More Lifestyles category, Page 76
Camping when campfires are prohibited
They’re as dramatic as they are rare. Lightning strikes are magnificent in an otherworldly, catastrophic way. They’re all power and speed and destructiveness. Some even cause wildfires. But, in that regard at least, they’re far outdone by the mundane, the ordinary, the common. Or, the all too common. Across the...
Living with Children: Why some believe they’re entitled
To the many readers who recently asked: Yes, I do take requests, and yes, I will riff on the Perpetually Beautiful People Who Laid Out Mega-Bribes to Guarantee That Their Beautiful and Everlastingly Entitled Bratz Get into the College of Their Choice Scandal. Why would anyone who’s been paying attention...
Photos sought for 2020 Ligonier chamber calendar
The Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce is looking for scenic shots from the eastern end of Westmoreland County, to include in the organization’s 2020 calendar. Photos are needed to represent each of the four seasons, but they must be submitted by April 22. They must be of recognizable locations in...
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers summer camps
Kids can explore Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens this summer at one of its camps. There are options available for children ages 2-13, including full day camps beginning June 10, according to a news release. Phipps’s summer camps provide engaging activities for kids to explore exciting science-related topics, including plants,...
Mt. Pleasant Public Library offers free American Sign Language classes
Volunteers will teach participants as many as 70 American Sign Language signs in seven weeks during free, informal classes in April and May at the Mount Pleasant Public Library. “Sign Language for Everyone” will be held at 6 p.m. April 2, 9, 23 and 29 and May 6, 21 and...
Friends of Flight 93 seek volunteers for annual Plant a Tree effortVideo
The Friends of Flight 93 are closing in on a goal of planting 150,000 seedlings over 10 years, with the project at the Flight 93 National Memorial site expected to conclude in just a few years. This year’s Plant a Tree effort will be held April 26-27, and interested volunteers...
Mt. Pleasant Public Library Friends group holds spring vendor show
Mt. Pleasant Free Public Library will hold a Spring Fling Vendor Show from 1-5 p.m. April 7 at the facility at 120 S. Church St. A wide variety of vendors will participate in the show, which includes a 50/50, bake sale, Chinese auction, door prizes and baskets. Light refreshments, including...
5 reasons why you’ll want Apple’s radical new credit cardVideo
The company that asked you to “Think Different” about computers and phones now wants to change the way you shop. Apple on Monday announced expansions to services such as TV and gaming but one of the biggest game changers may be its upcoming credit card. You can already buy things...
Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau plans regional ‘wellness tour’
For the first time, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau will offer an organized wellness tour this spring, highlighting regional stops during a day-long public outing. On May 19, the bureau will host “Journey of Self: A Wellness Tour of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands.” Those aboard the tour bus will visit Nemacolin Woodlands...
Watershed association seeks stewards for Scottdale tree planting
Jacobs Creek Watershed Association invites area tree stewards of all ages to its first spring planting from 3:30-6:30 p.m. March 26 in Scottdale. The “Plant a Tree, Plant a Life” event is open to the public, groups and organizations interested in the tree planting effort. Those interested should meet at...
Is your disposal environmentally friendly?
If you’re trying to be more eco-friendly at home, should you use your kitchen garbage disposal? It depends. “Keep in mind that when food is added to the wastewater system, it must be further treated,” says Maggie Sauerhage, a spokeswoman for the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. She suggests learning about...
Living with Children: Attachment parenting is the latest postmodern parenting aberration
“So, what do you think of attachment parenting?” My inquisitor was a 30-something mom. I sensed she was testing me, trying to determine whether I was worth her time. “Not much,” I said. “I don’t see any objective research that would verify any short- or long-term benefits; therefore, I don’t...
Wife’s introvert husband hates her family’s visits
Dear Carolyn: I am struggling to balance my husband’s relationship with my family. My family adores him and wants to spend time with him. He acts fine with them, but is grumpy and angry with me. My husband is an introvert. I respect his needs and only ask him to...
