One More Summer Weekend

School may have started, but your family still has one three day summer weekend left.  Check out these five summer activities to try with your kids this Labor Day Weekend.  You can learn more at Living Pittsburgh.

Blue Slide Playground at Frick Park – Aptly named for the big blue slide carved into the hillside, this playground at Frick offers fun for kids of all ages. There’s a toddler playground in addition to a more traditional play structure, swing sets, climbing structures, and a quarter cloverleaf to run out all that extra energy.

The PPG fountain D’town shoots water flush from the ground, dancing at varying heights. It’s as much fun to watch as it is to play in (for those that are a little timid). Check their website for times. During the winter, it transforms into a skating rink (no longer free – boo!), but is still fun all the same.

Highland Park Super Playground is a ginormous wooden play structure in Highland Park. Take a walk around the water reservoir and pack a lunch – you could make a day of this one.

The Water Steps on the North Shore is a multi-tiered fountain with pooled areas that creates perfect wading areas for kids of all ages! Made from stone blocks quarried in Butler, it offers a unique way to cool off in the summer, with beautiful downtown vistas.

Pittsburgh Spray Parks offer a free, new way to cool off in the summer! These brightly colored parks are equipped with plenty of structures for spraying and dumping, along with picnic tables for munching. You can wear out your kids for naptime in no time.

Delicious Cookie Recipe

Do you know anyone that is starting school this week?  Check out this great recipe to make for them after school! It is also just a great cookie recipe to make for company or for fun.  You can find more great recipes at The Kitchn.

M&M'S® Cookiesmakes about 36 cookies

1 1/3 cups packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cup M&M'S® Milk Chocolate Candies

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a mixing bowl, mix sugar, butter, vanilla and eggs until well blended. Stir in the remaining ingredients.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto a lightly greased cookie sheet, about 3 inches apart. Press 3 or 4 additional M&M'S® Milk Chocolate Candies into each cookie. (Or, if you like, create a smiley-face or your child's initials using M&M'S® MINIS Chocolate Candies.)

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until light brown. Cool slightly and remove to wire rack. Enjoy!

Greek Festivals in Pittsburgh

Are you a fan of Greek food?  There are tons of Greek Festivals in the city during the summer.  Check out the few listed below.  You can find more festival information at Living Pittsburgh.  Do you have any favorite summer festivals?

Summer is here, and that means food festivals galore! Greek festivals can be an affordable place to grab a tasty meal…and you’ll usually get some fun entertainment, too.  Here’s a start to the Allegheny County lineup for 2013. Please email details for additional Greek Food Festivals to deals@livingpittsburgh.com.

August 22 – 25, 2013: Ypapanti

1672 Electric Avenue, East Pittsburgh
412-824-9188
Hours: Thursday – Sunday 11am – 10pm

August 28 – September 1: Holy Trinity
985 Providence Blvd, North Hills 15237
412-366-8700
Hours: Daily 11am – 9pm

Email Organization Tips

Do you have a Gmail?  Did you know there are tools and tricks to help keep your inbox as organized as possible.  Keep reading the blog below to learn how to make your Gmail inbox more efficient.  You can find out more information at Apartment Therapy.



Efficient Gmail Inbox Habits

Sort as emails come: The best way to stay organized is to start from the get-go. Don’t let emails pile up throughout the week, believing you'll get to sorting and reviewing them "later". As emails start to flow in, at the least, organize them with designated labels ("followup", "family", "response needed", etc).

Labels: Back in 2011 Gmail began offering “smart labels”, a feature which automatically labels incoming bulk, notification, and forum messages for easy sorting and review. If you're the type who subscribes to regular email newsletters, store/sales notifications, or other group-wide correspondence, smart labels could be helpful in keeping the inbox trim and slim.

Color Categorization: Color categorization with labels: use it. If you’re someone who has to keep tabs on multiple tasks (who doesn't?) or juggle different groups of friends, categorizing incoming email by color will greatly simplify inbox reviews, creating color associated connections between senders and their emails. Assigning a color for emails sent from close friends and family is practically a must for anyone with a busy inbox.

Filters: After you’ve created labels and assigned colors, using filters is your next line of defense in streamlining an email inbox. In the Settings menu, select Filters and click, Create a new filter. Here, you'll be able to assign search criteria used to scan incoming emails and assign specific actions, including, "Skip the Inbox" or "Mark as read”.

Tools

Gmail offers an additional wide range of tools to help users stay organized and efficient in regards to their email needs:
Drag and Drop files: Instead of manually clicking “Attach a file” simply drag and drop files directly into the message.

Apps search: By activating “Apps search” you can extend your searches beyond the inbox into Google Docs and Sites.

Offline Gmail: Compose emails even without internet connection.

Tabs: the latest Gmail feature update takes something we're all ready used to while using browsers – tabs – and integrates them as a feature for easier viewing/sorting right from the Gmail inbox.


