More Lifestyles category, Page 56
Humorous Yinzer cards ‘not your grandmother’s Valentine’
Okay, cupids. You know Valentine’s Day is coming. And your sweeties will be expecting card and candy declarations of your love. Those declarations do not, however, have to be sappy or sentimental, especially if your loved one has a good sense of humor. Hailing from Pittsburgh also helps. The Yinzer...
Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park Skating Rink to reopen, celebrate 45 years
Sharpen those skates. The Schenley Park Skating Rink will reopen Friday night. After it closed in March for an overhaul, the rink is ready for skaters to glide across a new surface. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Pittsburgh officials at 6 p.m. followed by the first session of...
‘Restored by the Fords’ returns to rehab Pittsburgh nests
Pittsburgh natives and sibling renovators Steve and Leanne Ford are back for season three of their HGTV show “Restored by the Fords.” In a Facebook post, the two announce they are in the process of casting, and again are looking for Pittsburgh-area homeowners looking for a redo. In an email,...
Gordmans stores plan grand openings at former Peebles sites
Gordmans will hold grand opening events at several former Peebles store locations in the region, including giveaways and donations to area school districts, according to a release. Ribbon cuttings are set for 9 a.m. Feb. 18 at local stores including Belle Vernon, East Huntingdon, Ellwood City, Allegheny Township, New Castle...
Saint Vincent planetarium shows will explore the nighttime sky
Visitors can take a tour of the nighttime sky during four spring shows in the Angelo J. Taiani Planetarium and Astronaut Exhibit in Saint Vincent College’s Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion. The schedule kicks off Feb. 15, and continues with a Saturday show monthly through May. Shows begin at...
Pittsburgh’s Kidapalooza is for young and young at heart
The David L. Lawrence Convention Center will be transformed into a playground, sports zone, a mini zoo, a maker area, a bicycle track, a snack table and a bus stop during the annual Kidapalooza Feb. 1. The goal is to entertain not only the children but mom and dad, grandma...
Mattel’s newest Barbies have no hair, prosthetics and vitiligoVideo
This certainly isn’t your grandmother’s Barbie. In a nod to diversity, Mattel’s latest line of dolls — the Fashionistas line — features an eclectic mix of shapes, sizes and hair colors. The collection is meant to “celebrate diversity with unique fashion dolls that encourage real-world storytelling and open-ended dreams,” the...
Loss for words: Conversations missing from some Sweethearts candy
Sometimes it’s hard to get the message across about your feelings for someone. Just ask the distributors for Sweethearts conversation hearts. After missing Valentine’s Day altogether last year, the candy manufactured for Spangler Candy Co. in Bryan, Ohio, has had issues getting the wording right on this year’s candy hearts....
Alexa, read me a story: Audio content for kids on the rise
NEW YORK — Melanie Musson in Belgrade, Montana, does a lot of driving with her four girls. Juggling a broad age range, 1 to 9, she’s forever searching for ways to keep them all entertained without relying entirely on video. While she still adores paper and tablet books for her...
Calamine or Dead Salmon? The secrets behind paint names
Ever wonder how paint colors get their names? If you’re shopping for pink, say, you’ll find dozens of shades referencing roses, bubblegum and shells. There are some extra-evocative names like Calamine and Dead Salmon. And what about a pink called Harajuku Morning? Modern Love? Names can sway a person, says...
Remember When: Jan. 27
A look at the Valley’s past in the language of the times as compiled by George Guido. 100 years ago New $17K pool to be dedicated Plans have been completed for the dedicating of a new, $17,000 natatorium built by the Summit Hose Co. in the organization’s West Seventh avenue...
Living with Children: When does punishment become excessive?
Question: Your recent series on punishment was thought-provoking. I agree children should have consequences when they misbehave. Nonetheless, would you please clarify when punishment becomes excessive? What is the line between reasonable and too much? When I was young, I was spanked with a belt on numerous occasions. I always...
