chicsburgh

Statuesque

2012-02-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

Bravo on this year's Academy Awards all around. I thought it was delightfully entertaining and elegant, with deserving winners and great fashion.

There were so many nominees for best dressed-- Penelope, Angelina, Cameron, Tina, Natalie. But my vote is for Gwyneth. The cape was bold, but appropriate for a cool February evening. She just glowed, and her gown fit her svelte silhouette like a glove. I think I need to pay attention to my weekly Goop letter a little closer to learn her secrets.

And without the cape. Stunning.

Oh, Macaron

2012-02-16T16:36:00.000-05:00

Thought I'd share our dessert from Valentine's Day dinner-- a perfectly sweet ending to the French-themed meal.

Earlier that day, baby and I ventured to Millvale to the only bakery in town of which I am aware makes the Parisian macaron, Jean-Marc Chatellier's French Bakery. A tiny storefront with an entrance too narrow for the stroller, the bakery's inside was filled with delectable baked goods, including a rainbow assortment of these delicate, round sandwich cookies. Which by the way, are gluten free!

My husband and I had fun sampling several of the flavors that night-- marzipan, rose raspberry, nutella, salted caramel and vanilla. While I am a nutella fan, it was a bit too rich as a filling. Our agreed upon favorite was the vanilla bean-- a sweet compliment to the light chewy little cookie. We verbally mmm'd in agreement, reminding us of an afternoon in Paris when we stopped in Ladurée-- a heavenly experience. Apparently their newly-opened NYC location has a line out the door most days. (The NYTimes reviewed macarons around the city a while back-- what a fun assignment.)

There are a few good macaroons to be had in Pittsburgh, but they are different from the macaron-- apparently both begin with a meringue base, the former has coconut, and the latter a fine almond powder, giving it that perfect dome shape on the outside and chewiness on the inside. I am no pastry chef, but I have a refined sweet tooth and these macarons, well, take the cake.

Filled with Love

2012-02-14T09:08:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Cluster of colorful balloons + Paris backdrop = uplifting, romantic feel.

I feel especially uplifted this year with not one, but two loves in my life. We usually take the holiday lightheartedly and I've planned a French inspired menu for tonight including dessert.

Speaking of the most romantic city-- in a little over a month, the direct PIT to Paris flight resumes and continues through the summer. So glad it remains!

Print found here. Image above from here.

Outside the Box

2012-02-09T15:24:00.000-05:00

Most new state-of-the-art refrigerators tout digital screens and other technological features. Temperature control is great, but apparently not everything should be kept at the same chilled level. And isn't it a shame when you buy beautiful strawberries, gourmet cheese or other epicurean delights and stash it all away (sometimes forgetting that you put it in there?)

A talented design student from Eindhoven created the Refrigerator 02, a mini fridge with a cheese dome-like glass top. Perfect little countertop display. I have a feeling that only crumbs would be left in ours most of the time.

Our Style of Living

2012-02-08T08:11:00.000-05:00

As I've scoured decor blogs and pinboards for general interior ideas, and now, baby-friendly decor inspiration, I've always been curious about the homes with a Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair. This is the only highchair on the market that actually blends in with decor (leave it to the Scandinavians, of course). I wonder with a little one residing, do these picture perfect rooms remain so on a daily basis, or have sticky fingerprints and toys strewn about.

I love this kitchen. Of course I do, because it's white and gray.

I wonder this because I am on the verge of baby proofing. After one close baby roll-over, I listed our glass coffee table on e-bay. Now with an open space in the living room, I am wondering how to replace it with something aesthetically pleasing and accident-proof. Many recommend a storage ottoman, but I also do not want to encourage that our living room become a play room. I've also considered a solid round wood table, but I hear about scratches. I'd love a smooth white lacquer table, but I should probably avoid sharp edges. What to do?

I'm sure I'll find a compromise at some point. When choosing baby items during registry, I started to feel guilty when I picked the least garish for my own taste, rather than go with what might be best for baby (and best for wallet.) I absolutely wanted a Stokke in our kitchen. But when adding up all the accessories to make this adjustable seat usable for a baby, it doubled the price. I also heard about toddlers tipping them once they can kick the table.

Instead, I found a very sturdy and well-designed alternative, the Oxo Tot Sprout. Baby sits securely and happily, it's easy to clean and grows with the child. It looks more like a cute baby chair and not a modern accent. But that's okay-- a baby lives here-- it fits our style of living.

Oxo, can you make a great coffee table for me, too?

