PittsburghingMama

Music in Highland Park

2012-08-27T19:03:00.002-07:00

Who else was counting down the weekends until Pittsburgh's Reservoir of Jazz Concert Series continued?! Our family appreciates the outdoor venue at Highland Park. Here are a few pointers to better enjoy the concert experience:

schedule enough time for parking unless you'll pedal to the park
bring portable chairs or blanket
prepare a picnic with dinner/desserts or support local food vendors (such as Franctuary!)
arrive for part of the concert or a short duration
remember scooping baggies if you're bringing a friendly canine

Afterwards, check out the group line dancing led by Summer Soul Line Dancing located near by the water fountain. The energetic leader blasts music and his voice to explain the fun, dance moves. Apparently this is the 5th year running, without missing a Sunday in August during all of these years! The dancing begins at 7pm and we saw participants of all ages.

Any other tips to enjoy music in the park?

Memorable Memorial Day

2012-07-25T20:21:00.001-07:00

Image source.

We honored Memorial Day by attending the Annual Memorial Day Celebration at the Soldier's & Sailors Museum in Oakland.

It was special celebrating the day while observing the opening ceremony, enjoying admission to the museum and viewing the time capsule's contents.

Based on our visit, we would recommend visiting later in the day at next year's event. When we arrived in the morning, the children's activities were not ready for usage - the bouncy house was still deflated with an unknown time for its readiness.

How did you and your family honor and celebrate Memorial Day?

Strollers... so many!

2012-07-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

SINGLE CAPACITY:

Click-It Universal Stroller
Jogging Stroller

Consider perks: Rain protection coverage; Fixed vs. pivoting front wheel; Movable sun shade; Electronic gadgets (such as pedometer); Easiness steering

Umbrella Stroller

Think of options like the size of storage areas; inclusion of movable sun shade; weight and portability if condensed into a back-pack carrier, height of steering handles, ability to lock wheels, etc.

DOUBLE CAPACITY:

The jogging and umbrella strollers are available for two children, too. Below is a neat stroller just for 2 children:

Stand or Ride Stroller

What strollers do you recommend or favor?

Go Bananas!

2012-05-18T18:43:00.001-07:00

I was so excited to enjoy an early morning shopping trip to Giant Eagle this week. Have you ever stumbled upon the shopping carriage of discounted bananas? We bought 11 bananas for .99! The bananas were surprisingly not bruised or over-ripened.

After I returned home I forgot that we had recently purchased a bundle at our warehouse grocer... oops! Ideas that I embarked upon with the extra bananas include:

Chocolate chip, whole wheat, banana bread... yummy!
Smoothie preparations. You could purchase a few ounces of these frozen bagged products of various fruits but we saved a lot of money creating our own pre-smoothie blend, or cut into smaller sizes are perfect summer treats for toddlers!

After they froze on the cookie sheets, we placed in freezer plastic baggies for storage.

What are your fruit tips for bargain buys that help your family eat healthier?

Parks and Recreation Celebration

2012-04-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

Happy National Parks Week! Hopefully you can find a nearby park to access and enjoy this week.

Post a comment and share where you visited!

Love Libraries!

2012-04-12T04:08:00.002-07:00

Happy National Library Week! There are awesome resources (such as books, online programs, movies), workshops, classes and concerts sponsored by libraries in Pittsburgh.

How are you celebrating this week of awareness and recognition? What do you love about your libraries?

Spring Flings

2012-03-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

We forgot to enjoy annual treats at Rita's last week on the first day of Spring.

Despite many e-mail offers and mailed catologues, our family purchased affordable seed packets at... Family Dollar (4/$1), Big Lots, Giant Eagle, and Lowe's.

Already we've planted many seedlings...

Some of the cooler weather crops were started in our outdoor garden such as lettuce, radishes and beets. Thankfully asparagus, a few melons and mint have returned.

It has been enjoyable with warmer weather to begin using chalk on cement walkways, decking and bricks. Plus blowing bubbles, spin wheels and decorating crafts together are never ending fun!

How have y'all celebrated the beginning of Spring?

