I love that Prettyburgh aims at keeping us healthy, happy, and beautiful but knows that any lady in Pittsburgh must balance that with beer, football, and hockey. Over at A Librarian’s Lists and Letters, I blog about life, dating, not-dating, and what it means to be 30-something in this city. But I write it a long series of lists and letters. So as a guest post here today? I thought it would be fitting to take care of the “happy” in Prettyburgh. The people we surround ourselves are a huge part of just how happy we can be. And if you’re anything like me, it can be hard to walk away from people we’ve held close for so long, even if they’re doing damage. It can be a challenge to be fiercely loyal. Mainly when loyalty gets in the way of our own sanity and happiness.

So, today I bring you a list of people all women should have in their life. Because these people are worth your time.

• Parents who love and support you. Even if you don’t get along with them all of the time, even if they are no long with you, even if too much time with them can lead to fights and disagreements. The love and support may come in different ways, but as long as you know it’s really there.

• Friends who understand you. And still love you because they understand you. These are the friends who let you cry it out, but give you tough love too. These friends are not to be confused with the ones who only want you at their life events and invite you to dinner so they can just gab about their significant others or Facebook drama. These are the ones who can be found in yoga pants, sharing wine and/or ordering Chinese food with you on Friday nights. They’re the friends who can help solve life crises through emails and car trips. And love you with all their heart. Just as much as you love them.

• A Boss who gives you respect and freedom. In my early 20s I had an experience with a pretty nasty boss. It gave me stomach ulcers, anxiety, sleepless nights and a whole lot more. I was too young to recognize that a good supervisor respects your decisions and gives you room to grow. Eventually I moved on and met a whole new professional world and my own world has been growing since. Try to learn this lesson earlier.

• A significant other you can trust, makes you laugh, and loves you enough to look past your faults. This is the tricky one. In fact, I’m still searching for it. But all of the men I’ve dated in the past have shown me a little bit more of want I don’t want, and a whole lot more of what I do want. One thing is clear, settling for someone who gives less than that you give isn’t going to work out in the end. So don’t do it.

• Friends in foreign lands. Traveling is expensive, but to not travel would be boring. But keeping up with friends you’ve met along the way is easy. Write letters, send postcards, message on Facebook. Even if it’s years until you see them again, you’ll feel more connected. And hey, when you do get some extra money for a travel budget they might have a bed for you to sleep on.

• A co-worker as a buddy. You can be friends with your boss, but in order to really be happy at work, you’re going to need to find someone who is in a similar position as you. And that you can trust. They’re the person you’ll go to happy hour with. The one who will listen to you complain. And eventually they may turn into the person you meet on the weekends too.

• Someone who is going to rock…the bedroom. Chances are the first person to really do this isn’t going to be your first S.O. It’s probably not going to be your second either. But every girl needs someone who is going to worship her body, treat her right, and show her what she’s been missing. I’d recommend finding this person when you’ve reached come out of the bad, dark place after a break-up. When you’re ready to commit again, but really need someone to challenge you. And if you’re lucky, maybe the two of you will stick together forever. And if not, then you just know what you’re looking (or what you can teach) when that forever-person does stay.

So, dear Prettyburgh readers, who is included on your list?

Many thanks to Alex over at Everybody Loves You for putting this guest blogger exchange together. I thought it was fun, and I hope you do too.

Calling all female Pittsburgh Marathon runners!  I know you are the fastest, strongest,  and most physically resilient in the city. But, as you train throughout the city this season, have you thought about self-defense?

You never know when you might need to flee from a crazy dog, drunken yinzer, or worst of all, someone passing out flyers.

All kidding aside, self-defense is an important skill for all, especially runners who are frequently running alone, at odd times, and in unfamiliar places.

This FREE two-hour seminar, led by expert Craig Douglas will share tips on how to stay safe not only when running, but also in everyday situations.  The seminar will teach runners how to avoid threats and improve physical and emotional responses in high-stress situations.  Click here to RSVP.

Barre combines ballet with traditional exercise to challenge your balance and stability while burning calories and building long lean muscle.  Some of the benefits of barre:

• Focuses largely on building muscle in the core, the lower body, hips and bum
• Can help correct poor posture
• Can improve balance and flexibility
• The mental focus that is needed while practicing barre can produce the same benefits as meditation
• Easy on joints

Some come to lululemon this Saturday and find your inner ballerina!  RSVP to shadyside-store@lululemon.com.

Support this cause by purchasing tickets ($20 at the door or $15  advance purchase at: www.PinkPartyPittsburgh.Eventbrite.com).  Click here for some ideas on what to wear to the pinkest party you’ll ever attend.  Check out more information below.

Trunk shows, fashion show, bands, DJs, cocktails, appetizers…these are just a few things Front Row Monthly has in store for you at their Sip in Style event on July 21, 6:30-10:30pm at Bakery Square.  I recently talked to Front Row Monthly creator, Gina Hussar for a Q&A about Pittsburgh, fashion, and the Sip in Style event.

PB: When and why did you start Front Row Monthly?

GH: I started Front Row Monthly in June of 2011 because I have so many interests and passions and I realized that many of peers did too. We lead fast-paced, dynamic lives and most of us are interested in SO many different things. I wanted to start a publication that reflected that: one that covered fashion, art, music, and even a little bit of social awareness. And I wanted it to be digital because let’s face it, that’s where it’s all headed!

