PRIDELY - Lehigh Valley Vol 2

Renovations

to increase home value

Personalization: We all want to make our home unique to our own character. However, when it comes time to sell, buyers want to envision themselves in the home, which can be difficult if the entire home is personalized to you. Avoid any personalization that is difficult to undo and stick to a nice universal outlook that speaks to everyone.

Landscaping: Just like with personalizing, it’s best to keep it simple. Some home buyers may love how elaborate your landscaping may look, but most of the time they’re considering the cost of upkeep or the difficulty of maintaining that look. A clean lawn with curb appeal is the best first impression to give to potential buyers.

Closet Space: Some of us are minimalist and can do with a larger room by sacrificing closet space, but most potential buyers value the importance of storage. Remember, buyers want to see themselves living in the home, and a lack of closet space might send them looking elsewhere.

Bold Paint: Freshly painted rooms are a great way to brighten up your home. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little color into your home but keep in mind that buyers may not favor the same colors you do. Stick to keeping the colors subtle with small accents and focus more on neutral tones to appeal to potential buyers.

Trendy Designs: Barn doors and patterned tiles may look great to some buyers, but avoid trendy designs that might be outdated when you decide to sell. No matter how tempting the latest home design trend may be, the classic look is always the safest bet.

DIY Projects: Projects that you build yourself are great, but only when they’re done professionally. This is important to potential buyers so make sure if you’re going to do your own home project, that you do it exceptionally well. This also applies to repairs, quick cover ups will only get you so far. These sort of projects can either increase or decrease the value of your home so make sure you know what you’re doing before proceeding.

Long-Term Necessities: When it comes to renovations, keep in mind that not every buyer needs a built in office desk, or a workshop, or anything that may seem like a great idea to you. Tread carefully when adding permanent fixtures, not all buyers have the same vision as you when it comes to changes made. Make sure your room structures allow the flexibility for potential buyers to make their own changes.

Restaurants

Grille 3501

Sophisticated restaurant serving Asian, French & Mediterranean cuisine in a cozy, modern setting.

3501 Broadway, Allentown, PA 18104

Phone: (610) 706-0100 | Web: grille3501.com

Union & Finch

Bright, cozy setting for seasonal American bistro fare amid woodheavy decor & an old-fashioned bar.

1528 W. Union St. Allentown, PA 18102

Phone: (610) 432-1522 | Web: unionandfinch.com

Lazeez Fresh Mediterranean Grill

Modest counter-serve eatery offering Middle Eastern fare including kebabs, shawarma & falafel.

4666 Broadway, Allentown, PA 18104

Phone: (610) 351-6897 | Web: lazeezgrill.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

The Shelby

Elevated New American fare & cocktails featured in a stylish, artlined space with large windows.

707 N Krocks Rd, Allentown, PA 18106

Henry’s Salt of the Sea

Quaint, French-inspired seafood restaurant with a full bar also offering steak & chicken entrees.

1926 West Allen Street

Allentown, PA 18104

Youell’s Oyster House

Veteran eatery offering its seafood menu in a remodeled space that includes a rooftop garden.

2249 Walnut St, Allentown, PA 18104

Aladdin

Long-running BYOB outfit serving Middle Eastern eats in an eclectic space with belly dancing nights.

651 Union Blvd, Allentown, PA 18109

Damascus

Humble, BYOB Middle Eastern spot fixing up kebabs, andwiches, vegetarian dishes & other bites.

449 N 2nd St, Allentown, PA 18102

Copperhead Grille

Spacious bar & eatery offering American pub fare, with gameday drinks & wings deals.

1731 Airport Rd, Allentown, PA 18109

Angelo’s Restaurant

Hearty breakfast, plus burgers, gyros & other lunch fare offered in a simple, relaxed diner.

14 N 4th St, Easton, PA 18042

El Paisano Taqueria

Tiny mom-&-pop restaurant doling out classic Mexican eats from burritos to quesadillas.

22 E Union Blvd, Bethlehem, PA 18018

Feb 27-28

The Importance of Being Earnest

Act 1 opens its Spring Season with the wildly entertaining comedy sparkling with dazzling wordplay and hilarious situations, The Importance of Being Earnest. In the 1890s, carefree bachelor —Jack— poses as a man named “Ernest” so he can escape from the country to the city for romantic escapades. More info at wfmz.com.

MAR 18

St. Patrick’s Day Fest

Join us this St. Patrick’s day for live music, games, contests, and more!!

Local wineries and breweries. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

APR 15

Wine & Shine Lehigh Valley

Join us for our annual Wine & Shine passport event that pairs 5 wineries with 2 distilleries for food & beverage pairings over 3 weekends. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

MAY 6

Join us for our Annual Spring Craft & Vendor Show! May 6th & 7th. The event features 85-95 vendors each day. Local vendors with jewelry, soap/ candles, floral/wreath, wood working, pet accessories, home decor & more! Learn more at eventbrite.com.

JUN (TBD)

Lehigh Valley Pride

The event features live entertainment as well as an interfaith service, more than 125 vendors, including LGBTQ-affirming retailers, nonprofits, faith organizations, social justice organizations, social service agencies, and more. Learn more at discoverlehighvalley.com.

