm tonight. Various organizations including Macy's have chipped together to light up the windows in the old Kaufman's building. After you walk by the windows, head the the Clemente bridge for various performances throughout the night. These include recording artists JOJO and Mt. Lebanon native Daya.

Finally, end your night by heading to the point to see the 80 foot tall Duquesne Light Christmas Tree. The point will start its Santa celebration at 5pm with various performances throughout the day.

After Light Up Night, you can still enjoy many holiday activities downtown. The PPG Ice Skating Rink is open daily starting today. Make sure to check the website for times and fees.

After you are tired from skating, head to market square for a little holiday shopping. The People's Gas Holiday Market is up and running with unique and hand-made gifts from around the world. Each day there will be different entertainment as you walk through the shops around the inner square.

If you want to start a relaxing holiday tradition, Phipps Conservatory is where you need to be. The Winter Flower Show and Light Garden is open everyday from 5pm-11pm. As you tour the gorgeous lights through the conservatory, you can also see model trains and various flowers from around the world. You can also participate in a Toys for Tots drive by dropping your toy off at the conservatory until December 13th.

There are so many great events around Pittsburgh, that you will have something to do every weekend from now until New Years. What is your favorite Pittsburgh holiday event?


Sources:
PPG

Make Your Room Perfect

Image From Pixabay

Did you recently redecorate a room? This process can be time consuming and frustrating, if it is not coming out the way you want it to. This is why Apartment Therapy has some great tips on how to figure out why your room is not coming together. Try these six steps below and see if you can make your room the one you pictured in your head.


1. Compare it to your inspiration
Whether you tried to copy a room you saw on Pinterest piece by piece, have always just wanted a room that feels like Kelly Wearstler designed it or looked to a piece of art for color palette inspiration, go back to that inspiration and compare. What do you have in your room that's not in the inspiration? Whatdon't you have? It might be a case of you trying an extra element that's fighting the harmony of the original inspiration, or you may have forgotten to include a vital element that makes your inspiration work.

2. Try taking things out
Take out a big element. Yes, even something big like curtains. Now step back and look at the room again. Even if the room feels a little emptier, you might be able to see the potential of where the design needs to go. You might not be able to see what your room is missing because there's something that doesn't belong in there already, blocking your ability to see the room's potential.

3. Focus in on a spot, corner or wall that you do love
Why do you feel like that spot is working? What is it that you love? Take what's working and spread it out around the room a little more. Maybe it's a color you only used a touch of that could be maximized more in the space. Maybe it's a style of furniture you played around with on a small scale that the room could use more of. See what adding more of what you love in the room does to the feel of it.
4. Shake up your style
Grab something from another part of the home, from a friend's home or find a free thing — just make it something that seems surprising to add to the space. As we've mentioned before, sometimes bringing something that you think obviously doesn't go can produce one of two equally favorable outcomes: either it surprises the heck out of you by working in the space, or it points you in the right direction to go in by being so mismatched!


5. Take a picture (or two or three)
And then leave the room you're trying to figure out. Like, go to a coffee shop or somewhere else. Look at the photos you took on your phone and scroll through them. Look at the photos on a small scale; small thumbnails that let you see the whole space. Put some mental distance between the fact that this is a room you live in and see every day and instead view it like a room you'd be spotting on a blog somewhere. And then immediately listen to your gut on what you think the room might need (or need taken out).

6. Doodle
Those pictures you took earlier? Print them out if you can (or turn to a digital photo manipulating tool) and start doodling. Drawing patterns. Drawing furniture pieces. Squares where you think more art could go. Doodle stuff you wouldn't do in your right mind with actual items. That you can't do financially. Play. And when you hit on something that feels like it clicks, figure out how to make it work on your budget and in your space!

Who Loves Cookies?

Image From Pixabay

We love cookies almost as much as cookie monster. This is why October is one of our favorite times of year. This month you can enjoy Halloween, fall and National Cookie Month. We have found a great cookie recipe from The Kitchn to help celebrate one of our favorite times of the year. Comment on our Facebook page with your favorite cookie recipe!

Chunky Monkey Cookies

Makes about 36 cookies

3/4 cup walnuts

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon banana extract, optional for stronger banana flavor

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks (or 1 6.5-ounce chocolate bar, roughly chopped)

3/4 cup banana chips, roughly chopped (see Recipe Note)

Heat the oven to 375°F. Scatter the walnuts over a baking sheet and toast in the warming oven until fragrant, 10 to 15 minutes. Roughly chop the walnuts while they're still warm and set aside.

Combine the granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Mix with a spoon or spatula until thoroughly combined and no lumps of brown sugar remain. Add the softened butter to the bowl and work it into the sugar until you form a gritty, sugary paste. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, until no more egg whites remain. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Whisk together the salt, baking soda, and flour in a small bowl. Add this to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl, and stir gently until you've formed a thick dough and you see no more dry flour. Add the chocolate chunks, banana chips, and chopped walnuts, and use a folding motion to incorporate them into the dough. It's OK if some of the chunky pieces fall out.

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure to portion ping pong ball-sized gobs of dough (roughly 2 tablespoons) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced an inch or so apart. If any chunky pieces fell out while you were making the dough, press them gently into the tops of the cookies (or just use some extra leftover pieces if you'd like a chunkier appearance!). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies look puffed and the edges are turning a darker shade of toasty brown.

Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. As they cool, the cookies will collapse into craggy, cracked, chunky cookies. Continue baking the cookies in batches until all the dough has been used.

These cookies are best the day they are made, but will keep in an airtight container for about a week.

Recipe Notes

Finding banana chips: Look for banana chips in the bulk bin section of grocery stores, or along with the dried fruits. (I found the banana chips for this recipe at Trader Joe's.)

Freezing cookie dough: To freeze unbaked cookie dough, portion the cookies out onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer container. Freeze for up to 3 months. See here for more details: How To Freeze Cookie Dough.

Care Packages

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Whether you are sending a care package to a family friend or a college student, they are always appreciated. Food was always a good choice when choosing what to put in a care package. Apartment Therapy has some great recipes for you to remember when planning you next shipment.



It's been a while since I was in college, but when it comes to care packages, I'm quite sure things haven't changed very much.

A few favorite store-bought things are always nice, but the very best things will always be freshly made snacks and treats. They're a nice reminder of home and help fuel late-night study sessions and tough exams.

