Wednesday, December 2, 2009

File this under WTF

"What a difference a year makes", E! stole the words from my jaw dropped mouth.

Ok seriously, WTF is this??? It's a pregnant girl in a sexy negligee??? Soooo gross. Demi Moore on the cover of Vanity Fair is one thing, but this is B-Movie gone horrendously bad.

Who wants to keep up with the Kardashians when they sink to levels as low as feeding on people with pregnancy fetishes. ugh blech patooey


Pittsburgh Personal Trainer

I'm not a chronic dieter and I'm not an avid fitness buff. I am however, a lover of all things skinny: J Brand Skinny jeans, leggings and hip hugging mini skirts so in order to pull off these wardrobe essentials, I have to stay fit. (Insert crying emoticon here)


Finding a Personal Trainer in Pittsburgh is not the easiest mission. So I did a what most twenty-somethings locked to a desk do, I used Google to find an expert. To my dismay, many of the listed trainers are tied exclusively to gyms, won't travel to you or (GASP) only work with housewives (who else can workout at 10am daily???). So when I discovered Terra Brozowski I was beyond thrilled.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

ROOT Cocktail Competition

Looking for the Best Cocktail in Pittsburgh?

After a day of running around trying to get my Thanksgiving dinner pulled together for 20 friends and family, I was asked to participate in a cocktail competition hosted by ROOT Liquor. Actually I should clarify this, I was the LAST resort bartender for The Firehouse Lounge and Embury to participate in the event because the rest of the staff had holiday commitments. . . but Spencer Warren's recipe for the ROOT Champerelle was so foolproof that I WON!!!


There have been a handful of cocktail competitions in Pittsburgh, but this was the first (in my humble opinion) that was organized in a thoughtful and cocktail driven manner. Thanks to ROOT for selecting judges who were actually cocktail enthusiasts rather than bar rats and scenesters (no offense to the latter).

The competition was tough. Summer from YoRita delivered a delightful drink made from reduced Malta soda, Vanilla Soy Milk, Sailor Jerry Rum and ROOT. Rob, the ultimate Big Burrito bartender presented a refreshing libation composed of ROOT, a homemade vanilla (and something else) syrup, vanilla vodka topped with soda and a BEAUTIFUL ginger mixing stick.


I thought it would have been Spencer Warren from Embury who really impressed the judges with his Sasparilla Fizz, a take on a traditional Ramos Gin Fizz. Which bartenders know is one of the most labor intensive (i.e. annoying) cocktails to make, so when he presented 3 perfect Fizz Cocktails to the judges, the room was pretty amazed.

But alas, in the end, it was the ROOT Champaerelle that swept the competition with it's refreshing hints of warm herbs, honey and lemon, reminiscent of a classic Benedictine cocktail.

Want to make the ROOT Champerelle at home?
  • 1 oz ROOT Liquor
  • 1 oz Yellow Chartreuse
  • 1 oz Courvosier
  • 1oz Orange Curacao
  • 1/2 oz lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
Add all ingredients to a shaker. Top with ice and shake vigorously until cold. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.

****************
Photos compliments of CityCreative

Thursday, November 19, 2009

STEELERS TERRIBLE TEES




The day has FINALLY come! Steelers gear I am actually excited to wear! The launch party for the non-yinzer wear is tonight at CoCo's Cupcakes, and I can't wait to get my hands on one (in each color) of these gems.

TERRIBLE TEES, created by Give and Take, are the PERFECT gift this holiday season for any Steelers fan. The best part is that is the gift that keeps on giving because a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Myron Cope Foundation.

My only hesitation; do you think I will get ejected from the stadium if I take it off and swing it around my head?

For more information www.giveandtaketees.com or call 412.621.1346

Monday, November 16, 2009

50 Cent & Vitamin Water


They invent the vitamin you invent the mix. . .


