Lifestyles category, Page 23
Forget downtown or the ’burbs. The far-flung exurbs are where people are moving
HAINES CITY, Fla. — Not long ago, Polk County’s biggest draw was citrus instead of people. Located between Tampa and Orlando, Florida’s citrus capital produces more boxes of citrus than any other county in the state and has devoted tens of thousands of acres to growing millions of trees. But...
Free wedding services offered to LGBTQ couples in Pittsburgh until Trump inauguration
When photographer Kitty Paul learned that President-elect Donald Trump was headed back to Washington, she wanted to do anything she could to help LGBTQ couples getting married. “What does this mean for a lot of us?” asked Paul, 41, of Avalon, who is part of the Pittsburgh queer community. Queer...
Amachi Pittsburgh celebrates 20 years of breaking cycle of incarceration
Amachi Pittsburgh is breaking the cycle of incarceration by helping youth thrive and achieve their goals. The organization provides support to youth who have parents who may be incarcerated or are at high risk of incarceration. Through mentorship and care, their work has changed the trajectory of children’s lives. On...
Wigle Whiskey releases spirits for holiday season
Wigle Whiskey is releasing its oldest whiskey to date this holiday season — starting Friday. A nine-year, 195-bottle batch of Wigle Reserve Single Barrel Rye will be available, as well as an eight-year, 157-bottle batch of Wigle Reserve Single Barrel American Wheat Whiskey. The rye, which is the oldest whiskey...
Working Well: The simple act of taking deep breaths can reduce stress and anxiety
NEW YORK — A simple, uncommon ritual starts each staff meeting at Myosin Marketing. When everyone is gathered on Zoom, and before they get to the meat of the agenda, CEO Sean Clayton leads his team through a deep-breathing exercise. The practice sets the tone for the meeting, and helps...
Schools battle national shortages, pay disparity to keep nurses on the job
Aliza Zelina arrives for her school nursing job at Highlands Middle School in Harrison just after 7 a.m. each day knowing she won’t have much prep time before her patients begin to roll in. “We see kids bright and early,” she said. “It’s steady, seeing about 50 to 60 visits...
My Little Pony finally hits the Toy Hall of Fame, alongside Phase 10 and Transformers
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — My Little Pony finally made it to the winner’s circle. After years as an also-ran, the pastel-colored ponies were enshrined in the National Toy Hall of Fame on Tuesday, along with Transformers action figures and the Phase 10 card game. The honorees rose to the top in...
‘Killer comfort food’ and classic cocktails await at Lula in Sewickley
Restaurateur Stephen Browning of Franklin Park began flipping pizzas and immersing himself in the restaurant industry when he was 16. At 53, he’s still at it, only now he’s the boss. After always working for others, he’s settled into a positive place as owner and operator of Lula in Sewickley....
From amputation to Ironman, Bethel Park veteran shares story of resilience
Eric McElvenny of Bethel Park was 132 miles into the 140.6 miles of the Ironman World Championships in beautiful Kona, Hawaii. Every bone, muscle, piece of skin on his body hurt. He couldn’t take one more step. “I am in physical pain,” McElvenny said as he described that moment to...
Mattel says it ‘deeply’ regrets misprint on ‘Wicked’ dolls packaging that links to porn site
NEW YORK — Toy giant Mattel says it “deeply” regrets an error on the packaging of its “Wicked” movie-themed dolls, which mistakenly links toy buyers to a pornographic website. The error gained attention on social media over the weekend, where numerous users shared photos of the URL printed on the...
Bethel Park U.S. Marine Corps Captain shares his story at Veterans Breakfast Club
Eric McElvenny was 132 miles into the 140.6 miles of the Ironman World Championships in beautiful Kona, Hawaii. Every bone, muscle and piece of skin on his body hurt. He couldn’t take one more step. “I am in physical pain,” McElvenny said as he described that moment to the room...
Service dogs provide comfort, strength to veterans
A service dog is a veteran’s best friend. These highly trained animals help those who served their country re-enter civilian life by being trusted companions. They can sense something before it happens. They can detect low blood sugar, an oncoming seizure and prevent a panic attack. “I still walk this...
