St. Patty's In The Burgh

It’s no secret that Pittsburgh has got it going on. Last year, we were voted the number one city for food in the country and the number one city in the Northeast to live in. Now this year, we’ve been voted the number one city to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in! Our Irish community is strong and they say that everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. That might not be true but it certainly appears that way in the Burgh. St. Patty’s might not be until next week but the festivities kick off this weekend.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

This year the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will fall on Saturday March 12th. The parade will consist of tons of floats from Pittsburgh groups, marching bands, Irish dance troupes, celebrities like the Pirate Parrot, the Bishop, the Mayor and tons more. The parade begins on the Boulevard of the Allies and continues up Grant Street which is about a 10 minute drive or a 20 minute bus ride. The parade kicks off at 10 AM so make sure you arrive early to secure yourself a prime spot for viewing. For more information about the parade check here.

If you’re uninterested in parades but very interested in beer and breakfast foods, Carson City Saloon will be hosting a Kegs and Eggs event the morning of the parade. From 8 AM until 10 AM, they will have a tasty breakfast bar available for free as well as 1.50 green drafts.

Starting at 2 PM head to nearby Market Square for the Irish Fair in the Square. During and after the parade you can stop in for beer specials throughout the square (open containers allowed). Peruse through the street vendors to find some Irish knick knacks to take home with you. You’ll even be able to purchase the official t-shirt of the parade at the market so you’ll have something to remember the festivities by. On top of the wares and tasty food that you’ll find, you’re in for an extra treat: a free concert! Local Irish inspired band, The Bastard Bearded Irishmen will be performing from 2 until 3 in the square followed by local country band The Stickers from 3:30 to 5. With all of the fabulous restaurants located in Market Square, you’ll definitely find something tasty to fuel you up for more partying later. To see more information on the Irish Fair in the Square check here.

It doesn’t matter if you’re Irish or not, everyone can appreciate the culture and traditions of this green holiday. Like they say, everyone in Pittsburgh is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! Or something like that.

Valentine's Day for College Students

Valentine’s Day is a day for showing a little extra appreciation for the special person in your life. This can feel like a lot of pressure for some people. How do you make the evening perfect? How do you make sure everything goes smoothly? How do you wow them without spending loads of money? Let us take some of the pressure off of you. We’ve rounded up some ideas in our area that can help make things a little simpler.


For the fit couple...

The saying goes, “Those who workout together, stay together.” Right? That’s a saying, probably. Well, here’s your opportunity! The Cupid Undie Run is taking place Friday February 13th on the North Side. The run will kick off at McFadden’s and is only 1 mile long so you don’t have to worry about being an experienced runner. Impress your date with your athletic prowess and your underwear selection. You can get 25% off of your registration with the coupon code GETFITPGH, so you’ll save a little cash. Register now to ensure your place in the run. McFadden’s is a 10 minute drive from Camelot or a 35 minute bus ride.


For the Sherlock Holmes & Watson couple...

If you have faith in your deduction and problem solving abilities, Escape Room makes a really interesting alternative date night. You can come alone with your date or jump in with another group to solve the mystery at hand. You’ll have an hour to escape the room you’re locked into with the help of some clues and your teammates. If you and your date have been together for a little while, this is definitely a good option for you. This could end up being a little stressful and cause some tension if you don’t already have good teamwork going on. Unless you’re really trying to test your new date’s chemistry with you we recommend this date for a couple who already know each other pretty well! Escape Room is only a 10 minute drive and a 30 minute bus ride from Camelot Apartments.


For the lone wolf…

The day is yours to do with as you please! No pressure at all! You don’t have to worry about impressing anyone or keeping up appearances. You can just spend time with your #1 Valentine: you! We recommend just kicking it at home in your apartment with a tub of Ben and Jerry’s and a selection of the best anti-Valentine’s Day movies you can find on Netflix. (Here’s a good list.) But if you’d prefer to get out into the world, Millennium Dance Complex in the Southside offers dance classes to people of all levels of experience. Get out and sweat a little and you might even meet someone new. At the very least, you’ll learn something! Sign up for a round of classes here.

There’s something for everyone on Valentine’s Day no matter if you’re single or a couple. Don’t let the pressure get to you!

What are your Valentine’s Day plans this year? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

Beat The January Doldrums

The month after the holidays can feel like a dull time but it doesn’t have to be. Pittsburgh is a lively city with tons of interesting things happening at all times. Don’t let the January doldrums get you down. Find something interesting going on to get over the fact that you’re back in school now.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Relive your childhood with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Pokemon Symphonic Evolutions. Watch the Nintendo games and television show come to life with the full Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on January 24th. Watch clips from the games accompanying the music to really get the full effect. Young or old, you won’t regret seeing the Pokemon Symphonic Evolutions if you grew up playing the games. Learn more about ticketing information here.

