Twelve of 'twelve

Hello. Today's post is brought to you by the number twelve. Here's a list of the twelve most memorable things that happened in the past year, in no real particular order, accompanied by some epic photos. And I would like to thank you all for following along with my little blog here, liking the page 

on Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest, and here's planning for bigger and better things in 2013! 

Remember, sweet reader, you are awesome and I appreciate you!

Love, Chels

 

 12. Read twelve novels. Nerd alert.

11. Discovered some killer music. (Even though I think this happens to me every year.)

10. Said goodbye to my first pet after my family had to put our beautiful baby to sleep.

Eric, Gordy & Me - we're just babies in this picture! Circa 1999-ish.

Fashion Forward Fridays Submission: Meet Richelle!

Hello friends & fashion lovers! As promised in two previous posts, I have brought to you a reader submission for Fashion Forward Fridays! This week worked out perfectly for the submission because like I've mentioned in my Christmas post, I am at my parents house back in little ol' Ellwood City. Where the fashionable are few and far between, so like I said, submission equals perfection. Especially when that submission comes from a little Point Park senior (and cutie) Richelle.

Richelle's quirky & classic combo.

I am always infatuated with Richelle's outfits when I see her around campus, so naturally wanted her to be my first reader submission post. When she texted me Thursday afternoon asking "How do you feel about printed pants?" before sending in her submission, I knew we would be in for a treat. Richelle is quite possibly the only person I know who can pull off anything. Literally. This girl wears a hoodie and it looks fashionable. Alright. Let's move on before I get too far into sounding like a I have a major girl crush. Although I might. haha

Anyway, Richelle likes to shop at H&M, ModCloth, Madewell, Forever 21, Francesca's, and of course like any fashion connoisseur at vintage and thrift stores as well. Admittedly, she says her closet is "quirky" and made up of a lot of different kind of pieces. By seeing her on a daily basis, you would be able to tell that she knows how to make the funky look great by pairing it with classic pieces. Richelle says, "I like bright colors, but I also love black and white. Basically, I'm pretty much all over the place, but I find a way to make it all me."

Bring in 2013 in the 'burgh!

Well, it's about that time when everyone finally decides what they will be doing when the new year rolls in. But just in case you haven't figured out your plans just yet, here's some suggestions about what's going on in the 'burgh on Monday!

On the top of the list is Highmark's First Night Pittsburgh 2013. By buying a button for the event (only $8 in advance or $10 the day of) you can have your pick of over 100 events and activities, installations, performances, crafts and a parade. All in, out and around the Cultural District that is sure to please everyone in your family, or group of friends. There is so much to do downtown from ice-skating, to watching fireworks and walking through (what I think is) the greatest part of the city, all while anticipating the drop of the ball above Highmark to welcome in the New Year!

If you want to avoid the busy streets and crowds of people, you can take a lovely trip around the city via the Gateway Clipper Fleet. As always, the Clipper has a variety of options for how to spend the holiday. Whether on a dance or dinner cruise, either is a great way to bring in the New Year with the family or with your friends. Either way, you'll get a great view of the city, prime view of the fireworks and a unique way to spend the last moments of 2012 and the first moments of 2013!

But if the "family friendly" vibe is not really what you're going for, then get dressed up and get out to WHIM Nightclub in Station Square. This event is always covered by the Trib and is the spot to be seen and party up with friends the end the year. At this event, there are prizes, giveaways, a balloon drop and a champagne toast to bring in 2013 in style. WHIM is also the only club in Pittsburgh to have a Kryogenifex system which keeps the dance floor up to 40 degrees cooler. So dress to impress knowing you won't have to worry about getting all sweaty and you hair will stay in place!

Any of these locations are sure to please on New Years because of course, it's more about who you're with then what you're doing. But remember, above all, be safe. Try to remember this New Year by enjoying the people you're with the time that you're celebrating. Enjoy your friends and family and enjoy Pittsburgh in 2013!

Home for the Holidays!

Sigh. Sometimes it's just so good to be home. I love love love living right in the city, but I also love that my parents do not. While Pittsburgh has my heart, I know that times I get fed up with the fast-paced world and the seeming lack of space. Although my parents do not live in the "country" it's just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city where you actually have to drive to get to anything and where literally everyone knows you. Oh, Ellwood City, you are only missed when I've been away from you for long periods of time haha - Here are some photos of my Christmas break. I hope all of you enjoyed a great holiday, surrounded by loved one, while eating too much food.

Beautiful cards from friends hung in my apartment. Guess it's okay that I never got to painting the huge red canvas.

Christmas lights inspired by A Christmas Story. Eric and I just had to stop and take a picture on our way home.

Last minute shopping with this happy reindeer.

Nativity setting handmade by a lady at our church.

Oliver Christmas is only complete with fudge and seven layer cookies! Yummm. (picture by Eric)

Scary reindeer inside Trader Horn.

Meeting Santa - baby Khalifa's first Christmas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love, Chels

Fashion Forward Fridays: Pittsburgh Winter Wear

Well, the world didn't end today, but walking around downtown Pittsburgh this afternoon could have fooled me! Today was the first real snowfall we've had so far, happy first day of winter, and everyone was put away in their own buildings I guess. For a town that gets a good bit of snow, we seem to be very afraid of it while it's falling. So while I thought I was the only person left in the world, I realized that this would be a good opportunity to present ways to still look cute, while braving that Pittsburgh winter. So for your viewing pleasure and to hopefully give you some ideas - here are looks for casual, dressy and a night out. Enjoy!

And remember next week I will be featuring my favorite reader look for Fashion Forward Fridays! Send your photos to chelsandthecity[at]gmail[dot]com and I will pick my favorite and contact you by Thursday!