Five Things I've Learned Since Graduation

It has been one year since I finished my Master's degree. Technically, one year and two days. I am certainly not where I thought I would be when I was thinking about this point in my life last year. And to be honest, so many things have gone wrong this past year, but so many things have been sweet little blessings in disguise. Spoiler alert, this post gets a bit heavy. You are allowed to stop reading it if you only come to this space for the flowery and fashionable. Though I hope you keep reading. Here are the top five things I've learned since graduation.

Jeremiah 29:11 Chalkboard Print by Lily & Val.

1) Where you want to be is not always where you should be.
If I had it my way, I would still be living in downtown Pittsburgh. When my lease was up last summer, I cried. Literally. Downtown Pittsburgh might be the pits for some people and others don't understand why I loved it so much, but it was my own little slice of Heaven. However, if I was there now, I wouldn't get to have this experience of living with my brother. If you haven't caught on to this yet, Eric is seriously my best friend. We should have been twins, if only so he wouldn't have had to spend that first year without me. I wouldn't have the freedom to not be paying a ridiculously high rent payment every month on top of my student loan payments. I'm sure for those two reasons alone, I would have started to resent that location eventually and because I'm not there, it's still a little Heaven in my eyes. Do I want to move back? Of course. But now isn't the time.

2) No job is below you.
I recently took on another job of bartending just to be able to make a bit more money with tips and another little paycheck. Why? Because who doesn't want a little wiggle room when bills start rolling in? And while bartending is great, this job also has a waitressing aspect to it, which I have never done before. Do you know how awful people treat waitresses? Yeah, that's why I never waitressed before. Not like retail is much more glamorous, but at least there isn't half-eaten food involved. But not taking a job that most people would say is "below" me is stupid. Does it give me money? Do I technically get a workout in while at work because of how much running around I do? Am I physically able to do this job? Yes. So while I don't need a Master's degree to figure out how to put in an order for Chicken Alfredo and then sweetly hand it to someone, everyone could do with having a job that teaches you how to serve someone. Serving someone else and expecting little to nothing in return is honestly what everyone in this country should have to do for at least a year in my own opinion. I might as well get my year in now.

3) MJ is greater than the man of my dreams.
If you know MJ personally, then you know that he has three things in mind. Career. Family. God. Not necessarily in that order, but that's about it. From the beginning of our relationship, he has made it clear that he wants to be married and have a boat load of children, and I have made it clear that I don't want either of those things until I feel totally set and complete on my own and then after that, I'm all in. If you remember my 25 before 25 list, I wanted to get engaged this year. However, that was with the ideal in mind that I would have a steady full-time job and I would be living on my own before he proposed. Obviously he was on board for this, and we were on this track up until I was no longer employed by Dress for Success because of some unforeseen financial difficulties on their part. MJ told me on Valentine's Day about how he had planned to propose. Way to lay it on thick, right? And to make you love him more, it was going to be at the party for his parent's 40th wedding anniversary, which is the exact same way my dad proposed to my mom. Yeah. That would have been last month. But this man. THIS. MAN. My man has put me and my desires first, yet again. He knows I would not be happy being engaged without feeling complete on my own, so his dreams of a wedding and little family are set aside for my dream of a career. I am selfish and I do not deserve him. But I thank God for him everyday and always will.

4) I have the skills and power to make my dreams come true.
You guys, I am so excited to finally announce what I've been working so hard on! This Thursday, be sure to check back because everything will be explained, I will need your input, and I really hope that you are as excited as I am.

5) God has perfect timing and a plan greater than any of my own.
Thursday's announcement is a big deal for me and I don't think it would be happening if the mess of this year didn't happen. This has been a seriously rough road since graduation. From the high of graduating, to the low of leaving Pittsburgh, high of being employed by one of my favorite non-profits, to losing that job for reasons that I had no control over, to the mess of moving again to Erie, and struggling on the job hunt train, this past year has had it's great moments, but overall, it has just been rough. But through it all, I know God knows what he's doing. He has a plan for my life and while I choose my daily steps, he is guiding them and working in and in spite of them to make things happen. I trust in him to get it right when I am certainly messing it up. Is Thursday's announcement the end all, be all of God's plan? Probably not, but it is certainly his doing. I had this in mind for much, much further down the road in life and it has made it's way to the present. I also want to make clear that other ventures are not being let go because of Thursday's announcement, but they are on the back burner. This has made it's way to the front of my mind and for good reason and I'm putting my trust in God that it will work out.

