Issue 12

BOLD Pittsburgh 11 Issue 12

From the Editor:

I always try to write something here inspirational and amazing about our city. This time is no different; take this life, this city and rock the shit out of it. Do something this summer that scares you and rocks you to your soul. Something that will change your life forever.

Since it is graduation season I have seen a lot of the graduation pictures from the area schools and one came from my alma mater, Avonworth, that struck me. It was on their Facebook and had the status that some of the seniors decorated their caps and this girl’s cap said:

“Don’t let anyone ever dull your sparkle!”

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BOLD Pittsburgh Contributors

Amanda Narcisi Chief Editor Layout Designer @alnarcisi

Renee Fisher Writer

Amanda Cooney Co-Editor Writer @spots87

Tim LaVoie Writer @LaVoiePGH

Jen Pizzuto Co-Editor Writer @snark_princess

Annie Fowler Co-Editor Writer

Steven Fernald Editor Support Food Master @stevenfernald BOLD Pittsburgh

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Issue 12 Contents

6-Kayak Pittsburgh 9-That’s So Pittsburgh 11-Hop Farm 15-Good L’Oven Cookie Shop 16-The Harmony Inn 20-Iron Chic 4

BOLD Pittsburgh

24-Music Review 26-S.P.F. 27-Stitch Fix 28-Weight Training 29-Dear Snarky

City

Adventure • Thats So Pittsburgh • Feature BOLD Pittsburgh

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Kayak Pittsburgh

By: Amanda Narcisi

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BOLD Pittsburgh

There is never a more freeing moment then being out on the open water. Whether it be sea, an ocean or our very own three rivers.

The weather is warmer and the sun is out (most days). The city is yours to explore and one of the best activity is Kayak Pittsburgh.

Located right on the north shore by PNC Park is a row of kayaks and canoes already to set sail on all three rivers. Maybe you have seen them as you walked across the bridge or hanging out by the point. Surprisingly they are affordable, really fun, and it is the coolest way to see some parts of the city like during a Buccos game or fireworks night. Kayak Pittsburgh is part of Venture Outdoors which offers outdoor tours of parks and farms. They also have group outings for things like Firework Paddle. They offer group activities like hikes and fishing.

I will suggest you have some knowledge of kayaking before you get too brave and head towards the opposite shore. For an easier and non-wave version head to North Park where they have a second location in the boathouse.

The main obstacle to North Park is dodging the geese. After your kayaking excursion head to

OTB at the Boathouse for a pint.

I was used to ocean kayaking when I rented my kayak. In the ocean they teach you to cut the waves with the front the boat. It is similar just on a smaller scale when a barge comes by your boat.

On one of my trips we took the kayaks from the north shore across the river and up around the point. Depending on how long you have is how far you can go. This is also a great workout for your arms and torso. Don’t forget your sunscreen.

I will caution you on watching how far you go and beware the powerboats they will cause wakes and if you are not used to them they can startle you.

Check out Ventureoutdoors.org for planned hikes and kayak outtings and for rental information. Like them on Facebook and follow them on twitter @ventureoutdoors and @kayakpittsburgh. Happy sailing and I will see you on the river.

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s ’ t a h T SO

h g r u b s t Pit

If you have ever been to a Pen’s or Bucco’s game you are very familiar with these lovely collectables. We have seen them on e-bay selling for hundreds and you may even have sold yours for five bucks leaving the stadium. Or you are like my house where these figurines haven’t even been out of the box.

-Amanda Narcisi

Have you ever seen something and thought to yourself “that is SO Pittsburgh!”

If so, share your story with us – parking chairs, knitted pierogies, that guy dahn the street who is a real jagoff – you name it! Send your photos and stories to BOLDPittsburgh@gmail.com. You could be featured in the next issue of BOLD Pittsburgh!

BOLD Pittsburgh

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Eats

• Hop Farm • Good L’Oven Cookies • The Harmony Inn 10 BOLD Pittsburgh

By: Jen Pizzuto Matt Gouwens was born and bred to be a brewmaster.

