designing home lifestyles

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Spring 2012Complimentary

See Story On Pages 12-14

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Designing HOME Lifestyles. Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction ofany photographs, artwork, or copy prepared by Designing HOME Lifestyles is strictlyprohibited without written consent of the Publisher. Designing HOME Lifestylesis a free publication and is published four times a year (Spring, Summer, Falland Winter) and is distributed by direct mail. This magazine contains certainadvertorials and first person advertisement articles which are the sole responsibilityof the advertisers, and not Designing HOME Lifestyles and the Publisher. The viewsand representations expressed in the advertorials contained herein express theviews and representations of the respective advertisers and are not those of thePublisher or Designing HOME Lifestyles and are indicated by this symbol atthe end of their advertisement. Neither the advertisers, publisher, Designing HOMELifestyles or In Community Magazines and Media will be responsible or liable formisinformation, misprints, typographical errors, omissions, or rate change information.


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PUBLISHER/EDITORTom Poljak

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSNancy Hoff Barsotti Fawn Chang

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GRAPHIC DESIGNLaura Twardus

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGERSDerek Bayer Tamara Myers

ADVERTISING SALESAimee Nicolia Brian DaleyRobert Ojeda Gina D’AlicandroRalph Palaski Tina DollardAnnette Petrone Karen FadzenVincent Sabatini Julie GraffJennifer Schaefer Jason HuffmanMichael Silvert Lori JeffriesKaren Turkovich Connie McDanielRJ Vighetti Brian McKee

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Designing HOME Lifestyles is Owned andOperated by IN Community Publications

Owner – Wayne DollardOffice Manager – Leo Vighetti

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ContentscontentsS p r i n g I s s u e 2 0 1 2

Departmentsdepartments

On The Cover:Bridgeville Appliance is a third-generation, family owned

and operated business that has been a Pittsburgh institutionsince 1947. Whether you’re an existing or new homeowner,architect, kitchen designer, remodeler or general contractor,

Bridgeville Appliance pledges to offer the knowledge,experience and attention to detail that you deservewhile selecting kitchen appliances. See pages 12-14.

PET LIFESTYLES 72AT HOME WITH - Frick Car and Carriage Museum 79YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD LIFESTYLES - Forest Hills 84COCKTAILS AT HOME - Cherry Cocktails 88

SPRING CLEANING. IT GOES DEEPER THAN JUST SURFACES 16In today’s fast-paced world, there doesn’t seem to be enough time tokeep on top of clutter...but there’s hope. A thorough spring cleaning canset the tone for an entire year of greater joy, health and vitality.

BOLD COLOR IS HOME AGAIN:FOUR COLOR TRENDS FOR THE WAY WE LIVE NOW 32

Individuals who are in the business of predicting color trends know alot about color’s power to engage and delight us. They know that it’soneway inwhichwemake sense ofwhat’s going on in the world. Coloris one of those intangible things that can balance and calm us, orexcite and energize us.

YOUR HEALTH + WELLNESS 44Psychologists say that when we’re surrounded by clutter and confusion,our minds tend to race and our blood pressure elevates. We coversome helpful tips for tidying up your “outer space,” which will help toclear your “inner space,” as well.

DESIGNING HOME LIFESTYLE’S FENG SHUI 58Here’s our introduction to Feng Shui. According to the 5,000-year-oldpractical science of Feng Shui, your environment can affect yourability to get that job you want, find romance, accept wealth andhave peace of mind. Feng Shui’s objective is to create harmonyand balance in your environment, and how you go about doingthat depends on who you are and what you want to have in your life.

WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA’S TOP CHEFS 60In this issue, we asked our featured chefs to share their favoriteshrimp recipes. You’ll notice that some decided to “go with thespice.” Also, our chefs have reviewed wines that pair well withshrimp. We encourage you to try their recipes and wine selections athome and also visit them at their incredible restaurants to experiencefirsthand the incredible talent they offer.

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It’s much easier to do than you everthought possible. Decor&You can helpmake your interior dreams come truefrom a single decorative item to anentire roomful of beauty and comfort.Living with style has never been thissimple and convenient.

Make your dreams reality. ContactDina Franco today to get started.


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Call (412) 824-6900

Design Innovation,Performance and

above all else, QUALITY.

Aqua Pool, Inc. is a swimming pool company rich in history that takesgreat pride in maintaining a reputation for quality, innovation, serviceand design.

By offering expert design solutions and innovative constructiontechniques, we are able to provide our customers with the highest quality custombuilt gunite pools and spas available anywhere.

Each project is custom designed for your specific application; indoor; outdoor; residential;commercial; therapy or competition.

The applications may change, but our commitment to building a state of the art, qualityproduct while adhering to time-proven standards will not.

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cover story:

Whether you’re an existing ornew homeowner, architect,kitchen designer, remodeler orgeneral contractor, BridgevilleAppliance pledges to offer the

knowledge, experience and attention to detailthat you deserve while selecting kitchen appliances.In fact, providing exceptional appliances for theheart of any home at fair prices is whyBridgeville Appliance is consistently chosen bythousands of homeowners each year.

“We take great pride in providing impeccableservice and advice to every customer, no matterthe size of the project,” says Ed Pelino Jr.,president of Bridgeville Appliance. “So many ofour clients are pleasantly surprised that wedeliver exactly when promised, with no additionalcharge for delivery. Whether it’s a simple $399range or a $30,000 high tech kitchen, we deliverwhat we promise—and we strive to be sensitiveto our customers’ every need.”

Bridgeville Appliance is a third-generation, familyowned and operated business that has been aPittsburgh institution since 1947. Having superbcustomer service as an integral part of theirbusiness philosophy has helped set them apart

BridgevilleApplianceoffers top quality,selection andservice to fit anyhomeowner’slifestyle

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from the competition, and has made them industryleaders in the Pittsburgh region for more than 65 years.

Jim Pelino, general manager of Bridgeville Appliance,shares a customer story: “A contractor got in touchwith us a few weeks ago looking for an appliance thatthey tried to purchase from two other vendors—onelocally and the other from a national chain. To his

surprise, not only did we have the appliance in stock,we delivered it the very next morning. The contractorwas so pleasantly surprised with our service that he hassince given us full responsibility for all of his applianceneeds.”

If you’re ready to build a new home or remodel yourkitchen, start your new kitchen’s design at Bridgeville

“We take great pride in providing impeccable service and adviceto every customer, no matter the size of the project,”

Why shop Big Box stores whenyou can get personalized service

and a larger selection?Besides, we beat Big Box pricinghands-down. Call Bridgeville

Appliance before you goanywhere else.

Appliance’s state-of-the-art showroom. Since their salesand management team has worked with the area’s topbuilders, contractors and remodelers, they can seamlesslybecome an integral part of your design or remodelingteam. On every job, they provide the high quality productsand services that others have come to expect fromBridgeville Appliance—not just builders, but you, theend user. “Our goal is to provide exceptional customerservice to every person who walks in the door,” Ed Pelinocomments.

Bridgeville Appliance is well prepared to offer only thefinest products, service and advice. They are part of anational buying group that enables them to offer thebest prices, deliver at no additional charge and helptheir customers make the correct decisions to match theirindividual lifestyles.

Bridgeville Appliance’s delivery teams are speciallytrained to ensure that the greatest care is taken with everyappliance. Their goal of complete satisfaction covers


every aspect of the transaction, including delivery and installation. “Weget it right the first time,” Jim Pelino says. “Our customers get theirappliances on the date and time they are promised, so that the deliverydoesn’t interfere with their busy schedules. On the rare occasion whenproblems arise, our customers can rest assured that we will be there toresolve any issue quickly and courteously. You have my word on it.”

For more information on Bridgeville Appliance and for a complete list oftheir product lines, visit www.bridgevilleappliance.com or stop by theirshowroom.

532 Washington Avenue • Bridgeville, PA 15017(412) 221-7313

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20273 Rt. 19 • Cranberry Township, PA 16066

(724) 772-3131www.txpgh.com

Design Center Hours10:00 am - 6:00 pmMon – Saturday


In today’s fast-paced world, there doesn’tseem to be enough time to keep on topof clutter...but there’s hope. A thorough

spring cleaning can set the tone for anentire year of greater joy, health and vitality.In the next few issues, we’ll share tips forrecharging your living spaces—and yourlife—by staying clean, green and clutterfree. Let’s begin with the following foursteps.

Make a PlanOne of the best ways to get your home into shape is toschedule a deadline. Decide what motivates you: Is itgetting ready for a special event or overnight guests?Perhaps it’s helping a local organization or church raisefunds by donating your excess.

After you’ve set a deadline, make a plan. Whether you’redoing a whole house cleaning or just one room or onedrawer, the steps are the same: Empty the space completely,clean it and return only what you love. A little preparationand help from a trusted friend or organizing professional(or just your iPod of happy tunes) can all add excitementand clarity to your process. (To hire a trained professionallocated near you, visit www.NAPOPittsburgh.org.)

Spring seems like the most natural time of year to clean up your act, and here’s a good reasonto consider doing so: Household clutter and “daily grime” can be more than just a nuisance;

did you know that it can potentially compromise your health and well being, and even preventyou from having the energy to live your heart’s desires?

By Fawn Chang

Stage and SortCreate a staging area in which to puteverything—a temporary, safe (prefer-ably empty) spacewhere you transitionfrom clutter to clean. Depending onthe size of the job, this could be a box,empty counter, a basket, a spare roomor an outdoor tent.

Now it’s time to begin sortingyour things. This step usually takesthe longest because we are oftenemotionally attached to our “stuff.”“Clutter is just unmade decisions,”says Pittsburgh-based professionalorganizer Patty Kreamer. On the roadto deciding what is treasure and whatis trash, you may experience angst,emotional turmoil and fear. It’s nowonder that TV shows about hoardersare popular; we are psychologicallylinked to our stuff, but there comesan appropriate time to “let go” of it.That alone can speed the processtoward living your most healthy andjoyful life.

To assist in your sorting process,create four bins, baskets or areas that

are clearly marked: “Keep,” “Donate,”“Discard” and “Decide Later.”

CleanAs the feisty character Ruby in themovieCold Mountain explained, many of us“learned things in the usual way:grandmother knowledge.” I grew upwith a German grandmother anddidn’t connect her to the cleaningskills I learned until I once stayed in abed and breakfast on Victoria Island,

British Columbia run by Germanimmigrants. Something about thesparkle everywhere reminded me ofthe precision with which my grand-mother cleaned. It was, well, next toGodliness! Her secret: touch everysurface.

Of course, as children we viewedhousehold chores as prison sentencesrather than life skills. Wewere expectedto do our part; in retrospect, it wasempowering and gave us a sense ofownership of our living environment.

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We cared for our home and it cared for us back, in moreways than one.

As I raised my own children, I was determined that choresdidn’t have to be miserable. I turned cleaning into a game.Moving boxes became a Pirate’s treasure entrusted to ourcare, for example, and we’d compete to see who could dochores smarter or faster. This works for adults, too. Keepingit fun and lighthearted makes a difference.

For children: “One minute for each year of age” is a rule ofthumb that will help instill a lifelong love of clean spaces. Foradults: Set a timer for 15 minutes or as long as you think youcan stay engaged in the process. For everyone of any age,it’s a delight after a long day of cleaning to take a bath andcrawl into a neatly tucked bedwith freshly laundered sheets.

According tomy grandmother, a true spring cleaning wouldmean starting from the top down (dirt follows the law of


gravity), removing rugs, and cleaning or hand wiping everysurface with a damp cloth saturated with the appropriatenatural cleaners. Here’s what we did in each room:

• Wipe the ceiling, remove and wash light fixtures with avinegar-water cloth.

• Open the windows, remove and clean the screens. (Placethem in the bathtub, rub gently with dish detergent andrinse. Vacuum the tracks into which the screens fit.

• Wash the windows inside and out with clean cloths (oldcut-up cotton pillow cases work great).

• Wipe the walls with a damp cloth dipped in water thathas a few drops of lavender oil, grapefruit oil or Murphy’sOil Soap, depending on whether the surface is painted,papered or wood. Drag a cloth along the trim, top ofdoors and baseboards.

• Empty all furniture, wipe cleaninside and out, top and bottom.

• Remove grates from heating vents,put them in the dishwasher andvacuum inside the air ducts. Ifnecessary, hire a company to cleanyour furnace and air conditioner,change the filters and clean theducts.

• Beds should be aired, rugs beaten,windows opened for fresh air, andall linens and draperies should becleaned and refreshed.

• Remove rugs and steam clean.Hand wipe wooden floors withMurphy’s Oil Soap.

There’s a saying: If you wouldn’t putit in your mouth, you shouldn’t put itin your body...and you shouldn’t put itin your home. It is possible to have asqueaky clean home that is free ofhealth hazards from chemical cleaningproducts. Use white vinegar, bakingsoda, lemon, castile and peppermint

soaps, Borax, a little ammonia andessential oils. There are many booksavailable on how to clean green. TheBaking SodaBook is one ofmy favorites;it includes recipes for everything frombathroomcleaning towindows. Anothergood book is Better Basics for theHome: Simple Solutions for Less ToxicLiving by Annie Berthold-Bond.

There are many green cleaningproducts on the market nowadays.Some of my favorites are ParsleyPlus, Murphy’s Oil Soap, BioKleen’sBac-out and Soy Toilet scrub. Healthfood stores carry essential oils such aslavender, peppermint, rosemary, pineand lemon; these are anti-bacterial,germicidal and anti-fungal and deterinsects, as well. Although these sub-stancesareedible, it’s not recommendedthat you ingest the concentratedversions.

Return Only WhatYou LoveAfter sorting and cleaning, now comesthe fun part: Return to your spacesonly what you love. Of each item, askyourself, “Does it uplift me and makeme feel good or does it bog me downand add unnecessary clutter to myspace?” If something is broken (andcan’t be fixed), if you don’t love it andcertainly if you don’t use it, it’s probablytime to let it go.

Your reward for following these foursteps will be well worth it: You will bein a clean, fresh space, surroundedonly by useful things that you feelgood about—and don’t be surprised ifyou feel calmer, clearer and moreenergized in all areas of your life.

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Five DailySteps for aFresh HomeAs a rule, your home should always be15 minutes away from being able toreceive guests.Without driving yourselfcrazy, here are a few daily habits thatwill help keep your home organizedand welcoming for yourself and yourfamily, as well as any unexpectedguests.

1. Make the bed as soon as you get up.A crisply made bed will make itless likely that you will let otherthings pile up.

DIY Natural CleanersALL-PURPOSE CLEANER• 3 Tbsp white vinegar• 1/2 teaspoon washing soda• 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil-basedliquid soap

• 2 cups hot waterMix ingredients in spray bottle or bucket. Apply andwipe clean. Dry with a clean cloth to avoid streaks.

FLOOR CLEANERFor greasy, no-wax floors:• 1 cup white vinegar• 1/4 cup washing soda• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil-based liquid soap• 2 gallons hot waterCombine all ingredients, stirring well to dissolve thewashing soda. Mop as usual.

LAVENDER FURNITURE POLISH• Small amount of refined coconut oil• Few drops of lavender essential oilMix together. You can apply this with your handsand wipe with a soft clean cloth. Added bonus:nice, soft hands.

PINE FURNITURE POLISHThis is a scented polish designed for hydrating olddry wood.• 1/4 cup olive oil• 2 Tbsp lemon juice• 20 drops of pine essential oilMix all ingredients in a bowl and apply with a cleaningcloth. Be sure to dry thoroughly.

WOOD CLEANER• 2 Tbsp olive oil• 2 Tbsp white vinegar• 1/4 cup lemon juiceMake fresh each time you use it. Extract juice from thelemon. Mix with oil and water. Apply a thin coat onyour wood surface and let sit for five minutes. Use asoft cloth to buff to a deep shine, in the direction ofthe grain.

GARBAGE CAN DEODORIZER• 1 cup baking soda• 1 teaspoon tea tree oilMix together in a small bowl, working out all thelumps with a fork. Sprinkle the mixture in the bottomof the trash can after the liner is removed. Periodicallyrinse trash container with white vinegar and dry inthe sun.

LAMINATE FLOOR CLEANERFor engineered wood and no-wax floors.• 1/2 cup white vinegar• 1 gallon warm waterMix ingredients. Avoid over wetting the floor by usinga spray bottle to apply the mixture to the floor. Mopas usual (cotton or microfiber mops work best).

2. Remove the clutter and trash whenyou leave a room. Remove dishesand glasses, shoes and newspapers;fold blankets and fluff pillows.

3. Sort the mail as soon as you pick itup. Set up a mail sorting space witha few relevant in-boxes, trash canor shredder. Possible inboxes forefficient filing: “to be paid,” “handlethis week,” “work,” “personal”; codeby whatever works for you.

