Lifestyles category, Page 84
Phipps Conservatory orchid, bonsai show highlights prized collections
An orchid that recently was awarded the American Orchid Society’s Certificate of Cultivation Excellence is among specimens displayed in “Orchid and Bonsai Show: An Ocean of Color,” running through March 6 at Phipps Conservatory. “Plants receiving this award represent the highest level of orchid culture,” said Adam Haas, interpretive program...
Resolutions for a generous and green new year in the gardenVideo
Something miraculous happens to gardeners at this time of year. I don’t know what triggers it. Perhaps it was the sight of Christmas trees and lights, or the presence of all those poinsettias. Whatever the cause, by January, gardeners have let go of last year’s gardens and start to dream...
New eateries on menu for latest Greensburg Restaurant Week
Good food isn’t all that’s on the menu for Greensburg Restaurant Week, which takes place Jan. 24-30. Diners also will have chances to win free food and merchandise by ordering from the special menus at 18 participating area eateries. New on the restaurant list this year are El Diablo Brewing...
Pots and perches to show off your houseplants in style
Houseplants have been keeping a lot of us company during the pandemic, and the good news is there’s a plant for any home, big or small, well-lit or not. There’s also a virtual jungle of stylish containers in which to show them off. “I love incorporating plants into our interior...
Nancy B’s Bakery owner in West Homestead dies
The Pittsburgh cookie table community is a little less sweet today. The city lost Nancy Bertram Runco, owner of Nancy B’s Bakery in West Homestead. She died at 11:36 p.m. Monday from an infection, according to her son, Michael Runco. She was 78. “I was so lucky to work with...
From tacos to wings, learning to cook with plant-based meats
It’s that time of year when many people resolve to eat less meat. The “whys” are varied: sustainability and worry for the planet, health considerations, ethical concerns over the treatment of animals. One increasingly popular option is “plant-based meat,” which can be found from grocery store meat sections to restaurants....
Moonlit Burgers in Dormont prides itself on ‘smash burgers’
They call them “smash burgers” – beef initially shaped like a meatball before being “smashed” down and sizzled on a grill until they are browned and juicy. The burgers are generously topped with grilled onions, American cheese, dill pickles and special “moon” sauce – which is a little bit spicy...
Unity woman’s angel food cake snags red ribbon at Pa. Farm Show
A Greater Latrobe teacher brought home a second-place award from the Pennsylvania Farm Show this week with a specialty that has been a mainstay in her family — angel food cake. Abigail Mehalic, 36, of Unity said she picked up the light and fluffy dessert after her father would make...
A new look for New Year’s resolutions as Sewickley gym goers navigate pandemic
The New Year’s resolution to get back in shape is taking on a different look in 2022. While January traditionally has been a time for setting new goals and a new start on a healthier lifestyle, living through a pandemic for nearly two years has had an effect on our...
Winter warm-up: Chili recipes bring heat to cold-weather meals
There’s nothing like a hot bowl of chili on a cold winter day. Not only is it filling and nutritious, but its spicy savor also provides the belly with a warm glow. “We don’t even sell chili at all when the weather is warm, but it’s very popular at this...
Ligonier Ice Fest plans new designs, old favorites for 31st year
Organizers of the Ligonier Ice Fest are keeping a weather eye out, so to speak, for the Jan. 22-23 forecast. So far, conditions look to be favorable for the 31st annual event, with highs hovering around 30 degrees, some clouds and maybe a snow shower, according to weather.com. “I say...
When it comes to resolutions, don’t forget your home
At the start of a new year, you make resolutions to get in shape, save money, travel or spend more time with family and friends. But what goals do you set for your home? In the spirit of new beginnings, the Spruce has compiled a list of the best home...
Oakland couple walked their dog through every Pittsburgh neighborhood
Thomas Strock and Erica Silvestri took their dog Chewie on a long walk — through the neighborhoods. Yes, neighborhoods. The South Oakland couple planned out the journey to stroll through all 90 of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods. They found the list of stops from VisitPittsburgh. They took their first steps on Jan....
