It’s Diner en Blanc season! In case you’re new to the all-white craze that sweeps the city every summer, I did a little deep dive into what Diner en Blanc actually is way back in 2013 before my first DEB. I love the night because it’s such a beautiful evening out in the city, celebrating all of our gorgeous public space, meeting new people from all across the area, and just enjoying #summerinthecity.
My (Unexpected) Summer Break
I was 23 years old when I started this blog. Practically a baby, new to this lovely little city of ours, and ready to explore it all. I’m 27 now, and lately, I sorta cringe everytime I describe my blog as one for “young” women new to the city of Philadelphia. Am I still a “young” woman? (My debilitating, all-day hangovers would certainly say I’m not.) But as I’m writing posts while trying to be a good, reliable Philly resource, I sometimes do wonder: are you guys, my readers, growing up with me?
Image via OMBooth
{Summertime Reminiscing} Diner en Blanc 2014
It’s been pretty cold out lately. I don’t necessarily mind chilly weather (mainly because I am a fan of layers), but it is nice to be reminded of the joys of summer every once in awhile. The all-white night of Diner en Blanc is one of my favorite events of the summer. I didn’t officially recap my experience at this year’s event, but it was magical, as usual. The folks at DEB just released their official video for 2014, so I thought now was the perfect time to share some shots of carefree, warm-weather happiness . . . filled with pretty dresses, Di Bruno Brothers cheese, white-clad mummers, lots of dancing, great friends, and a pretty city. Enjoy. xx
{More photos after the cut!}
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Summer in the City
This summer in Philly has really been so exciting to me. I just spent my 4th of July weekend here, frolicking around the city with my sister, her puppy, and some friends and had the best time . . . dining outside, laying around in the park, enjoying our city’s walkability factor, shopping for fresh flowers, making the best froyo combination that hit the spot, and just taking in all Philly has to offer. Seeing all the events that were on was amazing, I wish we could have seen them all, even the local businesses were getting into the spirit by flying American flags as they are illuminated by solar powered flagpole lighting during the night time, it seemed like Philly was constantly lit up and sparkling with the festivities.
{It’s Worth The Hype} Spruce Street Harbor Park
If you’ve been on the internet in the past, well, month or so, you’ve definitely heard of the city’s new Spruce Street Harbor Park (Columbus Boulevard & Spruce Street) over on the Delaware River Waterfront. It seems like everyone is talking about this place, so I couldn’t wait to check it out. As soon as I heard this year’s #WhyILovePhilly party was being held there (the night before it opened to the public!), I snatched up a ticket. And let me tell you, it is worth the hype.
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. Even at the pool or beach (if you need swim inspo, check out my Aerie swim try on and my Amazon swim try on!), I throw one in my beach bag and apply just like sunscreen.
Now in 2021, there are plenty of other products on the market for chub rub (thank goodness!) and I have tried many of them. While MegaBabe’s Thigh Rescue comes in a second for me and I do use it, I will always come back to Secret Shield, 10 years later.
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. 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.