Painting With A Twist: In Pittsburgh!

Around Halloween, I won a Twitter contest for two free tickets to an upcoming class at Painting With A Twist in Robinson. Just hearing this made me jump out of my skin with excitement because I have seen pictures on Facebook of friends who have gone to similar studios or this one in particular, and because my mother did not pass on her painting skills to me, I always thought that this would be more my speed, since they teach you as you go along. And of course because it's BYOB.

I unfortunately was unable to use the Halloween tickets because of work conflicts but the fabulous owners, Jamie and Nicole Orlando, allowed me to pick another class to join them. I, of course, choose the Smithfield Street bridge class, as I'm sure I've mentioned before, it's my favorite bridge in Pittsburgh. No, I don't think it's weird to have a favorite bridge, we have 446 to choose from after all! And of course, being that he lives near the location and he's one of my favorite humans, I took along MJ. I thought, what better way to celebrate our 4 year anniversary then to paint some pretty pictures and have dinner afterwards. MJ was not too thrilled at first, considering he doesn't have artist genes either, but that quickly changed when we got there.

After checking in and finding our awesome, and perfectly appropriate for us aprons, we settled in by snacking and meeting some new friends, and then the class started, and MJ began to feel right at home. Our awesome teacher/artist, Amie, was going through routine things, like how the class would go and such, then she came to naming the brushes we'd be using, so we would know which one she wanted us to use and when. So, there's this big brush that she named Big Daddy. She also decided to call MJ, Big Daddy, and being the natural people-person (aka flirt) that he is, by the end of the class, everyone there was calling him Big Daddy, and needless to say, we had the greatest time ever.

I highly suggest that you attend a class. There are locations all around the US (for those of you reading from somewhere that isn't Pittsburgh). Though I can only comment on how fabulous everyone is at this particular location, I'm sure you'll have a good time at any other Painting With A Twist as well.   I honestly, have never believed in Art Therapy until going to this class. (Sorry to my friends who majored in AT in college, but I do believe you now!) And although we still do not have painting skills, MJ and I did have a great night following along to an artist who is obviously very talented, but who could very easily teach and help everyone when needed. Thanks for your patience, Amie! Also, in other news, MJ won the November Tag & Brag that PWAT has on their Facebook each month, so we're very excited to be able to go to another class soon....you should join us!

Bricolage PGH Presents: War of the Worlds (...& A Giveaway!)

I'll admit that when I was first invited to go to Bricolage for their "midnight radio show" of War of the Worlds, I was a bit skeptical. Considering I had to attend in person for a radio show, I was confused from the get-go. And knowing the history of the original War of the Worlds scaring the pants off of people in 1938 because so many people thought it was a real news broadcast over the radio, not just a show, I was very concerned about what would be going on, but as this blog claims, I'm up for anything that promotes Pittsburgh and well, Bricolage is in the heart of downtown, so off to this interesting event it was.

If you follow me on Twitter, then you already know that I was also asked to live-tweet the event, which made the experience all the more exciting, because I very much love living in a world where everyone can read my sometimes witty comments as they come to me in 140 character increments. Sorry to anyone who was thoroughly confused about my reporting of a meteor hitting McConnell's Mill and martians invading Pittsburgh. 

Anyway, Bricolage put on a damn good show. All skepticism out the door and excitement for the next show is within me. Honestly, this was AMAZING. For those of you (much like myself) who think watching a live radio show would be boring, hold up, there are plenty of visual aspects to this performance. Not only can you quite obviously see the actors and the band, but there is also a large screen behind them for full visual effects of the story, and the commercials, which were hilarious and probably my favorite part. (I'm biased, I just finish two years of non-stop analysis of advertisements and now appreciate a little commercial parody more than the average person. Thanks, grad school.) I also very much enjoyed the ability to see exactly how the sound effects were made for this story and am always charmed by people having fantastic radio voices. 

