Pittsburgh events

Weekly Therapy: missing packages

- Mel

the week:
The post office seriously just delivered my “missing” package from March 23 (you know, that package when I went to my local office to pick it up, was not there). The delivery person was “confused” as to why the numbers weren’t matching up. Uh, BECAUSE IT’S NOT THE SAME PACKAGE. The other missed package (my Sprig Box!) to be redelivered this past Saturday: no attempt at redelivery (even though I’ve now scheduled it twice). What is it that does not compute for these postal workers?! So frustrating that I’m ready to never shop online with any company who uses them to ship.

There are probably bigger things that I should worry about…

PCBW crew

weekend:
Volunteering on the Beer Barge, as part of PCBW.
DIRTY BALL! The best party of the year.
Then tailgating on Sunday (and game, of course) for the Pittsburgh Power.

52 books in 52 weeks:
Remember that reading plan? Yeah. I’m back at it. And have some MAJOR catching up to do.
#11 Gone Girl – read it in less than 2 days. Couldn’t put it down, but mostly because it made me SO ANGRY. You should read it.

seven things, seven days:
1. Scored a really fun Kindle cover and tiny ear buds at Five Below (and workout shorts and a sports bra and… man this store gets you!).
2. Loving our CSA so far, but our egg share was missing the last two weeks. Kind of a bummer.
3. League headshot day! Naturally my hair did not cooperate. I need some new hair-spiration.
4. We’re making plans for a road trip to Wisconsin in June: beer and friends and cheese and derby. EXCITE.
5. I’m sporting two sets of blisters this week on both feet from my new casual slip-on tennies. PISSED. Mostly because they were so comfy when I tried them on before purchase.
6. Time Management Tips for Those with ADHD from PsychCentral.
7. Psssst… Zoya Giveaway via The Beauty of Life

Pittsburgh Craft Beer Week: the celebration continues!

- Mel

It’s Pittsburgh Craft Beer Week! The hangover on this 30-something is a doozy. But there’s still a few days left to celebrate.

Sort-of started the celebrations last Saturday with my friend’s bachelorette party, hosting brunch at my house and then attending a Venture Outdoors programs — a hike-meets-beer-tasting (beer from Max’s Allegheny; not an official PCBW event, but it coincided appropriately). We had a really good time (me, especially so, shopping for her honeymoon attire). The lingerie gift idea was fun (a piece for every night of the honeymoon), and you could totally tell a little personality from each friend in her gift.

Sunday, amid some errands, we stopped into Bocktown for their 17th tap and delicious lunch. They were featuring a Black IPA from a local home brewer. It was awesome. Plus, they finally added the kielbasa reuben to the permanent menu.

beer founders brunch pcbwpappy beer pcbw

I also decided to spend my day off (how convenient!) with friends at the Founders brunch at Piper’s Pub. Yes, there was a lot of KBS. Too much. I really enjoyed the Doom though. Boxty breakfast soon turned into Liquid Lunch, followed by trips to two more bars to find the PCBW collaboration brews, then getting SOAKED in the afternoon rainstorm. Damn you, new shoes for giving me blisters.

When I finally got home, I napped (epic), then woke up for ANOTHER beer tasting happy hour at James Street — this one, paired with local chocolate company Sinful Sweets made with the Brooklyn beers. I have the hangovers. Bad.

Looking forward to a few more events though: tonight, #asistradition (a few Southside bars have tasting events plus I wish I could participate in the underwear ride — alas, practice); Friday, the Beer Barge (we couldn’t get tickets, so we’re volunteering). We’ll round out the weekend with a home Power game and tailgating with some of our fave craft beer peeps.

I consider this week a success. Did you participate? What were your favorite events?

Also, read my Pittsburgh Craft Beer Week {part two!} article and column in the recent issue of Craft Pittsburgh. Find at your favorite craft beer bars.

Making friends and Yelp: people, parties and part of the “new”-ness of April

- Mel

When I was a newcomer to Pittsburgh, I made many wonderful connections online. The majority of my friendships started on Twitter, and others I met through Yelp. I highly recommend if you’re relocating to start following and conversing online with people from your new city before your move.