His family’s roots are steeped in agricultural tradition, and have been for generations. It was perhaps fated, then, that Mr. Gouwens developed a penchant for cultivating his own hops in a small, Pittsburgh apartment. From said hops blossomed a love of brewing and crafting his own beers, which have developed nothing short of a cult following in his trendy brewery, Hop Farm Brewing Company (now officially a “BrewPub”) in the upper streets of Lawrenceville. It’s different and distinctive. It’s family-owned and was

family-founded. And it’s just really cool.

For those who want to drink purely local beer, it doesn’t get anymore native Burgh than this place, even if the owners were to stuff fries into all of their bar food (which is delicious, by the way). The atmosphere is very relaxed and laid back; all evening, an broad range of patrons from all walks of life breezed in and out of Hop Farm, all hoping for their favorite brews. The beer selection changes regularly. Visiting Hop Farm can be heartbreaking for customers whose favorites aren’t currently available. That said, because of the ever changing menu, there’s always opportunity to sample a new potential favorite.

BOLD Pittsburgh 11

The food is another ever-changing offering. The menu features delicacies from Hop Farm’s Pittsburgh neighbors, all forming s community of support with a menu that is absolutely Yinz-tastic. The sausage, which is available in variety of flavors (the curry goat sausage was amazing) is purchased directly from suppliers in the Strip District.  The beer and chocolate pairing features sweets from Mon Aimee Chocolat, also in the Strip. I personally recommend trying the beer and chocolate pairing, which was served with five samples of beers and accompanied by five types of chocolate to complement and highlight the flavors.

One of the most unique--and endearing-facts about Hop Farm is that its popularity has spread primarily via word of mouth. Hop Farm does not maintain a massive social media presence; it relies largely upon the reputation that Gouwens has earned as a brewmaster for brewing complex and flavorful beer. Hanging at Hop Farm’s bar lends itself to interactions with a variety of clientele, all of whom share a deep appreciation for craft beer. It allows its patrons to take a break from the sometimes stuffy pretentiousness of hipster Lawrenceville. The hours are limited, as Hop Farm is only open Wednesday-Saturday, but is definitely worth the trip.

Hop Farm 5601 Butler Street Lawrenceville

Have a Brewery or bar you Would like to be featured in BOLD Pittsburgh? Drop us an email @ BoldPittsburgh@gmail.com

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Sharing a space with the Muddy Cup on Lincoln Ave in bellevue is a cookie shop that houses the biggest cookies I have ever seen. The Good L’Oven Cookie Shop has cookies in every flavor you could want but only one size: large.

I stopped in on a Tuesday morning to grab what I thought was just one cookie to try, but ended up wanting to buy six. Six cookies is $7.00, so it was a no brainer to try more than one.

The shop is small, but it is connected to the muddy cup so what is better than a latte and a cookie; nothing in this girl’s book. There are a few chairs in the cookie shop and a few other decorations that are homey. They reminded

me of a person’s living room. There were other treats in the shop like bread and other gifts.

But the most important are the cookies.

The six I chose were a chocolate peanut butter, peanut butter chocolate chip, peanut butter, M & M, raspberry lemon, and chocolate chip. The cookies were perfect. They were soft and buttery. They didn’t last long. I had half of each one and saved the other half for the next day. My favorite was the raspberry lemon. It was light, buttery and bites of summer.

So next time you are in the mood for a latte and a cookie head to Bellevue. Good L’Oven Cookie shop is the perfect small town cookie shop.

Good L’Oven Cookie Shop • 417 Lincoln Ave, Pgh, PA 15202 • 412-616-1251 BOLD Pittsburgh 15

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I remember hearing the story last summer where North Country Brewing wanted to purchase the Harmony Inn and revamp it as a sister restaurant. I know we usually head to the city of Pittsburgh for our dinners, but this particular Sunday we were already north of the city hiking up at Moraine State Park and McConnells Mills. The story turned to us exploring the Harmony Inn after we got lost and ended up in Slippery Rock.

It was a happy accident. We saw one sign on a back road that said Slippery Rock 6 miles and a right arrow and my gas light went on. I made the right and continued on until the road dropped me right onto Main Street in Slippery Rock. As we drove towards the Sheetz for gas we passed by North Country Brewing. When Steve was getting the gas I googled the brewery and discovered the Harmony Inn was open and was closer to McConnells Mill which we didn’t get to yet.

