Over the past few years, it’s become tradition that my family spends Mother’s Day together in the city. While we change up our brunch destination every year (though, come to think of it, it’s always Mexican food), the main focus of our trip is the Art Star Craft Bazaar. Held at Penn’s Landing and featuring 125+ vendors piled high with unique jewelry, kitschy paintings, and tons and tons more, it is a shoppers’ paradise. And while my dad keeps busy with things like this meat parfait, my mom, my sister, and I come ready. to. shop.
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My Favorite Places in Philly
Since I’ve moved to this city, my mind is constantly consumed with various running lists of my favorite places in Philly. Plus, my lists of “places I must try ASAP” seem to be never-ending (to the dismay of my bank account). I think these unconquerable lists always come back to the fact that there are simply so many places to fall in love with, and once you find a gem, it’s hard not to keep coming back.
Some of you may be familiar with a little local bloggers group I’m a part of called PHLBloggers. We recently participated in a fun event where each of us compiled all of the reasons why we love Philly, and the lists came out great! I wanted to share with you my list of current Philly favorites (plus: two bonus spots I’ve fallen in love with since our lists were published). Enjoy!
Philadelphia Makers You Should Know
{Before I begin . . . HI. I’m sorry. I’m back. Thanks for sticking with me. I promise to have lots & lots of good stuff for you in the coming weeks. And now, here we go.}
I am a fan of one-of-a-kind things. Flea markets and thrift shops are basically the epitome of happiness for me. Not much pleases me more than when someone asks me where I got a certain thing, and I can reply with something other than “in a hazy blur of online shopping.” As you can imagine, my pride for my unique purchases is amped up a bit when the one-of-a-kind things are made in this city. And let me tell you, ladies: we’ve got some talented people living in Philadelphia.
A Birthday Month Update
Ahhhh hi! I know I have been MIA, but for good reason: it’s MAY. As you’re well aware, I’m firmly believe that everyone has the right to go all out in their birthday celebrations. And with that philosophy, I’ve been taking advantage this month. Keeping myself busy with really fun things and surrounded by my friends and family has made me feel like one lucky girl. Here’s everything I’ve been up to this month…
Sharing the Love {My First Liebster Award!}
Last week, the lovely Jade of stylewallflower nominated me for a super cool Liebster Award! In case this is a relatively new term to you (like it was to me!), allow me to explain. A Liebster Award is given from one blogger to another as a way to get to know new & fabulous people.
There are a few interpretations of how many followers the nominated blogs should have & how many bloggers to nominate, but either way, it’s an awesome honor. So with that, on to the questions!
Share 11 things about yourself . . .
1. My little sis Lindsay is my BFF. I feel pretty lucky to have her as my sister.
2. I will never get tired of visiting in Disney World.
3. My favorite artist is Kurt Halsey. My apartment is covered in prints of his work, mostly from my many Art Star calendars.
4. Almost every pair of earrings I own are from thrift stores.
5. I am a proud sister of Delta Gamma sorority!
6. I’ve been blessed with parents who love traveling. Some of our best vacations include Italy, San Diego & Miami.
7. I have a huge obsession with YouTube beauty gurus and their lives. Especially the British ones.
8. I still take my laundry home to my parents’ house every chance I get.
9. I listen to Elvis Duran & the Morning Show every day on my way to work.
10. I have two guilty pleasure movies: Love & Basketball and Varsity Blues.
11. Otters are my favorite animal. I could watch the otters at the Philadelphia Zoo for hours.
Answer the 11 questions given to you . . .
1. What was your major in college? Communications with an English minor.
2. Why did you start blogging? I wanted to meet new people, write more, and have an excuse to document my exploration of a new city.
3. Pick: Mr. or Mrs. Carter? Mrs. Go Bey!
4. Favorite celebrity baby? Even though she is not a baby anymore, Suri Cruise.
5. Where was your favorite vacation? Italy.
6. What is your favorite neighborhood in Philly? Although I am trying to broaden my horizons, Rittenhouse will always have my heart.
7. What is your dream job? Anything that involves a little social media & some writing!
8. Favorite designer/celebrity collaboration? Prabal Gurung For Target.
9. Which musician do you wish would just stop making music and go away? NICKLEBACK & CREED. Like, for real.
10. What was your favorite concert and when? I love Coldplay concerts. I’ve been to two, and they were both amazing.
11. What are you looking forward to this summer? Phillies games, weekend trips with my friends & going home to the beach!
Nominate 5 Bloggers . . . (you better check them out!)
1. Celestine from Java Aficionado
2. Georgette from Grown and Curvy Woman
3. Melissa from Ring the Alam
4. Brittiny from Fashion of Philly
5. Karima from Skinny Minority
11 Questions For My Nominees to Answer . . .
1. What is your favorite video on YouTube?
2. Do you like the Philly sports teams?
3. What is your favorite area to shop in the city?
4. #1 tips for new bloggers?
5. Recommend your favorite book.
6. What is your dream vacation?
7. Give us your favorite hidden Philly gem?
8. Are you more or a beach or pool girl?
9. Is there a beauty item you can’t live without?
10. What is your favorite Philly restaurant?
11. How has blogging changed your life?
That was fun! Thanks again to Jade for nominating me. I also wanted to take this time to acknowledge the tragedies that took place in Boston yesterday. Sending you Philly love, Beantown. xx
Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Your BFF
As we are nearing December 25th, picking up a last minute gift for your best gal pal does not have to be as stressful as it sounds. There is still plenty of time to run down the street (or even across town) to pick up one of these gifts from a Philly retailer. No time? Don’t you worry, I’ve got online options too! Let’s see…
1. A Taste of Childhood: What better way to spend some time with your BFFs than a little pottery painting at this fabulous all-inclusive BYOB studio? The Expressive Hand gift card, available at The Expressive Hand (622 South 9th St.)
2. A Cute Calendar: My apartment is covered with Kurt Halsey prints. Your friend will love his adorable and heartwarming doodles. Kurt Halsey “2013 Wall Calendar,” $24, available at Art Star Gallery & Boutique (623 North 2nd St.)
3. Trendy Sports Gear: For the girl who rocks her Phillies ensembles outside of South Philly. Gray Eco Fleece Pocket Sweatshirt, $39.99, available at Broad Street Broad (737 North 4th St.)
4. Reppin Your Hood: These t’s are amazingly cute. They come in essentially every Philly neighborhood too! Women’s Rittenhouse Square Easy-Fit, $24, available at RittenhouseTees
5. A Cute Case: Society6 is an AMAZING site that puts art prints on tons of different items. This case is simple but unique for all of the iPhone users out there. Philadelphia City Skyline iPhone Case, $35, available at Architette Studios, via Society6
6. Simple Studs: These LOVE Park inspired post earrings will match anything and aren’t too gaudy for even your most laidback of buds. LOVE post earrings, $45, available at BathtubJungle, via Etsy
7. A Glitzy Hairpiece: I have been wearing the same Anthro headband for 5+ years, and every time I wear it, I get compliments. It’s worth the price tag. Amaranthine Headband, $32, available at Anthropologie (1801 Walnut St.)
What was the best gift you’ve given or received from your BFF?