More than anything the amount of humor and overall fun in this production is really what sold it for me, and the fact that Bricolage has adapted the script to be very much Pittsburgh-based. The original script, if you never heard it, would have been pretty terrifying if you tuned in to the middle of it didn't know that is was just a story. But hearing it set in and around the Pittsburgh area, while sitting in a little dark theater in Pittsburgh, was also slightly scary. Trust me, it's something you do not want to miss!

And here is your chance to win two tickets for yourself to Bricolage's War of the Worlds, with a Pittsburgh twist, on the night of your choice (Friday or Saturday, November 1st, 2nd, 8th or 9th.)

Here's how to enter:

• Like Chels & the City on Facebook.
• Like Bricolage PGH on Facebook. 
• Email the correct answer to the following question to chelsandthecity{at}gmail{dot}com : In 2005, Steven Spielberg directed a film adaption of War of the Worlds, in which the fabulous, Dakota Fanning stared as Rachel Ferrier, daughter to Ray Ferrier, portrayed by Tom Cruise. The, then eleven year old, won what awards for her performance in this role? 

Simple enough in this age of technology, right? The winner will be selected at random from the participants who submit the correct answer and like both pages on Facebook but 10pm on Thursday, October 31st! The winner will be emailed back with details on how to claim their prize! Good Luck!

This is a sponsored post, I received tickets to attend this show 

and for the giveaway for this post, but, as always, all opinions are my own. 

40-Foot Ducky, You're The One....

If you're from around Pittsburgh, then you know the crazy amounts of buzz surrounding The Rubber Duck Project. If you're not, to sum it up for you, about three weeks ago, a giant duck came floating down the Allegheny River and into the heart of downtown, and the hearts of Pittsburghers. How about that for a sappy line.

While I did not get a chance to see this guy up close, just another reason why I'm sad about moving out of downtown, I did get to see him while driving through multiple parts of the city. Here are some of my favorite pictures of him, captured by some of my favorite Pittsburghers. Enjoy!

Photo provided by Tina Richey.

Photo provided by Laura Greenawalt

Photo provided by Lindsay Nicholson

More than likely my favorite picture with the duck, fabulous job, Katie! Photo provided by Katie Funaki

Thanks to The Cultural Trust, this cutie has been in the city and gathering thousands of visitors for about a month, which all started with a huge kickoff party on the Clemente Bridge on September 27th to welcome him. He is part of an art installation by Dutch artist, Florentijn Hofman, and was created "to bring joy to the world and connect people." And I'm pretty certain he's done that here in Pittsburgh.

As of Sunday night, the duck has left The Point, but I'm sure the tons of people who visited him or even heard about him will not forget the joy of that experience. Pittsburgh, the fabulous city that it is, was the first in the United States to host this big guy and I'm sure will miss him the most. After all, he was here with us to celebrate the first Pittsburgh Pirates playoff experience in two decades. 

Fashion Forward Fridays: Sofiya Mozley Designs & James Bond Party

Left: I love sandwich boards, you should know this. | Right: Me on the balcony of Perle in my best Bond girl look.

If you follow along with my Facebook or Twitter accounts than you know that I was in downtown Pittsburgh for the Global Champagne Party - Pittsburgh. I received a personal email invite and the promise of a fashion show, James Bond theme, and location of Perle, a new champagne bar in Market Square, had me sold. And knowing that the fashion show was going to feature Pittsburgh-based designer, Sofiya Mozley, made me know that I could use the event for Fashion Forward Fridays.

