UGH! The vacant storefront "ART?"

With the G20 summit fast approaching, Pittsburgh, and downtown in particular are in "redd up" mode. Part of this process is adding images to vacant storefronts.

Let me start by saying I LOVE the concept. I think it's amazing to use this vacant space in such a positive manner. Instead of displaying unique art, innovative scenes, and beautiful pictures of what makes this city so unique, there are blaring neon wordy advertisements calling unnecessary attention to these vacant storefronts. They convey as overbearing advertisements - a very non-urban adaptation of what people "think" urban living is about. Complaining without solution is tiresome, so... blown up versions of the PDP's Downtown Living Exposed campaign would be awesome for this venue. Pics of shows at the Benedum, pics of people enjoying their street vendor hot dog at Mellon Green, or their Primanti's sandwiches on the Square (pre-construction of course) would all be amazing visuals as well

I freelance write from time to time, and one of the many things I've learned is "show, don't tell." These vacant storefront ads are the epitome of "telling" about Pittsburgh instead of showing. Is something better than nothing in this case?

Mark your calendars, D'town residents!

October 3rd, Downtown will play host to it's first ever Downtown Neighborhood Block Party! Scheduled from 6-10, the event will feature food, music, drinks and a whole lot of camaraderie. I'm fortunate enough to be included in the major planning of this event, and it's such a great way for Downtown to solidify itself as the great residential community it is. Soon, residents will be able to get their invitation from their building managers? Not a resident and still wanna go? TOUGH! Just kidding! You can come as an honored guest of a d'town neighbor. See, that's why it's always good to know someone that lives Downtown.

Urban Baby Tours

Check this out! www.urbanbabytours.com

A downtown mom is providing guided stroller tours of Downtown Pittsburgh - so cool! It was just featured on WTAE, Pittsburgh's local ABC station as well as possibly one of the coolest things to do in Downtown Pittsburgh. Tours are only $20 for an hour and a half which doesn't sound bad to me.

I know my way around Downtown like the back of my hand, but when we first moved here it was really confusing thanks to the Cultural District being off-grid from the rest of the city. I attempted to "learn" my way around with my kiddo in tow... let's just say it didn't work very well. Fast forward - once I learned my way around, I found there were so many amazing things to do, see and experience. Now there's a way to have the fun without the learning curve. Parents and kiddos - ENJOY!

Farmers Market at Market Square = My latest obsession

I'm a sucker for routine, and right now I'm obsessed with the Farmers Market at Market Square on Thursdays. I meet a great friend and her two kids, we let them run around at home or at a park, and then we trek with strollers to Market Square to find some of Pittsburgh's tastiest eats.

First stop, Cinco De Mayo for the most amazing salsas. I'm a corn and black bean salad junkie, but I just added a mildly spicy black bean dip to my repertoire. It's literally lunch for two days, and then it's gone. I usually end up buying pie and/or fresh blueberries from Sand Hill, head to Gosia's Pierogies to pick up our weekly Thursday dinner, and the piece de resistance - the Greek couple that sells tastiest Moussaka, Greek lasagna (no idea how to pronounce it), spinach pies and baklava I have ever had! Thank goodness I walk everywhere or I'd be 500 pounds! I know renovations on the Square are starting now, so I'm curious to see how the Farmers Market continues to operate. It runs through December!

We also make sure to stop at Mancini's, where they always give kids a free breadstick. What a fabulous gesture, and good for business too! Thanks to that breadstick I'm now hooked on cinnamon swirl loaves! Thanks kiddo... ugh.

Wow - Where has the time gone?

Time flies when you're having fun, right? I've been busy with all things downtown, so I'll start from the beginning.

I'm currently involved with the planning and execution of Downtown's first Neighborhood Block Party, scheduled for October 3rd from 6 to 10 pm. There will be plenty of food and drink, games, music and fun for the whole family. If you live d'town be sure to get your invite from your building manager... once they're printed and given for distribution. Patience all, they will come! This should be a fabulous event, so mark your calendars!

Between resident council meetings, volunteer meetings, freelance writing, two other business ventures, and let's not forget my KIDDO... the summer has been hectic, productive, and lots of fun. We're enjoying life right now, and the blog took back seat. I'll try to do better, I promise!