Author: Allie Zottola

Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival 2015

If you’ve read my blog for the past few years, you probably know that I thoroughly enjoy the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival. Jimmy and I went in 2011, 2012, 2013, and were able to finagle my sister and our friend, Caleb, into going with us this year!

Pgh Ren Fest

The renaissance festival is a celebration of the 16th century and all things medieval. It’s been wonderful to see Pittsburgh’s festival grow since Jimmy and I began attending in 2011. This year’s celebration included jousting, comedy shows, a marketplace, glass blowing, fire swallowing, acrobatics, music, food, games, and so much more.

If you’ve never been to a renaissance festival, I definitely recommend checking one out if you ever get a chance. I didn’t know much about medieval celebrations prior to 2011, and I have no clue how Jimmy and I first heard about the renaissance festival, but I’m glad we started going each year! It’s a lot of fun, and I truly feel like I’m in another time period during the time I spend at the festival every year. It’s simply amazing.

Here are some pictures from our visit on Sunday…

12a5a3a

When we walked through the marketplace, we came across a huge welded statue of… I don’t know what. It’s the top picture. What do you think it is?! The last picture above was taken during a jousting match. It was somehow goofy and intense at the same time.

We really got into the spirit of the festival when we decided to have our picture taken in costume. We just couldn’t resist! We went into a booth-like structure and workers picked out outfits for us to wear. Hannah’s laughter (and gasps) are still ringing in my ears today. She didn’t understand how a corset worked, and the worker tied hers nice and tight. It was pretty funny :). She couldn’t stop saying how glad she was that we live in an era of hoodies and sweatpants!

4a

The boys were wizards and us girls were wenches. The photographer was asking us how we all knew each other and was so confused by how we were all related (sisters, husband and wife, friends, etc.), and honestly didn’t believe that Jimmy and I are married. It was awkward and–now that I can reflect on it as a past event–amusing.

Collage 1

We also enjoyed trying knife throwing (which I was terrible at), looking at pottery (I want to take a pottery class now), watching a very skillful acrobat, and taking pictures with mascots of the festival’s king and queen walking around. All in all it was a very enjoyable day!

Have you ever been to a renaissance festival?

Do you enjoy anything pertaining to the 16th century?

Fall Decorating

What do you do on a Saturday during Labor Day weekend when your husband goes mountain biking for the day?

1b

Decorate your house for fall! Even if it’s close to 90°F and fall isn’t technically until the end of September ;). I found myself with a free Saturday afternoon(!), so I decided to get in the fall spirit by pulling out last year’s decorations and making a quick trip to the craft store for a few new ones.

2b3b4b

I found some birch vases at the store, so I bought one and filled it with some fake flowers to make my own little floral arrangement, somewhat similar to the wreath project my mom and I did a few years back!

5b6b7b

I also picked up some wooden decorations to paint, which was fun. I don’t like how the leaf turned out because I think I used too many colors, but I do like the turkey! Jimmy was home at that point and saw my camera laying on the table so he decided to take a picture of me in my happy zone.

9b10b12b

I tried to adorn more rooms this year to spread the festivity around the whole house instead of just our living room. Our house is pretty small, but I still feel like I could add more ;). I guess I just like crafting and decorating! I’m glad I decorated earlier this year (versus late October last year, ha), so I can actually enjoy all of the decorations before the season ends!

13b8b14b

Do you decorate for the seasons? How far in advance do you start?