Love letters

2012-02-04T13:55:00.001-05:00

Valentine's Day is only 10 days away. I am in love with these illustrated cupid postcards and almost everything from Rifle Paper Co. I discovered the charming stationery brand when seeking a birthday card in Shadyside last month. Just off Walnut Street on Filbert is Scribe, a carefully curated collection of paper goods including pretty letterpress, too.

The thought of giving my husband this valentine made me chuckle.

Yoga on the Brain

2012-01-26T20:17:00.000-05:00

One resolution I made this year was to practice yoga regularly. There is no question that it does a body and mind good-- see this interesting article about the positive neurological and psychological effects yoga has on one's body. I'm convinced. I always feel recharged and relaxed after a practice. My challenge is to keep motivated in my sleep-deprived mommy state.

This post is for me to put my resolution in writing and be held to it. Pittsburgh is a very yoga-friendly city with studios and activities all over:

We have a shiny new lululemon store that besides the amazing yoga wear, also offers free community yoga on most Sunday mornings.

There is a yoga expo this weekend, with demonstrations and classes.

Amazing Yoga is offering a $25 for 2 weeks unlimited special to new students and lapsed students who haven't been in a year.

Schoolhouse Yoga offers Mommy & Me, as does Yoga Matrika (where I enjoyed partaking in prenatal yoga regularly.)

As the saying goes, if it's a priority, you'll find a way. If it's not, you'll find an excuse. Here we go. Anyone care to join?

Top image and another article about yoga's benefits found here.

Saks and the City Finale

2012-01-25T22:52:00.001-05:00

A very sad day is approaching us in Pittsburgh: after 60 years, Saks' downtown store is closing its doors on March 17th. I've ventured downtown a few times since the announcement and the atmosphere is noticeably melancholy: stylish shoppers are mourning the loss of a contemporary and luxury goods retailer and salespeople are mourning the loss of working in one.

While I sort of took it personally that Pittsburgh couldn't stay hip enough to support Saks, apparently Saks has closed many stores around the country including fashion-forward Southampton and Portland. So maybe it's more the sign of our economic times.

I stopped by earlier today and found the store to be buzzing with patrons navigating the racks. Run, do not walk, to Saks to score some good deals. All the sale items are up to an additional 60% off; and all full-price items are 10% off with a final sale.

Naturally, I did not leave empty handed. I found another pair of my favorite pants: camel J Brand pencil leg in luxe twill. Available in a variety of hues, most of them are on the sale side of the store. If you do not own a pair, I highly recommend them. I already have them in navy blue and dark red, dress them up and down, and wear them in my rotation constantly. And if you need further endorsement, Princess Kate has been seen frequently wearing the similar skinny leg version.

Luck of the Dragon

2012-01-23T16:55:00.002-05:00

Happy 4710! Today began the 2 week celebration of the Chinese New Year and the year of the Dragon. Apparently, the only mythical creature of the zodiac signifies luck, happiness and prosperity, and to have a baby born in this year is much desired. If procreating isn't on your to-dos this year, apparently it is also encouraged to use energy of this vibrant sign to accomplish a significant goal. Something to ponder. Here is a yearly prediction horoscope for your sign's meaning. Mine is eerily applicable...

This pretty dragon print above is from The Pink Pagoda, which also has a cute blue print I'm contemplating for my dining room.

Ad Creative

2012-01-19T08:54:00.000-05:00

Sometime last year I posted about Holstee's manifesto poster. This lifestyle company has a pretty inspiring message and now its been created into a short video and nominated for a TED award. Friends of friends are behind the creative, and I'm happy to share this ad worth spreading. Take a look and vote!

Pittsburgh Restaurant Week

2012-01-13T16:53:00.001-05:00

Next week is Pittsburgh Restaurant Week. There is a nice list of participating establishments, including a few new ones that I haven't even heard of, and a few new ones I have tried, like The Porch at Schenley in Oakland. I've only been for lunch twice and both times it was buzzing both inside and out with professionals and students alike. The menu is reflective of the decor-- light, modern and pleasing. Maybe we'll try the prix fixe dinner special next week.

All Wrapped Up

2012-01-11T12:50:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I lied. I am still as sick as a dog. Apparently, my antibodies skip right past me and go to feeding my little boy who is all healthy and energetic once again, leaving me drained. All I want is to curl up in a cozy blanket like this. Who doesn't agree on these cold January days?