Celebrating Black History Month

2012-02-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

February is Black History Month. Local libraries, parks and television programs have a lot of options to help our families celebrate and become educated about black history.
Carnegie Library created a list of children's books that help to create "what a wonderful world." Additionally WQED is airing phenomenal glimpses into Pittsburgh's history. I recently watched Wylie Avenue Days and learned about the development of Wylie Avenue, Hill District, and the intrusion of Mellon Arena. The Hill District hosted several places where musicians thrived.
There are other events scheduled in the area, so check out the Trib's Listing and events sponsored by PNC, Citiparks' Exhibit: A City Of Rhythm: A Tribute to African American Music in Pittsburgh."

How are you celebrating Black History Month?

Carnegie Museum on Thursdays

2012-02-07T18:48:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a generous grant from The Jack Buncher Foundation, there is free admission in February and March at Carnegie Museum of Art & Natural History on Thursdays after 3:30 p.m.

Have you enjoyed free admission with your family yet? What exhibits did you and your children most enjoy?

Count down to Kid-A-Palooza!

2012-02-07T18:21:00.000-08:00

Have y'all marked your calendars, yet? Two and a half more weeks until the 12th Annual Kid-A-Palooza on February 25, 2012. A few of the sponsors are Giant Eagle and 100.7 Star Pittsburgh.

Last year's event was held at the David Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh. Yet, no details are available online about the events whereabouts or time frame. I sent an inquiry though the site and have not heard yet.

I am not sure the variance in ticket prices between Giant Eagle and online.

Hopefully our family will be able to attend and yours too!

Have you attended Kid-A-Palooza in the past... any memories or suggestions to share?

Recommended Furniture

2012-02-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

After a girlfriend asked me about necessary furniture for her child-to-be, I was inspired to create a chronicle list of furniture. Here it goes...

Rocking or gliding chair: used during pregnancy and beyond.
Bassinet: Safely holds baby while asleep in our room. We used a bassinet 3 - 4 months.
*Boppy pillow: used since birth. One of our postpartum nurses recommended the use of pillow while seated (as a cushion) and episiotomy site is still healing. The pillow also served as a prop, secure holder for naps, neck support for caregivers, etc.
*Sling: a must have for babies
Swing: we used a mechanical one until month 6 because of decreased interest. The swing outdoors is still being used!
Crib: Safely holds baby while resting and sleeping in child's room. We began to use around 4 months after birth.
Bumpo chair
Jumping devise: we trusted a stand-alone device better than the "above the door" contraptions
Kicking Coaster
Baby gate
Walking toy
Butterfly chair
Vehicle for children
See saw
Play furniture: kitchen, tool set, art easle, etc.:
Toddler's Recliner
Ottoman: contain soft corners and versatile storage
Toddler bed
Stepping Stool
Potty Chair

* = though technically not furniture, they securely hold children

Items that are furniture related that did not make the list, include...

Mobile: though they add an element to decorating, our child was not entertained by them)
Diaper Genie

P.S. A post later this month will focus on strollers!

What would you add or remove from the list?

Child Friendlier Shelves

2012-02-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

It took me several months to learn that placing softer, child-friendlier items on the lower shelves benefited our family. A few examples include...

The kitchen's pantry provides endless activities for reorganizing, stacking, sliding items and more. Lighter weight items include Jello or pudding boxes; Ramen noodle packages; small soup containers; herbs or spice bottles; and other light-weight ingredients.

An antique bookshelf used to display a clock, trinkets, DVDs, pictures frames and now a more child-friendly version stores books, stuffed animals, storage containers, etc.

A third example relates to precious scrapbooks in our guest's bedroom. Instead of my primitive style of storing scrapbooks on the bottom shelves, with a bit of rearranging the more appealing books for children are located on the lower shelves. Such reorganizing helps to prevent children's exploration of delicate scrapbooks, and welcomes their curiousity towards more age-appropriate materials.

Here is a final example, with a photo. Our fireplace is not in working order so it was remodeled to store toys.

Toy storage plus decorations for Valentine's Day!

What storage solutions do you suggest?

This Little Light

2012-01-16T14:07:00.000-08:00

It was enjoyable spending the day with family and enjoying activities in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. One of the exciting events available in Pittsburgh was complimentary admission to the Carnegie Science Center. Other cool happenings included Many Hands, celebration at CMU, ideas from Sewickley's Patch, Events listed by CBS and visiting August Wilson Center on 1/17.

How did you remember MLK?

Making Meals

2012-01-12T13:52:00.000-08:00

Perhaps you have heard several offers while being pregnant, to receive meals postpartum? A quick search online yielded these, organizational sites.

Joining one of these websites could help lessen the load of coordinating meals... both on the receiving and giving sides.

