Weekly Therapy

Weekly Therapy: I’m eating very well.

- Mel

the week:
Trying to manage a week where we had something going on every night (dinner with friends, date night dinner, dinner with friends, repeat). It’s Pittsburgh Restaurant Week, so food tends to happen. A lot.

We had an incredible meal at Toast! Monday night — the restaurant is showcasing two unique menus this week (each, five courses): vegan truffles or his n’ hers foie gras. We went with the latter. FOIE GRAS DONUTS was a course. GET THERE THIS WEEK IF YOU CAN. But seriously, get there any time because the food at Toast has always been delicious.

The other (new) restaurant we visited was just OK. I didn’t order from the Restaurant Week menu because it was mostly uninteresting (bonus, not: they have a limited menu because of PRW) and went a’la carte. There was kind of a “sticker shock” involved here and slow, mediocre service which led to an overall feeling of… meh. Too many amazing restaurants in Pittsburgh to complain about the bad ones.

weekend:
Taking a social trip to Cleveland. Follow along on twitter (@30sTherapy). While you’re at it, like 30sTherapy on Facebook too.

Also, we’re playing our last away game in regular season Saturday in the Akron area. Then it’s PLAYOFFS!

seven things, seven days:
1. Cakestyle is no more (sad for the company), but that doesn’t mean I didn’t score a few awesome pieces during their closeout sale!
2. My new piano book is missing almost 20 pages — total misprint on behalf of the publisher. What the hell.
3. The (gigantic) bruise I got at last weekend’s game has plank marks in it from the floor of the skating rink. FOR REAL.
4. Hey, I had a make-your-own Asian noodles meal this week! I never understood the trend, but naturally, I’m just another 30-something (fashionably) late to the party — LOVE!
5. We finally rented a carpet cleaner to deal with the cat “mistakes” on the area rugs around the house. We figured it would be a bonus to clean the upstairs carpets too… until the cats peed on them, too, immediately afterward. I can’t deal anymore.
6. Anyone have experience with Blue Apron or Hello Fresh (or similar food delivery services)? I’m interested.
7. Life’s Priorities: are you too busy… or are there just more important things right now? {via Art of Non-Conformity}

Weekend Therapy: musically inclined to agree

- Mel

the week:
The week of the piano. my grandparent’s piano — the one on which I learned to play as a kid — is in my home. I knew after my grandmother’s funeral that I could possibly have it, once my family had it appraised and gave me a price. After talking to my dad on Monday, he mentioned that there would be some upcoming home repairs at my grandparent’s old house, which meant that the piano would need to be moved in a couple weeks. No problem… until he called me back later and said that the piano needed moved by Thursday. Thankfully, my family knew of a piano mover in Ohio that was willing to do the move last minute and at an affordable rate. And he wanted to come on Wednesday (um, a day later). WHAT A WEEK.

I couldn’t be more happy. Although I’ll admit, it’s so bittersweet. It smells like my grandparent’s home (after being there since 1978), and I definitely cried more than a little bit. It’s an “apartment” or studio baby grand, so the size is perfect for our small-ish rowhouse. Now researching: how the hell to decorate a living room around a piano. #stumped

grand piano in a rowhouse
Interior design experts state this is NOT the way to furnish a living room with a piano (keys never face out, I guess, which is good for me because I HATE my back to others when playing) — so, we’ll be rearranging it this weekend.

Also? I get to cross another item off my bucket list: having a piano in my home (I’ll be taking lessons again in my off-season).

weekend:
LAST HOME BOUT of this travel season. One more away game, then it’s on to post season.

seven things, seven days:
1. Totally forgot about our CSA pickup this week (because of aforementioned piano delivery that nearly gave me a heart attack). OOPS!
2. Was reading posts from my old blog (where I blogged for 10 years!!!), and I’m amazed and impressed how long and rambly all my posts were (and how people stuck around long enough to read them). Nostalgic.
3. Sushi after practice is my new craving. Weird, but I can get used to this.
4. Anyone else having problems loading and/or adding feeds to Feedly? It’s so frustrating all the great blogs that I’m missing on a daily basis.
5. Brunch with old friends = the best.
6. Some new home decoration purchases: a tall hammered silver vase from Target and a white tray from Pier One (which, unfortunately, was delivered damaged).
7. Youth: Straight, LGBT or “other”? An interesting article about sexual identity from CNN.

Stitch Fix: continuing my obsession with monthly subscription boxes

- Mel

This post contains affiliate links.