Users can turn on this new feature by clicking on the Configure icon (the little cog icon in the upper right), and choosing "Configure inbox". From there, optional tabs can be turned on or off, and once set, Gmail will automatically categorize the inbox by appropriate tab for segregated and tabbed viewing.

At launch, Google only offers five tabs categories:

Primary (messages from friends and family)

Promotions (sales and deals from retailers)

Social (social network sites)

Updates (online statements, verifications, receipts)

Forums (mailing lists, discussion board exchanges)Messages can be drag-and-drop between tabs, with specific senders set to always appear in a particular tab, and star messages so that they also appear in the Primary tab. Depending upon your workflow, this new tabbed view can help prioritize the process of viewing, responding, or archiving emails.

Summer Concert Series on Walnut Street

Check out these great summer concerts on Walnut Street in Shadyside. It is one of the biggest block parties in the city during the summer.   It is free or two dollars for a wristband if you choose to drink.  Keep reading for more information.



2013 Summer Jams on Walnut

Event: Summer Jams on Walnut
Location: 5442 Walnut St. in Shadyside
Date: Saturday June 29, July 27 & August 17, 2013
Time: 7-11pm
Description: Summer Jams on Walnut Street are Shadyside’s biggest block parties. It’s a great way to join the community in the fight against cystic fibrosis while partying it up with the latest local bands. The best part? It’s FREE, and runs all summer long, although it’s only $2 if you want a wristband to drink and the proceeds go to a great cause. The stage is located outside of where Doc’s Place used to be in Shadyside.

Bands this year are:

June 29, 2013 @ 7:00pm
Dancing Queen
Kelsey Friday

July 27, 2013 @ 7:00pm
Radio Tokyo
Donora

August 17, 2013 @ 7:00pm
Chris Higbee
Abacus Jones

Find out more details here.

Knit the Bridge

 

Knit the Bridge is a community-made public art installation on the Warhol/7th street bridge.  It goes up on the weekend of August 10th and 11th and comes down September 7th and 8th. The bridge will be closed on both of those weekends for the installation and removal. There will be a community celebration on August 25th from 3-7pm on the bridge.  The bridge will also be closed for the party and the celebration is open to the public.
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> The artwork has been made by over 1,500 folks from SW Pa, kids, seniors, and everyone in between.  As it is a community-made artwork the community is also responsible for maintaining it.  We will be inspecting and repairing the installation 3xs a day and also have a hotline for folks to report damage.
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> Knit the Bridge Hotline: 412 208 4324

The 7th Street Bridge will be getting a new look in a few weeks, but it is not a new paint job.  Knit the Bridge is a unique art installation scheduled to start August 10th.  Keep reading to learn more.  You can find out more information about this project by clicking the picture to the left.

Pittsburgh's Summer Living Guide

Make sure to check out the Summer Living Guide from Living Pittsburgh.  This blog below has some great summer events that are happening throughout the city.  There is something almost everyday, and there are things for all ages. Keep reading to learn more.

Summer is here and you won’t believe how many things there are to do, see, and enjoy around Pittsburgh and Allegheny County….without needing to spend a dime! To make things easy for you, we’ve put together this handy-dandy “Free Summer Fun Guide” filled with some of Living Pittsburgh.com’s FREE fun picks for this summer in the ‘Burgh. And keep in mind, this is just the free stuff! There’s plenty more low cost events and activities to do this summer, so be sure to check out our Events Listing for even more summer fun on a budget.

Keep checking back though (this guide included), because we add new free & affordable events, deals & bargains EVERY DAY during the week. If you’re new to Living Pittsburgh, here are some suggestions so you get the most out of the site and don’t miss a thing! The best way to keep current is to sign up for our daily emails (enter your email address to the right of this page, right below our Events Listing box), like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and sign up for our weekly LP Newsletter.

Now, on with the summer fun!
Live Music

Deutschtown Music Festival - 40+ bands will rock Pittsburgh’s Northside at this FREE all day event!

Southside Works Summer Concerts – Enjoy free live music outside at South Side Works’ Town square this summer, going on now through September.

Mellon Square Summer Concert Series - Free noon concerts at Mellon Square to enjoy during your lunch hour downtown this summer. More info coming soon!

JazzLive at Katz Plaza – This fun free jazz concert series take place outside on Katz Plaza downtown throughout the summer months.

Reservoir of Jazz Series – Enjoy live jazz music in Highland Park this August. More info coming soon!

WYEP Summer Music Festival - Free summer music concert at Schenley Plaza, complete with kids activities and an indie craft marketplace.

Lunchtime Music Series at Schenley Plaza - Free lunchtime entertainment can be found multiple times per week at Schenley Plaza.

Bach, Beethoven and Brunch – You can pack your brunch and enjoy free classical concerts every Sunday morning at Mellon Park. More info coming soon!