Nearly every metropolitan area has a Yelp page specific to its city, with a great Talk board to get suggestions from the locals. I was already using my (former) blog to write about new places and experiences, so transitioning those reviews to Yelp was nothing different than what I was already doing. I love telling visitors about my favorite places — and giving my opinions and advice on being a newcomer in the city gave me a unique voice to others who have been here their whole life. The best part of being a Yelper though are the parties; being an Elite has some special perks.

We have an amazing Community Manager, Rachel, who connects us with local businesses and other users… and she hosts some super-fun parties. Plus, we were able to work together last year on a sponsorship-slash-event with my derby league — Yelp loves roller derby, and that only enhances my love of the site. There have been events at the Toonseum and Penn Brewery, happy hours, nights out on the Gateway Clipper, free tickets to live performances (I saw both ballet and Electra last year) and cool swag (I seriously have a Yelp chapstick in every coat pocket). Last month, the boyfriend and I joined fellow Yelpers for a performance of “You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up” (which paired well with complimentary beverages and cheese plates), and this week we went to the new Arcade Comedy Theater downtown to watch their cast do a rendition of Yelp’s Real Actors Read Yelp Reviews event (sooo funny).

I like being in the know. And being a Yelper was sincerely helpful for this 30-something to find her way — and find some new friends — in a new city.

Do you Yelp? I’m Mel U. — let’s connect! Have you made friends IRL that you originally met online?

And as they say, SYOY!

Weekly Therapy: healing from the littlest baby tooth that could

- Mel

the week:
I seem to be healing from my tooth extraction. Ready to move on from eating meals with baby food-consistency.

The boyfriend and I had a fun, mid-week date night. We had dinner at Braddock’s downtown and then saw the performance You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up! at the Pittsburgh CLO Cabaret Theater (thanks Yelp!). The show is hilarious — and runs through May 5.

weekend:
Busy couple of days! Friday is our monthly bowling league night (I’m still hovering around a respectable 105 average per game); tomorrow I’m skating in Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day parade (pending weather; we might be walking instead); afterward, our group will be celebrating at the Toonseum for their ‘Stache Bash.

A full weekend of activities, culminates into the big celebration of our anniversary on Sunday (the lovely story of when two drunk Irish people hooked up on St. Patrick’s Day). Sadly, our special occasion restaurant is closed on Sundays, so we’ll be looking for somewhere new (or making sushi at home) to celebrate FOUR YEARS. Where has the time gone?!

First “date”: St. Patrick’s Day, Chicago 2009. Yep.

seven things, seven days:
1. Squee! Alert: my current obsession, thanks to bird breeding season, are nest cams. Pittsburgh has its own eye on Peregrine falcons at the Cathedral of Learning! And then a friend sent me the link to these adorable Barn Owls.
2. We won our home opener last weekend, but my home team lost the championships (and I nearly lost my head with too many sits in the penalty box).
3. Painting my nails at least once a week, thanks to Julep! {if you access via my referral link, use code 8563093 at sign-up!}
4. Craving fish fry and alcoholic milkshakes… SO RANDOM. But definitely experiencing some sweets-withdrawal.
5. Another AWESOME Sprig box this month (hello, carrot cake cookies — I cannot wait to enjoy you after March 31!). This company is opening my eyes to so many amazing companies making raw, organic and gluten-free snacks.
6. Is anyone else completely freaking out about the retirement of Google Reader this summer?!
7. Seemed appropriate: The Psychology of Flossing

Love and salt-water rinses (blech). And shots of Jameson. Sláinte!

Weekly Therapy: when the boyfriend’s away, the derby will play

- Mel

the week:
practice. practice. practice. repeat weekly. I’m learning to adapt to the late nights of practices and added responsibilities (and soon, travel) that come with the beginning of the derby season. We had tryouts for our incoming meat class on Sunday, which is exciting (I’m a Mentee to two newbies); and hosting out-of-league skaters for a training camp this weekend. I slept surprisingly well for the boyfriend being out of town… likely because I. am. exhausted.