I thought of meal options to give a family:

Pot pie
Soup or stew
Casserole
Salad
Quiche
Pasta
Healthy, fresh sides of fruits and/or vegetables

How were your experiences using websites to coordinate meals? What other meals do you suggest giving?

Surprising Store With Organic Options

2012-01-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

Where can one afford to purchase certified USDA Organic Foods for your family?

It is so exciting to have discovered a surprising store with fabulous deals on organic foods. Check the expiration dates and consider whether your family will consume the food prior to then, or is concerned with expired foods.

Big Lots has a small yet, amazing selection of organic foods for our child. From pureed fruits to cartons of milk, the organic options are more affordable then purchasing at local grocers.

Do you have any unusual stores that you recommend for purchasing organic foods for your family?

Caring Goodies

2012-01-12T12:55:00.000-08:00

Maybe you know of friends or strangers who have endured extended stays at the hospital? Check out this list of caring goodies then create your own package to share.
Some ideas include...

Cough drops
Slippers
Robe
Ear plugs
Lip moisturizer
Battery operated candle
Magazine
Book
Package of soft tissues
Snacks
Newspaper
Journal
Word puzzles
Prayer Shawl
Digital photo album

What else would be caring to include in a hospital package?

Birthday Bash!

2011-12-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

As we prepare for our child's first birthday in December, several ideas to celebrate include...

baking a "Smash Cake"
donning birthday hats
inflating balloons
curling bows or making ribbons
personalizing onesie or shirt with iron-on transfer
hosting party with family and friends
creating an ornament or gingerbread home
blowing bubbles
arranging craft table for make-your-own favors
decorating high chair with banners
shaping cupcakes and cookies with playdough

What other ideas do you have? Any advice for celebrating a child's first birthday?

Healthy Turkeys

2011-11-09T19:23:00.000-08:00

In preparation for Thanksgiving, our family is considering to do some of these healthy plans.

Register in a local Turkey Trot.
Make crafts
Begin decorating traditions
Create a placemat at the library
Donate non-perishable items to shelters, food banks, etc.
Invite friends to join us for the holiday
Use our sense of humor
Bake home-grown pumpkin for pie from scratch without wasting anything... puree, seeds, etc.
Plan to use healthier ingredients

Autumn Scene in PA

How are you preparing to celebrate the holiday?

Boo Pittsburgh!

2011-10-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

We visited the zoo over the weekend with an easy excuse to wear costumes! There will be two more days to enjoy KDKA ZooBoo.

Spooky Decorations Galor!

Check out the local times for trick-or-treating around your home. There are also online sites that list family friendly Halloween Activities in Pittsburgh. Other activities include...

bobbing for apples
carving pumpkins
surviving hay rides
frolicking in a leaf pile
viewing foliage on a trip or walk
baking pumpkin seeds
making seasonal crafts and decorations
drinking apple cider

What other festivities do you enjoy during Autumn?

RAD Days & ZOO BOO

2011-10-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

Our family took advantage of complimentary admission to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, thanks to the Allegheny Regional Asset District. We avoided most of the traffic by arriving early in the day & the weather was beautiful!

Rhino Spotting!

Check out the Asset Calendar to see what else is happening in Pittsburgh.

We are looking forward to another seasonal event... KDKA Zoo Boo!

What other activites are you enjoying this Autumn?

Welcome Fall!

2011-09-29T19:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Autumn!

We've already begun decorating for the new season. Thankfully our garden yielded SEVEN pumpkins. Six are used for decorating (and soon to be carved as a jack-o-lantern) and the seventh was baked for pumpkin puree. The puree was used as baby food and delicious additions to baked goods... cookies & breakfast (pancakes, French Toast).

Garden Decor

In what ways are you welcoming Autumn?

Celebrate... REGISTERING & RECEIVING A Baby Shower or Sprinkle

2011-09-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

We were blessed to have several showers thrown for us while we were expecting our first child.

Selecting a registry is an exciting process and here are some details that I learned during my experiences that might help you...

Compare which store provides biggest percentage off for "completing your registry." This will save a lot of money if you do not receive all of your registered gifts, and you will purchase the remaining items with your money/giftcards.
Some stores provide incentives or gift bags. For example, Target gave us a tote bag with generous coupons, samples, etc.
Review the easiness of the registry system's technology in the store and at home. In our case, Burlington Coat Factory's Baby Depot offered stellar prices overall, yet had broken/archaically slow computers in their store so it was difficult to update registry in person.

