The Mysteries of Pittsburgh

Since watching The Mysteries of Pittsburgh for the first time, I cannot get it out of my mind. I rented it from the Point Park library about a week ago after not even knowing that it, or the book that it was based off of it, even existed. And to be honest, thank God I did.

Mysteries of Pittsburgh movie cover. Photo credit.

The book, which was written by Michael Chabon, is about Art Bechstein, who just graduated from college with a business degree and wants to spend one last summer, doing nothing of real importance in Pittsburgh. Art, who is played by Jon Foster, has a mob father, Nick Nolte, who already has a job lined up for him after the summer, but Art is not looking forward to wasting away in an office, though he does not have any concrete plans for more exciting things to do during his summer in the steel city. Within the first few days of summer he meets a beautiful woman, Jane Bellweather, played by Sienna Miller, and her boyfriend, Cleveland, played by Peter Sarsgaard and everything changes for him.

The Mysteries of Pittsburgh tells of the adventures of Art, Jane and Cleveland throughout the city, and the love triangle that forms between them, the story alone makes this movie worth watching, but the poetic writing, narration and beautiful shots of Pittsburgh make it worth remembering. The scenes of Pittsburgh are gorgeous and to most people, some may be unknown little gems of the city. While anyone can recognize the Le'Mont, some of the bridges, smoke stacks and a beautiful scene at the Point; there are also some small shots of alleys and neighborhoods that some people might not recognize right away. This movie brings the everyday of Pittsburgh to life.

Jon Foster as Art Bechstein in The Mysteries of Pittsburgh. Photo credit.

This movie also brings the ordinary bits of life into a whole new meaning and gives this city a new light. It is also accompanied by a fabulous soundtrack and the actors bring a depth to the plot that could have easily been overlooked otherwise. The actors are so good that they speak loudly even in the movies' moments of silence. Honestly, the movie is so, so good. If you haven't seen it, you must. Although I cannot comment on the book, if it is anything close to the movie, it is probably a must read.

However, the main thing that stuck out to me more than anything was how Art felt about Pittsburgh. Although he grew up near the city, went to school here and ultimately spent that "last" summer here, he looked at Pittsburgh as at least half of Pittsburgher's do...as a place to be stuck in. Whether you've realized it or not, you're either someone who loves this city, or you're not. For me, if it's not so obvious already, I love it, but I know I am surrounded by people who don't. For Art, and many others, leaving Pittsburgh brings them a new sense of life. While for me, being in Pittsburgh has brought me to life in a new way.

I have always dreamed of living right here, in the heart of the city and finally I am living that dream. But I know it's not for everyone. So, what does Pittsburgh mean to you?

Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet Norma!

Alright, over the summer hiatus, I know that my loyal readers missed Fashion Forward Fridays the most, so I found a fashionista today that is sure to not disappoint. I met Norma while crossing the street downtown and probably took her off guard more than I did for anyone else I'm sure. Although living downtown I know it's easy to meet a weirdo wanting to ask you questions, it's probably just as weird having someone want to take your picture and post them online. So thanks to Norma and all my other fashionista's from previous weeks for being so kind and not thinking I'm too weird. I appreciate your love of fashion and willingness to let me post you online!

I am just in love with these pastel pink jeans!

Miss Norma says that she loves to mix pieces from all over. While she listed, ModCloth, Target, Forever 21 and J.Crew as some of her favorite places to shop, she also said that really anywhere along Walnut Street in Shadyside, which if you haven't been to the area, I suggest you give yourself at least a day to see everything. I liked Norma's style because it was simple and still chic. She told me that today she "didn't even try too hard," so I found that interesting because sometimes I think we over-think our wardrobe before getting ready each day and usually it is the simple outfits that make a bigger statement.

However, Norma said that to make your outfits stand out to make that statement is to let your accessories do the talking. She called her personal style, eclectic because she likes to mix all kinds of things together and thinks accessories are what makes her outfits exciting. I couldn't agree more with her, based on what she was wearing today. Although I first saw her pastel jeans, her accessories did bring the whole look together. The beautiful floral scarf she was wearing really made the outfit and boosted the use of a colorful denim.

Close up of Miss Norma and that beautiful scarf!

And like me, Norma didn't agree that Pittsburgh should be ranked third-worst dressed like GQ said we were because she thinks you tell a Pittsburgher wherever they go based on how they usually match most of their clothes and that this area does not have a real specific set style. I agree with that, Pittsburghers do seem to match most of what they wear, the trend of mixing patterns and colors hasn't caught on too much here, but I also think the style of Pittsburgers is always evolving and is based on where in the city the person is located. Each different area of this city has a unique look to it in the clothing options the residents of that area actually wear. Downtown is more business, while Lawrenceville is more hipster and of course the North Shore is covered in black and gold gear.

So, Pittsburghers, be sure to keep mixing it up and looking your best. Take some advice from Norma and mix your old and new pieces through using your accessories wisely and keep making Pittsburgh beautiful! Happy weekend and here we go Steelers, make sure you are keeping up with my overview of the season on Her Game Life!

