One thing Shadyside does well is catering to its neighborhood with plenty of things to do during summer. From cozy outdoor concerts to big art festivals, Shadyside doesn’t disappoint. While those living in other parts of the City have to travel to experience Shadyside… for Franklin West residents, all of these exciting events are virtually at your doorstep!

Here are the biggest summer events happening in Shadyside!

Shadyside Farmers Market | June through September

It’s Farmers Market season! As one of Pittsburgh’s favorite walkable suburban areas, Shadyside hosts a summer market with an assortment of vendors at the Liberty School parking lot every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. The Liberty School, located at the corner of Ellsworth Avenue and Filbert Street in Shadyside, is only a short walk from many Franklin West properties. Nothing sounds better than a Sunday morning stroll to get fresh fruits, veggies, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and even bread vendors from local farmers.

Visit Think Shadyside for information on how to get involved this summer!

Photo from Think Shadyside Facebook page.

Summer Fridays at The Frick | Now – August 23

Summer Fridays at The Frick is a variety of free, outdoor performances. This 10-week event series is sponsored by UPMC Health Plan, and yes, it’s absolutely free! Spend the day at the Frick touring the beautiful Clayton home or the latest exhibit. You can also grab something to eat before the Summer Friday performance begins at The Frick Cafe.

This Friday, The Frick welcomes The Pittsburgh Concert Chorale. Some lucky audience members will even get to play “Name That Tune!” Don’t forget your blanket and picnic basket!

For the full schedule of Summer Fridays performances, visit The Frick website here.  

Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch | Now – August 11

This Sunday is a double whammy at Mellon Park! Join WQED-FM in hosting the world-renowned Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for a free event.

Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch will be held every Sunday morning from now until August at Mellon Park featuring a variety of wonderful musicians. Get your picnic basket, mix up some mimosas and, between music and the arts, experience all that makes Shadyside so special.

If you are so inclined, consider joining WQED, the home of Fred Rogers, as a member. We are so lucky to have these incredible opportunities!

Learn more about this event through WQED.

11th Annual yART Sale | June 30

Pittsburgh Center for the Arts presents the 11th annual yArt Sale on Sunday, June 30th. Open from 10 am to 4 pm, spend the day outdoors at PCA’s gorgeous tree-lined campus in Mellon Park, at the corner of Fifth and Shady Avenues exploring the work of local artists. Plus, it’s free!

What’s a yART sale? PCA describes it as “a creative spin on the traditional yard sale!” This yART Sale features about 70 local artists with a variety of specialties like ceramic, photographs, jewelry, art books, fabric, prints, glass, and even art supplies. 

See the full vendor list through Pittsburgh Center for the Arts’ website. 

Weather Permitting | July 14

Outdoor concerts, food trucks, and fantastic brews…now that’s a pretty good Sunday night. Weather Permitting is hosting a concert for everyone on Sunday, July, 14th at the Shadyside Nursery on 510 Maryland Ave. The night starts at 5 pm and you don’t have to go home at 9 pm but you do have to leave the Weather Permitting concert.

Your ears will be delighted with the featured bands: Joe Keyes & The Late Bloomer Band, and Zach Schmidt. To read more about the musical artists, visit the Weather Permitting Facebook event page here. 

Photo from Weather Permitting Facebook event page.

Potterfest After Dark | July 19

Any Potterheads roaming the streets of Pittsburgh? If so, PotterFest After Dark at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is absolutely for you!

On Friday, July 19th from 6 pm to 10 pm dress up in your favorite house robes for a night of Harry Potter worthy adventure. Learn about the science that inspires the potions, show off at Potter trivia, and meet awesome animals in the Care of Magical Creatures.

Visit the PotterFest After Dark Facebook event page for admission tickets and other details.

Save the Date!

This year the Annual Shadyside Sidewalk Sale will be held from Wednesday, July 24th through Sunday, July 28th. More details to come! 

Courtyard Cinema | August 1

Courtyard Cinema is putting a little spin on movie night. The Carnegie Museum of Art is hosting an outdoor movie event in their courtyard on Thursday, August, 1st from 7 pm to 10 pm.