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1. Smoked Almond Snack Bars

This recipe for nutty, KIND-inspired snack bars is for those of you who prefer savory over sweet when the afternoon doldrums have you yawning.
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2. Muesli Snacking Cookies

These baked gems are a play on classic oatmeal cookies. A few fun ingredient swaps make them healthier and even more delicious.
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3. Birthday Cake Popcorn

You don't need a birthday to celebrate with this festive treat! It's sweet, salty, and covered with sprinkles — you can't go wrong!
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4. Sweet and Savory Roasted Cashews

Take your pick: sweet or salty. Neither recipe takes more than a few minutes to bring together, and they're both perfect study snacks.
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5. Peanut Butter & Chocolate Energy Bars

These bars slip into that magical niche of snacks that seem — and taste — like candy but are still, at least ostensibly, healthy. They are made without refined sugar, require zero cooking, and can last in a backpack all day.
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6. Banana Bread

Whether your favorite college student eats this as breakfast or an afternoon snack, one thing is certain: it's gonna go fast.
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7. Cherry Pistachio Granola Clusters

This right here is "snacking granola." We're talking about big, chunky clusters of lightly sweet granola studded with pistachios and dried cherries.
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8. Chocolate Chip Cookies from Scratch

Classic chocolate chip cookies are timeless — and they just might be the very best thing you could find when you open a care package.
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9. Hazelnut & Cherry Whole-Grain Crackers

These homemade hazelnut and cherry crackers are such a great on-the-go snack. Plus, they're easy to make and stay fresh for weeks.
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10. Pumpkin-Spiced Caramel Corn

If you just can't resist the pumpkin spice craze, this lightly spiced caramel corn will be right up your alley.

Fall In Pittsburgh

Image from Pixabay

Fall is here and that means it is time to bundle up and enjoy the city. There are plenty of fantastic fall art exhibits around the city this time of year. Keep reading to learn about what events are coming throughout October and November. You can learn more at the Post Gazette. 


CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ART: “She Who Tells a Story: Women Photographers from Iran and the Arab World” continues through Sept. 28; “Jacqueline Humphries” through Oct. 5; and “CMOA Collects Edward Hopper” through Oct. 26. “HACLab Pittsburgh: Imagining the Modern” opens Sept. 12 and “Hot Metal Modern,” Sept. 26. Look for the big Christmas trees and the Neapolitan Presepio in December. (412-622-3131)

THE ANDY WARHOL MUSEUM: “Warhol By the Book,” Andy’s book works, opens Oct. 10 and continues through Jan. 10 with accompanying programs including food historian Susan Rossi-Wilcox (Nov. 7), art historian Lucy Mulroney (Nov. 14) and author nephew Jamie Warhola (Dec. 5). (412-238-8300)

THE FRICK ART MUSEUM: “Forbidden Fruit: Chris Antemann at Meissen®,” work by the internationally known ceramist and Johnstown native created in residence at the German artCAMPUS of famed porcelain house Meissen. Opens Oct. 2, continuing through Jan. 10. (412-371-0600)

MATTRESS FACTORY: Part II of “Factory Installed” opens Sept. 18 and will stay, with already installed Part I, through May 31. The ongoing house-sized installation “Chiharu Shiota: Trace of Memory” marks its second year this month. (412-231-3169)

PITTSBURGH FILMMAKERS: ‘In the Air: Visualizing what we breathe,” photographers Brian Cohen, Scott Goldsmith, Lynn Johnson and Annie O’Neill look at air quality in Western Pennsylvania through the people and places effected, opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 17 (through Feb. 26). (412-681-5449)

PITTSBURGH CENTER FOR THE ARTS: “2015 Artist of the Year: Dennis Marsico;” “2015 Emerging Artist of the Year: Seth Clark;” “Printmaking 2015,” a group show juried by Kim Beck; and “Precarious Balance” by Talia Greene and “TIME TRAVEL” by Myung Gyun You, both from the Center for Visual Artists in Philadelphia. All exhibitions through Nov. 1. (412-361-0873)

SOCIETY FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT: “Mindful: Exploring Mental Health Through Art” brings together the resources of an art exhibition, programming and community partnerships to debunk stereotypes and explore creativity’s healing power. The opening weekend includes a reception Sept. 18; dialogue with the artists and the Pittsburgh premiere of the Depressed Cake Shop Sept. 19 (through March 12). (412-261-7003)

WOOD STREET GALLERIES: Exhibitions of work by videographer, photographer, sculptor and performer Hetain Patel and photographer Nandini Valli Muthiah open Sept. 25 during the quarterly Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Gallery Crawl and continue through Dec. The exhibitions are part of the Trust’s “India in Focus” programming, as are those at the following three venues. (412-471-5605)

SPACE: Four artists use contemporary technology and methods of art production while embracing aspects of traditional Indian visual culture, Sept. 25 - Nov. 22.

707 PENN GALLERY: “Birth Series,” photographs by Gauri Gill, through Nov. 29.

709 PENN GALLERY: “A Million Marks of Home,” installation by Sarika Goulatia, through Nov. 29.

SILVER EYE CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY: “Dandy Lion: (Re)Articulating Black Masculine Identity” opens from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 18 with a curator’s talk at 6:30 p.m. (412-431-1810)

THE PITTSBURGH GLASS CENTER: “Indagare,” an exhibition and installation created by seminal contemporary glass artist Therman Statom while in residency this summer, opens from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 2, continuing through Jan. 19. (412-365-2145)

MILLER GALLERY AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY: “Aftersound: Frequency, Attack, Return,” sound as a medium of contemporary art, through Nov. 22 with a performance and reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 25. (412-268-3618)

HUNT INSTITUTE FOR BOTANICAL DOCUMENTATION: “The Mysterious Nature of Fungi” opens with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 17 including brief curators’ talk (through Dec. 17). (At CMU, 412-268-2434)

WESTMORELAND MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART: The Grand Reopening Celebration includes VIP and Dance Parties Oct. 24, and a free Community Day Oct. 25. In addition to reinstallation of the collection in the new galleries, exhibitions opening are “A Collector’s Passion: Selections from the Richard M. Scaife Collection Bequest,” through Feb. 14; and “All About Color and Geometry: Selections from the Diana and Peter Jannetta Gift of Art” and “Making The Westmoreland Museum of American Art,” both through April 17. (724-837-1500)

SAINT VINCENT GALLERY: “Monk­-Artists of Saint Vincent” runs through Oct. 5. Artist Roman Verostko will give the Threshold Lecture, “From Art by Hand to Art by Code,” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22, followed by a reception for his exhibition “Algorithmic Transformations” (through Nov. 23). “Striking Images: Lifetime Work of [photographer] Terry Deglau” opens with a 6 to 8 p.m. reception Dec. 4. (At Saint Vincent College, Latrobe; 724-805-2107)

