Chels Wears: Accessory Fanatic & A Giveaway!

Leggings & Tank: Dollar General | Heels: JCPenney | Necklace: Accessory Fanatic

As I'm sure you all know by now, I love companies that have a great story and a good mission. Accessory Fanatic is no different. They create pieces to empower women through providing quality accessories while remaining affordable for the "typical" woman. I was really excited to be approached to review their products and love the two pieces I was sent from them.

The one I'm wearing in the outfit photos above is called Sweet Peaches Geo Rocks and I absolutely love it. Surprisingly, I did not add my usual necklace extender, because I wanted to show the true length, but also felt comfortable enough without it which is very rare. So because I was sent two pieces, I'm sharing one with you! One lucky winner will get to have the piece shown below for themselves! I love both pieces but have more in my wardrobe to go with the peach one then I do the beautiful Double Stranded Geo Enameled Necklace in hot pink, so luckily for you, it can be yours!

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Good luck! A winner will be announced on Friday, August 1st!

Chels Wears: Firmoo In Red (& A Giveaway)

Sweater & Bracelets: Charlotte Russe | White top: Kmart | Pants: delia's | Shoes: KANDALS | Necklace: Urban Outfitters

You guys! It was a balmy 40 degrees here yesterday afternoon! It quickly went back into the teens in the later afternoon, but around lunchtime, when we took these pictures, it was 40ish. It was rainy and warm(ish) so I was allowing my ankles to see the light of day and went with a little cuff to my red skinnies. Have I mentioned how much I love these pants? They are seriously my favorite. If they weren't so obviously bright red, I'd probably try to get away with wearing them even more than I do.

Today's outfit was entirely based around my new glasses from Firmoo. Now, I know I have mentioned my love for glasses recently and being given these bright beauties in the mail was exciting. I actually do not like the color red, but every time I wear it I'm told it's "my color" so why not look my best, right? I'm slightly disappointed in the size of these frames, for some reason I thought they'd be a bit larger, which has become more of my style, but I still really like the way they look on me. And if you're not looking closely, the red sides would surprise you, which is always fun for me. These frames are also extremely comfortable. For someone who loves glasses but does not wear them on a daily basis, it's sometimes hard for me to adjust to wearing them, but I had no problem with these frames like I have had with some others.

And for those of you who are looking into getting some new frames, here's your chance to win some! Firmoo is giving FIVE of my readers a pair to have, you only have to pay for shipping! Not a bad deal when it comes to how expensive glasses can be. So check out the frames Firmoo has to offer and good luck in trying win a pair for yourself!

This is a sponsored post, I received these glasses as a gift, but all opinions are my own.

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Books of the Summer

So this summer, I was able to get back into my "reading groove" - living back home with such a great library has done wonders for me. This summer I read A LOT. But these ones were my favorites and I hope that you guys will think about checking them out!

Incendiary by Chris Cleave - If I had to pick a favorite author, Chris Cleave would certainly make the short list. I love his ability to tie multiple story lines together and explain in depth what characters are feeling, without going overboard and Incendiary is no different. A story about a family of three, living a working-class life in London and how the mother/wife character is able to go on after losing her young son and husband by the hands of notorious criminals in an event that shakes London to the core. This summer I also so the movie based on this book and I must say, it sucked...just read the book.

The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker - When I first picked up this book I was very skeptical about whether or not I'd like it because it seemed very "end of the world" and "unreal" to me, which I'm usually not a fan of. However, although it does have speculative fiction, it's a beautiful coming of age novel that is written beautifully and has a believable story line. This novel is from the point of view of Julia, a middle-schooler growing up in an average American suburban lifestyle, whose world is totally altered when it has become obvious that the Earth's rotation is slowing. This book is stunning.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn - Alright, this was THEE book of the summer. Gone Girl is fantastic. I was hooked to every word and was in love with it from beginning to the very last word. This book is about a marriage gone horribly wrong between Nick and Amy Dunne, and all it comes unraveling on the fifth wedding anniversary. The characters are rich and the plot is thick and surprising. You just must read this one for yourself.

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan - This one is also a must read. Especially if you're a total nerd. There is an odd subculture revealed to Clay when his life of a web-designer ends and he begins to work the overnight shift at Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore. Mr. Penumbra is an interesting character who Clay cannot get enough of and soon he his immersed in a secret code-breaking club run through the way-back shelves of the bookstore. Along with this club, Clay finds true friendship and love and something much larger than his humdrum life that he'll never forget. Also, the hardback book cover glows in the dark, so there's that.

