Girl About Philly

You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby

2009-08-09T19:35:00.004-05:00

Hello again Philly girls, after a VERY long hiatus! I must admit I have been cheating on the blog with Facebook, and a girl only has so much time to spend staring at a screen and typing her way to a carpal tunnel coma. Some things have changed...better apartment, better job, but same good man and vertically challenged dog. And while Facebook is undeniably addictive, I always knew I would return to the blog when I had something important to discuss. And now, I do! For you see I must tout the brilliant talent and discerning photographic eye of my dear friend and all-around good guy, Chuck Anerino.

Chuck is one of those lucky people who stumble upon hidden talent in the most unexpected ways. Around the time he was becoming a dad he got a top-of-the-line digital SLR, read a few guidebooks, and presto - instant artistic genius was born. He found he could capture the innocent beauty of babes and breathe new life into the tried and tired family portrait. When you look at Chuck's work, you don't just see cute kids - you see joy, laughter, ambition, and struggle. You see real feeling. You see a window into their souls.

So for all you Urban (and not-so-urban) Mommies out there - and I know there are a lot of you - who are dreading waiting on line with thirty fussy three-year-olds at the Sears Portrait Studio, give Anerino Originals a try. And don't worry, Chuck's not some snooty artiste where it's his way or the highway - he's a regular guy and devoted dad, and he knows that parenting comes with plenty of its own hassles. Portraits should be easy, and he'll accommodate to your needs - he'll travel to you, or help pick a good spot if you need inspiration. All at very reasonable fees. Let Chuck show you how beautiful your baby really can be!

Anerino Originals
http://anerinooriginals.blogspot.com
anerinooriginals@gmail.com
302.798.0757

The 5th Wheel. A lament.

2008-12-29T16:44:00.001-05:00

I've noticed a disturbing trend. I’ll refer to it as the Coupling Effect. Boy meets girl. Girl falls in love with boy. Boy and girl decide to go on lots of couple dates with their other couple friends and leave their fabulous single friends to miss them desperately. Don't get me wrong, I am quite happy when friends become involved in loving and happy relationships, but where does that leave me? And yes, before we go any further, it's always, always about me.

I am completely satisfied with my current state, sure I sometimes miss the big spoon to my little one. But I have pretty much the most awesome collection of friends any one person could ever have. I'm never at a loss for someone to laugh, dance, be completely inappropriate with or someone to completely inappropriately dance with. Now here's my concern. As one of the dwindling singlers of the group, I find myself excluded ever so slightly in favor of The Couple Dates. True, this is a completely unfounded and petty jealousy, but I fear that one night while all my couple friends are on their respective dates with my other couple friends, I will be left alone knitting booties for my cats and the next thing you know…BAM I'm 50, have created a permanent buttock imprint on my couch, and emit the faint aroma of cheese.

So, I’ll ask you. What is the draw of the couple date? I don't think I was ever on one that I enjoyed in all of my relationshiped time. I always felt like it was leading to some awkward moment where we start placing keys in a bowl and hoping for the best. Maybe couples just feel comfortable around other couples because they have transcended beyond the life we singles lead (perusing missed connections on a daily basis in the off chance that someone I drunkenly bumped into the previous night thought I was hot.)

I digress.

I’ll leave you with this. If you are a couple, don't leave your singles out to dry. Take us out. Play with us. We need your love most of all.

Everything you didn't know you needed to know.

2008-12-15T14:47:00.002-05:00

Ladies. Find everything you ever wanted to know about landing a man here. I will be perusing the local news tonight to find a sports figure whom I find attractive so that I can use that to converse with a male. Oh, and rub my leg at a bus stop. Too bad the one outside my building was demolished during the Phillies win,

Holidayz

2008-12-14T11:15:00.004-05:00

Along with the Holidays comes a barrage of parties and a barrage of hopes that Mr. Right, or at least Mr. Moderately Steady Make out, might be a friend of a friend that said friends just forgot to mention before. Or maybe that they deemed undatable do to some character flaw that I may just be desperate enough to overlook. Thus far, no such luck.

But it's OK, what they lack in mens, they makeup for in delicious holiday treats. Last night was a packed one. First, I met a college friend and all of her new friends at Tequila's. And let me tell ya, after about one of 2 margarita's, those repressed college memories started flowing like brain farts after a memory lane enchilada. I felt 8 pairs of eyes staring at me in judgement. So of course. I thought it best to drink more.

Next stop, friend's holiday party, which was wonderful and I was just sober enough to enjoy that my friends weren't. But I had to make an appearance so I left for the third. The third was the coolest/ weirdest holiday party I've ever been to. But I found it difficult to socialize do to the fact that I couldn't tear my eyes of the 2 hour long hippy dance off taking up the majority of the living room, while we crowded to the sides. It's all a blur of wine and patchouli. So around 3 am we decide to cab it home, and some kid stole our cab from under our noses. So cabbie felt bad as he drove by and I gave him a thumbs down and took us as well. And then began the most awkward cab ride ever. This dude, my friend and I in the back/ Her bf in the front. When said dude was safely zonked out, I proceeded to have a convo with my friends. Dood would wake occasionally to heartily agree with me on whatever point I was making, then zonk again.

Then I had to ride with him in silence between my friends' stop and mine. At his stop I was like "Well, see ya". And he (obviously gay) leans in gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek and left. As I watched in shock the cabbie said "Hmm.. I think I gotta start doing that with all of my costumers."

Moral of the story. Holiday love is where you least expect it. For, me it's in a cab smelling of second hand patchouli.

Sugar and Spice

2008-11-18T18:27:00.003-05:00

At the beginning of Girl About Philly, we started a little competition called the Cupcake Showdown. It was our excuse to sample some of Philadelphia's best sweet treats. While the showdown experienced a slow down, my personal affinity for the art of the cupcake only increased with time. And before I get to my latest ranking, I will briefly mention that I am yet to meet the match of my two all-time favorites - the chocolate peanut-butter from Naked Chocolate, and the banana with cream cheese icing from Billy's in New York (technically out of our competition's geographic boundaries).

But finally this weekend I got a taste of what Brown Betty is cookin'...and it was good. Brown Betty Dessert Boutique is one of those feel-good places with a story that you could definitely see becoming a movie. The tiny corner shop has feminine touches and a cool sense of girl-power and comradary that is palpable. You can imagine the staff singing out loud while they mix flour and eggs and breaking into powdered sugar pillow fights at the drop of a hat. The kind of place that you wished you had thought of (and had the guts and baking talent to pull off). It just looks like fun...and smells like heaven.

Then of course, there were the cupcakes. I tried the chocolate red velvet cake with cream cheese icing -- which definitely gives Billy's RVC a run for its money (and is a lot closer to my apartment). My sis had the strawberry sour cream which was subtly sweet and a creative combination. Both were fresh, moist and delicious. Brown Betty, you've officially got a new BFF.

And the scoring:

Appearance- 8; Cakiness- 9; Icing- 9; Sweetness- 8; Freshness- 10; Overall flavor combination yumminess- 9

Total: 53

Brown Betty Dessert Boutique
1030 N. 2nd St.
215.629.0999
www.brownbettydesserts.com

Funky

2008-11-16T17:02:00.002-05:00

So, last night I finally saw the light at the end of the self-imposed funk tunnel. The past few weeks, while splotched with the occassional ray of sunshine (the most notable of which would be the discovery of Salted Carmel Hot Chocolate from Starbucks ..nomnomnomnom) have been kinda sucky. The crappy weather that just happened to coincide with layoffs at work and overall drama didn't bode well for my mental state. I tried to power through it with DIPLO on Friday but I couldn't even make it to his set. The amount of scenagers alone was staggering, not to mention that no one had a problem with invading my personal space. So I peaced and got 13 hours of sleep, which allowed me to knock down this oncoming cold. Holler.

Last night I went to Beau Monde with my friend's parents, then went with the ladies to shake our collective shit to the musical stylings of DJ DEEJAY djay, which was wonderful per usual. I even got a missed connection out of it. Although in full disclosure I don't think it counts because I told him to write it. But, Imma take em how I can get em. My friend said he looked like he was 22, but hey.. at least he's legal? I still have to respond.

I'm gonna be honest, as much as a truly do enjoy being single, the winter coldness is making me miss someone to cuddle up to (which is probably why I had a set back and made out with a past hook up last week.) Ah well, we all have our setbacks, and mine happened to come in a chodey form. And my cats are reaching their spoiled teenager phase where they are embarrassed by their momma and don't want to snuggle with me any more.

OK I'm gonna wrap this up, because my thumb is still smarting from trying to force zip myself into a cute dress in H&M. Europe won that battle, my thumb and dignity lost.

And the Phils took it

2008-10-30T09:43:00.004-05:00

As I stood on Broad street last night with bottle of Blackhaus in my right hand, champagne in my left I realized that I will probably never again witness anything like last night. I'm oh so glad I put aside my fear of douchey crowds and partied like a rock star with the rest of Philly. I watched the game from my office and with the win ran down 6 flights of stairs to get outside because I was too impatient to wait for an elevator. I won't soon forget what I was a part of, and not just for the fact that I will most likely smell of a brewery for the next week or so. Best part of the night was looking up to see Green Man from It's Always Sunny raving on a bus shelter (that's no longer there.) As it rained beer, and god knows what else down on me, we weren't strangers, we were 100 thousand strong that collectively ended our 20 year long dry spell. And it was good.

Fires in the middle of the street, flipped cars and looting of FYE aside, I have never seen so many happy people in one place. And I don't think I ever expected to see it in Philly. Believe me, I'm not the biggest sports buff, but thanks to my partner at work, I've listened to every game and yesterday was able to spout off every date of each of the last Philly championship wins. I don't even recognize myself. So Philly, let's revel in it.

See you at the parade.

Phall

2008-10-15T11:44:00.003-05:00

So far, fall is quite fantastic, even though my prediction of an end to singledom has not come to fruition. I don't need a man to go on a hayride. I actually was grabbed repeatedly by some prepubescent screamy teenage girls. So I'll take it where I can get it. I do have a new love in my life though, another cat. We've named her Sophia in hopes that naming her after the late great Estelle Getty character will give her a better fate than her unfortunate predecessor, Sweet Dee. God rest her soul.

Tonight, I will be casting aside my fear of crowds and my disdain of Douchebags to join the massive crowds of drunken douchebags on broad (knock knock knock on wood.) Good luck, Phils. In honor of the Phils I will include this little Phillies gem.

Random thoughts
For now I have officially been eating better in hopes of shedding 5 lbs somewhere. Cutting my drinking to 3 days a week, World Series/ Halloween weeks are an exception. And right now I am surprisingly non boy crazed. I'm OK not to be seeing anyone of note and enjoying my new attire brought on by new funds from new jobs. So yes, I'm alone. But I'm looking good doing it.

Google vs. Drunk Colleen

2008-10-07T21:54:00.003-05:00

I know we've all done it. In fact, I think Megan has already blogged about it's cellular counterpart. But once again, Google has improved my well being and self worth. Thank you, Internet friends.

And by the 7th time one of my friends called this to my attention, I figured it was blog worthy.