The Global Champagne Party was literally a global event, and Pittsburgh's party was just one of ten happening around the world to raise money and awareness for The Charity: Water and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. The James Bond theme was to celebrate the 51st anniversary of the Bond movies and the collection presented by Sofiya Mozley made for the perfect mixture of modern day, Bond girl looks. Although the actual fashion show got started much later than anticipated, the vibe of the event was exciting and drew in a wide variety Pittsburghers. This was certainly something you people-watchers would have loved. 

I really appreciate being asked to meet the models before the show! Left to right: India, Morgan & Soigne.

Getting ready!

All the models and Sofiya after the show.

With signature drinks of Vesper Martini's and a Jill Masterson (champagne and orange vodka), guests also could enjoy a wine tasting, complimentary sushi and cupcakes and raffle for fabulous prizes with all of the proceeds benefiting The Charity: Water and the Pittsburgh Food Bank, evenly. Overall, it was a fun event, though I would have liked to see more fashion show and have less down time.

Be sure to keep an eye out for this designer, because based on what was presented at this event, she certainly has and interesting perspective of fashion and is bringing something new to the industry. Though not every piece was a winner for me, her show was certainly entertaining and displayed a variety of pieces for all kinds of women. She will certainly be one to watch, especially in the near future for Pittsburgh.

Finally met fellow Pittsburgh blogger, Tye, of Lagelle. Remember her fabulous guest post?

And of course, James Bond was there and Erin and I had to get a picture with him!

Happy weekend, Pittsburgh! Remember to keep it stylish!

Downtown Film Night - Call for Filmmakers

Photo courtesy of Future Tenant.

Since I have reviewed events held at Future Tenant before and am in support of basically anything that benefits downtown Pittsburgh, I want to share this great opportunity with you guys in hopes that it will apply to some of you and encourage you to submit your films to it! Good Luck! 

Future Tenant and Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership announces a call for emerging filmmakers to screen their work at Downtown Film Night to be held on October 12th, 2013.  We are looking for films made by artists local to Pittsburgh and the surrounding area, and we are open to multiple short films or one longer feature film. The call is open to all film genres; 5-10 minute films are highly encouraged.

Film requirements:

• Your film must be any length under two hours.
• Your film must be appropriate for all ages, as this event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. If you feel your film is too risqué, chances are it is. However, if you have specific concerns please let us know with your submission.

Submission instructions: In order to be considered, please submit your interest, a short bio (500 word maximum), and brief synopsis (500 word maximum) to info@futuretenant.org by September 29th, 2013. Additionally, a DVD copy of your film must be mailed to or dropped off at the gallery: Future Tenant, 819 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

About Future Tenant: Located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s cultural district, at 819 Penn Avenue, Future Tenant provides a laboratory setting for artists, arts managers and audiences to explore the limits of the creative expression, presentation and interpretation of various art forms. For more information please visit futuretenant.org or email us at info@futuretenant.org.

About Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership: Formed by Downtown businesses, professionals, civic organizations, foundations, and residents, the PDP develops and implements innovative programs and initiatives to enhance the Downtown neighborhood. We also promote and market this great urban center to millions of people as the region’s premier destination to do business, to call home, or to visit for the best in shopping, dining and entertainment. The PDP also stands as staunch advocates for all those who make Downtown part of their lives, from businesses to workers to residents. For more information please visit http://www.downtownpittsburgh.com/.

This is a partnered post but all opinions are my own.

Guest Post: Isaac Crow of The Fool Speaks

Another guest post for you today - from one of the first people I met when I moved to downtown. Isaac and I started working together at the Public Theater at the same time which was encouraging because it's always nice to have someone around who knows just as little as you do in a new job. We quickly became friends, because of his ability to put-up with my dramatics and our shared love of food, shitty television, and a dry sense of humor. If you've been reading my blog for awhile, then I'm sure you've heard Isaac mentioned at least a few times. His blog, The Fool Speaks, is a mixture of everyday ramblings, potential stand-up material, and an interesting outlook on the world around him. 

You'll want to check it out if laughing is something you like to do. 

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"Why Am I Here?" by Isaac Crow

When I tell strangers that I live in Pittsburgh I'm usually asked "why'd you move out there?". This is a difficult question for me to answer, at least if I don't want to come off as an asshole.