A couple years back, Vitamin Water invited hip hop mogul 50 cent into the lab to help them make Formula 50, but 50 never let them into the studio to help with his beats. So Vitamin Water decided to get gangstah and flip it on him!

Not only does 50s new album drop today, but theyre launching their very first iphone app, 50s sound lab. This app allows Vitamin Water fans to go into the studio with 50 and remix his latest single, baby by me. Participants can then submit their versions to the nationwide contest. 50s going to decide the winner, who will then be flown to NYC to hang out with the artist himself.






50
s sound lab is an application that allows users to take various stems of 50s song (the chorus, bass, treble, refrain) and reorder them to make their own remix. remixes can be recorded, then posted to the vitaminwater fan page and the users personal page, or forwarded to friends. there are two easy ways to play: first, fans can download the free app by using the iphone app store on their iphones or by searching vitaminwater in itunes. no iphone? you can also play by remixing online at www.50soundlab.com. Apple is so excited about this integration that they are spotlighting an editorial describing the app in the featured section in itunes next week (stay tuned for details about this because it's going to be a huge hit).

You'll see mobile phone media driving users to download the app on the iphone as well as display media at livenation.com. this is all complemented by a full force pr effort. in typical glac
éau fashion, we're bringing fans into the studio to check out 50's process. check out the video here . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F1fZ4s80H8

So download the free app on your iphone or head to 50soundlab.com to start mixing your own beats. and of course make sure to forward the info to your friends!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Alcohol Kills Germs

In light of it being flu season (booooo), and Pittsburgh's Whiskey Festival (yaaaaay!), I posted a link yesterday on my Facebook page about an all natural shot of Nyquil from that I found on one of my favorite blogs www.urbanhonking.com. In response to this post, my good friend Reshma sent me this recipe for a Hot Toddy. Enjoy!

Alana, this reminds me of my invention for a hot toddy recipe (which could be good as an easy to make winter drink for those partygoers who are under the weather and not wanting to drink a regular full-alc dehydrating cocktail but too proud to admit it).

I invented this 5 years ago when I spent a 30 below 0 winter in Minneapolis during fellowship. I swear by this stuff when I am sick. Great for sore throat, cough, fever. Works better than anything I could prescribe myself and best of all no buzz!

Reshma's Hot Toddy

1 shot Remy Martin VSOP or other good cognac
Juice of 1/2 lime (not lemon!)
1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
1-2 tsp honey
5-6 mint leaves, torn
Boiling water

Muddle ginger, mint and lime juice at bottom of tall coffee cup. Add cognac and muddle some more, then honey. Fill to top with boiling water, stir, let steep a few min and enjoy.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Fashion Rocks

I am a HUGE fan of dressing up, especially for theme parties!!! I saw this tee today by Wildfox entitled "Math Sucks" and it immediately reminded me of my lovely disposition in 9th grade when I was trying to push EVERY limit to the max . . . especially with my taste in music (ahem Bad Religion, Bad Brains, and Liz Phair)
Concert Outfit
Concert Outfit by firestarter412 featuring Tibi


And so my love of dressing for concerts began. . .

Gone are the days of digging in thrift stores for a perfect pair of vintage Levi jeans (though I'm sure they will be coming back in style any day now). Nowadays I have this little thing called "work" and in order for me to get from my desk to stage front, I have to get creative.

This Tibi skirt is PERFECT for day to night. The brocade finish when paired with opaque Wolford stockings, a pair of booties (sorry Doc Martins are not something I see myself rocking this time around) and a simple black cashmere sweater (to cover up the graphic tee) is conservative which is perfect for my daytime routine. But come 6 o'clock when I'm ready to let loose and embrace my inner Lady Gaga, the addition of a classic motorcycle jacket and of course a flask (why is there NEVER a bar near the stage???) and I'm ready to roll.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Little White Dress




I was warned a few years ago that there would come a day when I was nearing the age of 30 when all of my beautiful friends (I pride myself in having only GORGEOUS and LOVING friends) would start to take the plunge and gear up to walk down an aisle. I of course rolled my 21 year old eyes at this notion and said, "I doubt it" but I have to admit I was WRONG. In the past year I have had 12 friends say "I do" and have even filled the coveted role of Made of Honor for one of my dearest friends.