SOUTHERN ALLEGHENIES MUSEUM OF ART: Highlights of exhibitions at the four SAMA branches are:

Large solo shows by regional art stars Kevin Kutz (through Oct. 10) and Kathleen Cochran Zimbicki (through Dec. 5) continue at Loretto, where a “Bubbles and Brie” artists reception will be held Sept. 17 ($25, reserve by Sept. 14). Arriving Oct. 23 are Mohawk Nation artist Will Espey and feminist pioneer Cynthia Nixon, and the late Adolf Dehn’s Pennsylvania scenes, Dec. 11. (1-814-472-3920). The 7th Paint Out will be held Sept. 18-20 concluding with an exhibition and sale at Ligonier Valley; the Southwestern Pennsylvania Council for the Arts 20th annual juried exhibition of regional art opens with a Nov. 21 reception (through Feb. 7). (724-238-6015). Leonard Baskin prints from the permanent collection are at Altoona through Jan. 16, and the Annual Juried Exhibition of regional artists arrives Sept. 25 through Jan. 9. (1-814-946-4464) The Allied Artists of Johnstown 83rd Annual is at Johnstown through Dec. 11 (1-814-269-7234).

BUTLER INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN ART: California artist Gisela Colon will attend a 1 to 3 p.m. artist reception Sunday sept. 13 to open an exhibition of her Glo-Pod series, large color and light filled wall sculptures made of molded and layered acrylic (through Dec. 31). “California Impressionism” arrives Oct. 4, though Nov. 29. (Youngstown, Ohio, 330-743-1107).
]

Mythbusters: Home Edition

Image From Pixabay

We all have the myths that we believe about apartment living. However, many of these myths are false. Living in an apartment has some great benefits and with a little creativity you can do everything in an apartment that you can do in a house. Apartment Therapy is here to bust those apartment myths that you have always believed.

Myth: You can't share a small space

Think you have to live solo if you're calling a studio or small space home? Not so! Plenty of couples, housemates and families have created the room they need in a small home. The trick seems to be customized storage, regular decluttering, good communication and a way to mentally "get away" from the person or persons you're sharing your small space with when you need some alone time. Not convinced? Check out real-life examples of multiple people making it work in small homes:


→ Inspiration for Livin' Large In Small Family Homes
Myth: You can't entertain in a small space

We're not saying it's super easy to entertain when you have a super small space, but it's not impossible. You can always rearrange your home to fit a dining table (or temporary table) in the living room (using the sofa for one side of eating and chairs from around the house on the other sides). Or you can just feature a bunch of plates and trays of snack food sprinkled around your small space as guests mingle around.


→ How to Entertain Big in a Small Space
Myth: Bigger is always better

There's the false notion that having more room is always the best choice. Like if you have the choice between a big home and a small home (and could afford both), why wouldn't you choose the bigger option? Take it from me and my personal experience, yeah it's luxurious to have a lot of room and extra bedrooms for guests, but it's also a lot more room to fill up with stuff and more square feet to keep clean. Nancy also shares why she's learned to love living small:


→ How Living in a Tiny Apartment Made Me Happier and Saner
Myth: All your furniture has to be small to match

It's true, you have to consider proportions and balance when you're bringing in furniture to your small home. And there are some instances where keeping the furnishings small can really help a small home feel airy and open. But it's not the law. You can totally sneak a sectional in a tiny living room or have a bedroom that's all bed if you're going for a cozy vibe.


→ Trick of the Trade: Sectional Sofas in Small Spaces
Myth: You can't fit hobbies or work in a small space

Feel like you can't do anything fun in your small space because you've got to make room for like, living? Not true! You can fit a small workspace and a little storage in even the smallest of homes to give yourself a work surface and a dedicated spot for work or hobbies. Like anything, you've just got to declutter the spot regularly so it doesn't take over the rest of your space.


→ Yes, You Can Fit A Home Office Into Your Tiny Home
→ How To Sneak a Home Office into ANY Room
Myth: You have to be a minimalist to live in a small space

Hey, the less stuff you have, the easier it is to live in just about any sized space. But you don't have to consign yourself to a minimalist lifestyle to live in a small space if it's not your thing. You've just got to get creative to customize your small space so it works for your lifestyle (and yes, maybe declutter regularly so you don't have too much stuff).

Let's Go Steelers!

Image From Wikimedia and Andy

The Steelers had a rough start against the New England Patriots. However, they are ready to take on the San Francisco 49ers this week. We are hoping to bring back a win at our first home game of the 2015-2016 season. What do you think the Steelers need to do to win this game? Learn more about the game at the Bleacher Report.

The San Francisco 49ers travel well, and the further from home they get the more profitable they've been. In fact, the Niners are 10-0 both straight up and against the spread in their last 10 regular-season games played in the Eastern Time Zone. San Francisco makes the first of four trips this season to the east when it visits Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers Sunday afternoon.

Point spread: The Steelers opened as 6.5-point favorites; the total was 45 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)

NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 25.9-23.0 Steelers

Why the 49ers can cover the spread

Reports of the Niners' demise may have been greatly exaggerated. San Francisco began the post-Harbaugh era Monday night with a 20-3 victory over Minnesota, winning outright as a two-point home dog.

The Niners outrushed the Vikings by a 230-71 margin, as Carlos Hyde—their new No. 1 ball-carrier after the departure of Frank Gore—went off for 168 yards and two scores, and the defense—hit hard by attrition over the offseason—limited Minnesota to a total of 248 yards.

San Francisco was nearly given up for dead coming into this season but looked like a team trying to prove something Monday night. The Niners have a fresh set of legs in Hyde, a still-dangerous dual-threat quarterback in Colin Kaepernick and potentially a top-10 defense, despite the personnel losses. If it can move the chains, grind some clock and put some pressure on Ben Roethlisberger, San Francisco has a shot at pulling off the upset Sunday.

Why the Steelers can cover the spread

Pittsburgh opened its season last Thursday with a 28-21 loss at defending Super Bowl champion New England. The Steelers fell down 14-0 early, got to within 21-14 in the fourth quarter, then managed a backdoor push as seven-point underdogs when Roethlisberger connected with Antonio Brown for an 11-yard scoring pass with just two seconds left in the game.

In the end, Pittsburgh outgained the Patriots by 100 yards andoutrushed them 134-80, as newcomer DeAngelo Williams ran for 127 on 21 carries and the Steelers won time of possession by a 32-28 margin; usually numbers like that are conducive to covers.

