Lifestyles category, Page 85
Holey leaves and vines! A look at houseplant trends for 2022
After the houseplant heyday of the 1970s, the penchant for potted green companions faded with all but the most dedicated plant parents. But over the past decade, as many young adults began filling their homes — and social media feeds — with indoor plants, a cross-generational audience started to take...
Pandemic-era design solution from the past: The Murphy bed
When the vast majority of your life is happening within the four walls of your home, every square foot counts. So the past two years have inspired some serious, space-saving creativity. “Everybody all of a sudden was just surrounded by their environment, just sort of thinking, ‘If I’m going to...
Out & About: Members’ ‘Ah-Ha!’ show opens at Greensburg Art Center
The day’s arctic chill was no deterrent to attendance at Saturday’s opening reception for “Ah-Ha!”, a members’ exhibition at Greensburg Art Center. With the center’s parking lot full, attendees had to trek to the gallery after finding spaces in the surrounding neighborhood. The draw was the opportunity to view works...
Burnin’ love: Wood-fired pizza at Gus Franco’s of Lower Burrell is hot itemVideo
Orders at Gus Franco’s Pizza should be made in advance because the artisan pies are hot — real hot. Boasting a top-of-the-line, wood-fired pizza oven from Italy, Gus Franco’s sizzles dough with an air temperature reaching 900 degrees, which is more than 100 degrees higher than many commercial pizza ovens....
‘It’s hip to be square’ at Valkyrie Doughnuts in Bellevue, a vegan bakery
Square doughnuts? At Valkyrie Doughnuts in Bellevue, they strive to be different. That begins with not making round-shaped offerings and it ends with not-your-typical ingredients, either. The shop, which opened two months ago, features square-shaped treats that are plant-based — no egg or dairy products. They also use soy flour....
5 things to do in Westmoreland County: Jan. 21-23
Boogie (some) more Southern rock fans, don’t flirt with disaster by missing Molly Hatchet at 7 p.m. Friday at The Lamp Theatre in Irwin. Formed in Florida in 1971, the band had its heyday in the late 1970s and early 1980s, releasing the platinum-selling hit records, “Molly Hatchet” in 1978,...
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...