4. Clean it when you see it: Wipe sinksand counters as you use them ortalk on the phone. As you cook,washor put dishes in the dishwasherimmediately, discard wilting orexpired food. Wipe spills when theyare fresh. As you move throughyour house, become a transporterof things that need to go in thatdirection, even if you only get themcloser to their ultimate destination.

5. Put the day’s clothes away immedi-ately, whether in the laundry orback in the closet. | DHL

In the next few issues, stay postedfor more on how your living spaceinfluences your life. We will discussthe 5,000-year-old (yet totally modern)art of Feng Shui and how to arrangeyour spaces for a happier, healthierand wealthier life.

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(ARA) - The average household spendsas much as $500 per year on its waterand sewer bill, but by making just a fewsimple changes to use water more effi-ciently, you could save approximately$170 per year and help the environment,according to the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency.

From replacing inefficient appliances, totaking small steps at home to eliminatewater waste, you can make a huge dentin your water usage and save some cash.Here are some easy tips to follow:

Bathroom blundersDid you know toilets are the singlelargest water-user in a home? A leakytoilet can waste 200 gallons of water perday, and it is estimated that nearly 20percent of all toilets leak, reports the

EPA. Slow leaks can go undetected foryears, but there is an easy way to checkyours at home.

Start by adding a few drops of foodcoloring to the toilet tank. If you have aleak, you’ll start to see that color comethrough in the bowl within 15 minutes.Flush immediately after you’re done soyou don’t stain the porcelain. If you can’tfix the leak, consider purchasing a high-efficient toilet like the Kohler Persuadetwo-piece toilet.

What makes this toilet so efficient isDual Flush technology, which includes a1.6-gallon flush and an eco-friendly.8-gallon flush option. The Persuade toiletcan save as much as 6,000 gallons of waterannually over a traditional 1.6-gallon toilet.

Kitchen conundrumsHave a leaky faucet in your kitchen?According to the EPA, a drip rate of justone drip per second can waste more than3,000 gallons of water per year. So evenif it seems like a small leak, it could becosting you big time. Many faucets canbe easily tightened and fixed to eliminateleaks - otherwise, consider installing anew WaterSense-labeled faucet.

Dishwashers can be another huge waterdrain. Remember to only run loads whenthe dishwasher is full, or invest in a dish-washer with a half-load cycle option,like most of the new Bosch dishwashers.Use this cycle or the express washwhen washing small, lightly soiledloads. The auto wash programs usesensors to dramatically reduce energyand water consumption every time.

Lawn leaksHaving a green, lush yard is somethingto be proud of, but if you’re not wateringthe smart way, you could be letting yourmoney evaporate into thin air. The averagesingle-family suburban home uses atleast 30 percent of its water for outdoorirrigation and as much as 70 percent indry climates.

If you want an efficient home, considersome smart-watering techniques. Startby only watering your lawn or gardenduring cool morning hours to reduceevaporation. If you use a sprinkler, makesure it’s positioned correctly and notwatering the street or driveway.

If you do plant a garden, only selectplants appropriate for your region’sclimate. Native plants can be a greatoption because they often require littleadditional water since they grow naturallyin your area. Group plants together basedon their water needs.

For more smart tips about reducing waterwaste in your home, visit www.lowes.com/efficienthome. Remember that savingwater can be easy, and you’re sure tolove the extra savings in your wallet too.

Source: ARAcontent.com

Simple water-saving tips canhave a big impact on your wallet


sheets too but question how they aredyed. It makes no sense to buy organicsheets but are dyed with “unknown”chemicals.

3. Lose the Shoes – You shouldn’t wearyour shoes in the house anyway but ifyou can’t stop the nasty habit, at leasttake them off before entering your bed-room. They track toxins from the outsideworld into your bedroom, and onto yourbed.

4. Unplug – Electronic devices canstress you out and interfere with sleep.Unless you are a doctor on call, youdon’t need pagers, cell phones orBlackberries near your bed. You alsodon’t need your laptops or iPads. Feng

How Healthy isYour Bedroom?You spend more than third to half of yourlife in your bedroom. It makes sense tokeep it eco friendly for better health andsleep. But short of totally renovatingyour room, how do you green the indoorspace where you spend majority of yourlife?

Here are five simple steps.

1. Pillows - Allergy proof your pillowsby using pillow casing to prevent dustmites. And get rid of throw pillows,which can be a breeding ground for dustmites. If you have to buy new pillows,buy natural latex pillows instead ofpetroleum based synthetic foam or poly-ester filled pillows. These synthetic pillowswill emit volatile organic compounds(VOC’s) that can cause headaches, nausea,eye and throat irritation. Some peoplemight even experience asthma attacksdue to these toxic chemical emission.Natural latex are allergy proof and willemit no toxic gases.

2. Mattress - Mattress contain fireretardants (polybrominated biphenylethers, or PBDEs.), stain and moistureresistant chemicals that are toxic tohumans. In fact, over 71 chemicals areused in making a mattress. It’s alsotreated with a recently classified carcino-gen Formaldehyde. Although PVC wasbanned from being used in crib mattressesin 2009, those that are made prior to2009 still may contain it. The next timeyou buy a new mattress, buy naturallatex rubber or mattress made withorganic cotton. They will have no VOCand no PVC or Pthalates. Mattress willdouble in size in ten years because ofdust mites’ feces that stay on the mattress.Nice, huh? So, change your mattressevery ten years. Your back will thankyou too.

3. Linen – Cotton is considered theworld’s ‘dirtiest’ crop. Cotton productionuses 16% of the world’s insecticides thatare dangerous to human and animalhealth. Buy organic cotton sheets orhemp, from natural bedding companies,like nikkidesigns, as pictured. There arediscount retailers that sell organic cotton

Queen Hemp Cotton Simple Duvet Cover,Organic Bedding

Shui, an ancient Chinese interior deco-rating rule for life balance, bans anyelectronic devices in the bedroom,including T.V.

5. Set the Mood – If you want to usecandles, um...as mood enhancing elements,use soy candles instead of paraffin wax,which emits VOC’s.

So there you have them. Five easy stepsto green your bedroom while improvingyour health! | DHL

Source: GreenLivingIdeas.com

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Continued on page 26

It is almost spring and green is finallyall around us. I am always amazed athow quickly the flowers and trees

come back to life after our long, coldwinters.

A recent article in Traditional Hometitled, “Green Space, Gentle Footprint”featured a home that was constructedusing sustainable green products—theinterior, exterior and the landscaping.Following are some of the resourcesmentioned in this article and a fewfavorites that I use in many of my designprojects.

Upholstery companies such as Tomlinson/Erwin Lambeth make luxurious seatingwith sustainable wood frames, soy-basedfoam cushions and casein-based finishes.Fabrics of recycled materials, evenplastic bottles, are great choices forhigh wear areas such as kitchen chairsand family room seating.

All of the major paint companies – PPG,Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams– offer products that cover with fewercoats and have low VOCs. MDCWallcoverings’ “AvantCollection” is madewith advance technology featuringbreathable, non-PVC nanostructures,

water- based inks andlow-VOC emissions,and are lightweight—saving both naturalresources and ship-ping costs.

Our local neighborhoods often sufferpower outages during the winter months.So it’s not too soon to begin thinkingabout what might keep us warm if ithappens again. EcoSmart Fire makes avent-less unit that burns denaturedethanol, a renewable and clean-burningfuel.

Tomlinson/Erwin Lambeth

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Many manufacturers are featuringeco-friendly flooring materials. NaturalCork has many benefits. It is easy tomaintain, comfortable and has boththermal and acoustic insulating proper-ties. Cork is also used in combinationwith linoleum, which even by itself is agreen flooring solution. Reclaimedwood flooring, tile made with recycledglass and terrazzo are also good choices.With all wood products, look for theFSC (Forest Stewardship Council) seal.

I love vintage and antique furniture.Using them means fewer resources areconsumed, making new items andsparing landfills. Similar values can befound at Construction Junction in theEast End. Not only is it a recyclingcenter, it’s a great place for donating andfinding building materials, plumbingfixtures (especially colors that arenow discontinued), tile, cabinets, doors,mantels, hardware and many other goodfinds. I recommend a trip there to lookfor hard-to-find items for older homes.

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58 designinghomelifestyles.com28 designinghomelifestyles.com

sustainable. Plumbing fixtures with low-flow water consumption are de rigueur.Toto, a Japanese company, is the world’sleading manufacturer of toilets. I havebeen to many of their product launchesat their New York showroom. I neverrealized how much there is to knowabout the selection of toilets.

As you happily make your way outdoors,you might be planning some landscapingimprovements. Permeable paving stonesby Belgard allow water to soak into the

Green products forkitchens and bath-rooms are plentiful.Energy Star ratedappliances abound andnow is a good timeto purchase them, as

many manufacturers are offering rebates.Durable countertop materials such asconcrete and “Eco” by Cosentino, madefrom recycled content, are elegant and soil, preventing storm water runoff.

When purchasing plants, choose nativespecies that are drought tolerant, diseaseresistant and require minimal mainte-nance and water.

After such a cold winter huddled inside,we are ready to be renewed by thesunshine and our bucolic Pittsburghneighborhoods. As you enjoy the greenoutdoors, keep in mind about preservingit for future generations by selectingsustainable products. | DHL

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By David Plantowski

Winter is finally over, and luckilywe made it through with little

accumulation of snow andsurprisingly mild temperatures.Months ago when I wrote thisarticle, I peered outside thewindow from the warmth

of my home and thoughtabout how much I miss the wonderful taste oflocally grown strawberries. My taste buds began tosalivate at the thought of purchasing my first batchfrom local farmers sometime in June. (Pardon mefor saying it, but the strawberries at the localgrocery stores in the winter months have littletaste compared to those grown in westernPennsylvania.)

Then I began to think about cultivating my ownstrawberry patch. How hard could it be? Since theyare very commonly grown in our area, I guessed thatit shouldn’t be too difficult. I needed to find answersto a few questions: Where to plant? What pH isrequired? Can they be planted with other vegetablesand fruits? Howmuch sun and water do they require?

Here’s what I found: A pH of 5.8 to 6.2 is optimal.Sandy, well-drained and richly organic soil is best.Avoid planting near tomatoes, potatoes, peppers andeggplants, if possible. Full sun for about six or morehours a day is good. Give about one to two inches ofwater per week for plump, juicy fruit. Sounds good sofar!

If you’ve readmy features in the past, you knowwhatI’m going to say next. Go to your local farmwhere youordinarily enjoy buying strawberries, and ask themwhich plants they use and sell. Ask them what youshould do to grow your own. As long as you intend tobuy your plants there, they should be more than gladto help you make correct decisions.

Buying your strawberry plants locally will ensure thatthey are well suited for our climate and growingconditions. If you mail order your plants, you’ll havemore of a variety but they may not yield as healthy ofa crop. However, some mail order sources sell plantsthat are two to three years old, which means thatthey will produce for the season planted. So, orderingin April and planting in May most likely will yieldresults this season; then each succeeding year willyield more fruit, just like fruit trees.

Before You GoBefore you buy your strawberry plants, do a littleresearch and educate yourself on the type of plantsthat are available. Basically, there are three mainvarieties: June Bearing, Everbearing and Day Neutral.June Bearing grows only one large crop, is mostcommonly grown in this region and will remainproductive for about four or five years. Everbearingwill produce two or three medium-sized crops peryear, last about three years and is not used a lot inthis region. Day Neutral plants will produce a few


berries at a time throughout the growing season andwill last about three seasons.

If you love to cook and eat strawberries, go withthe June Bearing plants. Most professionals willrecommend June Bearing and Day Neutral varietiesfor western Pennsylvania gardeners. Knowing thisbasic information will help you when talking tosomeone from your local farm that sells fruit.Knowing the type of plants you want is half thebattle!

What to Look ForMake sure you choose healthy looking plants.A healthy plant will have light colored roots, leavesthat are neither spotted nor wilted, and large crowns.Healthy plants will give you a better chance ofkeeping the plants disease free and yielding betterfruit. Avoid the temptation to grow strawberriesfrom seed. Choose a supplier with healthy plants.

Once in the GroundPlant your June Bearing plants approximately twofeet apart in rows that are three feet apart. DayNeutral plants can be placed much closer together;about a half foot between the plants should workjust fine.

It is a good idea to put mulch between your plantsafter planting. The mulch will keep the soil tempera-ture cool and will deter weeds. It will also keep thefruit off of the soil.

Make sure you fertilize your strawberry plants. Ifyou’ve started with a rich, organic soil, you can applya 10-10-10 fertilizer when planting and again afterharvest. Be sure that you do not over-fertilize yourplants. If you do, you could have excessive leafgrowth with poor flowering.

The First YearYour first year after planting is used to prepare theplants for the following year. You will have to removeall of the blossoms from June Bearing plants duringthe first year. Remove the blossoms from Day Neutralplants through early July. They are easy to remove bysimply pinching them off.

Cover the plants with mulch during the wintermonths to protect them. Once again, talk to your localfarmers for advice. When you go, take a note padwith you with all of your questions written down.

If I’ve peaked your interest in growing your ownstrawberry patch and you want to learn more, do a

search online for “strawberry plants” and you’ll findan abundance of information. Best of luck to all of youwho will be joining me in growing strawberry plantsthis coming summer. I can hardly wait until June totaste the first batch! | DHL

FREE!PROGRAMMABLE

THERMOSTATWITH CARRIER SYSTEM

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For a limited time only. Call for details.Cannot be combined with other coupons or specials.

EXPIRES April 30, 2012

(412) 833-7222

Clark Renovations is a family owned, fullservice remodeling firm based in theSouth Hills of Pittsburgh. “We’ve beenmaking our customer’s dreams come truefor more than four decades,” says SteveClark, the company’s general manager.“For 42 years we’ve worked very hard tomake sure our customers were delightedwith their home improvement projects.”

Exciting changes are on the horizon atClark. Until this year (2012) Clark hasfocused their efforts on the South Hills,but they are branching out from theirhome territory and are now servingthe Greater Pittsburgh Metro suburbs.“Kitchens and Baths are our forte andwith our cabinet partner, Schrock’s ofWalnut Creek, we can offer unparalleledquality at competitive prices,” claimsClark. Now Clark Renovations’ goal is tomake their services and products availablethroughout Pittsburgh.

They have developed relationships withsome of the finest manufacturers, distrib-utors & trade partners to insure whatthey sell lasts a lifetime. Currently at 14employees, Clark has the resourcesavailable to make certain your projectis started on time, runs smoothly, andfinishes on schedule. “We have a fantasticcustomer base of very loyal clients whorecommend us often,” says Clark. 80% oftheir business every year comes fromrepeats and referrals. In order to keep thatnumber where it is, Clark Renovationsfocuses on communication, cleanliness,and quality.

Clark’s customers asked for straightanswers, honest pricing, and a simpledesign and selection process. In response,their 8 step design/build process wasdeveloped:

(1) Upon your inquiry, we’ll schedulethe initial consultation where wespend time gathering your input anddeveloping the concept.

(2) We’ll part ways and use the informationyou provided to make base selections,develop specifications, and create abudget estimate.

(3) About a week after the initialconsultation, we’ll meet to presentthe project, specs, and budget.

(4) Utilizing your time frame, youapprove the concept, sign thecontract, and submit your deposit.

(5) We’ll have you back in the office tomake final selections.

(6) We take care of applying for, andobtaining, any required permits.

(7) We’ll hold a pre-production meetingwhere we’ll schedule a start date.

(8) We then simply start the project onthe start date provided you.

Once you become a customer, ClarkRenovations offers services not availableto the general public. Their SpecializedServices Division offers a very uniquesolution to all your home maintenanceneeds. With one call, you can have your“to-do” list completed quickly, correctly,and with the same attention to detailClark’s reputation has been built on. Inaddition, they’ve worked with theirsuppliers to extend special discounts toexisting customers.

To learn more about Clark Renovations,their qualifications, and the services they

offer, visit them on the web atwww.CLARKREMODELING.com orgive them a call at (412) 833-7222.

www.clarkremodeling.comDHL 31


Individuals who are in thebusiness of predicting colortrends know a lot aboutcolor’s power to engage anddelight us. They know thatit’s oneway inwhichwemakesense of what’s going on inthe world. Color is one of

those intangible things that can balanceand calm us, or excite and energize us.

Whatever is happening around us (thestate of the economy, our jobs, ourfamily and friends), as well as insideof us (our hopes, dreams and memories)all creates an emotional need. Marketersknow that color is a direct fulfillmentof that emotional need and a partial“answer” to our desire for safety,comfort, achievement or just plain fun.