See I was born and raised in Moundsville, WV (that's in the northern panhandle if you don't know). I grew up on a small beef farm and I more or less had a good childhood. Parents were great, had good friends, all that stuff. But I was not meant to live on a farm. Frankly I was not meant to live in Moundsville.

Now I'm not bashing Moundsville, don't get me wrong. I know a lot of truly fantastic people there. But I knew after college that I was not going to live there my whole life, like my father has and many other people have. Living in Moundsville felt (to me) like arriving at a party after mostly everyone else had left. There is not much life there; a Walmart, some major chain restaurants, and a lot of bars. My mother tells me they might get an IHOP there soon. Which is great, but an IHOP is nothing to look forward to.

So when college was over (I went to WVU, if you're wondering. I'll talk about that on my own blog one day) I decided I would not stay in Moundsville past the summer. There were no future goals; the goal was simply to get out and decide what to do after that. My friend had a house in Pittsburgh and she graciously allowed me to move into a spare room, something I hope I'll be able to repay her for one day (I did pay rent, I was referring to repaying the act.).

After a few numb months of unemployment, I landed two part-time jobs, both in customer service. Roughly 3 months after getting these jobs, my car had a major malfunction and "died".

That was a major turning point for me, losing that car. I didn't know what to do; I'd had a car since my sophomore year of college. Well I did what I had to: I bought a bus pass. Most people would consider that moving downward, and I suppose it is. But for me it was liberating: a car was something I relied on in West Virginia. I needed it to go anywhere. But here in Pittsburgh I could travel just with my own feet and a pass. I felt oddly independent because of it, and I lost weight to boot.

So I had two jobs, lost my car, and was living in a city most WVU fans despise. So, friends of my grandparents want to know, why?

Well let's start with food. It's a petty thing to start with, but I love food and Pittsburgh has delivered on that front. When I work downtown we have a regular pizza place, Milano's, that we go to for slices during work. It's not the best pizza in the world, but the point is I have a regular pizza place and it's NOT Domino's. I can also find Chinese restaurants that aren't buffets! Just hit up a City Paper or something and see all the food options, they're never-ending. In Moundsville there are two "Mexican" restaurants and they're owned by the same people (and somehow one of them is worse than the other).

Now let's talk entertainment. Tomorrow I'm going to see a show down at Altar Bar in the strip district. Next week I may go to The Moth at the Rex Theater in the south side. When fall roles around and my job at PPT resumes I'll have a lot of good plays I'll be able to see. Parades seems to happen every other month and there's always a fun convention going on downtown (get it furries!). There's always something to see in Pittsburgh and while I'm not the biggest social butterfly, it's nice to at least have the option.

Also, Pittsburgh exposes me to a wider diversity. It would seem very ignorant to say "I moved to Pittsburgh because I wanted to see black people." but keep in mind if I did just want to see black people I would have a difficult time in Moundsville. I'm not going to pretend that Pittsburgh is free of racism and prejudices, but the fact that every day I see people of any race or religion is tad more exciting than the all-white cast of Moundsville.

My sexuality was also a factor in my moving, because being gay in a small town in West Virginia is something I am not brave enough to attempt. The other evening I was walking to my friend's apartment up the street to watch TV. I ended up walking behind a gay couple, about my age, that were holding hands as they walked. I followed them for a few blocks and we passed a few people. Nobody sneered or yelled or did anything to point out the fact it was an all-male couple. Again, not saying  Pittsburgh is some homophobic-free utopia, but the thought occurred to me "you wouldn't see this is Moundsville." And if you did, I shudder to think of how it would end.

Wow, reading all this back to myself it seems that when people ask me "why'd you move to Pittsburgh?" I should just say "Because I fucking hate Moundsville." Again please know that that's not the case. I had lots of fun times in Moundsville. On my moving day I actually cried because I knew I'd miss my family so much

Chelsea never asks me to do her Fashion Fridays. I got this gem at the Strip.

