Lifestyles category, Page 138
Rose breeder’s legacy lives on in the blooms he developed
The last time I saw Michael Marriott, he was showing off beautiful David Austin Roses at the Chelsea Flower Show in England. The technical manager and senior rosarian for the company was surrounded by a stunning variety of flowers. Filled with enthusiasm, he deftly described the fragrances and disease resistance...
Roses thrive on organic gardening methods, expert grower says
Michael Marriott is an organic gardener and says roses can easily be grown that way. The technical manager and senior rosarian has been growing roses without chemicals for more than three decades. “People don’t want to spray roses anymore, and it’s something I’ve never ever done to roses in my...
‘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,...
Tarentum rec board Valentine luncheon stars singer Nick Fiasco
Nick Fiasco’s singing career began in the car. It eventually drove him to the stage. The Monroeville resident, who grew up in Wilmerding, would listen to cassette tapes of iconic singers like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin and others while driving around for his job as a...
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...
Taste of the NFL, with a Steelers presence, works to fight hunger
The Pittsburgh Steelers may not be playing in Super Bowl LIV, but the city and the team will be well represented at an annual fundraiser on Super Bowl eve in South Florida to help support the fight against hunger. Scott Walton, executive chef at Acorn restaurant in Shadyside, and Andy...
Wings, nachos and cheeseballs, oh my! Super Bowl snacks sure to please
San Francisco 49ers or Kansas City Chiefs? In these parts, the bigger question for Super Bowl LIV will be, chicken wings or guacamole — or both? Super Bowl snacking is part of the fun of watching the Feb. 2 festivities, even if our Pittsburgh Steelers won’t be on the field...
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...
What’s Brewing? Kveik yeast speeds up brewing process, adds variety to menus
An ancient Norwegian yeast is the new kid on the block for brewers. Kveik — which simply means “yeast” in western Norway — is derived from strains of brewing yeast that have been used in Norwegian farmhouse ales for generations. You may already have consumed a beer that was fermented...
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...
Pittsburgh’s Cinderella Ball is a dream evening for 11 debutantesVideo
It’s a night that fairy tales are made of — from the young women dressed in pristine white gowns and elbow-length gloves to the glittering pumpkin and illuminated carriage. And, of course, daughters waltzing with their dads and Cinderella dancing with Prince Charming. On Jan. 25, 11 young women were...
Out & About: A few raindrops can’t dampen Ligonier Ice Fest spiritVideo
You could say organizers of the Ligonier Ice Fest are like the dedicated mail carriers of the U.S. Postal Service: “Neither rain, nor sleet, nor dark of night shall stay (them) from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” Rain — both light and heavy — fell upon the 29th...
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...
Out & About: Latrobe comedy night just what the doctor ordered
It’s late January, our nation is seriously divided and the Doomsday Clock has just inched closer to midnight. Don’t we all need a good laugh to take our minds off our troubles? A packed house got just what the doctor ordered at Comedy Night, hosted Jan. 25 by Latrobe-GLSD Parks...
Out & About: Young piano virtuoso wows Saint Vincent audience
The reviews are in for pianist Nathan Lee, the latest guest artist in the Saint Vincent College Concert Series. It’s five stars all the way for the 18-year-old virtuoso’s Jan. 25 performance. “He was one with the piano; that’s the only way to describe it,” said Esther Ulery, who attended...
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...
Travel tip: What to know for Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney
Sunrise is scheduled for 7:26 a.m. Feb. 2 in Punxsutawney, the hour when Punxsutawney Phil will make his annual winter weather prediction. Thousands flock to Gobbler’s Knob in the small Jefferson County borough for a glimpse of the furry forecaster. Here are a few things to know before you go:...
Comfort food favorite lasagna is trending for the new yearVideo
Lasagna is a hot food trend this year. According to the Wall Street Journal, New Yorkers are salivating at the thought of digging into the rich pasta dish. And celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, in an effort to make a healthier version of the Italian entree, is pushing an eggplant version....
How can you make healthy food resolutions really stick?
For many of us, January is all about giving things up: Maybe we’re going to stop eating meat and embrace a plant-based diet. Or we’re ready to kick excess sugar to the curb after a holiday season awash in sweets. Or we’re committed to avoiding fast food. Starting the year...
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...
Cutting-edge Viking cruise ship is headed for the Great Lakes
A big player in the cruise industry is diving into the Great Lakes market. Switzerland-based Viking, which built its name plying the rivers of Europe, is extending its reach into North America in 2022 with voyages exploring the largest surface of fresh water in the world. The announcement was made...
Step outside the box with creative vegetable garden options
If you are eager to start a new vegetable garden this spring, but you don’t want to fuss with removing sod, building fancy wooden raised beds or tilling up the ground, consider stepping outside the box and getting creative. There are several alternative ways to start a new vegetable garden...
