Happy Black Friday, ladies and gents! (Hi to all the guys/parents/friends who were sent this post for gifting ideas, welcome to the fam.). I hope you had a fabulous and filling Thanksgiving with people you love and have been working through your holiday gift lists. And in case you need a little more inspiration, I am here for you. Whether you decide to Print your face on pajamas or build a personalized gift basket, I’m sure your recipient will appreciate the thought and effort you’ve put into finding them a perfect gift. I’ve done a lot of holiday shopping but I’ve still got a few more things left to buy. I was thinking of ordering a custom photo moon lamp for my husband but I haven’t got round to it yet. I really like the idea of buying a custom gift so if none of the ideas below float your boat, consider getting something personalized instead! They do this sort of thing all over the world! This particular gift idea is available in many countries, France for example! They call it a lampe de lune personnalisée there! It really does just go to show that the host of options are available to us all over the world, and personalized gifts appear to be a win.
Just like our Philly guy gift list, my usual 10 gift ideas were doubled, so there’s plenty of gift ideas, no matter what your budget. This year, I went with a lot of things I would like to receive (obviously), but branched out into different types of gifts, because it’s really so amazing the variety of super cool things made right here in Philly. Etsy is our friend, folks. Now, onto the gifts!Continue Reading…
Philly Guy Gift Guide 2017
The holidays are here! It feels like just yesterday we were sweating in 80 degree weather (probably because it wasn’t actually that long ago), but I’ve been embracing the chill and pulling out my cutest layers and dark lip colors this fall.
I love love love putting together these gift guides. We’ve all found ourselves in that situation when we just don’t know what to buy for the men in our lives. Some of them can be just so hard to buy for. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise to hear that many people are now turning toward the idea of giving them personalized unique gifts instead, as this will not only make them happy, but it will be personalized just for them, making it a truly special present. A lot of my friends have done this recently and only have good things to say about it. In fact it could even be something comical, like photo socks? There’s nothing funnier than plastering your face all over a pair of socks for a lad you’re close too. It’ll make them laugh and it shows you’ve put thought into it! So this is always an option to consider if you’re truly stuck. Sometimes, it’s still hard to think something up, but that’s where my gift guide can come in useful. They’re definitely a lot of work – especially the guy version (thanks to all my guy pals out there who looked over my list this year to make sure I didn’t go too cray) – but it amazes me each time to see the cool things our city puts out. Every gift on this list is either made in Philly (with a few from the surrounding area) or speaks directly to Philadelphians’ souls. They’re all available to shop online (okay, the booze might not be that easy, but don’t tell me you’re not going to a liquor store…today even!) and some can even be picked up in local shops around the city. And this year’s guide is packed with *17* gift ideas, thanks to your overwhelming response on my instagram stories to include more gifts!Continue Reading…
What I Got at the Art Star Craft Bazaar
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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Philly Lady Gift Guide 2015
You didn’t think I forgot about my ladies, did you? 😉 The second post in my annual gift guide series is always my favorite, because I get to search the internet for the best gifts that Philly ladies (just like me, naturally) would love to receive this holiday season. Similarly to this year’s Philly Guy Gift Guide, most of these gifting ideas ship from or can be bought in the city, or are just plain inspired by Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
I don’t mind Valentine’s Day. I think it’s a nice opportunity and/or reminder to do something special for the ones you love. There are tons of gift guides for sweet, Pinterest-inspired gifts you can get for your BF (I mean, who wouldn’t want to get this?), so I’ve decided to tackle some gift ideas for the under-appreciated on the big V-Day: your BFF, your puppy, and, the most important one, yourself.
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Philly Girl Gift Guide 2014
Gifting for girls in Philadelphia is so fun. For the woman who loves exploring her city, it’s hard to go wrong with a constant overflow of delightful places to go and things to do. But, in case you do need a little inspiration, I’ve got you covered. This year’s gift guide is filled with cute and quirky items for your BFF, sister, co-worker, or me. 🙂 Let’s take a peek . . .
No Thigh Gap? No Problem. {Summertime Solutions}
It’s the middle of July, it’s hot as hell, and I am constantly trying to wear the least amount of clothing possible. Many, many years ago, my summer dressing routine was quite different than what it is now. If I was going on a vacation, or knew I would be walking around for awhile, cool & flowy dresses were out of the question. My thighs, which, yes, are on the bigger side, rub together…a thought that makes spandex shorts sound amazing even on the most sweltering of summer days. If you have never experienced, yes I’m going to say it, “chub rub,” then this may be hard to understand. But if you have, you know my pain. Probably the last time I had a “thigh gap” was when I was an infant, and after trying a few “solutions” to no avail, I thought I was doomed to be the girl in shorts forever.
Until I stumbled upon this little gem:
Secret Shield is a product made by the Etsy shop Skindura. It is a 100% veggie derived natural balm with a twist up top. The application is super simple & leaves ah-mazing results for hours. I literally apply this before I go to work in the morning and, while I am not strolling around all day, it does the trick from 9-5. When I need to run some errands around the city, this is my go-to. If I know I’m going to be out all day – I just throw one in my bag and reapply in the bathroom.
Secret Shield comes in two sizes, 1 oz. & 2 oz., for $12 & $20, respectively. I started with the smaller size in the summer of 2011, and have been using the product consistently EVER. SINCE. That’s 7 years. Each 2 oz. bar lasts you at least a whole season, and you really do get your money’s worth for the product.
If you are like me, dreading dressing for this heatwave & need some relief, I urge you to try this product. It’s the answer to my summertime prayers. While this post may not have been the most glamorous one I’ve ever written, if I can help even one of my curvy sistas shed the biker shorts & pull out her prettiest dresses this summer, I have done my job.
Philly Gets Crafty {East Passyunk Avenue’s Crafty Balboa}
My first weekend visit to East Passyunk Avenue was awesome. In addition to sampling yummy food during the Flavors of the Avenue event (more on that later!), my family & I got to experience Crafty Balboa, a South Philly craft show. It was a beautiful day & a great supplement to the food festival. I was amazed with how many talented artists the Philadelphia area has to offer!
There were all types of vendors at the show – from accessories, to paper goods, to jewelry, to dog treats – it was endless! Check out some of the things that caught my eye . . .
Adorable watercolor paper goods by Betsy Ann Paper
Pretty handmade jewelry by Anna Beau Designs
Philadelphia skyline onesie by Spruce Avenue Design & Illustration
Laser cut Philly zip code keychains by Masters of None
Unique jewelry by Old Blood Designs
The cutest treats & accessories for your pets by Pupcakes Bits & Pieces
Gorgeous greeting cards by Moxie House Paper Goods
Super unique & whimsical creations by Milkshake Crafts
Bright Philly coasters by Black Heart Letterpress
Fun pet illustrations by Superdeduper
Awesome Philly inspired gifts by Frankadelphia
Stunning hand dyed cotton scarves by Porl Handmade
Fab Philly cards & illustrations by Rachelink
Crafty Balboa was an awesome experience. I have been shopping on Etsy for most gift giving purposes the past few years, so the fair was great for adding some more shops to my rotation. I will definitely be hitting up some local Philly artists for my next few gifts!
Do you own anything from these talented Philadelphia artists? Any new shops or Etsy stores you have to recommend? 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?