Here’s the twist, CMOA wants you to choose the movie. Vote for one of these three movies for the Thursday night showing: Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window,” John Waters’ “Hairspray,” and Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing.”

Put your vote in for your favorite movie pick here.  

Back to School Block Party | August 11

It’s a block party! Pittsburgh Trap Yoga will host a Back to School Block Party on Sunday, August 11th from 1 pm to 5 pm. Join your neighbors near the shopping and business district of Ellsworth Ave for a final summer celebration before the kiddos get ready to get back to school. 

Visit Pittsburgh Trap Yoga Facebook event page for details.

Shadyside Art Festival on Walnut Street | August 24 – 25

To close out the summer, Shadyside will put on one of the best fine art festivals and neighborhood street fairs in Pittsburgh. During one weekend in August, come out to Bellefonte Street between 10 am to 5 pm for the 23rd Annual Shadyside Art Festival. Yes, it’s a free admission event.

With over 140 artists, you’ll experience a variety of original, handmade work from vendors like painters, potters, jewelers, photographers, and so much more. 

Get all the information you need from city details to hotel rates and how to become a contributor on the official event website.

 

Get these dates marked on your calendar! Whether you’re having a movie night out with the whole family, planning a date to explore Pittsburgh’s latest art scene, or enjoying an outdoor concert with a group of friends, summer in Shadyside has an event with your name on it.  

Who’s up for spending an afternoon walking through the historical and absolutely gorgeous town of Shadyside?

This neighborhood is known for more than it’s tree-lined sidewalks and many unique, local shops. There’s plenty of history here too. As a matter of fact, Franklin West is a proud steward of the historic landmark, Highland Towers! More than one hundred years old, Highland Towers was built in 1913 by Frederick G. Scheibler, Jr and is still considered one of Pittsburgh’s most wonderful examples of American Modern Architecture.

Today, Highland Towers maintains its 36 one-bedroom and two bedroom apartments that feature original stained glass windows, colorfully painted murals, and built-in mahogany cabinetry. Individual apartments have been renovated over the years, however, it’s historical charm will never be lost. It’s Franklin West’s mission to respect the rich architectural history of this amazing building.

If you’re interested in exploring Highland Towers, now you can! We are teaming up with Pittsburgh History and Landmark Foundation (PHLF) which will lead two separate tours through the eastern edge of the Shadyside neighborhood.

The Pittsburgh History and Landmark Foundation was originally founded on the belief that historic preservation is a true key toward renewing communities, lifting pride among residents, and reaching sustainable economic development. The tours and events held by the PHLF reflect this and Franklin West is more than thrilled to share in that belief as well.

Learn about the neighborhood’s unique apartment architecture on Sunday, June 16th and August 4th, 2019. Both tour dates will include historical sites like the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sellers-Carnahan house, the former Hunt Armory, the Highland Towers and more! Hurry up and register; space is limited!

See all the available details for the PHLF tour here!

• Eastern Shadyside Walking Tour – June 16th, 2019
• Eastern Shadyside Walking Tour – August 4th, 2019

While you’re on the tour make sure you check out the treasured stained glass windows. Apartment 16A, that is currently available, features one of our favorite stained glass window pieces. You’ll find a mixture of art that brings dragons, butterflies, birds in flight, and a variety of flowers and foliage to life.

What honestly sounds better than exploring our charming Shadyside neighborhood for a few hours of architectural genius? We couldn’t think of anything better either. See you on the tour!

A fan-favorite event at The Ace Hotel is getting one awesome upgrade. The popular culinary event, Sharing Knives, is now becoming Sharing Farms!

For one day during June, July, August, and September, this dinner series will have a  farm-grown focus featuring, “…expanded chef collaborations and independent farmers and foragers that are the lifeblood of kitchens across the city of Pittsburgh.”

The best part, The Ace Hotel is a short walk away from many Franklin West properties and we’re excited to see local chefs from some of Shadyside’s best eateries involved! Let’s dive into the details.

