Published Friday, November 11, 2011
Link
Brittany Martin scours racks of fake blood and fangs at Costume World in the Strip District for the perfect accessory to her Halloween pirate ensemble: a plush parrot.
“Honestly, I haven’t purchased anything for my costume this year,” Martin, 23 from Pittsburgh, said last Monday. “I’m using my shirt from home; it’s all homemade.”
Martin, like many, said she opted for a homemade route to save some money this Halloween season. By avoiding high-priced prepackaged costumes, Martin was able to spend the money she saved on accessories and other Halloween tricks and treats.
Yet despite the popularity of homemade costumes, Halloween is considered a recession-proof holiday, with seasonal costume and activity spending increasing each successive year.
According to the annual Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, Americans were projected to spend nearly $7 billion on Halloween novelties, with every seven out of 10 Americans having planned to participate in some spooky activity this year. That’s an average of about $73 spent per scare-seeker on costumes, decorations and candy. Total spending for the 2011 Halloween season was projected to have increased by $1 billion from 2010’s season.
Additionally, only 32.1 percent of those surveyed said the current state of the economy would affect their holiday spending.
While “recession-proof,” Halloween spending is still slightly affected by those who choose to buy less. Of the 32.1 percent whose Halloween spending is affected by the economy, 35.5 percent they would either make their own costume or reuse one from last year.
For a costume warehouse like Costume World, which is open year round at 1690 Smallman St. in the Strip, it is this time of year, the store’s biggest selling season, that the true effects of the nation’s economical decline can be felt, said employee Nick Parilla.
“During this time of year, parents come in with their kids and get a fun costume for the kids, but the parents sort of slack off,” Parilla, who has been a retail employee at Costume World for the past five years, said. “At Halloween, people don’t have that extra money, that extra income to spend on an adult costume, so that’s when we see the most impact. It doesn’t look good, and it affects everyone’s business.”
Despite the selection of both professional-grade and retail-value costumes offered at Costume World, some customers were still focusing on the less expensive approach to the holiday.
Jetta Berrigan, 25 from Pittsburgh, went shopping with her friend Martin for accessories to match their homemade costumes.
Through the money saved by making homemade costumes, both Berrigan and Martin said they were able to make two homemade costumes for two separate parties this year.
“[Store-bought] costumes have just gotten too expensive,” Berrigan said while shopping for a glittery plastic microphone for her homemade Katy Perry costume. “We’re saving money and getting more out of it … Sometimes it’s more fun to make a costume than get one out of a bag.”
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
WHIRL Weddings Guide: Beautiful Bride
Published November 2011
Link
Written with Rachel Jones
Be your most beautiful self with expert tips, trends, and products to try.
The venue is booked, the menu has been sent to the caterer, the flowers are picked, and the dress has been steamed. With all the preparations for the ceremony made, it’s time to pamper yourself. Bridal beauty is more than sitting in hair and makeup chairs on the big day — it takes as much planning as the other elements in the wedding. Get an early start on the royal treatment with a beauty regimen using the latest bridal beauty trends, designed to make you look and feel your best, with the help of local stylists. And remember the most important part: beauty is more than skin deep, so the more confident you feel, the more you’re sure to glow!
THE RIGHT 'DO FOR I DO
Trends
Embody Audrey Hepburn’s classic beauty with a simple, soft, and full hairstyle. Simplicity is key, whether it’s a full French twist, smooth side ponytail, or soft, romantic curls.
Add a statement piece with big gems or fresh flowers for a modern twist on a classic look. “By combining classic and modern styles, looking back on your photos, you’ll forget what decade you were married in,” says Jeanette Schidlmeier, stylist at Salon Richards.
Philip Pelusi Salon’s Artistic Creative Director Jeffrey Reitz says, “There is a bit of a return to a natural look. The hair is less ‘done up’ and more naturally beautiful. The condition and color of the hair is key to this look. The biggest influence has been the royal wedding, with its sophistication and simplicity. Less trendy, more classic — especially on the men’s side. They look very groomed.”
Tips
“If you’re going to do extensions at the crown [of your hair] for fullness, have them glued in for the day so they don’t fall out,” says local freelance make-up artist Valarie Panei.