Office Girl by Joe Meno - Since this book is so different then any others I've read and there is no better way to explain it, this is what the back of the book actually says: No one dies in Office Girl. Nobody talks about the international political situation. There is no mention of any economic collapse. Nothing takes place during a World War. Instead, this novel is about young people doing interesting things in the final moments of the last century. Odile is a lovely twenty-three-year-old art-school dropout, a minor vandal, and a hopeless dreamer. Jack is a twenty-five-year-old shirker who's most happy capturing the endless noises of the city on his out-of-date tape recorder. Together they decide to start their own art movement in defiance of a contemporary culture made dull by both the tedious and the obvious. Set in February 1999—just before the end of one world and the beginning of another—Office Girl is the story of two people caught between the uncertainty of their futures and the all-too-brief moments of modern life. ...andddd pretty much, read it. It's certainly interesting and unlike anything I'm sure you've read.


Trains and Lovers by Alexander McCall Smith - If you're a hopeless romantic, you need to read Trains and Lovers. This novel is about four travelers heading from Edinburgh to London who all meet on the train and have beautiful love stories that tie them all to the locations of where they are coming from to where they are going. This book is just lovely. It's something you can finish in a few day and if you're a sappy girl like me, then you'll be smiling and possibly crying the whole time. It's a great book about how wonderful love can really be. 

I was told there'd be cake by Sloane Crosley - This book of personal essay's had me laughing the entire way through. Sloane's writing really is profoundly genuine and honest and I loved every minute of this book. These essay's are of Sloane's twenty-something lifestyle while living and working in the big city. I loved it all. She is the more "family friendly" version of Chelsea Handler's book(s) of essays and just as witty. After so many novels over this summer, it was good to end the summer with a hilarious book of essays by an extremely relatable woman. 

Guest Post: D&T in the 'burgh

As I start my first week into the "career world" I'd like to introduce you all to some of my favorite Pittsburgh bloggers. First up is DeAnna and Tony of D&T: in the 'burgh. They happen to be the sister-in-law and brother of one of my Seton Hill favorites (Hi, Tina!) and when they started blogging, I instantly started to follow along. I love that they put so much detail into their writing, that it makes you feel like you were at some of these restaurants with them. I also love the variety of places they review, but all showcasing great Pittsburgh cuisine. First, is a little bit to get to know them and then you can continue reading to their review of The Porch at Schenley. Enjoy!

Why do we blog? The original thing my wife and I wanted to do was to, I guess “catalog” our favorite meals and restaurants we have enjoyed in the area. Then we had friends and family constantly asking us about our favorite restaurants and bars, so we decided to create a blog for them to follow along and see where we go. Now as we move forward we are trying to find new and creative ways to show people where to eat and drink in the ‘Burgh. On occasion we will also do a local activity that doesn’t revolve around dining, just to change things up.

What is our favorite thing about Pittsburgh? We would have to say it’s the love and loyalty that Pittsburgher’s have for the city. People love this city, they care about this city and they support others who want to make Pittsburgh better. They support locally owned businesses whenever they can. When they aren’t in Pittsburgh they are usually talking about how great they think it is here. Few cities have a population that is so passionate about their hometown. You may take a person out of Pittsburgh, but you can’t take Pittsburgh out of the person.

The Porch at Schenley - all photos provided by D&T.

Review of The Porch: On a sunny summer day in Pittsburgh the list of places to go are endless. We opted for a lunch date in Oakland at one of our favorite restaurants, The Porch @ Schenley. The Porch hasn’t been around long; a couple of years, but it is already on the short list of restaurants we recommend to people who are looking for a new and exciting place. Most people are unaware of the fact that The Porch is owned by the Eat ‘n Park Hospitality Group (along with Six Penn Kitchen downtown). The location of The Porch is ideal, right in the center of Oakland; you can walk to the Cathedral of Learning, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, Carnegie Museums of Art & Natural History, University of Pittsburgh, Schenley Park and Phipps Conservatory. You can spend a whole day in this area and only see half of what is has to offer.

The building is gorgeous, its “green roof” is both beautiful and functional; growing many different fruit, herbs and vegetables right up above you. The kitchen is open with a beautiful pizza oven front and center. The walls are mostly windows allowing you to people watch or just stare out at the amazing surroundings.

The restaurant is wide open and lively; but not so loud you can’t get some studying done if you happen to be a student. You walk in, grab a menu, and then you step up to the counter and place your order. After ordering you take your numbered sign and grab a table. The service was good but not great, being that you ordered already the server just brings out the food once it is ready. They tend not to check in too frequently, which didn’t bother us at all. Some people who have negatively reviewed this place were unaware of how ordering worked and apparently also like their server to be at their constant beckon call (quick FYI, we are not fans of urbanspoon or yelp, its just people complaining over tiny little things, most of whom have no idea what they are saying). We don’t think Porch has to change a thing, they system is working great. Now to the best part, the FOOD! Everything here is made in house, the bread, the sauces, desserts, veggies, hell they even have honey bees on the roof and are producing their own honey. You can tell this when you bite into the food, its fresh, flavorful and handled with care.