The Steelers are 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS the last seven times they've hosted teams from west of the Mississippi River. Pittsburgh owns an elite offense, and could simply outgun San Francisco Sunday.

Smart pick

San Francisco might not be as bad as the preseason prognostications predicted. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is only 5-10 ATS the last 15 times it's been favored by six points or more. The smart money here probably resides with the 49ers, plus the points.

Betting trends

The total has gone under in the 49ers' last three games on the road.

The total has gone under in five of the 49ers' last six games on the road in September.

The Steelers are 6-1 SU in their last seven games against the NFC West.

Tailgating Tips

Image From Wikimedia

The Pirates, Panthers and Steelers seasons are all in full swing. Are you excited to tailgate this football season? We have found some great tailgating tips that you can apply to your fall pre-game fun! You can learn more at The Kitchn.

1. Research the tailgating site: Even before you get to the packing and prepping of food, make sure you know where you can park, what the facilities are like, and what the rules are. Are open flames allowed so that you can grill? Is there running water, bathroom facilities, or rules about alcohol? What time can get there, and how late can you stay?

Think about the weather and the time of day when planning — will it be hot or rainy and a tent would be useful? And make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get there and set up.

2. Pack in, pack out: Unless a tailgate site explicitly says so, assume that everything you bring in comes home with you, including trash. Make sure you have plenty of heavy-duty trash bags, figure out how you'll handle recycling and packaging leftover food, and think about how you'll pack and bring home a dirty grill.
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3. Multiple coolers are a must: Two coolers are the minimum — one for food and one for drinks. If you have a third for the raw food that needs to be cooked, even better! Make sure foods are wrapped tightly to prevent leaking and cross-contamination, and pack the things you'll need immediately at the top.

Label your drink coolers and tie a bottle opener to the handle so it's convenient and never gets lost. Make sure you have enough ice for drinks and to keep everything cold until you get home.

4. Grill prep: Make sure your grill is clean and that you have the necessary grill tools, enough fuel to last through all the grilling, and a portable fire extinguisher just in case.
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5. Food choices: Have ready-to-go finger foods and snacks that you can put out immediately to keep people happy while the grill gets fired up. Keep more substantial food items simple and easy-to-serve. Bonus points if you don't even need plates to eat them off of, like kabobs and quesadillas! If you plan on tailgating after the game too, pack some different snacks and foods to grill then so that you have some variety.

6. Food prep: Do as much as you can at home, including marinating, cutting up vegetables, threading things onto skewers, or forming burger patties. Mix up big batches of drinks or cocktails so all you have to do is pour.

7. Equipment: Pack a few folding or portable chairs and tables. A tablecloth looks nice and makes for easier cleanup, and a few big stackable plastic bins can serve as trash and recycling bins. Don't forget a cutting board, sharp knife, and serving platters. Foil can help scrape down a dirty grill, keep food warm, or wrap up leftovers.

8. Water, water, water: Freeze some water bottles to both keep the coolers cold and so you'll have something icy to drink if it's a hot day. Bring along a big water container with a dispenser for handwashing too.

Easy Ways To Cook Vegetables

Image From Pixabay 

Vegetables are so important for our healthy diet. However, they can also give people trouble in the kitchen. Apartment Therapy has found a great simple way to make any vegetable for your dinner tonight. Keep reading and choose your favorite vegetables to start experimenting.





Roasting vegetables can be a game changer for people who don't like vegetables. Maybe it's the slight caramelizing, maybe it's because they get a little crispy, or maybe it's the added fat. Who knows? But I do know that one of the biggest vegetable fans I know — a man here in South Carolina who started an all-local farmers market and has been local produce's biggest supporter — did not like okra. You can't love South Carolina produce without loving okra. That's just a fact. Anyhow, I taught him my method, and his life changed. Roasted okra never makes it to the table in my house. We eat it up like French fries.


I hope my son will learn to buy what's on sale, and what he likes, without worrying about elaborate preparation. Rather than teaching him how to roast every single vegetable, I gave him a list of tips.

10 Tips for Roasting Vegetables

Preheat the oven to 425 to 450°F. The higher temperature will let the vegetables caramelize, which is part of what makes them so good.

Chop or slice your vegetables. The smaller and thinner the pieces, the quicker they'll cook.

Don't feel like chopping? Whole vegetables roast, too; it'll just take longer. (You can use the time to clean your room or call your mom.)

You can use one pan for different vegetables. Add the longer cooking vegetables first, and remove the pan to add the rest mid-roast.

Drizzle the oil, because you don't need much. For new cooks, I recommend a pour spout, because it makes it easier to drizzle just a little. Any kind of oil with a high enough smoking point will do; the smoking point is often listed on the label. If it isn't? You may use a teeny tiny bit of our data plan to 

Google it from the grocery store. Or just call me!

Shake the pan to distribute the oil. You could toss the vegetables and oil in a bowl, but that means one more dish to wash. Skip it.

Really feeling lazy? Line your pan with tinfoil before adding the vegetables. And put the foil in the recycling bin if your area allows. And just don't tell me, so I won't feel compelled to lecture you about waste. (Please don't use tinfoil. It won't kill you to scrub a pan. It'll help your tennis game, because of all that muscle!) 

Go light on the salt and pepper. You can always add more later.

Test for doneness with a fork. Or just eyeball it. Use the light in the oven to see, or just open and close quickly, because you don't want to waste energy.

Keep the leftovers. You can use them later in a salad, omelet, or burrito. Or you can toss them into pasta.

Summer Party at the Waterfront

Image From Wikimedia and Daveynin

The summer end countdown has started and we are trying to get in as many events as possible. Pirates games, tailgates, summer parties and the pool are on our to do list for the next few weeks. The Waterfront is having a summer block party this Friday from 5pm-8pm. You can learn more at Living Pittsburgh.

Join The Waterfront in the Rock Bottom Summer Pop-Up Biergarten for a night of live music by the Tres Lads with special guest Nina Sainato plus, games, prizes, activities, an under-the-bridge cookout, and special offers & giveaways from The Waterfront merchants. Plus, experience delicious Rock Bottom Brews!

MUSIC + BREWS + FOOD + FUN!

Entry to the Summer Block Parties is free. This event is all ages. You must be 21+ to enter the Biergarten area.


When: August 29th from 5pm-8pm
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/888541314528668/

Pittsburgh Comedy Festival

Image From Pixabay

In two weekends, get ready to work your funny bone at the Pittsburgh Comedy Festival. This three day event features comedians and improvisers from all around the area. This weekend festival will be held at the Henry Heymann Theater.