Schedule a consultation to practice styles. “This eliminates unnecessary stress, allowing the bride to feel confident that she’ll receive the look she is hoping to achieve,” says Sara Ruth, marketing director for Philip Pelusi Salons. Following the meeting, leave the ’do in and see how it holds up.
We’ve all heard the advice: Skip the routine shampoo the day before the wedding so the style will hold better. “This is a myth,” says Lisa Campbell, owner of Posh Salon. “It’s better to come with clean hair because you want to feel fresh on your wedding day.”
Products
Want the classic full look but have thinning hair? Salon Richards offers the first FDA-approved laser hair growth treatment with a doctor’s prescription. Lasers stimulate the hair follicle to promote growth stunted by numerous hair loss afflictions, 3 months/$24.95, 6 months/$34.95.
KISS AND MAKE-UP
Trends
Long-lasting airbrush foundation covers flaws better than a traditional concealer — without that caked-on appearance. The application can even be adjusted for a dewy glow. Posh Salon offers airbrush make-up application, $125, and airbrush tanning $40.
While many brides opt for a natural look in the summer, jewel tones, like a smoky plum eye, will be making an appearance down aisles this fall.
Add real drama with fake lashes. Brides with naturally full lashes can apply individual lashes for extra glamour.
Tips
Keep a small bag containing lipstick, eye shadow, and face powder for touch-ups before photos, after cake, and during breaks from the dance floor.
“It’s good to tailor the look to the time of the wedding. Do something more muted for an afternoon or morning ceremony,” Panei says.
Use waterproof mascara to blend false and natural lashes flawlessly.
Make a trial spray tan appointment a few weeks before the wedding to test the shade that best compliments your skin tone. After this application fades, book another appointment closer to the big day for a fresh-from-the-beach look.
Products
Make-up specialists at Boagie and Bachall Spa on Vanadium custom blend a make-up base specifically suited to customers’ skin type and coloring. “We can blend anything from a tinted moisturizer makeup, to cover any imperfections, including scars,” says Alan Barnhart, manager of Boagie and Bachall. $45.
For full lashes that will last from the wedding day throughout the honeymoon, Maria Clemens, a local freelance make-up artist, applies medical-grade synthetic lash extensions to each individual lash. Sets can be customized as desired based on length, thickness, and number of lashes applied, $250-$400.
Link
Written with Rachel Jones
Be your most beautiful self with expert tips, trends, and products to try.
The venue is booked, the menu has been sent to the caterer, the flowers are picked, and the dress has been steamed. With all the preparations for the ceremony made, it’s time to pamper yourself. Bridal beauty is more than sitting in hair and makeup chairs on the big day — it takes as much planning as the other elements in the wedding. Get an early start on the royal treatment with a beauty regimen using the latest bridal beauty trends, designed to make you look and feel your best, with the help of local stylists. And remember the most important part: beauty is more than skin deep, so the more confident you feel, the more you’re sure to glow!
THE RIGHT 'DO FOR I DO
Trends
Embody Audrey Hepburn’s classic beauty with a simple, soft, and full hairstyle. Simplicity is key, whether it’s a full French twist, smooth side ponytail, or soft, romantic curls.
Add a statement piece with big gems or fresh flowers for a modern twist on a classic look. “By combining classic and modern styles, looking back on your photos, you’ll forget what decade you were married in,” says Jeanette Schidlmeier, stylist at Salon Richards.
Philip Pelusi Salon’s Artistic Creative Director Jeffrey Reitz says, “There is a bit of a return to a natural look. The hair is less ‘done up’ and more naturally beautiful. The condition and color of the hair is key to this look. The biggest influence has been the royal wedding, with its sophistication and simplicity. Less trendy, more classic — especially on the men’s side. They look very groomed.”
Tips
“If you’re going to do extensions at the crown [of your hair] for fullness, have them glued in for the day so they don’t fall out,” says local freelance make-up artist Valarie Panei.
Schedule a consultation to practice styles. “This eliminates unnecessary stress, allowing the bride to feel confident that she’ll receive the look she is hoping to achieve,” says Sara Ruth, marketing director for Philip Pelusi Salons. Following the meeting, leave the ’do in and see how it holds up.
