Cuddle Up With A Baby Sloth

Image From Pixabay

Do you need some cuteness in your life? If you love babies and cuddling, the Pittsburgh Aviary has the perfect solution for you. Starting in March, the National Aviary will be hosting sloth encounters once a day for up to five people. These encounters will let you touch, feed and take pictures with the new baby sloth. You can learn more in the blog below and at Next Pittsburgh.

The National Aviary is not just for the birds anymore. You likely saw his tiny, furry face plastered on the television news when he arrived ceremoniously at the Allegheny County Airport and captured hearts around the globe—and now the wait to visit the Aviary’s newest resident is over.

For those craving more personal quality sloth time, get out those calendars now. Beginning on March 25th, sloth encounters can be booked for once-daily, 30-minute sessions at 2 p.m. During a private encounter, up to five people will have the chance to touch, feed and take pictures with the sloth. Participants will also learn all about sloth conservation, and the unique species’ native habitat in the rainforests of Central and South America, which these mammals share with many of the birds from around the world cared for at the Aviary. Spots are already filling up quickly for the new sloth encounters, so book your session soon.Born to a breeder in Fort Lauderdale, the three-month-old Linnaeus two-toed sloth is the latest adorable creature to join the permanent flock at the Aviary. Pittsburgh sloth fans can now get a first glimpse of the baby and watch his first public feedings through the window of the Avian Care Center as he is being nurtured during his first few months of life.

The two-pound, 10 inch long baby sloth (aka choloepus didactylus) is being hand-raised by trainers to be comfortable around people and participate in educational programs that will highlight rainforest species and the dangers they face from rapidly disappearing habitats and human population growth. With their arboreal lifestyle, sloths make for the perfect addition to the Aviary’s collection.

In the Aviary’s hospital, the new arrival is being fed every two hours as the veterinary staff prepares him for his role as an animal ambassador for remarkable ecosystem and species of the rainforest.

But what’s his name, you ask? The Aviary has just launched an online eBay auction, where the public can bid on the chance to name the baby sloth while also supporting the organization’s conservation work.

Sloth fans can also contribute to the sloth’s online baby shower with a gift in any amount that will help cover the cost of his care. Yes, you can even put your money toward a baby blanket, plush toy or heating pad for the little wonder.

Need more sloths in your life? While at the Aviary you can also pop in to see Wookie, a 15-year-old sloth who arrived in 2007 and resides year-round in the Cloud Forest exhibit.

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Be Like A Kid This Valentine's Day

Image From Pixabay

Are you looking for something new to do this Valentine's Day? The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh has a few ideas for the kid at heart. They will be having a 21+ night on February 11th. This event is called My Snarky Valentine. Tickets include food, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and all activities in the museum.  You can learn more below or at the Children's Museum website.

MAKEnight (21+): My Snarky Valentine

MAKESHOP PROGRAM

6:30PM

 – 

9:30PM

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

Follow your heart and join us for an evening of food, drink and amore. And sass. We provide the making, you decide if your valentine will be snarky or scandalous. 

• Tell someone what's in your heart.  Laser cut a wooden heart with your favorite pillow talk phrase.
• Love is a science and we'll help you whip up some love potions to make your dreams come true.
• Roses are red, violets are blue, make your own Valentine because I’m not going to.
• Relive prom night and create your own flower boutonniere.
• It's always prettier in cursive.  Tell them what you really think using calligraphy on a doily.
• Silkscreen a hanky for $3. Or be a cheap date and do it on paper for free.
• Get on our Kiss Cam - NOTHING GROSS, YOU GUYS!
• Let them know you totally saw them at the gas station and they're gorgeous with live missed connections.
• You're always talking about what a cute baby you were. Turn yourself into Cupid and fashion your own wings!
• Make sure your words cut deep at our papercut station.
• Plus more trouble!

Tickets include light fare, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and all activities. This is a 21+ event.
Food, drinks and fun provided by:
Bill's Bar and Burgers
Brooklyn Brewery
Cop Out Pierogies
greenSinner
Handmade Arcade
Priory Fine Pastries
Ustianochka Vodka

Buy tickets online or in person at the front desk of the museum.
Presale Tickets: $20 ($15 for members and students) / Door Tickets: $25

Want emails about upcoming 21+ museum events? Join the MAKEnight mailing list.
MAKESHOP Blog

Sponsored in part by Faros Properties, Green Mountain Energy and Yelp

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Imbibe Northside-Tasting

Image from Facebook Event

Are you looking for something to do this weekend in the city? Come to the Mattress Factory on January 30th from 6:30-8:30 pm! This event will let you taste the newest brewers and distillers of the Northside. You can enjoy local food trucks and listen to the band Imbibe Northside. There will be many vendors including Wigle Whiskey and the PGH Taco Truck. You can learn more at their website or at Living Pittsburgh. 