Well as you may have heard, the geniuses at the Google have created a function for gmail called mail goggles. It's for those nights when you get home at 3 in the morning, and after that heart to heart with the cabbie you decide that you really really need to get back with your ex. Well for me the drunk emails moreso consisted of me telling them what horrible people they are. Anyway, you pick a time frame and the days (for most it's Fridays and Saturdays, I personally chose Tuesdays through Sundays from 11pm-4am.) Before you hint send on that sometimes love filled, sometimes hate filled, sometimes both filled email, the Google elves ask you a serious of Math questions. If you get 'em right, you've earned your shame. If you get 'em wrong, erase that draft and tomorrow morning while you're downing your gatorage, you can turn it into a thank you letter to the powers that be.

Thank you Google. Now, come up with something for my phone. As of now drunk colleen thinks if she erases sent texts, sober colleen won't remember what she has done in the morning. Doesn't work so well. Shame lingers.

Have at it.

We're comin to America

2008-09-24T15:47:00.003-05:00

Well. I just flew back from Ireland and boy is my liver tired. But seriously folks. I'm all for vacations but after 7 days in the van with your family, the daily grind seems like a distant little cloud of cotton candy with unicorns pooping ice cream onto it. One thing I do have to say is that the mens over there love them some American women. And I dunno if it's the sprightly (albeit, unintelligible) accents or the fact that the Atlantic between us means no clingy yanks, the dudes seemed very welcoming. Very welcoming.

I'll follow up with more, including our attendance at Europe's largest matchmaking festival. But for now there's work to catch up on. And the unicorns are fading. Fast.

Love,

Colleen

Hits the Zot

2008-09-21T17:28:00.002-05:00

Philadelphians have always been fans of Belgian-style cafe/bars that specialize in mile-long beer lists and serve up mussels and frites regardless of the last letter of the month. Monks enjoys a following that rivals that of our beloved sports teams, and unfortunately the lines and crowds to prove it. The aptly yet less creatively named Belgian Cafe, on my favorite lane and former home Green Street, boasts a Monks-style menu minus the mania- but minus some of the atmosphere as well. And Eulogy, well, I'd love to comment on it and I think I managed to squeeze in one time a few years ago, but...its in Old City. Enough said.

And then there's Zot. Just laid back enough to be a bar, but just classy enough to be a restaurant. When I arrived here I felt like Goldilocks - I had finally found the place that was "Juuuuust Riiiiiggght." You know how you'd always like to take out-of-town guests to a Philly classic like Monks but you just can't because it's sure to be a mob scene and impossible to get a table? Well Zot offers the ideal alternative. With every kind of mussels you can imagine (and a few you can't believe would taste good - I think one option included chocolate), a beer list the size of a dictionary, and a significantly more comfortable space than its Rittenhouse rival, Zot is sure to please. My only negative was the limited choices of beers on tap. But as long as one is a Belgian wheat, this girl is happy.

Zot
2nd & Lombard
www.zotrestaurant.com

Wall Street Shmall Street, Go Eat!

2008-09-16T14:07:00.006-05:00

Ok so the economy might be crumbling like dominoes around us but fear not, I have some good news for all. It is officially restaurant week in Philly! Now mostly I think restaurant week is a scam but I do like to participate because it means I try new places. This time around, the powers that be upped the price for a 3-course meal. Now you will pay $35 bucks for an appetizer, entree and dessert. Of course, alcohol and tips are extra.

While there are standard gastro pubs on the extensive list of participating restaurants, I recommend trying a normally pricey place to get your $35 bucks worth. Tonight I am eating at Hawaiian Fusion restaurant Roy's which has been on my "to do" list forever. You do always have the option of ordering from the regular menu should you not like your limited "restaurant week" menu options.

Restaurant week runs until Friday, Sept. 19th. Be sure to make reservations as everyone and their mother tends to come out this week.

As the bankruptcy continues to mount, I urge everyone to drown their worries in a bottle of wine at a restaurant you probably can't afford anymore.

http://www.centercityphila.org/life/RestaurantWeek.php

City of Brotherly Laughs

2008-09-14T20:13:00.010-05:00

While I lie here staring longingly at Colleen's little Charlie whom I'm cat-sitting, I am reminded of one of my favorite things- It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. (Note- Colleen named her cat after one of the lead characters. And I'd love another kitten- hell I'd love 10 more kittens.) I can confidently say that it is indeed one of the best shows to debut in the last couple of years.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia does great things for this beloved little city. And let's be honest- we could use the help with the unfair recent notoriety- "ugliest city," "fattest city," and "murder city/killadelphia." The show, which shoots around town quite a bit, is about 4 friends who run a terrible bar in South Philly. Always scheming and manipulating, this gang of friends is the Central Perk Friends crew on crack, heroin, glue, barbiturates and lots of sauce. With classic episodes such as "Sweet Dee is Dating a Retarded Person," I am convinced that this is a television classic in the making on par with The Honeymooners and MASH.

Dear readers, I urge each and every one of you to tune in this Thursday to the season premiere at 10pm on FX. Hey I even encourage you to watch the repeats on Fancast- http://www.fancast.com/tv/Its-Always-Sunny-in-Philadelphia/2157/main .

I assure you that you'll have water cooler conversation for weeks.

http://www.fancast.com/tv/Its-Always-Sunny-in-Philadelphia/2157/episodes/Mac-%26-Dennis%3A-Manhunters/599431

Philly Bleeds a New Kind of Green

2008-09-07T14:41:00.006-05:00

Anyone who knows a thing about Philly knows that when Eagles season starts, its all Eagles, all the time. Eagles green is everywhere, on everyone, and people from all walks of life come together to hope and pray that maybe, just maybe, McNabb will make it happen this year.

So I found it quite appropriate that today, on the day of the Eagles home opener, Philadelphia showed how it has embraced a new kind of green. Greenfest Philly took place today on Headhouse Square, featuring over 200 environmentally- friendly and sustainable businesses and showing that Philadelphians are serious about reducing our carbon footprint. Everything from car shares, to no-flush toilets, to solar roofs to organic cotton t-shirts were on display, with knowledgeable and zealous tree-huggers on staff to educate the public on the benefits of thinking about the planet in all our daily decisions.

While the festival was a one-day deal, it was a perfect excuse to pick up some locally grown produce at the weekly Headhouse Farmers' Market. Here green is the main event but definitely not the primary color. It's a virtual rainbow of nature's bounty, with fresh flowers, plants, fruits and vegetables all straight from local farms, not to mention artisan breads, pastries and other goodies. Even if you're not buying, just perusing the market makes for a relaxing Sunday morning.

Headhouse Farmers' Market
2nd & Lombard Sts.
Sundays, 10 am - 2 pm

Procrastination

2008-09-02T08:56:00.003-05:00

It's Tuesdaymonday. You know, the Tuesday after a long weekend, that has all of the pitfalls of a Monday but's a touch closer to Friday. Wow, even writing that cheered me up a little. That and I feel gross today so I'm wearing a sass little outfit. I have soooo much work to do before heading off to Ireland, the home of my drunken ancestors, that I figure I should put it off with a little blog action.

It was a good weekend filled with many bad dance dance floor decisions. Music provided by DJ Deejay DJ both nights. Thanks again, yo.

Dude I made out with was nice, but not my type. Very... pretty. He asked for my phone # and if I recall I was listed as "ajsadh" so I figured I wouldn't have to dodge him later. Cut to last night, I never get phone calls and was expecting one from the rents so when it rang, I answered without looking. Whoops. It was him. I was so caught off guard, I agreed to go out with him this week (saying I would get back to him on the day thinking that would buy me time to think of an excuse.) The more I talk to people I think I may just go. Whatever.

So my parents came for dinner and met my new cat. I had the sinking feeling that they think this is the only grandchild they will ever have. As they came bearing gifts for him and my dad said Charlie bears a striking resemblance to my mother's side of the family. Le sigh.

OK time to get crackin on some work, aka stare at my computer screen for 2 hours then go to lunch.

Confessions of a whiner

2008-08-27T22:41:00.003-05:00

I've noticed my blogs have progressively moved past witty into down right suicidal. My apologies. I feel like I'm on the cusp of breaking free of singledom, can't explain why. And yes, I fully admit said single state is self imposed. I'm impossibly picky. But I think the reason for that is just an excuse to revel in my me time.

A friend pointed out the obvious when I complained about my boredom

a.) I have a good, fun job.
b.) My friends are fabulous
c.) I'm hot

OK he might not have said the last one, but isn't that always implied?

So, I have a trip to Ireland coming up with the fam which means 2 things. That I will be packing a flask and two weeks of forced soul searching. I'm fine with both.

As for dating? Not too much going on worth mentioning but it's a long weekend, which means many possibilities. Have the MMP coming up and many many bbq's. mmmmmmmm meat. Now I just have to get through the next 2 days.

Happy Labor Day. Let's get weird.

Olive branch

2008-08-26T10:30:00.003-05:00

Whoops. OK. So a little while back I wrote a scathing blog about DJ Deejay. He found it, explained himself and apologized. You can read that here.

So I will accept this apology and will go further than that, I'll attend this Friday's MMP on the boat. Well not so much to make peace as I feel the strong urge to shake my shit.

Let's do this.

Hisssssss

2008-08-17T21:07:00.005-05:00

My tendency to date assholes makes it pretty easy to not fall back into old habits. As they cancel on me before I get the chance to. Probably better. So I replaced him with a day of tubbing in New Hope. It was glorious even though I had a near death experience with a rope swing, and lost my beer whilst chasing down runaway flip flops. The latter was probably the scarier of the two, I was really enjoying that beer.

Anyway, I'm feeling moderate to high annoyance with PAWS at the moment. While I would always encourage people to foster or adopt from there. Dee got very sick last week, and all of our calls went unanswered. We ended up having to take her to UPenn pet hospital. They wanted to charge us thousands of dollars for a kitten we had had 4 days, and were just fostering. Since PAWs is supposed to take care of the medical care at no cost we brought her there. When we did, we were basically yelled at for not keeping her at UPenn and shelling out the grandplus. Keep in mind Upenn said they couldn't believe PAWS gave us such sickly kittens as first time fosterers. So they had to put her to sleep, and Charlie who was doing fine is now seeming sick. So we're opting to spend the money at VCA cat hospital rather then risk getting sub par care at paws. I hope he's OK.

Ugh.

Anyway. All of this cat/money trouble and paired with never ending dry spell are really grating on my nerves. It's like I'm getting a second period. Cut to me, on my couch spooning a kitten crying to the Notebook on the Family Channel. Ahhhh life is good.

Time for Mad Men

Charlie and Sweet Dee

2008-08-11T12:48:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm officially in cat lady land. I got kittens on sat (2) from PAWS. They are the tiniest little guys I've ever seen and it took everything I had not to fashion a baby bjorn from some tshirts and bring them into work with me today. But I'm not there yet. Not quite yet.

While I'm loving the short respite from deathly heat, this lovely cool day is bringing to light a harsh reality. Fall is coming. And fall/winter= the worst times to be single. Cider for one, weeping into leaf piles, couples costuming with my sister....again. I know there's gonna be a point when I tell myself that going on match will be a great idea. I need you to stop me.

I can cuddle with the cats. Anyway, on the bright side, fall does mean new It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and I sure do miss the night man. Thank God for DVR.