Remember to think proactively when registering and requesting gifts such as...

Night light
Poddy chair
Step stool
Baby gate
Outlet covers/safety kit
Teething toys
Sippy cups
Utensils & plate wear
Infant to toddler car seat
Strollers
Baby baths
Tub faucet covers
Pacifiers
Toiletries (q-tips, bath soap, lotion, Orajel, etc.)
Storage trays for food or breast milk
Baby gates
Teething Feeder
High chair
Slings
Nursing wear, accessories
Teething necklace
Reflective mirror (used within automobiles)
Bicycle trailer
Jogging stroller

Share your favorite shower gifts, registry tips, and more...

Celebrate... HOSTING & ATTENDING Baby Sprinkle/Shower

2011-09-22T18:59:00.000-07:00

In hosting or organizing a celebration, remember to:

Include the registry stores on the printed invitation or E-vite
Document gifts while being opened at the party, then give organized list to expecting mother (to help with thank you notes)

Think of these SHOWER ALTERNATIVES...

Someone I know attended a shower where instead of giving a greeting card with gift, the mother-to-be requested a children's book! This is a great way to begin or expand the children's library.
If the expecting mother/couple already has children then host a sprinkle, instead! One Baby Sprinkle I attended had a theme of diapers/wipes. Even if the family will use green diapers, some brands can be pricey to purchase the starter set or diaper service... consider this!

Fun ideas for DECORATIONS include:

Baby's Breath Flowers
Balloons
Stuffed Animals (which turn become more gifts for the baby... make sure they are machine washable)
Toys (thinking again of baby gifts after the party!)

Ideas for FAVORS..

Candy
Candles
Cookies
Cookie Cutter shapes
Toiletries
Bottle of bubbles
Copies of CDs with personalized lullabies or children's songs
Baked goods... cinnamon buns, miniature loaves (idea of a "bun in the oven")

Here is a list of ideas for GAMES:

Paper diapers made from Construction Paper

Pinning The Diaper

Yummy!

Guessing candy with similar names as pregnancy events/milestones (such as "to conceive a child" = SKOR Candy Bar
Guessing Waist Measurements with Cut Ribbon
Tasting then Guessing Baby Foods (cover flavor labels)
Gathering guesses in a Baby Pool (date, weight, name, eye color, etc.)
Sniffing out Baby Stool in diapers using smeared chocolates like : )

Giving GIFTS like these, can always be used...

Unscented Laundry detergent
Diapers
Wipes
Kleenex
Burp cloths
Bibs
Bubbles
Coupons for diapers, wipes, baby toiletries, etc.
Hand sanitizer

What other alternatives, decorations, favors and/or games do you recommend; did you enjoy receiving?

Pet Adoption

2011-08-06T20:08:00.000-07:00

We adopted a dog through the Western PA Humane Society. After viewing the available pets online and visiting a few times for individual interviews we made our selection. Our chosen dog scored well on all of the various tests that were administered.

If you are considering having a pet, we decided to adopt a dog while we were pregnant. The staff at the shelter were very cognizant of our baby's planned arrival & were helpful in truthfully recommending and leading us to a safe & friendly canine.

In order to prepare our dog for our child's arrival to our home, we attempted to familiarize it with the scents of our baby's lotion and toys. For example one of our family members introduced our dog to a baby's hat that was worn in the hospital before we were discharged to return home. From the beginning we allowed our dog to be curious and always supervised the two of them together. After all, our dog is an animal so our child's squeal or movements could startle! We gave our dog toys that would not closely resemble our child's toys or stuffed animals. Obedience classes helped us to learn how to better handle our dog, too.

What have been your experiences with pets... did you add a pet to your family during pregnancy or shortly after?

Nixing Netflix

2011-08-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

Beware that Netflix is increasing monthly rates. We enjoyed our monthly subscription of one DVD in the mail at a time with unlimited streaming. Yet, the new rates of approximately $15.00 a month is not better priced than the few movies we could rent at a local Red Box.

Below are movies that people always share "you have to watch it!"

Plus we should support the recent movies filmed in Pittsburgh...
The Next Three Days

Love & Other Drugs

Unstoppable

Batman is currently being filmed in town!

Any hot movies you would recommend from this summer?
What flicks are on your Bucket List ?