A few years ago it was the summer of weddings. Friend after friend of mine got engaged and then invitation after invitation for their nuptial celebrations. It was like the plague. An epidemic of matrimony surrounded me. And coming up with meaningful, personal, and creative gifts taxed me. But somehow I made it through and was glad to be done with it.
Now, an epidemic of another sort descends. Babies. They’re everywhere in my life. Cute, adorable, slobbering bundles of joy. And so, my gift-giving predicament has begun anew. I want …

So, your mother’s redone every room in the house and your sister’s found cool new ways to rearrange her tiny apartment since she moved in, but somehow the creative design gene seems to have skipped you.  Not to worry — there are people who do this stuff for a living.  And even if you’re not a complete decorating disaster, having someone who is familiar with home design and merchandise can be a big help.
In Pittsburgh, some stores offer in-house design services, in addition to selling furniture, home décor and accessories.  …

There are few things in this world that never get old. And a hot dog is one of them. What do you eat at the ballpark? What’s on your grill at picnics? What appears on almost every menu?
Hot dogs. Hot dogs. And more hot dogs.
America is ruled by them like an army of steamrollers. They are grilled, placed on a bun, eaten, and rebuilt with condiments again and again.
So there shouldn’t be any reason to explain why hot dog shops are just as common. They are the perfect Saturday get-away: …

As I write this, I have the most excruciating toothache. Imagine throbbing, urgent, unbearable, searing pain that refuses to respond to an ice pack or a dentist visit. Actually, the discomfort knows no relief but for rich, delicious, lovely sugar—preferably in the form of cookies, cupcakes, pies, tortes, and other decadent pastries.
By toothache, I meant a sweet toothache, of course. Luckily, when the craving hits, there are plenty of places around Pittsburgh that offer the perfect cure.
When you’re hankering for some dolce, take a trip to Moio’s Italian Pastry Shop …

Baby, it’s hot outside. And it’s your turn to host the monthly get-together. Don’t sweat it. There are lots of options that don’t require you to wither away in the kitchen.  Move your shindig to the backyard and, with a little effort, your humble garden can turn into a party oasis.
The food is the most important, so what do you serve? Burgers and dogs are good, but everyone does it. Mix it up. Go Middle-Eastern and think shish-kabob.  You can use any meat — or even tofu — just prepare …