There really are no “new” colors butat certain times, various hues bubbleto the surface to become “current.”Something about that color or the wayit’s paired with another color speaks toa fresh new attitude, and our emotionalresponse is piqued and satisfied.

Color trenders watch “street fashionreports”, fashion runways, film sets,advertising, graphics and the like.Thanks to technology, a new phenome-non surfaced a few years ago called“speed to market”—giving us the abilityto “see it today, buy it tomorrow.”

Some fashion trends are fly-by-nightfads but interior design trends follow alonger timeline of three to five years,and even longer in tough economictimes. Interior designers know thatpaint will give you the biggest bang forthe buck when designing a new look,but paint color is the LAST thing youshould choose because paint is themost customizable piece of the design.The perfect color can harmonize allthe different aspects of a room or home.

A paint color (its sheen and undertones),when done right, can bring diverse piecesof a room together and make it all lookmagical.

Color Forecast:Amp Up or Unplug

The grey and neutral tonesprominent in interiordesign over the past fewyears reflected our humanresponse to the globaleconomic recession anduncertain times. Thesesubdued tones brought uscomfort and helped uscamouflage ourselves until

Bold color is home again:Four color trends for the way we live now.

What’s YOUR color story?

we regained our financial and emotionalfooting. The trend of using unbleached,natural hues also reflected our desire tobe more connected with nature, naturalfibers and colors.

Now, all of that is changing: We areintensely feeling the need to break outof the doldrums of the last few years.The need for hope and happiness isdrawing us to richer, brighter colors.Backgrounds can still be neutral butwe’re adding some “pop” to remind usthat we’re alive, well and movingtoward a more joyful future. Colorsevolve just as we do and the blues, reds,greens and earthy tones are taking on awarmer, brighter personality. It seems

Color is a directfulfillment ofan emotionalneed...and wedo need color

right now!

By Fawn Chang

Photo courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Photo courtesy of Benjamin MoorePhoto courtesy of Benjamin Moore

DHL 33

as though we are determined tobring ourselves back to lifewith bits of color that help usfeel energized, yet with shadesthat enable us to “feel protectedand allow us to unplug”,according to PPG PittsburghPaints’ brand manager DeeSchlotter.

More than just struggle tosurvive, we want to boldlythrive, which requires us tofocus intensely. “Intensity is asurvival strategy in crisis times andthis quest is two-fold: A search foreuphoria for some and, for others, avivid longing for a sense of oneself,”Schlotter explains. “For some, it meansseeking out extremes of sensation,rebelling against the bland existencethat comes with cynicism and disen-chantment. For others it means unplug-ging in order to reconnect with a life theyfeel is fleeting. As a result, the return tostrong color will gain momentum thisyear. Those of us who were reluctant inthe past will take the leap into deep,vivid hues because our world haschanged and we’ve recognized that

there’s only one life to live and there’sno time to waste. We’re looking forintensity.”

This intensity—although it may beonly transitory—is positive; it bringsenergy, impetus and a self-sustainingenthusiasm. Living intensely spices upthe tastes of the world, while reflectingand reconnecting with its quiet beautyWe now appreciate small pleasures andmodest instances of happiness, like thescent of moss in the underbrush, thefeel of wind, a brilliant sky at sunsetand the laugh of a child.

As we seek to amp up the chromaticdensity of our lives with vivid hues, we

will go for colors that stir thesenses and set them in motion.Our color choices will bevibrant and optimistic: deepindigos like Blue Tang, satu-rated reds like Rum Punch, bigpurples like Grape Juice andalmost-neon yellows like CitrusSpice that pack a punch andcan’t be ignored. Our spaceswill be full of strong contrasts:heavy and weightless, shadowand light, hot and cold.

Right on track with the need to amp upand intensify, Pantone (the world’sleading color-matching system) hasannounced that their color of the year isTangerine Tango, a happy, sexy orange.If you can only pick one color to updateyour look this year, orange will do thetrick.

For those of us who feel our lives havebecome a race to the future at theexpense of the present, we will turninward, slow down and simplify. Wewill gravitate towards quiet, understatedpalettes accented by deep, rich colorsthat bring mystery and invite intimacy.

Deco CandyColors awaken the senses. Bringing together vibrant colors and fun design, Deco Candytransforms a home into an intensely joyful playground. A vivid harmony of citrus accented bythis year’s bright blue, clean green and tangerine, the color scheme is irresistibly optimistic.Stripes and color-blocking bring a sense of organization to what could otherwise be tooboisterous a spectrum of hues.

PPG colors in this palette are Mother of Pearl (513-1), Persian Blue (153-5), Hearty Hosta(208-5), Tangerine Dream (123-7) and Citrus Spice (110-7).

Local RevivalThis trend is about unplugging from a complicated life and living more simply, in harmonywith one’s community. It’s about reconnecting with the rhythm of the seasons, homegrownfoods and the materials of the region. Craftsmanship is valued. Materials are strong andclassic: leather, wood, aged metal. Design forms are simple and familiar: antique-industrialand retro-mechanical. Folkloric patterns tell the stories of generations. The palette is a mix ofred berries, stone gray and solid brown refreshed by a creamy white. PPG colors in this paletteare Rum Punch (231-7), Burnt Red (133-7), Pralines and Cream (117-3), Earl Grey (522-5) andPoppy Pods (526-6).


Photo courtesy of Benjamin Moore


Benjamin Moore Paints predicts that we’ll want to take a softerapproach in 2012; we’ll be drawn to greys, blues and neutrals aswe seek a sense of calm and gravitate to hues that createa serene, restful and stable ambiance. “Blue is an excellentpartner to various wood tones, and complements the grays andwhites that have become current decorating basics,” says SonaMathew, ASID, IIDA, a senior interior designer with BenjaminMoore.

Looking through the same lens, Sherwin-Williams’ namesArgyle their 2012 Color of the Year. Their trend palettestays “close to home” with earth-inspired hues of the samecolors. Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing forSherwin-Williams, sees that “a dominant trend in 2012will be pairing colors within the same color family, be itfiery reds, watery blues, grassy greens or organic neutralsthat embrace the sustainable landscape which has becomean enduring influence on all aspects of décor and design.”

Reds, Blues, Greens and Neutrals add Vibrancyand ComfortAccording to Jordan, this year’s reds are bright, bold andfree spirited. The old taboos about mixing passionate redswith vibrant oranges, delicate pinks and rich purples don’tapply anymore. The color of raw emotions, Jordan seesnot just “a single red but a deep gradation of fuchsias,red-oranges and violets to delicate pinks inspiring softfemininity; from brilliant flowers to glowing embers.”

What’s new with blue, according to Jordan? “We’ll seethe darkest indigo to faded-jeans hues, some with violetundertones, as well as the calm, shimmery shades thatreflect rivers, lakes and seas. The new greens are lush,complex and connect us to nature: the depths of the sea andforest; leafy motifs, algae, moss and seaweed. And rawmaterials will influence the neutrals as they go warm: fieldof grain, pile of pebbles, weathered wood and earthen clay;gold tones that embody the sun; steely grays have givenway to a neutral palette of warmer gray and natural tonesthat create a balanced look.”

Quiet TechIt’s impossible to decompress without a place to escape to, so minimalism is the foundation ofthis trend. Rooms have visual interest without complication. Details and embellishments arekept to a minimum. Pale and mid-tone wood tones don’t overpower the space. Shapes arerounded and tactile to keep rooms from feeling barren or cold. In the palette, ink blues playwith earthy and calming neutrals. PPG colors in this palette are Gray Stone (517-4), Blue Tang(449-7), Chinese Porcelain (449-6), Earthy Ocher (315-5) and Spice Delight (215-2).

Beauty QueenThis palette speaks to the unapologetically confident woman. It’s the return of glamwith discosophistication. Beauty Queen strikes a feminine note but doesn’t exclude her suave, charmingman. It’s high-intensity color that can turn light and airy on a dime. Lush and mysterious, softand fresh, girly but not; the built-in contrasts sensation-seekers want. Ultra-slick surfaces likeLucite and mirrors capture the best spirit of the 70s. Sharp fuchsia pink and juicy purple aresoftened with cosmetic pink and freshened with this year’s brighter teal and white. PPGcolors in this palette are Grape Juice (240-7), Tutti Frutti (138-7), Whirlpool (202-3),Candlelight Beige (216-1) and Brandy Alexander (535-3).

Photo courtesy of Sherwin Williams

DHL 35

Wythe Blue HC-143, a blue-green hue with a cool graycast evokes primal elements of earth, sky, water, flora andfauna. Photo courtesy of Sherwin Williams.

Wythe Blue HC-143, Nimbus Gray 2131-50, andMontpelier AF-555 are three of the neutrals BenjaminMoore recommends for soft, soothing interiors.

According to Benjamin Moore, those of us who considerourselves “Urbanistas” will tend to kick up the color usage anotch or two with spicier tones and robust, ruddy hues like(1) Gypsy Love 2085-30 or (2) Persimmon 2088-40 and(3) Masada AF-220. Photo courtesy of Sherwin Williams.

Color trends shadow our societal needs but nothing is moreimportant than your home reflecting your favorite colors andtastes. When you fall in love with a color, you know it’s theright “medicine” for your environment. | DHL

Argyle, SW-6747, is one of the greens that Sherwin Williamspredicts will fuel our love affair with all things natural. Photocourtesy of Sherwin Williams.


Asthe preeminent designers and purveyors of high stylefunctional kitchens and interiors, the national awardwinning Kitchen and Bath Concepts of Pittsburgh, LLC

melds unparalleled personal service and attention to detail withthe highest quality cabinetry accommodating a wide range ofbudgets.

Principle designer Thomas D. Trzcinski, Pittsburgh’s only CertifiedMaster Kitchen & Bath Designer, and his team create time-testedone-of-a-kind living spaces where value is found in the person-alization of the design and quality of the products that enhanceyour lifestyle.

ABOUT THE PROJECT:Using a supporting post and beam allowed us to open up theexisting kitchen to the breakfast area and sitting room adjacentto the kitchen. By doing this, it allowed natural light from all ofthe breakfast and sitting area windows to flood the space. Thecolor palate chosen unified the spaces and made them truly feelas one open space.

The kitchen design was largely determined by where the supportposts had to integrate with the cabinetry. The posts integrate

DHL 37

PRODUCTS USED: Kitchen Design & Cabinetry: Quality Custom Cabinetry – Kitchen & Bath Concepts.Stone Countertops: Vangura Surfacing Products. Plumbing Fixtures: Seymour’s Bath & DecorativeHardware. Custom Iron Potrack: Redstar Ironworks. Backsplash Tile: Ceramiche Tile & Stone.Interior Design: Archetype Design Studio. Photography by Craig Thompson.

seamlessly into the mid height cabinetry facing the breakfastarea as well as the oven wall. The left pull out pantry on theoven wall is falsed out to conceal a structural beam but matchthe functional pull out pantry on the right of the oven. The ovenis also flanked by a fully integrated refrigerator and freezer onthe right and a concealed desk area to the left. The rustic cherry,painted finishes and door style were selected to give an oldworld ‘casual country’ feel to the space. The many customtouches to this kitchen include a drawer customized with a dogfood bin and a concealed toaster oven on a roll out shelf.

7901 Perry Highway

North Hills

Pittsburgh, PA

412-369-2900

www.kbcpittsburgh.com

14431 Vangura LaneNorth Huntingdon, PA 15642

(412) 824-7777www.vangura.com

Darren JarvisTile

3467 Babcock BlvdPittsburgh, PA 15237(412) 364-5003

www.whiteheating.com

3121 Penn AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15201www.seybath.com

Not open to the general public.Industry professionals by

appointment only.

2420 Penn AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15222(412) 471-1085

www.outlawstudios.com

West End510 South Main StreetPittsburgh, PA 15220(412) 922-5600

www.ceramichetile.com

2 Sedgwick StreetPittsburgh, PA 15209(412) 821-3630

www.redstarironworks.com

7901 Perry HighwayPittsburgh, PA 15237(412) 369-2907

www.archetypeds.com

4527 Hopewell Hts. Rd,Aliquippa, PA 15001(412) 897-7810

KBC is proud to work with these fine businesses:

DHL 39


Recently, the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh announced the winners of itsannual Housing Excellence Awards. The Builderʼs Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh(BAMP) began the Housing Excellence Awards program in 1996 to showcase the outstandingcraftsmanship of building and remodeling professionals in the metropolitan Pittsburgh area.Participation is restricted to builders and remodelers who are members of the association ingood standing. Entries are submitted anonymously and are judged on its own merits by a panelof qualified, independent, judges recognized for their expertise in home building and design.

The 2011 WinnersBest 50+ Housing, Single Family Attached Under $250,000 Traditions of America, Economy, PABest 50+ Housing, Single Family Attached Over $250,000 Traditions of America, Economy, PABest 50+ Housing, Single Family Detached Under $250,000 Traditions of America, Economy, PABest 50+ Housing, Single Family Detached Over $250,000 Heartland Homes, Inc., Lawrence, PABest Green/Energy Efficient Home Under $500,000 Heartland Homes, Inc., Lawrence, PABest Green/Energy Efficient Home Over $500,000 Primrose Homes, Cranberry Twp., PABest Multi-Family Home of the Year Under $250,000 R.A. Snoznik Construction, Murrysville, PABest Multi-Family Home of the Year Over $250,000 Signature Homes, Cranberry Twp., PABath Renovation Under $50,000 Sparkle Construction-SPP, Inc., Apollo, PABath Renovation Over $50,000 Master Remodelers, Inc., Pittsburgh, PABest Kitchen Renovation Under $50,000 TK Carpentry & Construction, Coraopolis, PABest Room Addition Under $150,000 TK Carpentry & Construction, Coraopolis, PABest Room Addition Over $150,000 Master Remodelers, Inc., Pittsburgh, PABest Multi-Room Renovation Under $300,000 Sparkle Construction-SPP, Inc., Apollo, PABest Single Family Home Under $250,000 Heartland Homes, Inc., Lawrence, PABest Single Family Home - $250,000-$450,000 S&A Homes, State College, PABest Single Family Home - $450,000-$650,000 Heartland Homes, Inc., Lawrence, PABest Single Family Home - $650,000-$850,000 R.A. Snoznik Construction, Murrysville, PABest Single Family Home – $850,000-$1,000,000 Paragon Homes, McKees Rocks, PABest Single Family Home – Over $1,000,000 Primrose Homes, Cranberry Twp., PA


Primrose owner Jeff Martin hasalways been on the cutting edge ofhomebuilding in the Pittsburgh

region. Over the years he has also “built”a strong reputation and is continuouslysought after by individuals who want onlythe finest in quality construction.

Jeff actually got into building homes byaccident. He started helping a friend workon a new home that they were buildingbecause they run out of space and neededa larger house. This friend’s family actual-ly lived with Martin’s family during thelast five months of the project, sincethey’d sold their previous house before thenew one was completed. “We’d work onthe house almost every night of the weekand on weekends,” says Martin. “I simplyfell in love with the building process.”

Eventually, Jeff and his wife, Margaret,decided to build a new home of their own.Two years after the completion of thathome, they decided to do it all over again.Despite mild objections from Margaret,they started building and actually nevermoved into that new home. As it turns out,someone else wanted to buy it. Thus,


The Housing Excellence Award for the Best Homeover $1,000,000 and Best Green/Energy Efficient

Home over $500,000 was awarded to one ofPittsburgh’s finest builders Primrose Homes.

Best Single Family Home – Over $1,000,000

Best Green/Energy Efficient Home Over $500,000

Best Green/Energy Efficient Home Over $500,000:Above – Living Room/Entry. Below – Master Bath.

Best Green/Energy Efficient Home Over $500,000: Above – Rear View ofHome with Built-In Swimming Pool. Below – Family Room.

Best Green/Energy Efficient Home Over $500,000: Above – Kitchen.

DHL 41


Primrose Homes was created. Lucky forPrimrose Homes’ many clients, Jeff fol-lowed his dream to fruition.

The 2011 Housing Excellence award-win-ning green home is certified to the GoldLevel of the National Association ofHome Builders 2009 Green BuildingStandard. It is the first spec home built inwestern Pennsylvania to that standard.“We constantly strive to be a betterbuilder and drive greater value into ourclients’ homes,” Martin comments. Agreen-certified home is necessarily a verywell built home. It uses the best energyand water conservation techniques avail-able, and strives to make more efficientuse of resources. It also endeavors tomaintain a high standard of indoor airquality. An independent verifier certifiesthat the builder has established, imple-mented and executed a plan that willcause the home to be certified at the goldlevel.