Taste the newest brewers and distillers of the Northside, enjoy grub from local food trucks and listen to live music from at Imbibe Northside. Participants include: War Streets Brewery, Allegheny City Brewing, Wigle Whiskey, Penn Brewery, Spring Hill Brewery, Commonplace Coffee, Klavon’s Ice Cream, PGH Taco Truck, Mac & Gold Food Truck and Cool Beans Food Truck.

COST:

Suggested Donation: $20

CONTACT:

 Event website 

WHERE:

Mattress Factory - 500 Sampsonia Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA

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January Blues

The month after the holidays can feel like a dull time but it doesn’t have to be. Pittsburgh is a lively city with tons of interesting things happening at all times. Don’t let the January doldrums get you down. Find something interesting going on to get over the fact that you’re back in school now.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Relive your childhood with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Pokemon Symphonic Evolutions. Watch the Nintendo games and television show come to life with the full Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on January 24th. Watch clips from the games accompanying the music to really get the full effect. Young or old, you won’t regret seeing the Pokemon Symphonic Evolutions if you grew up playing the games. Learn more about ticketing information here.

If you watch Dancing With The Stars on a regular basis you’re going to want to hear about this next event: see the stars dance in person on January 20th at the Benedum Center. Dancing with the Stars is taking the show on the road this year and they’ll be bringing along some celebrity special guests that you won’t want to miss out on. See iconic performances as well as never before seen choreography that you’ll never forget. Get your tickets now!

Every Friday in January you can get into the Andy Warhol Museum for free! A cash bar will be available to those 21 and over as well as local DJ Huck Finn in the entrance to the museum. Learn a little bit about the museum before heading there here on their website.

Local distillery Wigle is hosting a cornbread throwdown as well as a sweet corn bourbon tasting. $5 will get you in the door and a sampling of the brand new corn bourbon. You can also participate in the cornbread contest, so bring your best recipe to see if yours takes home the prize. The event takes place on January 29th so you still have time to concoct your best cornbread recipe. Ticketing information here.

Don’t let the January weather get you down and don’t use it as an excuse to mope inside all month. What are you most looking forward to this month? Tell us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Keep Your Resolutions

Image From Pixabay

It’s a brand new year which brings with it tons of opportunities to start over. Whether it’s in your personal life, your work life, with your health, the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to make a change. It may seem difficult but hey, you’ve got the whole year to make a difference!

As we get older and grow up, it can seem like our relationships suffer at the hands of other aspects of our lives. Our work gets in the way, school gets in the way, family gets in the way, life just gets in the way! This year, make an effort to reach out to those friends that you might have let fall by the wayside. Invite them over to spend time in our TV area. You might find yourself with a new neighbor once they fall in love with our rooftop sky terrace!

Even better than rekindling old friendships is creating new ones. The easiest friends to make are the ones that are near to you and that means your neighbors! Say hello the next time you see a neighbor leaving their apartment and invite them over for dinner one evening. One day you might find yourself in need of some assistance and the only people there to help will be your close neighbors. It can’t hurt to introduce yourself!

One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to get healthy in the new year. However, a lot of excuses can pop up when it comes time to actually get to it. The gym is too far away or the membership prices are outrageous are just two of the typical complaints. Here at The Encore on 7th, neither of those are a problem! Our gorgeous state of the art fitness center has everything you need to get up and moving towards your new healthy lifestyle. We have something for everyone! Interested in growing stronger? Our strength equipment and weights will get you there. Want to increase your endurance? The aerobic machines will help you! It can be difficult to fit a workout in when you work all day and the gym has limited hours. That’s not a problem here! Our fitness center is open to you 24 hours a day!There’s nothing in your way between you and health here at The Encore on 7th

What are your goals for the new year?

From everyone in The Encore on 7th, Happy New Year! Good luck to you on achieving your goals.

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Relieve Stress This Holiday Season

Image From Pixabay

Stress can be the downfall of the holiday season. As you try to plan the perfect holiday, your stress levels can reach an all time high. However, the holidays are more than the perfect centerpiece and dessert. Remember to take some time for yourself to be with loved ones. Take a few deep breaths and keep reading to learn how to have a stress free holiday. You can learn more a tmoneycrashers.com.