If you watch Dancing With The Stars on a regular basis you’re going to want to hear about this next event: see the stars dance in person on January 20th at the Benedum Center. Dancing with the Stars is taking the show on the road this year and they’ll be bringing along some celebrity special guests that you won’t want to miss out on. See iconic performances as well as never before seen choreography that you’ll never forget. Get your tickets now!

Every Friday in January you can get into the Andy Warhol Museum for free! A cash bar will be available to those 21 and over as well as local DJ Huck Finn in the entrance to the museum. Learn a little bit about the museum before heading there here on their website.

Local distillery Wigle is hosting a cornbread throwdown as well as a sweet corn bourbon tasting. $5 will get you in the door and a sampling of the brand new corn bourbon. You can also participate in the cornbread contest, so bring your best recipe to see if yours takes home the prize. The event takes place on January 29th so you still have time to concoct your best cornbread recipe. Ticketing information here.

Don’t let the January weather get you down and don’t use it as an excuse to mope inside all month. What are you most looking forward to this month? Tell us on Facebook and Twitter.

Holidays in the City

Image courtesy of Jiuguang Wang - Wikimedia

Pittsburgh is a beautiful city. We have a gorgeous skyline and a bustling restaurant scene. There are always a ton of events going on in the city and the surrounding areas. This month is no different. With the holidays coming up on us, there are sure to be tons of things going on. Pittsburgh has what you need:

The day before Thanksgiving you can brush up on your hot holiday drink repertoire with Wigle Whiskey. Join them as they teach you some delicious holiday cocktails that will shake the winter chill out of anyone. Swing by for a free hot toddy, mulled cider or spiked cocoa. The event is free so stop by if you’re of drinking age.

Saturday the 28th you can enjoy a little storytelling. Wordplay marries storytelling with music for an interesting combination. Listen to tales from everyday people set to a DJ spinning tunes by Bach and Bruno Mars. The collaboration seems strange but makes the finished product much more entertaining. Buy your tickets online here.

If you’d like to feel a little fancy you can head to the Byham on Sunday, November 29th for a holiday show to really get you into the spirit. At 7 PM international singer and showman, Mark Milovats will take the stage for his Holiday Spectacular, “Christmas in the City.” This 18th annual performance benefits Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. So you’re having a great time for a really good cause. For information on purchasing tickets head to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s website.

Everyone is getting all geared up for the brand new Star Wars movie, coming out December 18th. But if you didn’t manage to snag yourself tickets to opening night (it’s okay, we didn’t either) you won’t want to miss the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s rendition of some of the most popular tunes from the franchise. Show up when doors open at 5:30 for Star Wars music played by a 14 piece trombone choir. The real show isn’t until 7 so you have plenty of time to get a drink and enjoy the opening act. Get your tickets here.

The Best Halloween Events in Pittsburgh for Adults

(Photo courtesy of http://bit.ly/1Luo4nn)

Halloween isn’t just for kids. Pittsburgh has plenty of Halloween events this year for adults to have some fun too. These events from CBS Pittsburgh are sure to please anyone looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween this year. Check out these three events and then head to CBS Pittsburgh for even more great events in the area!

Gateway Clipper – A Halloween Whodunnit Out On The Water

350 W. Station Square Drive

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

(412) 355-7980

www.gatewayclipper.com

Date: Oct. 22, 2014

Experience a dinner cruise aboard the Gateway Clipper unlike any other during its murder mystery cruise featuring a magnificent mystery show. Sail Pittsburgh’s three rivers while you dine on a buffet menu of sliced baked Virginia ham, chicken breast, pasta, vegetables, salad, coffee, tea and desserts in anticipation of “The Haunting” murder mystery presentation. Add-ons like appetizers, balloons, chocolates and wine are also offered for the evening. This three-hour cruise boards at 5:30 p.m. and will return to dock at 9:30 p.m. The Gateway Clipper Halloween Whodunnit On The Water is for guests 21 and over.

A Night of Fright

Chartiers Social Hall

2504 W. Pike St.

Houston, PA 15342

(724) 263-9603

www.huntparanormal.com

Date: Oct. 18, 2014

Join special guests Bruce Tango of “Ghost Hunters” and fellow paranormal investigator Brett McGinnis from “Ghost Hunters Academy” for an evening of ghostly fun at the Chartiers Social Hall’s A Night Of Fright. Come dressed in your Halloween best for the costume contest and for photos with “The Munsters” Drag-U-A Coffin Car. Food and drinks, beer (with valid I.D.), music from DJ Drama J and a Chinese auction with 50/50 raffle will be available. The Chartiers Social Hall is located approximately 20 minutes south of the city in Houston.