The Pittsburgh Comedy Festival brings together stand-ups and improvisers in a four-day celebration of all things funny. Our goal is to expose Pittsburgh to the art of comedy while we expand and engage our community of performers. That means informative workshops, programming for comedians and comedy fans young and old, and best of all, fantastic shows in the intimate setting of the Henry Heymann Theater.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this incredible weekend of comedy!

When: August 27th-August 30th

Price: $15-$40

Website: http://pittsburghcomedyfestival.org/

You can learn more at Living Pittsburgh. 

Art Festival On Walnut Street

Image From Wikipedia

At the end of this month, plan to make your way to Walnut Street in Shadyside. The annual Art Festival will close down Walnut Street, so you can enjoy unique handmade arts and crafts from around the Pittsburgh area. You can also use this time to explore all the great restaurants and shops that are located up and down Walnut Street. You can learn more at Living Pittsburgh.

The 19th Annual Shadyside…The Art Festival on Walnut Street, which started out as a neighborhood street fair, is now regarded as one of the top shows in Pittsburgh. Shadyside features boutiques, shops and galleries mingled with national retailers in a neighborhood of tree-lined streets, historic homes, hip events, and distinctive restaurants.

The festival ends at 5pm on Sunday.

Where: Walnut Street in Shadyside

When: August 19th from 10am-5pm

Event Website: 

http://artfestival.com/Festivals/Shadyside_The_Art_Festival_on_Walnut_Street_Pittsburgh_Pennsylvania_August.aspx 

Think Like A Tourist

Image From Wikimedia and Sage Ross

You may have lived in Pittsburgh your whole life, but there are still places you have yet to explore. Made in Pgh talks about the 16 ways you can have the best Pittsburgh trip ever. Use this to your advantage and think like a tourist this weekend. You will get to experience things that you have never seen before.

1) When you’re booking your hotel, don’t settle for the same, tired hotel chain. Reserve a room at a trendy boutique hotel or stay over in style at one of the well established Pittsburgh spot. Check out and check in to some of the best digs Downtown, like the Fairmont, Omni William Penn or the new Hotel Monaco. Hipster havens, including Hotel Indigo and the ACE Hotel are approaching completion. And the Mansions on Fifth offer a glimpse into life just beyond the city in lovely Shadyside.

2) Believe it or not, Pittsburgh’s food scene is fantastic. We know, outsiders don’t usually expect such a stellar dining experience. But it’s true. In fact, Bon Appetit recently selected Pittsburgh as America’s next big food town. And any reservations you have about that sentiment or statement can be put to rest by making reservations at any of these restaurants: Cure, The Commoner,Grit and Grace, Meat and Potatoes or Root 174.

3) Maybe you’ve heard about the preeminent Pittsburgh sandwich. Primanti’s packs grilled meat, coleslaw, tomato and French fries between two pieces of Italian bread. Sounds intriguing, right? Well that’s because it is. But we’ll tell you what it’s not. It’s not nearly as good as the mouthwatering, wood-fired steak or five-hour braised rosemary beef on toasted ciabatta bread from Gaucho. So if you have to choose one Pittsburgh sandwich, pass on Primanti’s. Go to Gaucho instead.

4) The local food scene is impressive, to say the least. But the drink scene is equally as awesome. From breweries and distilleries to tap rooms, barrelhouses and cocktail menus, we really know how to get lubed up with a little class. If that sounds like something you can get into, be sure to tour and taste what’s happening at Wigle Whiskey or Maggie’s Farm Rum. Fans of craft beer will be well served by stopping at The Brew Gentlemen, Grist House and Hop Farm Brewing. Craft cocktails await you at the Livermore and Butcher and the Rye.

5) There are no shortage of neighborhoods to tour, in fact there are more than 90 in Pittsburgh. But one of the absolute best ways to experience the city is alongside or on the water. At Point State Park a massive fountain sprays water high into the air at the place where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, forming the Ohio River. From there, head to the Roberto Clemente Bridge and rent a kayak from Kayak Pittsburgh. Or continue your trek along all along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail to the Strip.

6) Speaking of the Strip, you’ll need to make a stop there. You can’t come to Pittsburgh and not walk through this former manufacturing center, turned hip hangout complete with street vendors, bars, restaurants, some stellar coffee spots and a melting pot of ethnic shops, grocersand roadside food carts. The streets in the Strip are alive on Sunday mornings. And the line for breakfast or brunch at two area eateries is around the block.

7) Around here, brunch isn’t simply a meal it’s a religion. Especially at Pamela’s and Deluca’s in the Strip District. Be prepared to wait in line most of the morning before you even get a whiff of what they’re cooking up. Oh, it’s worth the wait alright. Besides, the situation is the same at almost every other post across town. See also: Coca Cafe, e2 and Square Cafe (wipes drool from face).

8) It’s interesting that, in a city known for steel and smog-filled skies, green spaces and outdoor places is the standard. From Schenley Park to Schenley Plaza, Frick Park to Highland Park and Market Square, Downtown, Pittsburgh is packed with parks that are perfect for running, biking and just relaxing. If you’re not an outdoorsy person, head indoors to see the botanical gardens and one of the greenest buildings in the world at Phipps Conservatory.

9) We suggest a street-by-street approach to taking in some of the best parts of Pittsburgh’s best neighborhoods. Start with Market Street Downtown, your inroad to Market Square. Butler Street in Lawrenceville features eats, art and boutique shops. Grab a coffee at Tazz’a on Bryant Street and walk to Highland Park. Penn and Smallman make up the Strip (already on your itinerary). Stroll down Walnut in Shadyside. Or take a home tour of the Mexican War Streets on the North Side. But whatever you do, don’t skip over Grandview Ave on Mt. Washington – best view of the city, bar none.

10) Trust us when we tell you that Pittsburgh knows how to do treats and sweets. That includes baked goods, pastries, popcorn and donuts. We’ll take the last one first, donuts. Peace, Love and Little Donuts takes the cake. And, when it comes to cake, Prantl’s Burnt Almond Torte will blow your mind. If traditional French pastries better suits your palate, stop by La Gourmandine in Lawrenceville. Then stock up on the most inventive popcorn you’ve ever had, like S’mores, Watermelon or Buffalo Wing, at Pittsburgh Popcorn.

11) If you’re trying to maintain some semblance of your healthy habits when you pop into Pittsburgh, be sure to bring your sneakers because there are plenty of running trails to try out during your stay. If you’re not into running, maybe yoga is more your speed. Or you could just hop on a bike from Pittsburgh Bike Share and cruise around town. Heck, you can even grab a green juice on the way back to the hotel.