Agenda for this week:

Make the cats love me

Radiohead

Take advantage of Megan's new pool

Monthly dinner/ getting drunk with Court.

Probably hanging out with people I shouldn't be. Oh well.

Vetri- Not Worth the Hype!

2008-08-08T08:59:00.006-05:00

It's been a big year for me. I fell in love, started cohabiting and got a haircut with bangs. Last night we decided to celebrate our first year together as an official couple. Two months ago, the bf made reservations at Philly renowned restaurant Vetri. Ever since I moved to Philly, I've been hearing great things about this place. I was expecting a super expensive, fabulous meal and overall dining experience. Well, the food was excellent....the service was pretty unimpressive.

I strongly feel that good service is a major part of the dining experience especially when you're eating at an outrageously expensive restaurant. Now there are probably 10 tables in this restaurant and there were definitely at least 10 servers. It didn't matter- we had no particular waiter and the sommelier not only took our wine order, but also our dinner order. (I was just glad someone did.) But let's start at the beginning-we were greeted by a very tall man who seemed annoyed that we were there. He asked us what we wanted to drink. I ordered a vodka cranberry and the BF said he needed a couple of minutes. Nobody ever came back to see if he was ready for a drink. We waited another 30 minutes for menus.

In fairness, the food was delicious. We started with an appetizer of Kobe steak that was cooked to rare perfection. I had a rich spinach gnocchi plate that literally melted in your mouth. The bf had a light white fish that was cooked with tomatoes smothered in olive oil- delicious. We had a chocolate souffle for dessert that was perfectly moist in the center. All very yummy.

And then we waited another 30 minutes for the check. While dinner was undeniably delicious, I've had better service at TGI Friday's. We're glad that we tried Vetri but I think for our second anniversary- we'll go the Steven Starr route.

http://www.vetriristorante.com/

Preparing for the worst

2008-07-28T20:05:00.006-05:00

This is me. How many months into this little blog experiment and pretty much two to eighty four steps behind where I started out. I say this because I am currently sitting at my computer with a glass of red wine and a book entitled Cat's for Dummies simultaneously begging my friends to take their scrabulous turns (you know who you are you heartless bastards). Oh, and I am also wearing a sundress that is hiding the pudge of oncoming menstrosity, that I can only liken to a moo moo. I think I'm giving up. I'm not sure what to do, outside of moving out of this city, to meet a decent fella. Or at the very least have a whole lot of fun with a not so decent one. I'm not above it at the moment. I think I'll be past this mope fest once flow's left town and I take my 3 day beach weekend. 'Cause as much as I miss man touch. I love this city far too much to leave it. Rapes, muggings, murders and all. They just add character. PIZAAAAAAZ.

All in all, although my weekends have been boyless, they have been quite filling. Notable mention would be this past Saturday at Yakatori Boy when we took to the mic to sing "I wanna dance with somebody" and there was a room full of strangers dancing on chairs. Must go back soon.

In other news, my old roomie is moving in with her boyfriend, which means she's taking the cats. So we decided to get kittens. Now I will officially be crossing the line from person who lives with cat lady, to official cat lady. But cuteness overrides all. I'm OK with it.

Gah, oh well. I'm going to glass number two and will top it off with my Monday night listening to This American life. Tomorrow night, back to the prowl. I will be going with friend to see We Are Scientists at Johnny Brenda's. And I'm sure all I'll be returning with is a belly full of beer and my feets sore from dancin.

I fell

2008-07-14T13:52:00.004-05:00

So, nothing really is happening on the man front. I'm alright with that. I have enough going on that I am satisfied with the non touch. So in a moment of complete nerdery last weekend, I decided to walk down to the Ritz to catch a movie by myself rather than go to my weekly yoga class. Besides I think all of my muscles have atrophied due to lack of use, so much so that I almost walked out of class 2 weeks ago. The only reason I didn't was to avoid mortification, but that mortification caught up to me in the form of many failed attempts at a headstand, against a wall.

Anyway, I had heard about this movie called The Fall. It was directed by Tarsem Singh, who directed The Cell and the Losing My Religion video. This movie was at the 2006 Toronto Film Festival and was kind of overlooked, until directors David Fincher and Spike Jones noticed it.

The story gets a little silly at times, but that's forgivable because of how beautiful it is. Go to the link and watch the trailer. Right now it's playing at one of the Ritz. I saw it at the Bourse, but my coworker saw it at a different one last weekend. The only recognizable actor is Lee Pace from Pushing Daisies. The only way I can describe it is if Pan's Labyrinth and The Princess Bride mated.

So good.

An aside. As I'm writing this sidehugs sent me a text. I hadn't heard from him in 2 weeks after he text cancelled on me for the 4th time. And I get "What's up motorboat?" What a turd. I will try to just ignore instead of sending an angry text back.

Extraordinary Blooming Restaurant

2008-06-22T20:37:00.004-05:00

A very nice person at my office has been raving about Apamate for many months, so when my husband said he tengo tapas, I took the opportunity to experience it for myself. And as its name suggests (explained on the restaurant's website) this narrow crimson cafe named for a Venezeulan tree does stand out in its own way.

Blink and you will pass right by this unassuming storefront, noted only by thin vertical strands of red lights illuminating the large square window facing South Street. Enter to the sounds of Manu Chao and Buena Vista Social Club just over the din of the front-of-the-shop kitchen, and your eyes gaze from the dark wood furniture, to the deep red walls, to the Spanish tile countertop and the chocolate caliente mixer, reminding you to save room for churros.

The waitstaff are helpful and informed, happy to make recommendations on not only what to eat but how to eat it. Apamate serves small and large plates along with a laundry list of tapas. Only here they are called "pintxos," which is either a ploy to separate itself from the growing glut of tapas restaurants throughout the city, or a subliminal semantic trick to further remind its patrons that these plates are, in fact, teeny tiny "pinches" of food.

We plowed through 3 or 4 pintxos, in addition to the serrano ham and bechamel croquettes and an a seafood paella entree. The ingredients were fresh and organic, the flavors were authentic and robust, and the meal was affordable - borderline cheap. We saved room for churros, as did a few other parties who came through just to order dessert. And when the server accidentally brought us the wrong dish (dulce de leche instead of Nutella, really neither is wrong!), they corrected the mistake by giving us the right one on the house. Now that's class.

Cafe Apamate
1620 South Street
215.790.1620
www.cafeapamate.com

Monday, not so much

2008-06-02T15:04:00.003-05:00

I think it's time I tackle my dating patterns. While this is probably best done by a shrink, I think my tendency towards comfort eating and countless hours of daytime TV logged over the years have left me just as qualified as any.

Date # 2 aka 6. I tried to pop that zit about an hour before the date. Take it from me. Never do this. It just turned a fairly noticeable white head into a oozing bloody welt. Cutting bangs was too dicey considering the only time I cut hair was about 20 years ago on my barbie and she ended up losing her head. So, As I packed foundation into my open wound, I realized the night was going to be slightly less than magical.

Don't get me wrong, I haven't completely discounted him, but here's what I think happened. I think I spent the whole first date trying to make myself look good and the second date, well I spend it judging him. We were both tired and didn't make reservations (since it was his turn to pick the place) and we just ended up going to ten stone, which is hit or miss. It was loud and there was a group of drunk barely legal dudes next to me and one had his ass in my face. The convo was fairly strained, mostly because of all of the drunkies around us, and me not being one of them. Believe me, I tried. But the beers weren't taking. And all I got was a general sense of self involvement. Even in the making out. I thought the point of dating an older man was that they had already outgrown the bullshit.

Anyway. I think he's feeling the same way cause we haven't really spoken since then, aside from the random short texts. I may be willing to give him another shot. Maybe it was just an off night, and otherwise I'm heading back to No Man Land. But the butterflies have gone, or at least have been placed in a jar and someone forgot the air holes. C'est le vie. Bring on on the cats.

Friday I'm in like

2008-05-30T10:30:00.004-05:00

So I have my second (fifth) date with sidehugs tonight. I can't help thinking that I need a new nickname for him but we'll stick with this one for the time being. So far, so good. He's still quite the texter, and even texted a cancellation again last weekend. But I'm willing to overlook that one slightly because we had just made tentative plans the night before and, well let's face it, I'm pretty desperate. But he's picked up the phone quite a few times. So we'll see how tonight goes. He's supposed to pick the spot since I picked the last one. But I hate leaving the planning up to others, especially boys.

So the pluses about this guy. He's older than me, but doesn't act it. In a good way. Funny, Nice. And it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes. Oh, and he's not so computer savvy, so there's less of a chance of him finding this. I don't know that I can handle that awkwardness again. The only thing I have to get used to is the cuddling. He seems to be a big fan, I'm not so much. But since I haven't had the man touch in a while, I'll make an exception.

In other news, my forehead decided that date day is a great time to sprout a third eye. I don't know if any amount of makeup is going to contain this beast. I may have to take off the cami that brings my outfit from "cute" to "boobalicious". What to do, what to do. But I'm assuming the third degree burns that I received at the beach on Monday that left me tie dyed, may be enough of a distraction. (Today was the first day I decided to brave the pain of shaving... needless to say it was quite the undertaking.)

OK I'm going to sit here and use my ichat cam to stare at my zit and talk myself off of a ledge for a few hours.

Return of the Sidehug

2008-05-22T20:52:00.002-05:00

Ahhh nothing like Spring Showers to create a little oasis in the desert that was my love life. Not sure how long you've been hanging out with us, but way back, pre match days I went out with this dood a few times. The pluses, he was hot. Great combo of hipster and successful (meaning he has a job, but looks like he doesn't.) The bad.. I think I was still a little hung up on my ex at that point, so I wasn't really into this guy and made up little reasons to stop talking to him. Although I still think texting to cancel a date is poor form. Anyway back in Nov, we went out a few times and it culminated to an awkward slobbery car kiss and we kinda just mutually stopped talking to one another. So last weekend, I ran into him for the first time since at JB's. Holy hell I forgot how hot he was. A tasty little nonconformist nugget. So he texted (no shocker there) and asked me to go out this week. We went out last night to... let's say it together now... Black Sheep. My roommate said that I should start thinking of another usual haunt, because this one is obviously cursed, but I decided to challenge the gods one more time.

I think it worked. I actually had a great date.We laughed, we drank. He embraced my potty humor. And just like that... the desert bloomed. So what next? Who knows. I got the morning text, but it wasn't anything to write home about, just the status of his hangover. But at this point, I will not overthink. Even if I don't hear from him again, he made me remember the fun little butterfly nervous part of dating. You know the part that you hate to love. Le sigh.

That's all for now.

Go to Madonna, Michael, Prince on the Moshulu tomorrow.

I am.

The desert below

2008-05-15T13:37:00.003-05:00

That's right folks 3 months into a dry spell and still counting. No end in sight. Hence no posts in a while. Thankfully for me there's been other distractions. Namely fantastic new job and new friends (still miss my boos from the old though, but I see 'em lots.) That's been fun. I've been drinking more than usual, which is going to make me fat soon, I'm sure of it. But until then I'm just gonna go with it. Secondly, my lovers, otherwise known as my game night crew recently purchased rock band. My partner at work (the AD to my CW) thinks I'm a nerd cause I play that stuff instead of instead of Grand Theft Auto IV. Sorry, not interested. I just want games that make me feel like the superstar I think I am. I want someone to come up with a game that has an avatar of me walking up and down catwalks complete with outfit changes and Right Said Fred. My God. I really am a gay man.