We decided to hike for about an hour and then head to dinner at the Harmony Inn on the way back to the city. Harmony Inn is just a small jump off of Rt 19 about 20 minutes north of cranberry.

My first impression is that it look just like an old inn. There is a fountain out front, a large patio space to the right of the building, a balcony with seatings above and a few rocking chairs on the front porch. There was a band that day setting up for some outside entertainment.

There was no seating left outside and with the end of the Bucco’s game on we opted to sit in the bar at a high-top off to the side. The bar has a great classic feel to it. The entire building has hardwood floors and the wood continued up the large bar that sat about 15. Off to the side and behind the bar was chalkboard that had all the specials on it. The beer list on the right of the bar highlights all local and craft beers including North Country Brewing selections. The selections change constantly so it is hard to say what they have from day to day.

After we were seated and ordered beers and water, lots of water. I enjoyed a Bucco Blonde BOLD Pittsburgh 17

while Steve had a Paleo both from North Country Brewing. The Bucco Blonde, perfect for the end of the Bucco’s game, was light, smooth and crisp. The Paleo was a bit more tangy and refreshing. All the beers were moderately priced.

We always start with an appetizer. The selection included Pilsen Fondue, a PA sharp Cheddar and Gruyere cheeses with Slimy Pebble Pilsner with Croutons for dipping. There was also wings with various sauces like wild, cajun, or parmesan ranch. Steve and I opted for bacon wrapped scallops which were wood fired on a skewer and served with balsamic reduction. They were served as a quantity of 6 which meant three each and that was perfect. The bacon wrapped scallops were delicious and a generous portion.

The rest of the menu is broken down into strudels, salads, hamburgers, sandwiches, and dinners. Steve chose a burger called Girl from North Country that had BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese and onion crisps on an angus burger. It must have been good cause he ate every bite without a word.

I had decided to go off of the sandwich menu and was hungry for a fish sandwich. It must have been all the fisherman in Moraine. My fish sandwich was massive. I had to eat the fish and then the part that was on the bun. They call it the Drunken Fish because it is beer battered and fried to a crisp. It was crunchy and rich; very flavorful.

We stuck around well after our food was done sipping between beer and water. The restaurant and bar area stayed busy the entire time.

It felt like it was a restaurant that belonged in the city. It was hip and original. The atmosphere was perfect and fun. Take a look at the pictures in the bar area; they are antique photos with animal heads on them. They are so unique.

In your summer travels take a moment to stop at The Harmony Inn in Harmony PA. Sit on the patio, enjoy a craft beer and a burger.

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Have an eatery you would like to be featured in BOLD Pittsburgh? Drop us an email @ BoldPittsburgh@gmail.com By: Amanda Narcisi

Live

• Music • Beauty • Fitness • Fashion • Snark

By: Tim LaVoie 20 BOLD Pittsburgh

Long Island’s finest punk band, Iron Chic, made their long-awaited Pittsburgh debut this May at Cattivo in Lawrenceville. With unending hooks and a continuous barrage of harmonies; Iron Chic deliver a brand of punk that is melodic, infectious, honest, and worthy of every pumping fist in their growing base of support.

On playing Pittsburgh for the first time in the band’s 7-year run, and expectations playing a town for the first time, guitarist Phil Douglas remembered the band “got a lot of reaction last tour, people were kinda upset we didn’t play Pittsburgh. It hasn’t been on purpose, but it was time.” Singer Jason Lubrano added, “It seems like any time any band posts anything on the internet the first comment is ‘Come to Pittsburgh!’

It doesn’t matter the band, the tour, anything.

So it’s great to come through on that end. Even just showing up and having people be into [our music] itself is cool. There was a time when we couldn’t get 30 people to come out when we

played at home. Now we can play a place for the first time and a couple hundred people show up, it’s great, it definitely makes you feel good.”

In the playlist era, Iron Chic are notable for having two great, front-to-back, albums under their belt, 2013’s The Constant One, and 2010’s Not Like This. Regarding the importance of LPs and the band’s commitment to the format, Lubrano explained, “When we record, we make a pretty conscious effort to make the record cohesive, and we write songs with the record in mind to give it the right flow, as opposed to just plucking the ten best songs we all like. We scrap songs, or write new ones based on what the record needs.” Douglas added, “Full records are what we grew up on; that’s what makes sense to us. A 7-inch, you’re stuck with a time frame.