Congratulations to Primrose Homes andall of the winners of this year’s HousingExcellence Awards. Best Single Family Home – Over $1,000,000: Top – Entry.

Middle – Family Room. Above – Kitchen.

Best Single Family Home – Over $1,000,000: Above – Kid’s Space.Below – Entry Staircase.

DHL 43

Since 1973 Londonbury Homes has been recognizedas one of Pittsburgh’s premier home builders. Westrive to make building your home one of life’s mostenjoyable experiences. You’ll receive exceptionalquality and tremendous attention to detail whileincorporating our homebuyer’s personal design.Londonbury’s Award Winning custom homes featureclassic details, designs and amenities to address theexpectations of the most discriminating buyer. Yoursatisfaction is our highest priority.

For more information on our Award Winning homesplease call Dion McMullen at

Londonbury Homes: 412-276-3333431 Jane Street

Carnegie, PA [email protected]

1996 - 2003 Housing ExcellenceAward Winner


UNCLUTTER YOUR HOME

Your home should be a place of refugeand peace, somewhere to unwind andrestore your mind, body and spirit. Itcan, however, also be a source ofnumerous toxins that subtly prey onyour health over the long term. Indoorair pollutants can range from dust,smoke and airborne bacteria to vaporsreleased by paints, solvents, dyes, gluesand household cleaning products. Takethese steps to clear and purify yourenvironment:

Clean heat, pure water,sure fire.Spring is the perfect time to serviceyour furnace, change the filter andcheck for possible carbon monoxideleakage. Switch out your water filter orinstall a water purification system. Ifyou have a fireplace, vacuum the ashand sweep the flue.

It’s that time of year again, the

season to sweep behind the sofa,

dust the blinds, wash the windows

and flip the mattresses. Yet spring

cleaning, if you think about it, offers

benefits far beyond just having a

clean house. Psychologists say that

when we’re surrounded by clutter

and confusion, our minds tend to race

and our blood pressure elevates. Here

are some tips for tidying up your

“outer space,” which will help to clear

your “inner space,” as well.

by Gina Mazza

DHL 45

Breath of fresh air.Open your windows for at least 15 minutes each morning andevening.

Clothes call.Be ruthless and get rid of unused, ill-fitting clothing. If you haven’tworn it in two years, toss or donate it to Goodwill Industries.Brighten your closet so you can see all the clothes you keep (battery-powered stick-on LEDs work well under shelving).

Get your green on.Fill your home with live plants. Golden pothos, nephthytis andspider plants can remove substantial amounts of chemical contami-nation from the air, including formaldehyde, benzene andtrichloroethylene.

Pare down and regroup.Pare down that favorite collection of books, teacups or vintageperfume bottles to only the items you truly love (share the rest withloved ones who will appreciate them). Display your chosen pieces in“visual vignettes,” grouping by size, color or shape, rather thanscattering them about.

Garage ban.Fifty percent of garage clutter is garbage. Hire a dumpster service,take everything out and make “keep,” “donate” or “dump” decisionson the spot. Reorganize your “keep” pile by usage: seasonal items inone place, for example, and paint supplies in another.

UNCLUTTER YOUR MIND

The relentless feast of information in our high tech, social mediaworld—and the warp speed at which we can access it throughmobile devices—can lead to what is called “infobesity.” Thisgluttony of data can cause long-term stress that may be a key factorin many diseases, from ulcers to coronary disease. Here are someways to cut back on information overload and give your head a rest.

Be prepared.Take five minutes each evening to prepare for the next day. Don’tmake lengthy “to do” lists; instead, determine what has priority, listonly those items and plan accordingly.

See the big picture.On a grander scale, think about what’s really important in your life. Iffamily is number one and you’re spending most waking hours atwork, for instance, envision how to create better work-life balancethen take small steps every day that make it a reality.



Use your imagination.Choose a calming visual image—a swaying palm tree, a wood-land path—and focus on this when you start to feel tense.

Disconnect.You may not be able to get through your day without yourmobile phone but try a day without TV, or enjoy silence duringyour commute instead of listening to the news on the carradio.

Get a head start.Wake up a little earlier than usual, and before you even move,notice your rate of breathing. Be aware of your lungs as they fillthen empty; slowly stretch your body. Think of the day aheadas an adventure filled with possibilities.

Unsubscribe.Mail and email can be a culprit with mental clutter. To stopjunk mail, visit www.CatalogChoice.org or the DirectMarketing Association at www.dmachoice.org to opt out ofdirect mail. With email, unsubscribe to lists you don’t want toreceive.

Mean business.The average person uses only 20 percent of what’s on their desk toaccomplish 80 percent of their work, reports the U.S. Census Bureau.Nothing affects productivity more than piles of paper and notes. Setaside just 20 minutes to sort, consolidate and trash items in yourworkspace. Switch to paperless and manage most of your financeswith e-bills and online payments. Use a document shredder todispose of personal papers.

Get moving.Exercise is a fail-proof way to alleviate stress and depression, staveoff aging and reduce your risk of disease. Pick whatever form bestsuits your lifestyle and capacities; start with two days a week thenadd from there. The benefits are amazing, and exercise will giveyou an immediate endorphin rush, which triggers positive, happyfeelings. | DHL

While potato chips may rank as one of America’s favorite snacks, they’ll certainly never be known as a health food. Or will they?

For anyone wishing that chips weren't so unhealthy, munch on this: Alternative chips made from good-for-you vegetables may bethe answer to your craving.

Exotic vegetable chips like thinly sliced sweet potatoes, burdock, eggplant, artichoke and lotus root— which have been an Asianmainstay for years—are currently trending in the United States, and for good reason: they taste delicious. Brands like Terra and 365can be found locally on the shelves of Whole Foods Market, Giant Eagle Market District and McGinnis Sisters. Most are made withnatural or organic ingredients and cooked in healthier oils. Many brands use sea salt instead of regular salt for its health and tastebenefits. To be sure your brand of chips is the real deal, check the ingredients; look for mostly vegetables with no additives or dyes.

Exotic chips are also showing up onmenus at local restaurantsas appetizers, side dishes and bar treats made from taro,carrot, yucca, plantain, boniato (Cuban sweet potato) beet andeven pineapple.

Making your own veggie chips is easier than you might think.You may want to invest in a mandoline (around $15), whichwill quickly and uniformly slice your veggies to various thick-nesses. No matter what vegetable you're using, the process isessentially the same—lay slices on a baking sheet, brush witholive oil, sprinkle with salt then bake for about 30 minutes.Your homemade chips will stay fresh in an airtight containerfor several days, so make a large batch for plenty of guilt-freesnacking. | DHL

Baked Kale ChipsKale, a leafy green power-veggie, turns crispy and frillywhen baked. This snack is quite addictive.

• 1 bunch kale (8 to 10 cups)

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt

Preheat oven to 275 degrees F. Wash and thoroughlydry kale. Pluck leaves from the stems. Discard stems,tear leaves into bite-size pieces and place them in alarge bowl. Add olive oil and garlic; liberally sprinklewith salt. Toss to evenly coat all pieces. Place kale in asingle layer on either two cooling racks or two silicone-lined baking sheets. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, rotatinghalfway through. Remove from oven and cool.

by Gina Mazza

DHL 47

� Design and Planning Services �

� Featuring a team of talented Designers �

� Kitchens and Baths designed to fit your budget �

� A Merillat Signature Showroom �

www.premierhomedesigncenter.com1597 Washington Pike • Bridgeville, PA 15017

CALL 412-276-5650 TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION48 designinghomelifestyles.com

DHL 49


By Steve Stones

As early spring arrives, thoughts turn to our garden

designs and how to improve our outdoor living

spaces. We sometimes forget that our indoor

greenery has been noticing the changes in the amount

of daylight they’ve been receiving. From the first

day of winter forward, a few more minutes

of daylight are shed on our indoor

plants, which prompts them to

prepare for new growth below

and above the soil line.


Remember, too, that plants don’t like tohave their feet chilled, so using tepid(room temperature or slightly warmer)water will allow them to absorb themoisture more rapidly.

There are different types of fertilizersavailable and, for the most part, allmanufacturers are the same. Beforeusing any fertilizer, review the numberfactor associated with it (N-P-K). Thefirst number noted is the level of nitrogen,the second number reflects the amountof phosphorous, and the third number ispotassium. A good balanced fertilizer formost plants is 20-20-20—meaning, 20%nitrogen, 20% phosphorous and 20%potassium, with the balance being inerttrace elements such as boron, cobalt, iron,manganese, zinc, calcium and magnesium.

These ingredients are used in very smallquantities by the plants. Nitrogen provides

plants with the ability to produce morechlorophyll, which in turn allows plantsto grow more quickly. Phosphorousaids in root development and increasesflowering ability and bloom size.(Fertilizer manufacturers label these as“bloom boosters.”) Potassium has manyfunctions; it helps guard the plant againstdisease, drought protection and cold.It also aids with root growth and photo-synthesis.

As spring approaches, most plantsrequire more water and fertilizer tomaintain and develop growth. It’s a goodidea to increase the fertilizer strength asdays grow longer, as well as increasewatering when the plants need it. Don’texceed the manufacturer’s recommenda-tions. Over-fertilizing can be harmfuland could result in the death of the plant.This can be seen by new growth that hasshriveled or totally collapsed. Noticingwhite-yellow crystals around the rim ofthe container is also a sign that you maybe over-fertilizing; you will need to flushthe soil with water after removing thesalt. This will help the plant’s roots torecover.

Consider pruning and croprotationNow is a good time to review yourseed catalogues and your previousyears’ vegetable plantings. Croprotation is a good method to keepyour plants producing well; italso eliminates soil destructionand disease. Order new seeds inMarch and prepare your indoorseed planting now. Keep in mind

Now is the time to fertilizeFertilizing is key to helping these plantsget ready for the flush of new growth ofleaves, roots and flowers. Most willrespond nicely with a solution that is halfthe strength suggested on your particular

type of fertilizer. First and foremost,never fertilize a plant in drysoil; this can burn the tenderroot hairs and impedefuture growth. Use waterto moisten the soilthen give a secondwatering with thefertilizer.

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that some flowering and vegetable seedsare best sown outdoors; follow therecommendations on the seed packages.

In terms of other indoor greenery,flowering plants like Kalanchoes,Cyclamen and Violets should be in a mildstate of color and would benefit fromsome pruning of old flowers to keep themcompact and ready for possible repottingonce your patio or porch is ready fortheir relocation. If your orchids haven’tflowered recently, consider the amountof light they are getting and check to seeif flowering stems are emerging near the

can prevent their spread. When springarrives, put that soil in your compostwhere the heat will kill the bugs.

Fungus gnats are another annoying pestthat can be treated by keeping the soilslightly drier and spooning off the topone-half to one inch of soil, since that iswhere these pests live and breed. Theyhave a short life cycle but are veryprolific and will kill off a plant’s rootsystem if not noticed early. When youwater your plants, keep a watchful eyefor them, as they will leave the soil tostay alive but usually don’t fly far fromtheir food source. Look for “stickycards” at your garden center that you canplace in the soil; these will serve as trapsfor the adults and will stop the cycle, ifyou choose to not spray.

Now that spring is upon us, we can onceagain return to playing in our outdoorgardens, but don’t forget about thoseindoor plants. After all, they have providedyou will joy all winter long. | DHL

Steve Stones is a professional horticulturist andPresidentof an interior landscaping company.

crown of the plant. They will enjoy a smalldose of fertilizer to get them motivated.

Don’t let pests bug yourplantsInspection of the undersides of yourindoor plants’ leaves is a must. Duringwinter, your home atmosphere is drierand insects can take a fast hold on a plantthat is in hibernation mode. Withoutnatural predators to help fend off thesepests, you will have to be vigilant andnotice changes in the leaves’ colors andtextures. Spider mites and mealy bugsare notorious winter pests and can easilytravel from plant to plant. Early detectionand control is paramount. Using some ofthe available over-the-counter remediessuch as soap sprays are good, but yourplants will need multiple treatments tostop the life cycle of the insects.

Mealy bugs are the most resistantand require additional attention toeliminate them. They can head to thesoil and stay there; when you leastexpect it, they return with avengeance to decimate your

indoor garden. If you catchthem early, however, you

Carnegie Museum of Art4400 Forbes Avenue • Pittsburgh, PA 15213412.622.313 • web.cmoa.org

Carnegie Museum of Art offers a distinguished collection ofcontemporary art that includes film and video works. Other collections of note include works ofAmerican art from the late 19th century, French Impressionist and Post-Impressionistpaintings, and European and American decorative arts from the late 17th century to the present.The Heinz Architectural Center, opened as part of the museum in 1993, is dedicated to thecollection, study, and exhibition of architectural drawings and models. The Hall of Architecturecontains the largest collection of plaster casts of architectural masterpieces in America and one ofthe three largest in the world. The marble Hall of Sculpture replicates the interior of theParthenon.

Open: Tuesday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday: noon to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays and major holidays.Open: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, and Mondays in the summer between the 4th of July and Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History4400 Forbes Avenue • Pittsburgh, PA 15213 • 412.622.3131www.carnegiemnh.org

At Carnegie Museum of Natural History, dinosaurs are just the beginning. Discover prehistoric seacreatures which inhabited oceans during the Cretaceous period. In Hillman Hall of Minerals andGems see the spectacular beauty of our gem and mineral collections and discover how they tell

the life story of our planet. Visit Walton Hall of Ancient Egypt and explore the mysteriesand vibrant everyday life of a society that continues to intrigue both expert and armchairarchaeologists alike. Explore the Hall of North American Wildlife, which features someof the continent’s most amazing animals in natural habitat dioramas depicting themajor ecosystems. And, take part in hands-on activities that make scientific discoverycome alive.

Tuesday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday: noon–5 p.m. Closed Mondays.Open: New Year’s Eve, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Mondays in July and August (closed July 4), and Christmas

Eve. Closed: New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day

The Frick Art and Historical Center7227 Reynolds Street • Pittsburgh, PA 15208 • 412-371-0600www.thefrickpittsburgh.org

The museum and its collections are the legacy of Helen Clay Frick, daughter of HenryClay Frick, one of America’s greatest industrialists and art collectors. During your time at theFrick, you can view fine and decorative arts and artifacts, magnificent exhibitions andvintage cars and carriages...take part in educational programs and concerts...enjoy fine diningand more.

The Car and Carriage Museum presents not only the Frick family’s personal collection of carsand carriages, but also interweaves the history of the automobile with that of westernPennsylvania’s early auto enthusiasts and manufacturers. It also contains many vehicles fromthe collection of Pittsburgh industrialist G. Whitney Snyder.

Open: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Monday. The site is closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day;Easter Sunday; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Eve day; and Christmas Day.


Andy Warhol Museum117 Sandusky Street • Pittsburgh, PA 15212412.237.8300 • www.warhol.org

Experience contemporary art and popular culture by one of the most influential Americanartists of the 20th century, and a Pittsburgh native. The museum houses the world’s mostcomprehensive collection of Andy Warhol’s work and memorabilia as well as extensivepermanent collections of art and archives, changing films, public programs, exhibitions andperformances.

The Warhol Café, open during Museum hours and accessible without Museum admission,serves seasonal light meals -- soups, salads, sandwiches and homemade pastries.

Open: Tuesday 10am–5pm; Wednesday 10am–5pm; Thursday 10am–5pm; Friday 10am–10pm;Saturday 10am–5pm; Sunday 10am–5pm. Monday closed.

The Mattress Factory is a museum of contemporary art that presents art youcan get into — room-sized environments, created by in-residence artists.

Located in the historic Mexican War Streets of Pittsburgh’s North Side since 1977, theMattress Factory is one of few museums of its kind anywhere.

Each exhibition is paired with a variety of engaging and inventive educational programsincluding hands-on art projects, workshops, lectures, and tours. The Mattress Factoryencourages all viewers, regardless of their background, to discover connections betweenart, creativity and their everyday lives.

Open: Tuesday-Saturday: 10AM–5PM; Sunday: 1PM–5PM. Closed Mondays, New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day,Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

The Mattress Factory500 Sampsonia Way • Pittsburgh, PA 15212 • 412.231.3169www.mattress.org

August Wilson Center for African AmericanCulture980 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 p: 412.258.2700www.augustwilsoncenter.org

The August Wilson Center for African American Culture engagesregional and national audiences in its mission of preserving,presenting, interpreting, celebrating and shaping the art, culture

and history of African Americans utilizing the rich history, legacy and culture of AfricanAmericans from Western Pennsylvania as a foundation.

From its new home in a vibrant Cultural District, the sleekly modern August WilsonCenter is a place like no other for experiencing theater, dance, music, history, film,literature, visual art, interactive education and spectacular entertainment, all underone roof.