Sharing Farms June

Starting at 6 pm at the Ace Hotel on Wednesday, June 26th, the first Sharing Farms event will welcome chefs Csilla Thackery from Legume, Neil Blazin from Driftwood Oven, Kevin Sousa from Superior Motors, and Nate Hobart from Morcilla.

This crew of amazing chefs will showcase ingredients from Tiny Seed, Braddock Farms, and Goodness Grows.

Get tickets to this event. Be quick there are only 50 spots available!

Sharing Farms July

For July’s event, The Ace Hotel is putting on a celebration for 20 years of the Penn’s Corner Farm Alliance. The chefs leading the show will be Lily Tran of Soba, Ben Sloan of Alta Via, Ryan Spak of Spak Brothers Pizza, and Kate Carney from Or, The Whale.

This fantastic four is bringing ingredients to life from Penn’s Corner Farm Alliance. Get your tickets for the Sharing Farms event, which starts at 6 pm on Wednesday, July 31st.

Bonus!

Are you a member of the Penn’s Corner Farm Alliance? If so, you get a 10% discount for this event at checkout! To get your discount, email aaron.clark@acehotel.com with proof of membership.

Sharing Farms August

The Ace Hotel will host the third Sharing Farm on Wednesday, August 28th from 6 pm to 9 pm. This dinner experience is jam-packed with awesome chefs like Derek Stevens from Union Standard, Curtis Gamble of Station, Chad Townsend from Millies Ice Cream, Tony Giamarita of Pizza Taglio, Justin Steel from Bar Marco, and Dianne DeStefano of Independent, Hidden Harbor, Lorelei.

Featured produce farms for this dinner have yet to be announced. But, we do know lamb from Jamison Farms is on the menu! Get your ticket for the August event here.

Sharing Farms September

To wrap up Sharing Farms for the year, the last event will be held on Wednesday, September 25th. Full details of this event are still in the works.

So far, the September event will involve chefs Kate Romane of Black Radish, Jamilka Borges from Lorelei (Hidden Harbor and Independent Brewing), and Casey Renee from Confections. A few more chefs are expected to join this wonderful crew to showcase beef from Jubilee Hilltop Ranch and other regional farms.

Buy tickets for this event here.

 

Get full details on this awesome, summertime event by visiting The Ace Hotel’s website.

Heads up, there are a ton of awesome events happening this month in Shadyside. Spring is here and has started to warm us up around the Burgh.

You’ll absolutely want to celebrate by seeing some gorgeous and unique flowers at Phipps Conservatory’s spring show or grab your bike for the Pale Ale Keg Ride.

Plus, the Great Shadyside Yard Sale is at the end of this month too!

Like we said, there are plenty of events to mark down on your calendar this month so let’s get started!

Gardens of the Rainbow | Phipps Conservatory | Happening Now!

First on our list is Phipps of course! The Garden Spring show is happening now but will end on April 21. There really isn’t a better way to greet Spring.

Here are some of the items in the show that will definitely have you buying a ticket asap…

• There’s a giant 9-foot-tall topiary peacock (need we say more?)
• Become dazzled by the winding rainbow road of spring floral favorites
• Make water jump and dance among captivating prism sculptures through a giant interactive fountain in the Victoria Room
• Have fun with the interactive kaleidoscope of blooms
• You’ll be mesmerized at the Himalayan blue poppies when they bloom

Get tickets to the Gardens of the Rainbow show here.

Photo credit to Phipps Conservatory

Latin America & Caribbean Festival | Pitt University | 4/13/2019

Pittsburgh’s University Center for International Studies are the hosts of this year’s Latin American and Caribbean Fest.

Immerse yourself with Latin American and Caribbean foods, arts, crafts, music and dance, plus information on local and regional organizations. Many vendors will also be there with amazing, handmade goodies!

Head out to the Galleria and Patio of the Wesley W. Posvar Hall from noon to 8 pm for one amazing experience!

Get the event details from it’s Facebook event page here.

