'Deck The House' Winner Named in Patch Holiday Decor Contest

Family in Davis, CA, wins the $100,000 grand prize for its school district.

A California family won Patch's Deck the House contest and netted $100,000 in prize money for the Davis Joint Unified School District. “We all won,” said homeowner Kristy Powell, who designed and created many of the decorations. “There are a lot of needs at the schools. This is not going to fix it all, but it will help. This is a blessing.” Powell entered her home in Patch's national Deck the House contest during the holidays and was selected as one of the top 24 finalists in late December. Though there were clearly some winners in local communities, no one in the Quaker Valley School District entered the contest. The Powells' home in California jumped out to a massive lead the moment voting opened up, thanks to support from the Davis …

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Simply From Scratch

Home Cooking is Key to Making Resolutions Come True

Here are five easy steps to a healthier New Year.

Columnist Kelly Burgess is on vacation this week, so we decided to run last year's New Year column that appeared on Pine-Richland Patch because the advice is timeless. The New Year traditionally brings resolutions, and the most popular are to lose weight, improve health, spend more time with the family, get organized and save money. Getting more comfortable in the kitchen can help you achieve all five of these goals. 1. Lose weight.  People who cook for themselves tend to make food with fewer calories than restaurant or packaged food. So, even if they don't actually eat less, the chances are they're ingesting fewer calories. 2. Improve health. Cooking for yourself allows you to control the ingredients and make healthy substitutions, such …

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Happy 2012 From Sewickley Patch!

Here's to a safe and prosperous New Year.

Sewickley Patch would like to wish you and yours a happy New Year!

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Bus Detours, Street Closures Planned During Pittsburgh's First Night Event

Buses to run on amended schedules and access to parking garages will be changed during annual festivities and parade.

Revelers headed to Downtown Pittsburgh tonight for New Year's Eve should note that the Port Authority of Allegheny County will enact detours on about 20 bus routes and numerous streets will be closed due to First Night activities. First Night-related detours are scheduled to begin at approximately 10 a.m. today and will be in effect through the end of service tonight. Riders should allow for extra time when traveling on New Year’s Eve and through the holiday weekend, when Port Authority bus, light-rail "T" and incline service will follow these schedules: For more information, call Port Authority customer service at 412-442-2000 or the TTY number, 412-231-7007. The customer service line is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday …

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Great Escape

Drop by a Sewickley-Area Yoga Studio and Drop That Holiday Stress

Hit up yoga, Pilates or exercise studios and get a jump on your New Year's resolutions.

  The holidays can certainly be stressful.  Having guests to entertain, meals to prepare, and a calendar to organize can take a toll on one's mind and body.  While all of that holiday shopping may have helped you steer clear of a few extra pounds, adding a relaxing form of activity can help you achieve calm and stay focused  around the hectic holiday season.   Fortunately, several yoga, Pilates and exercise studios are keeping their doors open in the Pittsburgh area this time of year. Here are a few. Be sure to tell us about your favorite exercise spot!   Yoga in Sewickley Yoga in Sewickley at 431 Beaver St., in the Nickelodeon Mall, will be open on New Year's Eve. The $15 drop-in class rate is enough motivation to attend. Classes are 75 …

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Did Santa Leave a Smartphone or Tablet Under Your Tree? Now You Need the Patch App.

Use your new device to keep up with Patch, and share your photos and videos with your neighbors.

So Santa —or someone who loves you a lot—brought you a new Smartphone, iPad or tablet for the holidays. Your next step? Go to www.patch.com/mobile and install the Patch app to keep up with and contribute to all the news and conversation in your hometown. Don't forget to share your own photos and video with Patch for your community to enjoy! Patch for iPhone keeps you connected to the latest news, weather, local business listings and current events happening in your neighborhood. Patch’s app will keep you and your neighbors engaged and mobile by delivering 24/7 local community coverage.   Patch’s useful features help you to: Or save anything from favorite stories to business listings direct to the for easy offline access. Customer opinions …

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Pets Also Hit With Holiday Stress

Animal Friends wants to remind local pet parents that the four-legged members of your family can feel the holiday stress too!

When you’re thinking of your loved ones this holiday season, don’t forget to consider the care of the four-legged members of your family. Dogs, cats and rabbits can add so much to any family celebration, and with some simple tips you can make sure your furry friends remain happy and healthy this year. Just as the holiday season can be a stressful time for humans, Animal Friends reminds you it can be equally trying for pets. Follow these simple steps to minimize anxiety for your pets during this busy season:    

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