Lifestyles category, Page 189
A rich almond cake makes a sophisticated and sweet dessert
Simple, rich almond cake makes a sophisticated and delicately sweet dessert, but traditional European versions tend to be heavy and dense. For a slightly cakier version with plenty of nutty flavor, we swapped out the usual almond paste for toasted blanched sliced almonds (we disliked the slight bitterness imparted by...
Guacamole Cheese is a thing, and it’s just in time for Cinco de Mayo
Not since the days of “You got your chococlate in my peanut butter” has a flavor combination been so deliciously exciting. Amanti Guacamole Cheese, made by Daily Dairy in Holland, is headed for store shelves by May 1 — in time for your Cinco de Mayo food lineup. The Fresh...
WQED holds future jobs expoVideo
WQED will host Future Jobs Expo — Explore Your Future at its Fred Rogers Studio, 4802 Fifth Ave., Oakland. The event is set for 4-8 p.m. May 15, and is part of its Future Jobs Initiative, a year-long multimedia effort to highlight jobs of the future in demand today and...
Out & About: Italian American students receive lodge scholarships
The Order Italian Sons and Daughters of America was organized in 1930 by a small community of Italian immigrants in Pittsburgh. Members became active in the politics and society of their adopted city and country, but still worked to preserve a cultural link with their Italian heritage. Nowadays, the organization...
Ligonier Country Market seeks cleanup volunteers
As preparations begin for the Ligonier Country Market to open its season on May 18, volunteers are welcome to attend a cleanup day at the Loyalhanna Watershed Association Farm, where the market is held. The cleanup will take place at 9 a.m. May 4 (rain date May 11), says Cari...
‘Books & Brew’ tasting event coming to Ligonier Valley Library
A Books & Brew fundraiser is planned for 6-8 p.m. May 3 in the Ligonier Valley Library on the Diamond. The 21-and-older event will feature: • Tasting tables by Whitehorse Brewing, Old Towne Distillery, Country Hammer Moonshine and Stone Bridge Brewing • Raffles, including the library’s signature “Cork Pull” •...
Record-breaking roller coaster Yukon Striker opening at Canada’s Wonderland
Yukon Striker at Canada’s Wonderland, proclaimed to be the world’s tallest, fastest and longest dive roller coaster, opened last week to a few lucky riders. The Striker bills itself the fastest dive coaster, reaching speeds of 80 mph; the longest dive coaster at 3,625 feet; and the tallest dive coaster,...
L.A. Taco truck turns out authentic Mexican ‘street food’ in the Alle-Kiski ValleyVideo
Taco Tuesday can be yours. L.A. Taco, a food truck primarily serving the Alle-Kiski area since 2012, rolls into Saxonburg, Buffalo Township, Ford City and Kittanning weekly, selling authentic Mexican tacos, burritos and quesadillas. “My husband, Walter, is Latino and from L.A., moved here, and was a student at IUP,”...
Out & About: Valued staff members get ‘The Royal Treatment’
At the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce, they know it’s not just the CEOs and CFOs who make a business go. Every single employee has a hand in the company’s success. In that vein, the chamber hosts an annual staff appreciation luncheon where those contributions are recognized. This year, employees of...
Out & About: Jeannette Business Association offers ladies day out
“In the spring,” said Alfred, Lord Tennyson, “a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.” A woman’s fancy? Well, let’s say it’s just as likely to turn to thoughts of new clothes. A look at what’s new in warm weather togs came courtesy of the Jeannette Business Association’s...
Out & About: CASA breakfast honors volunteers helping kids
After David Kindl retired from 30 years as a special-needs vocational instructor at Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center, he said, he missed the advocacy part of his job. Kindl heard about CASA of Westmoreland and decided to volunteer as a court-appointed special advocate supporting children involved in family court...
Out & About: Models are ‘Pretty in Pink’ for art center runway showVideo
Taking on a Project Runway-style challenge, a group of Greater Latrobe Senior High School students created clothing from upcycled materials for Latrobe Art Center’s The Art of Fashion: Pretty in Pink fashion show. In the young designers’ talented hands, thrift store sheets became a floaty, feminine summer dress and old...
