More Lifestyles category, Page 69

Several years ago, I painted a bathroom in my house a rich, smoky blue. Everyone who sees it asks for the color name. When I answer, “Benjamin Moore’s Gentleman’s Gray,” the questioner inevitably looks perplexed and assumes I have conflated two colors, because there is nothing gray about the shade....

This is one event where you don’t want to wear your best shirt, because it probably would end up smeared with barbecue sauce. And that stuff just doesn’t want to wash out. The Pennsylvania Rib Fest returns June 28-30 to the Westmoreland Fairgrounds for three days of lip-smackin’, finger-lickin’ food...

South Union officials will host “Tails on the Trail,” an event marking the opening of Fayette County’s first dog park, at the new site at the corner of Cinder Road and Barton Lane. The 12-2 p.m. event on June 30 welcomes dogs and their people to have some off-leash fun....

Every organizational challenge is different, but the causes of clutter in each room of a house are often similar: People have either too much stuff or inadequate storage spaces — or both. Here’s a room-by-room rundown of the biggest clutter culprits and what to do about them. Master bedroom A...

Question: Our son is 13 and in the seventh grade. Last week he came home from school complaining about how a few of his friends have been bullying him. The same boys were at his birthday party just the weekend before and they seemed to get along fine. Sometimes they...

Dear Carolyn: As inappropriate as it feels to “need” a baby shower, my husband was just laid off and we, after several miscarriages, are finally expecting our first child in August. My successful, established, younger sister very recently announced her upcoming nuptials at the end of the summer. My mother...

Although most of us are likely not packing our bags and heading overseas for a foodie tour this summer — darn — DiAnoia’s Eatery is offering a dinner series with a taste of Italy, no passport required. Chef Dave Anoia and co-owner Aimee DiAndrea are launching a quarterly culinary experience...

Take more than books with you from the Oakmont Carnegie Library. You can now check out an experience. An experience kit is available at select libraries around Allegheny County, including the Oakmont location. The libraries have partnered with the Senator John Heinz History Center and its “Affiliate Program” to offer...

Things are starting to get ugly in the picturesque California town of Petaluma. Indeed, the place will go to the dogs when the winner of what’s being billed as the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is announced Friday night. The affair is shaping up to be hideous. Nineteen contestants featuring droopy...

You don’t have to get dressed up for this event. In fact, you are encouraged to not wear much. The Pittsburgh Underwear Bike Ride is Thursday. Held the last Thursday of every month from May until October, the event is about having fun and promoting a positive self-body image, said...

If you think it’s adorable when a dog raises its eyebrows and makes sad-looking eyes, you are not alone. Apparently, evolution is to thank for that heart-melting expression that can result in extra treats or cuddles. A group of researchers, including a Duquesne University professor, have determined that while dogs...

The Connellsville Area Garden Club will share the city’s highlights with visitors during its Connellsville Art, History and Garden Tour. Suitable for driving or cycling, the go-at-your-own-pace tour is set for 9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 29. The tour will feature five public art spaces, such as Coke to Spokes, the...

Testing, testing. It’s all that remains before eager riders can climb in and take off on Kennywood Park’s newest ride, The Steel Curtain. The structure is complete, the final piece of track placed atop the coaster. And yinzers — and other roller coaster aficionados — are way past ready. According...

People are more likely to return a lost wallet if it contains money — and the more cash, the better. That’s the surprising conclusion from researchers who planted more than 17,000 “lost wallets” across 355 cities in 40 countries, and kept track of how often somebody contacted the supposed owners....

The most intriguing stop on the 15th annual Inside Ligonier Valley — A Home Tour might not be a house at all. Among the seven featured properties on the June 22 tour is Penguin Court, the 923-acre former estate of the family of the late Tribune-Review publisher Richard M. Scaife....

Military service members and first responders who are planning to tie the knot will have a chance to walk down the aisle in style without busting their budget, thanks to Operation Wedding Gown. Greensburg’s MB Bride & Special Occasion is partnering with national nonprofit Brides Across America to offer free...

Norvelt will celebrate its 85th anniversary this year and the Westmoreland Homesteads-Norvelt Historical Society is planning a community picnic to mark the occasion. “We usually get about 85-90 former residents,” says Ann Riggen, society president. “People like to get together and see each other. We have three or four people...

Laurel Highlands Autism Speaks Walk will be held at Idlewild & Soak Zone’s Storybook Forest this year. Children and adults with autism, their families, friends, colleagues and neighbors are welcome to participate in the Sept. 8 event at the Ligonier Township amusement park. Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions...

Get moving at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens beginning Monday. “Let’s Move Pittsburgh Summer Fun Days” are five days where young and old can participate in games and crafts as well as fitness activities. The initiative is about developing healthy habits because Phipps is committed to leading children toward a...

Expectant moms who can use a little help preparing for their little one’s arrival may qualify for an upcoming “Itty Bitty Birthday Cheer” community baby shower. Beverly’s Birthdays, a nonprofit based in North Huntingdon, provides birthday celebrations for children experiencing homelessness and for families in need. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m....

The Jack Rabbit is one of Kennywood’s most iconic, thrilling rides. Sure, there will be those who would argue with that, but they’re just misinformed. For those who have had the pleasure of riding, they understand. For those who haven’t, they’re missing out. Until now. While nothing will ever be...

They had to do something to replace the CDs and DVDs. Best Buy is getting into the fitness business, with the announcement that it will sell upscale home exercise equipment like Flywheel stationary bikes, Hydrow rowing machines and NordicTrack treadmills. The equipment is available now at bestbuy.com and will be...

Sweet treats and beverages will be on the menu when North Huntingdon nonprofit Beverly’s Birthdays teams up with Wigle Whiskey and Level 7 for a fundraising “Birthday Benevolence Bash.” The 5-8 p.m. June 21 event at Level 7 lounge at the AC Hotel Pittsburgh, 1126 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, will benefit...