Cheers! Some bars and restaurants offer late-night happy hours
Happy Hour doesn’t have to be in the 4 to 6 or 5 to 7 p.m. time frame. Some restaurants and bars offer later deals and specials to accommodate guests who prefer to drink and dine later in the evening, especially on weekends. It also brings in business at times...
Online shoppers embrace subscription servicesVideo
Whether it’s a preference for online browsing, time constraints or anticipating a package’s arrival, many people embrace a “personally curated,” often subscription-based shopping service. “It’s like getting a little present in the mail every month,” Linda Brasile says of her regular Stitch Fix deliveries. Stitch Fix is a clothing styling...
In its 29th year, Ligonier Ice Fest offers visitors new additions
Visitors to the Ligonier Ice Fest might be too busy admiring the intricately carved ice sculptures to consider how the crystal-clear ice is made. It’s an intricate process, says Ernie DiMartino, owner of DiMartino Ice Co. in Jeannette, which produces them. “The ice is totally clear. You could read a...
Get spring project inspiration at Monroeville Home Show (and meet ‘Pittsburgh Dad’)
It’s that time of year again – time for making plans to finally tackle those long-overdue home improvement projects, remodeling jobs and decorating updates before it’s time to start spring cleaning. The 5th annual Monroeville Home Show Jan. 24-26 at the Monroeville Convention Center – with more than 200 exhibits,...
Pittsburgh’s annual Mascot Skate to take the ice at renovated Schenley rink
A large group of costumed characters will soon take to the ice in Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park for the annual Citiparks Mascot Skate. In its 33rd year, the annual event brings the likes of Iceburgh, Pirate Parrot, Steely McBeam and others to the Schenley Park Skating Rink to skate with kids...
Ice house raised in Pittsburgh’s Market Square to help heat homes for people in needVideo
For some people, even during a relatively mild winter, the cost to heat their home can be an extreme hardship. The Dollar Energy Fund was created to help low-income households pay utility bills. To support its work, a Cool Down for Warmth event will be held Thursday and Friday in...
Antiques show, sale returns to Greensburg Country Club
Most area residents are too young to remember Oakford Park, the Jeannette amusement park that operated from 1896 to 1940. But if you have a little nostalgia in your heart for the popular recreation destination, John Mickinak has a deal for you. The Greensburg antiques dealer will have a 6-foot,...
National Park Service begins lake bed restoration in Cambria County
Following up on plans announced in December, the National Park Service states that the first phase of a lake bed restoration project at the Johnstown Flood National Memorial will begin this week. The project at St. Michael in Cambria County will begin with manual clearing to remove as many trees...
Inheriting the fine china? Many younger folks say no thanks
Last summer, I cleaned out the house where my Grandma lived for 60 years. Every nook and cranny was filled with something — papers, mugs, old photographs, knickknacks, furniture. There were also two complete sets of Johann Haviland china, from plates and platters to an ornate coffee pot. What to...
Remember When: Jan. 20
100 years ago Prohibition begins in Valley area Four days after the national prohibition laws took effect, owners of the Kensington and Krick hotels of New Kensington were arrested for liquor violations. The owners and employees would face charges in federal court. 75 years ago Ford City man real tank...
Living with Children: Unsure about visitation privileges
Question: Our 10-year-old granddaughter lives with us. We have custody of her but her father, our son, is now asking us for visitation privileges. I probably don’t need to tell you that both he and his ex-wife were not up to parental responsibilities. He says he’s cleaned up his act...
Leechburg’s Lingrow Farm hosting a wedding open house
Getting married soon? Lingrow Farm is hosting an open house. Brides- and grooms-to-be are invited from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 19 in Gilpin Township where more than 20 professional wedding vendors will be available to help couples plan that special day. The event includes tours of 50 acres of...
Applications being accepted for Show and Sell and event for new makers
Calling all crafters. Handmade Arcade is bringing back its Show and Sell, an indie craft pop-up market for crafters who are starting out and who make things by hand. It’s for new and emerging makers, according to a news release. Show and Sell is one of four events this year...
