Gardening in High Heels

cultivate a beautiful life

April Fool’s Day! #PghGBE

It’s April Fool’s Day and the return of #PghGBE (that stands for Pittsburgh Great Blog Exchange).  Last year, I wrote a post for the fearless leader, Alex from everybody loves you, and Michael from Downtown Pittsburgh Living wrote for me.

This year, I’m writing a post for Beth at The Fashionable Eye all about the great places to find accessories in Pittsburgh.  I mean, you know me, you know my obsession with accessories, did you expect anything less?

If you’re up for it, do a tour of all of the participates (a total of 40 Pittsburgh bloggers!) or just take it bit by bit (I know I am).

Huge thanks to Alex for having me again this year and organizing this blowout.  I hope there are even more next year!

Do you do the pranks on April Fool’s Day or do you get pranked?

Sunday Lately, 11

Let there be sun!  Finally, the weather is turning the corner and it doesn’t feel so depressing anymore.  I’m not going to lie, I’d still like the solid excuse a snowstorm gives you for sitting around inside all day not doing anything.  BUT I have tons to do and I’m digging the above-30 degree weather.

What have you been doing lately?

Planning

I’ve been trying not to plan things out and go with the flow a little bit more, but it’s competing with who I am.  I am a planner.  I plan things.  I like to know what I have to do and how long I have to do it.  That said, if I’m having a relaxing weekend day with Jonathan, I just need to know when it’s going to start and have a general idea of what will happen.

That said, if it’s a work day and I have tasks to do after work, I need to list them all out.  The long and short of this is that I need to start planning again.  Time to break out my trusty Moleskine planner that I made for myself this year!

Loving

The “Upper Strip Amble” that Jonathan and I did on Wednesday.  Wigle Whiskey organized it, so you started at their distillery with a complimentary cocktail (I had a Nimbus made with local coffee-flavored yogurt and vanilla mole and it was like drinking delicious, boozy, melted ice cream and a I-Can’t-Remember-The-Clever-Cloud-Name but it had ginger beer and was like a Dark & Stormy).

Then you moved to appetizers and more drinks at Savoy (I skipped the drink as I already had two).  I hate to say it, I wasn’t impressed with the service – the bartender totally forgot about us!  And we were sitting in the middle of the bar.  The quesadilla was tasty, but it was also 7pm and I was starving, so anything would be good.

And you ended at Klavon’s, an old-fashioned ice cream shop, with Wigle-infused milkshakes made with….Penn State Creamery Ice Cream.  My favorite.

Reading

Hausfrau by Jill Alexander Essbaum.  I’ll be sharing a review next Friday.  It’s a little…darker..than I thought it would be.

Wishing

For a burger, wings, and/or Chinese.  Oh, and maybe a pizza!  I didn’t go grocery shopping this week and I had a lot of after-work events, so I haven’t really been cooking a lot at home and I’m going nuts with my food desires.

Feeling

Slightly stuck.  I’ve been looking at some new blog themes that I like, but I don’t want to give up on this one.  I know I can modify the CSS, but I can’t figure out how to modify the big thing I want to change.  I’d like the content width to be wider than it is and no one has guides for changing that.  Color?  Sure.  Padding?  You bet.  Content width?  Nada.

I have cute new photos and patterns and ideas I want to implement but I don’t want to do it and then have to re-do it all over again with a new theme.  #FirstWorldBloggingProblems #AmIRight?

Shameless plus: take a look at what I’ve been writing this week, especially about Dessange hair care (free from Influenster) and the Creative Soul Connection Weeknight Retreat!

What have you been up to lately?

Five things you don’t know about me from reading my blog

There are things I don’t share with the internet – actually, there are a lot of things I don’t share with the internet.  Sure, I’ve talked about recent struggles, terrible jobs, and lots of makeup.  So it may come to a total and complete shock to you when I say that for the most part, I try not to divulge suuuuper personal things online.

I don’t want to be superficial, and I am real with you guys, but I have family members reading and I know current/future employers will be checking in on me (my profession is digital marketing, I know how our minds work).Five things you don't know about me from reading by blog (thing one: I hate selfies).

 

But today we’re breaking that down.  Are you ready for some stories you’ve never heard about me? Thing one: I hate the term “selfie” and how I can no longer document cute outfit days for fear of being a “girl who takes selfies.”

I broke a backboard

I always tend to lead off with this one, but it really should be a closer.  I was in the indoor color guard when I was in middle and high school.  This was during the marching band off season, so we practiced (as indicated by the name) inside.  In a gym.  Where someone didn’t raise the hoops before we started.

I was attempting a saber toss and instead of coming down neatly into my hands, it arced, hit the plexiglass, and shattered it.  I should remove the “wanna-be” because I am a badass just from that.

I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was little

Maybe you did know this one.  I’ve wanted to be a writer for ages.  If I could sit in a little coffee shop and write all day, I would.  I sound like a loner, don’t I?  I promise, I like people…sometimes.

I took a journaling class at a community college with my mom when I was younger.  The instructor was skeptical about having me in the class, but my mom insisted.  It’s a good thing she did.