Plant 101 | Shadyside Nursery | 4/16/2019

Whether you own a home with a back yard or rent an apartment, the biggest trend this year is fully embracing nature. If you’re someone who wants to add more plants in your home this event is a must attend!

The Shadyside Nursery wants to make it easy for you to grow your green thumb by teaching Planting 101: How Not to Kill Your Plants. You’ll walk away from this class with tons of knowledge with planting and become a better plant parent.

You won’t go home empty handed either. The projects you learn in class, you’ll take home with you.

Class starts at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, April 16th so don’t be late!

Read about the instructor here.

Photo credit to Shadyside Nursery Facebook page

Fiesta Flamenca | Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 4/16/2019

You can bring the whole family out to this event! Kelly Strayhorn Theater is hosting the annual Fiesta Flamenca on Tuesday, April 16th. The doors open at 7 pm and the show will begin an hour later.

Fiesta Flamenca is a community celebration of music, dance, and friendship. The show will feature a flamenco performance from Alba Flamenca and the students at Flamenco Pittsburgh.

Get tickets and more event details here.

Made & Found Spring Market | Ace Hotel | 4/21/2019

The Ace Hotel on Whitfield Street is hosting this month’s Made and Found Spring Market. You’ll discover over 25 of the region’s best vintage shops, makers, and artists!

Did we mention admission is free? Yep, this kid and dog-friendly market is completely free to enjoy, which means you don’t have to feel shy about buying more beautiful items from vendors. While you’re enjoying the vendors, coffee, brunch, and cocktails will also be available for purchase.

See the full list of vendors here.

Photo credit to Made & Found Spring Market Facebook page

Pedal Pale Ale Keg Ride | East End Brewing | 4/27/2019

How does a bike ride through Pittsburgh with a ton of fresh, local beer in tow sound? It sounds pretty awesome to us!

On its fifteenth year, the Pedal Pale Ale Keg Ride is happening on Saturday, April 27. You will pedal along with an awesome group of people and stay refreshed with some delicious beer. Once the crew reaches the mystery destination, East End Brewing will reveal this year’s Pedal Pale Ale!

It’s not all riding and drinking though. This keg ride is also one of the biggest charity events of the year and raises money for the Auberle Foster Care Foundation!

Get the details and your tickets here!

For more community events, follow Franklin West Apartments on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we wanted to feature some of the female business owners in our backyard!

Leathers

Roberta Weissburg opened the doors to Leathers back in 1991 and has been selling gorgeous outerwear and accessories for men and women ever since. This shop is definitely one of a kind.

In the beginning, Roberta was working toward her dream by running Leathers from her apartment! Fast forward to 2008 and one major storefront renovation, Leathers now happily sits at 5415 Walnut Street.

Read about her story and the opening of Leathers here.

*Photo credit to Roberta Weissburg Leathers via the website

Footloose

“Now I gotta cut loose. Footloose, kick off my Sunday shoes.” ?

Jill Rubinstein is the owner running the Footloose Shadyside Boutique on Walnut Street since its opening in 1987. When you visit this shop you’ll be immersed in designer footwear, chic bags, and stylish accessories for women.

Read more about this story behind Footloose Shadyside boutique here.

*Photo credit to Footloose Shadyside via the website

Gardell by Graciana

This local jewelry shop has been described as “Organic Elegance.” The owner and designer behind this beautiful shop is Graciana Rodriguez Fennell.

Her love and instinct for art swayed her from practicing medicine, and with a focus in jewelry design, she opened the doors to Gardell in 2006. Graciana’s influence from traveling the world makes her craft so much more special.

Visiting this local shop on Walnut Street should definitely be on your to-do list. Read more about Graciana here.

*Photo credit to Gardell by Graciana via the website

Pursuits

When looking for contemporary fashion, Pursuits is the Shadyside boutique with high quality, name brand items. Roberta Brody actually founded Pursuits back in 2002, but it has since changed hands.