Open: Tuesday through Saturday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This spring, why not enjoy what our wonderful city has to offer. Our museums are by far, some ofthe best in the country. Take a weekend and visit our local museums or visit them over the courseof a few months. There are quite a few to visit. Here are just a few for you to get you started.

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Featured

La Cage Aux FollesMarch 13 – 18, 2012Venue: Benedum Center

Spirit of UgandaMarch 18, 2012Venue: Byham Theater

Diespace by PIPS:labMarch 23 – 25, 2012Venue: Trust Arts Education Center

The Moody BluesApril 2, 2012Venue: Benedum Center

Gregory PorterApril 3, 2012Venue: Cabaret at Theater Square

Last Touch FirstApril 6 – 7, 2012Venue: August Wilson Center

Pittsburgh Public Theater621 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222(412) 316-8200 – Box Office (412) 316-1600www.ppt.org

Freud’s Last SessionMarch 1 – April 1, 2012

Jules Verne’s Around The World in 80 DaysApril 12 – May 13, 2012

Noël Coward’s Private LivesMay 24 – June 24, 2012

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre719 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222(412) 281-3973 • www.pbt.org

A Streetcar Name DesireMarch 9 – 11, 2012

Coppélia with OrchestraApril 13 – 15, 2012

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra –Heinz Hall600 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222(412) 392-4900www.pittsburghsymphony.org

Haydn, Previn & Mendelssohn’s “Italian”March 9 – 11, 2012

A St. Patrick’s Pops with Natalie MacMasterMarch 15 – 18, 2012

Sarah Chang & West Side StoryMarch 23 – 25, 2012

A Cinderella SuiteMarch 30 – April 1, 2012

Disney’s Beauty and the BeastApril 3 –8, 2012

Do You Hear the People SingApril 12 – 15, 2012

The Romance of Classical MusicApril 20 – 22, 2012

The Magic of ParisApril 27 – 29, 2012

Debussy & Ravel’s BoleroMay 4 – 5, 2012

An American in ParisMay 11 and 13, 2012

Cirque de la SymphonieMay 12, 2012

Second Grade Schooltime –“Meet the Orchestra”

May 17 – 24, 2012

Spring into SummerMay 19, 2012

Ben FoldsMay 25, 2012

Pittsburgh CLO719 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222(412) 281-3973 • www.pittsburghCLO.org

Ruthless! The MusicalNow Through May 6, 2012


CULTURAL EVENTSWhat Else To Do?

Take in a show, dine with family and friends, it’s all about enjoyingthe culture in one of America’s true great cities – Pittsburgh, PA!

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

JazzLive!Presented by: Trust Education andCommunity Engagement Department.

JazzLive is a year-round FREE live jazz seriestaking place at The Cabaret at Theater Square,Backstage Bar and Katz Plaza. *Open to thepublic, this popular Pittsburgh Cultural Trustmusic series showcases some of the region’sfinest jazz musicians every Tuesday 5pm-11pmin the heart of the Cultural District.

*From September to May, all performancestake place in the Backstage Bar. In the summer,live jazz moves outdoors to Katz Plaza from5pm-7pm and in the Backstage Bar from 7pm-10-pm.

KeniaMarch 13, 2012

Eric JohnsonMarch 13, 2012

Alton MerrellMarch 20, 2012

Tom WendtMarch 20, 2012

Jared WilsonMarch 27, 2012

Don AliquoMarch 27, 2012

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The Spring Lifestyles Section of Designing HOME Lifestyles Magazineis dedicated to promoting the growth and development of Cultural andTourism related businesses in Western Pennsylvania. Please contact usat [email protected] for information on how toparticipate in future editions. Dates and pertinent information of eventsare subject to change. Please contact each organization directly toconfirm all dates, times and availability. The included events are onlya portion of cultural events in Western Pennsylvania. For additionalinformation and other events try visiting The Pittsburgh Cultural Trustat www.pgharts.org.

Andy Warhol Museum

Mark LucasApril 3, 2012

George Jones New View TrioApril 10, 2012

Brett WilliamsApril 17, 2012

Dwayne DolphinApril 24, 2012

SalsambaMay 1, 2012

Michele BensenMay 1, 2012

Roger HumphriesMay 8, 2012

Tania GrubbsMay 8, 2012

Kevin HowardMay 15, 2012

Jared WilsonMay 15, 2012

Tim StevensMay 22, 2012

KeniaMay 29, 2012

Gerald HaymonMay 29, 2012

National Jazz Appreciation MonthIn April, join us for a celebration of NationalJazz Appreciation Month with four, special,ticketed performances.

Gregory PorterApril 3, 2012

Chuchito Valdes TrioApril 10, 2012

Cory Weeds Quartet with Joey DeFrancescoApril 17, 2012

Rachelle FerrellApril 24, 2012

What Else To Do

Phipps Conservatorywww.phipps.conservatory.org

Carnegie Museum of Natural Historywww.carnegiemnh.org

The Warhol Museumwww.warhol.org

Carnegie Science Centerwww.carnegiesciencecenter.org

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburghwww.carnegiemuseums.org

Mattress Factorywww.mattress.org

Dining Out Around Pittsburgh

MITCHELL’S FISH MARKETSEAFOOD RESTAURANT & BARThe Waterfront – (412) 476-8844Mt. Lebanon at the Galleria(412) 571-3474www.MitchellsFishMarket.com

Please visit the Chefs andRestaurants in our WesternPennsylvania’s Top Chef section:

CIOPPINO – (412) 281-6593

IBIZA – (412) 325-2227

JG’S TARENTUM STATION GRILLE –(724) 226-3301

NOLA ON THE SQUARE – (412) 471-9100

PARIS 66 – (412) 404-8166

ROCKWELL’S RED LION RESTAURANT –(412) 384-3909

SEVICHE – (412) 697-3120

SONOMA GRILLE – (412) 697-1336

THE ORIGINAL FISH MARKET –(412) 227-3657

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As a Feng Shui expert, I have the honor ofhelping people change their lives just byrearranging their homes and offices. Most

individuals call me because they are ready for moremoney, a better career or less stressful relationships,a revived or new romance or more of anything good.No matter what you feel may be lacking in your life,there is always an anchor for that deficiency in yourphysical space; and once you know what to look for,you will be amazed at how logical the connection isand how easy the remedy can be.

According to the 5,000-year-old practical science ofFeng Shui, your environment can affect your abilityto get that job you want, find romance, acceptwealth and have peace of mind. Feng Shui’sobjective is to create harmony and balance in yourenvironment, and how you go about doing thatdepends on who you are and what you want to havein your life. When I first started using Feng Shui in theearly 1980s, very few people in the West had heard

DHL: Feng Shui

By Fawn Chang, CFSC

DHL 59

of it. Now, however, you might be surprised to learnwho uses Feng Shui: many Fortune 100 companies,Donald Trump, Bill Gates, Rupert Murdock, RichardBranson, Madonna, Oprah, George Clooney, TommyHilfiger, FedEx, Hyatt, Intel, Citicorp, Disney, Shelland many others.

THE ESSENCE OF FENGSHUI: IT’S ALL ABOUT YOUOn one level, Feng Shui is what I call “spacepsychology”; on another level, it’s a complex scienceof blending color, shape, placement and people. Tothe do-it-yourselfer, an initial investigation of FengShui can be confusing, especially such a lot ofconflicting information is available in print andonline. Amazon alone carries more than 5,500 bookson the topic. In this column, I hope to make the useof Feng Shui fun and easy. Some of the suggestionsthat I will make will seem like common sense; otherswill be “symbolic” in that they will influence yoursubconscious and help you to change old patterns.

For your home, I’ll share tips such as how to set upyour front entrance to find your life’s purpose andpassion, and how to tell if your bedroom is keepingyou single or leading you towards a divorce. You’lldiscover the energy you bring to the environment,which colors support you and how to look at yourhome through “Feng Shui eyes” to know howenergy flows through it. We’ll see what might bedraining your income or relationships, what canbe done to better nourish you and how to makesimple changes in your home for lasting results.You’ll learn which is the “most important room inyour life,” how to treat your kitchen, laundry andbathrooms for more wealth and health, how yourhouse’s shape may determine the state of yourmarriage, wealth and community support, and evenhow the numbers of your address influence yourhome’s energy.

TIP: WHERE YOUR EYEGOES, ENERGY FLOWS.If you walk into your home and your eyes leadstraight out the back of the house, this means thatyou have what the Chinese call “rushing chi.” It is likeliving in the middle of a river of fast moving energy.Your life might be too busy to enjoy. You might feelexhausted and the happy parts of your life might notbe getting enough support. What can you do? Placesomething between the front door and the back win-dow. Give the eye something to catch that is beauti-ful, like a piece of art, a rug or a chandelier. Makethe entry a place of calm introduction to you and yourinterests.

Your home is not only a sanctuary but a partner increating your life. Check back to this column formore tips on using Feng Shui to support your homeenvironment and your life. | DHL

Fawn Chang is an interior designer and Feng Shui expert.She can be reached at www.fawnchang.com.

Welcome to another installment of our

feature, Western Pennsylvania’s Top

Chefs. Designing HOME Lifestyles is

proud to introduce you to some of the most

talented chefs in the Pittsburgh region. For

this issue of DHL, each featured chef has

contributed their favorite shrimp recipe. You

will see that some decided to “go with the

spice!”

But first, a few shrimp basics. There are many differenttypes and sizes of shrimp; the flavor and texture of eachtype is influenced by the waters in which they arecaught. When purchasing shrimp, avoid buying the“peeled and deveined before freezing” variety. This cancause a loss in texture and flavor, as the shell helps toprotect the meat and add flavor while cooking. In theUnited States, shrimp is sold by the count; for example,if you buy 21-25 count shrimp, it means that you arepurchasing 21-25 shrimp per pound. The smaller thenumber, the larger the shrimp. Usually, larger shrimpcommands a higher price per pound. If you see a “U” infront of a number when buying shrimp, it means“under” that number per pound.

Care of ShrimpAlways thaw shrimp in the refrigerator or in ice coldwater. Never thaw at room temperature or in themicrowave. Be sure to devein the shrimp before or aftercooking. (Do a search online to learn how if you areunfamiliar with this procedure.) The black vein that runsalong the back of the shrimp is actually its digestivetrack; it is edible but isn’t very appealing. If you areplanning to sauté your shrimp, remove the vein beforecooking. If you are making shrimp cocktail or similaritems, devein after cooking.

Our featured chefs encourage you try their tested recipesin your home kitchen. They also invite you to visit themat their restaurants to experience firsthand the incredibletalent they offer.

Meet Our “Top Chefs” and experience their favorite Shrimp


recipes and their favorite wine choices on the following pages...

DHL 61

SevicheMax Charles Scribner – Executive Chef

Max grew up in Somerset, PA where he worked atvarious local restaurants. His father taught him a lotabout the culinary world including how to grow agarden and many basic skills needed to becomea chef. It was those early days with his father thathe realized that he wanted to be a chef. In 2009 hemoved to Pittsburgh to train at Le Cordon Blue. Heworked his way through school and ended upworking at Seviche. His hard work paid off becomingExecutive Chef of one of the best restaurants inthe heart of downtown Pittsburgh. “I’ve always beengrateful of my opportunities and I always take fulladvantage of them!”

Paris 66Larry Laffont – Executive Chef

Although Chef Larry Laffont is not a native Pittsburgher,his decade-long, award winning career as chef heresure makes him right at home. He started his career inBordeaux, France where his classical French trainingbegan. Since moving to Pittsburgh in 1998 Chef Laffonthas won numerous awards at the restaurants where hewas Executive Chef; 1998 – Le Perroquet (Best NewChef and Best French Rest.), 2002 – Osteria Italian Tapas(Best Restaurant), 2003 – Mallorca (Best Spanish), and2005 – Ibiza (Best Tappas). In January 2011, Larrybrought his award-winning talents to Paris 66. It isno surprise that in his first year as Chef, Paris 66 wasawarded Pittsburgh’s #1 Best French and #3 Best Brunch.


JG’s Tarentum Station GrilleJoseph Ross – Executive Chef

Chef Joe is a native Pittsburgher originally from thePenn Hills and later the Natrona Heights communities.He accredits his strong culinary passion to severalgreat Chef Mentors he has had over the years duringhis culinary training, especially those at the EastwoodInn and the Pittsburgh Press Club. Overall Joe hasbeen the Executive Chef at JG’s Tarentum StationGrille for thirteen cumulative years. Joe specializes inall cuisines but prefers a Mediterranean dish with anItalian concentration. His love for food and theculinary arts has been a stable and enthusiasticpresence at the restaurant.

Jumbo Grilled Shrimp

4 each Shrimp (16-20 Count or Larger)3 ounces Wakame Seaweed Salad1.5 ounces Chili Lime Aioli

Aioli2 ounces Egg Yolks (Pasteurized)6 ounces Sweet Chili Sauce2 ounces Lime Juice (Fresh Squeezed from Two)As Needed Vegetable Oil

METHOD:Mix egg yolks, chili sauce and lime juice onhigh speed in a blender. Slowly drizzle in theoil until sauce starts to thicken to amayonnaise consistency.

The Wakame Seaweed Salad makes anexcellent garnish to this dish.

Recipe Provided by:Chef Armand Colarusso –

Ibizza

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Recipe Provided by:Chef Josh Payne –

The Original Fish Market

PROCEDURE:Wrap head of garlic in some foil and pour in 1 teaspoon olive oil.Roast in the oven on a baking sheet at 325 degrees F for tenminutes.You will smell awesomeness at this point. Remove and let cool.Meanwhile, cut the bacon slices into thin strips across the width ofthe bacon. These are called lardones. Render them in a deep sided2-4 quart pot on medium heat stirring to cook evenly, until goldenbrown delicious. Immediately add milk and bring to simmer.Squeeze roasted garlic into milk, careful not to lose any peelings.Add polenta and stir until cooked, Approx 12 min.

Combine shrimp, brown sugar, and Cajun seasoning and sautébriefly in large sauté pan searing both sides lightly until cooked.With a slotted spoon, remove shrimp from pan to reserve whilemaking sauce. Combine Dr Pepper and rum in a liquid measuringcup. Add mixture to shrimp juice, cooking on high heat. Cook untilreduced by one third, where is should resemblemaple syrup. Reheatshrimp in sauce.

Sweet and Spicy Shrimp1 lb Fresh Unfrozen Shrimp (Larger Shrimp will Need Longer Cooking)1 T Brown Sugar1 T Butter2 tsp Cajun Seasoning1 shot Spiced Rum (Can Be Omitted)1 cup Dr. Pepper

Polenta1 Head Garlic (Roasted in Olive Oil)2 Slices Bacon (Thick Cut / Applewood Smoked)1.5 cup Polenta3 cups Milk

Season everything with salt and pepper to taste.Portion polenta into bowls. Spoon shrimp and sauce over top. Garnish with fresh cilantro.


Jerk Shrimp – Sonoma Grille Chef Jason

Papaya Seed Dressing1 T + 1 tsp Toasted Papaya Seeds (Ground)1 T Green Peppercorns (Minced)1 T + 2 tsp Passionfruit Puree1 cup Mayonnaise1 cup Sour Cream2 tsp Kosher SaltWhip all ingredients together.

Jerk Marinade3 each Harbanero1/2 cup Ginger (Minced)4 cloves Garlic (Minced)1/2 cup Thyme1 tsp Nutmeg (Ground)1.5 tsp Cinnamon (Ground)1 T All Spice (Ground)

Puree all ingredients in a blender.

Marinade your cleaned and deveined shrimp in the Jerk Marinade. Remove from the marinade andcook the shrimp in a hot skillet until properly cooked. The dressing is used as cooling agent.

Recipe Provided by:Chef Jason Huzzard –

Sonoma Grille

1 T Lime (Zest)1/4 cup Lime Juice1/6 cup Tubinado Sugar1 cup Tomato Puree (6 in1)1 pint Extra Virgin Olive Oil1.5 T Black Pepper (Ground)

Rockwell’s Red Lion RestaurantOrrie Rockwell III – Executive Chef

Orrie is a fourth generation businessman fromBorough of Elizabeth, PA. He was born and raised inElizabeth and attended Johnson andWales College inProvidence, RI. He graduated in 1988 with a BachelorDegree in Food Service Management. After working atvarious establishments to gain additional experience,Orrie returned to his family’s restaurant in 1992where he took over as Executive Chef. His love of foodand service injected a new excitement into therestaurant. With his creative menu and interestingfood, his family restaurant transformed to a very suc-cessful upscale restaurant. Rockwell’s Red Lionattracts guests from all over the Pittsburgh area.