Writing a record is more fulfilling, it’s more of a challenge, and it’s more interesting to us.”

As Cattivo started to fill and Iron Chic tuned up, the mood of the room shifted upward.

The crowd spanned a couple different genera- know what the songs need.” About those great, tions of punk fandom, but were united in pur- crowd pleasing moments, Douglas continued, pose. Within a few seconds of the first riff, a “you never really know what people are going to scrum of fans melded around Lubrano, scream- respond to. I mean sometimes, you know ‘this is ing each line as a group linked by their ecstatic the part.’ It’s really different from show to show, reaction. A quick glance around the venue was city to city. But certain songs float to the top on memorable both for the endless stream of bod- their own, and we’re proud of those.” ies the crowd passed toward the stage, and for On how this tour has been so far, and the flashing of ear-to-ear grins that couldn’t be the tour experience generally, the band exudchiseled of the faces of ed the same positivity anyone in the room. that leaks into each of Though they their songs. “There’s a dip into some serious dynamic there. We as topics lyrically, Lubraa band get along reno admitted that the ally well. We all comband’s uncanny ability municate really well,” to pump out tunes that Douglas explained. make people happy Asked if the live expecomes from different, rience is re-affirming but non-competing every night, Lubrano places. “Tonally, musiquickly noted, “There’s cally, that’s just Phil’s always something esthetic. He doesn’t positive. I remember a like minor chords, so specific day on one of everything just comes our first tours when out upbeat. Personally, I was swimming in I’m not very political the ocean in Florida - not that I don’t think and it was freezing at about those things and home. I just thought, Riding the resonant waves of Douglas’ have opinions - but I’m ‘People are working acsailing melodies, everyone present bejust some dick from tual jobs, and I’m doing lieved Lubrano as he belted, Long Island. I don’t this.’ It’s great. I know I want to tell people can’t take that stuff for “Standing in place/wind in what they should or granted.” my face/but it can’t knock shouldn’t think. So I try Joining for the “ba da to write more esoterida da” background vome down.” cally. It’s more univercals, the crowd elevatsal. I don’t want to exed the band during The clude anybody from being able to enjoy any of Constant One standout, “Numbskull”. Riding the our songs. We tend to hit a chord with the older resonant waves of Douglas’ sailing melodies, evcrowd, I think that’s because of the subject mat- eryone present believed Lubrano as he belted, ter and we have some of the similarities to the “Standing in place/wind in my face/but it can’t bands that everybody kinda grew up on.” Re- knock me down.” As the set drew to a close, the garding those hooks and trademark sing-alongs, crowd dipped into its reserve well of energy, Douglas acknowledged, “The process itself is drowning out Lubrano’s vocals with swelling getting easier. The more we do this the more we harmonies, fulfilling the communal promise of22 BOLD Pittsburgh

fered by Lubrano’s lyrics - “Of all the possibilities/in infinite realities/this one eventuality is something that we share!” As the last chord rang out, the band left the beaten stage to the crowd’s chant: “Iron Chic! Iron Chic!”

Two years removed from their last proper full-length, things will speed up for Iron Chic as 2015 rolls forward. On what’s next, Lubrano explained, “We’re working on a new record now and hopefully we’ll be done with that by summertime.” Douglas added, “We’re hoping to release it late this year. We have a bunch of new material we’re really excited about but haven’t really formed it into an album yet.” If anywhere near the quality of The Constant One, the next record will likely push Iron Chic over that bump, and allow the band to become the members’ full-time job. Though that band as a job status is not the obvious goal, Lubrano admitted, “We’re trying more to ramp [the band] up. It’s a slow

moving process, but yeah, we’re slowing making a push towards that.”

On what the next record might sound like, and if the band is hesitant to evolve their sound, Lubrano acknowledged, “It’s a fine line. I always got weirded out when a band would drop a completely weird record compared to their other stuff. But at the same time it’s really easy to stagnate as a band, putting out the same record over and over again - why bother listening to the new one if it’s just the same thing? That’s a criticism we get a lot, that we tend to sound the same, which I think is inaccurate. We try to work different stuff in, and by the end once it’s hammered out it’ll eventually sound like ‘us.’”