After being an employee for years, Maria McManus became the owner in 2008 fulfilling a life long dream of owning a business. She’s made one successful career from the retail clothing industry. She’s been featured in Pittsburgh’s WHIRL Magazine, as part of the “Class Of 2010 Women In Business.”

Ask Maria about Pursuits and she’ll say, “We help women feel great one outfit/accessory/handbag at a time… without breaking the bank.”

Discover more about Maria here!

*Photo credit to Pursuits Pittsburgh via Facebook

Studio Chiz

Ellen Chisdes Neuberg has been making and selling her art since the 70s. She recently opened her very own studio in Shadyside where you can watch Ellen at work and even buy her pieces.

Her artwork has been featured all over Pittsburgh as well as galleries in New York, Florida, and Texas. Listen to Captured Pittsburgh’s Darkroom where Ellen is the guest star of the podcast episode.

*Photo credit to Studio Chiz via the website

Pam Eisner Design

Pam Eisner is the businesswoman behind this local jewelry shop! Pam designs and hand makes all of the gorgeous pieces in her shop. Just last Fall, Pam Eisner Design was featured in several high-end publications like the August edition of Vogue magazine – Jewelry Designer Profile

You’ll find this local jewelry store on Walnut street. Read more about Pam’s story here.

*Photo credit to Pam Eisner Designs via Instagram

Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma is a pretty well-known retail store around the US, but did you know the CEO and President is Laura J. Alber? She is a University of Pennsylvania alum and became an American businesswoman who has led this retail giant since 2010!

The retailer is known for high-quality products for your home. You’ll be able to visit this store on Walnut Street!

“Our customers love their homes, and we have a singular focus on helping make them a reflection of who they are” – Laura Alber

*Photo credit to Williams Sonoma via the website

Eureka Chocolates and Gifts

When you have a craving for chocolate, you have to visit Susan McGinty at Eureka! Susan has transformed her passion into a business by offering the finest products and personalized shopping experience.

Check out Eureka on Facebook

*Photo credit to Eureka Chocolates and Gifts via the website.

Lily & Val

Valerie McKeehan is the creative soul and businesswoman bringing hand-lettered chalkboard art to life through Lily and Val. First hustling as a small, virtual shop on Etsy, Lily and Val is now a boutique on Liberty Ave.

Learn more about the Lily and Val story here!

*Photo credit to Lily and Val via Instagram

Alex & Ani

Carolyn Rafaelian is the CEO and Founder of Alex & Ani. As an American-Armenian entrepreneur and businesswoman, she runs her business with a force of positivity! You’ll find this beautiful retail/jewelry store on Walnut Street.

“We are connected with each other through signs, symbols, and things that resonate to our core.” – Carolyn Rafaelian

See more about the Alex & Ani story here.

*Photo credit to Alex and Ani via Instagram

Weisshouse

President and owner, Stacy Weiss, has spent over two decades leading her family business toward success. This local home furnishings shop specializes in high-end flooring, furniture, and kitchens. Elle Decor has even pegged Weisshouse as, “The best home furnishings store in Pittsburgh.”

Check out more of the Weisshouse story here and visit them on Highland Ave.

*Photo credit to Weisshouse via Instagram

…

Happy Women’s History Month!

Are you on the lookout for something fun to do this weekend? Are you ready for second winter to wrap up? Us too. But we also have more good news. One of the biggest happenings within Shadyside is the celebration of Mardi Gras!

What better way to spend a truly amazing night out with friends than at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens? On Friday, March 1, the Party in the Tropics event will have a Mardi Gras theme and we’re very excited.

This event will surround you with the beautiful greenery and rushing waterfalls inside of Phipps. You’ll also have the chance to try sweet and savory morsels, indulge in unique cocktails and enjoy seasonal beer selections. Plus, you’ll be able to dance the night away with the live DJ.

Sounds like an awesome way to de-stress after a long week of work.

Curious about how Mardi Gras became the great celebration it’s known for today? Looks like great minds think alike. We were curious, too.

Many communities and cities are known to host great, fabulous parades in celebration of Mardi Gras. But, did you know the first American Mardi Gras took place in New Orleans in 1699?