Il Pizzaiolo in Market Square

As I mentioned in my "last" Pittsburgh weekend post, MJ took me to the newest restaurant in Market Square that weekend, Il Pizzaiolo. While Il Pizzaiolo has another location in Mt. Lebanon, this new location downtown fits in perfectly with the revival of Market Square and should be on your list of places to try in Pittsburgh.

Il Pizzaiolo is a traditional Neapolitan restaurant that uses high-quality, fresh ingredients and uses the "old-world" techniques of cooking. Simply meaning that if you order a pizza, you'll have it in front of you in 90 seconds and it will be better than any typical pizza place. Trust me on this, MJ is a pizza connoisseur and he was melting over this dish. I, of course, got a dish that took more time to prepare, so we waiting about a minute longer than had we both ordered pizzas.

Outside Il Pizzaiolo in Market Square - between Moe's and Starbucks.

Now, don't think this restaurant is just another pizza place. Far from it. It's just that they cook it, along with everything else, in the Neapolitan ways. They have an extensive, and sometimes hard to pronounce, menu that is sure to please the youngest to the oldest in your family. Also, the wait staff is well versed in everything that the menu has on it and they will pronounce it all beautifully for you. And while MJ knew how to say everything on the menu...that's what you get when your boyfriend has a music degree...if he can sing in ten different languages, he can certainly tell you what a menu item is. But, in case you don't have an MJ within your reach, don't worry, the staff is very pleasant and will help you make the right decisions based on your taste.

In the downtown location, there is a small outdoor seating area, typical to the Market Square vibe, and inside, a full bar and seating areas on two floors. But if you're closer to the Mt. Lebanon location, not to worry. The outside dining area there is actually bigger and they also have what they call the Enoteca, which is an intimate wine bar above the patio with romantic and relaxing fireside seating. I know the atmosphere alone just sold you, so stop into one of these locations and I promise you will have a truly wonderful and unique dining experience.

Goodbye 7000B

Now that I am no longer living in the previously mentioned "perfect apartment" I feel like I can talk about it, without, you know, feeling like a stalker might come and find me. Paranoia is real you guys. Said apartment was located in Penn Commons, right in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, and I loved it.

Closet and bed area of my room

To be honest, leading up to me moving in there two years ago, I was nervous as hell. On their website, as you'd be able to easily find out, they have no closets, all of the apartments are shared and they only rent to students. I knew for one, it was going to be hard for me to live without a closet; but also that I really wanted my own space and not feel like I was a child. Well. The no closet business, I got over pretty easily, as you can see what I did instead. However, this is definitely a place for students.

While I knew that this was considered "student housing" before moving in, I didn't realize and wasn't told about some of the strict rules surrounding alcohol and visitation, which if you're interested in those rules, feel free to let me know and I'll let you in on it all. However, despite the rules, this place was still amazing. Management actually cared and knew each tenant, maintenance was fast and very knowledgeable and helpful and the 24-hour security seemed to genuinely care about our well-being. The lead security guard will forever remind me of Ice-T so trust me, you're safe.

A POP'ular Pittsburgh Place

Pittsburgh Popcorn. Many different flavors. Six different sizes. Yummy. While I have been here before, I know that I've never featured it on the blog, so you'll have to accept my phone pictures for now and go check it out yourself. They have four locations throughout the 'burgh and for my out of town readers, yes...they do ship their products nationwide. I suggest the Chocolate Caramel or Fruity Loop.  

Or really, any of them.

I'm Finally Writing a Review of Red Beard's

Hey there. About a month ago I mentioned how some friends and I checked out a new restaurant downtown and that I would write a review of it soon. Well, this isn't what I'd consider "soon" but here it is. Red Beard's is now downtown. It is wonderful and you should check it out.

Red Beard's Logo

Red Beard's has another location in Mt. Washington and now that they are located in downtown, around the block from my apartment, I am in love with them. When I went there for the first time, everything was so very new and I was overly excited just because it was a different choice to the downtown options. It was the second day that this location was open, so it still smelled new and the staff was still learning the menu and specials and getting into their flow, so I didn't want to blog about them right away. So I have gone back a couple times now and it is clearly one of my favorite spots for easy dining and late drinks with friends.