Big Boned & Smothered in Sauce

My mouth is watering just thinking about the delicious food I consumed on Friday and will devour more of tomorrow. Welcome to the Annual Pittsburgh Rib Festival weekend, everyone! Time to eat up! For the past few years, heading to the festival has been a tradition for a couple of friends and me so when only Liz and I could get together for this year's Ribfest I was not about to miss it. Hell, I'd go be myself if I had to! Luckily I had Liz for Friday and Eric is joining me tomorrow.

Picture circa 2010: I still don't remember which vendor has this wolf.

Alright, did I use enough exclamation points in that last paragraph to tell you how serious I am about you going to Ribfest at some point this weekend? My English degree is weeping. So each year, along the outside of Heinz Field, locals and visitors are welcomed to kickoff the football season with Ribfest. Every year, nationally known and award winning rib vendors flock to Pittsburgh to see who's best and clearly to fatten up Steelers and Panthers fans for the season ahead. During the festival, feasters can also enjoy free concerts, compliments of Coors Light and for the kiddos there are a trampoline and rock climbing exhibit. Visitors are also encouraged to make their way through the first floor of the stadium where they can see memorabilia from the past six Super Bowl wins.

Coming up tonight, if you're willing to brave the hint of rain, the University of Pittsburgh Panthers are opening their season against Buffalo and the Light of the River Spectacular will take place tonight after the game. Tomorrow, while you eat ribs, you can cheer on runners and walkers in the Annual Steelers 5K Race and Walk, followed by a free concert by Thompson Square and Tracy Lawrence. On the final day of the festival, Bret Michaels takes the stage. Trust me, it's worth the trip.

Armadillo's from Atlanta, Georgia was the "southest" vendor this year.

Each year we always try to get ribs from a different vendor. My friend Coryn even has a system of getting a free sample from each booth and then deciding which one she wants to buy from. Apparently being a little sneaky and cute goes a long way. This year, Liz and I went to Armadillo's and I wish I could have eaten more because it was so good. A little trick with them, if you're thinking of heading out, get an extra paper bowl and mix all of the sauces they have together and then put it over the ribs or pulled pork...you'll thank me later. Trust me, this is a trip worth making. With so many vendors to choose from, you cannot go wrong. And if you're not into ribs, don't worry there is plenty of pulled pork, chicken, mac & cheese, cole slaw, potato salad, corn bread...is your mouth watering yet? It should be, southern food is good for the soul (duh), start football season off right and get down here.

__________________________________________________________________________________

On a semi-related note: I start blogging for Her Game Life as a Pittsburgh Steelers girl on Monday. I will be reporting there every Monday during the season and since our boys usually play on Sundays I am hoping that means I will get to record and recap a lot of wins! Time to go for seven, black and gold! Who's with me on that one? (There I go with the exclamation points again.)

I could watch the parade from my apartment window...not that I would do that because I would want to be right in the action, just saying, I COULD do so. Anyway, getting a bit ahead of myself I guess. This picture was taken while I was wearing shorts that are clearly too short and no make-up by my lovely friend Liz on Friday, to get pumped for the upcoming season - which by the way, marks the 80th season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Seriously, this is the year to get #7.
Here. We. Go.

Pamela's: A Pittsburgh Legend

Pamela's in the Strip.

Alright, I will be honest, I use to be a fraud. You read that correctly. For the past few years I have been fraudulently referring people to eat at Pamela's Diner, when in reality, my first ever trip was Monday morning. However, now I feel safe to say that at least I know for sure I have never led anyone in the wrong direction! I have known that Pamela's is a staple in Pittsburgh for breakfast and lunch, simply through word of mouth, but surprisingly I made my first trip to the Pamela's in The Strip with Eric yesterday morning.

While I know Pamela's is known for the pancakes, I, true to form, ordered the veggie omelet with a side of home fries. I don't eat breakfast often, but when I do, I always pick the veggie omelet so of course Pamela's had to pass this test on the first visit to ensure a second. And trust me, they've ensured more than just a second one. Needless to say the food was yummy. But what I loved most about Pamela's was the building itself and the decor.

From the moment I walked in, I noticed every little detail that made me love just sitting in the diner. Maybe it was because I was actually wearing my glasses, but I noticed little things that might be missed otherwise. Each of the pictures on the wall, the late '50's theme, it was like we walked into an Instagram photo...only authentic. Diners are quite possibly my favorite things so I felt right at home here, especially since every song that played while we were at Pamela's reminded me of all the CD's I have at some point borrowed from my parents. (Cue music: Looking Glass, James Taylor and Annie Lennox). What a great vibe.

Now that I've been to Pamela's in the strip district, I feel like I must make it to each one of them at some point, which means at least five more breakfast trips. And the next trip I will order the famous pancakes. But dearest Pamela's owners, one request...please, please, please, open another diner downtown! I promise I could probably keep you in business completely on my own.

