Summer in Pittsburgh is in full swing bringing gorgeous sunny days. Here at Franklin West, we pride ourselves on providing a superior living. The best thing about apartment living is its cost-efficiency! We want to help you spruce things up in apartment living and maybe help take care of a few pesky issues.

Get Help From Nature

The movement of wall gardens and leafy centerpieces isn’t just a decor statement. Plants are extremely useful for repelling pests, cleaning the air, and everyday uses you didn’t even realize could help. Here’s our list of must-have plants.

1. Lavender – repels moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitos
2. Peppermint – repels spiders, mosquitos, and ants
3. Peace Lily – can improve your home’s air quality.
4. Snake plants – extremely effective at removing toxins in the air.
5. Aloe – helps you out during sunny days at the pool

BONUS: Herbs – for cooking, of course.

As an added bonus, certain sun-seeking indoor plants help keep the air around them cool. Plants rely on photosynthesis in order to survive, a process in which they consume water and sunlight to create their own food. This process also causes plants to take in energy, in this case, heat.

Ease the Noisy Fanfare

From sounds of the streets to hearing your roommate’s sandals flopping on the hardwood floors in the other room, apartments are a little noisy. We rounded up a few ways to soundproof your apartment.

• Easy to install yourself, use a draft blocker (DIY or store-bought) to keep out dust, bugs, drafts, moisture and most importantly, noise.
• Stuck hearing outdoor racket when trying to sleep? Look into getting a white noise machine or shop around for different mobile apps.
• Canvas art (home created or store-bought) can actually help soundproof your home, just don’t forget to attach acoustic tile to the back.  
• Noise bounces off of glassware and ceramics, so tuck away these items.
• Rugs are your friend. Use multiple, crazy patterned rugs or just one large one to absorb echoes and other loud noises. A thick carpet pad works well if you love the pattern of a fairly thin rug.

These tips are alternatives to minimal issues. If you’re experiencing major problems concerning the mentioned topics, reach out to our main office for assistance. Enjoy apartment living during any season!   

After enduring second and third winter, plus the endless bounds of rain for the first couple months of the year, Pittsburghers welcome the sunny season with open arms. We have the details of Shadyside’s summer events. As the most friendly, and very walkable place in Pittsburgh, Shadyside erupts with exciting and affordable experiences! 

This isn’t the time to just work on a tan. The warmest season of the year means enjoying all of the unique activities the area has to offer. From weekly outdoor movies to the musical block parties that benefit our city’s pups.

There are so many places to see and things to do in Pittsburgh this season, many of them are even free! Here are the plans you need to mark in your calendar.

• Cinema in Schenley Park

Thanks to Dollar Bank, Pittsburghers are able to bask in the warm weather and enjoy the latest movies for free! Make it quality time with family, a friends night out, or even a date to remember. Any local will say movies in the park are one of the most enjoyable events that happen in the Burgh.

Playing every Sunday in Schenley Plaza and Wednesdays at Schenley Park on Flagstaff Hill. Movies begin at dusk so grab the popcorn and we’ll see you there!

• Summer Fridays at the Frick

Each Friday from June 15 to August 31, The Frick will be featuring a variety of outdoor performances, family-friendly activities, and dining options. The north lawn will have games fit for every member of the family.

Also, the first floor of the Clayton mansion will be open to tour at your own pace, free of charge. You won’t want to miss a chance to see the rooms of this historic home in the summer evening light.

Feel free to bring your own blanket and picnic basket, choose to stop in The Café, to grab a bite to eat, a glass of wine, or a beer, or explore a variety of local food trucks. Performances begin every Friday at 6:30 p.m.

To see a complete schedule click here.

• Jam on Walnut

The annual Jam on Walnut outdoor concerts is a Shadyside favorite. Explore the multitude of Shadyside’s local bars and restaurants or come early and do some shopping.

Not only are these performances full of fun and great music, they’re also the perfect way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. The five outdoor concerts all benefit Humane Animal Rescue and will be held on June 23, July 21, August 18, September 22, and October 20.

Want to know who’s performing? Go to Jam on Walnut 2018 Facebook page.

• Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium

It may be open 365 days a year, but summer is simply more special. From bringing dinosaurs back to the Festival of color, The Pittsburgh Zoo is an awesome place for families.

There are new adventures every weekend. For a half hour, the wild animal encounters gives you the opportunity to play zookeeper with animals like the rare and endangered red panda. Plus, have you heard about the new Zipline? At the highest point of the Zoo, coast through diverse ecosystems and a lush jungle just below your feet!

• Mellon Park

Situated right in Shadyside, Mellon Park is the ideal location to relax, read a book, catch up on some work or enjoy a picnic.

The hidden sanctuary is rich in history and known for its Walled Garden located right behind the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts building and the Phipps Garden Center.

Mellon Park is home to many wonderful, family friendly events like Bach, Beethoven and Brunch! Also, stop by the park to find the freshest local produce and baked goods at the weekly farmers market, held every Friday afternoon.

 

As you can see, summer activities don’t have to break the bank, many things are even free for the public. Before we know it Pittsburgh will be back to snow and ice so don’t pass up the chance to enjoy the sun and warm weather at all of the outdoor Pittsburgh events this summer.

We hope this list inspires you to get outside and try new things, venture to a new place and meet someone you otherwise wouldn’t have, or commit to taking yourself out of your everyday routine to mix things up. Make this summer one to remember.

Now, what are you still waiting for… go celebrate!

Fathers have always been there to pick us up when we’re down. They somehow always know the right thing to say. They’re the best at telling jokes… even though sometimes they’re really not that funny (sorry dad!). They’re always ready to come to the rescue. At the end of the day, they never ask for anything in return.

This Father’s day is the perfect day to show your father how much you truly appreciate all of the things he’s done for you, along with all of the laughs and advice he’s given you over the years.

Father’s Day Brunch

Girasole –  Filled with rustic Italian dishes and stonewalls, Girasole is the perfect place to celebrate Father’s Day. The traditional yet fun atmosphere pairs perfectly with the seasonal, modern-Italian, menu based on the freshest and highest quality products. Come hungry.  

Explore the menu

Stack’d – Burgers and beer, what more could a dad want? This restaurant allows you to perfectly customize your meal with anything you could possibly imagine from fritos all the way to a fried banana. They will also be featuring $2 Mimosas & Bloody Mary’s from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Father’s Day.

See how the food stacks up

Shady Grove – Looking for a restaurant that will satisfy everyone’s cravings? Shady Grove offers a wide variety of foods and daily specials, there’s sure to be something for everybody. You can also enjoy a signature Adult Capris Sun for only $5.

Check out what’s for brunch

Gifts worth giving

Evolve Wellness Spa – Give your father the gift of relaxation with a massage, facial, or beard facial at Evolve. Now offering special rates for Father’s Day.

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium – Looking for a day full of adventures for the whole family? Fathers of all generations will receive free admission to the Pittsburgh Zoo when accompanied by one or more of their children.

Frick Environmental Center – If you’re looking for a way to keep active and enjoy the outdoors with your father, this is just for you. Sign up for a free Father’s Day hike with a naturalist educator and experience bursts of color while you learn about the many plants and insects at work.

 

Make this a Father’s Day to remember for the ones you love most.

 

Happy Father’s Day!