Couple brings 1,600-pound steer to a Texas Petco
Are all leashed animals really welcome at Petco? It was a question raised by a Texas couple and their pet, Oliver, a 1,600-pound Ankole-Watusi steer. So, they figured it was time to get an answer. “We decided to take a chance and call Petco’s bluff on the ‘ALL LEASHED PETS...
Silver anniversary with RAD sparks National Aviary visitor promotions
In recognition of its silver anniversary with the Allegheny Regional Asset District, the National Aviary is hosting a yearlong visitor promotion initiative. The special prizes and incentives mark RAD’s 25 years of “significant support” provided to the North Side facility, according to a news release. Aviary patrons on the 25th...
Kings’ Frownie returns after 4-year hiatus
Turn that frown upside down — or don’t. The return of the Kings Family Restaurants’ Frownie — the gooey chocolate brownie with the white-icing grimace — is sure to bring a smile to fans after a four-year hiatus from the menu. Created as a tongue-in-cheek counterpoint to the Eat’n Park...
Pysanky egg artist to give demonstration at Antiochian Village
A program on the Ukrainian Easter tradition of pysanky eggs is planned for 1-2:30 p.m. April 7 at Antiochian Village, 140 Church Camp Trail, Fairfield Township. Marilan Caito, an artist with more than 40 years of experience, will lead a demonstration involving the completion of one egg from start to...
Seniors make ‘Kick Butts’ gifts to help educate their young pen palsVideo
Seated at tables off the lobby area of South Greengate Commons, a Westmoreland County Housing Authority property for seniors, residents use markers, scissors and poster board to create “table tent” messages. “I love you, don’t smoke,” reads one. A resident peels off a “Kick Butts Day” sticker to add to...
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre starts ‘Nutcracker’ countdown with presale
It’s never too soon to start planning for the holidays. And if your plans include seeing Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker,” you can order tickets now. The popular Christmas season musical will be performed Dec. 6-29 at the Benedum Center, Seventh Street and Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh. Through April 3,...
Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center issues ‘Shake Your Booties’ inviteVideo
The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center will hold its 18th annual signature gala, “Shake Your Booties,” on March 23 at the UPMC Club in Heinz Field. Celebrants Sally Wiggin, nine-year NFL veteran and former Pittsburgh Steeler Arthur Moats and WQED’s Rick Sebak will help highlight special guests...
10 mistakes to avoid when spring-cleaning your house
Another year, another article telling you how to spring-clean your home. Not so! In fact, we’re here to tell you what not to do when giving your house the deep clean it so deserves this time of year. Here are 10 cleaning mistakes you’ll want to avoid this spring. 1....
Create a morning sanctuary with a well-ordered coffee station
Tricia Huntley says coffee is a priority for her, but there is no way she could start her day at a chaotic Starbucks. Her morning Zen moment begins at the charming coffee station she created in her Washington home. The ritual starts with grinding Peet’s French Roast beans, brewing the...
Pittsburgh’s Colony Cafe combines cats, cocktails, coffeeVideo
On a recent late Saturday morning, the Colony Cafe on Pittsburgh’s Penn Avenue begins to fill up — downstairs and upstairs. On the first floor, Erik Hendrickson, co-owner with his wife, Sue, is preparing food orders. The bistro menu includes individually crafted coffee beverages, wine, beer and cocktails. Some of...
Living with Children: A proven solution to 5-year-old’s eating ‘issues’
Question: My 5-year-old has had eating issues since he was an infant. When I introduced solid food at six months, he began rejecting most vegetables. His feeding problems have worsened since then to the point, today, where he will eat only breaded chicken strips, Tater Tots and vanilla ice cream...
Reporting an abusive therapist
Dear Carolyn: I was seeing a therapist for PTSD. This therapist laughed at me at inappropriate times, said weird things to me — including “f@&% off” — spent a lot of time bragging about himself, and said he couldn’t help me and made it sound like it was my fault....