Iron Chic’s ascension towards a bigger audience feels as inevitable as it feels well-deserved. If their raucous Pittsburgh debut indicates things to come, we all better start lining up for their return now.

BOLD Pittsburgh 23

Music Reviews The Weather Station Loyalty Paradise of Bachelors

The delicate third record from Toronto folk singer Tamara Linderman, recording as the Weather Station, is a near-perfect album of exceptional quality and grace. Sounding eerily like Blue-era Joni Mitchell, when Linderman’s voice unfurls over her finger-picked acoustic guitar and sparse piano arrangements, the result is timeless and pure. Her simple, blunt, and affecting lyrics - “I’m older now than you ever were / or ever would become” - elevate each listen to divine heights. Loyalty can be marked in stone right now as one of 2015’s top 10 albums.

Stand-out tracks: “Tapes”, “Personal Eclipse”, “Way It Is, Way It Could Be”, “I Could Only Stand By” Grade: A

John Moreland High on Tulsa Heat Old Omens/Thirty Tigers

On his latest record, alternative-country songwriter John Moreland expertly summons the sound of genre’s beacon, Steve Earle. Like the elder Earle, Moreland’s voice is gruff, honest, and perfectly imperfect. Moreland’s Oklahoma twang cements High on Tulsa Heat’s authenticity. But it’s his devastating, hard living in hard times lyrics that tattoos the album into the listener’s conscious. “I guess I got a taste for poison / I’ve given up on ever being well.”

Grab this record, a bottle of cheap whiskey, and plan on an evening in, because as Moreland reminds us, “there’s a loser in every fight.”

Stand-out tracks: “Cherokee”, “Cleveland County Blues”, “You Don’t Care for Me Enough to Cry” Grade: A-

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By: Tim LaVoie Nosaj Thing Fated Innovative Leisure

In what’s been a strikingly good year for electronic music thus far, this crisp 33-minute set from Los Angeles producer Jason Chung has impressed the most. Slow and deliberate, Fated is a case-study in the power of restraint.

Fated doesn’t beat the listener into submission with hundreds of BPM and zipping laser sounds. Nosaj plays the long game, and earns attention with silky, tranquil atmospherics and sublime pacing.

Stand-out tracks: “Don’t Mind Me”, “A”, “Phase IV” Grade: B+

Oddisee The Good Fight Mello Music Group

DC rapper Oddisee harkens back to classicera hip-hop, bringing immediate sonic comparisons to soul-tinged 90s luminaries Tribe Called Quest and the Fugees. Oddisee’s voice isn’t as distinct as other rappers, but the lush, eclectic live instrumentation he rhymes over separates him from the field. Lyrically, Oddisee shifts between the politically aware and romantic, “The only way to beat ‘em that I see is with intelligence / being black with a brain / they’d rather see me asking for the ball than for a raise.” Nothing Oddisee does here is necessarily a knock-out, but The Good Fight is solid front to back, and well worth any time given to it.

Stand-out tracks: “Want Something Done”, “Belong to the World”, “What They’ll Say” Grade: B BOLD Pittsburgh 25

S.P.F.

Nothing beats a summer in the Burgh, but what’s no fun at all is burnt skin after a day outside.

By now everyone should know the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays, but we’ll refresh you in case.

Along with painful sunburn, sun-exposed skin can suffer from premature aging in the form of wrinkles and discoloration, and, even worse, cancer like melanoma.

Using products with SPF are an easy way to keep UV rays’ damage at bay. Make sure to have these products at hand, especially during the summer months.

Sunscreen is the most obvious SPF product.

If you’re exercising or going to the pool, opt for a waterproof formula and reapply every hour. However, for every day use, try a body lotion with SPF; you’ll get the protection but skip the greasy feel and distinct smell of a sunscreen. Put on a face moisturizer

26 BOLD Pittsburgh

with SPF every morning, but go with sunscreen specially formulated for your face if you plan on spending an extensive amount of time in the sun. Another line of the defense for your face can be found in foundation with SPF. My favorite is Bare Minerals matte foundation with SPF 15, but there’s several liquid and powder foundations with SPF out there to choose from. Going along with make-up, shiny lip glosses in the sun will turn your lips to a crisp. Make sure to stash a lip balm with SPF in your purse like EOS’s lemon drop sphere with SPF 15 or Nivea’s A Kiss of Protection with SPF 30. Also, we don’t think about it a lot, but your eyes can also become damaged from sun exposure. UV rays can cause cataracts, benign growths, and, of course, cancer. Wear a pair of UV-blocking sunglasses and a brimmed hat to keep your eyes safe.