Fall is usually when I revamp my closet (my favorite season, at that), or at least notice how much I haven’t worn in the last year. And I truly hate shopping — online stylist services is where it’s at. I used Cake Style last year, and received a few boxes, to which I definitely found (and purchased) some great pieces. But overall, the entirety of the box was too rich for my budget (especially with all of these house projects… woof). But I still really liked the service and having a stylist at the ready for special events.

Enter: Stitch Fix

Thanks to an awesome referral from twitter for the heads-up on this company. With Stitch Fix I can pick my own budget comfort level. After filling out a style profile (I wish there was a place for measurements, however; probably the only thing “missing” from the questionnaire) and social media accounts, like Pinterest and Instagram, your personal stylist uses this background info to curate your Fix. The boxes only come when you say you need one. Each delivery costs $20, but that is applied to any purchase you make from the box. Anything you don’t want, you return in the prepaid envelope within three days.

stitch fix subscription box

I received my first box this week, which included five pieces that were stylish-but-classic enough for any 30-something — and one that even pushed me out of my closet comfort zone: an edgy light gray blazer (LOVE the striped lining!), off-white denim, cute vintage-inspired lace tank, a navy polka dot blouse and a mint-hued dress (this last piece is something completely different for me, but still in my color wheel).

My stylist Ishara did very, very well (thank you!). I’m going to have so much fun incorporating these pieces into my wardrobe — and watch for pictures after my special blogger getaway next weekend.

Total cost*: $262.50
30-something Approved!

*If you buy everything from your Fix, they give you a 25% discount, which makes it hard to resist buying the entire box –especially when the bill without one item would be practically the same. It’s almost like getting an item for free.

Disclaimer: Post includes affiliate links. See my disclosure page for more info.

Weekend Therapy: don’t get bit

- Mel

the week:
Did you hear about these Asian tiger striped mosquitos in Pitsburgh?! Yeech. I made it out of Costa Rica without getting eaten alive, and now I have to worry about these buggers at home.

Meanwhile, as I walked to work the other day, I felt something biting the back of my knee FROM UNDERNEATH MY PANTS. I had to shake out my pant leg once I arrived, and some bastard bit me, like, 8 times. My luck, it seems, is the worst. Or I need to find another place to store my work pants.

Side note about bugs: How the hell do you get rid of moths? We have a problem in this house. I have cedar bags, chips and blocks in every closet, shelf and drawer, but I’m still finding them everywhere.

And now I present you, LARGEST ZUCCHINI EVER:

largest zucchini
Say hello to my little friend!

That came from our garden. So proud.

weekend:
Date night with the boyfriend — seeing Defending the Caveman, and having dinner downtown at place-to-be-determined. I tell you what, I’m determined to just eat my way around cheese plates this evening.

And then I have brunch plans at Kaya with a friend visiting from Ohio.

seven things, seven days:
1. Our fireplace is just about done! Pics coming soon.
2. But now our roof is leaking again… SIGH.
3. What is it about a mani-pedi combo that makes you feel SO GOOD?
4. Also, how the heck did that only cost me $40?! I’m definitely doing that again next month.
5. I’m seriously applying to 10 open job postings on my days off. I’m motivated to find work, but not having much luck.
6. Boy is this article timely: 10 Essential Tips for Surviving Houseguests {via Remodelista}
7. 9 Famous Women Who Have Spoken Out About Therapy {via HuffPost}

Weekend Therapy: recharged and ready

- Mel

the week:
Ah. The first week back from vacation. Usually tortuous, but I feel good. RECHARGED. Like I really had a vacation. But oh, do I miss Costa Rica!

Sneak peek:

Guess what I'm about to do?
Guess what I’m about to do?

weekend:
Staying low key, given that August is busy every. single. weekend. If we get an itch, we might walk over to the Beer Fest at Stage AE on Saturday. I’ve got brunch with the girlfriends planned for Sunday (psssst, the place has a DOUGHNUT MACHINE).

seven things, seven days:
1. Free lunch at work this week because of national “thank a zoologist” (or something) week. It was also birthday cake week. A nice way to ease back into the real world. I also had my yearly review, which was excellent.
2. Ha. We have a push lawnmower now, but we lost nearly all of our new grass. We think the sod might have been bad. *cry*
3. The cats are crazy. The end.
4. Catching up on old favorite — nip/tuck — while I’m doing other work. What a fun show! Season 2 was definitely my favorite. Or, maybe 3. Season 5 is so weird.
5. Finishing up some DIY projects this week. Feeling crafty!
6. Processed my FAFSA – school is getting close!
7. The Truth About Female Desire via Salon

Weekly Therapy: she sits alone at the lamp post… trying to find a thought that’s escaped her mind.

