Her Philly

A lifestyle blog for young women dining, shopping, playing & living in the city of Philadelphia.

What 3 Men Really Think of My Philly Date Ideas

What a time, ladies, what a time. Being single again has brought some laughs, some screams, and some texts to my girlfriends with “why. me.” written 10x. I’ve also started listening to podcasts for the first time in my life. Yes, I know. The process of me going online, looking for, and listening to podcasts has been long overdue. According to my friends, I’m way behind on the times.

I’ve gone on a few dates with a “guy” (you’ll see why this is my naming convention of choice as we get to the m-e-a-t of the post): dinner, beer garden, and Terror Behind the Walls (the terror was true and real), and for tonight’s date, it was my turn to suggest. And suggest I did:


After seeing how many of you liked this idea, I thought I’d add a little bit of an extra spin to it, and get actual, real Philadelphia men to give me feedback on these 10 dates I very really suggested. I asked them to give me some quick thoughts on what they would think if a girl suggested these for date 4. Some of these you’ve seen on the blog before, some are new ideas. I don’t know what you guys think about concert dates. I think it’s wonderful especially when you can get concert details online (Drake presale code, for example) to plan ahead. Anyway, I’ve decided not to identify the guys (and just call them “guys”), but for some extra context, they range in age from 27-34 and all live in the city, so they’re pretty up on their Philadelphia knowledge. Oh, and one of them is my actual date for tonight, because I’m crazy. 😉

Philly guys give feedback on 10 date ideasContinue Reading…

{Birthday Giveaway Week} Win A Gift Card To The Expressive Hand

Here we go again! I hope you’re enjoying my birthday giveaways so far! Today I have something for my crafty ladies . . . or my not so crafty ladies who want to improve their skills. 🙂

The Expressive Hand (622 South 9th Street) is an amazing paint-your-own-pottery studio located right off South Street. They have a huge selection of pottery options to choose from, and your completed projects are perfect as gifts or to add something unique to your new Philly apartment. I adore the plate I made last time I visited the studio & can’t wait to go back soon. Hey, maybe we can go together! Since you have a chance to win a gift card, and all . . .

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My next two prizes will only get bigger, so stop by tomorrow for a chance to win a new prize! Missed some of the giveaways? Enter below & good luck!

Monday: $25 Gift Card to The Igloo

Tuesday: 4 Passes to Eastern State Penitentiary

Wednesday: $25 Gift Card to The Expressive Hand

Thursday: A Trapeze Lesson from Fly School Circus Arts

Friday: $75 Gift Card to Serafina

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{Winter Date Idea} Pottery at The Expressive Hand

If you’ve been outside in Philadelphia lately, you know the same thing as I do: it’s cold. If you’re scrambling to find an indoor activity to cure your boredom, I’ve got just the thing. Enter: The Expressive Hand (622 South 9th Street), a paint-your-own pottery and American Sign Language studio in Bella Vista. I visited the studio on an iffy-weather day in the summer with my sister & mom, and we had a fabulous time!

he expressive hand pottery studios in philadelphia

When you walk into the quaint pottery shop, you are greeted with a kind staff and two walls of pottery options. The Expressive Hand is called an “All Inclusive studio,” in that the price you see on the piece includes all “sitting fees” (a foreign term to a non-artist like me), paint, stencils & the firing of the piece.

pottery at the expressive hand in philly

They have all types of things for you to paint – mugs, picture frames, jewelry holders, etc. I will warn you, the prices are a bit more expensive than your average date. The bowl my mom made (below left) was ~$60 and the two letters my sister made (below right) were ~$15 each. My serving dish was ~$42. But, there are unique pieces you’ll have for a lifetime, so just put it into perspective.

he expressive hand pottery studios in philadelphia

Once you pick your piece, you are off to paint & stencil whatever way you chose. The studio has an amazing selection of paints, and they are all swatched for you to get the complete picture of what it will look like once it has been fired. If you’re out of touch with your inner artist like I was, the staff at The Expressive Hand are more than happy to offer some advice.

he expressive hand pottery studios in philadelphia

My sister being a pro artist!

It took about a week to get our items back, and I was really happy with my finished piece. When I came to pick up the goodies at the studio, they came perfectly packaged and wrapped super well in thick bubble wrap – a very nice touch if you’re walking your pieces home in the city.

her philly and finished serving dish at the expressive hand pottery studios in philadelphia

Another perk we didn’t take advantage of: the studio is BYOB! How fun, right?

the expressive hand philadelphia byob

Check out The Expressive Hand on Facebook too for fun updates & photos. Have you ever been to The Expressive Hand? What are some of your best indoor date ideas? xx

her philly

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…

1-7 girl

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?

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