There is seriously nothing better than creating something beautiful with my words.  If I could write something that moves people to comment and share their thoughts on it, that’s fantastic.  If I can make a difference for businesses with my words, that’s powerful stuff.  Words are organic and spontaneous – they can hurt or help on a very deep level that something physical simply cannot do.  I love words.

I was an intern for Yelp in Pittsburgh

If you followed SyntaxxErrorrr on Twitter, you probably knew this one, too.  Man, I need to revisit what “unknown” means.

It was a fantastic opportunity and it pained me to leave when I found a full time job.  I worked with an amazing woman, met amazing people, and got to promote amazing small businesses in Pittsburgh (three things that are like professional crack to me).

What I really liked about Yelp is that I got to work from these great local businesses that I was helping to bring awareness to.  It was so relaxed which allowed me to do some of my best creative work.

It also was the first time that I really experienced event marketing and it was a blast!  I got to collaborate with these great Pittsburgh businesses, pitch ideas, and see them come to life. That my friends, was so cool!

I used to go to Gettysburg every summer

My mom would drag me there for years when I was in school.  I say drag because now history is kind of cool and it’s been a while so I wouldn’t mind to see what has changed, but it used to get a little repetitive when it was every summer.

We even went for the 147th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address.  We couldn’t make it

My argument of “It’s been here for 150 years, it’ll be here for 150 more, can I be excused this summer please?” didn’t really hold water.

I graduated from college in 3.5 years

And I earned two degrees.  I graduated in less time with twice the degrees than most people.  When I was a junior and picking my classes, I realized that I could bump my English minor up to a second major and still be done early.  At that time I was already on track to graduate in 3.5 years.

Even though I’m proud of my accomplishments, it did mean sacrificing some social time.  I did make sure I had plenty of time to relax, but I didn’t go out and spend lots of my time at bars and parties.  And I went to one of the biggest party schools in America.  Part of my feels like I missed out, but another part of me is okay with how I spent my time (and parent’s money).

Bonus round:

I’m pretty dorky – I have a favorite punctuation mark and a second favorite punctuation mark.  Depending on the day, it’s either a semi-colon or an ampersand (they switch back and forth).  I’m also a total goofball if the moment is right, especially around Jonathan.  If you don’t believe me, come see me after I’ve had a beer.

So..what don’t I know about you?

Creative soup for the soul

I’m a fan of coloring.  When I was younger, one of my favorite things was my big-ass box of Crayons.  I still have it to this day.  My neighbor and I would start with a blank page and she would make a line, then I would make a line, then she’d add to what I did, and we’d go back and forth collaborating on this picture.

Then in high school, my best friend and I would totally color, too.  Yep, 17 years old and I broke out the ol’ coloring books.  I’m not ashamed.

Coloring has serious stress-relieving properties.

I love actually making something with my hands – making a #30Lists book* (btw, there’s totally still time to get in on the action this month!), putting together a photo album, coloring, even reorganizing a bathroom feels good to me.

The other day, I saw an article about coloring being good for the soul.  It stimulates parts of the brain related to motor skills, senses, and creativity.

And it has serious de-stressing power.  I don’t know about you, but I find it incredibly relaxing.  The other night after a long day of work and finding out some news that immediately turned me into a ball of stress, I colored.  I found an old geometric coloring book that I think I stole from my mom and sat down with my big ass box of crayons and colored.

Coloring is good for the soul and it relieves so much stress.I was so relaxed, I fell asleep right where I was.

I am realizing the importance of taking time to do things that feel good and are good for me.  I think it’s our natural tendency to say, “Other people are asking me for my time and I feel obligated to give it,” and it’s hard to say no and take care of yourself, but if I don’t take care of myself, I’m not doing anyone else any favors.

Coloring is good for the soul and it relieves so much stress.

As Britt Reints acknowledges, creative spirits need a little nurturing.  And she’s doing just that in her Creative Soul Connection Weeknight Retreat on March 26th.

The whole night is centered around nurturing our creative spirits – talking about how to overcome obstacles that get in the way of creating and the benefits of creating things on a regular basis (aside from having new Pinterest-inspired artwork).

I cannot tell you how much I’m looking forward to playing with other creatives.  I’m a huge believer that you need to change your surroundings if you’re feeling stuck and actually going somewhere and being given permission to get hands-on and messy..oh hello, I’mma be all over this.

A little recap of what the night will include:

– Emphasis on importance of Being Ernest making stuff regularly
-Hands-on art project with Little House Big Art
-Creative panel discussion – so far it includes a musician, seamstress, writer, graphic designer/art camp director
-Sponsored by Little House Big Art, Pittsburgh Glass Center, and I Made It! Market
-Heated mosaic tile floors at the Irma Freeman Center for Imagination

Coloring is good for the soul and it relieves so much stress.

A while back, I sat down and had coffee with Britt and another writer who felt stuck like myself.  She told us about artist dates that she’s trying to do regularly with herself.  She gets out of her house and does something that feels good to her: go to a museum, paint by the river, etc.  So even if you aren’t in Pittsburgh and can’t come to the CSCWR, do something for a few hours that night that feed your creative soul.