We’ve all heard the advice: Skip the routine shampoo the day before the wedding so the style will hold better. “This is a myth,” says Lisa Campbell, owner of Posh Salon. “It’s better to come with clean hair because you want to feel fresh on your wedding day.”
Products
Want the classic full look but have thinning hair? Salon Richards offers the first FDA-approved laser hair growth treatment with a doctor’s prescription. Lasers stimulate the hair follicle to promote growth stunted by numerous hair loss afflictions, 3 months/$24.95, 6 months/$34.95.
KISS AND MAKE-UP
Trends
Long-lasting airbrush foundation covers flaws better than a traditional concealer — without that caked-on appearance. The application can even be adjusted for a dewy glow. Posh Salon offers airbrush make-up application, $125, and airbrush tanning $40.
While many brides opt for a natural look in the summer, jewel tones, like a smoky plum eye, will be making an appearance down aisles this fall.
Add real drama with fake lashes. Brides with naturally full lashes can apply individual lashes for extra glamour.
Tips
Keep a small bag containing lipstick, eye shadow, and face powder for touch-ups before photos, after cake, and during breaks from the dance floor.
“It’s good to tailor the look to the time of the wedding. Do something more muted for an afternoon or morning ceremony,” Panei says.
Use waterproof mascara to blend false and natural lashes flawlessly.
Make a trial spray tan appointment a few weeks before the wedding to test the shade that best compliments your skin tone. After this application fades, book another appointment closer to the big day for a fresh-from-the-beach look.
Products
Make-up specialists at Boagie and Bachall Spa on Vanadium custom blend a make-up base specifically suited to customers’ skin type and coloring. “We can blend anything from a tinted moisturizer makeup, to cover any imperfections, including scars,” says Alan Barnhart, manager of Boagie and Bachall. $45.
For full lashes that will last from the wedding day throughout the honeymoon, Maria Clemens, a local freelance make-up artist, applies medical-grade synthetic lash extensions to each individual lash. Sets can be customized as desired based on length, thickness, and number of lashes applied, $250-$400.
WHIRL Magazine: What's Cooking?
Published November 2011
Link
SHARPEN YOUR KNIFE SKILLS, EDUCATE YOUR PALATE, AND FRESHEN UP
YOUR COOKING KNOW-HOW.
It's that time of year again — when our cheeks turn rosy from the brisk fall air, and our mouths crave sweet and decadent delectables. We need recipes that not only warm our bellies, but our spirits too. There’s something special about creating a vat of “liquid gold” butternut squash soup by hand, but for foodies lacking knife skills, like me, those treats can be hard to come by. Luckily for the culinarily challenged (again, me), local chefs offer cooking classes throughout this season of feasting. Whether it’s picking up a few basic tips or learning how to prepare a professional-grade holiday banquet, the beginner, the seasoned professional, and everyone in between will learn how to cook — and eat! — like a Pittsburgher this holiday season.
ON THE MARKET
With the freshest produce, prepared foods, and all the utensils a beginner or expert chef could ever need, the Giant Eagle Market District is a mouth-watering mecca for food-lovers. Demonstration and hands-on cooking classes at the Robinson location teach the culinary craft with a Pittsburgh perspective. Chef Luke Cypher, the cooking school lead, highlights his favorite classes offered in November. “Be prepared to get dirty, eat a lot, and leave with a new appreciation for well-prepared food,” he says. Giant Eagle Market District Robinson, 100 Settlers Ridge Center Drive, 412.788.5392, marketdistrict.com.
Edible Education
The Perfect Bird - Demonstration class, November 1 & 15 at 6 p.m. $35.
With the mother of all holiday meals approaching, Market District chefs demonstrate techniques needed to create a perfectly prepared Thanksgiving feast from start to finish, including the turkey, stuffing, gravy, and all the trimmings. The best part? All attendees leave with complete recipes in hand and get to sample a taste of the holidays early. “Even people who are good cooks, they will learn something new. Us as chefs are always learning something new because that’s how the culinary world works. Everything is always changing, so there’s always something new to try,” Cypher says.
Pittsburgh Street Food - Tailgating Hands-on class, November 14 at 6 p.m. $35.