My sister recently got engaged, and her countless emails with the title "what about this one?" where she is referencing a list of 50 new dresses she MUST try on has me skipping my daily peruse of the Sartorialist in exchange for an hourly browsing of bridal blogs. (A year ago this would have made me want to puke pink bunny rabbits)

So here it goes "My name is Alana and I'm addicted to . . . LITTLE WHITE DRESSES"

Monday, November 2, 2009

QV Class of 1999 Reunion


Yikes! Somehow 10 years have managed to fly by since we graduated from Quaker Valley and the time has come to reunite. To purchase a ticket to our 10 year reunion, please click on the PAYPAL button below to reserve your space. Your name will be added to the list that will be held at the door, tickets will NOT be sent to you.


Please be sure to include your current contact information so we can send you a confirmation.

QUAKER VALLEY CLASS OF 1999
November 28, 2009

7-10pm (private)
The Firehouse Lounge
2216 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222


Complimentary parking is available in lots adjacent to the building.

TICKETS:
  • $25 Food, 3 drinks and entertainment are included
  • $15 All of the above without drink tickets








Ticket Options
Your Name
Guest Name




Thursday, July 30, 2009

US Weekly BUZZ-O-METER



As you may have realized, I am a BIG fan of Give and Take tees. So when style watch publications like US Weekly validate my opinion about this brand, I get even more excited to spread the news. It's unfortunate that more celebrities aren't wearing these tees because it would be nice to see the softer side of some A-list actors and actresses. It's also unfortunate that it took Michael Jackson's untimely death to re-spark an interest in USA For Africa, but keep in mind, when you purchase one of these tees, a portion of the proceeds directly benefit that charity!

Rachel Ryan Front and Center




Rachel Ryan is one of our city's most celebrated makeup artists, and her work which appeared on the cover of enRoute magazine goes to show that even a sloppy Primanti's sandwich can't take the limelight away from Ryan's flawless work.

I have had the pleasure of working with her on numerous projects, and am constantly impressed with her level of professionalism no matter what I toss her way. My favorite project was a Sweet 16 Birthday party that had an America's Next Top Model theme. Rachel and a team of stylists traveled with me to the beautiful Bedford Springs resort for a weekend of fashion and frills. Her ability to transform the birthday girl from a sporty lacrosse player into a high fashion model was astounding.

We have been playing calendar tag over the past year to do a fun photo shoot with her equally talented beau Nichcolas, but her crazy schedule (combined with mine) leaves little room to make it actually happen. Haha oh well, at least my Facebook profile picture is a stunner! Which was only a test shot to make sure my foundation was even. I'm telling you, this woman is a miracle worker!

For more information or to follow Rachel's Blog (which I HIGHLY recommend to any fashionistas or Yogis) click here

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Tales of a Pittsburgh Cocktail

So this blog is perhaps one of the most random blogs out there. It is not filled with one topic, which is perhaps why my followers is so TERRIBLY low, but it is filled with my favorite things: Fashion, Food, Cocktails and FRIENDS. Today, an article about Embury (our newest cocktail bar) came out by writer Bill Toland, and it is amazing to see the media show appreciation for this as it was a project that truly grew out of passion. Hopefully, if you stumble upon this page, you will take a minute to read the great piece that appeared in today's Pittsburgh Post Gazette. Or better yet, you can try to make this at home:

Blackberry Smash

  • 3 slices lemon
  • 3 blackberries
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Aromatic bitters
  • 2 ounces Old Weller 107 Bourbon
  • 2 sprigs mint

Muddle lemon and blackberries with sugar and a dash of bitters.

Put in shaker with bourbon, mint and ice. Shake and double-strain over ice in a large tumbler.