New jazz-themed wine bar and restaurant to open in Sharpsburg
It’s almost time to step back into the 1920s. Uncorked, the Pittsburgh region’s newest jazz and blues-themed wine bar and restaurant, is set to officially open Nov. 9 at 703 Main St. in Sharpsburg. The public event will showcase an evening of old-school jazz glamour with gourmet small plates, curated...
Starbucks removes extra charge for nondairy milk after years of complaints, protests
After years of complaints from vegan and lactose-intolerant customers, Starbucks is no longer charging extra for nondairy milk in drinks. This means any drink with soy milk, oat milk, almond milk and coconut milk will no longer have a surcharge starting Thursday, the company said. The switch is part of...
Green giant: This year’s 74-foot Rockefeller Christmas tree is en route from Massachusetts
WEST STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — A giant Norway spruce that will serve as this year’s Rockefeller Christmas tree was en route to New York City on Thursday from its tiny Massachusetts hometown. The 74-foot-high (23-meter-high) conifer, donated by a family that owned it, was cut down Thursday morning in West Stockbridge...
Headliner announced for Pittsburgh’s Highmark Light Up Night
Alternative rock band The Fray, known for “How to Save a Life” and other hits, will be the headliner for the 63rd annual Highmark Light Up Night on Nov. 23. The group performs at 8:30 p.m. on the Xfinity Riverfront Stage on Fort Duquesne Boulevard and Sixth Street. Hosted by...
Elevator, 2 kitchens among features of mid-century modern home in Fox Chapel
Editor’s note: According to the Realtor, this property has sold. Tranquility and nature blend seamlessly in a classic mid-century modern residence on the market in Fox Chapel. The property at 227 Hunt Road is listed for $1.6 million. Built in 1960, the home has four bathrooms and two fireplaces. Howard...
Sewickley native cruising along in retirement, embraces antique car collection
A Sewickley retiree has been driving the same vehicle for 54 years, and he’s never been happier about it. Rick Brown, 69, was 15 when he found himself with $500 burning a hole in his pocket. “My dad didn’t want me on a motorcycle so I bought the truck,” Brown...
Sewickley Spa owner dedicated to pampering the public
A Harmony Township woman knows how to put the “ahhhhhh” in spa. Jonelle McMahan is the owner and president of Sewickley Spa, a full-service spa offering body therapies, massage, facials, massage and complete waxing/lash/brow and nail services in Sewickley. McMahan, 42, is a bundle of smiles, energy and possesses a...
How to help your tropical plants survive the winter blues
Dreaming of a beach vacation? My guess is you’re picturing a palm tree. Fantasizing about life on a remote island? You’re probably envisioning a walk among birds of paradise, cannas and bananas. Nothing conjures up the feeling of the tropics like giant, lush-leaved plants, and if you live in the...
Ross Park Mall store opening benefits nonprofits
Texas-based jewelry chain Kendra Scott hosted four fundraising parties for four local organizations to celebrate the grand opening of its new Ross Park Mall location. Each “Kendra Gives Back” party, held Oct. 25 and 26, lasted about two hours, with 20% of sales benefiting local organizations A Glimmer of Hope,...
Sewickley Hunt Club opens 102nd formal season
The Sewickley Hunt Club opened its 102nd formal season on Oct. 26 on the grounds of the historic Wilpen Hall estate in Sewickley Heights. The sport is an act of hunting a fox across the countryside with a pack of hounds by a group of people on foot and horseback....
Fern Hollow Nature Center to be renovated, expanded
When G. Whitney Snyder Sr. donated property to Sewickley Heights borough in 1997, the gift of land created the opportunity for outdoor and educational experiences at the Fern Hollow Nature Center. “Fern Hollow has committed to preserve the landscape and remains an invaluable educational and environmental resource in the community,”...
Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh offers dental, vision and hearing care at free clinic
Michael Kirk of McKeesport got his teeth cleaned; James Pearson of Mount Washington had an eye exam; and Rev. Marshall Richbourg of Pittsburgh’s Hill District received two new hearing aids — all at no cost. They were three of the hundreds of patients to receive free dental, vision and hearing...
Obesity a national epidemic among cats and dogs, experts say
Pudgy pets are a problem in America. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, a shocking 56% of dogs and 60% of cats in the U.S. are classified as overweight or obese. World Pet Obesity Week occurred in October. Veterinarian Dr. Nicole Milligan, owner and operator of Sarver Animal...