Pittsburgh certainly has a unique local flavor. From rustic Italian to Polish party fare, the Market District is bringing street food to the kitchen. Learn how to prepare the ever-popular pierogi and Italian home-style meatballs — this class is truly a taste of the ‘Burgh. “Pittsburgh is a big sports town. Tailgating is important here,” Cypher says. “We’re investing in peoples’ passions and turning them into foodies.”
Doughn’t Forget the Fresh Rolls - November 21 at 6 p.m. $35.
My favorite part about Thanksgiving dinner? The rolls, of course! Learn how to create a traditional dinner roll for that holiday party, or famous Italian knots for a cozy snack by the fire. And, of course, take home a copy of all the recipes prepared in each class.
Register for classes online at marketdistrict.com/learn.
MAMA MIA
It’s like my grandmother used to tell me — eat according to the season and you will live a long, healthy life. This is a motto Merante Gifts also stands by. Their goal is to teach southern Italian cooking the way an authentic Italian family would make it. “We want to inspire you, not train you,” says Merante Gifts owner Maria Merante. “We want you to take these recipes home for your family and feel confident and inspired. Don’t be afraid, because you can do it.” Merante Gifts, 4723 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield, 412.682.3370, merante-gifts.com/classes.
Edible Education
Classes are offered every season, with the January and February schedule to be released soon. Check merante-gifts.com for additional times and sessions. Private sessions for groups of 6-10 are $50 per person. Reservations for private sessions can be made for any day of the week.
Pasta Again! - November 20 at 11 a.m. $40
It’s the mark of a true Italian cook — the ability to make fresh pasta. It’s essential to southern Italian cooking and can make the difference between a dish that is molto bene and one that’s atroce. With optional participation, Merante said this class is perfect for beginner pastafarians or the seasoned Italian cook. “We’re not a stainless steel commercial kitchen, this is a casual environment,” Merante says. “We like to take the intimidation out and inspire creativity.”
Seven Fish Sunday - November 27, Dec. 4 & 11 at 11 a.m. $75
It’s Merante Gifts’ “famous” class! Instructors teach how to prepare various types of fish that are essential to southern Italian cooking. In these classes, explore ways to cook calamari, smelts, and baccala for a traditional Italian Christmas Eve banquet.
Register for classes by calling 412.682.3370
WOK THIS WAY
Unlike many cooking schools, Chop, WOK, & Talk has students eating from the minute they walk in the door. With recipes that span pan-Asian, Moroccan, and Mediterranean style cuisine, Chop, WOK, & Talk’s courses focus on making six-course meals in three hours, starting with soups and appetizers and sampling each creation along the way. This way, the student walks away with a diverse recipe book in just one session, according to Chop, WOK, & Talk owner Dorothy Tague. “It’s totally hands-on. The student does everything but wash the dishes,” she says. Chop, WOK & Talk, 5404 Penn Ave., Friendship. 412.362.0679. chopwoktalk.com.
Edible Education
Elegant Entertaining - Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. $70
This class is the ultimate in fine dining. Learn how to make that “liquid gold” butternut squash soup, as Tague affectionately calls it, brined pork roast fig and pistachio stuffing, and a chocolate almond souffle for dessert. But Tague says not to be intimidated by the menu – small class sizes mean personal training from experts as they walk the students through the recipes.
Holiday Baking & Candy Making - Saturday, Nov. 12 & 19 (2 sessions) at 11 a.m. $150
For someone with a mouth full of sweet teeth, this is heaven. The two-session class teaches how to make nut rolls, truffles, toffees, brittles, and more for a holiday party. And while the student is always provided with recipes after class, you might not ever need them! Teague encourages students to bring containers to take all the leftovers back for their own party.
Register for classes by calling 412.362.0679
CRATE AND CREATE
A cooking school and houseware store in South Hills, Crate offers classes that are full of flavor. From sweet chocolate to spicy Moroccan, each session is designed to appeal to a specific set of taste buds, with classes geared toward men in the family and the kids! “Our goal is to have all kinds of different people take our classes, ” says owner Linda Wernikoff. “It’s a chance to come in, meet new people, and be with people with the same tastes.” Crate, 1960 Greentree Road, Green Tree. 412.341.5700, cratecook.com.