Enjoy a sunny summer, Pittsburgh!

By: Renee Fisher

stitch fix

By: Renee Fisher

This month I signed up for Stitch Fix, a new online shopping craze that pairs you with a personal stylist who sends you clothes and accessories of their choosing. With only a $20 styling fee and free shipping and returns, how could we resist?!

It was simple for us to sign up - just register at StitchFix.com and fill out a “style profile.” I was impressed at how thorough Stitch Fix’s analysis was and how fun it was to complete!

I asked my stylist for both work and casual clothes for a woman in her twenties with no paisley or polka dots and all vegan materials. I chose classic or edgy for my styles of choice and asked for tops and accessories as cheap as possible and bottoms, dresses, and outerwear in the $50 to $100 range.

Next I just had to enter credit card information and schedule my “fix.” I chose the earliest possible arrival date which was about three weeks later.

Initially, the customer is billed a $20 styling fee. If I hated everything I was sent, I could return it all and only be down $20. But, if I chose to keep any of the clothes that $20 goes toward that purchase. Further, if I wanted to keep all five items I was sent, 25 percent is taken off the whole order.

The anticipation for my fix was like waiting for Christmas, and the day my shipment was arriving I rushed to get home from work. The package was neatly put together and included my five items wrapped in tissue paper, a pre-paid return bag, a

note from my stylist, photos of outfit ideas, and a packing slip with the items’ costs. My stylist sent me a bright green crossbody purse ($48.00), a yellow striped tank top ($38.00), denim shorts ($58.00), a sweetheart neckline blouse ($44.00), and black capri pants ($58.00).

The prices were a little bit high for me; when I look for a cheap shirt at the mall I’m trying to find something under $30. However, my guess is that the cost of the clothes goes toward not only the item itself but the service as well (I’m sure that’s how they get away with only a $20 fee to suck you in).

After trying everything on, I knew I wanted to keep the capri pants because they’ll be perfect for wearing to work in the summer. The blouse was a little bit too big; the shorts were nice, but similar to ones I already have; and the purse was a bit of an investment for something that wouldn’t match a lot of outfits. I hemmed and hawed over whether to keep the tank top; it was really flattering, but could I really justify getting a $40 cotton tank? I decided to go for it (YOLO, right?) because I figured I’d be kicking myself later if I couldn’t find something similar at the mall.

All in all, Stitch Fix was incredibly fun, especially for someone like me who is a serial impulse buyer and lives for surprises. I already scheduled my next fix, so I guess I’m an addict already!

BOLD Pittsburgh 27

One of the most frustrating things for women who are getting back into shape is pounding the treadmill every morning and not seeing any results in the form of fat loss. This month I talked to Paige Carkuff, rookie quarterback for the Pittsburgh Passion women’s football team and fitness enthusiast, who told me how to get the best results at the gym.

“Cardio is used the wrong way in this world,” Paige told me. “There’s nothing wrong with it, but if you’re trying to lose weight, you have to lift weights.”

Exercises like running and spinning are great for you, especially when it comes to improving your cardiovascular system, and they burn calories while you’re doing them. But, to really make a difference in your body, you need to supplement your cardio with some serious weight lifting.

“You need to gain muscle, because muscle burns fat,” Paige said. “Even while you’re just sitting here, your muscles are burning your fat around you.

Your lean muscle is working when you’re not.”

One of the biggest misconceptions about women lifting weights is that it will make us look bulky or manly, but, according to Paige, that isn’t the case at all. And not only should women lift weights, they should lift heavy.

“Women who go into the gym and have their two pound weights and do their bicep curls and are doing, for example, four sets of fourteen, are never going to increase their lean muscle mass.” Paige explained. “You’re not gaining anything lifting low weight at high reps. In order to build the lean muscle mass that burns fat, you need to build strength.”