Did I convince you to come?  I sure hope so!  You can grab tickets for the Creative Soul Connection for $25 and I’m thinking it’s probably going to be the best $25 you spend all week.

[disclaim]Britt asked me to spread the creative love and in exchange offered me a free ticket to this event.  You can bet your bottom dollar I already was going to buy a ticket and go anyway![/disclaim]

[disclaim]*The 30 Days of Lists link is an affiliate link.[/disclaim]

Five Valentine’s Day date ideas (And 5 in Pittsburgh!)

There’s nothing like the excitement of a mystery date, especially on Valentine’s Day.  But, there’s also nothing like having no clue what you’re going to do on Valentine’s Day

In the interest of love this week, let’s talk date ideas.  Jonathan does a great job of finding fun things to do and I’m told he already has something brewing for this year (darling, just tell me to wear).  In case you aren’t so lucky and are scrambling for something to do for the big day, these ideas should translate to almost anywhere.

Five date ideas for Valentine's Day (or anytime!)

If you’re in Pittsburgh, then you’re extra lucky because I have specific events happening in the ‘Burgh on or around Valentine’s Day!

Have a Fancy-pants Dinner

I never get to dress up anymore.  I’m thrilled to be able to wear jeans and Converse sneakers to work if I want to, but I do miss getting a little more dressy.  Dressing up is pretty much now reserved for weddings.

Take a look and see if your favorite restaurant is having a formal dinner and get get on those reservations, like, yesterday.

In Pittsburgh…

There are tons of special dinners, but this one at uber-popular Brew Gentlemen will be out of tickets fast.

Day Drink

As my drinking partner in crime for my guest posts over at PCBN, we have shared many, many beers together.  Since Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday, why not take advantage of that and do a little day drinking?  Wineries are great for this, but some of my favorite Saturdays together with Jonathan have been at breweries.

You get to learn something (how beer is made) and taste it.  Then bring home growlers/bottles of your favorites.  Bonus: breweries have their beer on tap.  You couldn’t get fresher beer if you jumped into the barrel.

In Pittsburgh…

There are tons of breweries and wineries sprinkled around.  And we’ve had great times at every one we’ve visited.

I also love stopping by Wigle Whiskey.  Their tour tickets are sold out for Valentine’s Day, but you can still taste.  There’s also a Cupid’s Cocktail Class on Friday, February 13th!

Get Creative

This is probably my favorite, next to day drinking (I’m young and have a disposable income, sue me!)  Jonathan and I have done some great creative things together and I love it because you have the memory of the time together, but then you also something to take home with you as a memento.

We’ve made glass tiles, painted (okay, it was a room in my house and technically not a date, but it was still creative!), and hopefully will continue to get creative.  There is no judgement from either of us so it really helps to foster the romantical connection.

In Pittsburgh…

Make flowers for your valentine at Pittsburgh Glass Center or get hands-on at TechShop and etch a wine glass (and then drink wine out of it with a wine/chocolate pairing!) or make plasma-cut flowers.

Do Something Nerdy

In case you couldn’t tell, I’m a huge nerd.  And I love museums.  There’s a thing in Pittsburgh every fall called RADical Days where museums (and the Pittsburgh Zoo and the National Aviary and….) offer free admission on select days.  Yes, we have gone to five museums in a day because free admission!

Take a look in your city for half off admission nights, deals, or community-sponsored admission programs.

In Pittsburgh…

The Warhol Museum is my favorite.  Every Friday night, they do Good Fridays and offer half off admission and late hours (5-10p).

Fun fact: my grammy rode the bus with Andy Warhol when he was still Andrew Warhola.

Go for Adults Only

Come on, not like that!  A 21+ night is a great way to explore somewhere that you only know from a kid’s perspective (or maybe you avoid a certain places because of all of the children running around.)

I love the 21+ nights at the Carnegie Science Center and we’ve also gone to Phipps when they’ve had one of their nights as well.  It’s definitely a cool vibe and things look totally different in the dark.  There are Chihuly pieces all over Phipps but I never noticed them as much as I did at night!

In Pittsburgh…

Have some adult beverages and then enjoy a late night skate.

The Carnegie Science Center, Phipps Conservatory, The Children’s Museum, and I think the National Aviary have 21+ nights.  Explore the museum, look at the plants, make something and do it all while enjoyed a cocktail.

Bonus: Find Live Entertainment

Support your local cultural society.  A concert, musical, play, mystery dinner…always great date ideas.  Pittsburgh Winery also lets you taste their full flight of wine and they have live music on the weekends, so you can get a two-fer here!

If you’re still looking for something to do, check out your local event pages.  Shout out to Yelp for having a great events board.  Yes, I was an intern for Yelp in Pittsburgh.  Yes, I stocked up our event board every week.  Yes, you should check out Yelp for your local city.  </PSA on Yelp>

What are you doing on Valentine’s Day?  Do you have a date or are you celebrating Galentine’s Day?

Let’s Play

           

People Really Dug These

We Belong in the Garden Together