Nemacolin, PA Just by looking at this map, what more could you ask for? No, but really, Nemacolin PA is located in the southern corner of PA. It is in Greene County. The population was 1,034 at the 2000 census. Desolate you say?  i say, retreat weekend here I come!

This is a GEM of Pennsylvania, through and through. Just by staying in their FOUR Diamond Resort you will feel as if you have entered complete Zen!

Falling Rock is their 5 Diamond Boutique Hotel. Falling Rock's architectural style is a tribute to that of famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Who is known for a house located in Pittsburgh PA!

The Nemacolin Woodlands Resort Is a Beautiful getaway located just a few hours from Pittsburgh, and a perfect getaway for those in West Virginia as well!

Check out their site, plan your next trip, surprize your hunnie with the best of the best!

Too Expensive you say? I will highlight some of the more affordable PA Gems as well! Stay Tuned!

Pennsylvania is one of the most beautiful states in the US. I would know, I live here!  I have lived in both Pittsburgh and right outside of Philadelphia and I currently live in Lancaster, just about central PA. As a Pennsylvania resident I also know that sometimes you just want to get away. I also know that getting away isn't always so easy. Sure, a trip to the Bahamas sounds great, even LA, or just as simple as the Jersey Shore. But living in Pittsburgh, a weekend trip to the Jersey shore is just silly, because it would take at least 6 hours.

Well what im trying to get to is don't you want a local getaway?? There are a few really special places in western pa and the next few blogs will be about some that I feel are truly gems of PA.

Stay Tuned! :o)

:( i just lost everything i wrote before, here i go again to try it

i hoep everyone is ready for the snow...again! haha! here are some tips on keeping happy and sane for another foot of snow!

Shoveling a few times rather than hauling heavy snow once is the best bet onkeeping your body from wanting to die

tuck in your car mirrors if you have street parking, nothing sucks more than having vehicle damage

come up with some FUN activities with those around you, maybe some neighbors have a snow day too! How about a "best snow man contest" maybe not even snow men, how about snow objects! like, best relpica of a sports object, (ie footballs, soccer, etc) maybe most imaginative costumes, etc. you can build soo much out of snow!

keep bundled up because if you play your cards right you can get a hot steamy cup of Hot Chocolate!

here is a HOMEMADE recipie to try!
milk or dark chocolate works best
if you have any early valentines chocolate hanging around this will substitute as well! (just no nougat or weird fillings, just solic chocolate)

cut of chocolate into small pieces, about the size of a pea. put about a palm full of chocolate per 6 oz of barely simmering milk over low/medium heat. wisk in the chocolate until all the pieces are melted through out
(if you used dark chocolate, you may want to incorporate 1 tbsp of confectioners sugar)

for an extra kick to this simple recipie, add some of your favorite flavorings!
Alcoholic
-Tia Maria (coffee liquer)
-Baileys Irish Cream (just a splash, they have great flavored ones out too)
-Amaretto (almond liquer)
-Frangelica (hazelnut liquer)

Non Alcoholic
-Flavored syrups (peppermint, hazelnut, and more)
-Flavored Coffee Creamer (not just for coffee ya know!)
-a hint of Espresso Powder

Toppings!
-Mini 'Mallows of Course!
-coolwhip
-Heavy whipping cream, confectioners sugar, espresso powder <3

stay warm guys! more from me later! 

Let me start off by saying, if you are a twitter user...you MUST follow @LivingPGH ... no doubt about it! They are the best place to find events in Pittsburgh!!!

OH and Vote for them on www.networkpittsburgh.com for person/business/organization to follow in 2010!

Today the postings is all about ICE SKATING! http://www.livingpittsburgh.com/2009/12/ice-skating-rinks-in-pittsburgh/

Its cold, its a grey day, what better time to go ICE SKATING! a friend of mine always says, no no no, my butt is too big to be falling down on the cold hard ice without hardly any friction helping me, but i say, OH COME ON :) its SO FUN! Grab a group of friends and just do it already! Most rinks have loud music to skate to, and lets be honest, what else is fun other than listening to music and goofing off with friends? AND on top of that, what better excuse could you have to go to a local coffee shop, drink hot chocolate and relax with friends!

My absolute Favorite Skating rink is at the PPG Building. Its ABSOLUTELY beautiful in the winter months! Its like a trip to times square in quaint pittsburgh pa! Its open until March 7th, so get your butts moving to the ice rink!!

PS need a Valentines Day idea? Visit the rink and create your own special moment! <3<3<3

Visit their site for more valuable info http://www.ppgplace.com/rink

My last post was more towards how to address issues when staying at a hotel. But lets all understand, all the bad doesnt happen at one time. well at least at some establishments i would hope not.

When looking for a hotel room many people go to the internet first. The great part about the internet is that it gives you long lists of hotels in what ever area you can think up. But the bad part is which one is good enough for you or you and your family to stay in?

Many people tend to like to stay in chain hotels. The reason is because places like a Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, Best Westerns all have big time commercials, things like hot breakfast to draw you in. But what we have to stop and think about is what types of comments does each of the properties have. Many people don't know this but a lot of the hotels are FRANCHIZED. Yup, the big time seemingly corporate hotel is a franchise! Not to say that there is not a large list of guidelines that the hotels are suppsosed to follow but quality could end up being a factor depending on the caliber of the manager. This is when to look at the reviews about things like cleanliness and friendliness of the staff. If the staff is nice, they can help you with most all problems with out any anger from the guests.

CONS to reading  reviews:  Some may make the hotel seem bad, for example, if 2 years ago it was under construction and you didn't read the date or go to their site to see the new additions/construction and to call to see if it was finished.

Many people have their own personal preferences just remember, if the staff is at all what it should be you will be helped in any way possible!

Traveling is stressful, trust me we all know this! Keep your cool, make plans, take maps, ask questions, it will be a fantabulous ride!