If that's the case, I may be all set cause I'm headed to Pure tomorrow night for Making Time.

Otherwise I think I may have just plain given up on meeting anyone. I can't see it happening anytime soon. Thankfully the weather has been fantastic and warm, which cushions the blow. Or lack thereof.

Another weekend, other chance to strap on the dancing shoes. Saturday night will be Los Campesinos at Johnny Brenda's and I couldn't be more excited. I lurve them. Their music makes me smile and shake my tushie.

So I used to work at a rivet factory as a job during breaks in College. Yes, I had to wear stee-tipped boots and safety glasses. It was so boring that one day I made up a little jingle called the Rivet is gonna get Ya. Sung to the tune of that well known Gloria Estefan ditty. Anyway, I randomly got an email from this old guy that I used to work there with telling me he loves me. So help me, if this dry spell keeps up, I might just write back.

Ugh

Sorry. That was a whole lotta nothing. But odds are if you're reading this, you're bored at work anyway.

rambling

2008-04-27T11:19:00.003-05:00

Lots of changes in Colleenland lately. None of them boytastic. That is at a complete and utter standstill. I'm fine with that. Why? Cause it's sunny outside. Who needs a boy when I can stay warm all by myself? That came out differently than I meant it to. Anyway, I'm starting a new job tomorrow. Ratio of 90% excited to 10% nervous. I've been on controlled unemployment this week. Completely wonderful. I, of course, drank too much but had just the right number of roof deck bbq's. So aside from a gigunda zit on my chin, every thing's swell. I was supposed to go to my first meet up tonight but I couldn't find anyone with car to go with me and it's allllllll the way in the North East. Next time.

We tried out a new dance spot on Friday. The Barbary. It was ok. Kinda like dancing in teenage hipster soup . But wherever Madonna, Michael, and Prince go, so shall I.

Since I have no updates of the man variety at the moment, I'll share from you a tale from the youth.

The time. Somewhere between 2nd and 3rd grades(89-90ish.) It was the skating party. Couples skate. And I had to pay a quarter to get the cute boy to skate with me (don't laugh a quarter could get you far those days. A whole soda or a pretzel.) Anyway, he came up to me later with the quarter and his mom waiting in the wings. She was making him give it back. Hell yeah. I already had the skate and now could kick back with a nice cold Coke. Life was gooood.

RIP: WAWA at 20th and Chestnut. Another one bites the dust.

Meet market

2008-04-07T10:23:00.006-05:00

Hello friends. It's been a little while, mostly because there hasn't been much to write about. Thankfully the weather is getting warmer, which means I am getting slightly more motivated to be active. So I've tried match, I've tried bars, now it's on to the next phase. Philly meet ups. I was perusing the interwebs last night and came across this lovely site. And I have devised a plan. Every month, until I get sick of it, I am going to go to a different one. I think I am going to save the Furry meetup and anything sports related until the very end. Nothing against the furries but I'm just not willing to test the beastiality waters at this time. So goodbye comfort zone, hello playing scrabble with 40-50 somethings. Maybe they will have hot sons for me to play with. I'll let you know how my first one goes. It's scheduled for the end of the month.

Post Quarter Life crisis

2008-03-23T19:41:00.003-05:00

I swear my posts will start getting happier very shortly. I have self diagnosed severe Seasonal Affective Disorder, and Spring is being a big ol' cock tease. Taunting me with her heaving sunshine but she is a frigid one. Brrrr. I need warmth. I need to un pastify. I need to enjoy Rita's without feeling like I am dying from the inside out.

Anyway. So, I'm going to be 27 on Tuesday. My brain knows this is young, but this message is getting lost somewhere in my subconscious. I'm feeling rather old. I thought it was just me until I had an official old moment last night. Allow me to set the scene....

It's Making Time at Transit. I can only liken it to a festival o' hipster. Like carnies, but with tighter pants. So I'm there with my usual crowd of boys, since I have no more single lady friends in the area to speak of. They have all succumb. I notice a cute one giving me the eye and he starts dancing towards me, so I mosey on over. Upon closer dancing I realize he is oh so young. I ask. He's 22. I say ohh you're young. I tell him how old I am and he says. "Wow. I've never talked to anyone that old at a bar before. You look at least 5 years younger than that."

Yowch. The horror. So I backed away slowly, blending into the flailing crowd.

I think that made me put my desperate shoes on cause then I spotted another cute one and strapped on my lager balls and that convo went something like this.

me: I'm trying to hit on you
him: Oh, I didn't notice. I'm leaving though.
me: Oh well. You win some, you lose some.
him: Consider this one a tie.

What???????? That was the saddest excuse for witty banter/ rejection I've ever heard.

So it seems that all of my single friends are in the same position I am. Severe dry spell. I'm blaming the weather. We're hot and it should be, too.

Operation Me Time hit a snag this week. I drank 6 out of 7 days, which means my liver is about the only thing getting a work out. That changes this week.Back to the gym. Aside from B-day mojitos at Alma de Cuba of course. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

This used to be my playground

2008-03-16T01:18:00.014-05:00

I'm about to get real on your asses. OK. So when I first started contributing to this blog, I told my boss and he gave me two stipulations. The first was that I don't show my real picture (because of the crazies) and the second was that I had to be completely honest. 100% honest. And I have been, to a fault. And tonight, I had my first blog casualty. It sucks and I feel bad although it is admittedly semi funny. OK. Remember the Match guy, the "over communicator" who I made out with last weekend? Well I saw him at Silk City again tonight. He nudged me and I was really happy to see him. The thing was, aside from the over communicating, I did kinda like him. But how do you tell someone they over communicate without it sounding otherwise? So I decided to ride it out and when he stopped, I was able to put things in perspective. But, after that we just kinda stopped talking without either one of us making any sort of move. In hindsight, this is probably because of the story to follow. So, he was at Silk City tonight, and was acting kinda rude. I went up to him to ask what his deal what and he made it clear that he had found this blog (I am sure he'll read this) and was upset that I called him an "over communicator." He wasn't interested in discussing it further. The funny thing is, I'm sure he read that way before we dance floor made out last weekend, but go figure it didn't stop him. Maybe this is my red flag anyway. He stalked out my blog, which I kind of figured he would, and he is the kind that professes every aspect of this life via his status messages and everything over the last few weeks has been about him hating women. And really, what 30 yr old does that? So there. From what you know of me, I don't have much of a filter. And it sucks cause it may have held me back from getting to know a cool, fun person, but if he is sensitive about this, he prolly couldn't handle allll this, anyway. Gah. I'm just getting home from the bar and will try to not delete this tomorrow. Lesson learned. Blog with caution. Maybe I'll just start writing these blogs directly to the people I'm writing about and cut out the middle man.

ugh

2008-03-11T11:44:00.004-05:00

First off, I would like to apologize to those coming here looking for actual relevant cultural info. Apparently my cohorts have lives, so it looks like you're stuck reading about my dating (or lack thereof at the current moment.) While I haven't had anything happen in quite the while (so little if fact, that I ran into, and consequently made out with that one match guy that I mentioned in earlier posts.)

So today, after searching the missed connections for word from any of those little 18 yr old hotties that were too afraid to approach me at the Justice show last night (Can you be 26 and a cougar?), I read this article sent to me by a friend. Single men, read this. Learn it, live it.

OK back to work.

R.I.P late night binging

2008-02-26T11:29:00.002-05:00

Today is a sad, sad day. Last night, before going to a show at Johnny Brenda's (more on this later) I stopped into my beloved Wawa on 20th and Locust and all of the shelves were barren. Then I noticed a sign that in 3 days they will be closed (you can't see it but a single tear just hit my keyboard.) I don't know what upsets me more, the fact that I was blindsided by the very people who fed me when I was intoxicated, put up with me singing entirely too loud to the muzak playing over the speakers, and gave me feeless atm withdrawls over the past 3 years, or is it the fact that I am actually really upset that a Wawa is closing. Now I have to shlep it aaall the way to 20th and Chestnut for my delicious hoagie treats. Le sigh. But what's the deal? First the wawa on 15th and Walnut now this one? I thought they were doing well. I mean there are like 3 with in 3 miles of my parent's house in the burbs, alone. So I am going to start a petition for a WAWA delivery service. "One hot dog please. Yes, straight to my mouth. Actually, could you go one step further and just chew it up and regurgitate it right in there."

Anyway, so yeah. My emo friend and I went to JB's last night cause he wanted to see this band called the Headlights. I had never heard of them but figured I couldn't pass up the chance of possibly meeting my dream hipsterish fella. The band was actually really good. But the clientele was mostly made up of the bad kind of crunchy hipster. You know the kind with the smelly knit caps and the coke bottle glasses? To each his own. Anyway, it's tough to meet people at bars and it doesn't help that my friend is a dude and it always looks like we're on a date. So I spotted a guy that was pretty cute and decided to ignore the fact that he was wearing skinny jeans. Then my friend (emo) and I realized that he was a drummer of this band and that I had already forced my number on him about a year ago. Is the selection in Philly that small? I've been forced to recycle? Oh well my only other option is hot but has the personality of toast that's been staling on the counter for a few days.

So I went up to him and said "Didn't I force my number on you once?" He remembered, still had my number, gave a good excuse for not calling and we had a nice little chat. So I'll let you know if I hear from him.

More importantly. Here's a question for you. Where are all the hot people in Philly hiding? I know there has to be some. The second part of this question is why am I not invited? I think it's because of those years with braces. Pretty people can sense that shit. It's like dogs smelling fear.

Saint Valentine. Why must you smite me?

2008-02-11T20:16:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year. You, the coupled, call it Valentines Day. We, the independents, call it Singles Awareness Day (also known as S.A.D.) While others will be toasting to companionship and the fact that you will most likely be getting some, I will be enjoying my second annual S.A.D. festivities. For the second year, my friends and I (some coupled but they have to pretend to not like each other for the night) will be singing karaoke in our own room atop Fugi Mountain restaurant. I plan on opening with "All by myself" leading into "un break my heart" then maybe up the tempo a little with "love stinks". I kid. In reality it's just an excuse to get drunk with my peeps and crack a few glasses, with what I always think at the time is my angelic voice.

Operation me time hit a snag today. I'm moderately hairy and this freezing weather is blackening my soul. And instead of going out and trying to meet people, I opted to stay in this weekend and play a crap load of guitar hero and sing star for ps2. I justified it cause I was drunk and people came over. We tried to go to Loie and it stunk, and we realized we were having much more fun with the video games. But then I fell outside of wawa when I was trying to get a hot dog. It was so worth it because it was the best late night hot dog ever made. And every time I look at the scab on my hand, I remember. Oh hot dog, will you be my Valentine?

OK I'm going to try to get out of this funk and go to the gym. grrrrrrrr. Oh and I am going to take up yoga. Although I'm afraid I'm going to look like an asshole during the first class. The fact that the place is covered with windows doesn't help.

Tah.