12) We hope that your visit is all play and no business. But, if you have to get do some work while you’re here, plan on posting up at a local coffee shop to sip some stellar small batch coffee while you plow through your inbox. If you need a more dedicated workspace, consider checkout out one of Pittsburgh’s coworking spaces. For the most part, desks are available by the day so you can go head down and get some work done.

13) When it comes to arts and culture, Pittsburgh is practically busting at the seams. The Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History are in Oakland. The Northside is home to a trifecta of arts experiences. The Mattress Factory is a cutting edge contemporary art venue featuring interactive installations. Nearby you’ll find Randyland, a vibrant, thriving and ever changing public art display. Next up is the Warhol Museum, the largest museum in America dedicated to one artist – Andy Warhol, a native Pittsburgher. See also, the Bayernhof Museum and be sure to check out the calendar of events in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.

14) The creative community and maker movement is alive and well around here. Which isn’t all that surprise for a city known for manufacturing. But nowadays we’re not forging steel, we’re making custom art, prints, ceramics and home goods from reclaimed wood. Find local wares atWildcard, The Shop in East Liberty and the Handmade Arcade. If it’s a fashion-forward shopping experience you’re after, stop into Mid-Atlantic Mercantile or Pavement, both in Lawrenceville.

15) After you’ve seen the city and surrounding neighborhoods, escape the downtown corridor by doing something most locals don’t even do, cross a river or bridge to get out of town. When you do, you’d be well served by spending some time in Carnegie. It’s an up-and-coming neighborhood home to the Carnegie Coffee Company, One Thirty One East and Apis and Mead Winery. If you want to do a little more adventuring, head to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water or do some whitewater rafting at Ohiopyle State Park.

16) While it’s true that Pittsburgh is experiencing a transformation or sorts, reinventing itself in many ways. There are still so many things about the city’s past to see. In fact, you should see them. It’s the melding of two worlds, the old and the new, and how they coexist that make Pittsburgh so intriguing. Ride the incline, an old coal cart down the side of Mt. Washington. Baseball fans will flip over the collection of memorabilia at the Roberto Clemente Museum. Head to the Carrie Furnace to experience the history of Big Steel firsthand. For the complete history of Pittsburgh, and the region, spend a day at Heinz History Center – a museum showcasing compelling stories from American history with a Western Pennsylvania.

Moving In

Image From Pixabay

We can not wait to have you at Grandview Pointe. We think you will love our community and homes. However, moving can be stressful for anyone. We have found some tips that will help make your moving process a little bit easier. You can learn more at Apartment Therapy.

1. Sharpie: Sure other markers will do the job, but 1 large tip Sharpie will move you and still be around to label all your burned Netflix later on in the year once you're settled in. Not that we would condone such a thing.

2. Rope: With a nod given to the movie Boondock Saints ("You and your stupid %$*&# rope!") we don't leave home without rope — especially when we move. It's almost essential to tie things down. Even if you're not putting anything on top of a car or truck it can still be handy to hold down tarps or section off parts of your moving van to help keep things secure.

3. Tape Gun: If you own more than 10 boxes worth of stuff, a tape gun is a huge (huge!) help. Never again will you search for the edge of the tape that's stuck itself back down or tear packing tape with your teeth (shiver), plus the large sound they make is oddly satisfying.

4. Blankets: If you're moving more than a few blocks, having a blanket or two in your moving truck can come in quite handy to ensure favorite pieces don't get scratched during the trip. We don't use them as often as we probably should (usually they're packed in our boxes of glass goods to keep things safe), but when you need them — you need them!

5. Box Knife: Although you'll be packing things up first, getting back into them quickly can be far less painful, so spend the few bucks and pick one up.

6. Walkie-Talkies: Yes everyone has a cell phone and yes they work just fine, but more often than not, you don't hear ring tones, text message bleeps and bloops when you're busy sweating your face off.
Walkie-talkies always have reception in the area you're working in and make you feel like you're 6 again. Neat.

7. Furniture Dolly: Even if this is the only dolly you own, it can make moving heavy items like sofas, deep freezers or even a large pile of books easier. The bonus is it will slide under your bed or in a closet when you're done moving, not to be seen or heard from again until it's needed again. Hand trucks on the other hand, well let's just say you better have a garage!

8. Plastic Wrap: Use regular wrap from your local big box retailer, like you would use in the kitchen, or order some from a place like Uline, but one of the smartest things we do each and every move is wrap shelving units that might be made from veneer or laminate to keep them safe. It works like a champ and even helps stabilize them from tipping over in the moving truck.

Kinky Boots and Billy Porter

Image From Wikipedia

Billy Porter is back home in Pittsburgh for the CLO Summer show Kinky Boots. This Pittsburgh native won the Tony Award for lead actor in a musical for his starring role in Kinky Boots on Broadway. Now he has returned to his hometown to reprise the role that made him famous around the world. You can learn more at the Post Gazette.

‘Kinky Boots’
Where: Pittsburgh CLO at the Benedum Center, Downtown.
When: 8 p.m. through Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets: $40.75-$140.75; pittsburghclo.org or 412-456-6666.

"I came for the adulation," Lola says.

And as we all know, whatever Lola wants Lola gets.

Billy Porter's highly anticipated homecoming as Lola, the sensational inspirational drag queen at the heart of “Kinky Boots,” was an event that will long be remembered by anyone at the Benedum Center for the Tuesday opening. After the Tony and Grammy Award winner finished his big second-act solo, “Hold Me in Your Heart,” an audience filled with friends, family and admirers declared its intention to do just that, with a nearly five-minute standing ovation — the first such showstopper in memory.

Mr. Porter comes to the tour stop directly from Broadway, swapping with the tour’s lead for just this week during this Pittsburgh CLO presentation to bring his triumphant performance to the hometown crowd.

He gave it his all and a little extra at every turn — and the audience embraced him with loud cheers at every opportunity.

He even has a line in which Lola, dressed in a gold-and-white evening gown Diana Ross might want to borrow, tells a nursing home audience that she “grew up just a few miles from here,” which drew another long cheer from the audience.

The Tony Award-winning best musical “Kinky Boots,” adapted from the movie of the same name by Harvey Fierstein, with songs by pop star Cyndi Lauper, is a showcase for Mr. Porter to strut his stuff — in sequins, bustiers and high heels. He wears them well — his enviable legs and velvety voice are both in great shape three years into a demanding role.

