Good CARMAA

People who love dogs have good karma.  I must have excellent karma, since I like my dogs more than I like most people.  Makes sense, right?

Seriously, the "CARMAA" in my title isn't a result of poor spelling skills after the hiatus, it actually stands for "Coalition to Adopt, Rehome, and Match Abandoned Animals".  The name alone makes me tear up a little.
This Saturday, October 1st,  CARMAA is putting on a celebration of all things Doggie at the Southside Works (in the parking lot next to McCormick and Schmick's).  Last year, I volunteered at Dogtoberfest, and I am so happy to see it return this year.  Although I am not able to volunteer, I will be there, doggies in tow (duh), to see all of the great stuff, and to try and convince the BF that another addition is a GREAT idea (don't you think?).

Yep, that's me at the CARMAA table last year. I bought most of what you see there (hey, it's a good cause!)

The good folks at CARMAA have an even bigger celebration planned this year.  They are bringing back the popular "Ask the Vet" and "Ask the Trainer" stations, and of course there will be adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the area.  If you are willing and able to offer a good "furever" home, make some time in your weekend for this.  While you're there, you will  be able to enjoy homemade ethnic food, training demonstrations, guest DJs and musical entertainment. Starting at 11am, a "Pooch Pride" parade is planned, and you and your furry friend can participate for a $5 entry fee.  CARMAA has plans to award nearly $500 in prizes, so I am planning Billie's costume already....

"Wait, what?"

 The festivities run through 4pm.  Of course, proceeds go to further CARMAA's mission of acting as an "umbrella" organization to help all shelters across the area and educating the public about companion animals.  Oops, another little tear.....

See you on Saturday!

Driving the 'Burgh - Highland Park

Slowly but surely, I am coming back from my long hiatus, and although I'm still a little rough around the edges (oh, hi there ten pounds!), I think you will enjoy this edition of Driving the Burgh as we take a trip through Highland Park.  And no, that isn't some fancy outro music you hear at the end.  It's the BF, calling to see what's for dinner. Clearly he didn't gain ten pounds during the break....

What I talk about in this episode:
5442 Baywood Avenue
Park Bruges
Smiling Banana Leaf (yes, I almost forgot the name, but that doesn't make it taste any less delicious)
E2 (stupid geeky math joke that fell flat)
South Side Slopes Step Trek (and, I still have 4 passes to give away!  Stay tuned.)
Taste of the Mount (yes, it's all over.  Maybe next time)

More What to Do - Friday Night in the Cultural District

Whew, now we can slow it down (a little).
Tomorrow, Downtown Pittsburgh will be alive with activity during another Gallery Crawl.  These events get more popular every time, so be sure to get Downtown early to score some rock-star parking and maybe a quick bite to eat......there are so many choices now! Las Velas, NOLA, Sharp Edge Bistro, Seviche.....Who can give me some more? You can find the schedule for the Gallery Crawl on the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's website.

Then, head on over to the ToonSeum at 8PM for the grand opening of the Looney Tunes exhibit!  There will be food, prizes and more!! Don't miss it.....Joe Wos and the gang always throw a great party. Plus, after a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund their expansion, the guys have a lot to celebrate.  Admission is free for members, and $5 for non-members and tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite. And yes, it is seriously sponsored by ACME.
That's all folks!

What to Do - Taste of the Mount (HURRY!)

Hold onto your hats people, there's a lot going on in the 'Burgh this weekend. First up (and in the interest of getting this one up quickly).......

Tonight, up on Mount Washington, you can get your foodie on at a discounted price during the Taste of the Mount celebration.  The event runs from 5-9pm (yes, I realize this is mere hours away, but you know you're hungry), and you need to purchase your voucher to pick up a wristband at one of the 2 distribution locations: in front of Shiloh Grill and  in front of the new Grandview Bakery and Sweet Shop, 225 Shiloh Street.  Here are some of the tempting offers said wristband will entitle you to:

• Shiloh Grill – 25% off of your food bill
• Di Fiores Ice Cream – $2 Ice cream cones
• Grand Brew Cafe – $2.50 Lattes
• Redbeards Bar and Grill – 20% off of your food bill!
• Havana – $4 Mojitos & 1/2 price selected tapas
• Sloppy Joes – $2 Domestic bottles
• Packs & Dogs – $3.50 Seasonal craft beer drafts
• DeAndrea Designs Silver Jewelry – 10% off
• Art Zebo and Treasures – 10% off candles and video games
• Bigham Tavern – 50% off of everything!
• La Tavola – Free dessert samples! (one per customer) (reservations are recommended for dinner)
• Jennifer’s Hair Studio – Present wristband before October 15, 2011 and recieve 15% off.
• Dawn’s Creative Styles – Present wristband before October 15th, 2011 and recieve 1/2 off one retail product with a hair service.
• Nikos – $1.50 Yuengling 16oz drafts, $5 Martini’s, 2 Cheese burgers for $3. Come and see our new interior!
• Wallace Floral – Present wristband before October 15th and recieve $5 off an arrangement of $25 or more.
• Fox’s Pizza – Present wristband before October 15th and recieve 20% off food bill (not valid with any other offers / carry out only)
• Roll n Puff - 10% off cigars and $3 off roll your cigarette cartons.
• Ink-Line – 20% off tattoo’s and $2 off a haircut.

Wow.  Hurry quick, like bunnies, because you only have an hour or so to get tickets online.  If you can get up to the Mount before 5pm, you can also purchase your tickets at the MWCDC office located at 301 Shiloh Street, Pittsburgh PA 15211 or by calling 412-481-3220 x 201.  All proceeds benefit the business district's beautification and development.  

Where in the 'Burgh?

We've been on hiatus, but now it's back to being all "busy, busy, worky, work".  Today, my travels took me down one of my new favorite East Side Streets.  Can you guess "Where in the 'Burgh?" I was today?

The answer will be revealed in next week's "Driving the 'Burgh".  Happy guessing.....