The Chalk Outlines Halloween Show
The Pittsburgh Winery

2815 Penn Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

(412) 566-1000

www.showclix.com

Date: Oct. 18, 2014

If the last song you want to hear this Halloween is another bad rendition of “Monster Mash,” hit up The Pittsburgh Winery for a 21-and-over show with The Chalk Outlines. At just $10 per ticket, this is a fun and affordable way to celebrate All Hallows’ Eve and even show off this year’s costume. Doors open at 8 p.m. with the band rocking the winery’s cellar stage at 9 p.m. Count on hearing plenty of spooky songs in The Chalk Outlines signature blend of rock & roll, R&B and country at its second winery show that’s guaranteed to sell out.

Get an Organized Bedroom Closet

(Photo courtesy of http://bit.ly/1VFg3gJ)

Nothing is more frustrating than an untidy bedroom closet. When you’re running late one morning and you can’t find the shirt you intended to wear that day or you can only find one shoe, your day just got off to a bad start. When you’re ready to get things in order, follow these tips from Apartment Therapy and enjoy your new organized space! For more, head to Apartment Therapy.




1. Put things back exactly where they belong.
This tip may be obvious, but I can get lazy about particulars when putting things away. For example, I'll cram my purses haphazardly on their shelf, or throw my shoes on the floor beneath their organizer. If I took an extra two seconds to store things properly, the whole closet would look neater.

2. Take wire hangers back to the dry cleaners.

I have Huggable Hangers, but once I transfer my clothes to them, the wire hangers from the cleaners often grow into an unwieldy pile. I'm going to put them in a designated bag and return them whenever I go to the cleaners.

3. Clean the floor monthly.

You may need only a broom or handvac, but cleaning the floor means finding the floor. It will keep you honest.

4. If it isn't working, fix it.

If you hung scarves on hooks and they keep falling off, or you can't reach the shelf with your jeans, fix it now. Otherwise, it will just keep irritating you. You'll also be less likely to store things there (instead of in a heap elsewhere).

5. A brief seasonal assessment.

Don't wait to do a major clean-out once a year — instead, assess your closet at the end of every season. There's likely a few things that can go in the giveaway pile.

October is National Cookie Month

Image From Pixabay

We love cookies almost as much as cookie monster. This is why October is one of our favorite times of year. This month you can enjoy Halloween, fall and National Cookie Month. We have found a great cookie recipe from The Kitchn to help celebrate one of our favorite times of the year. Comment on our Facebook page with your favorite cookie recipe!

Chunky Monkey Cookies

Makes about 36 cookies

3/4 cup walnuts

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon banana extract, optional for stronger banana flavor

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks (or 1 6.5-ounce chocolate bar, roughly chopped)

3/4 cup banana chips, roughly chopped (see Recipe Note)

Heat the oven to 375°F. Scatter the walnuts over a baking sheet and toast in the warming oven until fragrant, 10 to 15 minutes. Roughly chop the walnuts while they're still warm and set aside.

Combine the granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Mix with a spoon or spatula until thoroughly combined and no lumps of brown sugar remain. Add the softened butter to the bowl and work it into the sugar until you form a gritty, sugary paste. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, until no more egg whites remain. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Whisk together the salt, baking soda, and flour in a small bowl. Add this to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl, and stir gently until you've formed a thick dough and you see no more dry flour. Add the chocolate chunks, banana chips, and chopped walnuts, and use a folding motion to incorporate them into the dough. It's OK if some of the chunky pieces fall out.

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure to portion ping pong ball-sized gobs of dough (roughly 2 tablespoons) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced an inch or so apart. If any chunky pieces fell out while you were making the dough, press them gently into the tops of the cookies (or just use some extra leftover pieces if you'd like a chunkier appearance!). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies look puffed and the edges are turning a darker shade of toasty brown.

Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. As they cool, the cookies will collapse into craggy, cracked, chunky cookies. Continue baking the cookies in batches until all the dough has been used.

These cookies are best the day they are made, but will keep in an airtight container for about a week.

Recipe Notes

Finding banana chips: Look for banana chips in the bulk bin section of grocery stores, or along with the dried fruits. (I found the banana chips for this recipe at Trader Joe's.)

Freezing cookie dough: To freeze unbaked cookie dough, portion the cookies out onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer container. Freeze for up to 3 months. See here for more details: How To Freeze Cookie Dough.