Right By Nature

Okay, so I went to the new all natural and organic grocery in the Strip called Right By Nature and it is FABULOUS! It's the perfect size - not too big so you get lost, but not too small so they don't have what you want. The best part - you don't have to rifle through the things you don't want. It's ALL what you want! I had to make a big grocery run so I took the car, but it was so quick and convenient. The staff was friendly and helpful when asked, but kept to themselves otherwise which was perfect. It was really quiet on this Sunday evening. It was great for shopping but I hope it gets busier - I want them to stay!

Oh, and the prices? Wonderful for a store of this size and quality. Most items were by far less expensive than Whole Foods. If you have a kid that still eats baby food, you will totally appreciate the extensive organic baby food section. This is truly a "destination" grocery store. Lucky me that it's so close by, but I would drive here regardless... they have free parking across the street!

Yeah organics!

I'm so excited about the new grocery store that just opened in the Strip - Right By Nature! Yeah, I know it's not technically Downtown, but I can still walk to it for a couple of things. They have free parking right across the street so that will help for bigger trips (although I hate taking the car anywhere - kind of defeats the whole walk everywhere Downtown purpose). I plan on making my first trip there sometime next week. I'm sure I'll have lots to say about the trip!

There is a local Downtown grocery store - Rosebud. Unfortunately it is sometimes a bit of a disappointment. It's really cool that it's local, and they're great about ordering particular items you need... when they come in. I'm often making trips to Whole Foods or Giant Eagle to fill in the gaps, and since food at both locations are cheaper I'm more apt to stock up. I totally understand the prices at Rosebud being higher... smaller quantity=higher prices. I make it a point to shop Rosebud because I certainly don't want it to go away. I'd love to see them carry more of the items we need to eliminate shopping elsewhere. The big thing? No organic produce! What a niche market - people will travel for organics, or even make a trip there before leaving Downtown to go back to the burbs. I'm curious as to why Rosebud hasn't capitalized on this yet... hmm... Now you see why I'm so excited about Right By Nature!

I love this city!

I don't think there's anything cooler than walking out your front door, walking 3 blocks to an amazing restaurant, another block to a fabulous show, and another couple of blocks home! I kind of feel sad for all the people having to trek to their cars and wait in parking garage jams just to get stuck at the Fort Pitt tunnel. If you've never been to Palate Bistro you're missing out - it's SO yummy, and even more importantly they have fabulous service. Spamalot was great too, but you have to have seen (and liked) the movies to really get it. Even the technical difficulties were funny!

Light Up Night

There are so many cool things to do Downtown during the holidays! Although we were freezing cold, all three of us trekked out to see the unveiling of the Macy's holiday windows, the lighting of the Christmas tree at PPG Rink, the gingerbread house displays, and the carny food all around Market Square. The kiddo is a little young to enjoy it all, but we enjoyed it nonetheless. We were pretty much popsicles upon returning, making us all a little cranky, but so worth it. Hopefully next year it won't be too bitter cold, and my son will be old enough to try ice skating - so fun! The next day, a friend and I went around to get a better view of everything without fear of freezing our toddlers. The horse drawn carriages running between PPG and Oxford Centre are the icing on the cake! It was so festive. I'm not a huge holiday person, but you can't help but get into the spirit of these things when they're all around you!

My MixStirs boycott

I used to LOVE MixStirs! A few weeks ago, I had a hankering for a hummus and veggie pita - YUM! So, I strapped my son to my back and off we went. They close at 6 during the week, and we got there at 5:45. The door was open, but when I went in, the told me they were closed! I asked what time it was, they said 5:45. I asked if they closed at 6, and they said they did.... WTF? I explained I walked over 7 blocks, their doors are unlocked, and according to their signage they were still open - that wasn't right. They seemed unconcerned and downright rude, so I left without my pita.... BOOOO!!!

The silver lining? Brueggers was open until 6, and they were SO gracious! They couldn't believe what happened at MixStirs. I've always had such great experiences with them throughout the city. I prefer to support independently owned local eateries, but if they treat me like crap I'll be happy to give my business to the super kind chain across the street! Kudos to Brueggers!

What pissed me off today

ARGH! Our whole family has been going to Salon Christine for haircuts since moving here in April. My son needed a haircut DESPERATELY, so I made an appointment for this morning. He's had his hair cut many times, but he's going through a "fear" phase thanks to an x-ray at Children's Hospital last week (they have to pin toddlers down to do this - NOT fun). I knew once he had his hair cut again the fear would subside, but he was SOOOO upset! My plan was to calm him down and get his hair cut. The owner's plan was to not do it. She pretty much told me she was not going to cut his hair today. I can understand being afraid of a screaming toddler, or even feeling unqualified to cut a toddler's hair, but say so - don't be so rude. I was visibly upset, which didn't seem to phase her. The girl that actually cuts our hair was extremely polite and apologetic. Unfortunately, all my son learned today was 1. He'll get his way with a tantrum, and 2. I have reason to be afraid of haircuts. I brought him home and cut it myself, and it looks good enough. Needless to say our family will not be giving them our business.

This needs to be done

I have created this blog as an active, enthusiastic resident of Downtown Pittsburgh. Since moving to Pittsburgh in April, I've found no other neighborhood I'd rather live in. Yes, Downtown Pittsburgh IS a neighborhood... or I'm going to continue to try really hard to make it one. Over the past few months, I've wanted to shout from the rooftops how much I love this place. At other times, I've wanted to scream over something terribly irritating. This will give me the forum to do both, and for what it's worth, maybe it will help shape Downtown Pittsburgh into the neighborhood I want it to continue to become.