The company and Mr. Porter had just four hours of rehearsal in Minneapolis to prepare, but the transition seemed to be seamless.

As Lola’s counterpart Charlie Price, Steven Booth has the role originated by Tony nominee Stark Sands. Charlie inherits a struggling Northampton shoe factory and, when he meets Lola and her drag queen friends The Angels, he alights on the idea to make footwear suitable for their particular needs — kinky boots. He leaves his fiancee and London to save the business and the jobs of his friends.

When Lola explains that “the sex is in the heel” and is offered the chance to design the boots, she practically purrs at the chance but also has to come to grips with judgmental factory workers such as burly Don (Joe Coots). Charlie has to learn acceptance, too.

Lola, the son of a boxer who was born Simon before she unleashed her inner truth, teaches the narrow-minded skeptics and traditionalists that “you change the world when you change your mind.”

Ms. Lauper spreads the song wealth around. “Soul of a Man” is a gift for Mr. Booth’s Charlie to grow in the role and for the actor to show off his singing chops. He joins Mr. Porter in the most poignant song of the show, “I’m Not My Father’s Son,” in which both men realize that they have more in common than a first glance would suggest.

Lindsay Nicole Chambers as Lauren, a savvy employee who has a crush on Charlie, gets a showcase in the comedic “The History of Wrong Guys” and channels the Broadway star Annaleigh Ashford.

“Everybody Say Yeah,” a production number that features the cast cavorting on a conveyor belt, ends the first act and helped earn director Jerry Mitchell a Tony for his energetic choreography. No chance to sparkle is spared in the over-the-top costumes by Tony nominee Gregg Barnes, whose creations for Lola and her high-stepping Angels stand out in open revolt to the industrial space and mean streets designed by David Rockwell.

The second act has conflict to spare before the show ends with the anthemic “Raise You Up/Just Be,” a catchy song that’s made for audiences to clap along.

“Kinky Boots” is based on a true story out of the UK, and there are many versions of what a Northampton accent might sound like among the cast members. Some words may be lost here and there, but nothing is lost in the translation when it comes to the message of acceptance and the intent to have a grand time with spirited pop tunes, bedazzled drag queens and endearing characters — with Lola leading the way.

On opening night, the star’s high-voltage performance supercharged an already electric atmosphere and the audience responded with proof that Pittsburgh is head over heels for Billy Porter.

10 Things To Do Before Summer Ends

Image From Pixabay

We have about two months of summer left, and we want to make the most of it. Apartment Therapy has some great ideas for you to enjoy the last weeks of summer. Grilling outside, having a movie night or making lemonade should all be on your summer bucket list. Keep reading to snatch some ideas for the rest of your summer.


1. Make pizza on the grill.

Have a grill? Love pizza? Then you must marry the two. It's not hard to make killer grilled pizza as long as you know the technique and tips. Invite your friends over and — zam! — you've created a memory.

2. Make your own ice cream or sorbet.

Summer = ice cream, ice cream = summer. The two are basically interchangeable this time of year, so you might as well go all in and indulge yourself silly. You'll feel a little better if it's homemade, too, because we all know homemade treats have half as many calories as their store-bought counterparts. (All that effort you put into making it burns up a good chunk, am I right?)

But if it's too hot to really put effort into much of anything, no worries — just make this and call it a day.

3. Make lemonade.

Okay, so I lied — lemonade is actually summer's realest, truest thing. (Ice cream is a close second.) Lemonade in the summer is like a tall drink of water ... except it's not water, it's lemonade, which is so much better than water.

4. Grill every kind of burger you can think of.

A good burger is welcome any night of the year, but it's particularly satisfying between the months of June and August. This is a fact. So why stop at beef burgers? Think of all the burgers you can make and eat: salmon burgers, black bean burgers, turkey burgers, chicken burgers, eggplant burgers! Go to it.

5. Make a fruit cobbler or crumble.

As Emma so rightly said, "Cobbler [is] the best reason to turn on the stove in the summer" — if you're not already turning it on for a crumble or crisp, that is! This is the most glorious way to enjoy ripe, juicy summer fruit. Don't let the fruit flies win, people. Get that fruit off your countertop and into a pan, stat.

6. Eat a tomato sandwich.

A simple tomato sandwich is divine. Have you had one (or 20) yet this summer? The simpler, the better: tomatoes, crusty bread, mayonnaise or mozzarella, salt, and pepper. So, so good.

7. Host a preserving party.

Into canning and preserving? Host a party! As Kate Payne, author of The Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking wrote here, "Making preserves or pickles together is a fun way to spend a summer day. Share your skills and introduce people to canning in a low-stress way ... at our party last summer we made four recipes together over the course of five hours; supply and fruit costs were only $10 per person and we each went home with five jars of yum."

I'm always up for a jar of yum. You?

8. Drink pitcher cocktails and farmers market sangrias.

Summer parties are the time to skip the drink orders and go right for pitcher cocktails and sangrias. They're easy, festive, and totally right for the season. And with ingredients you can pick up at the farmers market, how can you go wrong?

9. Throw an outdoor movie party.

Watching a movie under the stars definitely makes our list of great summer experiences, even more so when it's combined with great friends and great snacks. And thanks to Anjali's party a couple years ago, we now know exactly how to do it! Here's a look at the whole party series:

10. Eat outside as much as possible.

Have a picnic on the beach. Pack a few snacks for hiking. Go car camping. Makes'mores in the backyard. Eat every meal on your porch or patio while the weather is warm and lovely. And yes, we know you West Coasters can do this any day of the year (lucky ducks), but for many of us, summer is short and fleeting. Be swift, and you may still catch it.

August Pittsburgh Events

Image From Wikipedia

There are so many great events and festivals in Pittsburgh this August that we can not decide which ones to go to. There are ones for kids, adults, grandparents and even your furry four legged friend. Here are a few August and one September event that you should put on your calendar. You can learn more at MadeinPgh.

Pup Crawl

Grab your pup and get over to the Roberto Clemente Bridge. Like years past the pup crawl will feature dog-friendly vendors and giveaways. But that’s not all. With all these pups in one place, the plan is to break the world record for ‘Most Dogs Sitting Simultaneously.’ All the more reason to stop by, dog or no dog. August 1

Speak Freely PGH

This month, Kevin Sousa is joining the series of frank interviews with people reinventing our city. He’ll be enlightening Pittsburgh about his entrepreneurial journey as a pioneering chef and restaurateur who has played a huge role in reinventing the city’s food scene. This event is shaping up to be a can’t miss, so get your tickets before it sells out. August 19.