I’m also on 26 days without a drop of alcohol, so I’m all kinds of cranky. (FOUR MORE DAYS to meet my January goal!)

And that’s why Friendly’s makes ice cream.

Oh, and that incident last night with cops responding to an intruder alarm at my neighbor’s house. When I was home overnight alone. o_O

weekend:
It’s the quarterly Gallery Crawl tonight in downtown Pittsburgh! One of my favorite nights to explore the city and new exhibits (yes, even in 20 degree temps and a few inches of snow). New event this year: there’s a pop-up night market and curling session with Yelp and the Pittsburgh Curling Club.

Sunday is BOUT DAY!

52 books in 52 weeks:
I’m falling behind! I’m stuck on this book that is overly repetitive and extremely slow to read… and I should just QUIT already.
8. “I Want it Now! A Memoir of Life on the Set of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” by Julie Dawn Cole

seven things, seven days:
1. Interviewing two “hot” jewelry designers for a client – so exciting!
2. Refreshed, new hair color. *ahhh*
3. Brunch at Verde is my new fave. We checked it out as part of Pittsburgh Restaurant Week specials.
4. Found TWO different unused gift cards: Sephora and Old Navy (woo-hoo!)
5. Shopped two sports bras, a yoga tank and a BRIGHT track jacket with balance on Old Navy card.
6. Was nominated for league’s rookie award at our banquet a couple weekends ago. I didn’t win, but so proud and honored. I love my leaguemates.
7. Two weeks until California! (Can you believe it’s been over 20 years since I’ve last visited?)

Weekly Therapy: crushing goals… and the stupid flu again.

- Mel

the week:
Completed my first week of no alcohol, which was difficult, considering tryouts nerves! BUT I found out last night that I made the team! WOO! And also means I’M GOING TO CALIFORNIA! More on that later…

This “12 cognitive biases that prevent you from being rational” story is all the more important when getting a pang of flight anxiety again.

My life right now.

weekend:
After three days of minimal sleep (by no means my own fault; I was in bed… but just no sleep happened), I woke up this morning feeling sick. I’m trying to relax and push through, so that I can see Spank! (a parody of 50 Shades of Gray) tonight with a friend. Sober. I’m expecting it to be hilarious, especially given that I’ve never read the book and only the Tumblr making fun of it.

Saturday night, we have our annual derby awards banquet. This event calls for a date with my sequin pants!

For my Pittsburghers: check out Saturday’s Mascot Skate at Schenley Park.

52 books in 52 weeks:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (#7) – I read this entire book in less than 4 hours (across 2 days). I was bored at first and really didn’t want to go further (you know, stop before I get too attached to the story). But the character development was quick, and I was hooked. But I’m still confused by a few parts — one, especially an integral part of the story that I seemed to miss (I don’t want to spoiler!)… so I probably need to re-read it. On sale for $3.99 for Kindle at Amazon!

seven things, seven days:
1. Received all my transfer info from another school choice. This admission process requires a personal essay. And my ACT test results (from 18 years ago). Yikes.
2. I think we might have finally found an antique black slate mantel for the living room fireplace (via Craigslist)! Going to look at it this weekend. Cross your fingers!
3. This weekend I’ll be crafting some decorations for my friends bridal shower next weekend. I can’t wait to see my ideas all pulled together.
4. Check this out: HomeEC e-courses! I’m definitely signing up for a refresher “learn to sew” program. Remember those days when HomeEC was a required class in high school?! Just me then?
5. I’m totally in Decorating Mode. And super psyched to see HomeGoods boards on Pinterest.
6. Finding a “behind-the-neck” bra for a sleeveless, high-neck shirt is impossible. Bra shopping is my biggest nightmare, but there has to be SOMETHING. The shirt is white, I cannot go braless… unless I find a tank that’s cut the same way.
7. Author Hugo Schwyzer says empathy can be learned. Thoughts?

