Summertime... Outdoor Movies

Below are three drive-in movie theaters within the Pittsburgh Area, and an outdoor venue for watching movies. Though I have yet to enjoy a movie at the drive-in locations, it is on my to-do list for this summer!

• Dependable Drive-In in Coraopolis

• Evergreen Drive-In in Mount Pleasant (cash only)!

• Riverside Drive-In in N. Vandergrift

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• Dollar Bank Cinema In The Park - 2011 Schedule at six locations

Please share your experiences at these theaters or others that you recommend?

Summertime... Concerts

Pittsburgh is a thriving, cultural community. Below are links to schedules for summer concerts through out the city. An asterisk (*) denotes concerts without costs or charges. 

• 3 Rivers Arts Festival occurs June 3 - 12, 2011.

• Mellon Square Summer Concert Series* is in Downtown.

• Allegheny County Summer Concert Series* are at the County Courtyard, Hartwood Acres Park and South Park Amphitheaters.

• WYEP Concert Series vary by location.

• Jazz On The Steps: Jazz Workshop, Inc. 2011 Summer Concert Series* occur in Homewood.

•  The Trib Total Media Amphitheatre Concerts is located near Station Square.

• Jazz for Tots* music education classes occur in Homewood.

Please share if you've attended any of these concerts, or about others that you'd recommend!

Summertime... Water Parks

What better way to spend time as a family then splashing and cooling off with water?! Remember sunscreen though!

Here is a list of area water parks:

• Sandcastle in Pittsburgh
  
• Spray Parks in the City
  
• Wave Pool  at South Park
• PPG Place Water Feature in Downtown

If you are in the mood for a longer drive there is always...

•  Splash Lagoon in Erie, PA.
• Kalahari in Sandusky, OH.

 Another ideas is to connect with neighbors or family by hosting and/or organizing a Water Party. Activities could feature the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Blossom Bright Sprinkler or  Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Grub ScoutsSprinkler; "slip & slide" water slide; or simultaneously add artwork to your garden by   using an ornamental sprinkler. Remember to caution players of the tripping hazard with the watering hose. 

Please share... what other water parks do you recommend?

Coming soon... Water Parks

An upcoming list of nearby water  parks will help to enjoy our recently hot weather!

Maternity & Nursing Clothes

The right column includes more links. Certain Goodwill Stores have more variety of maternity/nursing clothes than others. I found a decent selection at the thrift store in SouthSide. Also, if you register at Target then you may receive a coupon towards nursing/maternity clothes!


If you are interested in online purchases for great prices... check out maternity/nursing clothes sold online through Old Navy and Gap. Also, La Leche League, International has accessories and clothing.


Near South Hills the Sears Store has many affordable options, as does Burlington Coat Factory and Gabriel Brothers. Remember to check other thrift stores though their selection may vary... Salvation Army in South Side, and Red, White & Blue Thrift Store. **One of the cleanest & most organized thrift stores where I shopped is the St. Vincent de Paul's Thrift Store in Castle Shannon**


Another option is A Mother's Boutique in Wexford. Also, if you subscribe to mailings you will receive coupon towards a purchase. [More sophisticated and expensive options were available at Becoming Mommy, Inc. located in Squirrel Hill. Apparently the store closed in Spring 2011.] 


Apparently more locations of Macy's  are carrying a maternity department, though during my pregnancy there were none located close to our home. Another department store option is JC Penney. Remember to use coupons from mailings or internet at Kohl's, too!


By far the most helpful employees work at MotherhoodMaternity located in The Mall At Robinson.


Remember to check with family and friends for helpful hand-me-downs and recommendations for comfortable clothing. You may find other local options by viewing the Expectant Mothers Guide.


*Store Review*
The The Has Bin Consignment is a local, consignment and retail store. It is located in Bethel Park, PA.


Pros: 

•  Informative website with details such as a printable coupon & details about "Bag Sale Day."
• General quality of products
• Variety of merchandise
• Parking

Cons:SIZE OF STORE

• The advertised space for nursing is a lone, upright chair squeezed in a hallway near the bathroom, clothes racks and sole fitting room.
• There is not enough space to include your shopping cart inside of the closed fitting room.
• It is difficult navigating a shopping carriage through the overly cluttered aisles (overflowing with disheveled hangers, over-stuffed boxes, etc.)
• Some of the clothing prices were beyond "thrift" range.

Further discussion about shopping for clothes is seen here... BabyCenter - Thrift Stores in Pittsburgh

I'm Here!

After joking, contemplating, prayer and discussion I have begun to "blog." Goals for this blog include:

• Connect expectant/new mothers with resources in Pittsburgh Area
• Share details about economical & earth-friendly strategies
• Disclose details about preparations for child birth and post-delivery healing
• Provide first-hand opinions about services in area for expectant/new mothers

Please share this blog with those who may be curious or interested in learning more. I feel that we all have so much to learn from one another and at this point, technology is able to allow me to share my experiences, thus far. My faith continues to remain as a constant source of comfort and support amidst personal change and growth. I am blessed to begin with my first post of hopefully many more to come...