PB: What makes Pittsburgh a unique place for fashion?

GH: That’s a tough one. I guess I would say that Pittsburgh is unique in that it has created its own Renaissance of sorts. There was a time fashion and Pittsburgh would never have been used in the same sentence. Now, there are so many things going on  in the fashion industry here. I feel like Pittsburgh is kind of writing its own rules right now when it comes to fashion and that’s exciting for those of us who have been waiting for it!

PB: What are you most looking forward to at the Sip in Style event?

GH: The crowd! I love this crowd! It’s totally our audience and I love meeting the fashionable, creative people of this city.

PB: What is your favorite boutique in Pittsburgh?

GH: SO hard. I love Trendy Trousseau which is Pittsburgh based but only online and I love Chic Boutique in Squirrel Hill. There is also a fabulous consignment store in Oakmont called Ambiance (almost all high end!) and another in Wexford called Kindred Spirits. I found mint condition Jimmy Choos there! (Not my size. Insert dramatic sigh here

PB: What is your favorite summer trend?

GH: Boho chic every time.

PB:What are three things you couldn’t live without in your closet?

GH: Dark skinny jeans, mid-calf boots, black leggings… (can I have 4 things??) and comfy one-shoulder sweatshirts for Saturdays. And black, slim fit cardigans… and my bright orange Kate Spade bag…. ok I’ll stop  =)

WIN TWO FREE TICKETS TO THE SIP IN STYLE EVENT!
Prettyburgh is having a photos contest for you to have a chance to win two free tickets to the Sip in Style event.  Tweet your Instagram pic of your favorite summer accessory to @prettyburgh with the tag #sipinstyle!  Contest ends at midnight on July 20, 2012.

This list of everyday beauty products is meant to help you make the decision to put the expensive product down and run to your nearest Rite-Aid, or indulge yourself.

While I really feel that the “splurge” items on this list are very good products, most of which last for a long time and are worth the investment (especially the MAC concealer, Keratase Elixir Ultime, and Philosophy moisturizer), there’s no need to ignore your beauty regime when you’re a little cash-strapped.  Click on the photos below to read more about each product.  Let me know where you splurge and where you save!   Happy shopping!

The chevron diamond necklace I wore is from a little antique jewelry store in Blawnox that I love called Marlene Harris.

I paired the dress with nude Tahari wedges that I got at Marshalls for only $40.  The leather on these wedges is so soft that it molded right to my feet as I danced the night away.  This was one of the first weddings where I didn’t have to take off my shoes, then come home and wash my tootsies.

My friend (pictured right) was just as lucky and found this DVF dress at Beacon’s Closet in NYC for $30!  You should check out their online store.  They have really inexpensive unique items.

Good luck this wedding season girls!!

Fear not veggie lovers! There is a use for these scraps.

Veggie broth!

1) Throw all of your veggie rejects into a freezer bag and place into the freezer. Veggies will stay good for 8-12 months.

2) When you have a full freezer bag of veggies, thaw the veggies out, place them in a stock pot.

3) Add whole garlic cloves to taste. Also add fresh Italian seasonings such as oregano, as well as salt and pepper.

4) Pour in one gallon of water and simmer for an hour and a half.

5)Pour the liquid through a fine strainer. Tadum!! You have veggie broth.

The best part about making your own broth is that you have control of the taste, so play with it! Use Indian seasonings instead. Use all sweet veggies. Perfect your broth, put it in a fancy jug, slap a bow on it and give it as a present.

The second best part about making your own broth is that you can make it have a low sodium content. Have you ever used grocery store broth that gives you sodium overload so much so, that your skin starts to prune? I’m exagerating, but making a flavorful broth without the sodium is wonderful thing.

The third best part is that you will use your broth to make food that creates new veggie rejects. And then the veggie broth cycle can continue.

Happy cooking!

I’ve gained weight. I’m not pleased about this. But there’s really no sense in denying it, so what better place to announce to all than on Prettyburgh?

It took me several months to let go of those “why bother to buy jeans when I truly intend to lose this weight?” thoughts and go shopping. With my recent job change to a much more casual environment, I was done wearing dresses every day anyway, so I sucked it up – oh, and I used some coupons.

There’s no denying that along with the change in my waistline, things were also not quite the same in my bust area. So on Thanksgiving Eve, I made the inevitable Victoria’s Secret trip. Surprising even to those who know me well, I’m a closet introvert. So I avoided eye contact with the salesladies and went along picking out my usual size in a few “subtle lift” options, intending to sneak off to the dressing room. Luckily, one employee recognized my reluctance, stopped me and, simply by peering downward, immediately informed me that I had graduated beyond the bras in my hand.

I’ve heard the statistics enough to know that 70-85% – if not more! – of women wear the wrong size.  I know the importance of being measured, yet I was willing to duck my head and hope my judgment was right.

Obviously it wasn’t. After being measured, given some options and told “boobs are beautiful!” by the saleslady, I finally found a level of comfort I’ve been missing for…well, years. It has been less than a week, but I think I can declare that I am officially in love with my new bras.

So ladies of Pittsburgh, here’s something to add to your holiday wish list: A visit to your favorite lingerie shop. Be it Vicki’s, Soma or another favorite little shop of mine, The Pussycat. Toss out those old threadbare bras and make an investment. Your little ladies will thank you for it.

-Linzerb