Photo credit: HelloFresh via Tumblr

Weekend Therapy: playing The Chimney Song on repeat

- Mel

the week:
It’s state (car) inspection time in this 30-something household (and for the 2nd year in a row, it did not pass; this year, exhaust issues, which is not entirely terrible). As much as I swoon over the 2013 new Ford Escape and dream of trading in my ’05, the reality that my car is paid off in 6 months has much more clout. Whatever this type of maturity is, I can’t even.

weekend:
Is everyone relaxing before Christmas, or is it just us? I picked up an extra shift at my part-time job for Sunday, seeing as how I have both Monday and Tuesday off (hooray!).

The boyfriend and I had a date night Friday and checked out new restaurant Root 174 (at least new to us) in Pittsburgh, as well as a new chocolate shop Sinful Sweets (we ate the chocolate as our appetizer at a bar while waiting for our originally-intended restaurant to open, which wouldn’t seat walk-ins).

Then we went downtown to check out our holiday market (it was freezing & Santa wasn’t there), but I found this:

cat ornament
A Rudy Cat ornament!

We also intended to check out the new Speakeasy in town. But again, our plans were foiled, and they wouldn’t let us in. *sigh*

Sounds like the date night was full of Fail, but we actually had a fun time (we’re committed to having a date night at least once a month — and hey, look: spontaneity!). Our “replacement” restaurant ended up serving an incredible meal — I won’t stop talking about that tomato-fennel gorgonzola soup — I can’t wait to return!

52 books in 52 weeks:
Finished #5: Sex & God at Yale. While mostly an interesting (debaucherous) read, the book itself went on WAY too many long-winded personal tangents. As an adult, did I really need an entire chapter devoted to the definition of “hooking up”? No. But maybe some out there do…

seven things, seven days:
1. The psychology behind organic labeling – from Science Daily
2. We got carolers at our house! On the one night I was gone this week… whomp.
3. But yay, team bonding! (over cider and cookies)
4. Holidays are meant for spiked milkshake happy hours… err, lunch.
5. As I write this, the cats are destroying the tree and presents beneath it. Broken ornament count: 2
6. I am an avid ponytail wearer – For winter, I need this Peekaboo Ponytail Hat!
7. We all seemingly made it through the End of the World! I suppose that’s something worth mentioning.

Have a happy pre-holiday weekend! I wouldn’t wish any last-minute shopping at the mall on my worst enemy!

Weekly Therapy: needs more room service

- Mel

the week:
I spent most of my week in Buffalo… doing nothing but work. I forgot my book, which made me do even more work. Even online distractions didn’t sway my production. Even though I decided not to explore the city (um, it was 22 degrees, nothankyou), I had something of a writing retreat, so it’s a win in my book.

When I got back, I had an interview for a part-time boutique position. I should find out some time next week about that…

weekend:
Friday night is GIRLS NIGHT OUT (special holiday gift exchange edition). I hope you make time for your girlfriends this busy season because we all need a release from the stressors (and holiday triggers). And wine. We NEED wine. (and in our case, cheesecake.) Check out the gorgeous earrings I got from my “Secret Santa” (also, a gift card to Starbucks for eggnog lattes so she doesn’t have to bring them to me anymore. ha!):

I promise, my finger is NOT that stubby in real life.

If you’re in Pittsburgh, pick up some unique gifts at Handmade Arcade on Saturday (11am-7pm) downtown at the Convention Center. Then Sunday, come see ROLLER DERBY! It’s our annual Toys for Tots charity scrimmage, so bring a toy for a child who needs a special Christmas.

52 books update:
So, I’ve finished four books since Thanksgiving. Not a bad start!
Kelly Cutrone’s If You Have to Cry, Go Outside
Nixon’s Darkest Secrets
Stop the Wedding! (A Romantic Comedy) – a random, silly book that Kindle store recommend; super easy read

seven things, seven days:
1. Christmas shopping started! (and finishing this weekend); Boyfriend is proving to be more difficult to shop for this year. Men.
2. Also, writing out all the Christmas cards. (I’m early!)
3. I’m hosting a bridal shower for a friend; check out these cute invites from Wedding Paper Divas.
4. WINE ICE CREAM!!!
5. Holiday shopping doesn’t mean I didn’t pick up a lil’ something for myself (duh!): this sequin sweatshirt from GAP is so fun (and comfy! And was 30% off.)
6. Bloggers Elsie & Emma from A Beautiful Mess geek out about Tea. More tea-geeking, please!
7. The Psychology of everything in 48 Minutes from Paul Bloom:

Weekly Therapy: subsisting on hot chocolate

- Mel

I’ve managed to make it to that part of the year where a daily hot chocolate is a necessity. So bad.
Oooh, wait. Is it eggnog season now?
I’m in big trouble.

hot chocolate_yum

the week:
I had a great game on Sunday (even if we lost by 11 points); I was jamming for most of the bout. This reminds me that I still have to tell you all about roller derby.

I picked up extra shifts at work — and my one day off, my cleaners wake me up at 9am o_O… I am still holding back some furious rage toward the USPS (synonymous with anger) for not delivering two different packages from two different dates (one, a personalized care package from a friend). This, after three rescheduled redeliveries; to which, they never redelivered… I know because I was waiting around ALL DAY. And now, apparently a missing package says my local branch. Grrr.

But, one week until thanksgiving = one week until vacation!

weekend:
Locally, it’s Light Up Night to celebrate the “beginnings” of holiday season in downtown Pittsburgh. Aka: let’s have some mexican and get drunk off margaritas then walk around and freeze our butts off… night. Or, at least that’s how last year looked.

I anticipate feeling just about as wonderful in the morning as last year. And then go spinning. And then go to Friendsgiving.

seven things, seven days:
1. Had an Emotional Health Check-up? This is just as important as your regular medical care.
2. I won a totally random giveaway this week from 3M: a safety kit. Pictures with goggles soon to come! (this also means that maybe there’s a dresser refinishing project in my future)
3. Reservations for Poogan’s Porch when in Charleston. Yes, I’m squeeing. Vacation. You are so close.
4. I’m also this much closer to Moon Pies.
5. Not gonna lie, I about lost my mind when seeing this recipe for TWO INGREDIENT Eggnog Muffins. TWO. Big love for this brand of easy cooking.
6. Penny Pincher Fashion has her Winter Survival Kit posted. It’s time.
7. Through a friend, found a Facebook group for women “recycling” their Lilly clothing. I scored a pair of pink capris – NWT! Kinda excited to finally fulfill this missing item from my “wants” list.

MANIAC Magazine Pittsburgh Bloggers Event

- Mel

I’ve been out of the local blogging scene for some time (save for PodCamp). With the “release” of this new blog, I need to start working on my marketing and networking.

I was excited to see the MANIAC magazine invite online for its Blogger Event in Pittsburgh. In an old shoe store — just my style! My coming out party (ha!). I was also happy to have a friend tag along with me to curb any needless social anxiety.


{top: Ella Moss / plum jeans: Paige denim / necklace: Paige Novick (no longer available) / bracelet: Blue Candy (similar) / flat, hat hair: free}

I just adore magazines like MANIAC — and particularly, special issues like this one: beautiful pictorials that include NYFW coverage and street style, and I literally swooned at the “bicycle from behind” photos. On the cover is the fabulous Nikki Reed; inside: local Pittsburgh scene captures… and the one-and-only Mr. Mark Wahlberg (mrwar!). There’s also a few helpful shopping guides and articles updating readers about technology, health and travel news (clever article pun: Turkey! A pleasant surprise, it’s not about Thanksgiving.).

But tonight, I’m sipping on cocktails, checking out the newest holiday issue & connecting with my fellow fashion and beauty bloggers. And crushing on this gifted schwag bag: copy of the new issue, a tarte lipgloss, an adult treat from Wigle Whiskey (yum!) and some generous coupons and samples from local businesses.

I even got a quickie manicure, courtesy of Spa Jema. Totally buying this Zoya color she used too.

Cheers to Bloggers (Tuesday!) Nights out… and one extra clink for the added food and drinks at the Wine Loft afterward.

Check out the MANIAC holiday issue online and follow the magazine on twitter and facebook.