Semantics

2008-02-06T11:44:00.000-05:00

I've come to a realization. I don't think I could date Ryan Gosling. On my walk home last night I discovered that I would not be OK with him going off and making out with the Scarlet Johansons and Natalie Portmans of the world. He would then, of course, tell me that he would give up acting to be with me and I just couldn't have that. As much as I would like to not admit it, I think his famousness adds to his appeal. 'Cause then he would just be some dude that was in the Mickey Mouse Club.

I won't have to deal with this situation until he actually meets and subsequently falls madly in love with me. So I went out with 700 Club boy on Sat. Actually let me back this up. Even though I've been going on dates, I'm in the middle of the longest dry spell I'd had in a long while (hence my delusions of Mr. Gosling.) So Friday I'm at work. Feeling pretty randy, when along comes an IM from dating past. He was one of the dudes I was talking to, but it had kind of just fizzled. He's hot and all, but came with little too much baggage for my taste... just got out of a long relationship blaah blaaah blaaaah. Well,he caught me at a weak moment and invited me to his burb house for wining, dining. and making out. Dry spell is officially over. And I went into Saturday's date with that itch scratched. Sweet relief.

The date was fun, but he was wearing more jewelry then I was. Hippie jewelry. With his shirt unbuttoned enough to provide a window to his copious amounts of chest hair. Unpleasant. We went to Black Sheep (my ol' fallback) then Snack Bar, which was pretty cool. I got too drunk. Shocker. He called me to go out again this weekend and I'm not really into it. Here's why I am crappy at dating. I would much rather just never call him back and let it go away rather than saying I'm not interested. But that's rude, right? If you're a dude would you rather be rejected or just have someone not call you back?

La isla bonita

2008-01-29T15:58:00.000-05:00

OK Operation Me Time is progressing swimmingly. If you need a refresher, this includes going to the gym, keeping organizedish surroundings, and daily shaving of my unmentionables even without promise of anyone seeing them. Trust me, this is a big feat for me. And my pants are a whole lot roomier, I'm pretty sure it's not because of the gym. I figure I'd take the field of dreams mentality of dating. "If you ladyscape it, they will come."

But I can't complain. Love life aside, everything is going pretty damned well. I got a promotion. Huzzah! And moved into a little office. I feel aaaall growed up.

Last weekend I did some celebrating and I have to say I was so very upset. My latest haunt, Silk City, has officially been ruined for me. We had kind of become obsessed. It was our old school L'Etage. You know, before everyone and their turdish friends found out about it and you could move without elbowing a wannabe hipster in the face? Well that's what Silk City meant to me. No cover, no wait and all the Madonna, Michael and Prince you could shake your shit to. We knew it was just a matter of time before word got around. And how! When we went on Sat, there was a wall of people front to back. My first task was to pee (due to excessive pregaming). Big mistake. The light was out and I had to feel my way around. I haven't been walking right since.

On the verge of a body-heat induced panic attack, my crowd and I bolted after 15 mins went to the 700 club. It had been a while since we'd been there. Mainly because Saturday DJ, as good as he is, smells like a hippie corpse that has been rotting on that bathroom toilet for months. DJ Stank aside, we had fun. I gave some dude my number even though he had a chodey hat on and he kept insisting that I was born in Spain. But he was kinda cute, friend approved, and he called me yest and asked me out for a drink. I will try fit into the pre-drink convos that there will be no train driving, so he can leave the conductor hat at home. And if you're wondering. Yes, it hurts to be this judgmental. But it hurts so good.

Mismatched

2008-01-22T23:03:00.000-05:00

Well hello. So I did it. I signed up for the Match and rode out the month. Consensus; still scares le poo outta me. But what do I know? My friend signed up with me- a suicide pact if you will. And she's lovin' it. But we can both agree that there are heaps of crazy dudes in Philadelphia. Don't believe me? Well take a look at this gem of an email I received.

"Roses are Red,
Violets are Blue,
Inspired by your Beauty,
So I’m Writing to you,
Life is Hard and Life can Strife,
Maybe one day I can make you my Wife,
I don’t mean to be Forward and don’t mean to Press,
But Judging by your Page I’m very Impressed,
I know this Sounds Cheesy and you may not Believe Me,
But I just wrote this Poem and you’re the only one I’ve Shown,
If you like what you’ve Read and you like what u See,
Please do not Hesitate in Contacting Me =)"

I couldn't make this shit up. One guy sent me his life story, including but not limited to, a youtube video of his latest vacation. Complete with captions that flew across the screen in dayglo colors "DUDE, THIS IS AWESOME!" Glorious. I also got winked at by a chick, and was tempted to wink back. Maybe I have more soul searching to do than originally thought.

Oh, but don't worry I'm not saying there aren't crazy girls. I am one of them and I wear it proudly on my sleeve (another light bulb flashing as to why I am writing this.) But what I can say with complete honesty is that if you are a single GUY match is a good bet for you. I did a reverse search and the ratio of hot girls to guys is nuts. Such is Philly.

In all honesty, I only went on one date. Well it turned into 3. He was funny and nice and I tried oh so hard to be into it. But alas no sparks. I don't know if it's because I secretly judged him for being on match, or the fact that he over communicated. (Yes, I understand my hypocrisy.) How can I write one blog preaching the woes of no phone calls and now complain about over communicating? As much as a don't like to admit it, the chase is fun. And when you're getting texts on top of emails on top of IMs (all in the span of one hour) you start feeling a little... congested.

So what now? Whatever happens happens. I'm tiiiiired of looking. Dating is exhausting. So for now, I focus on me and maybe he'll turn up in the meantime. I started going to the gym, which is pretty funny if you knew me. I think a direct quote from Megan was that "somewhere there is a dough nut crying." And it's true. If you listen hard enough, you can hear him. He sounds delicious. I digress.

To all of you ladies on Match, I wish you luck. You're braver than I.

Meet You at the Diner!

2008-01-10T20:06:00.001-05:00

As a native Long Islander, I consider myself somewhat of a connoisseur of the American diner. In fact, I truly love them. I grew up with a diner on every corner. After every high school evening out, we headed to the local diner. God knows we were tired and hungry from the hours of aimlessly driving around. It was a who's who of the Wantagh Social Scene. Fast forward 10 years and I am a girl about Philly, in constant search of the perfect diner.

Living in Center City, I find my diner options are slim. While I know that Philly has some of the best restaurants around, sometimes a girl just needs a greasy meal. Rittenhouse Square's Little Pete's (219 South 17th Street) is tiny, but it gets props for being open 24 hours, making drunken nights all the better. University City's Philly Diner (3925 Walnut Street) may be the worst diner I've ever visited. Packed with Penn kids and locals, I excitedly ordered a platter of cheese fries. Imagine my disappointment when they served me a small portion of microwaved American Cheese fries. I think I left in tears. Do not waste your time at this place under any circumstance.

The newly vamped, Northern Liberties hot spot Silk City Diner (435 Spring Garden Street) is too trendy to be a diner in my expert opinion. It is delicious but not super cheap. They offer plenty of fancy drinks, making this an ideal place for a girl's night out. South Philly's famed Penrose Diner (2016 Penrose Avenue) has some of the most spectacular people watching that you could ever imagine. A Friday night in the heart of South Philly will provide hours of conversation for your table.

Finally, my top rated diner choice is Bella Vista's Morning Glory Diner (735 South 10th Street). The hours are terrible and the servers aren't overly friendly, but it is a wonderful brunch spot if you can withstand a bit of a wait. Be sure to try the homemade ketchup.

Support diners- an American institution. Ben Franklin would have wanted it that way.

Excommunicated

2008-01-08T11:44:00.000-05:00

A few things about me. 1.) I have crazy hair that kind of resembles a mop. A sexy sexy mop, of course. 2.) Sometimes I think I might drink too much but the thought of not drinking makes me sad. I likes my wine. Apparently not as much as I likes my liver. 3.) and the most important is that I think I am perpetually trapped in one of those ice breakers. You know the one where you have the piece of paper taped to your forehead and other people have to give you clues about what's written on there? Well I think I've finally begun to narrow mine down. It either says "rebound" or "Person you want to treat like crap".

So the ex, I have now erased him from my life. Finally. It's a New Years resolution that just kind of fell into my lap. And I have his douchebaggines to thank for it. We never talk but he always seems to pop back into my life whenever he likes to and give it a metophical noogie. Usually just around the time when I start seeing someone new or haven't thought of him in a while. I think all exes posses this gift. And I allow him to. Why? Cause he was hot. And even though he was a good guy, he definitely took advantage of me. So last night was the straw that broke the camel's back. He IMed me out of nowhere to wish me a happy new year and tell me that he's sorry he didn't come to my party but he is seeing someone. Oh and that he thought getting drunk around me would be a bad idea and that it was probably bad that he really wished he could be there. Am I missing something? I don't know when I subscribed to updates about his personal life. UNSUBSCRIBE! UNSUBSCRIBE! Remove me from your mailing list. I mean I certainly didn't think he was celibate but I also don't need to know when he's seeing someone. That was one of the benefits to having him hundreds of miles away. Anyway, I feel like I said my piece. That we are not friends, we don't need to talk and him telling me this was purely selfish on his part. He is now blocked. The initial upsetness has been replaced by a weight off my shoulder. I no longer have to wonder when he's going to decide to barge back into my life.

Onto other men. I tried match. I'm only doing it for this month. I've talked to a few nice guys, got winked at by people I'm pretty sure aren't guys yet and decided I am very shallow. It's not for me. While it's kind of addictive, almost like shopping for dudes, it feels a little forced to me.

Oh, and in random news. I get a text from sidehugs (remember him? Cause I barely do) on Friday at like 8 pm. It said "sorry I was such a dick 2 u". A.) This makes me nervous because I didn't realize he was such a dick to me. And b.) I've come to the conclusion that he's either going through the steps or it was part of a new years resolution.

So now I'm option free, but also ex free. So it's a good feeling. I think I'm going to try to enjoy being on my own a little more rather than trying so hard to look for a cuddle buddy. That's what cats are for. Now if I can only keep them from scratching my face.

Better Late than Never

2007-12-30T15:30:00.001-05:00

It's been a very busy holiday season for this philly girl. I spent the better part of the last month being eaten alive by every flu, cold and sinus infection that came to town, fretting over work, and stressing over choosing the perfect gift for each of my various in-laws. But all's well that ends well, and now on a rainy and hung-over last Sunday of '07 I have some time to reflect on the season's activities. I did manage to make it to a few lovely holiday events and while it does little good for you readers to hear about them after they are over, for next year's holiday cheer I highly recommend the holiday home tour through Elfreth's Alley. For one evening in early December the residents of this, the nation's oldest continually inhabited residential street, open their doors to the public to tour their adorable and historically significant humble abodes. The houses are all dressed up for Christmas, trees trimmed and fires blazing in each living room. There was even a slight snowfall for effect. And Elfreth's is just a stone's throw from The Race Street Cafe, which has a great cozy ambiance and creative beer selection, a perfect winter warm up spot.

One more recommendation that maybe some last-minute types such as myself can take advantage of for one more week - not a holiday theme but certainly a nice family-friendly outing if you have guests coming in from out of town or if you're just looking for a worthwhile way to spend an afternoon. The Renoir exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is really spectacular. It takes you through his life and loves and his experiences of Paris, London, and his travels through the coast of Italy, Algiers, and other colorful and lively destinations. You see paintings of every day life, of young men having drinks or his good friends painting in their back yards. Nevermind that his best friend just happens to be Monet.