Out & About: Greensburg Art Center gala rocks a Tahitian vibe
Outside the Greensburg Art Center, it was gray and damp, but inside, there was a warm South Seas vibe. Tiki torches lit the path, leading guests to Art on the Vine: Tahiti, the center’s signature fundraiser, held this year on April 26. The theme was inspired by French post-Impressionist painter...
Out & About: Historical Society offers taste of Ligonier Valley
Ligonier Valley Historical Society offered an “epicurean adventure” with its 28th annual Tastes of the Town held April 25 at Laurel Mountain Ski Resort in Ligonier Township. Part of the adventure was the trek up the mountain and through the woods to the ski lodge, offering sweeping vistas of the...
Ditch the Craigslist couch and try renting your furniture instead
Millennials: They love their #shelfies, their plants and their minimalist decor. But, caught in a web of stagnant wages, student loan debt and temp jobs, many can’t foot the bill for the West Elm-like look they aspire to or can’t justify buying furniture for the long term. How do retailers...
Travel tip: These three cities make for great weekend getaways
Weekend trips are big thing for 2019, according to Elle magazine. Driving the “bite-sized travel” trend are factors like cheap flights and diverse transportation and accommodation options. Where to go from here? These three cities are within easy travel distance of Western Pennsylvania and offer more than enough to do...
Dealing with a girlfriend’s punitive behavior
Hi, Carolyn: I am in a long-distance relationship and I recently had a birthday. My fiancee is working overseas, and on my birthday, she never got to wish me a happy birthday. She knew the date and didn’t forget. When I asked her about it, she claimed she was angry...
Like to take pictures of wildlife? You can help scientists out.
For one week in January, passengers aboard Le Boreal, a cruise ship operated by the French company Ponant, soaked up Antarctica’s wildlife. They stood on the ship’s decks to marvel at three types of orcas, or killer whales, swimming seamlessly in groups. They stayed up late to watch humpback whales...
Living with Children: Child raising vs. parenting
There is child raising and there is “parenting.” America replaced the former with the latter in the 1970s and it’s been downhill ever since. My mother — a single parent during most of my formative years — was not parenting me. She was raising me, bringing me up. She did...
2 most effective ways to plant tomatoes
Though it’s still about a month too early to plant tomato plants outdoors here in Pennsylvania, I thought I’d help you get a jump start on the season by offering some tips for planting this year’s tomato crop. Proper planting starts with the proper timing, of course. Tomato plants don’t...
Don a hat for Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy ‘Spring Hat Luncheon’
Put a topper on it. The 21st annual PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Spring Hat Luncheon is from 11:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4. It’s the first time the stylish event will be held at Allegheny Commons Park on Pittsburgh’s North Side. The soiree attracts 700 guests, according to a...
Darkside Demon Clothing is much more than just cool hats, shirts
There are demons inside all of us. Life is about overcoming that darkness. And Marcus Corson has created a clothing line to help. “My company represents fighting all the inner demons we all have going through in the struggles of life, whether it be PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) from serving...
Dry Ridge club plant sale to benefit Greensburg area charities
Dry Ridge Garden Club of Greensburg will hold its annual plant sale May 4 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Hempfield. Open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the event will feature hardy perennials, annuals, vegetables, a bake sale and a basket auction. Lunch also will be available. This...
Tropical gardenias perfect on a patio in a pot in Pennsylvania
Question: I am looking for some advice on growing gardenias in Pennsylvania. What are the tricks to success? Answer: Gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides) are a favorite flower of many people, but caring for the plants in cold climates like ours can be difficult. This beautiful, tropical plant produces pure white blooms...
Reflections on a legacy of planting
On a warm spring afternoon, the sun highlighted a row of daffodils in such a way that the orange fringe of the cups exploded with color. I’ve seen them bloom every season for the past 20 but never really noticed the dark apricot center of the flower. I began to...