Nola on the SquareDan Calve – Executive Chef

Dan is 31 years old andwas born and raised in EasternPennsylvania. He’s been working in the food andbeverage industry since he was seventeen. It wasthose early days when he inspired to be a chef. Heworked in Denver and Manhattan to learn differentcuisine and to hone his skills. His first Sous Chef posi-tion was with Yves Carreau’s restaurant group. He hasworked in three of his restaurants being promoted toExecutive Chef at Nola. “I enjoy my work, and I’mexcited to continue to grow with our company. Can’twait to see what our next concept will be. Can it getany better than this?”

IbizaArmand Colarusso – Executive Chef

Armand grew up in Mahopac, New York. He discov-ered his passion for food in high school and furtherdeveloped his skills here in Pittsburgh at PennsylvaniaCulinary, which he graduated from in 1998. Heworked at the Hyatt Regency at the OrlandoInternational Airport and Greenwich, Connecticut. Healso spent time working at the prestigious AbigailKirsch Catering Company in New York. His familybrought him back to Pittsburgh and Ibiza. He’s beenworking at this Award-Winning restaurant since 2007.“I love the people and friendly atmosphere at Ibiza.It’s fun creating a different cuisinewith an Asian Flair.”

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Shrimp and Goat Cheese Risotto1 quart chicken broth3/4 pound medium shrimp, shelled and deveined1 tablespoon unsalted butter2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil2 garlic cloves, minced1 small onion, finely chopped1 cup arborio rice

In a medium saucepan, bring the stock to a simmer. Add the shrimp, cover and simmer overmoderate heat until just cooked, about 2 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimpto a plate to cool. Cover the stock and keep it at barely a simmer.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter in the olive oil. Add the garlic and onion andcook over low heat, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the rice and cook overmoderate heat, stirring, until coated with oil, about 1 minute. Add the wine and simmeruntil almost evaporated, about 3 minutes.

Add 1 scant cup of the simmering stock and cook, stirring constantly, until it is absorbed.Continue to add the stock, 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly, until it is absorbed.

The risotto is done when the rice is tender but still slightly firm and creamy, about 25minutes total. Stir in the shrimp. Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the basil, goatcheese, Parmesan, ginger and lemon zest. Season the risotto with salt and pepper and serve.Makes 4 servings.

Recipe Provided by:Chef Greg Alauzen –

Cioppino

1/2 cup dry white wine, such as chardonnay or sauvignon blanc1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves1/4 cup soft fresh goat cheese2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese1/4 teaspoon freshly grated fresh ginger1/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zestSalt and freshly ground pepper

The Original Fish Market RestaurantJosh Payne – Executive Chef

As a young child Josh was inspired more by Julia Childthan Sesame Street and that early love for food is whatmade him pursue his interest in a career in CulinaryArts. He started his journey in a vocational culinaryprogram in high school. From there he found greatpleasure in finding new and unexpected unique flavorcombinations.

After graduating from Culinary School he traveled theworld to perfect his craft. He also spent time at someof Pittsburgh’s finest restaurants before finding hisdream job at the Original FishMarket. “I’ve beenwinningthe hearts and stomachs of our patrons since I’ve beenhere,” said Josh.

Sonoma GrillJason Huzzard – Executive Chef

Chef Jason graduated from Pennsylvania CulinaryInstitute in his native Pittsburgh before moving toBoulder, Colorado for eight years. There, he exploredthe diverse indigenous culinary culture and achievedhis first Chef position. After moving back to Pittsburgh,he continued to refine his skills at several esteemedrestaurants in the city. He started at Sonoma Grille in2008, and eventually earned the title, Executive Chef.He has helped to cultivate the Farm to Table conceptat Sonoma, and his focus continues to be on fresh,local, and sustainable foods. He says, “Sourcing foodfrom local farmers brings a sense of community back tothe culinary world.”

CioppinoGreg Alauzen – Executive Chef

Heading the creative team at Cioppino Restaurantand Cigar Bar is Executive Chef Greg Alauzen. He wasformerly the Executive Chef of the Steelhead Grill andnationally lauded for placing Pittsburgh on the diningmap. He’s a graduate of the Culinary Institute ofAmerica, in Hyde Park, NY and alumna to several highprofile New York restaurants, including Aureole inManhattan. Alauzen’swork has beenpraised in Esquire,Pittsburgh Magazine, The Wall Street Journal and thePittsburgh Post Gazette. Chef Alauzen’s menu drawsfrom the Italian tradition of seasonally prepared dishesfeaturing local ingredients. His unique approach tofood is creating quite a buzz in Pittsburgh.


SpicyPaprikaShrimp8 shrimp ( 16/20)1/2 cup Marinara1 teaspoon paprika1 pinch pepper flakesWhite wine1 sliced garlic clove

Sautee your peeled and deveined shrimp with the garlic and olive oil. Deglaze the pan with white wineand add marinara. Add the paprika, pepper flakes, salt, pepper and allow to simmer until the shrimp isproperly cooked.

We recipe goes nicely served with a side salad.

Recipe Provided by:Chef Larry Laffont – Paris 66

2010 Chappellet Chardonnay

I think you are going to enjoy this wine! The nose isbursting with floral and tropical notes including ripepineapple, guava and lemon zest. You’ll find hints ofbrown sugar and nutmeg spice from the barrel agingthat add complexity to the fruit. On the palate, thiswine is toned and vibrant, with flavors of tropical

fruit, alongside layers of quince and nectarine. Frenchoak and creaminess from the malolactic fermentationcontribute nuances of vanilla bean and crème brulée,

with crisp acidity adding structure and lengththroughout. The wine maker’s notes say it all! Stop inCeviche for good friends, good food and good wine!

Wine Review by Chef Max Charles Scribner – Seviche

2011 LaPlayaChardonnay

This golden, yellow Chardonnay offers afresh fruit-friendly nose that suggests ripepear, pineapple and peach. On the palateyou’ll find fresh tropical fruit flavors ofapricot and mango combined with a hintof ripe bananas. This medium-bodied winehas a good structure, balanced by apleasant crisp acidity is what makes itperfect for shellfish.

Stop by Rockwell’s with your friends andfamily for a glass by itself or to accompanyone of our shellfish specialties. We hopeto see you soon!

Wine review by Chef Orrie Rockwell III –Rockwell’s Red Lion Restaurant

2010 Adelsheim VineyardPinot Gris

This Pinot gris is a perfect pairing for a spicy shrimp recipe! This wine iscrisp with bright flavors that have always been the hallmark of AdelsheimPinot gris. In this 2010 you’ll find hints of fruits such as papayas, apples,pears and a hint of peaches. The wine is grown in Oregon’s WillametteValley and is something that I think you will enjoy.

The reason why I feel this wine is perfect for spicy food is that it is crisp andclean with a long finish. Not only is this Pinot gris great with shellfish, itgoes very well with poultry.

Wine review by Chef Dan Calve – Nola on the Square

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2009 J. Lohr Estates RiverstoneChardonnay

Chef Joe Ross of JG’s Tarentum Station Grille recommends J. LohrEstates Riverstone Chardonnay. A California native that is buttery,

rich and round with an elegant strawyellow color. Its apple andpear flavors provide a smooth balance of fresh fruit acidity.

J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay is a true California gemand reflects the rich wine country. Its name is derived from the“riverstones” deposited over thousands of years by the ArroyoSeco River which provide a rooting zone that keeps vegetativegrowth stable. Also, Salinas Valley’s cool climate prolongs thegrowing season enhancing the grape’s natural acids providing

the wine’s its intense character.

Chef Joe recommends a bottle of J. Lohr EstatesRiverstone Chardonnay paired with the

Shrimp Louie at JG’s Tarentum Station Grille.

Yves Carreau has done it again!Pittsburgh’s hottest new restaurant isNola on the Square. This new conceptscreams New Orleans with his JazzBrasserie. It is located in the newly

renovated Market Square. A breathtakingtransformation of the storied 1902

Landmark Tavern, a Nouveau Creole menufeaturing Bourbon Street cocktails, live jazz

and blues music at least twice a week.If you’ve not experienced this “Big Easy”

vibe you’re in for a surprise.

24 Market StreetPittsburgh, PA 15222

412-471-9100www.nolaonthesquare.comHours: Monday – Saturday,

Lunch 11am-3pm, Dinner 5pm-11pm

If you looking for the finest Fish andSeafood in downtown Pittsburgh –you’ve found it! This is a wonderful

restaurant with a fun atmosphere. If youare a wine lover they have a Winekeeper

that keeps wines fresh as the moment theywere opened. This system allows the

restaurant to offer fifty-two wines by theglass. This restaurant is a “must visit!”

1000 Penn AvenuePittsburgh PA 15222

412-227-3657theoriginalfishmarket.com

Hours: Monday -Friday 11am-1am,Saturday and Sunday 4pm-1am

Welcome to a West Coast kitchen andwine bar, where food and wine arecelebrated everyday. Sonoma is a

sophisticated, casual restaurant with anairy dining room displaying vivid colors

and a warm atmosphere. It has aninternational cuisine with a California twist.

Each dish highlights local, organic orsustainable food in the peak of their season.

647 Penn AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15222

412-697-1336www.thesonomagrille.com

Hours: Lunch Daily 11am-3pm,Dinner 5pm-11pm


JG’s Tarentum Station Grille, located in afully renovated Pennsylvania Railroad trainstation in Tarentum, is a unique destinationfor continental cuisine. For a special occasion,or just a relaxing night out in an unexpected

setting, JG’s offers the right ambiance,menu and wine considerations to make foran unforgettable experience. The upstairs,once used as the conductors’ office is now acozy dining area that may also be reserved

for private parties. Call to reserve yourupcoming event or your special event today.

101 Station DriveTarentum, PA 15084

724-226-3301www.jgstation.com

Hours: Monday – Thursday 11am-9pm,Friday - 11am-10pm, Saturday 5pm-10pm

Closed Sunday.

Fred and Lori might be the nicest couplethat own a restaurant...period! Paris 66 isan ambient eatery focused on “everydayFrench cuisine” in a traditional bistro-stylesetting. Paris 66 is both a crêperie and

bistro. Coming Soon! French Pastry Chef,David Piquard is arriving June 15th. He is

bringing his award winning recipesstraight from France. We don’t know

about you...but we can’t wait!

6018 Penn Circle SouthPittsburgh, PA 15206

412-404-8166www.paris66bistro.com

Hours: Monday – Thursday 11am-10pm,Friday – Saturday 11am-11pm,

Sunday Brunch 10am-3pm

Located in a building dating backto 1906 that was originally a FirstNational Bank. You’ll find a quainthistoric restaurant in the heart ofElizabeth, PA’s business district.

The restaurant is only a few hundredyards off of the Elizabeth bridge exit.

The lower level is open on theweekends and features awood-burning fireplace.

201 South Second AvenueElizabeth, PA 15037

412-384-3909www.rockwellsredlion.com

Hours: Monday – Thursday 11am-9pm,Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm

You start with a grand lookingspace in the heart of Pittsburgh’s

cultural district and dress it up witha warm South Beach Art Deco interior.Season with exciting Nuevo LatinoCuisine and colorful Mojito cocktails.Add a dash of Cuban artwork and mix

vigorously with searing hot salsarhythms. Welcome to Seviche!

Tapas and fun at its best!

930 Penn AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15222

412-697-3120www.seviche.com

Hours: Monday – Thursday 5pm-12am,Friday and Saturday 5pm-1am

At this award-winning restaurant, theyoffer over 45 tapas from all aroundthe world. As the seasons change,so does the dining experience. The

seasonal menus showcase the freshestseafood, meat, vegetables and fruits

you’ll find anywhere. You’ll be delightedby the flavors of European and

South American regional cuisine.

2224 E. Carson StreetPittsburgh, PA 15203

412-325-2227www.ibizatapasrestaurant.com

Hours: Monday – Thursday 4pm-1am,Friday – Saturday 4pm-2am Closed Sunday

Great location, incredible food, magnificentambiance, fantastic bar and service offeringan eclectic dining experience perfect for

any occasion is what you’ll find at Cioppino.The separate Cigar Bar is a great place tounwind after dinner or a great place tomeet for a drink. The “Tuscan-Inspired”menu features their namesake dishCioppino, chophouse fare and various

incredibly fresh fish features.

2350 Railroad StreetAt The Cork FactoryPittsburgh, PA 15222

412-281-6593www.cioppinoofpittsburgh.comMonday – Saturday 5pm-11pm

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D H L G a l l e r y :By Gina Mazza

It was a sign of things to come, artisticallyspeaking: As a little girl, Leslie Nuttingoccasionally took to drawing all over the wallsof her home with crayons,much to her mother’schagrin.These days, the world is her canvas.

“I find it very important to draw and paintfrom life as much as possible, painting en pleinair and honing my observational skills,” explainsLeslie, who has lived inWheeling,West Virginiasince 1988.“So much of painting is about reallyseeing. The world is incredibly beautiful andI want to capture and focus what I experience.”

A native of California and an avid traveler whohas lived in Canada, New Mexico, New Jersey,Massachusetts, West Virginia, Hong Kong and

Washington, DC, Leslie has always beenfascinated with people and landscapes. Herseries titled “Our Land,” for example, focuseson national, state and local parks; other worksinclude the desert southwest and Californiacoast. “I seek out special places and enjoysharing them in my paintings,” she says.

Upon relocating toWestVirginia, Leslie becamecaptivated by Appalachia. “The rust belt regionof coal mines and dominating steel plants alongthe Ohio River,” from Leslie’s artistic vantagepoint,“symbolizeAmerica's industrial decay andmy belief that the people who suffer fromthis situation are known mainly throughstereotypes. But these are individuals, notstereotypes. They are my distant neighbors.People who live and work here are uniquelytied to the Ohio Valley and its industrial and

rural heritage. I wanted to cast a light on thisarea, to really look closely and think about whatI see around me.”

Through portraiture, figurative compositionsand landscapes, Leslie illustrates this “long-suf-fering but proud population: tied to the land,coal plants, factories and small family businessesin a world apart and left behind.” Aptly titled“Distant Neighbors,” the series interprets “grittyindustrial scenes, bucolic farms and the peoplewho experience life here.”

Leslie also finds plenty of inspiration for herwork in the Pittsburgh region and other partsof Pennsylvania. “I explore my subjects in asympathetic way that reflects my personalinterest in them as individuals or as archetypesin their community. I intend my paintings to be

Inspired by Appalachia:Artist Leslie Nutting captures life

in our region

Appalachian Spring | oil on linen | 18" x 24"

Miners | oil on linen | 24" x 36"

Farmer | oil on linen | 18" x 24"


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honest and approachable. They speak to ourcommon humanity and current issues, whilealso celebrating individuality. In my landscapes,I revel in ever-changing light effects and theimpossible beauty I find wherever I look.”

Leslie’s artistic style is a combination of realismand abstraction, loose and expressive, with anemphasis on the sensuality and texture of oilpaint. She begins with a foundation of qualitymaterials, techniques and craftsmanship, thenoften integrates abstract elements, symbols orwords. “I have even embroidered over aportrait,” she says. “This kind of freedom isboth the allure and terror of art making. Somany choices! I continue to explore, searchingfor the tools and knowledge I need to bestexpress my ideas in paint.”

Leslie earned a bachelor of arts degree inhistory and Asian studies from WilliamsCollege in 1985. Upon graduation, she enteredgovernment service as a foreign affairs officer,which offered ample opportunity to travel andsparked her interest in people and culturesaround the globe. Then came marriage andthree children, yet a deep wellspring of emotiondrove Leslie back to painting.

Following that passion, Leslie developed herskills by taking classes with ElizabethCastonguay at the Carnegie Museum of Art

and several great teachers at the University ofPittsburgh. She went on to earn her master’s infine arts/painting from Academy of ArtUniversity in San Francisco in 2010. Leslie is amember of Associated Artists of Pittsburgh,the Oil Painters of America and PortraitSociety of America.

In addition to painting full time, Leslie has beentraining to be a docent at the CarnegieMuseum of Art and has assisted with “In theMoment,” an art experience for individuals withAlzheimer’s disease and their families. “Themuseum is a wonderful place and I love talking

to people about art!” She is also involvedwith Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater andcommunity organizations such as local publiclibraries.

“I love engaging with Pittsburgh’s rich andvaried arts and cultural opportunities. From thestart, this region has been the heart and soul ofmy work, and I know it will continue to be. Forme, the joy is in the action of making art,solving the many challenges of each paintingand getting to that magical point where a piecesays what I need it to say. It is also incrediblymotivating and encouraging to discover thatpeople feel moved by my work, that a paintingcan make a powerful connection with someone.