Garnish with a lemon peel, head of a sprig of mint and a blackberry.

-- Fred Sarkis

Thursday, July 2, 2009

ModCloth.com's 1st Fashion Show


This is hands down the fashion event of the summer.

Local fashionista, “Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest” honoree Gretchen Harnick partners with ultrahip ModCloth to resurrect the fashion salon. A fashion salon is a place for women to visit a particular designer’s showroom, preview each season’s collection, and place personal orders. The fashion salon is not a place for sexy models strutting to liquid-dance music down a darkened runway, but rather an intimate gathering perfectly staged at The Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.

The 1950’s Finest Fashion Salon, a play on the title “50 Finest”, is the first time local e-tailer ModCloth will be showing its clothing in a local fashion show. This successful business venture sells strictly online, and the owners are proud to partner with Gretchen for this charity fashion salon benefitting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. ModCloth will be donating 10% of online sales from their website, July 24th, toward the cystic fibrosis foundation as well. Entering CURE10 at the checkout will register you as a supporter of the cause.

Fashion students from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh participate in a styling contest to have their look selected and worn at the fashion salon. Be sure to visit the www.modclothcom website to vote on two final looks, and help choose which will be worn in the show. “This opportunity gives students a real life experience in becoming a stylist, or working for an online clothing retailer. It’s a great way for ModCloth to see the talents of our hard working fashion students” says Harnick.

For tickets: Click Here your name will appear on the guest list

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Michael Jackson Charity Tee

I will always be a DC girl at heart, and if you have ever been spoiled with fireworks on the Washington Mall, you probably know why the 4th of July is my FAVORITE summer holiday, so I couldn't resist putting together a quick lookbook.

Clothing that Cares is always perfect, and it was the hot topic today at OK! Magazine but Patriotic Fashion Finds are hot this week which made this USA For Africa Tee the perfect inspiration for a holiday outfit.




Michael Jackson was an American icon, so why not celebrate his incredible life by supporting one of his favorite charities, USA for Africa, which works toward relieving famine and disease in Africa? Give and Take is in the press again (OK! Magazine) with a great tee where proceeds of the shirt benefit the charity.

The Give and Take tee is Available at Kitson boutiques . . . while supplies last because this item is hot hot hot.

The redesigned vintage tee is the perfect red, white and blue to wear this weekend but will look killer when paired with a great pair of red skinny jeans like the ones seen here at ShopIntuition on Carmen Electra or if it is too hot, try this fantastic find from American Eagle for only $14!!!

To block an oceanfront chill while watching fireworks try this bold jacket from topshop.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Mattress Factory Garden Party

It's 5 days until my FAVORITE party of the year in Pittsburgh, The MATTRESS FACTORY Urban Garden Party. With all that has been going on recently, I haven't taken my usual 30 days to concoct an outfit so I need your help! Please send me links or ideas. . .
I'm going to try to do my shopping locally so any Pittsburgh suggestions would be a HUGE help.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Pittsburgh VS Detroit . . . CUPCAKES

I got this in my email today and when I clicked to learn more I discovered that Detroit is beating Pittsburgh!!! This is absolutely NOT allowed to happen. So please, please, please visit CoCo's Cupcakes and help them defeat Detroit!

How this works: Throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs, when a Pens Cupcake is purchased, a goal is added to the Goals Chalkboard. At the end of the series, the cupcake bakery with the highest score will be the rightful owner of The Stanley CUPcake.


Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Selena Gomez in USA Today


Ok folks, I would like to brag that you heard it here first. Selena Gomez was spotted a few months ago rocking a Give and Take "Boys and Girls Club" t-shirt in LA while shopping at GNC. Well in todays edition of USA Today, she was featured next to the popular brand of tees for "wearing your cause on your sleeve" in the weekly Fashion Forward segment by Donna Freydkin and Allison Maxwell. Very exciting news!!!

