game of thrones | Her Philly

March 31, 2015

#HBONight is Coming . . .

OH. MAN. YOU. GUYS. Do I have something so exciting to share with you? YESSSSS. Sure do.

If you have been reading for a bit, you know I’m a little bit obsessed with HBO. You totally need to get hbo streaming if you haven’t already — even if you’re outside the US! You can just use a VPN to change your location 😉 You might be wondering why I’m talking about HBO so much and it’s because the new GOT season is nearly here! I LOVE Game of Thrones. It’s not that I love really any other show that falls into the “fantasy” genre, it’s just pretty much the most addictive TV show ever (besides Shark Tank, obviously). Back in 2013, when I was just a baby blogger, the fantastic team at HBO invited me to the Season 3 Premiere Event in Philadelphia. And just what is a “Philadelphia premiere,” you may ask?

Well (in what you would obviously expect from a company like HBO), in addition to their official show premiere events, HBO holds fantastic regional premiere parties across the country in preparation for some of their seasons. Those of you who have not yet seen any of their great TV shows, head to the Eatel Official Website to access premium channels on your TV. The events come complete with photo booths, props, great drinks, an EARLY LOOK (yep) at the first episode of the season. I’ve been lucky enough to be invited back for the GoT Season 4 Event, as well as the GIRLS Season 3 Party, and all were seriously a blast. It’s pretty much a dream for a hardcore HBO fan, as I know many of you are. So yeah, now’s the exciting part.

All logos via HBO

June 18, 2014

Game Of Tindering

It’s coming up on my one year anniversary on the ol Tinder (this is a judgement free zone), and even with as many troubling, inappropriate and generally cray men I see on the site, someone always manages to top the last. A few weeks ago, I matched with a nice man named Hodor. A week after that, some gorgeous, curly locks graced my iPhone screen. When I finally got matched with everyone’s favorite (SPOILER ALERT) and still living man, Tyrion Lannister, I knew I had to get the scoop on these Game of Thrones inspired Tinder matches. And no, this has nothing to do with the man giving out spoilers on Tinder . . . because, just no sir.

In honor of the recent season finale, and because you guys asked on Twitter, I thought I would share with some tidbits from my insightful conversation with Game of Thrones Tinder man. Enjoy.

March 25, 2014

#GoTPremierePHI {Game of Thrones Season 4 Philadelphia Premiere}

We all know I love Game of Thrones, a lot. Last year, I was lucky enough to be invited to the Season 3 #WesterosVIP Premiere for sneak peek of the season’s first episode and some other GoT fun. This year, HBO had me back for Season 4’s premiere – an entire two and a half weeks before the official air date! I was loving life. As an avid watcher of excellent TV shows you can imagine I was absolutely delighted. Game of Thrones is one of the shows that have ensured streaming providers like Netflix do not pose a real threat to television. You can click here for the statistics if you would like further reassurances that the future of cable tv is secure and bright.

My sister & I (my loyal HBO party guest) started off with some grub & beer. Like any GoT obsessed fan, I was so excited to try Brewery Ommegang’s new Fire and Blood beer. This is the brewery’s third beer in collaboration with Game of Thrones, and while it wasn’t something I’d typically go for, I really enjoyed it. The bottles have three different labels, one for each of Daenerys’ dragons. The beer will be released March 31st in the Philadelphia area. The reception also held some fun pieces of memorabilia on display, like a replica of Robb Stark’s sword and the Pop! Figurines. The coolest addition to this year’s event was the t-shirt station. Each guest got to select their own name to put on a ‘House’ shirt, which then got printed on the spot. I debated getting something other than my last name (House Her Philly?!), but in the end opted with the classic choice. I wore my shirt to bed three nights in a row. Sorry I’m not sorry.

Lindsay & I had great seats for the GIRLS premiere earlier this year at the same venue – the Prince Music Theatre (1412 Chestnut Street) – so we knew we had to get the same prime seating. The red carpet from the official premiere was being played above the entrance to the theatre, so we hung out, saw some of our favorites (Ser Davos Seaworth and Samwell Tarly anyone?) and bopped right in. Our seats were perfect, and then . . . it was time for the show (!!!).