The exhibit is here through to 01.06, so you still have time! Run the Rocky stairs straight into Renoir's world.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
www.philamuseum.org

New Year, New low?

2007-12-27T21:55:00.000-05:00

You know what they say about New Years Eve? That how you spend it will reflect how your year will play out. I'm starting to believe this. Last year I made out with my ex and that pretty much spelled out how this year went. Until September, when we realized what we realized the September before that. We're better off as exes. This new years may very well be my first that is completely kiss free in about 7 years. I say this, but there is possibility of the exes attendance again and I can't tell what my state will be around the stroke of midnight. I've enlisted a few of my girlfriends to distract me through whatever means necessary. That being said, I'm hiding my frying pans. My only other option at the moment is Texty McGee. We've been playing a very dull game of phone tag.

In other news. I was at the Aunt and Uncle's for Christmas when my two hot cousins were talking about their adventures on match.com. I was surprised. Now I'll admit, I tried match once before and it scared the shit outta me. All I could do is judge the boys I talked to. I mean I guess I think it's unnatural for a guy to actually be looking for a girlfriend. At least the guys I've dated. Which is making me realize why I'm in my bathrobe writing a blog at 10 pm when I have off from work tomorrow (in my defense, my lungs are full of phlegmy goo and I probably only have 2 days left to live.) Anyway back to match, when i was on it last January I went on 2 dates. One with Handsy Greaserson. He followed me to a bar afterwards and presented drinks that my sister bought as if he had paid for them. The second was OK he just wasn't my type (which admittedly is pretty specific--rugged hipster.. yummmm). So I thought since they were digging the match, maybe the selection had gone up. I just checked it out. FUGVILLE. But dammit, they got me. Someone sent me a message and I can't view it unless I pay the 39.95 to "enroll". Should I do it? I mean if I do it, I will actually have to force myself to go on dates. Has anyone had positive experiences? This whole thing gives me the willies.

But so be it, I'll put my dating life in your hands. If more people think I should do it. I will. And if 2008 sucks I will hunt each one of you down. And give you a case of my crackly lung. Now I'm going to look on web MD to self diagnose.

Call me old fashioned.. Hell, just call me.

2007-12-17T23:30:00.000-05:00

I've noticed a disturbing new trend on the dating front. More disturbing is that it doesn't seem to phase other people. I think I'm part of a weird generation that started dating right around the beginning of the cell phone era. It's been really interesting to see how it's playing out in the whole dating scheme of things. In addition to the normal awkward struggles, "who pays", "who calls first", now we have to deal with the dreaded text message (if I could insert dramatic music here, I would.) For example. Italian stallion only picked up the phone once and that was to tell me that he was at my house. He asked for a second via INSTANT MESSENGER. omg. Sidehugs texted to cancel a date with me, AND texted to reschedule. Which we did aaaall via TM. The latest of the men (my nickname for him is too inappropriate for your innocent eyes) well let's just say his "courting" of me (his own words) consisted of a follow up text to our first date 2 days later saying "Drunk texting. Yup I'm doing it." I think this guy got scared away after the third time we went out, last Thurs. I mentioned that it would be nice if he picked up the phone to actually call me, you know after we made out and everything. To which he replied " I don't know that I'm ready for a girlfriend." WHAT??? I just wanted to know that he was capable of conversation aside from the 70% boob jokes I was getting. Haven't heard from him since. Since when does a phone call upgrade a relationship status. Crap, I talked to a bill collector today, who told me I gotta get crackin on my bill, does that mean I have to hop on myspace and change my status to "swinger?" Oh and also when he texted he would leave out vowels. Lame. Vowels have feelings too, you heartless bastard. I'm glad you have no problem discarding them, as you've discarded the fact that you are 28 years old.

Anyway, I know what you're saying. "Colleen, they're just not that into you." And I'm perfectly willing to admit that may very well be the case. I think what really sticks in my craw is that some girls I talked to consider this text messaging as a sole means of communicating perfectly acceptable! Is it too much to ask for a strained awkward phone conversation? Or a good ol' fashioned drunk dial? You know what, screw it. If we're taking all of the communication out of dating, I'm going to build a robot that will go on my dates for me. Or I'll at least participate via webcam. That way I won't have to wear pants. And that's really at the heart of the issue. I hate pants.

Form + Function = Fabulous

2007-11-25T21:27:00.000-05:00

It should come as no surprise by now, dear readers, that i have a closet full of really fun shoes. Gold ones, pink ones, leopard print, raspberry-suede, forest green patent leather. Sadly, most of these pretty pairs never see the light of day. Many are displayed inside the office, but must be cast aside in favor of a more sensible option to face the nooks and crannies of the streets of Philadelphia. Yes, I am that girl, put-together from head to...mid ankle. And just peaking out from under my Marc Jacobs trench and freshly pressed Banana Republic pants are my $10 flip flops. Or crocs, or fuzzy Merrell clogs. It's embarassing, but must be done. My feet are very sensitive and I have to walk a LOT! Excuses aside, I was one step removed from the ubiquitous white ankle socks and Reeboks over nude pantyhose. I needed help.

So as the leaves began to turn I decided to turn over a new one for fashion's sake. I will never be one of those women who can wear 3.5 inch heels all day everyday. But I found a little piece of hope in the form of La Canadienne boots. My mom first told me about this miraculous brand she found at Benjamin Lovell, where the boots were waterproof and fleece-lined and believe it or not, actually attractive! I did not believe such a product could exist. But alas, I was wrong and to my great surprise I quickly found myself with a pair of black leather "Tahra" boots that fit my leg perfectly, looked great and felt great too. I am finally free from the fuzzy Merrell for I have found a winter shoe that I can actually walk in and stay in style.

Benjamin Lovell has a number of locations around Center City, the counties, and South Jersey. I found my Canadiennes at the Glen Eagle Square location in my hometown of Chadds Ford, but no doubt they carry this product at most locations. Happy winter walking!

Benjamin Lovell Shoes
Multiple Locations
http://www.benjaminlovell.com/

I over think therefore I am single

2007-11-08T11:43:00.000-05:00

I haven't written anything for a while 'cause I thought maybe I was jinxing myself by documenting every dating happening in my life (I'm nuts, I've already told you that.) Since I spoke to you last there have been some developments. Mostly, I've come to realize that I'm a terrible dater. I'm awkward and I have no filter (when I came back from the bathroom one time- which had taken so long due to the fact that there was a line-I said "Don't worry, I didn't poop.") Backtracking. A few weeks ago, I went to this advertising party and it was an overall success. There was a bevy of hot men, which was quite the relief since I had all about given up on Philly's supply of single non-douchebags. Apparently I was pretty smooth that night. "Smooth" being a relative term. I met a really cute guy and forced my number upon him. I was a little hazy on the details the next day. Note that I had been calling him the wrong name all night. So I was expecting to never hear from him again. Big whoop. I couldn't pick him out of a line up, anyway. To my surprise, I got a text the next day asking me out. Holler. So we went out last week and it was great. He's older than the guys I normally go out with, which is a good thing. What's the problem, then? I CAN'T STOP OVER THINKING. When I'm hanging out with him all I can think is, Would my parents like him? What if my friends think he's a tool? Is he hairy? What's wrong with him that he doesn't have a girlfriend? When do I have to pretend to reach for the check? What if he lets me? Will it be awkward when my credit card is declined and I start crying?

That, piled with my complete stress with dating etiquette, culminated last night into the worst possible ending of a second date. I gave him a side hug. UUUUUUUGH. This guy is probably so confused. A chick that made a b-line for him at a party and said "I wouldn't be mad at you if you asked for my phone number" and the most she can muster up is a SIDE HUG. He even said "side hug?" In my defense is was a long (albeit good) date. We went to Fork, then Sugar moms then to a movie. But it was probably the worst date movie ever. We saw Gone, baby, Gone. Nothing gets me randy like a good baby killing movie. Anyway. Well see where it goes. Either he'll assume disinterest or he's still into it. We're supposed to go out sat. I'll keep ya posted.

Maybe this time we can read Angela's Ashes to each other and talk about our worst childhood memories.

The Big O

2007-11-03T19:39:00.000-05:00

Last Tuesday, I turned 30. On the 30th. Big birthday! And to mark that special occasion my husband gave me something that I really needed. Something to make me feel great, to relax, to engage all the senses and release all anxiety.

A really good meal.

Osteria has has enjoyed a lot of buzz since its opening by virtue of its owner, Marc Vetri, whose reputation in the Philly foodie community would allow him to open a hot dog cart and receive a five star rating. He took a chance on an up-and-coming North Broad location (walking distance from our house, added bonus) and the Vetri appeal has lured even the most uptight of Main Line moms and Rittenhouse royals across the great Spring Garden Street divide. His reputation made them step out of their comfort zone, but its the food that keeps them coming back.

The weather has just turned officially Fall-like and the reclaimed wood, deep orange hues and warm lighting makes Osteria an ideal locale for this time of year. The food was hearty yet light, flavorful yet simple. In honor of the house specialty, I too stepped out of my comfort zone and into the world of cured meats. Happy I did. We also sampled the "cruda," which could be described as sushi Italian-style - yellowtail strips marinated in olive oil and spices. But the highlight of our meal had to be my entree, the everyday lobster and homemade pasta special. Absolute perfection.

Our waitress was helpful and friendly, which proved especially important here because there are numerous Italian words on the menu that were unfamiliar, particularly with the dolci (desserts). She was able to explain everything clearly and give recommendations based on your preference for sweets and flavors. So bravo, Marc Vetri, for bringing this oasis to North Broad. Fairmounters thank you.

Osteria, 640 North Broad St.
215.763.0920
www.osteriaphilly.com

Embrace Change

2007-10-25T09:19:00.000-05:00

I've got living paycheck to paycheck down. I get paid, I'm rich, I buy those Steve Madden boots I've been eying and that fall jacket I've convinced myself I sooo desperately need. The next day I check my bank account and am angered at its mysterious disappearance. Flash forward to the not too distant future. I'm at day 3 of peanut butter and jelly phase and still 1 week until payday. Let me tell you, pb&j isn't the best motivator to endure a rainy lunchtime walk home. So I decided to suck up my pride, grab that tiny jar of change that's followed me to 2 apartments and hope it's enough to get me some lunch in the Bellevue food court. So I sorted out the random nails and brought the bag o' change to Commerce bank. I was hoping for about 10 bucks. (It was a small baggie and no quarters. Damn you, coin operated laundry. You can't see it but I'm shaking my fist in the air.). So I went in dropped my change in the counter and left with 35 bucks! Holler. So of course, I rewarded myself with a pumpkin spiced latte.