Plan the Perfect Holiday

It’s important to remember that there is more to Christmas than the giving and receiving of gifts – there are decorations to be made and hung, food to be prepared and served, and homes to be cleaned for guests. However, if you can stay within your budget and set aside sufficient time to complete all these tasks, you and your guests will delight in a stress-free and memorable holiday.
Gifts

The bulk of time and money spent each Christmas revolves around gifts – choosing, buying, and wrapping presents for those we love. This year, consider the following:



A Family Gift Exchange. As families get larger, the costs of buying gifts can be a financial burden. To reduce costs and the time spent shopping, establish a dollar limit for the individual gifts, as well as any other desired criteria (for example, only clothes, toys, books, and gift cards).


Gift Cards. Gift cards allow the receiver to pick his or her perfect gift. In fact, more than 77% of shoppers gifted cards in 2011. Most retailers offer their own, and also accept gift cards issued by major credit card companies, which can be combined to purchase more expensive items. However, when choosing a gift card, be aware that some may charge inactivity fees after one year if the card isn’t used.


Internet Shopping. Shopping online is faster, often cheaper, and far more convenient than visiting brick-and-mortar stores. It is easy to compare prices, gift wrapping is often available, and your purchase can be delivered wherever you choose.


Most Internet retailers also guarantee delivery by a certain date.
Price Comparison Apps. Shopping apps enable in-store price comparisons and an easy way to verify and obtain discount coupons to save more money. Consider free apps, such as Price Check for Android devices and Google Shopper for the iPhone.


Personalized, Inexpensive Gifts. These are unique and meaningful. For example, the small illustrated book “I Like You” with a personal note to a family member, business associate, or friend will be cherished and kept for a lifetime. A letter to a friend recalling a special time together or simply telling a loved one how much they mean to you will be remembered for years and always appreciated.


Paid Gift Wrapping. Paying to have your gifts wrapped can save you time as well as money spent on excess wrapping paper, tape, bows, and gift cards. Many retailers offer an in-house service and include free gift wrapping with each purchase. Professional gift wrappers charge a different rate for different sizes of packages, which can run as low as $5.


Charitable Donations. Making donations to charity in lieu of buying and receiving gifts can make you feel good, and it teaches your children the joy of giving while helping those less fortunate. Consider


Alternative Gifts International, where $45 feeds an American family of five for a week;Heifer International, which provides domestic animals, such as cows, sheep, goats, and chickens to poor families around the world; or Kiva, which makes micro-loans to third world entrepreneurs.

If your holiday includes children, involve them in the gifting process so they can learn how much better it feels to give than to receive. Take them shopping to buy inexpensive Christmas gifts that they can wrap themselves. Let them print their names on the gift cards and pass out the presents they’ve purchased and wrapped.

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Simple Holiday Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces

One very meaningful way we show our excitement and appreciation for the holiday season is by our home decor. It’s a visually stimulating sign of happiness and love for the jolly season. But what happens when you don’t have the room you desire to really deck the halls? You’ve got to put your elf hat on and get creative!

Here are some simple decorating ideas that will allow you to spruce up your small space during the holiday season:

Raise the tree:

Sometimes fitting an 8 foot tree into the apartment or condo is just out of the question, but that shouldn’t mean sacrificing the holiday spirit in your home. Purchasing a small tree and raising it on a platform, such as a chair or tabletop is a great alternative to save floor space while commanding the presence of the room.  Place the tree in a basket, raise it on a stool, and view your tiny tree each day with pride!  

Display cards on the wall:

You may not have all the desired room space in the world, but we can almost guarantee there are a few empty spaces on the walls where you can add some festive flair.  The holiday cards you receive from family and friends in the mail are the perfect decor to hang up on the wall. Use a ribbon to connect them in a row or tape them individually in a fun design. If you are feeling extra creative, add some handmade paper snowflakes to the mix and you’ve got a DIY holiday display.

Tree branches in a vase:

If a raised or tabletop tree is even out of the question, think even smaller.  Tree branches tucked into a vase is a stylish solution that will give you that rustic, tree look. If you can find thick, sturdy branches you can even add your favorite ornaments to give it the complete Christmas touch.

Hang ornaments and lights from the ceiling:

Chances are you have much more “free” space up high then down low. Ground space is precious and limited, but ceiling space is golden and ample. Hang some twinkling string lights from the ceiling and then you can easily tie lightweight ornaments for a classic holiday display.

Just because your square footage is limited, doesn’t mean you can’t deck the halls of your home!

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