- Mel

the week:
What is it about summer that brings about a full schedule of activities? Last weekend saw a double win from our travel teams, an after-after after party that was so much fun, and an awesome weather Sunday on bikes around the city (with patio sangria at Seviche and Jazz festival). My sister came to hang out with me in the middle of the week, and we went over to the Arts Festival to see Glen Hansard. Electric lemonade! And all of the terrible-but-awesome festival food.

three rivers arts festival

The week was a span of really, really good days with friends and family. Reminds me how I need to hang with those people more often and not get so caught up in the social anxiety aspect of being too busy.

pittsburgh fountain

weekend:
It’s the last weekend of the Arts Festival (Airborne Toxic Event is performing tonight) and Pride in Pittsburgh! Saturday morning, a few of us are scrimmaging at the Miner’s Festival in Johnstown (a place I haven’t been to since I was a kid). We’re taking the scenic route (and I’m taking the Dramamine). Sunday, I’m skating in the Pride march with my leaguemates.

Sadder, bittersweet news: my family is having a house sale at my grandparents (and more sad news, my grandma fell and broke her hip this week). Although I don’t think I can fit “go home to Ohio” in my plans this weekend, I will be seeing all my sisters and nieces before the end of the month.

52 books in 52 weeks:
Started yet another book that was incredibly dumb; thankfully, only got 17% in before I cut it out of my life. And then another one — this, only 10% through. More dumb. But that set back my reading goal for the week. again. Grrrr.

seven things, seven days:
1. Team Magenta! (that’s for my roller derby ladies out there)
2. We have a new privacy fence! And topsoil is laid in our soon-to-be greenspace on our courtyard. Sod gets laid next week.
3. Dumb sore knee – is it because of the weather or because of bike riding? Because it’s dumb.
4. Can you believe I already received my renewed passport? Expedited service seriously took, like, 10 days.
5. Finally found a BB Cream that I LOVE.
6. These (supposedly dissolvable) internal stitches are starting to poke out of my face. It’s so weird… and so annoying.
7. Seemed appropriate: Good-bye Weekend — How Our Connected World is Ruining Them from Psych Central

Weekly Therapy: I do bruise easily.

- Mel

the week:
June spending freeze. Blah.

BUT… back to derby practices! Already have All of the Bruises.

weekend:
Bout weekend! Starting off with a team pasta night and viewing party (oh gawd, helmet cam) and game on Saturday (and much-needed after party). Sunday will be much relaxing. And likely, a hangover.

If you’re not following my schedule, you know that this weekend starts the Three River Arts Festival and Jazz Festival downtown. These are things that make me miss living downtown greatly. Friday also marks the “opening” of the Point State Park fountain. Will probably take some time on Sunday to check everything out. Likely, get a bike ride in since we only live 1 mile away! (given that my bicycle is actually in working condition, after sitting in the basement for an entire year… *sigh*)

52 books in 52 weeks:
#15. Delusions of Grandeur by Jason Najum. WTF did I just read?! It was like one long internet rant about society. Review: don’t read this.

seven things, seven days:
1. Made the Yelp weekly again! (this time, for Sandcastle water park – a fun summer thing to do in Pittsburgh)
2. Fathead’s Headhunter on tap at home
3. Finally got strawberries in the garden!
4. Did you know that I am a closet Western movie fan? This list from Art of Manliness is a good start, but the exclusion of “Once Upon a Time in the West” is flabbergasting.
5. Inventor of ADHD says it’s a “Fictious Disease” on his deathbed. Woah.
6. Weekend therapy will be these peaches and cream cupcakes from Burgh Baby.
7. PR pros are crazy. Like a fox!

Weekly Therapy: the ups & downs of home ownership

- Mel

the week:
The deck boards are gone in the start of our resurfacing project. It unearthed an unsightly mess — and a much bigger problem. Which I guess is just more of the same in this home ownership experience.

deck

But I think the boyfriend and I both decided to just tear it all down and start some greenspace. It will be raised because of the existing fill dirt and retainer wall and there will be more money paid to change the zoning and to go through historical review process (again)… I think it might be worth. Starting over, at least seems like the right call.

Oh, did I also mention that our air conditioning unit’s compressor went last week? Yeah, that was another $250 put back into the house *cries*

Anyways, I can’t wait until the 1800GotJunk guys get this shit out of my courtyard and get my weekend started.

weekend:
Friday, 42nd Street date night with the boyfriend tonight. I GET TO SEE JOEY FATONE.
Saturday: work. meh.
Outdoor skating on Sunday! (no rain no rain no rain no rain) We’re also going to look at a cabinet currently for sale (with an amazing offer to refinish to our liking too). We wanted something tall and interesting to add to our dining room. We’ll see!