The atmosphere downstairs, of course, is very mid-priced bar and upstairs has the more restaurant feel. While the menu is pretty much the typical cuisine you'd expect for a what would be served at a bar, it also has a vibe that is more chic or "clean" in my opinion. Bar food isn't what I normally go for but Red Beard's is able to give you the simplicity of typical bar food with the added ingredients of a local bistro. Since that first visit, the staff seems like a now well-oiled machine, but a machine that is still personable and friendly and welcomes you at the door. Red Beard's in this new location is a great place to be able to get a quick, yet delicious, meal before seeing a show in the Cultural District and the perfect place to celebrate a Pirates or Penguins win after the game. Or if your in the area for any of those things, or just roaming downtown (or Mt. Washington) during the day, stop in and experience it for yourself - I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

Race "Issues" Take Center Stage in Clybourne Park

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Issues surrounding race are typically slumped into a list of "things not to talk about" in most circles. Also on that list tend to be religion and politics, and other subjects that might make you uneasy around people who you do not know too well, or who you know have the opposite opinion than you about the "issue." Well. I think that great phenomenal theater is the kind that just puts it out there. And that is exactly what Clybourne Park, going on now through May 19th at the Pittsburgh Public Theater, is doing.

Clybourne Park, which was written by Bruce Norris, is the 2012 Tony Award winner for Best Play and was awarded a Pulitzer Prize. If you see it, which I am highly encouraging you to do so, you will instantly understand why it has claimed these two prestigious awards, as well as various others. Clybourne Park takes place in one house in a suburb of Chicago, Act 1 is set in 1959 and Act 2 in 2009. This show could be put on a total black stage and be flawless, but of course that's not the Public's style and the interior of the house fills the stage and is pretty elaborate. Every actor/actress is perfect for their roles (you'll see, they play multiple parts) and during intermission, the music playing guides you through the decades, which I think is a clever touch, especially since Michael Jackson plays during that time.

Act I, when Karl is trying to prove a point (or twenty) to Russ and Bev. Photos from Post-Gazette.

Let's get right into this. The first Act is centered around a middle-aged couple, suffering the loss of their son, preparing to move out of the house on the 100% white, nose-in-the-air, Clybourne Street. This couple, Russ (Brad Bellamy) and Bev (Lynne Wintersteller), have two very different views on how to deal with the death of their only child, Kenneth (Jared McGuire). As you learn more about Kenneth's death, you see the guts of Clybourne Street, the seemingly happy and perfect neighborhood, actually houses a lot of betrayal and judgement. And as Bev and Russ get closer and closer to moving, their neighborhood makes it easier for them to leave without any qualms. Although Karl (Tim McGeever), Jim (Jared McGuire), and Betsy (Megan Hill), all mean well, they make the transition easy by indirectly insulting Russ and Bev about their son's death, the way they are mourning, and the family they sold the house to. Mostly, the family they sold the house to, because that family is black and as Karl so eloquently puts it, "they'll bring down the property values of the neighborhood and it's just one house at a time from there." Obviously these statements upset Bev and begin a huge fight between her and Russ against Karl, all while their maid, Francine (Chandra Thomas) and her husband, Albert (Bjorn DuPaty) are basically forced to sit there silently as their race is discriminated by Karl and not so gracefully saved by Bev.

Act 2 picks up in the house fifty years later. Where Steve (Tim McGeever) and Lindsey (Megan Hill) are trying to get their renovation plans approved by the neighborhood's planning committee. These two new comers tip-toe around issues, trying to make friends with everyone. While Tom (Jared McGuire) tries, unsuccessfully, to run the meeting and Lena (Chandra Thomas), Kevin (Bjorn DuPaty), and Kathy (Lynne Wintersteller) all recount their memories of the neighborhood "back in the day" and their memories within and around that very house. Again, race becomes an issue because of those memories, Steve's inability to be a rational human being, Lindsey's obvious tip-toeing and Lena's will to pick a fight. Basically, everyone has something to prove and defend about their own race, gender, beliefs and sexual orientation and everyone offends everyone else at some point.

The whole cast in Act II, right after contractor, Dan (Brad Bellamy) finds an old Army trunk in the backyard.

Although I just made this show sound like the most serious business of all, trust me, I laughed the entire time. Bruce Norris has created the piece needed in every life in today's culture. It is presented in a serious context, has multiple undertones that develop a passionate piece, but it is the humor that gives this show life. Clybourne Park is a must see on any stage, but it just happens to be on the Public's stage right now. It brings to light the issues of differences, mostly race related, and how we think those differences change our surroundings for the good or the bad. Thank you, Public Theater, for bringing these issues to center stage. Thank you, Bruce Norris, for having the guts to even write this.

To me, race is only a big thing, because we make it out to be this huge barrier between us. I'm also in a long-term biracial relationship and living with roommates from different countries, so I might be biased in saying that race is not a big deal. And at this present time, I feel like only MJ and Bruce Norris understand my humor around this "issue" because they share it. Everyone always looks at MJ and I awkwardly when we blantantly point out and joke about the ridiculousness in separating us by race. This is also coming from a man who hates being called African-American and would rather you call him black because he "ain't never been to Africa."