Allegheny County Summer Concerts - Take advantage of free live music at Hartwood Acres and South Park all summer long.

Stars at Riverview – You can enjoy free live jazz concerts in Riverview Park throughout the warm summer months.

WYEP Final Fridays – Even more FREE live music this summer at Schenley Plaza! More info coming soon!

Monroeville Summer Concert Series – This find includes free live music, followed by a free movies in Monroeville Community Park.

Summer Jams on Walnut – These free annual block parties include loads of local live bands!
The Arts



Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District – The Gallery Crawl is a quarterly free showcase of art and entertainment.

Unblurred: First Fridays on Penn – The First Friday of each month, various galleries in the Penn Avenue Arts District showcase a variety of artwork and performances to view for free.

Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival - This premiere Pittsburgh event features free activities for the whole family, live music, art exhibits and so much more.

Taming of the Shrew presented by Poor Yorick’s Players – Bring a blanket, chair, or even a picnic to see Poor Yorick’s Players return in 2013 with their seventh season: All is fair in love and war!

Squonk Opera’s Go Roadshow - An amazing and spectacular performance unlike any other! Think circus meets performance art meets holiday parade – all for FREE! More info coming soon!
Dancing

Summer Soul Line Dance Classes - Experience not required for these free fun outdoor dance lessons.

Free Dance Lessons at Saddle Ridge - You’ll find complimentary line dancing lessons at Saddle Ridge on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Salsa Around the City - Salsa Pittsburgh offers Salsa dancing lessons all around Pittsburgh, many of which are absolutely free.
Movies

Cinema in the Parks – TONS of free outdoor movies in Pittsburgh’s local parks this summer.

Summer Movie Clubhouse – Not free, but for as little as 50 cents per movie, it’s pretty darn close!

Movies by Moonlight - Free flicks at the Tall Trees Amphitheater in Monroeville

Denis Theatre’s Last Saturday Cinema - Last Saturday Cinema is a FREE outdoor film series. Come experience great movies while surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants – just a few steps from the historic Denis Theatre.
Festivals



Pittsburgh Neighborhood Community Festivals - Various neighborhoods in Pittsburgh hold FREE festivals throughout the 2011 Summer and Fall season.

African Arts in the Park – Free cultural event at Point State Park this August. More info coming soon!

Lawrenceville Garden Tour - Find out how gardens grow on this FREE annual garden tour in Lawrenceville!

Three Rivers Regatta - This is the largest inland regatta event in the United States, and ALL activites and performances are free to attend.

Wings Over Pittsburgh – Celebrate patriotism, and enjoy this spectacular September show for free, oh- and parking is free too. More info coming soon!

A Fair in the Park - A Fair in the Park is an annual contemporary craft festival held in early September, presented by The Craftsmen’s Guild of Pittsburgh. The fair features high quality art and craft displays and demonstrations ,a concert weekend, a children’s activity and project area and a variety of Pittsburgh’s fabulous foods. More info coming soon!

South Side Works Exposed – This annual event has free live music, food vendors & lots of family fun activities.

Red, Ripe & Roasted: Tomato & Garlic Festival - Enjoy free admission to this yummy summer food festival AND Phipps Conservatory with your fresh produce donation this August. More info coming soon!

WYEP Summer Music Festival - Free summer music concert at Schenley Plaza, complete with kids activities and an indie craft marketplace.

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix – check out the largest road race in the United States this summer… for free!
Family & Kids

Pittsburgh Spray Parks - Cool down this summer with these free city spray parks - no swimming required!

Roving Art Cart - Kiddos take can take advantage of free arts & crafts… in various locations around the ‘Burgh.

Blue Slide Park - Be sure to check out this great freebie for kids, as well as some of our other great free finds!

Reading Room at Market Square - Books aren’t free, but browsing is… and books are just $1-$2.

KidsPlay at Market Square - Free stories, crafts, treats, and special guests for kiddos at Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Mini Golf at Schenley Park - Play a round of mini-golf at Schenley Park’s ice skating rink, for a very affordable price!

Learn-to-Swim Camp - Free swimming lessons at select City of Pittsburgh pools this summer.

Swim Lessons at Allegheny County Pools - FREE swimming lessons for kids ages 5 and older. No pre-registration required!

Allegheny Observatory – Take a FREE tour of the Allegheny Observatory this summer and learn about celestial objects & more.
Sports & Fitness

Pirate $10 discount - Use your GE advantage card for $10 Pirates Sunday home games this summer.





Fish for Free - No fishing license required to enjoy fishing on these two specially designated days of the year.

Free Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board Demos - Enjoy this free demo opportunity for a brief paddle on the Irwin Run Pond (Lagoon) of North Park Lake.

Yoga in the Park- Free Yoga for the fitness enthusiast, starting in June.

Tai Chi in the Park - Reduce stress and gain focus before the work week starts with FREE Tai Chi at Schenley Plaza