The annual festival occurs the day before the Christian celebration of Lent. Mardi Gras is also known as Fat Tuesday or the last opportunity to eat rich foods before the fast of Lent begins.

Another fun fact that’s tied to Mardi Gras is this famous saying, “laissez les bon temps rouler” (pronounced lay-say le bon tom roo-lay). It means, “let the good times roll.”

It’s a very traditional thing to say during Mardi Gras so there’s a good chance you’ll hear it many times during your night out at Phipps

Now that you’re armed with some Mardi Gras trivia, we’ll give you the finer details of the Phipps event.  

The 4-hour party starts at 7 pm and is for anyone 21 years or older. Keep in mind the Party in the Tropics event is free with Phipps admission, but space is limited.  

Don’t forget to come with a mask and beads!

Choosing a place to live can become overwhelming and stressful pretty quick. Especially if you’re trying to find a place before your lease runs out. But it doesn’t have to be and that’s where we come in.

The ownership behind Franklin West Apartments understand the struggles of apartment hunting. Here’s what makes us unique and your hunt for an apartment less painful.

Family Owned

Franklin West Apartments has been in the real estate industry and Pittsburgh housing market since 1965. That’s 54 years of experience to be exact. In other words, we know what we’re doing.

Between over beloved Shadyside and surrounding Pittsburgh neighborhoods of Butler, Oakmont, and Gibsonia, the Franklin West Family manages approximately 1000 apartments and townhouses.

With our experience, you can rest assured on the strength and stability of Franklin West.

Charming Victorian Homes

One of the most attractive aspects of living in Shadyside is the gorgeous Victorian homes that line the neighborhood. We recognized the beauty early on and decided it was our obligation to maintain the character and charm of these homes.

Over the years, we selected and carefully restored buildings of historical value. We paired contemporary interiors like high ceilings, fireplaces, and hardwood floors all while preserving the original characteristics of the home.

One of our most treasured Victorian homes is located at 260 Shady Ave. This brilliantly structured home was built-in 1864 by the Hasting Family! Read more on all of our Victorian homes on Shady Ave!

Check out Arcadia Publishing’s list of historic Pittsburgh mansions. It mentions many of our favorites like the Clayton at the Frick Pittsburgh.

The Best Pittsburgh Neighborhood

Yes, the houses in Shadyside are breathtaking, but there is so much more to this Pittsburgh town. Location is everything! Our Shadyside apartments are minutes from downtown and major universities like the University of Pittsburgh, Chatham, and Carnegie Mellon.

What more can we say? Shadyside’s tree-lined sidewalks are a runner’s haven. It’s a shopper’s paradise with the many, many locally owned businesses. Plus, finding something to do is never too hard with the community’s many events!

See which businesses were selected as the best in the Shadyside neighborhood!

We’ve built a reliable reputation over the years and we take pride in our business of providing the people of Pittsburgh luxury apartment services. Interested in looking at our latest listings? Click here!

Don’t forget, keep an eye on our social and blogs for apartment listings, local events, and so much more!

It’s Restaurant Week in Pittsburgh. Food lovers, rejoice! Yes, it’s officially the most delicious time of the year. If you’ve never heard of this celebration then get ready to get your socks knocked off.

Restaurant Week is 7 days of the best meal deals in the Burgh. We rounded up the Shadyside eateries participating in Pittsburgh’s Restaurant Week.

The Twisted Frenchman

The Deal: $35.19 Dinner

Let your taste buds go wild at the Twisted Frenchman. Chef Andrew Garbarino calls the shots here. This modern French eatery on 5925 Baum Boulevard will take you on one delicious experience.

Fujiya Ramen

The Deal: $15.19 Lunch & $25.19 Dinner

In the mood to give authentic Japanese cuisine a try? Pittsburghers know this is where you go to get your ramen fixing. Fujiya Ramen encompasses tradition, flavor, and with a 4.9 rating on Facebook, how can you want to go anywhere else during Pittsburgh’s Restaurant Week?