I love him. I love this show. And I'd love you if you went to go see it and thought that it was more than just thought provoking. I'd love you the most if you're a white girl and you belly laugh the loudest in the theater, during the show, when the joke about "what's similar about white girls and tampons" comes up....you know, like I did. Not because you think it's particularly funny but because you know it's true for about 70% of the white women you know. This show is crude. This show is relevant. This show is needed. It is a necessity for today's stuck up society. We are not different races, we are one. Human. The quicker we learn that, the better. Maybe Clybourne Park can help us do so just a bit little quicker and help use to laugh about it along the way.

To the Wonder at Harris Theater

Living downtown, everything (except a grocery store) is at my fingertips. Which I love. I will never be able to explain how much I love living downtown. Anyway, I have been hard at work trying to find a job, get to graduation, and design the new Pioneer Magazine. So after all of my magazine spreads were turned in on Monday, I craved some alone time in some place other than my apartment. What better than to treat myself to a movie with subtitles?

This was my first time at the Harris Theater and I have to say, I was impressed. The Harris Theater is just a little baby theater, seating about 200 people. It is a part of the Cultural Trust, is run by Pittsburgh Filmmakers, is the only downtown movie theater, and is open every day of the week. So for being such a little guy, it's doing big things. Also, for those of you who complain about movies being too expensive and blah blah blah, the Harris is not only cheaper than the big movie theaters for tickets, but their concessions are also priced much cheaper than big theaters. My large Diet Coke and box of Cookie Dough Bites came to $3. Thanks for being fair, Harris Theater.

Harris Theater - lovely old marquee!

I sat in the balcony, which made the "me time" even better because no one else sat up there and I was at eye level with the screen. To the Wonder is a film staring Ben Affleck, Olga Kurylenko, Rachel McAdams, and Javier Bardem, and is about love. Love of self, of a partner, an old flame, of God, home, life, etc. It was beautiful. It felt very indie, with atypical camera angles, extreme close ups and super soft lighting. But the storyline was gorgeous.

Ben Affleck plays Neil, who travels to Europe and meets and falls in love with Marina (Olga Kurylenko) and he convinces her, and her ten year old daughter to move with him to America where he is an environmental inspector. In the beginning, like all love stories, everything is perfect. But life begins to "get in the way." Marina turns to Father Quintana (Javier Bardem) for guidance, even though he is struggling with his faith and being able to find the joy in life as well. Eventually, Marina and her daughter return to Paris because of their expired visas, which is when Neil runs into Jane, (Rachel McAdams) his former girlfriend and falls in love with her again. But I'll let you figure out for yourself what happens after that.

Photo Credit

Now, while Olga is really the female lead in this movie and she was amazing and plays a free-spirit perfectly; my girl, Rachel steals the whole thing. She embodies all that is feminine and powerful. She really makes this movie. And though this probably was her most quiet role, she is flawless and beautiful. Not to mention, every outfit she wore, I want in my closet.

Overall, the experience was perfect. The film gave me some perspective on things and the Harris Theater is so charming, and such a wonderful gem for downtown. It was just what I needed to clear out my mind after working so hard on those magazine spreads. I really encourage you to check out this location, whether or not it's for To the Wonder, they do have a few other good looking films coming up that you could see instead if subtitles aren't your thing. :)

Lofty Letdowns

I kind of hate to write this post, but I am not about to lie to my readers or lead you astray by not telling you the "whole truth" in a review of places I've been to. Although this blog is to show that Pittsburgh has great things and places to go to and that anyone can have a good time basically anywhere, that is not so much the case in this post.

On Saturday, MJ and I went to The Wine Loft with a group of friends to celebrate the 25th birthday of our dear friend, Gabby. I love seeing this group. They were some of the greatest and most genuine friends that I have met and I'm thankful that their friendship has extended beyond the walls of Seton Hill and even though we've all graduated either two or three years ago, we still can get back together without missing a beat.

Photo credit.

 However, we might have been better off going somewhere else. I had such high hopes for The Wine Loft. I swoon every time I have look at their website. I turn into a lush just thinking about all the different wines (and food) on their menus and was so excited when this was the place Gabby picked. To be fair, the wine was dry like I wanted it to be, the food was as delicious as I thought it'd be, the decor and layout of the place was beautiful, but the service was so sub par that I know I will not be returning anytime soon.

Let's talk about the decor. Since we were seated in the upper level, I felt like we were at some one's super chic apartment. Very VIP and classy. My only problem with the decor/layout is that there is really no understanding of the place when you walk in the door. No one is there to greet you, no hostess table or area where it makes sense to stop and, not only be welcomed, but to be shown where to go or told what spaces are available. Luckily, as per usual, MJ and I (okay really just I) was running fashionably late and we saw our group when we first walked in. However, for the first member of our group that wasn't the case and she had to track someone down to see where our party was supposed to be. She was never greeted at the door or asked if she was waiting for someone or anything. You know, the typical restaurant protocol that you would expect anywhere else.