It's been a summer!

Well blog lovers, sorry for the summer hiatus. To those of you who would have liked to know about all the fun and to-do list items going on in Pittsburgh this summer and I hope that you still found them out without me, but do not fret....I'm back!

This summer has sent me to various fun locations and to new heights, personally. I love the summer months! I always seem to use it as a renewal time and of course to rest and get tan. Well, I have been renewed and have rested but the beautiful tan I had at the beginning of the summer has faded away. However, the memories I made this summer have not, so here's the rundown of what I have done all summer, instead of living in blog-world.

First and foremost, you should know that throughout the summer I was thoroughly immersed in researching the glittery universe of fashion marketing for this little thing called the master's thesis. I will gladly talk to anyone about how wonderful this world is, but please give my brain some time to breathe first, it was going crazy all summer. Also, for anyone who thinks fashion marketing is a dumb thing to do a thesis on can no longer be my friend...you have no idea, so again, I will be happy to explain it all to you at a later date.

The first stop on my summer adventure was a week away at Jumonville, a summer camp where I spent my childhood and have spent the past four summers as a camp counselor. My friend Hannah asked me to help her with running an adventure camp for a week. For anyone who actually knows Hannah and I, you should know that adventure camp isn't really our favorite thing, but no worries, our campers were elementary aged so nothing too crazy was allowed because they are too small for a lot of the harder adventure activities. We did however enjoy some rafting, caving and the ropes course and adventure center on Jumonville's campus.

Hannah, Jenna and I waiting our turn to fly 800 feet above Ocean City!

The week after adventure camp, Hannah and I, along with our friends Jenna, Colleen and Emily packed up and headed south for Ocean City, for a week long adventure to celebrate Hannah's birthday. Along with of course, laying on the beach for countless hours, the girls and I spent one day parasailing and jet skiing, which was some of the best money ever spent on rental equipment, thanks to Paradise Watersports. We also were able to go to Assateague Island, which is notorious for its wild horses that roam the island. This girls' getaway was a great time with friends and a great start to the summer.

Our view during the Pirates' game for my birthday!

The following week was my favorite time of the summer, as it is every year, because it was my birthday week, which goes along with the fourth of July...my favorite holiday! I spent my birthday being spoiled with a trip to Panera, my favorite restaurant, and a one hour cruise on the Gateway Clipper with MJ and then dinner at Fire Mountain with MJ, my brother Eric and of course, my parents. On July 4th, I spent the holiday in khaki pants, working a 14-hour shift at the Gateway Clipper, since it's the busiest day of the year for them. I still got to watch the fireworks, aboard the Majestic on the river...picturesque to say the least. I finished the celebration that Friday with a bunch of my friends, with a tailgate party and Pirates game to top off the week.

Also in July, Lindsay and I went to an event that we have been looking forward to for most of our adult lives. The Dave Matthews Band concert. What a night! Quite possibly the greatest show I have been to and like I said, one that I have been excited to see for a very long time! So I am glad that they, and their opening act, SOJA, lived up to my expectations.

Ashley, Jenna, Hannah and I right before our little dancers performed. 

While the rest of July was dedicated to working everyday at the Gateway Clipper and working every night on the thesis, August brought another week at Jumonville for an Elementary Dance Camp, with Hannah and Jenna and another great friend, Ashley. And it also brought the end to the thesis and I left my position at the Clipper to allow more time for school-related internships and jobs. So I'm sure some of you are thinking that I should now be done with my masters degree, but I have one more semester to finish the program. I thought doing all of the reading and research and ultimately writing over the summer would be better and give me more time to devote to it, which actually only became particularly true with this busy summer line-up. But Point Park only has a May commencement so I will be taking some extra courses as well to build up my portfolio and then graduate in May. I cannot believe I am almost a "Master."

Baby Khalifa...look at those eyes!

This summer was a great time to rejuvenate and even get excited for the new school year to start, since I am so close to almost being done and obtaining a goal I have had for a few years now. However, the greatest part of my summer was not any of the things mentioned above and saying it might certify me as a weirdo, but I'll take it. In mid-June, I adopted a beautiful little black kitten and named her Khalifa. I love her more than most things and she is the only cat I like. When I was little I wanted a kitten so badly, but then we got a dog and I fell in love with her and dogs in general, making me a "dog-person" which I would still consider myself to be. So don't go telling me that I will instantly become a cat-person because I got a kitten. I will only like this kitten....I'm still a dog-person.

And finally for my summer, I was recently, by which I mean, yesterday, I was offered a position to be a Pittsburgh Steelers Blogger for the site Her Game Life, which is a site geared towards women interested in the NFL. I am very excited for the smell of fall and the game of football to get started so I can blog even more. I'll give you the heads up to look out for me there! So enough about me, what did you guys do this summer? Anything that you could consider to be your favorite thing from the warmer months or are you looking forward to fall as well?