Pino’s Contemporary Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar

The Deal: $28.19 to $34.19 Dinner

Using local ingredients, Pino’s Contemporary Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar is led by Chef Joseph Mico. On 6738 Reynolds Street, this fantastic eatery is serving up the best Italian cuisine. When visiting, you can expect a knowledgeable wait staff and one deliciously fresh meal.

Click here for the Restaurant Week menu!

Muddy Water Oyster Bar

The Deal: $35.19 Dinner

We can’t say enough good things about Muddy Water Oyster Bar! Getting a 4.5 rating on both Facebook and Yelp, this eatery on 130 South Highland Ave is a must visit during Restaurant Week. At a glimpse, Muddy Waters pairs the finest shellfish America has to offer with the best Cajun food this side of the Mississippi!

Spoon

The Deal: $35.19 Dinner

Cooking up the best of American cuisine, Spoon is celebrating Restaurant week with a three-course meal for $35 bucks. Now that’s our kind of deal! With a title of “Pittsburgh’s Premier Dining Destination,” Spoon keeps things exciting by reinventing their food and drink selections with the highest quality in mind.

Keep tabs on their Instagram page all week for snapshots of the delicious food they will be serving up.

BRGR

The Deal: $20.19 Dinner for Two

You can’t go wrong with BRGR. Traditional American is the game at this eatery with plenty of gourmet burgers and handmade milkshakes to go around. Their 4-star rating on Facebook says it all.

Paris 66

The Deal: $20.19 Lunch & $35.19 Dinner

On 6018 Centre Ave, Frederic and Lori Rongier transform a slice of Pittsburgh into an authentic Paris experience. Relax and enjoy the charm of Paris 66, which offers more than the everyday French cuisine. Receiving a 4.5 on both Facebook and Yelp, you can discover this eatery knowing it’s already amazing.

 

Happy Eating!

Though it’s on everyone’s to-do list, cleaning isn’t exactly the most exciting task. Unless you’re Monica Geller from Friends. Regardless if you like it or not, cleaning is a necessary evil and there’s no better time than at the start of a new year.

We know what you’re thinking. You’re looking around and wondering how you can possibly find the time to declutter your space. We hear you, but we have a challenge for you and it’s inspired by Marie Kondo, the Netflix star of Tidying Up. Marie says, “The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.”

Here’s your challenge. For one week, designate two new hours to divide and conquer each room in your apartment. Based on an average 2 bed, 2 bath apartment layout, you’ll be ready to start fresh in less than 10 days. Two hours of cleaning for 10 days.. now that’s manageable, right?

Here are a few tips to get you started so you don’t get overwhelmed with the process.   

Start Small

One thing you don’t want to do is overwhelm yourself. Compared to two-story houses, decluttering an apartment may seem like a pretty manageable task. But it’s important to take it one step at a time.

Here’s a quick tip. If you normally clean midday, try cleaning during the early morning or during the evening. Simply switching up your routine could make the chore easier on your mindset.

Like we said before, dedicate two hours to cleaning one room and come prepared. Nothing is more annoying than being elbow deep in cleaning a bathtub then realizing you forgot the lavender scented soap that washes away the chemical smell of the cleaner.

If the bathroom is your first target, grab a bucket and fill it with everything from the multi-surface cleaning spray to your favorite sponge. Same deal with all the other rooms too.

Once one room is 100% complete, then move on to the next. Apartment Guide created an amazing list of essential cleaning tools to keep your apartment in tip-top shape!

Divide and conquer

After you decide what room to start with, dedicate five separate areas to keep, donate, sell, recycle, or throw away.

Keep

More than likely your keep pile will be your biggest unless you are really on a mission to declutter your room. To make sure your keep pile doesn’t become your only pile here are some questions to ask yourself.

• Has this item been of use to me within the last year?
• Has it expired?
• Am I making up far-fetched excuses just to keep it?

Just remember what Marie said about what you own is actually a reflection of how you live your life.