“A painting is a window out of my physicalworld and into a world of my own making,”Leslie goes on to explain.“I enjoy the adventureand physicality of painting, the unabashedsensuousness of the art form, and the freedomto explore abstraction, realism, and anythingin between.” | DHL

Leslie’s current work can be viewed atwww.LeslieNuttingFineArt.com.

She can be reached at (304) 280-4724.

Old Man | oil on linen on board | 20" x 16" Lachlan | oil on linen on board | 10" x 8"

Soccer Dad | oil on linen | 20" x 16"

Power Plant | oil on linen | 36" x 36"

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angelfishSaltwater angelfish are among the most beautiful of all

reef creatures. Their colors are deep and rich and often cleverlypainted by Neptune into stripes and spots. These fish are foundin all the world’s oceans, although the greatest diversity of thisgroup is found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean in rocky areas and reefs,

where they feast on the abundant coral. Although thesespecies can be rather territorial, they are among the mostpopular aquarium fish. Despite their delicate appearance,once acclimated to your tank, angelfish are incrediblyhardy and can be long-time residents of your aquarium.

By Renee Butor

lionfishLions are hardy fish that will adapt well to life in a home oroffice aquarium. Provide lion fish with live rock or otheritems to provide ample hiding places. For a diet in the

aquarium, include frozen meaty foods such as live shrimp,live fish and occasionally crustacean flesh. Because

lionfish usually prefer live foods, when firstintroduced into the aquarium, use live saltwaterfeeder shrimp to entice your lion to eat. While

acclimating to its new home, expect your lions to beshy and hide, but they are generally found out inthe open once accustomed to their surrounds.

Be warned that lions may eat smaller fish, shrimpand other crustaceans in the tank.

clownfishClown fish are some of the most popular fish in the

saltwater aquarium hobby. They are very beautiful andfun to watch. They quickly catch the eye and many marine

enthusiasts enter the hobby because of an attractionto these colorful beauties. You will often see clown fishnestled in an anemone. While other fish avoid its stinging

tentacles, it will cause you to wonder what relationa clown fish and a sea anemone have. In the wild, Clownfish live in symbiotic relationships with certain anemones.In captivity, anemones are not necessary to keep a clown

fish; clown fish will readily adapt without themand frequently find a substitute host in a coral,

rock structure or other invertebrate.


seahorseThe seahorse is one of the mostfascinating fish to have in your

aquarium. Temperature is very importantfor seahorse survival. The water in youraquarium needs to be kept around

70 to 75 degrees at all times. Though theyare not avid swimmers, you may want to get

them some live rocks for their new home. Sincemost other fish do not live in the required

conditions, sometimes it is best to reserve anaquarium specifically for them alone. Seahorsestypically need fed between four and eight times

per day. Brine shrimp is a favorite mealof these beauties of the sea.

butterflyThe butterfly fish are a group of conspicuous tropicalmarine fish in the Chaetodontidae family; bannerfish

and coralfish are also included in this group. Found mostlyon the reefs of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, there areapproximately 120 species. Butterfly fish look like smaller versions

of angelfish but lack preopercle spines at the gill covers.

They easily adapt to living with other fish and can be keptin any size group. Since they have a small mouth and needto peck at food at all times, it is vital to provide them withfrequent small meals. In captivity, butterflies grow veryslowly so they rarely have the problem of outgrowing

their aquariums.

yellow tangThe yellow tang is a grazing fish with a diet of almost

anything that is green (algae, grass, lettuce). It is not unheardof for the fish to eat meat. Even though it is generally an

herbivore, the tang has been known to eat shrimp and othersmaller animals. This varying diet may even include

excrements from other fish. This small fish is very territorialespecially in the presence of other tang fish.

The tang fish does not require a lot of space in which to livebut it needs a constant flow of water. This helps thefish stay in shape and keeps the fish in good health. mandarin

dragonetThe mandarin, a.k.a. green mandarin, is absolutely

stunning in appearance, with its incredibly colorful, sweepingshapes of red, blue and green throughout its body. It is avery peaceful creature that likes to hop and hover

throughout the aquarium looking for copepods andother live food. They should be introduced intoestablished aquariums with live rock, as this iswhere their best food source breeds. These fish

have small protruding mouths designed forcapturing microfauna. The dragonets have twoseparated dorsal fins, with the male dragonet

having an elongated dorsal spine.

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Hamsters are native to Syria andwere primarily used for research.In 1948, Albert Marsh, a highwayengineer, introduced them as pets.Hamsters are chunky-bodied,thick-furred, short-tailed rodentswith cheek pouches. They aresecretive burrowers and hoarders.Being nocturnal creatures, theyusually sleep during the day andplay and explore at night.

Hamsters as PetsHamsters havenodetectable bodyodor. They are inexpensiveto buy, and outside of cage cleaning and proper food, theyare relatively maintenance free. Hamsters are subject tovery few health problems and diseases. Since they sleepduring the day, they are active at night when most peopleare home. A hamster can be a wonderful family memberand an excellent pet.

What do I need for my pethamster?Now that you have decided on a pet hamster you shouldhave all the supplies necessary ready before bringingyour pet home. This care sheet will guide you in havingeverything you need. Remember, hamsters are chewers,wanderers and burrowers, so choose the home accordingly.

Habitat• You will need a cage or aquarium that is at least 15inches long by 12 inches high for one hamster or twodwarf hamsters. Get the largest size possible. The biggerthe cage, the happier your pet will be.

• Provide bedding or substrate for the bottom of the cagewhere your pet can burrow and hide.

• Also include a water bottle or water dish. You will haveless mess to clean up if you use a stoppered bottle inplace of a water dish.

• A food dish.

• Create hiding and sleeping areas for your hamster.

• Toys such as an exercise wheel, ramps, and tunnels willenable your pet hamster to exercise and explore.

• Of course, you will need food and supplements


Food and Diet

Hamster FoodThe easiest way to make sure that your pet

hamster’s diet provides everything it needs isto buy the best prepared hamster food you can

find. Then supplement its diet with pieces of freshfruits and veggies, throwing in an occasional mealworm

or cricket. A varied diet is as important to hamsters as it is to people. Beloware many of the foods that you can feed to your hamster.

PelletsPellets are a hamster food where the ingredients are ground up, mixed andformed into little pieces. The requirement to gnaw on pellets and thebalanced nutrition of pellets make them a suitable part of a your pet’s diet.

Mixed Seeds and GrainMixed seeds and grain are a food mixture of seeds and grains. Some mixedfoods include a variety of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. This type of foodprovides a variety of choices for your hamster to enjoy and is an excellentpart of its diet.

Other than the obvious “cute factor,” thereare many reasons why you may considerowning a hedgehog:

Hedgehogs do not spread danderIf you are allergic to cats and dogs, you are mostlikely allergic to the dander. Hedgehogs do notspread dander and will not trigger allergies.However, it is possible that you could be allergicto hedgehog related items, such as hedgehogfood.

Hedgehogs are quietIf you listen, you will hear a hedgehog makeheavy breathing noises, a sort of snuffling.When excited or upset, a hedgehog will gruntand pop. Rarely, a hedgehog will make a softchirp. All in all, most hedgehogs are very quiet.

Hedgehogs are smallIf you live in an area that only allows small pets,a hedgehog will likely be allowed. There arerestrictions in some areas against owning ahedgehog (and other pets termed “exotic”).Keep in mind that just because a hedgehog issmall does not mean that it wants a small placeto live. You need to give your hedgehog asmuch room to run around as possible.

Timothy Hay and AlfalfaTimothy hay, alfalfa or a mix of the two are a nice addition to your pet’s diet.In the wild, hamsters are grass eaters and may enjoy nibbling on some hay.Not all hamsters will eat it, but it is worth a try.

Fresh FoodsTo add some variety and nutrition to your hamster’s diet there aremany freshfoods you can try: acorns, apples, bananas, green beans, broccoli, cabbage,carrots, cauliflower, celery, corn, zucchini, cucumbers, grapes, kale, oranges,peas, spinach, sweet potatoes, and turnips. The key with fresh food is tosupply it in small portions since hamsters store away excess food. Rotten fruitis not something you want in your pet’s cage.

Snacks and TreatsThere is an amazing variety of hamster snacks and treats that you can offer toyour pet a couple times per week. These treats, although very enjoyable toyour hamster, are not a well-balanced diet, so use them sparingly. Most treatsare sweetened foods like seeds, nuts and dried fruits and vegetables thatyour pet will love. Alternatives to store-bought hamster treats are scrambledor hard boiled eggs, dog biscuits, sugar-free cereal, whole wheat bread anduncooked pasta. You can even feed him mealworms or crickets.

Dietary SupplementsCommercial hamster food is supposed to have all the nutritional requirementsnecessary for a healthy pet, but supplements are a good way to guarantee awell-balanced diet. Dietary supplements are available with vitamins, mineralsand calcium; they come in flavors that a hamster will enjoy.

Courtesy ofwww.hedgies.com

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Feeling creative?Want to surround yourself with somethingpersonal, meaningful and fun?Why not change up the fabric,wallpaper or flooring in your home or office?

Last spring, while at San Diego’s CoronadoBeach, I made a design discovery that delightedme. At a restaurant called Sapori—which Iexpected to be Japanese cuisine—I laughedout loud when I saw the most amazing décorand wallpaper, which immediately gave me aclue that I was not going to be ordering Sushi.I asked the owner where she found such a greatdesign: a gold metallic background with bright,ruby red lips slurping pasta. “We designed itourselves online,” she told me.

The world is on fire with the trend for all things personaland handmade; oddly, the not-so-face-to-face Internethas made it possible. Sites like Ponoko and Etsy allowus to design our own widgets and sell them to theworld. Technology makes it possible for us to havebeautifully designed and personalized décor—fromfabrics to wall coverings to flooring—for often thesame price as mass produced varieties. Designers andhomeowners can now personalize projects with theperfect image, logo or precise color scheme needed toexpress themselves. Rather than spending hours, days

or months looking for the perfect design or color, with-in minutes we can create our own perfect fabrics toenliven our living environments. On a smaller scale, wenow have the same power that was formerly reserved


By Fawn Chang

for major manufacturing. You can design it—or have someoneelse design to our taste—at just the quantity you need, all at aprice that may amaze you.

With the very same process that major designers use, you caneven turn your drawings and photographs of your belovedpets—or even your hobbies and passions—into a captivatingdesign. For instance, a visit to Spoonflower.com will yield 105prints of greyhounds alone; and if you still can’t find the one thatyou like, you can upload your puppy’s image and they’ll help youdesign it. Rysa Pitner, founder of Fabricondemand.com sharesthis story: “A customer who loves bacon wanted to make shirts

for his bacon-loving club of friendswho meet monthly to drink beerand try new bacon recipes. Whenhe mentioned that they sit out onhis patio, we suggested that hehave ‘bacon furniture’. We ended

up creating t-shirts and patio furniture adorned with bacon. Itwas a ton of fun!”

For other customers, Pitner’s projects have been diverse—everything from using 20 yards of custom satin to make a scarffor one of the royal elephants in India, to a custom fabric for afive-star Caribbean resort, to decorative panels for the NationalGallery in Washington, DC. “We find ourselves smiling daily withthe stories of special gifts being made and life-long dreamsbrought to life on fabric,” she says. “Every design is reviewedby a design mechanic to make sure that it's suitable for printing,and we have a design team that helps DIYers’ creations andimaginations come to life.”

For flooring, options also exist for the DIYer and custom designer.Harveymaria.com has hundreds of inspiring and whimsicaldesigns—or, once again, you can design it yourself.

Wallpaper? Options abound! Wallwords.com offers the opportunityto print logos or inspirational quotes that can be easily applied toyour walls. DesignYourwall.com has thousands of originaldesigns; or, design your own using your child’s handwriting orartwork.

Surrounding yourself with things that you loveis one key to loving your home and your life!

Send us your PET projects:Anything that brings the joy of your lifeinto your home, or any design that you have to make living withbeloved four-leggeds easier for you, your pet and your design to:[email protected]

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While you might know Wet Pets & Friends as“THE” place to go for all of your fish and

small pet needs, the family has taken their love of allthings aquatic and took it outdoors with a new pond& waterfall installation and maintenancebusiness that will make your yard the envyof the neighborhood.

The Taimuty’s began their venture into the retail petindustry in 1992, with a 2,400-square-foot storefrontin Waterdam Plaza. Their store, mainly aquatic, hasmany other critters such as reptiles, small animals,kittens and exotic birds. Within three years, morespace became available, and they expanded to 4,800-square-feet. At that time, with double the space, theyadded an extensive line of pond products for sale. Soon,customers began asking about pond maintenance and pondservices. Ed Jr. stepped up to fulfill these requests. After rentingfor 12 years at this location, the Taimuty family purchased theland next to McDonald’s on Rt. 19 and built their 10,000 sq. ft.super store which includes a full size greenhouse to accommodatetheir growing pond and water garden business.

A graduate of the Art Institute with vast artistic ability andenthusiasm for embellishing customers’ existing ponds, Edbegan to build waterfalls and waterscapes that have wowed hisclients. His experience with fish, plants and filtration enhancedhis skills to construct a beautiful water garden that is alsoecologically designed.

Ed will go to a site, look at the lay of the land and then startsketching up plans that match the existing landscape and thehomeowner’s concept.

Ed said that ponds generally range from $3,000 and upwarddepending on many variables, such asexcavation, site availability, size, etc. butthe return on the property is immeasurable.

“We had one job where a gentleman hadone of our waterfall ponds in his backyardand the people who bought his homebought it mainly because of that feature. Itliterally sold the house” Taimuty said. WetPets also does corrective work for jobs thatmay look nice, but issues of sustainabilityhave not been addressed.

“A lot of times, some inexperienced landscapers and pondinstallers will create ponds that are biologically incorrect. They

may lack proper filtration, among many other variables relatedto keeping the pond beautiful. What we create are small biologicalecosystems in addition to just landscaping focal points”Taimuty added.

Wet Pets has all the supplies you need to build your own pond,as well as koi, pond goldfish and a large array of water plants toenhance its beauty. If you want a quote for Wet Pet’s Pond Crewto build your pond, call to get on their list. Stop in to see a pieceof their artistry in pond designing. There you will find a 3,000-square-foot greenhouse, stocked with all of the necessities forbuilding and maintaining a pond - 45 millimeter Firestone rubberliner, pumps, tubing, water clarity products, fish and plants.Ponds require very little maintenance once they are up andrunning, however, homeowners will need to feed the fish, preparethe ponds for winter and keep up with algae so that it doesn’toverrun the pond. Keeping up with algae can be as simple as justadding the proper water treatments a few times a year.

As for preparing the ponds for winter, WetPets can and does offer this service for theirclients.

To winterize, we shut the pumps down andclean out all the leaves and other debris. Wethen place a thermostatically controlled ponddeicer in the water to keep a small area of thepond from freezing over. This allows for theexchange of oxygen to take place when thetemperatures drop and the surface freezes over.

For more information visit us on our website at www.wetpet-sandfriends.com or give us a call at (724) 942-4442. You canalso follow them on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.

at home with: Frick Car and Carriage Museum

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By Gina Mazza


It’s the type of sweet ride you’d expect from one ofAmerica’s greatest industrialists and art collectors:

a Rolls-Royce; two of them, to be exact. Those same twogleaming Rolls-Royces—a 1914 Silver Ghost Touring Carand 1923 Silver Ghost Salamanca Town Car—were recently

featured at The Frick Car and Carriage Museum inPittsburgh’s East End. Once the Henry Clay Frick family’s

private carriage house, the museum is now home to acollection of about 20 vintage vehicles and historic carriages,

each one an inspired reflection of the Gilded Age.Rolls-Royce of America, Inc.(Springfield, MA), Silver GhostSalamanca Town Car, 1923.

Frick Art & Historical Center, 2001.1.1.

00 designinghomelifestyles.com80 designinghomelifestyles.com

Rolls-Royce’s impeccable standards are perhaps best exemplifiedby its iconic mascot, the Spirit of Ecstasy, which celebrated itscentennial last year. Designed by British artist Charles Sykes(1875–1950), the Spirit—also known as the “Silver Lady” and“Flying Lady”—was initially available as an option and becamea standard feature in the early 1920s. The figure has evolvedover the years but has remained one of the most prestigiousornaments in automotive history.