Fresh New Look

2012-01-09T23:32:00.001-05:00

I'm alive and finally well in 2012! Our holiday travels caught up with us and caught us a pretty bad cold. We are on the mend and feeling better as of yesterday, and this is the first free moment I've found to write a post.

I've thought a little more about where this blog is going, and sometimes it's a bit still (or stale). I promise to try to write more, even if short. I also figured a little facelift couldn't hurt. Plus, I love chevron print and gray, of course.

New Year Cheer

2011-12-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

This year went by faster than ever. Somehow, everything managed to get done in these last few weeks--we had a memorable baby's first Christmas, which included baby's first international trip. More on that later. We even got our Christmas cards out the door before we left.

Speaking of cards, I just created a little electronic post to wish a few friends a Happy New Year with Paperless Post. I am quite impressed with their interactive features to create a personalized invitation to send out, and for the recipient to open one via email. All the designs are very tasteful and look like you could reach into the screen and feel luxurious card stock. I used my free stamps to send out the invitation to our little cookie party earlier this month and the RSVP managing tools are very user friendly and helpful. For the sender, this is so much easier and faster. But for the recipient, nothing will ever replace the excitement of getting a beautiful piece of real mail.

Here's hoping there are many occasions for both electronic and real greetings in 2012. Sending warm wishes and cheers for a very happy New Year!

Tangerine Tango

2011-12-13T10:33:00.000-05:00

Pantone announced that Tangerine Tango is the color of 2012. I was only a couple shades off with my professed love for subtler emberglow.

It's a bold color, that's for sure. I think it is best in small doses, making an impact in neutral territory--unless you really want to stand out. I could see see this hue as a great color for my lips or toes on a tropical vacation. (Essie Clambake.)

Sweet Exchange

2011-12-12T22:08:00.000-05:00

It is festive around the house and it's lovely. Funny how having a child makes you excited for Christmas again like a... child. After four years of marriage, my husband and I got our first tree together. Even though we won't be here to unwrap Santa's gifts on Christmas morning, we couldn't imagine that baby's first Christmas season would be tree-less.

We hosted our first holiday party this weekend, a cookie exchange. It was also our first hosting as parents with other new parents and little ones as guests. (The last holiday party I hosted was with my roommate in our tiny NYC apartment five years ago. Now I find myself juggling winter white sangria with a baby on my hip and I feel so lucky.)

I had only been to one cookie exchange before, and none of our guests had. Essentially, you arrive with 2 dozen of your baked cookies and leave with an assortment of 2 dozen (minus those you've eaten, of course). It didn't quite end up that smoothly, but I think the evening was a success nonetheless.

Photo above is of my batch of chocolate crackle cookies. Delightfully chocolatey. And who doesn't love anything with powdered sugar? I recommend baking them on the lighter side to keep them soft and chewy.

Say Cheese

2011-12-09T16:12:00.001-05:00

I can't believe 2 years later, I haven't blogged my love for this place. Because, quite honestly it is definitely one of my top five favorite Pittsburgh establishments. I am talking about Penn Mac in the Strip. The first time I stepped foot in this cheese mecca, I was sold. I bring every out-of-town visitor we have here and then they are sold on Pittsburgh being so livable. My NYC and New England friends and family have requested to go back on subsequent visits. I am pretty certain Penn Mac could rival the best NYC cheese shops on selection and price. Plus, they are very friendly and helpful here. Come visit and I will take you!

I just dropped by earlier today to pick out a few cheeses to serve at our little holiday shindig we are hosting this weekend. I also picked up a soppressata (cured sausage, or soupy to my Rhode Island friends), and come to find out, it is from Rhode Island. Naturally.

'Tis the season

2011-12-01T17:15:00.001-05:00

The first weekend of December is upon us, and that means cookies, shopping and All Clad in Pittsburgh. We have all three respective events on our radar, as well as a trip up to Soergel's to pick out 2 pines for our front porch entry, and our very first Christmas tree. Very exciting.

Lawrenceville Cookie Tour
Look for the gingerbread cookie icon at participating storefronts along Butler and beyond.

I Made It! Market
If you missed the Handmade Arcade this year (guilty as charged), cute unique trinkets for holiday gifting can be found here, held at Bakery Square.

All Clad Annual Seconds Sale

The big sale of these amazing pots and pans is in Washington, PA, but Crate in Greentree has the same prices and a great selection (and within half the distance).

The recipe for the deliciously decorated sugar cookies above can be found along with other recipes and delights at glorioustreats.