People Magazine May 2009 Style Watch

Give and Take T-shirts, designed by Shea Mullen, were featured in People Magazine's Style Watch for May 2009. Associate Style Editor Rachel Aschenbrand was quoted in the piece saying "I love this line's cute sayings and simple drawings."

What's not to love? The new line, Right and Wrong, features images from children's author Munro Leaf's series of books. and are available online at shopintuition.com

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Pittsburgh Magazine "Best of Green"

Best Cocktail Mover and Shaker: Spencer Warren, owner of the Firehouse Lounge (2216 Penn Ave., Strip District), was one of the first mixologists on the scene in Pittsburgh. He also is one of the first to introduce organic cocktails to the region. Organic and local are both things that are very important to Warren, and as a result, he has had a lot of fun creating specialty drinks. While he relishes serving cocktails made from unique and fresh ingredients, he is quick to point out the limited availability of true organic spirits on the market. With that said, Warren delights in serving up organic selections such as a Prairie/40 North vodka cocktail and a sangria made from BD (biodynamic) wines. His ambitious drink menu, which changes seasonally, includes some interesting and mouth-watering favorites such as a Bluecoat Blossom, the Curious George or a Lime or Lavender Mojito. Drink responsibly and organically.


The Firehouse Lounge was featured on the April 2009 issue of Pittsburgh Magazine.
For more of this article click here

And since I'm on the topic, here are a few more of my favorite green things in Pittsburgh:

Equita (Italian for fairness) is a design-conscious shop showcasing the finest in green, sweatshop-free and Fair Trade essentials for the body and home. WWW.SHOPEQUITA.COM

Artemis Environmental Building Materials displays and sells high-quality, environmentally responsible, "green" building products. Opened in Pittsburgh in the spring of 2005, ARTEMIS is designed to expand the availability and use of green building products in the tri-state region.
www.artemisenvironmental.com

Farmers at the Firehouse 2216 Penn Ave., Strip District. 9 a.m-1 p.m. Saturdays (seasonal)
No offense to any of the area's other fine weekly meeting grounds for folks who grow our food, but this foodie magnet has it all. It's mostly organic, for one -- the region's only market with that distinction, and just the first sign of its commitment to sustainable agriculture.
www.slowfoodpgh.com


Saturday, April 4, 2009

Anna Kournikova on Rachel Ray

To celebrate the National Girls and Boys Club of America Week, Anna Kournikova spent a few days in NY and ended her week on the Rachel Ray show.

So anyhow on to the gossip, Anna Kournikova was on Rachel Ray yesterday promoting her affiliation with the Boys and Girls Club and to promote the "Get Animated" campaign, and guess what? I know I already spilled the beans, she was wearing another GIVE AND TAKE charity t-shirt!
This is the same one that Selena Gomez was seen wearing a few months ago.

I'm having a REALLY hard time getting the video to post, so you have to go to this link to check it out ANNA KOURNIKOVA ON RACHEL RAY

Oh AND she wore one while being interviewed by the AP


For more pictures and information check out

Anna's Blog

Anna Kournikova supports the "Boys and Girls Club"

Late night with Jimmy Fallon is off to a rocking start. Last week's special guest, Anna Kournikova, was spotted entering the studios wearing the Give and Take "Boys and Girls Club" Charity t-shirt. The blonde vixen, known more for her recent Maxim spreads and heart throb boytoys than her tennis record, beat Fallon in a Beer Pong challenge so thankfully she was in a micro mini dress rather than the positive messaged tee.

Rumors are circulating that she was also guest on Rachel Ray on Yesterdaay, perhaps she will be rocking a tee!!! Ok, fine I know she wore one. . .

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Pittsburgh Fashion Designers

Part 1: Fashion 412
When I first googled "Pittsburgh Fashion Designers" I was pretty shocked to discover that the results were REALLY limited. Sure, Pittsburgh and Fashion don't exactly go hand in hand, but one would be rather surprised to discover the amount of talent that has brewed from the City that Sits on 3 Rivers. So I thought I would compile a short list, over a few days, of some of the city's designers and stylemakers. (Please note not all designers are currently residing in the 412 area code and that parts of bios are not all original).