Edible Education
It's a Family Affair - Hands-on, November 19 at 1 p.m., Adults $40, Children $30
New at Crate, the first family-style cooking class was a huge hit in September. This second class in November has a completely different menu. One adult and two children 6 years old and over can take part in this hands-on kitchen class. Learn how to make more complicated dishes, like frittatas, appeal to younger taste buds, as well as the basic of kitchen sanitation and knife skills. “We run through everything for the kids, like the equipment and the food,” Wernikoff says. “But we also teach the parents something, too.”
Dinner at Legume - November 15 at 7:30 p.m., $110
Taking the classroom outside of the kitchen, Crate’s students can visit one restaurant a month to learn the application of their teaching. After sampling a five-course mean, plus appetizers, students can meet with the chefs who personally had a hand in the preparation, detailing ingredients, technique, and answering questions. This “class” is he ultimate dinner party, visiting Legume Bistro in Oakland this month for a taste of bon cuisine.
Register for classes by calling 412.341.5700
Link
SHARPEN YOUR KNIFE SKILLS, EDUCATE YOUR PALATE, AND FRESHEN UP
YOUR COOKING KNOW-HOW.
It's that time of year again — when our cheeks turn rosy from the brisk fall air, and our mouths crave sweet and decadent delectables. We need recipes that not only warm our bellies, but our spirits too. There’s something special about creating a vat of “liquid gold” butternut squash soup by hand, but for foodies lacking knife skills, like me, those treats can be hard to come by. Luckily for the culinarily challenged (again, me), local chefs offer cooking classes throughout this season of feasting. Whether it’s picking up a few basic tips or learning how to prepare a professional-grade holiday banquet, the beginner, the seasoned professional, and everyone in between will learn how to cook — and eat! — like a Pittsburgher this holiday season.
ON THE MARKET
With the freshest produce, prepared foods, and all the utensils a beginner or expert chef could ever need, the Giant Eagle Market District is a mouth-watering mecca for food-lovers. Demonstration and hands-on cooking classes at the Robinson location teach the culinary craft with a Pittsburgh perspective. Chef Luke Cypher, the cooking school lead, highlights his favorite classes offered in November. “Be prepared to get dirty, eat a lot, and leave with a new appreciation for well-prepared food,” he says. Giant Eagle Market District Robinson, 100 Settlers Ridge Center Drive, 412.788.5392, marketdistrict.com.
Edible Education
The Perfect Bird - Demonstration class, November 1 & 15 at 6 p.m. $35.
With the mother of all holiday meals approaching, Market District chefs demonstrate techniques needed to create a perfectly prepared Thanksgiving feast from start to finish, including the turkey, stuffing, gravy, and all the trimmings. The best part? All attendees leave with complete recipes in hand and get to sample a taste of the holidays early. “Even people who are good cooks, they will learn something new. Us as chefs are always learning something new because that’s how the culinary world works. Everything is always changing, so there’s always something new to try,” Cypher says.
Pittsburgh Street Food - Tailgating Hands-on class, November 14 at 6 p.m. $35.
Pittsburgh certainly has a unique local flavor. From rustic Italian to Polish party fare, the Market District is bringing street food to the kitchen. Learn how to prepare the ever-popular pierogi and Italian home-style meatballs — this class is truly a taste of the ‘Burgh. “Pittsburgh is a big sports town. Tailgating is important here,” Cypher says. “We’re investing in peoples’ passions and turning them into foodies.”
Doughn’t Forget the Fresh Rolls - November 21 at 6 p.m. $35.
My favorite part about Thanksgiving dinner? The rolls, of course! Learn how to create a traditional dinner roll for that holiday party, or famous Italian knots for a cozy snack by the fire. And, of course, take home a copy of all the recipes prepared in each class.
Register for classes online at marketdistrict.com/learn.
MAMA MIA
It’s like my grandmother used to tell me — eat according to the season and you will live a long, healthy life. This is a motto Merante Gifts also stands by. Their goal is to teach southern Italian cooking the way an authentic Italian family would make it. “We want to inspire you, not train you,” says Merante Gifts owner Maria Merante. “We want you to take these recipes home for your family and feel confident and inspired. Don’t be afraid, because you can do it.” Merante Gifts, 4723 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield, 412.682.3370, merante-gifts.com/classes.