Please and Thanks

2011-11-21T21:55:00.001-05:00

How lovely and elegant are these Thanksgiving platters from West Elm? I love the calligraphy and gold on white. In fact, everything at West Elm has looked really good to me lately.

I thought we (we as in the city of Pittsburgh) were supposed to be getting a store in Bakery Square? Pretty please? I was so excited for that prospect.

I am also very excited to celebrate Thanksgiving. It means baby's first plane trip and introductions to extended family members he has yet to meet. I certainly have a lot to be thankful for this year.

Fabulous Faberge at the Frick

2011-11-14T10:41:00.001-05:00

A must-see in Pittsburgh: Faberge at the Frick, which runs through January 15th. My mom was in town this weekend, so we strolled down the street with baby to see a collection of exquisite objet d'art commissioned for Russian and northern European aristocrats and royalty at the turn of the 20th century.

The house of Faberge used a variety of metals, enamel and colored stones to create functional luxuries, such as a stone page turner, a gold encrusted doorbell cover, jeweled desk clocks, and sparkling cigarette cases, which look more like very expensive Blackberry and iPhone covers in today's age. It also makes me wonder what other luxuries are quietly commissioned today. Most people, including myself, think first of the eggs (there is not an egg in this extensive collection).

My favorite was the little dunlin, a bird carved out of rose jasper with the natural formations of the stone appearing like delicate feathers.

There has been much ado about this exhibit, and the behind the scenes blog is quite interesting. I hope to get back and tour Clayton, the Frick mansion, which is currently holding a special complementary exhibit: All that Glitters: Luxury in the Golden Age.

Ballet in the Sky

2011-11-09T14:11:00.001-05:00

If you haven't already seen this video gone viral of a starling murmuration in Scotland, you must watch. The perfect choreography of the flocks movements puzzles even the most renowned scientists. It reminds us how beautiful and purposeful nature truly is.

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Crafty gift ideas

2011-11-08T15:45:00.000-05:00

Somehow it's already that time of year again-- the super-sized indie craft fair Handmade Arcade is this Saturday. I don't mean to sound whiny, as I am just one modest shopper seeking some creative stocking stuffers for friends and family, but I miss it at the Armory and in December, no? (I am also one of those who really doesn't want to celebrate holiday cheer until after Thanksgiving.) The upside of it at the Convention Center is that it is huge and full of interesting vendors, and maybe less hectic being in early November and all.

Film Festivities

2011-11-01T22:35:00.001-04:00

The Three Rivers Film Festival begins this Friday, November 4th and the lineup looks pretty interesting. A nice variety of foreign, indies, documentaries and dramas, the festival also has a shorts competition and other special events, including some screenings hosted by the directors.

Showing on November 8th and 9th is the just-released third design documentary from Gary Hustwit, Urbanized, which focuses on designing environments for urban growth.

Tricked Out

2011-10-31T15:05:00.000-04:00

We have our pumpkins and mums promptly in place, and plenty of candy to give out tonight. But I've always wondered how to decorate for halloween tastefully. I can remember that as a child, I always liked walking up to the houses that really participated; now that I think like a mommy, I want to do the same. Here are a few DIYs that I have bookmarked (for next year.)

Here and above, bats made of felt placed around the doorway. Here is a template.

The White House did something similar, with black ravens (and another use for Christmas lights?) I love all the decor that they created for this year's festivities. Check out the behind the scenes of the weekend preparations.

How cute are these pumpkin porcupines? And another clever use of Christmas lights.

The Ubiquity of One-of-a-kind

2011-10-27T17:24:00.000-04:00

Interesting article in yesterday's NYT about the trend of finding unique knickknacks to decorate your home is not necessarily unique. I think this is how any trend tends to work: stylish influentials show their chic wares in decor magazines; mass market retailers produce replicas for the laggards. Now anyone can look as if they shopped the Paris flea markets without setting foot on a plane.

Some of the retailers are doing it well, others seem to try to hard. Same goes with the consumers. It's all about creating balance in your home. I must say, Etsy is such a gem of a resource. Cut out the middleman and get something hand crafted that you like. I wondered many times as I finished the nursery how anyone decorated one without Etsy.

So where does this leave us? My decor mantra is based on 2 questions: Do I like it? Will I like it in 5 years? Or just follow what the Scandinavians do. I could live a very long time in any of these places.

(The top image is ironically, from the IKEA blog. Many beautiful pics, and you can read it in English in Google Chrome. Ubiquitous design for the world, but they do many things right.)