Also, although not totally her fault because there were only two waitresses running around all night, but our service was terrible. As someone currently working in the service industry, I feel bad saying that but it was just absolutely terrible. To the point where the same friend who wasn't greeted at the door, went to the bar to get a round of waters since we never got them after asking for them to be delivered with our food. Water is the easiest thing to get people. Also, MJ had to track down our waitress to tell her our dessert orders since we hadn't seen her for about 20 minutes and then had to repeatedly tell her what we wanted. I understand that it was not fully her fault and do not blame her, but the management of this place made me cringe. If all of your waitresses call off on a Saturday night, you call in more. Oh, and our waitress kept complaining to us that they had run out of glasses and they were not doing bottle service. Excuse me? This is the Wine Loft. You are known for having wine. Why don't you have enough glasses? It's not like there was an absurdly large number of people there - it was a typical Saturday night crowd.

What makes me the most upset is that, we had a reservation, and our friends knew what they wanted before everyone got there and ordered for everyone, yet still, nothing seemed to go right. Sigh. I won't go on. The plus side of the evening...seeing our friends and catching up with the wonderful women we used to see everyday. I missed each of them so much. And we got to see a wedding proposal, which was cool to be in that special moment of a total stranger's life haha

This post is not to tell you to totally write off The Wine Loft. As always, I encourage my readers to go out and experience anything I review for themselves and to form their own opinions. This is just a warning to hope that you'll have a better experience if you decide to go. Things to keep in mind: make a reservation, know what you want before you get there, and know that, for some odd reason, they might run out of glasses.

Cuzamil en miercoles!

Alright, Pittsburgh friends. You need to know, if you don't already, that Cuzamil Restaurante Mexicano is the place to get your fill of yummy Mexican cuisine. I went to their Squirrel Hill location during late-February with my friend Issac and I love myself for doing so. Although, now that I know they have a downtown location too, I hate myself because I'll be there too often for my bank account to be okay with. I guess you can stop reading this post if you don't like Mexican food, but if you're like me, your mouth is already watering.

Although I cannot comment on how authentic Cuzamil actually is compared to other "authentic" Mexican restaurants because I have never been, if you're going to say "I'm in the mood for Mexican, let's go to Moe's/Chipotle/Taco Bell." Stop. Talking. I understand that everyone needs a yearly intake of Grade D meat once in awhile, or just something super cheap or quick, but come on, guys. Step up your Mexican food game and go to Cuzamil.

During my last visit I had the fish taco special, which at the time, sounded gross but it was Friday during Lent and I was playing into the hands of the Catholics and went for it. OH. MY. GOODNESS. Get the fish taco special if it's available when you go. Anyway. Another great thing is that the excellent cooks at Cuzamil also buy local, from vendors in the Strip District, so you know what you're eating is fresh, and helping out other small businesses in Pittsburgh. Go there for lunch or dinner today and I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

Some Good People in the 'burgh

Currently going on until December 9th at the Pittsburgh Public Theater is the fresh, 2011 Tony-nominated play, Good People, by David Lindsay-Abaire. Good People is about Margie, a resident of Southie, a Boston-area neighborhood. The play begins as Margie's career as a cashier ends, leaving her and her handicapped, adult daughter, Joyce, in a huge financial struggle.

Good People runs from November 8th to December 9th at the Public Theater. Photo Credit.

Struggle, that many Americans today can relate to. The idea that these characters are in a position so familiar to the average American today is what makes this play so real, but the way it is being performed is what makes seeing it at the Public so rare. I feel like theater's intention is to bring people together and make them see something in a new light or to create interesting conversations. However, because of our selfish human nature, we seem to have changed that intent to go to theater to solely be entertained instead. Good People, though highly entertaining with it's sarcastic humor and adult language, is also raw and seriously makes you think. Or at least it did for me.

At the Public, you are always guaranteed a fabulous set and lighting design, so I shouldn't even have to go into detail about how perfect the minimalistic, color-blocked stage looked. Or how interesting and artistic the main set wall worked with the lighting and how cool the moving stage worked to easily move set pieces around and give depth to the theater's space. I also shouldn't have to tell you how perfect the music of the play was and how each selected piece was like a mini-soundtrack to my high school days, which, with the vibe of this show, is a masterpiece.Oh, I also shouldn't have to tell you that answering your phone during the middle of a show is highly inappropriate and should never, ever be done. But since some girl did that during the performance I saw, I guess that some people still need to be told. So, do not be that girl.

Dotti, Jean, Margie and Margie's former boss, Stevie (Paul Terzenbach) at bingo. Credit.