Edible Education
Classes are offered every season, with the January and February schedule to be released soon. Check merante-gifts.com for additional times and sessions. Private sessions for groups of 6-10 are $50 per person. Reservations for private sessions can be made for any day of the week.
Pasta Again! - November 20 at 11 a.m. $40
It’s the mark of a true Italian cook — the ability to make fresh pasta. It’s essential to southern Italian cooking and can make the difference between a dish that is molto bene and one that’s atroce. With optional participation, Merante said this class is perfect for beginner pastafarians or the seasoned Italian cook. “We’re not a stainless steel commercial kitchen, this is a casual environment,” Merante says. “We like to take the intimidation out and inspire creativity.”
Seven Fish Sunday - November 27, Dec. 4 & 11 at 11 a.m. $75
It’s Merante Gifts’ “famous” class! Instructors teach how to prepare various types of fish that are essential to southern Italian cooking. In these classes, explore ways to cook calamari, smelts, and baccala for a traditional Italian Christmas Eve banquet.
Register for classes by calling 412.682.3370
WOK THIS WAY
Unlike many cooking schools, Chop, WOK, & Talk has students eating from the minute they walk in the door. With recipes that span pan-Asian, Moroccan, and Mediterranean style cuisine, Chop, WOK, & Talk’s courses focus on making six-course meals in three hours, starting with soups and appetizers and sampling each creation along the way. This way, the student walks away with a diverse recipe book in just one session, according to Chop, WOK, & Talk owner Dorothy Tague. “It’s totally hands-on. The student does everything but wash the dishes,” she says. Chop, WOK & Talk, 5404 Penn Ave., Friendship. 412.362.0679. chopwoktalk.com.
Edible Education
Elegant Entertaining - Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. $70
This class is the ultimate in fine dining. Learn how to make that “liquid gold” butternut squash soup, as Tague affectionately calls it, brined pork roast fig and pistachio stuffing, and a chocolate almond souffle for dessert. But Tague says not to be intimidated by the menu – small class sizes mean personal training from experts as they walk the students through the recipes.
Holiday Baking & Candy Making - Saturday, Nov. 12 & 19 (2 sessions) at 11 a.m. $150
For someone with a mouth full of sweet teeth, this is heaven. The two-session class teaches how to make nut rolls, truffles, toffees, brittles, and more for a holiday party. And while the student is always provided with recipes after class, you might not ever need them! Teague encourages students to bring containers to take all the leftovers back for their own party.
Register for classes by calling 412.362.0679
CRATE AND CREATE
A cooking school and houseware store in South Hills, Crate offers classes that are full of flavor. From sweet chocolate to spicy Moroccan, each session is designed to appeal to a specific set of taste buds, with classes geared toward men in the family and the kids! “Our goal is to have all kinds of different people take our classes, ” says owner Linda Wernikoff. “It’s a chance to come in, meet new people, and be with people with the same tastes.” Crate, 1960 Greentree Road, Green Tree. 412.341.5700, cratecook.com.
Edible Education
It's a Family Affair - Hands-on, November 19 at 1 p.m., Adults $40, Children $30
New at Crate, the first family-style cooking class was a huge hit in September. This second class in November has a completely different menu. One adult and two children 6 years old and over can take part in this hands-on kitchen class. Learn how to make more complicated dishes, like frittatas, appeal to younger taste buds, as well as the basic of kitchen sanitation and knife skills. “We run through everything for the kids, like the equipment and the food,” Wernikoff says. “But we also teach the parents something, too.”
Dinner at Legume - November 15 at 7:30 p.m., $110
Taking the classroom outside of the kitchen, Crate’s students can visit one restaurant a month to learn the application of their teaching. After sampling a five-course mean, plus appetizers, students can meet with the chefs who personally had a hand in the preparation, detailing ingredients, technique, and answering questions. This “class” is he ultimate dinner party, visiting Legume Bistro in Oakland this month for a taste of bon cuisine.
Register for classes by calling 412.341.5700
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