JUL 1 Kutztown Folk Festival

The Kutztown Festival features authentic folklife demonstrations; a wide variety of Pennsylvania Dutch food; over 200 nationally recognized, juried folk artists and traditional American artisans; over 2,500 locally handmade Dutch quilts on display and for sale; antiques and collectibles; six stages of entertainment; music and dancing; and a wide range of children’s activities (admission is free for children 12 and under). Learn more at kutztownfestival.com.

Jul 13

Lehigh Valley’ s Largest Summer Bridal Show

Find hundreds of vendors, thousands of ideas, and valuable show special offers to save time and money of driving to appointments. Find the best of everything for your wedding and enjoy an unforgettable night of wedding planning fun, inspiration and excitement. Visit eventbrite.com.

AUG 4 Musikfest®

Each summer, Bethlehem comes alive as the tradition of Musikfest returns to the city. The festival kicks off on the first Friday of August and continues for 10 consecutive days packed with music, food, and plenty of fun for all ages. Learn more at musikfest.org.

SEP 4

The Great Allentown Fair

Dedicated to supporting the achievements of farmers, gardeners, and homemakers, the Pennsylvania State Fair invites guests to learn about agriculture while spending an exciting time riding rides, playing games, and musical performances. It serves up tantalizing international cuisine, live concerts, thrill shows, and the latest in gizmos and gadgets. Learn more at allentownfair.com.

OCT 2

Oktoberfest

Bethlehem Oktoberfest features authentic German food and beer, live music, local artisans, as well as attractions like the popular dachshund parade, Dragtoberfest, a steinholding competition, and activities for kids. Learn more at discoverlehighvalley.com.

NOV 18

Christkindlmarkt

The Bethlehem Christmas market is known for its unique holiday shopping experience featuring thousands of unique handmade gifts. Experience everything from artisans, performers, ice skating, food and more! Learn more at christmascity.org.

DEC 23

Lights In The Parkway

This long-running drive-through holiday light display spans more than a mile of beautiful Lehigh Parkway in Allentown, Pa. Add this tradition to your Lehigh Valley holiday bucket list and wow your family with lighted trees, tunnels, characters, and animated displays in a winter wonderland. Learn more at discoverlehighvalley.com.

JAN (TBD)

Craft Beer Festival

The Annual Craft Beer Festival at Fegley’s Allentown Brew Works will feature four hours of live music, their legendary food buffet, and over 50 craft beers, ciders, meads, and kombuchas. Learn more at discoverlehighvalley.com.

With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, choosing to do a vacation on a cruise gives great value. Traveling on the sea can be extremely fun, but it is important to choose the correct cruise line. If you’re going to spend a lot of your vacation time on a cruise ship, it may as well be one of luxury. Thankfully, there’s many luxury cruise lines ready to cater to your every

whim while ferrying you to and from some of the world’s most mesmerizing destinations in plush comfort. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway destinations, while others attract travelers with comfortable cabins and stimulating enrichment programs. Use this guide as a starting point to find out which luxury cruise fits best for your next vacation.

We made a list that factors in itinerary affordability, health ratings, and reputation among experts and travelers.

1 2 3 4 5

SILVERSEA OCEANIA REGENT SEVEN SEAS SEABOURN

EATING THE PSYCHOLOGY

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

ConsumptionSome of us more than others realize that what we eat can effect how we feel such as eating too little or too much. We should be able to enjoy what we eat but also feel better when we do.

Eating healthy is a challenging task that many of us

strive to achieve but often fall short.

InfluencesCultural, social, family, and economical factors may be a direct influence linked to our food and eating behaviors. However, a more serious influence such as stress, boredom and anxiety can play a larger role as many of us eat as a coping mechanism. Although it can

sometimes help bring relief and ease feelings, it often leads to regret and build more negativity. Avoiding the problem with food will often create another problem with self-image when suffering from weight gain or other negative affects caused by unhealthy eating.

Weight ManagementHere are tips to help you manage your weight.

For starters, never skip a meal. By skipping a meal, you’re allowing yourself to become

hungry later which can result in reckless binge eating. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time and limit night time snacking. This will allow you to always be one step ahead

of your weight by creating a routine. If you’re getting a craving between meals, try to exercise or find another way to distract yourself from food.

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Eating Diary - This is a great tool to keep track of your eating habits. Record what food you eat and when you eat it. Also take note of how you feel after eating and if you were doing anything while eating such as using your phone or watching TV.

By recording your habits, you will be able to pinpoint which foods and activities to avoid. The diary can also assist you when you’re working with a dietitian to help you make the best decisions.

BRADBURY-SULLIVAN LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER

We produce world-class, life-enriching LGBTQ+ culture and community-building programs. We develop leading-edge LGBTQ+ health programs. We offer LGBTQ+ youth programs every day after school.

BRADBURYSULLIVANCENTER.ORG | 610.347.9988

LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK

Sometimes it helps to speak with someone who understands where you are coming from. For patients who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ+), you can find supportive care at Lehigh Valley Health Network.

LVHN.ORG | 888-843-4564

LEHIGH VALLEY TRANSGENDER RENAISSANCE

We are a Non-Profit Support Group with a Mission to Improve the Lives of Transgender Individuals and Their Families by Providing Social Opportunities, Peer Support, Education, Resources, and Outreach Focused on the Needs of the Transgender Community.

RENAISSANCELV.ORG

GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The LGBTQ Business Council is a partnership of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce celebrating the diversity and inclusivity of regional businesses.

LEHIGHVALLEYCHAMBER.ORG