I realize the reasons I gave above could be applied to any big city (and who knows, in a few years I may be in a different big city). But there are other reasons I like Pittsburgh: I've made some really great friends here. I've learned some new words, "jagoff" being a personal favorite. At one point I lived within walking distance of a movie theater, which was just an awesome thing. Not to mention the city keeps me supplied with things to yak about, either by going to see things and reviewing them or simply inspiring me to talk. So there it is: my long answer to a question most of you didn't ask. But the next time a friend of my Nana's from church asks me "Why'd you move to Pittsburgh?" I'll probably grin and say "It's just fun there."

Sorry if there was more swearing in that post than you're used to around here. 

Sometimes it just helps to make the point and I love Isaac too much to tell him to censor himself. 

Except I will make fun of him for that shirt, especially because the font it's in is Comic Sans. Yuck.

Anyway, hopefully you all enjoyed his story and will check out his blog as well! Happy Tuesday!

Knit the Bridge

Hey everyone! Sorry for being a horrible blogger the last couple weeks - I promise to get back to all your emails and things in the next couple days, so if you're waiting on my reply, hang on just a bit longer. Today, I'm bringing you guys some photos I took of Knit the Bridge about a week ago and just haven't got to sharing yet. It honestly is so awesome. Unless you think that a bunch of people in Pittsburgh making quilts and then putting them all over the Warhol Bridge is ordinary, then well, you can skip this post I guess.

To find out all the ins and outs of this project, you'll have to go to the Knit the Bridge website and read all they have to say about why they decided to do this. But if you're just looking for some pictures, you've come to the right place! Keep in mind that if you haven't seen the bride in person, there are some upcoming events that you can check out while seeing it all until September 6th, when they plan to take it all down. Don't worry though, those beautiful and colorful blankets will be washed and given to homeless people through out the 'burgh.

And some of my favorites...

Have a colorful Monday, everyone!

History Center & KDKA Hidden Treasures Event & Giveaway

Nearly 1,500 visitors will bring their most prized possessions to the Senator JohnHeinz History Center and meet with professional appraisers at the sixth annual Pittsburgh’s Hidden Treasures event with KDKA-TV on Sunday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m and at the end of this post, you have a chance to win TWO tickets to the event!

Nearly 40 appraisers, including experts from Christie's and the Smithsonian, the world's largest fine arts auction house, will assess the historical significance of visitors’ items and provide a verbal assessment of potential monetary value.

KDKA-TV's Dave Crawley, Kimberly Gill, and Mary Robb Jackson will roam the History Center seeking the most interesting items for interviews. The most unique items will be featured as part of special 30 minute programs on KDKA-TV later this year, hosted by KDKA’s Ken Rice and History Center President and CEO Andy Masich.

Appraisers at the Pittsburgh’s Hidden Treasures event have expert knowledge on a variety of antique items, including books, china, Civil War military, coins, collectibles, furniture, glass, jewelry, musical instruments, paintings, photographs, quilts, silver, sports memorabilia, toys, and much more.

In addition to appraisals, professional conservators at the Pittsburgh’s Hidden Treasures event will provide tips on how to preserve visitors’ items, including conservation expert Nora Lockshin from the Smithsonian Institution.

In conjunction with the History Center’s new Pennsylvania’s Civil War exhibition, several Civil War-themed re-enactors, including Clara Barton and Union Army soldiers from the 9^th Pennsylvania regiment, will roam the museum throughout the day and interact with visitors.

The Pittsburgh’s Hidden Treasures event is free for History Center members and included with regular admission for non-members: $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (age 62+), $6 for students and children (age 6-17), and free for children (age 5 and under). 

 

 

But here's your chance to win TWO tickets instead of purchasing them!

This is a partnered post, but all opinions are my own.

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ending the Summer with Fun in Pittsburgh

Original photo from Knit the Bridge.

So the true purpose of this blog is to show that a lot is going on in Pittsburgh and that there really is something for everyone to enjoy. And this month of August is no exception. Here are so upcoming, and currently happening events that are going on that I am really looking forward to and hope that you get a chance to participate!