Special rescues help ailing owners find pets’ next home
NEW YORK — Who will take your pet when you die? The question often doesn’t have an easy answer, especially for ill or older people headed to residential nursing care or assisted living. During the pandemic, specialized rescue, advocacy and adoption services run by volunteers are trying to fill the...
How to have the wedding you want for less
This one goes out to all you lovebirds who got engaged over the holidays and are now left planning a wedding with zero event-planning experience. Somehow you’re expected to craft a day that’s traditional, yet modern. Well-attended, yet intimate. It’s about you as a couple, but also shouldn’t be offensive...
Pittsburgh RV Show sees high attendance, continued interest in recreational vehiclesVideo
Ken and Katie Wakal recalled their early days of camping. “We put up a tent, which was fine 30 years ago. But now we have a recreational vehicle — which we love,” said Katie Wakal. “We don’t have to sleep on the ground anymore or worry about bears in the...
Pennsylvania Farm Show’s butter sculpture highlights state’s dairy farmersVideo
The Pennsylvania Farm Show, which runs through Jan. 15 in Harrisburg, highlights the importance of the state’s agriculture industry. And one of the largest segments of that industry is dairy products. So it only makes sense that the show’s massive annual butter sculpture, commissioned by the show and sponsored by...
3 eating and drinking habits that aren’t good for your brain
Brain health is important at any age. To maintain it, you have to be mindful of what you consume. “There is growing scientific evidence that healthy behaviors, which have been shown to prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, also may reduce risk for (subjective cognitive decline),” the Centers for Disease...
Out & About: Fort Ligonier 12th Night gala has air of historical authenticity
The holiday season was officially laid to rest on Saturday evening at Fort Ligonier with the fourth annual Twelfth Night Celebration. The event offers modern-day revelers a taste of an 18th-century wintertime gala: Period music by the classically trained Wayward Companions? Check. English country dancing? Check. A Twelfth Night fruit-and-nut...
Diamond run: After more than 80 years in business, Pittsburgh’s Schiffman’s Jewelers closing Saturday
At 3 p.m. Saturday only the sparkling memories will remain. Schiffman’s Jewelers, a staple in the Clark Building in Downtown Pittsburgh for more than eight decades, is closing. “In the words of King Solomon in the Book of Ecclesiastes, there is ‘A time to be born and a time to...
Pittsburgh Restaurant Week is an opportunity to try something new
Let someone else do the cooking. Pittsburgh Restaurant Week starts Monday. The semi-annual event runs through Sunday, with some establishments participating through Jan. 23. The restaurants are offering new menu items with some discounting meals from their standard fare. In addition to changing up the menu, some highlight their local...
A guide to Pittsburgh: Check out what Lawrenceville has to offer
One look at the Doughboy statue and it’s clear you’re in Lawrenceville. The larger-than-life-size bronze statue of a World War I soldier stands at the entrance to the Pittsburgh neighborhood at Butler Street and Penn Avenue. Over the past 15 years, Lawrenceville has experienced a fascinating resurgence and become a...
5 things to do in Westmoreland County: Jan. 7-9
Every quilt tells a story An exhibition of story quilts by Pittsburgh-based fiber artist Tina Williams Brewer is showing through April 24 in the Robertshaw Gallery of The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg. “Cultivation: Journey of the Work” reflects the artist’s 40-year career through her multilayered quilts that...
Onyx & Ivory boutique brings Shadyside vibe to Ligonier
Robin Brunton says she is bringing a little taste of city shopping to Ligonier with her new Onyx & Ivory Boutique. “It has a modern, rustic, chic Shadyside feel,” said Brunton, who opened the shop Nov. 12 at 209 E. Main St. Onyx & Ivory offers a curated collection of...
Harmar candy store gets innovative while figuring out how to stay afloat
A year ago, Oh How Sweet It Is owner Robert Wyant was unsure of his candy store’s future in Harmar. Wyant had to close the store for two months in March 2020 during the beginning of the pandemic. While the store was closed, Wyant missed out on his busiest holidays,...