The beauty of the Commerce is that even if you don't have an account there, you can use their coin machine and they won't take a percentage. Take that rain. I win, you lose. mwa hahahahahahahahahahaha (that's my victory laugh)

Haunted Happenings

2007-10-23T09:12:00.000-05:00

Looking for something scary to do before Halloween? Well my game night crew (yes, I realize how awesome this makes me sound) and I went to the Sleepy Hallow Haunted Hayride in Newtown this weekend. The Hayride alone is $15, but you can also get a bundle package which includes the hayride, clown vortex, haunted house and corn maze. Oh and yes you read that correctly, a clown vortex. When we got there at about 9 on Sat, the line was insanely long. I didn't think we'd even be able to make it on the ride, but we were told if we wanted to pay $10 more we could buy "RIP" tickets which bring you directly to the front of the line. Well worth the extra money. The hayride, while cheesy at times actually had a lot of legitimately scary moments. I may have jumped onto the calm little girl sitting in front of me and I think I have prevented one of my friends from having children. After the hayride's over, there are plenty of bonfires around and a band. So we broke out our smore paraphernalia and natty's (it's byob) and went to town.

Aside from the couple with their tongues down each others throats on the ride (sometimes a fake chainsaw just gets you in the mood). And the fact that when the band played Cotton Eye Joe, everyone else there knew some sort of line dance, I would highly recommend as a good night out with the friends.

Grab your wieners and your natty's and get to hayridin'.

See It!

2007-10-22T16:46:00.000-05:00

Philly's movie scene is growing by the minute! Not only is "Lovely Bones" kicking off this week in the 'burbs (sorry Colleen! I am sure Ryan will find you some day), but "Bella," a locally produced and financed independent film that is winning awards left and right, makes its debut this weekend.

Bella is a heartwarming story about life, family, and our capacity for love in the face of the unexpected. It has a beautiful cast (hello Eduardo Verastegui!) and an even more beautiful message about relationships, redemption, and the power of the human spirit. It lives in good company as a Toronto Film Festival People's Choice Award Winner, with the likes of Hotel Rwanda, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, and my personal favorite, Life is Beautiful.

Bella is only around for 2 weeks and is in very limited locations. Check out the theater options at http://www.bellathemovie.com/.

Mrs. Colleen Gosling- So close but so far away

2007-10-22T09:52:00.000-05:00

To all of my fellow mourners, Ryan Gosling has dropped out of filming the Lovely Bones, which was supposed to start filming this week in Malvern. Marky Mark is in. This was supposed to be when we met, locked eyes and he said to himself, "Rachael McWho?" Shut up and let me have my dream.

Now I'm going to have to break out the old trench coat and book a flight to where ever it is that crazy Canuk is hiding out these days.

Hire Me, Please.

2007-10-12T10:54:00.000-05:00

I remember a time, at the tender age of 22, when I was excited to bid adieu to college and start my wildly successful career. Oh the paychecks, the working woman clothes (I would look great in a classic Chanel suit), glamorous business trips, the promotions, the sheer grandeur!

Then I woke up. The cold, harsh reality of monotonous administrative office work began to eat at me from day 1. Alright, so maybe I never had " career goals" per say. Sure, I thought things would simply fall in to place if I could just be patient. Granted, I work at a place that has skyrocketing levels of executive turn over, and all the money makers are chauvinistic/egotistical lecherous men, and we teeter dangerously close to bankruptcy each year. Still, I used to have pep talks with myself while fighting back tears in the shower each morning before work. In each chat, I'd assure myself that "my talents would be recognized and I'd soar, all the way to the top". Oh, poor naive girl.

This unfortunate tale leaves me where I am today, dear reader- in the same dead end job for 3 years. Sadly, still light years away from the Chanel suit. I fear I'll never know anything but H&M. Every day I job hunt. I interview every now and then too. Still, nothing. While frustrated and anxious, I haven't given up. I remain hopeful. One day somebody will hire me. And I will be one step closer to the ideal job I've so skillfully created in the inner chambers of my mind.

Instant Gratification

2007-10-09T10:11:00.000-05:00

Let's face it. Whether you want to admit it or not, you know within the first few minutes of a first date if you're gonna be into it. People have been making me feel bad for dismissing potential suitors so quickly. But c'maaan. I judge, it's what I do. It's my gift. And if I'm not feeling it after the first date, why do I have to give the poor guy a second or third just to solidify said disinterest? Wastes time for both parties. So I figured, in an effort to broaden my dating my horizons I will go... wait for it... Speed dating. I've only seen it in the movies but I feel like it's very suited to my instant judging style. I can just see it now--me, a room full of 50 year old men and I'm allowed, in fact encouraged, to dismiss him after 3 minutes. "Hi, I'm Colleen. So you love sandwiches. I can tell. Put mine down." NEXT "Hi, I'm Colleen. What's that you say? You live in your parent's basement. Jesus, those 2 minutes and 59 seconds really flew by." NEXT.

Now you may be saying. Colleen, you sound like a terrible person and I'm not disagreeing with you. But I'm also honest. Oh, I'm fully aware that they will be judging me just as well. But this isn't about them. It never is.

While trying to find friends to go on this little adventure with me, we decided that the odds of finding someone cool, our age that's speed dating is slim to none. But that's where you come in. Readers, any suggestions? Does North Bowl have a singles event, where I can meet the quasi hipster of my dreams? Lemmie know and I'm on it like Britney on bacon.

In other news. I need some distractions. I fell into ex infested waters last night and had an hour long drunken phone call. Don't judge. You've been there too. The first step is admitting there's a problem.

Hello. My name is Colleen......and I have a problem.

Double Trouble

2007-10-07T18:36:00.000-05:00

I'd like to warn our readers about an area of the city I call the danger zone. The danger zone is a 3 block corridor between 16th and 18th, Sansom and Walnut Sts. Non-shopaholics may simply see this as the French Quarter or part of Rittenhouse Row. It is the home to some very fine boutiques, harbours of high fashion and my own personal shopping oasis. It is also where I often part with my discretionary income.

There are more stores in the danger zone than I can mention in one post so I will concentrate on two personal favorites: Echochic and Kimberly Boutique. Echochic is an urban fashionista's mecca, teeming with bohemian caftan-style dresses, avant-garde accessories and graffitied vintage handbags, cutting edge designers like See by Chloe and L.A.M.B. Over the years I have
found many great pieces, including a butter yellow sundress for my rehearsal dinner, a super-soft Rachel Pally cotton baby doll mini dress, and a few signature vintage pieces that always make an impression. The staff are stylish and helpful, and will actually tell you honestly if a piece is right for you. Echochic is also not a place for a woman whose style errs on the conservative side. Echochic is for the Carrie in us, not the Charlotte.

Which brings me to Kimberly, which is great for the more staple wardrobe "musts" and investment dressing - the LBD, the trench coat, the cropped wool jacket, classic Charlotte-friendly separates by designers such as Susana Monaco and Cynthia Vincent, peppered with the occassional LaRok or Nguyen to keep it exciting. I walk by Kimberly every day on my way to work. I have had many a close call with other commuters (and a few street food vendors) as my gaze gets stuck on its window displays when I should be watching where I am walking. Recently I coveted this fabulously mod Tibi dress for 3 weeks before succombing to its call to me. I knew if I walked in and tried it on, I would have to have it. I was right. In fact I also had to get a new hair cut to match the dress.

There are other shopping corridors around the city that can suck you dry of your savings. But the proximity of this particular area to my place of employment makes this one my own personal danger zone, filled with the pleasure of finding the next best thing and the pain of having to put it back on the rack and resist. Some power lunch, I power shop at lunch. It feeds my addiction.

Echochic, 1700 Sansom St.
www.echochic.com

Kimberly Boutique, 123 S. 16th St.
www.kimberlyboutique.com

Achoo

2007-10-06T11:11:00.001-05:00

Pardon my lack of coherence in this one, as my head has been completely consumed by the temperamental bitch that is the flu. Maybe it's of the bird variety. Being that I've already created a sizable dent on my couch and have gone through every program I dvred in the past year, I've decided to be productive. So, I've picked up my bag of dirty tissues and moved the 4 feet to the computer. Annnd I'm spend.

So, I had my date with the guy from grade school the other night (no he's not in actually in grade school, I went to grade school with him and reconnected through intensive MyStalking). We went for a drink after work (which turned into 3, which then turned into 5, which turned into a blur-- I think at one point we started playing quarters at the table) at The Black Sheep. This one was interesting because I knew him, but hadn't seen him since 5th grade. I mean, my taste has changed a little since my youth. Back then my turn ons included, but were not limited to, pinching and hair pulling. Hmmm, on second thought maybe I haven't changed all that much.

All in all, it was a good date. We laughed a whole lot. Reminisced about the time I kicked him in the balls in the recess yard and he told me that my nickname used to be spewie, which I was unaware of (I had a slight problem with motion sicknessback then). The beauty of this date was that there was no awkwardness. So I'd def go out with him again. Not sure if there was any spark though. That's what I'm going to be looking for in dates to come, but I'm not 100% convinced sparks actually happen.
So he emailed the next day, and asked to go out again. I think I will.

Total sneezes while writing post: 6
OK enough of this productivity nonsense. I'm too sick to think. I'm gonna go take drugs. Lots of drugs. Bring on the drugs.

I Heart the Mojito

2007-10-03T10:15:00.000-05:00

Nothing says breezy summer night like a yummy mojito. I love them. However, they're labor intensive drinks- drinks I would never prepare for myself at home. In fact, I'm really only capable of pouring wine at home and even then it's a challenge. I used to dream about a whole bar dedicated to the mojito. (I know that some people dream about world peace. Don't judge.) You can imagine how pleased I was when the Rum Bar opened just a few blocks from my apartment.

I have ventured in to the Rum Bar a few times and have never had to fight for a seat. It's the perfect spot to go for a pre/post dinner drink. The bartenders are assertive, friendly and know exactly how to make a drink. There are an incredible amount of premium rums available. It's kind of intense. I didn't know rum could be so complicated. Granted, until very recently, I did associate rum with the Malibu crap we used to drink in college. Along with the nearly 10 different kinds of mojitos on the menu, there are all of the standard bar drinks too.

Whether your looking for the perfect date spot or night out with the girls, the Rum Bar won't disappoint.

The Rum Bar

2005 Walnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19103

www.rumbarphilly.com

Hawk Attack

2007-09-27T19:22:00.000-05:00

I am a shopper. I love the art of the big find - that amazing vintage dress or that pair of shoes that makes the heart beat just a bit faster. I don't really shop online, because I really do enjoy perusing the brick and mortar houses of style, browsing the isles and holding the latest Tracey Reese up to my reflection in the inevitably skinnier-than-reality mirror. I had decided that my next GAP posts would chronicle my adventures through some of Philly's best boutiques. But before I do that, there's something I must get off my chest.

This evening after work I strolled westward down Walnut St., and popped in BCBG, lured by an open door and balloon-lined entry. As fate would have it, the store had a 15% off event going on. I learned this from the pleasant yet hawk-like sales associate that swooped in at me from outside of my peripheral vision. As if I did not understand English or her verbal description of the sale was not comprehensive, she then thrust an oversized postcard into my hand to really hammer home the message. A little much, but still manageable.

I then turn to begin my perusal, and Hawk #2 swoops in, a younger, perkier version of Hawk 1, delivering the exact same message. I smile and say a quick thanks, careful to turn my eye contact away so as to clearly communicate my lack of interest in continuing our conversation. I resume perusal. No more than 20 seconds pass, and I am attacked by Hawk #3 informing me of the sale. REALLY? During this time, I have moved...maybe five feet. Did Hawks 2 and 3 not hear Hawk 1 deliver said message? I thought that hawks had keen senses.