Style Week Pittsburgh - Now until Sunday, August 11th | Making it's official debut this week is Style Week Pittsburgh! With fashion-focused events everyday this weekend, you will not be disappointed as a fashion lover in the 'burgh. For all the information check out their calendar and visit Style & Steel for tickets to any of the fabulous events!

The Lt. Dan Band Benefit Concert for Cpl. Doug Vitale - Friday, August 9th | If you're local to the Pittsburgh region, I'm sure you've been hearing about Peters Township's own, Cpl. Doug Vitale, on the news recently. And all about his journey to Afghanistan, which led him to step on an IED, causing him to lose both legs below the knee and have a stroke in both sides of his brain. In the past week, we've heard about him meeting the Steelers and Pirates team members and on Friday, the Lt. Dan Band (yes Lt. Dan from Forrest Gump) with perform in his honor at Stage AE to benefit "Smart Home."

Pittsburgh Restaurant Week - Monday, August 12th until Sunday, August 18th | Can yinz spell YUM? Pittsburgh Restaurant Week begins on Monday for it's biannual "highlighting of fine dining, fresh harvests, outdoor seating and special diets." While the kickoff party is tonight (Thursday, August 8th) you can still enjoy other special events throughout the week as well as select from the the list of participating restaurants to enjoy great dining deals throughout the week! Bon Appetit!

Knit the Bridge - Monday, August 12th until Friday, September 6th | A grassroots, community-led art installation is currently in the works, thanks to multiple community groups and organizations to literally, knit the Andy Warhol Bridge. As you're reading this, people all over the city are creating fiber arts to later be set appropriately on the bridge to celebrate Pittsburgh as a strong city of bridges and steel, with a thriving arts scene. If nothing else, this will make get photo opportunities, but I'm pretty sure it will also blow people's minds.

Any specific events that you're looking forward to for the rest of the summer in Pittsburgh?

So You're Moving to Pittsburgh?

I've been thinking about this post for awhile, of things I wish I was told and things I found to be helpful when I first moved downtown and sharing all of that. If you are finding yourself getting ready to move or possibly just now getting there, here are some tips about how to adjust to city-life. And while I'm focusing on Pittsburgh, I'm sure some of these can be used for various other locations.

Know Where You're Moving

This is a "before" moving thought, but when you are looking at places, know what kind of neighborhoods they are in and what the area around them is like. While Pittsburghers are pretty similar at the core, the outside and how they like to live is widely different. If you're going to move to Homestead, you're probably not the same kind of person who would move to the Southside. Know the area and if you can actually see yourself there. If you cannot physically get the the neighborhood to see the place you'll be moving to, at the very least look up the address on Google maps and get a street view. If you're someone who wants to go out at night to do things and still feel safe, make sure the area is a place where that is possible. If you have little kids, you might not want to be in a place with a nightlife scene. I'd highly advise you to spend the day and/or night exploring in the area you want to move to and see if you can really fit there if you can, before selecting a space you might be stuck with.

Figure Out Public Transit

Whether or not you're moving to Pittsburgh with or without a car, at some point you will probably use public transit, so figure it out before you have to. You don't want to be stuck one day because your car won't start and you're late for work because you don't know what bus can get you there. T and incline schedules are pretty easy to figure out but unless you have a PhD in graphing calculations or know the system well, a bus schedule will confuse the pants off of you. And while I feel like an advertiser for Google now that this is the second time I mentioned it, just use Google maps/directions for a bus schedule. Also, get a Connect Card, because cash machines in the city are on their way out and if you're not a regular public transit user, you're going to want one so you don't have to buy a pass.

Get A Bike

I highly suggest this if you are without a car, you have the space to store it, and if you are in one of the awkward parts of Pittsburgh where public transit is limited. You need to be able to get places and the bike culture of Pittsburgh is becoming much more accessible thanks to BikePGH. Just please be careful and follow the "ways of the road" because Pittsburgh drivers are still Pittsburgh drivers and you might be over the age of twelve, but you still need to wear a helmet and have a light, and preferably a bell on your bike so everyone else can see and hear you coming by them. Be considerate of pedestrians and drivers and they will be considerate of you.