But you shouldn’t do the same weight lifting routine every day, or even lift the maximum amount you physically can. You have to change up your routine in order to keep improving, and to give your muscles enough recovery time. “You don’t build muscle at the gym; you build muscle when you rest after you work out.” Paige suggests doing the same weight lifting exercise only once a week so that muscle group can recover before going at it again.

She also has a formula for the amount of weight you should be lifting. First, figure out the maximum amount of weight you’re able to lift for several reps without sacrificing proper form. Then lift at a lesser weight, gradually increasing for each set of reps. “You don’t want to constantly be doing your max weight because you’re never going to improve,” she explains.

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Weight Training

By: Renee Fisher

Your first week at the gym, lift 60 percent, 65 percent, and 70 percent of your max for three sets.

The second week, do 70 percent, 75 percent, and 80 percent, and the third week, do 75, 80, and 85. Then, for the fourth week, drop it back down to 60, 65, and 70. “Your muscles need constant change to continue to build,” she says.

There are four core weight lifting exercise Paige highly recommends: squats, dead lifts, bench presses, and military presses. Make sure to work with a trainer at your gym to learn how the equipment works and proper lifting form. After doing one of those core exercises each day, then only afterwards should you do any other isolating exercises and cardio to finish up. Running for 45 minutes and tiring yourself out before heavy lifting is not only less effective, but could be dangerous.

As you gain strength and lean muscle, you’ll watch your fat disappear in a way that cardio alone could never Have accomplish. a new and fun beauty, fashion or fitness

thing for Renee to Explore. Give us a shout!

BoldPittsburgh@gmail.com

Dear Snarky,

5. You don’t store men’s last names in your phone and instead identify them by a physical feature.

By: Jen Pizzuto When you start avoiding calls from “Big- Boned Brad” and “Tom Nose Hair,” it’s time for a break.

Ten Signs of Dating Burn-Out

6. You have a rating system for dates and have an opinion about a second date within the first 10

We’ve all been on the dating merry-go- mins. Look at yourself. You aren’t enjoying this round...and maybe some of us have been on it for anymore. Take some time off. a bit too long. It’s completely acceptable (and sometimes preferable) to take a break from the 7. You have designated first, second and third game for a while. I recently decided to take a date outfits. And #4 never happens. You can only breather after I noticed an increase in my over- wear an outfit so many times before your selfall cynicism with regard to dating (read: every esteem starts to suffer under the fraying fabric. sentence I uttered began with “This is why I hate men” for a solid month). I started to identify the 8. You begin to falsify personality traits, just for telltale indicators of dating overload, with the the hell of it. You invented hairspray? Your cat is knowledge that I would never be successful in a three-time pageant winner? You’re just messthe dating realm with my I-want-to-rip-out-the- ing with these guys now. Take a breather. throats-of-all-men attitude. Here’s to saving myself, and perhaps some others, too, with ten sure 9. You’re the first and last person at the open bar during your best friend’s wedding. You’re signs of dating burn-out: probably not going to find anyone of quality 1. This is your second go-round on Match and here and it screams, “desperation.” Also, everyNO ONE is new. You sign in again, only to find the one is crunky drunk and won’t remember any of this tomorrow. Consume your free drinks as same old guys who want “more pics” Vom. a singlet.

2. You have a favorite first date restaurant...the wait staff recognizes you and knows “the rou- 10. You start to label all of your friends as Sex tine.” You can feel their unrelenting judgement and the City characters. Your life has become and you maybe, just maybe, you should insist all about dating, and you’re worth so much more! Get out there and find an interest in upon your date selecting the place. which to absorb yourself, before you lose your3. You’re a regular at lock and key events. And self. Take some time to work on you and the datyou know the other regs, too. These events have ing thing will take care of itself. Focus on your ceased to be exciting and have become--dare I own identity, outside of dating. say--WOOOOORK. Give it a rest, girlfriend. The

You are worth more than half of a relafree door prizes aren’t worth it. tionship. Work on you. The right person will 4. You’ve considered using (or have used) Tin- find YOU when it’s time. der as a legit dating site. If this is the case, you obviously haven’t been reading my column. I’ve warned of the pitfalls of Tinder long ago. It’s Have a question for our resident snark adgreat for a hook up, but that’s pretty much all vice? Life and Love? Give us a shout! you’re going to get.

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