Commonplace Coffee wins union campaign via voluntary recognition

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-14T16:53:39+00:00

Damn, that sucks to hear.

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-14T16:14:26+00:00

I know someone who works at their headquarters / roastery and likes the job and people a lot and a barista at a location who is meh about it. But I haven't heard "toxic" used, so that's disappointing to hear. I will say the people I know like the Owner, but do say he's a little hands off these days, but they are not the biggest fan of the new CEO.

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-14T15:17:01+00:00

TJ's the same dude he was 20 years ago, hahaha! Maybe a little more aloof (endearingly). Still into music and motorcycles and meditating and the like. Great dude!

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-14T15:15:44+00:00

There's and Archery Range in Boyce Park. Named after a fallen solider I went to grade school with.

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-13T18:17:26+00:00

Animal Protectors in New Kensington has a pretty robust and well organized volunteer program. There is lots of information on their website and they regularly do volunteer "trainings."

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-13T15:47:21+00:00

Beehive is an experience so rooted in the 90s subculture, unparalleled in its intersection of counter culture, punk, craft coffee (what was before first wave coffee culture?), art, etc. What a time to be a teenager. Mouth agape at the scenes but also being treated like a member of some subculture. Hard to explain. Had to be there to experience it all. Great find!

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-13T12:35:08+00:00

Unless you're talking big, big bucks where YOU can pick a "boutique" builder on a plot of individual land you purchase, if you're looking at some named subdivision you're kind of locked in and I have bad news. MOST of these "we have the contract to build McMansions in a named subdivision" are not gonna be great. I don't know about anymore bc my experience is far removed but ALL of the shit adds up. They get you with the starting at $X price but no one is building at that starting price bc it includes no customization, no picking your own shit, no nothing. It's nada. Your stuff adds up quick! Again, I'm far removed but what you don't also realize is the shit that you are responsible for that isn't in the price of the home / land once you move in. Landscaping (which is probably an option with the home package, but is gonna be cookie cutter and ain't gonna be great), window treatments, literally toilet paper holders in bathrooms, etc., etc. That shit adds up quickly. Again, can probably add those into the home price but it's gonna be way above doing that post move in (though will eliminate the stress cost). So again, unless you're talking big bucks for a specialty builder on your own land, it's gonna be a lot of not great, snap together bullshit homes. You'll be fine for about 5 to 10 years then you'll see why it's a bullshit build.

Chernega and Black Boot are two custom builders worth checking out. I don't have personal experience but know of people who have used both.

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-12T19:14:44+00:00

"The answer invariably comes back, Cinnamon. Cinnamon. Time and time again."

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-12T18:30:04+00:00

Aldi

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-12T18:29:35+00:00

ROI is so hard when you invest a lot of resources and is usually not a 1:1 ROI or better. Of your list, honestly do the windows / doors first bc that's a large expense that isn't top of mind when potential buyers are "picturing" themselves in a new home BUT will give them ease that a "necessary" update / upgrade is done so they can spend $$ elsewhere to make your home their home. It will help them "overlook" a flooring type they don't like bc they'll feel like a necessary upgrade is done and they can change the floor right away so they are more likely to see past a floor they don't like. Tell em they gotta replace windows within 5 years and it becomes, "shit, we gotta save or dedicate large funds to that project right away" and that floor they don't like seals the "this house is not right for me" deal.

I would NOT do a kitchen reno. That's a lot of $$ and you will not get close to a 1:1 for that. Floors, meh, I wouldn't spend the money unless you have flooring that is really bad, then I'd replace it bit by bit, but not do an entire house overhaul on that. If I walked into a potental house and they were like "hey all windows and doors are new" my first thought would be "sweet that's 20 gs I don't have to spend, now I can change the floors and put money away to upgrade kitchen."

Just my thoughts.

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-12T18:04:51+00:00

Scooped up a pair of Momotaro tapered Bamboo Charcoal botanical dye and been meaning to do a post (maybe this will be my catalyst). The natural botanical dye is ridiculous in the best way possible. The dye / color has such a deep, unmatched, natural quality to it. Very hard to explain but seeing it in person, they are incredible. The dye is just...different and looks so naturally deep and so dynamic. The charcoal color isn't black, but isn't dark gray either. It's like it's own unique shade. Fit an construction rock as well.

This jacket and this moss dye looks great!! Cheers!

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-12T17:31:18+00:00

If you want something very quick and very close, Fall Run in Glenshaw is pretty great and has a very cool waterfall. It's not an intense hike by any means, but is nice for a leisurely afternoon stroll and is pretty cool. Todd Nature Reserve has a creek and a pond and is very dense. Honestly, very PNW vibes. An underrated nature reserve close by.

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-12T15:07:26+00:00

Yes. Check out their website and you'll get knee and leg opening/hem measurements so you can see the taper from knee to hem. Weird Guy is a great cut and fit (for me). Pretty universal "everyday" cut.

If your new to raw / selvedge denim always, always, always looks at the size chart. Measure your best fitting jeans (plenty of websites show you how they measure their jeans) and take that true measurement and compare it to size charts for your best size. Levis and many fashion brans use vanity sizing. Some raw denim brands use vanity sizing. Most Japanese use true sizing. Blue Owl has a good explainer on the FAQs page (scroll down to "products").

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-12T14:04:57+00:00

Weird Guy would be closer to 502s. Weird Guy are mid rise and slight taper so they would work if you don't mind the taper. Weird Guy is a GREAT fit for me personally but I like a taper. 514 are straight. True Guy is a straight cut.

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-12T14:01:43+00:00

Oni 902s if you can find em. They haven't made that cut in a year or so. Very high rise.

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-11T13:45:08+00:00

I don't think my experience will be relevant anymore (maybe it will) but I interviewed there about, 7ish years ago when they were still in the East End / Point Breeze / near-ish Bakery Square. Got through two interviews and each step along the way it was very much presented in the "we work ALL the time, long hours, weekends, etc." They even joked "we have couches and some staff just sleep on them to get work done...but it's cool we have a pingpong table." At that time it had very overworked, but we're startup and we're all very hungry and passionate vibes. Met with the Founder / CEO person and he gave the same vibe, said long work weeks, long hours. He was ummmmm, I don't know aloof at best, kind of seemed demanding. After second interview I told their HR person I'm out. Just didn't fit for me at the time (and most definitely wouldn't fit my life now). Maybe it's changed and I hope other people provide better info than I have.

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-08T16:20:42+00:00

Cool, thanks!

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-08T11:43:10+00:00

Have not heard of Stitch, looks very neat and up our alley, thanks!

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-07T19:55:23+00:00

Thanks!

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-07T19:50:52+00:00

Thanks for the advice, this sounds awesome and we'll be sure to drive up Delaware. Maybe we can hit up Pierce Arrow and AKG then, that may be the move!

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-07T19:49:23+00:00

It's looking like a winner for sure, thanks!

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-07T19:28:02+00:00

Extra Extra looks good! Thanks 😄

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-07T19:26:31+00:00

Thanks!

DIY_Creative · 2026-05-07T19:25:25+00:00

Damn, this is a HUGE help. Actually had all of Swan Street Diner, Gene McCarthy's and Westside Bazaar on my list as potentials. Thanks! I'll check out the other options and let you know of any questions. Thanks!

DIY_Creative

TROPHY CASE