No doubt, the early 20th Century was an era in which the devel-opment of the automobile profoundly changed American life. Inthe Car and Carriage Museum, visitors can travel back in timeto this heyday of the automobile, still ripe in its infancy. Also ondisplay are some of the first horseless carriages to be driven onthe streets of Pittsburgh. In addition to the two Rolls-Royces andHoward Heinz’s gorgeous 1898 Panhard et Levassor Tonneau(reputed to be the first car in Pittsburgh), visitors can feast theireyes on these vintage vehicles:

c. 1882 Broughamc. 1897 Pony-size Spider Phaeton

1903 Baker Electric Stanhope

c. 1903 Country Omnibus

1906 Outing Wagon

1909 Bailey Electric Phaeton

1909 Keystone Six-Sixty Roadster

1911 Penn 30 Touring Car

Of all the vehicles ever produced, nothing quite says “status”and “fine taste” like a Rolls-Royce, and Henry Clay Frick(1949-1919) had both. The 1914 Silver Ghost is a British-madeRolls-Royce that boasts custom features added at Mr. Frick’srequest. The 1923 Salamanca is especially rare since it has anAmerican-made body that was produced by Rolls-Royce’sshort-lived American subsidiary, Rolls-Royce of America, Inc.,which operated in Springfield, Massachusetts from 1920 to 1934.The car company quickly earned a reputation for sparing noexpense to offer the best in car design, materials and technology.

Above Left to Right: Car and Carriage Museum courtyard and exterior.Visitors at the Car and Carriage Museum, Frick Art & Historical Center, Pittsburgh, PA

Rolls-Royce, Limited (Derby, England), Silver Ghost Touring, 1914. Frick Art & Historical Center, 1990.2.

American Austin Car Company, Butler, Pennsylvania,American Austin Coupe, 1931. Frick Art & Historical Center. 1999.1.13.

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1912 Daimler Laundaulette

1914 Ford Model T Touring Car

1917 Standard Model E Touring Car

1924 Auto Red Bug Flyer

1931 Lincoln Model K Sport Phaeton

1940 American Bantam Convertible Coupe

An award-winning video, “Pittsburgh and the Automobile,”alternates throughout the day with a short film, “The StanleySteamer.” Through archival film, original footage and interviews,visitors are taken on a humorous and fascinating ride throughthe early years of automotive history and Pittsburgh’s particularrole in it.

While visiting the Car and Carriage Museum, why not spend theday and tour the entire Frick Art & Historical Center.Comprised of several historic buildings that house its multiple


Rolls-Royce of America, Inc. (Springfiled, MA), Silver Ghost Salamanca Town Car, 1923. Frick Art & Historical Center, 2001.1.1.

Car and Carriage Museum Interior, Frick Art & Historical Center. Penn Motor Car Company (Pittsburgh, PA),Penn 30 Touring, 1911. Frick Art & Historical Center,1999.1.7.


collections, it is the legacy of Helen Clay Frick, daughter ofHenry Clay Frick. The Frick Art Museum houses a collectionof Italian Renaissance and 18th Century European art.Special exhibitions are presented on a regular basis, many ofwhich are organized by the Frick’s curatorial staff.

And then there’s Clayton, the restored Frick family home andits beautifully landscaped gardens, which opened to the publicas a fully restored historic house museum in 1990. A bit of

history is in order: In the spring of 1881, Henry Clay Frick metAdelaide Howard Childs (1859-1931) and by the end of that year,they were married. After returning from their wedding trip, theFricks purchased “Homewood,” an 11-room, Italianate-style houselocated at the corner of Penn and South Homewood Avenues.Pittsburgh architect Andrew Peebles was hired to make interior andexterior modifications to the home, which was renamed “Clayton.”Clayton would serve as the family’s primary residence from 1882to 1905.

The Fricks moved into Clayton in 1883 and their son, Childs(1883-1965), was born shortly thereafter. Two years later, a daughter,Martha, arrived (1885-1891), followed by Helen Clay Frick (1888-1984) and a fourth child, Henry Clay Frick, Jr., who died shortlyafter birth in 1892.

Although the Fricks left Clayton in 1905, the home was never soldand remained a part of their family life. In 1908, Helen returned toPittsburgh and Clayton for her debut into society, although shecontinued to live in New York and travel the world for most of herlife. After Henry Clay Frick’s death in 1919, Helen inherited $38million, making her America’s richest heiress at the time. Like herfather, Helen was a passionate art collector. To house her growingcollection of fine and decorative art, she built The Frick Art Museum,which was opened to the public in 1970.

In 1981, Helen returned to Clayton to live full time, and stayedthere until her death in 1984. She left provisions for the familyhome to be restored and opened to the public. Following a four-year restoration project, Clayton was opened as a museum home

Frick Grounds - Panoramic View. Below: Standard Steel Car Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,Model E Touring Car, 1917. Gift of the Estate of G. Whitney Snyder. Right: Frick Grounds - Entrance Gate.

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in 1990. A true Pittsburgh gem, it providesvisitors with an intimate glimpse into theillustrious lives of the Frick family andinsight into late 19th-Century life. Morethan 90 percent of Clayton’s furnishingsare original. It is especially gorgeousaround the holidays, when the house isdecked out in its holiday finery fortourists to enjoy.

The Frick compound has continued togrow in the years following Clayton’sopening. In 1994, The Café at the Frickdebuted on the site and in 1997, the Carand Carriage Museum went on publicdisplay. The original “carriage house”portion of the Car and Carriage Museumwas used to store the collection of carriagesand antique cars that Helen brought to

Pittsburgh. The building was expandedin 1997 to accommodate the additionof automobiles from the collection ofG. Whitney Snyder (1921-1999).

From cars and art to the café and more,The Frick remains one of Pittsburgh’smost important historical, cultural andeducational assets. Take a gander over tothe East End and check it out. Camerasare not permitted in the museum. | DHL

The Frick Art & Historical Center islocated at 7227 Reynolds Street inPittsburgh’s Point Breeze neighborhood.Free parking is available in the Frick’soff-street lot or along adjacent streets.The Car and Carriage Museum is openduring regular site hours: Tuesday through

Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There isno charge for admission. Seating at Caféat the Frick is available at 5:30 and 7:30p.m.; reservations are recommended butwalk-ins are welcome, space permitting.

For details, call (412) 371-0600 or visitwww.TheFrickPittsburgh.org.

Right: Clayton, the restored turn-of-the 20th-century home of the HenryClay Frick family at The Frick Art & Historical Center, Pittsburgh, PA.Above: Visitors at The Frick Art Museum, Frick Art & Historical Center,Pittsburgh, PA.

Environment is probably one

of the single most significant

factors in influencing our mood.

And apparently the founders of

Forest Hills borough understood

this basic idea.

When this area, seven miles east ofOakland, was incorporated in 1919, thestreets were laid out with wide, tree-lined

boulevards. In addition, almost one-quarterof the borough’s 1.5 square miles wasdesignated for parks. This dedication to thepreservation of nature and green spaces hasnetted the borough annual recognition bythe National Arbor Day Foundation forover 20 years. They even have their ownarborist. Now that’s something you won’tfind in every borough in Pittsburgh.

The sharp, steep hills that comprise ForestHills ensure that it was aptly named.Fortunately, an attentive public workscrew keep the roads passable in the wintermonths.

Dining is definitely one of Forest Hills’strong points. Vincent’s Pizza Park isfamous for their “Vinnie Pie,” which haseven been shipped to other states. Jodi B’sis a great place for breakfast or lunch andserves café-style fare with a friendly waitstaff. For dessert, there’s the recentlyreopened Heaven Scents Bakery, whichbakes all of its delicious pastries onsite,including specialty cakes. And nothingtastes quite as good with pastry as a goodcup of coffee. The Forest Hills CoffeeCompany is an intimate little gourmetcoffee shop that also serves gelato.

By Pamela Palongue


Speaking of gourmet, the Simple Gourmetis an upscale sandwich shop that offersdiners unique menu choices in an artsyatmosphere. Little Dishes Gourmet carriessweets such as fudge and chocolates totake home for later.

If you would like to get some exercise aftera great meal, Forest Hills Park is a beautifulplace to walk. Bordered by Pennsylvanialimestone walls, a lush lawn, and of course,more trees, the park features a pool, tenniscourts, and a playground with lots ofseating for adults. There are also two greatlodges for party rentals and meetings—onewith timbered ceilings, and the spaciousWestinghouse Lodge, which has a fireplace.

If you would rather shop to work off yourlunch, Antiques on Ardmore has greatperiod antiques at reasonable prices. Twoaccomplished local artisans, Gerry Floridaand Memphis George, are opening a work-shop/boutique on Ardmore Boulevard,where their jewelry creations will be avail-able for purchase.

After spending a few afternoons in ForestHills, if you find that you’ve fallen in lovewith the area and want to make your visitpermanent, there are many well-builtcraftsman-style bungalows and beautiful

Tudor-style homes. The borough is locatedalong I-376, which makes morning commutesto Oakland and downtown convenient. Andsince it’s just 10 minutes fromMonroeville,the Pennsylvania Turnpike is also veryaccessible.

Local residents enjoy a plethora offestivals and neighborhood-style celebrationsthroughout the year.

One of the largest is the Fourth of JulyCommunity Day, which features a biathlonand swim races. The borough also sponsorsa hayride in the fall for children and aLight-Up Night for the holiday season.Many local clubs and churches alsosponsor events, such as the Rotary Club’s

Annual Chili Cook-Off and the St. MauriceChurch Festival, which is usually held inJune and goes on for days.

For a small geographic area, Forest Hills isblessed with a wide array of educationalchoices, including Woodland Hills HighSchool, known for their knack of producinggreat football teams, religious schools andseveral private institutions of learning,including Pace School, which serves childrenwith special emotional needs.

Despite the fact that Forest Hills was notincorporated as a borough until 1919, thetown has enjoyed an interesting and variedhistory. For example, it was once the home

of a locally famous chinchilla ranch,operated from the basement of a local couple.It was also the location of the first industrialatom smasher as part of the Westinghouseresearch facilities. The borough was also ahotbed for barbershop quartets, a traditionthat has continued to the present day withthe Steel City Harmonizers, who can befound practicing every Monday night inthe borough.

If you are looking for a place with a friendlyneighborhood atmosphere, a strong senseof community, and civic pride, then ForestHills might be the place for you. If youwould like more information on theBorough and their events, visit theirwebsite at www.foresthillspa.org. | DHL

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January 23, 2012 marked the beginning of the Chinese Yearof the Water Dragon. In the Chinese Zodiac, dragon yearsbring prosperity, change and an intangible sense that some-

thing great is happening. Whatever that happens to mean in yourlife, be sure to look deeper than first impressions to get thewhole story before committing your time, money or (in thispresidential election year) your vote.

In the East, dragon energy is associated with benevolent lifeforce, power, great luck and support. A symbol of the emperor,the dragon is ambitious, dominant, passionate, enthusiastic,kind and nourishing. Dragon years bring energy that propelchange and disruption, but not always for an unwanted outcome;when properly harnessed, this energy creates new life and growth.Dragon energy usually heralds change and good fortune butrequires integrity.

The Chinese ZodiacFor thousands of years, the Chinese have studied and qualifiedthe cyclical nature of human affairs and packaged them in

metaphorical terms for easy understanding. The years follow a12-year cycle of animals and their characteristics, and a 60-yearcycle of nuances attributed to the elements of water, wood, fire,earth and metal. Having taught elementary school, I saw anamazing trend: children born in certain years exhibited the bestqualities attributed to that year’s animal zodiac. For example, Inoticed that children born in 1992 were facile, joyful, social andclever—just like the monkey; children born in 1991 weremethodical, quiet and ingenious—just like the goat, and so on.

Water Dragon ExpectationsIn general, we’ll find that this Year of the Water Dragon will begrand, exciting and hopeful. The Chinese warn that in the Yearof the Dragon, grand fortunes can spiral out of control withoutproper research and attention to completion of one project at atime. No matter how good things seem, the water nature ofthis dragon year will inspire us to step back, investigate andthoroughly evaluate in order to make smart decisions.

The need for harmony at all costs will be replaced by our desireto be clear and accurate with our agreements—both verbal and contractual. Water signifies what isdeep, flowing, emotional and spiritual, and we mayfind that we have a more emotional response to sit-uations; but we’ll also find ourselves wanting andneeding to speak clearly, especially about thedetails of any endeavor.

Dragon energy can also bring out arrogance,aggressiveness and violence. In 2012, things willmost likely seem larger than life and blown out ofproportion. The best advice for this Water Dragonyear: Respond, don't react. Take a deep breath, stepback and consult your gut feelings; be clear andkind.

Those born in the Year of the Dragon (1904, 1916,1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and2012) are leaders: innovative, enterprising, flexible,self-assured, brave and passionate. The other sideof the coin is that their focus can lead them toseem conceited, tactless and quick-tempered.Some famous people born in the Year of the Dragon

It promises to be a year of direct communication,deep emotion and (it’s up to you) positive outcomes.

In 1952, the last Year

of the Water Dragon,

Queen Elizabeth II took

the throne. The second

longest reign in the

histories of Britain,

Canada, Australia and

other countries, she

will celebrate 60 years

as Monarch, with her

Diamond Jubilee.

By Fawn Chang

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are Reese Witherspoon, John Lennon, Martin Luther King, Jr.,Florence Nightingale, Susan B. Anthony, Sigmund Freud,Sandra Bullock, Jose Conseco, Keanu Reeves, Liam Neeson,Nicholas Cage and Gregory Peck.

The Chinese New Year doesn’t begin January 1; instead, itbegins at the second new moon after the winter solstice. Ifyou were born in January or February, you may be a “differentanimal”; consult the Internet for information about whenChinese New Year began in the year you were born.

Flourishing in the Yearof the Water DragonHow can you flourish in the Year of the Dragon?

• Be clear, honest and ruthless with the questions you askyourself, and be proud that you are asking them. “Am Ion target with my heart's desires?” “Is there anythingthat I am living with that I need to release as far asemotions, perceptions or expectations?”

• Keep your cool; do your research and don’t believeeverything you see or hear.

• Our relationship to community will play a larger role inour lives. Get involved; be a mentor.

• Take a few calculated risks.• Tend to your own “water” issues:

° Check your home plumbing, especially when doinga bathroom or kitchen remodel.

° Check “water under earth”; keep an eye on gutterdrains and water lines.

° Check your car’s engine to make sure it’s in goodshape.

° Make sure your front door and all the doors to yourhome and office work perfectly and open into abeautiful view of your personal décor.

° Tend carefully to your body and your emotions:� Support your kidneys and adrenals, bladder,reproductive organs, blood and spleen.

� Get plenty of rest. Gently exercise to moveyour lymph and stay flexible. Balance workand personal time. Drink pure water; limitalcohol and coffee.

� Acknowledge your feelings and act fromcompassion.

This year is sure to be a powerful one filled with change—somemore easy to accept than others but always, ultimately, for apositive outcome. We could easily discover thedepths of love for ourselves, our families,our friends and our world. | DHL

Postal Forever Stamp: Year of the Dragon

cocktails at home:


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Please Drink Responsibly.

INGREDIENTS:1 oz creme de cacao1 oz cherry liqueur1 oz cherry brandy1 oz cream

Shake ingredients together and pour into glass.Add a little more cream as a floater, then add acherry

BlackForest

INGREDIENTS:1 oz cherry brandy1 oz amaretto almond liqueur1 oz banana liqueur3/4 oz. orange juice

Pour the cherry brandy, amaretto, banana liqueurand orange juice into a cocktail shaker half-filledwith ice cubes. Shake well, strain into a chilledcocktail glass and serve.

BobCocktail

INGREDIENTS:1-1/2 oz gin3/4 oz maraschino liqueur2 oz pineapple juice3 dashes grenadine syrup

Shake all ingredients well and strain into a chilledmartini or cocktail glass. Dust with grated nutmegand serve.

CherryKiss

INGREDIENTS:2 oz cherry vodka1 oz lime juice4 oz sprite1/2 oz cherry juice1 maraschino cherry

CherryLimeade

Fill a 16 ounce glass with ice.Add first 4ingredients. Stir. Garnish with a cherryif desired.

INGREDIENTS:3 oz cherry vodka1/2 oz triple sec1 oz crandberry juicesplash of lime juice

CherryCosmo

Shake all ingredients with ice into a chilled martiniglass. Garnish with a cherry if desired.

INGREDIENTS:1 oz cherry brandy1/2 oz maraschino liqueur4 oz cola

Pour the cherry brandy, maraschino liqueur andcola into a highball glass almost filled with icecubes. Stir well, garnish with a maraschino cherryand serve.

CherryCola

INGREDIENTS:1 oz cherry brandy1 oz sugar1 tsp orange juice3 oz champagne

Pour the cherry brandy and orange juice over thesugar in a champagne flute.Add the champagneand serve.

HappyYouth

INGREDIENTS:3/4 oz creme de bananes3/4 oz cherry vodka3/4 oz whipping cream1 tsp. grenadine syrup

Shake, strain into a cordial or liqueur glass andserve.

CherryLove

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