Party at the Pier

Dust off that summer suit or cocktail dress, it’s time to dine al fresco along the North Shore Riverfront. Bring a group of friends, get gussied up and enjoy a posh picnic put together by the fine folks at Riverlife. Billed as a “little bit of Gatsby, a little bit Wes Anderson” this riverside soiree is the perfect way to celebrate (and support) Pittsburgh’s waterfronts. August 28.

Corks and Kegs Festival

Eat, drink and carry on at the Corks and Kegs Festival. Featuring live music, beer, wine and food from places like BRGR and Upper Crust, this is your chance to spend the weekend dancing and grubbing. Localvores will love the fact that many Pittsburgh favorites will be on hand. So be on the lookout for Church Brew Works, Hop Farm and Penn Brewing. August 22-23.

Millvale Brewfest

If you’re not into the idea of trekking out to Washington to get a drink, why not have a beer on the shores of Pittsburgh’s Allegheny River? Much better idea. If you think so too, get to Millvalewhere you’ll have your choice of 180 Craft, Micro, Nano and Specialty Brews from around the country. Give some of ‘em a try, but please, not all 180! August 8.

Feastival

Showcasing all things food, music and art, Festival makes a trip to McKees Rocks a must. So round up the family and tell all of your friends it’s time to get to this outdoor music festival.There will be plenty of food truck fare, locally made art and live music to keep everyone entertained all day. Not to mention performances by Pandemic, Big Sam’s Funk Nation and Robert Randolph and the Family Band. August 1.

Bloomfield Little Italy Days

If you’ve never been, it’s time you take in this four day celebration of Bloomfield’s Italian heritage. For Italian’s, it’s a must. And if you’re not Italian, this is the perfect time to pretend. Why, you ask? Well, there’s a packed schedule of events, loads of delicious Italian food and cannolis. And, did we mention cannolis? August 20 – 23.

17th Street Spectacular

After transforming his cancelled wedding into one of Pittsburgh’s most successful charity events, Phil Laboon is back at it. This year Laboon, CEO and president of Pittsburgh-based Eyeflow, teamed up with Nakama to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis while resurrecting the 17th Street Spectacular. It’s your chance to have a good time and do good while partying on the South Side. August 2.

RANT Lawrenceville
Here’s your chance to rock all night in the heart of Lawrenceville. Featuring everything from folk to hip hop at indoor and outdoor venues, this music festival spans all along Butler Street. Sticking to its namesake the Rock All Night Tour will host free shows from noon until 2 a.m. Check out the ever-growing lineup for all the details. August 15.

King of the Wing

Four words. All you can eat. Oh, it’s on! Get to Hop Farm to try the best chicken wings from 15 local restaurants. Live entertainment will be on hand. And, best of all, Hop Farm will be supplying the brews to wash’em down. As awesome as this sounds, there’s one more thing we need to know, why can’t this happen every month? August 30.

WYEP Final Friday

We love hanging out outside. Whether it’s an outdoor movie or rooftop drinks, you can’t go wrong outside. In this case, you get the outdoor element and free admission to a concert in Schenley Plaza featuring Apache Relay and Son Little. August 28.

Looking ahead: Thrival Innovation + Music Festival

Okay, maybe we’re jumping the gun on this one, since it’s not actually happening until September. But we’re already counting down the days until Thrival Festival. It’s a week of innovation events capped off with a weekend-long outdoor concert featuring 25 acts. So grab your tickets to see performances by Panic! at the Disco, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, Manchester Orchestra, Wale and Andrew McMahon and the Wilderness. September 21-27.

Organization In Your Home

Keeping things organized is important when you live in an apartment! Small spaces call for getting creative with your storage. Sometimes giant plastic crates aren’t going to get the job done. That’s where tool totes come in. These multipurpose tool carriers don’t have to be used just for tools. They can be utilized by everyone: kids, crafters, car enthusiasts. Check out how the folks at Apartment Therapy use theirs. Do you have anything that you use for things other than its intended purpose? Let us know on the Facebook page.


My dad recently gave me this tool tote and, organizing fanatic that I am, I immediately started looking beyond its intended use and wondering what unexpected uses I could come up with. This little thing is handier than you might think, so read on for four uses, as well as some suggestions for similar totes, in case the red and black look isn't your thing...


Kids' Tote: Keep the things that keep your child entertained handy. Because of it's portability, a tool tote is easy to take with you or to keep in the car, and the pockets are great for all the odds-and-ends that kids adore.

Some sample items to keep in the tote:
books
stickers
pencils and markers
coloring books
earphones
iPad or other electronic device
small toys
card games
snacks
construction paper
stuffed animals


Craft Tote: Stash everything related to your latest project in this tote so that it's easily to handle. When I lived in a studio apartment, I used a similar tote as my mobile "craft room." It kept me from acquiring too many crafty things, but it also kept all my items organized and accessible for whenever inspiration struck. Plus, everything is easily packed up again, so your coffee table isn't perpetually strewn with yarn and paper.

Some sample items to keep in the tote:
filing folders filled with decorative papers
yarn
knitting needles
embroidery hoops
sewing needles
scissors
glue gun
glues
craft paint
threads
hole punches
stamps
ribbon
markers
sketch pad


Car kit: In case of emergencies, having a designated tote means that necessary items are close at hand. Consider adding daily essentials like parking passes and a phone charger in addition to emergency items like jumper cables and a tire iron. The whole kit is easily moved from the backseat to the trunk and vice versa.

Some sample items to keep in the tote:
jumper cables
flashlight
maps
cleaning wipes
Tide stain pen (in case of an in-car eating mishap)
a bottle of water
granola bars, dried fruit, or nuts
parking passes
a pen and notebook
an umbrella
flat tire emergency spray
an ice scraper
bungee cords
a tire iron
first-aid kit
extra chargers for electronics


A Bill-Paying/ Office Caddy: Tool totes are handy for corralling the things that you need every month when you spread out to tackle the bills. Even if you pay your bills online, having important papers and mailing supplies at the ready can be handy. Plus, in a really small space, this could serve as "mobile office", filled with all the supplies you need and easily stowed in a closet or a cabinet.

Some sample items to keep in the tote:
File folders for receipts and bills (keep separate ones for bills that need to be paid, bills that have been paid, or bills that need to be filed elsewhere)
calculator
pens
envelopes
stamps
checkbook
letter opener
scissors
computer screen wipes
a notebook and pen

I used a small sewing caddy from the dollar store to corral things like push pens, rubber bands, Post-it flags, staples, and the like

Oh, and of course you could use it for tools. Any other alternate ideas?