Consider Investing In A Zipcar Account

I know I'm talking a lot about transportation here, but it's because it's super important and because getting a Zipcar account was probably the best decision I ever made after moving to the city. If you have a car, you can skip over this part, otherwise, hear me out. There will be days when you want to go to an event or see a friend outside of the city and there will be no other way to get there without driving yourself. And because it's smart to live in Pittsburgh without one that you own, because you'll save on gas, parking and insurance, you'll want something every now and then that is reliable and that you can pretty much customize to your lifestyle. They offer different kinds of accounts based on how much you'll use a car, they have different damage fee waivers if you're in an accident, and are very reasonably priced, and you do not pay for gas. There are only a few simple rules about being a Zipcar member and they have a VERY helpful customer service staff if you ever need to call them. I could not recommend this company enough and they are getting better and bigger in Pittsburgh. 

Explore

Take the time to get lost on a day where you have nothing else to do, whether it's by foot or on the bus. I very literally did this throughout my entire first week of moving downtown. Each day I walked around parts of downtown, going on a different route every time, just to see how to get around different areas and where certain things are located. Granted, during the first couple days I panicked a few times because I seriously thought I was lost for good, and an earthquake happened while I was out the one day, but by the end of the week, I had it all figured out. What alleys lead to major roads, where the shortcuts through buildings are and how to avoid rain/snow for a walk to campus based on who has the best coverage over their sidewalks. Trust me, when I was later on crutches because of ACL surgery, I was very thankful for my week of exploring because I was able to very safely get to and from school, my apartment, work and physical therapy, because I very much mapped out my territory and where the safest ways to go would be. 

Take Time To Find Your Favorites

This goes along with exploring too, but don't take Pittsburgh for granted. There is so much around to be explored. Take the time to really check out the restaurants, shops and bars around you until you declare one your favorite. And while I'm very guilty of just running across the street from my apartment to get Subway real quick on multiple occasions, it was certainly not my favorite sandwich place downtown. It took me a couple months to settle on my favorite places downtown to meet friends for drinks, get pizza or gyros, order Chinese and Thai, sit and sip coffee, or which shops I knew I could find exactly what I'd want for great accessories or greeting cards (because if you know me, I'm picky about my cards haha). But seriously, take your time with this one, because when your 'out of town' friends come to visit, you'll want to show them the best your area has to offer, not just another Panera. Though I do love Panera.

Enjoy It

Pittsburgh is a unique place to be and this is a great time to be there. So much is transforming, we're being recognized for sports and entertainment, health care and education, and this is certainly not the smokey city that it once was and is becoming more energy-efficient and "green" everyday. Enjoy your time living in the 'burgh!

Although products, services, and places were mentioned, all opinions are my own.

Do Work, Chels.

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If you remember a couple days ago I mentioned that I had big news that I wanted to share with you, and if you are a friend of mine on Facebook then you already know this news, but I have been offered my first full-time, big girl, for serious, job.

I am the newest member of the Dress for Success Pittsburgh team and I don't think I could be happier. I am the Branch Manager for the Washington County branch of Dress for Success and am excited to get started, because this job will allow me to combine my educational background of Public Relations, with my love for non-profits and working with people, and my passion for styling all into one. And I am ready to rock Washington County.

If you do not know about Dress for Success, it is an international organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. What I like most about this organization is that it is focused on women, and gives those women the tools to empower themselves. I truly believe that empowerment comes from a desire within yourself to make a difference in your life, and not that other people can empower you. And I think Dress for Success gives women the tools to empower themselves. I'm so thrilled to be a part of this organization.

I also am very blessed to have such an amazing support system through my job hunt journey and I promise each of you that I will pass on your words of encouragement to my future, job-seeking clients. The opinions expressed in this post and throughout my blog are not necessarily the reflection of my employer, but are solely my own.