And enjoying the rest of this:
dr frank wine

52 books in 52 weeks:
Really super-close to finishing #14 Bonk: the Curious Coupling of Science & Sex by Mary Roach – GREAT BOOK! I can’t wait to read her others.

seven things, seven days:
1. I participated in a twitter chatt with Simple Skin Care and the One2One Network — and I ended up winning a gift basket. WOO!
2. Uploaded all pics to flickr on my day off. Whew. So many pictures stored on my iphone from the last three years. Like, 1000 more to go.
3. Passport photos and application – sending today! Expedited fees, woof.
4. My bandages were finally removed from my face. I’m feeling very… weird. The boyfriend didn’t even notice, so I guess that’s a good start. Or, it’s just SO MUCH BETTER than all that bruising and swelling, that this is now my good face.
5. What do you do with excess of rhubarb from your CSA? Make strawberry-rhubarb banana bread, of course.
6. Beauty of life did a First Look Friday feature with Older Girl Beauty.
7. Interesting and appropriate article from National Post: The psychology of buying a home: why do we love one place and not another? I can tell you, like, 832 reasons why I wanted to buy another house… but we got this one.

Weekly Therapy: recovery… in small doses.

- Mel

the week:
Stitches are out (well, dissolved). Steri-strips are IN… err, on. One more week of bandages and of not getting my “wound” wet. ANNOYING. I just want to take a shower like a normal person.

weekend:
Friday is 21+ night at the Carnegie Science Center — wine & cheese science, I’m all about that. Saturday, we’re meeting up with a couple friends for our favorite brunch place. We also have another home Power game!

Sunday, is the Comic Arts Festival, hosted by the Toonseum. Our roller derby league is a vendor during the event — a full block closed downtown on Liberty for pedestrians to walk and bike… and skate — and share the love of the comic arts and meet their favorite cartoon characters. I’m excited for us to be a part of this inaugural event.

52 books in 52 weeks:
What Do We Do Now? by Keith Malley and Chemda — prompted by my new-found love of podcasts, this couple (and their comedic podcast) was introduced to me via twitter. That same friend brought me their book to last weekend’s tailgate. I read it front-to-back in one day. While I could do without the generalized, misogynistic tone that the male counterpart frequently “advises,” overall it was a fun and easy read.

seven things, seven days:
1. More to read: PsychCentral gives 3 Tips to Find a Couples Therapist
2. And the Art of Manliness tells you how to communicate your needs in a relationship.
3. Finally used my sample of TONX. Quite good, this Caranavi Bolivian coffee.
4. I had a helluva time trying to figure out all these greens in my CSA.
5. So excited that I got these cute printed LOFT shorts for 40% off. Not-so-excited that the sizing is ALL WRONG. Not even close to the size chart. I’ll be spending what I saved on tailoring. Lame.
6. Weekend Therapy: this apple flower cocktail from A Beautiful Mess. Mmmm, Benedictine.
7. I have klout in ice cream, apparently: received coupons for two free Blue Bunny products and a new scooper.

Happy Summer!

Weekly Therapy: buh-bye skin cancer

- Mel

the week:
Had my MOHs surgery this week, so this post will be short-and-sweet. I have to wait 7-10 days to do any kind of physical activity, so I’m also on derby break. I’ll know more next Thursday when I get my bandages removed (for further healing time). I have no idea how long my stitches will be in my face, which is weird — especially if they’re going to be exposed.

weekend:
Neighborhood yard sale (also, first time in public since the surgery). Power game on Saturday, and then the Pirates game with my dad on Sunday. But lots of rest and learning how to cover up a black eye with makeup.

52 books in 52 weeks:
I got 17% through a new book about Ted Bundy, but it was boring, so I cut my losses and started reading something else.

seven things, seven days:
1. I won a $100 restaurant gift card from Dawg’s Dish. SO AWESOME! And we have a new restaurant to try when we return to Cleveland.
2. Yoga. Needed.
3. Purchased a CC cream (finally) and was disappointed to learn it didn’t contain sunscreen. Plus, the product itself sucks. Meh.
4. We booked a trip to Costa Rica!
5. Now I need to renew my passport though… holy expensive — especially for expedited processing!
6. Homemade strawberry milkshakes: for those days when you cannot drink alcohol. Sober Therapy.
7. Does trying to be happy make us unhappy?