Moving on, Good People at the Public was perfectly cast. David Whalen, a Public Theater regular, is yet again fantastic. He portrays Mike, who was once a "Southie kid" and former boyfriend of Margie, and is now a well respected fertility doctor, living in the luxurious Chestnut Hill, and married to a much younger (and darker) woman named Kate (January LaVoy). There are only a few biracial couple jokes in this show but I found them all to be hysterical because you know, I'm in one of those and nothing is better than laughing at yourself. Margie, who is flawlessly portrayed by Kelly McAndrew, being in a financial struggle is talked into meeting with Mike after 30 years apart, by her landlord, Dotti (Glynis Bell) and her friend Jean (Helen Coxe), in hopes that he will be able to help her find a job. (The dynamic between Glynis and Helen just about steals the show every time they're together.) Margie finds herself at Mike's office and eventually in a verbal "fight" that ends with her inviting herself to the birthday party Kate is planning for him which is being held in their home, which Margie is obviously dying to see. This scene is like one of those fabulously awkward run-ins with an ex or estranged friend...only fun to watch, not to actually be in.

In Act II, Margie, who has already been told that the party was canceled is again talked into going anyway because she, Dotti and Jean think she was just uninvited because Mike is probably just too embarrassed to have her at his home, rubbing elbows with his swanky doctor friends and their wives. When she arrives, she finds out that the party actually was canceled which starts to infuriate Mike, but gives Kate the perfect reason to invite her in for wine in hopes of hearing some endearing childhood stories of Mike. Instead, the conversation becomes the raw theater I was talking about. The topic of Margie's inability to find a job and not struggle with money, come to the forefront. This made for a hard scene to watch, but probably harder to perform. These three actors shined in this rough dialog about love, money, luck, parenting, grace and giving unselfishly. They fight, they yell, they almost get violent and Mike breaks the present Margie brings him. Although all three of the actors in this scene are so real and awesome, Kelly McAndrew brings it hard. Get it girl. 

This is the scene that brings up the conversation pieces. Margie tries to explain to Mike how she thinks he got lucky and was just fortunate to have parents who cared and a scholarship to get him through school, while she had to drop out of high school to have her baby and raise her without help. Mike chalks his success up to hard work, and blames Margie's fate on her poor choices. While Margie accepts that she's made some bad choices, she never lets up on Mike for not giving credit for his successes to anyone else, including his father...and her. But of course Mike, doesn't see it her way and Kate is shocked by the little truths that slip out about her husband's past. This is where the idea of being able to "get out" of Southie comes into play. Where the idea of being able to "get out" of any small town that holds people back comes to mind.

As someone in the state between the "stuck" and the "out" - this play is a must see. And if I know you, dear reader, you should see it regardless of which state you're in, because not only are the actors spot on throughout, not only is the set, lighting and music beautiful but this story is real. If you aren't in a situation similar to what plays out on stage, you know someone who is or who was. And let's be real, as selfish humans, if the play isn't just going to be the most entertaining thing we've ever seen, it damn well better relate to us. Good People does both. So you should see it.

The Perks at The Manor

Monday night has become my go-to movie day. I'm okay with it! This week, Isaac and I went to The Manor in Squirrel Hill to see The Perks of being a Wallflower. So while You, dear reader, might think you are just here to read a review of the movie, think again. The Manor is also worth quite the mention considering it's history. So let's start there and then jump into the greatest movie I've seen this year. I think that's pretty safe to say, though I cannot actually remember all of the movies I've seen in 2012.

The Manor has great curb appeal!

The Manor, which is located in Pittsburgh's East End is one of the oldest theaters in the city. This theater is now celebrating it's 90th year of showing films and is newly renovated, and gorgeous. I especially loved the little seating area next to the concession stand and new bar. Yeah, a movie theater with a classy bar. How about that? Anyway, The Manor's slogan is "where the good movies play," and from what I've seen on their marquee whenever I am heading past it on the bus, that slogan seems fairly accurate. And thankfully for me and Isaac, and those other people in the theater with us, The Perks of being a Wallflower, was one of those movies.

One more thing about The Manor that I should mention too is that they do not show previews. So while I prefer to sit through them; to give some buffer time to late-comers and to be able to see what is coming out soon, but to be really honest, I guess since I was on time and didn't really care about any other movie, I was okay with it. Anyway, Perks. To keep it simple...great movie. I read the book in like sophomore year of college, "for fun." What, who does that? I have to admit that I forgot most of what happened, so I guess I'll have to re-read it since the movie did not align with all of what I remember of the book. But what I do remember of the book and this movie are fabulous.

The Perks of being a Wallflower movie poster outside of The Manor.

The Perks of being a Wallflower, which is based on the novel by the same name, by Stephen Chbosky (who also directed the movie), is about Charlie (played by Logan Lerman), a high school freshman, who is coping with his best friend's recent suicide, his own tortured past and being an outsider in the new world of high school. It's so cute when the protagonist is an introvert! I just wanted to squeeze him up and tell him I'd be his friend. Lerman was the perfect choice to play Charlie too. He is such a seasoned actor but just looks like an innocent little boy and had such a dopey little look on his face that I think was perfect for his character, or a puppy. He had a perfect performance in this movie.