Donate/Sell

What to do with the items that are still in good shape but could be cut out of your life? Donate them! Things like clothes are super easy to donate. Plus, the start of a new year is the best time to purge a few items you haven’t worn since last January. If you’re on the fence about which clothes to donate make sure to use the 3-question Keep Test above.

Other items like kitchenware, decorative knick-knacks, books, furniture, tools, or electronics can also be donated! Deliver your items to the Goodwill on 5993 Centre Ave. You can also go to the Salvation Army or the Vietnam Veterans of America, where you can even schedule a free pick up.

Now let’s say you have lightly used items, but they’re taking up too much space in your apartment. Sell them! Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist make it super easy to get extra cash off of items you don’t use anymore.

Recycle

You know all those random papers that pile up in your cabinet? Or the mountains of plastic that hide in every nook and cranny of your living space? Well, it’s time to do something about them. We challenge you to reduce your recycling footprint this year.

At Franklin West, our partners at Republic Services make recycling too easy with the mandatory All-in-One Recycling program.

Click here for guidelines to recycling in the Shadyside area.

Throw it away

If you don’t want to keep, donate, sell, or recycle items, then you need to pitch it! It’s as simple as that. Purging items can be difficult, but just think of the extra room you will have once it’s gone.

Get Crafty

After you mine through your apartment on what stays and what goes, the next step is finding a place for the things that are staying.

One key tip is to clean first, then go out and buy the extra storage after. You don’t want to jump and buy any old, clucky storage bins. Look for different ways to store items whether that’s vertically, or in hanging cubes. Unless you have a knack for labels, using clear bins will help you easily identify internal items.

There are a ton of tricks to declutter your apartment. From stylish woven baskets to multi-purpose furniture. Woman’s Day has awesome organization tips that you can easily use in your apartment.

 

Alright, now you know what steps to take for a clean and decluttered apartment. Do you accept our challenge?

Tomorrow is a new day and a new year! For many that means sticking to a new years resolution while others are just trying to remember to write 2019 instead of 2018 when it comes to the date.

Regardless of what you’re trying to accomplish this year, it’s important you know about all the amenities available to you in Shadyside. We’ve drummed up a list of resolutions that will be easy for you to stick to while living in Shadyside, Pittsburgh.

Losing Weight or Getting Fit

If becoming your healthiest self is on your to-do list in 2019, there are many different fitness locations within Shadyside to help you achieve that goal. You’ll have endless choices like pilates and yoga to CrossFit and weight training!

Become Your Healthiest Self: Fitness Options in Shadyside

Plus, Shadyside is known for its tree-lined sidewalks, which makes running much more enjoyable!

Choosing a Healthier Diet

After a long day of work, cooking something for dinner just seems like a daunting task. Next thing you know pizza and fast food seem like an excellent alternative. We’ve all been there. But starting January 1, you made a promise to eat healthily.

We recommend setting a budget aside each month that you’re willing to spend on eating out. Just make sure you choose healthy eateries and lucky for you, Shadyside has a handful of awesome, healthy restaurants like Choolaah, Salud Juicery, or Honey Grow.

For fresh, local and organic produce, you have to check out the East End Food Co-op!

Meet New People

Maybe you aren’t the world’s biggest social butterfly after moving into a new neighborhood. That’s completely understandable. Though it is something you’re looking to change as the new year rings in. Here are a few tips for you:

• First things first, explore the neighborhood. You’ll be delighted by the friendly people and the bountiful amount of things to do. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter to discover what’s new in Shadyside and the East End.
• Go to the local events. Shadyside proudly hosts many events month in and month out. Go to Think Shadyside for a calendar of events!
• Take a class at any of the three nearby universities. If you have the time, learn about a topic you were always curious about and make new friends in the process!

Contribute to Charity

Is doing more to help others is on your agenda for the new year? Community service isn’t only a good deed but can make you feel more self-fulfilled, which can better your mental health. Take a look at how you can support these local charities 412 Food Rescue, Achieva, and Best Buddies.

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After all, Brad Paisley says it best “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.”