The episode was truly spectacular. They did not check in with every main character, but most were covered. I will just say – I need this to be Sansa’s season. I obviously have a very special place in my heart for the Khaleesi, but I just love me some Sansa. I am so excited to see what the rest of the season holds, especially for characters like Jaime Lannister, Jon Snow & Arya Stark.

Thank you again to HBO for having me. If you’re a GoT obsessed fan like I am, what are you hoping for out of this season?

November 30, 2013

Happy 1st Birthday Her Philly!

Today marks exactly one year since I began chronicling my journey exploring Philadelphia, and I can’t believe how far my little idea has come! When I began writing this blog, I was looking for an outlet to discuss things that were important to me, as a young, 20-something with no kids and a lot of curiosity about my new city. Deciding what to write was (and still is) easy, I document things that I, personally, would click through & read about. I am by no means a fashionista, but I do like shopping. I can’t cook that well, but I love discovering new restaurants. I’m not a wiz with a glue gun, but I like to decorate and get the most out of my small apartment. And while I am past my college years of long nights out at the bar, I am still young, single, and like to explore what the city has to offer. Wrap that all up in a pretty bow & you’ve got Her Philly!

Over the past year I have had some amazing experiences, like attending the Game of Thrones Season 3 premiere and traveling to NYC for Lucky FABB. I have met some bloggers & Philadelphians I consider friends (like Jessie, Melissa, Jade, Karima, & Kory, to name a few), and discovered countless new places to go and things to do around Philly. I am really thankful for the opportunities this blog has allowed me, and I can’t wait to see what the next year brings!

In honor of my 1st birthday, and because we all know I love lists, I wanted to share my Top 10 most shared posts from the past year! Plus, come back & visit me this week for some special surprises and giveaways featuring my favorite Philly things!

10. My experience taking a flying trapeze class during PIFA.

9. Keeping it real with my favorite product to eliminate chub rub.

8. Documenting the most amazing night in Philly.

7. How I built my confidence and learned to love my body.

6. My recap of East Passyunk Avenue’s Crafty Balboa & links to fab Philly Etsy sellers.

5. The first Philly Lady You’ll Love post featuring Luba Patlakh of Fluff Apparel.

4. My third installment of my favorite small apartment decorating ideas.

3. My “everything you need to know” post about Philadelphia Diner en Blanc.

2. My original post featuring some pinspiration on how to organize your small Philly apartment.

1. Seems there is a lot of love for my small city living spaces inspiration posts!

Thanks for the love & support over the past year. I hope you stick it out with me over the next year, I promise we’ll have fun! xx

April 9, 2013

Insta-Month: A Look Back {March}

March was a busy month! Between birthdays, reunions and weekend trips . . . sprinkled in with some amazing opportunities, I had a full schedule, and I absolutely loved it! Check out some of the highlights . . .

#1 thing to love about March: Shamrock Shakes // The best mozzarella special at my fav Philly gem, Salento

Tara & I about to experience the #WesterosVIP event // My favorite Game of Thrones (p)imp, Tyrion Lannister

With Carling & Ashley at the Harlem Globetrotters game // There is not much better than crab fries & cheese

One of my favorite days of the year – free Rita’s water ice // And favorite day of the year Part 2 . . .

Celebrating Amy’s birthday @ Sons of Essex in NYC // My obsession with kale (topped w/ bacon) grows daily

Coming from a Philly pizza enthusiast, SliCE has my fav pizza presentation // Our pretty city from a roof deck

A normal blogging night 🙂 // Right before my big #DaringlyHigh Trapeze Lesson with Fly School Circus Arts

Some thrift store finds at my favorite shop in South Jersey // Finally got to try a burger at Rouge!

If you’re craving some more Her Philly Instagram action, follow me! Like any Instagram user, I would like as many followers as possible and I’m currently looking into the best way of achieving that. My research leads me to believe that Instagram growth tools are a popular way of doing this, but there are some which should be avoided at all costs. For instance, Socialcaptain scammed people and is a massive waste of money. On the other hand, Upleap and Nitreo have been rated highly. Decisions, decisions!