Thankfully, as the story goes, Charlie does meet some friends, Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller) who are seniors, step-siblings and very full of life. However, just because the boy meets friends, this is still high school, so of course the rest of the school year includes dances, football, hook-ups, hang-outs, secrets, presents, classes, books, break ups and make ups and a whole lot of junk and drama thrown in every time adolescents seem bored. And of course, while some have supportive parents, controlling parents, pushy or absent parents, each young character is molded by their eight hours inside the school, but apparently more so by the hours spent in between. But let's get down to the greatest part of the movie: the setting.

Pittsburgh played as the backdrop for this fast-paced, flashback-heavy drama and while I am obviously biased, I think no other city could have done any better. You can tell in some scenes where they were shot, areas of Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair (where Chbosky is from) and of course, Peters Township High School. However, the most obvious places were the West End Overlook, Hollywood Theater in Dormont and the Fort Pitt Tunnel and Bridge. Oh man Pittsburgh, you've never looked more beautiful than in the background of kids riding in the back of a pickup truck. Which is actually illegal in the state of Pennsylvania for minors, but it makes for a few great scenes.

A great moment in the movie and a fabulous shot of Pittsburgh. Photo by John Bramley.

Besides the Pittsburgh scenes being beautiful, the soundtrack and timelessness of the film were so gorgeous. Although the book and movie are technically in the setting of the 90's, the only thing that obviously gives that time away is the making of mix tapes. God, don't you just miss making those? Such time and effort was put into your music consumption back then. Bring back the cassette tape! Anyway, since fashion is always on a repeat cycle and music classics like The Smiths, The Beatles and David Bowie seem to transcend through generations, you could not really tell that this movie was set in a certain time period. Especially since most of the scenes were shot in the school, how often do you really think high schools get a modern update? Granted there were no cell phones, no mention of Facebook and Charlie does use a typewriter, these are minor things that have not real hindrance on the plot. Usually in period-setting movies where characters get into weird situations I think "just call or text someone for help!" but there was never a time like that in Perks and the typewriter is making its comeback (I hope) so it seemed more endearing or classic rather than a sign of the times.

Not many can write a timeless story and match it with a timeless film, so hats off to Chbosky. Also this cast was so impressive, pretty much comprised of all of my favorite, not-so-Hollywood actors. This movie is a must see for audiences young and old. It truly is a timeless classic about growing up, finding unforgettable friends, loss, bullying, hope and most importantly, love.

Indo Asian Fusion - Eat Up!

As I said in my last post, my friend Kait and I were able to have a lovely adventure of Wednesday. While we first stopped in to see two exhibits at the ToonSeum, we really only headed over to the that area of downtown Pittsburgh because Kait mentioned seeing a new restaurant when she was riding the bus into work. New downtown restaurant?...we were sold.

Logo for the Restaurant

While we thought it was just another Chinese place, we were in for a treat. The new restaurant, Indo Asian Fusion, was so much more than that. Luckily, Kait and I walked in with about an hour left during the lunch buffet time so we were able to sample a little bit of everything. The buffet is out daily for lunch from 11am - 3pm and for dinner on Friday and Saturday from 6pm - 10pm. Indo Asian Fusion is just what downtown needs. If you've never been to a fusion restaurant, this would be a great place to test out. It had the perfect blend of traditional Indian and Asian dishes and so many sauces and vegetables, we were easily filled up and for only $7.99!

Now I will admit that my absolute favorite item on the buffet was a little strawberry tart dessert, but that's because my taste buds are always craving strawberries. Anyway, if you are downtown and are open to trying new things, you must try this restaurant. Not only was it yummy and a great change to the typical lunch break, but the service and decor were fabulous.

The kind of food you can expect. Photo Credit.

For there only being one waiter on the floor during the lunch break, he was very attentive and kept that water coming! Which is a must for any place with a lot of spicy foods. And everyone else in the restaurant seemed to be getting the exact same, great service. Indo Asian Fusion also is just a beautiful space. With it's dark wood floors and rich red and yellows throughout the restaurant, it felt good to be there. The walls also have a lot of artwork that are for sale as well, so it was interesting to be in a space that was obviously well planned and also a great place for gallery-worthy pieces to be. (They also had beautiful brown bowl sinks in the bathroom that I just adored.) To say the least, this place was well thought out. The concept and food itself will bring you in, but the decor and quality service will bring you back again and again.

I know I will become a regular at this place because the price was great for a nice downtown buffet, the food was delicious, the space is beautiful and honestly, the service was just so good. I cannot rave enough about this place, it is exactly what downtown needs and I really appreciate it being here. Make your way to 957 Liberty Ave. You will be glad you stopped in and your tummy (and taste buds) will thank you all day!