1. Justin Giunta
, If you don't know the name I suggest you Google ASAP. He and his work are known among celebrities, art enthusiasts and savvy style mavens for his ability to combine fine art and commercial design in the creation of visual and thoughtful pieces. Although his pieces aren't cheap, he was the 2nd jewelry in a series of accessory designers commissioned by Target to create a limited-edition series. Missed the deal? Try Ebay, these items were hot hot hot. Photos from the left are from his fashion show last fall where he used the Rockettes to model his Spring Collection. 2 showings were held at Cipriani's which set the scene for an ultimate night out, despite the discouraging downpour. www.subversivejewelry.com And if you didn't know, he also designed the popular Firehouse Lounge in Pittsburgh's Strip District. www.firehouse-lounge.com

2. David Mullen, The newest branch of basics brand Save Khaki, with its shop on the buzzing takes pleasure in providing the masses with nothing short of perfect super-soft shirting, and, of course, plenty of expertly tailored khakis for both men and women. The audience at the GQ/CFDA 2009 presentation of the Best New Menswear Designers in America was a who’s who of the most important people in American men’s fashion today, Mullen was among the six honorees!
I had the pleasure of attending a small party at one of the Save Khaki stores, and I must say, in addition to his amazing basics, Mullen can throw quite a block party. Well, I don't think it was supposed to be spilling onto the block, but the humidity was unbearable, and the chatter on the street was contagious. My lasting impression? The Margaritas managed to NEVER get watered down, now that's a sign of a pro!

www.savekhaki.com


3. Shea Mullen, I know what you are wondering "Is she related to David?" One answer: YES! But that is certainly not her claim to fame. I am still not 100% how one family can spin so much creative talent, but these two are living proof that it is possible. If you don't know Shea's work, then I suggest you pause and take a look at the rest of my postings. Her T-shirt line "Give and Take" meshes the best of old and new with retro designs and custom washes. The amazing part about Shea, is that every project she touches is designed to touch someone else. She literally pays it forward with every project she starts. Give and Take Tees gives back to national foundations and even her cupcake cafe, CoCo's, strives to make people smile. www.giveandtaketees.com and www.cocoscupcakecafe.com

4. Kelly Lane, I first met Kelly when I was producing my first fashion show nearly 5 years ago. Her work is eye catching and her personal style is inspiring. Kelly Lane is part of the rapidly growing eco-fashion movement, using fabrics and practices that have minimal impact on the environment. Lane and other local artisans hand-make each dress, which is obvious when you’re up close and personal with her line. To see her entire collection, and find out if any stores near you carry these unique and colorful frocks.
www.kellylanedesign.com

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Allure Magazine with Julia Roberts and Munro Leaf

Just when I thought Shea Mullen, of Good Chemistry and Give and Take Tees, couldn't do it again, she did! Her new line of t-shirts cheekily named "Right and Wrong", feature graphics from one of my FAVORITE children's author series by Munro Leaf.

The newest collaboration of Give and Take tees will feature a series of boldly colored graphic tees and the whimsical designs (by illustrator Robert Lawson) and life lessons courtesy of Munro Leaf's mighty pen.

Hollywood legend, Julia Roberts, can be seen in this month's Allure magazine (see above) reading one of Leaf's books, "Reading Can Be Fun".

During her Allure shoot, Roberts's children, four-year-old twins Finn and Hazel and one-and-a-half-year-old Henry, visited the set. One of their books became a key prop here.

Other great books by Leaf which will also be featured by Give and Take Tees include some titles that even a few BIG KIDS I know should read. My personal favorite is How to Speak Politely and Why. But other great titles include Manners Can Be Fun, Let's Do Better, and The Boy Who Would Not Go To School.

Go Shea!

Ok so what's next. . .