Some of these photos came from my personal account and I just really wanted to share . . . are you feeling special yet? xx

What was your favorite moment of March? (This is a judgement free zone, it’s OK if you say Rita’s or Shamrock Shakes . . . )

March 23, 2013

#WesterosVIP {Game of Thrones Season 3 Philadelphia Premiere Event}

Do you remember my post a few weeks ago about my huge obsession with Game of Thrones? Well imagine my delight when I got an email from HBO, inviting me to their Philadelphia #WesterosVIP Season 3 Premiere event last Tuesday. It was definitely delight. My co-worker Tara has always been my GoT partner in crime at the office, so I invited her to come with. And what an evening we had!

We were told the dress code was “dressy casual,” which we spent way too long obsessing over. What we opted for must have been right, because we got compliments all night! I even got to debut my new Prabal Gurung for Target dress.

Emily Tharp of Her Philly before the HBO Game of Thrones #WesterosVIP event in Philadelphia (wearing Prabal Gurung For Target® Dress w/ Full Skirt in Floral Crush Print)

Dress: Prabal Gurung For Target / Watch: Coach / Bag: Kate Spade / Booties: Just Fab

Tara Kearns before the HBO Game of Thrones #WesterosVIP event in Philadelphia wearing J. Crew

Dress & Cardi: J. Crew / Necklace: Amrita Singh / Shoes: Jessica Simpson

The #WesterosVIP Reception was held at the Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar (200 South 40th St.). The space was beautiful, nice & big with huge windows and lots of sun. We started with a taste of something I was super excited for: the new Brewery Ommegang Game of Thrones Iron Throne Blonde Ale (that’s a mouthful)! The beer was delicious, very refreshing & light. I loved the bottle too. I’ll definitely be purchasing my own stash!

After the taste test, we headed over to take our photo with the Game of Thrones Pop! Television Figurines. From L-R, if you’re interested: Khaleesi, Tyrion Lannister, Khal Drogo, Sandor Clegane, Ned Stark and a Whitewalker. The Khaleesi figurine even held a cute little dragon!

Preview of the Game of Thrones Pop! Television Figurines (Khaleesi, Tyrion Lannister, Khal Drogo, Sandor Clegane, Ned Stark and a Whitewalker) during the HBO Game of Thrones #WesterosVIP Season 3 Premiere! / Her Philly

What’s a party without yummy grub? We chomped on the awesome passed appetizers while we mingled.

I’d have to say our favorite part of the night was the “photo booth.” The photographer & his assistant were fab, they let you do whatever poses you liked! Everyone loved our jumping shot – didn’t Tara get some serious air?

After the pictures were done, there were iPads where you could email, tweet or Facebook the photo (super cool!). They also printed a copy for each of us. Here’s how our’s turned out:

After the reception, we headed next door to Rave Motion Pictures (230 South 40th St.) for the screening of the Season 3 Premiere! We were given GoT baseball caps and got to hear the event’s organizers chat about the premiere. Then, it was bye bye cell phones – or the security guards with night vision goggles were kicking you out! 🙂

Without giving, well, any of the premiere episode away, I will say: you will love it. The production value never ceases to amaze me for GoT, and seeing it on a big screen was fantastic. From what I’ve seen both of new actors & old, I may have some new favorites this season! Possible contenders are as follows: Jorah Mormont (hot), Margaery Tyrell (hotter), & Khaleesi’s dragons (hottest).

Overall, the event was amazing. I am so thankful to HBO for inviting me, it was certainly a night I will never forget!

So WHO’S EXCITED FOR THE SEASON 3 PREMIERE OF GAME OF THRONES? Let me know, it’s just over a week away & I can’t wait to hear what you think! xx

February 25, 2013

Talk Dothraki To Me {My Game of Thrones Obsession}

I remember the day my sister introduced me to HBO’s Game of Thrones. It was a Sunday, and I watched six episodes that day – that’s six hours of falling in true love. I have been obsessed ever since.

On Friday, HBO released the trailer for Season 3. It looks amazing, and I am counting down the days until I get to see Khaleesi and the crew back in action.

I’ve been loving the song that’s played in the first few seconds. Here it is, in case you’re loving it too.

Do you watch Game of Thrones? If so, please, please comment, so we can talk about it for hours on end together 🙂 If not, what TV show do you get your craziest over?