Thus describes the ebrasive and off-putting experience of chain store shopping. The constant attacks of sales people who know nothing about fashion and even less about connecting with a target audience. During this particular five minute stint, Hawk 2 swooped in for a second round, squawking about some sale dresses on the lower level. I have at this point lost my patience. Now, even if I had found any items of interest I would not make a purchase solely on principle. After this I may have shot Hawk 2 a sarcastic "uh huh" and a mildly dirty look. Just like that, the hunted becomes the hunter.

Don't get me wrong, a really good salesperson with a sense of style and the ability to read a customer can be a lifesaver. I find that many boutiques employ such people (except for the now-defunct former midtown village occupant Bshehu. Pushier salespeople have never existed.) But for the larger chains, a word of advice. Stop training your salespeople to resemble large birds of prey. Less is more. If I need help, I'll be sure to ask.

Restaurant week, why do you mock me so?

2007-09-26T09:53:00.000-05:00

Last night, as I lugged my bags of dirty laundry in my left hand and detergent in my right, I passed young couples in love dining outdoors and came to a realization. I have clean underwear now and they don't. They will waste a lovely Sunday day/ evening, sorting their lights from darks, while I sip wine at the Wine, Arts and Food festival at the Mann. I think it's a fair trade.

Anyway. This week is chock full of Philly happenings. I'm plan on enjoying them with friends, but will make an effort to strike up a slightly intoxicated convo with choice passersby. My first date with the Italian taught me that talking to new people is fun, and to just be open to it. It doesn't have to be awkward and painful. (oh, I think we're going to try for a second). Tomorrow night I'm going to the Inliquid Silent Auction with some people from work. Art + open bar = many emo men just waiting for my shameless flirting. To give me an edge, I'm thinking of wearing my beret , black turtleneck and painting on a little goatee. Friday, my sister and I are going out for a chick night of shopping, drinks and pampering at Shecky's girls night out. Word is I can get some free jawn there. Saturday is Oktoberfest and Madonna Michael Prince at the M room. Ohhh that sounds like a little slice of heaven, doesn't it? Aaaaaand I just realized I should just go ahead and marry a gay man.

In other news, I'm very proud of myself. Kind of. Putting myself Out There is stressful. And this week I regressed back to being a 13 year old girl. Back story: When I get in from nights on the town, MySpace is not my friend. I contact anyone and everyone I have come in contact within the past 10-12 years. One poor unfortunate soul wrote me back. We emailed back and forth, but in all honesty, I hadn't talked to him since grade school. He gave me his phone # via email and told me to call him for a good time. Megan told me I had to. Even though this could be (and probably is) purely platonic, it was very hard for me to take that leap from Myspace stalking to real life interaction. So Monday night after a glass of wine, I did it. I picked up the phone and... left him a voicemail. Did you know you can do that? Yes, from your voicemail you can leave someone else a voicemail without them ever knowing. God, I'm good at being crazy. I was planning on saying "Oh, it just went straight to voicemail", but when I called it turns out he was asleep and just assumed he missed me. Long story short, he called back last night and we're gonna get together for a drink next week. Should be fun to catch up.

Wow, that was a whole lot of rambling. Good day.

School for the Sweet Tooth

2007-09-25T21:17:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had the feeling that maybe, just maybe, you've eaten enough cake?

ME NEITHER.

I have now been eating cake every night for around four nights, and though I know you'd like to hear this is part of a revolutionary diet I heard about from Oprah I won't lie. This regime is purely an effort to polish off a cake from the The Restaurant School because under no circumstances shall any cake be put in the bin under my roof. I will finish the beast no matter how my belly protests.

You see, two cakes were bought last week for a 50th birthday for a total cost of around $25. TWO ENORMOUS CAKES!! All thanks to students of the pastry arts. Luckily, other people showed some moderation and the plentiful leftovers are what I'm working on now. I think this work is going pretty well.

I will say, the cake is not terribly beautiful but they do have some more specialty fare if that's what you're looking for. If, however, you need to feed a throng of children or a throng of grown ups for that matter on the cheap but a big cake is what you're looking for I think this is a good spot. The icing was a wee bit sweet but the cake itself was moist and chocolatey and... well, I might just go have a little added taste just to check that it's still that good. The students will also be so kind as to write anything on the cake you'd like, such as "THIS IS MEREDITH'S CAKE DO NOT TOUCH MY CAKE DO YOU HEAR ME!"

Now if anyone else has advice on coping with sugar withdrawl, please kindly forward it to me because my come down is going to be messy.

The Pastry Shop at The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College
215.222.4200
Open daily Monday - Saturday 7:30am - 6:00pm
4207 Walnut Street

www.therestaurantschool.com/

A Visit with the Soap Lady

2007-09-25T13:51:00.000-05:00

There are few things more romantic than spending a lazy Saturday afternoon, visiting your local museum dedicated to human anomalies, with your Paramour. A few weeks ago, I ventured out to the famed Mutter Museum, part of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

This was a trip that had long been on my "to do" list. The steep $12 admission fee led me to believe we'd be roaming the museum for hours so I was surprised to see that the entire museum is really only a few rooms, lined with glass cases well stocked with over 20,000 objects. Disturbing is the only word I can think of to describe this place. I saw babies in jars, a gigantic colon, every kind of terrible skin condition that's ever existed, Siamese twins, the soap lady, and all kinds of growths and tumors. Each exhibit was more nauseating than the last. And ladies, let's all rejoice that we were not around for the terrifying gynecological instruments of the past.

It was an interesting afternoon. I'm proud to be able to finally cross this excursion off of my list. While it's definitely a Philadelphia must see, I think you can skip the membership.

The Mutter Museum 19 South 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
http://www.collphyphil.org/visit_mutter.htm

Some Like it Hot...REALLY Hot

2007-09-23T19:25:00.000-05:00

I have been going to the gym for oh, almost two-thirds of my almost three decades on this planet. And this past spring, I got tired. And bored. But I was a bride-to-be. It was not the time to lose my athletic religion, yet my feet just wouldn't walk me to the gym anymore. I needed a change.

In addition to my gym addiction, I have tried all the exercise trends. In the eighties it was Mousercise with my sisters in our leotards and legwarmers. In the early nineties, the Cindy Crawford workout. The late nineties, step aerobics. The millenium, I pushed myself to Billy Blanks' Tai Bo and cardio kick-boxed my way out of the college puff. Mat Pilates, Vinyasa Flow, Total Body Conditioning, Ashtanga yoga...the list is endless. All the while running, lifting and ellipticalling on the gym floor day after day.

So its no surprise that when the need for change came, I found Bikram Yoga.

Bikram Yoga is the brainchild of legendary yogi Bikram Choudhury, who overcame severe physical injuries by practicing this particular 26-posture sequence. The postures are uncomplicated; anyone who has downward-dogged their way through a standard yoga class can easily handle it. The sequence emphasizes balance of your systems and addresses your circulatory, digestive, endocrine, nervous, and immune systems. Sounds good, right? But here's the catch - the room is hot. REALLY hot. 105 degrees hot. 90 minutes of 105 degrees hot. So those uncomplicated postures suddenly become a lot more challenging.

There's reason behind the heat, it helps you sweat out toxins, regenerate cells, and loosen muscles, tendons and ligaments. I shiver at 80 or below, and after 8 hours of suffering in an office that feels like a Sub Zero, I embrace the hot. But if you blast the AC in April, this might not be for you. If you don't like to sweat, this might not be for you. You will sweat more during this 90 min class than running 9 miles. Oh, and the guy next to you will sweat that much too. You know, the one with the hairy back and the banana hammock that you concentrated very hard all class to avoid seeing. So if you can't handle a little skin, this class might not be for you. But if you like a challenge, want to feel healthier, look leaner, and gain physical and mental strength, this class may be for you.

Luckily, at Center Siddhi Yoga, they know its not for everyone. But they want you to give it a good try, so they offer a $20 unlimited week for beginners. If you go, drink A LOT of water before, during, and after. And bring a towel. Namaste.

Bikram Yoga of India
Center Siddhi Yoga
1520 Sansom Street, 3rd floor
215.977.YOGA
www.bikramphiladelphia.com

Just don't call me baby, baby!

2007-09-21T17:22:00.000-05:00

So, this is my first post in... ahem... maybe nine months.... And this week a friend staying with me, who I hadn't seen in a long long time, at one point turned to me with a smirk on his face: "Confess. Where are you hiding the baby?"

OH LOOK HOW I FOOLED YOU!! No, I didn't have a baby (the gut is all croissant fueled) I am just the absolute most devoted person to baby products. Ever. I have extremely sensitive skin and eczema, and due to years of trial and error in testing things to help sooth it one thing was clear: stick to the basics. No posh face creams for me, no creme de la mer or chanel no 5. Baby lotion and eau de moi does fine just thanks.

As you can see from the picture, I turn to baby products for just about all my beauty needs, bar the bikini wax. Here's a quick rundown of some of my choices:

1. Baby wipes. For... everything. Removing makeup. Quick clean up of the sink. Removing deodorant stains. Even wiping my botty. Works for that too.

2. Aveeno Soothing Relief Lotion. I cannot praise this enough. I only need the teeniest bit and it soothes my skin like ambrosia of the gods. If you could buy that at target. I know that Aveeno makes an eczema line too, but as I mentioned above once I found something that works I don't mess with it.

3. J&J Bedtime Cream Wash. I used to hate baths until I realised that they really did relax me and that if I bathed with this stuff it left a yummy moisturising film on me (just like in the ads... damn them) and makes me smell yummy. I don't know if I've been brainwashed by its name, but I really do feel soothed by the smell. After all, it's formulated with NATURALCALM™... You can't argue with science like that.

4. Baby Oil. This used to be my eye makeup remover because I swear it could take of cement and sleeping with any remaining eye makeup never works out well for me as I end up looking like I got elbowed in the eye during the night (which happened once, by the way). But I found that because I wear contact lenses the two things don't compliment each other. I do keep it around though for any time I use waterproof mascara, which may as well be made of cement, it's great to apply before shaving and... massages. But you already knew about that.

5. Baby Cologne. Whoever decided that babies need a cologne is INSANE. I however enjoy the gentle fragrance for myself when I just want to smell fresh. I've got something more adult when it's time to make my move, don't you worry.

6. Cetaphil. Oooh cetaphil how I love you. Above using it generally for cleaning, I also use it as my exfoliator in combination with exfoliator pads from the body shop. This is is a great way for anyone who has a trusted facial cleanser to double task it. Who has enough room for extra lotions in the medicine cabinet anyway?

Also in the house is baby powder, of course great for stinky shoes but also super at getting out grease stains. Baby shampoo is good for pink eye, and also make up removal if you're brave enough to lather up your eye. And you may have read in the paper lately that Pedialyte is more effective that Gatorade for the sporty types looking for rehydration.

So before you throw the baby out with the bathwater, maybe just ditch the baby. It'll only be hogging the good stuff.

A Pharaoh Visit with King Tut

2007-09-21T14:28:00.000-05:00

I have an enormous to do list. No, I don't mean grocery shopping, laundry, paying bills or cleaning. What I mean is that I read about some event in Philly and then talk incessantly about how I have to go to that. What usually happens is that the event comes and goes and I'm still sitting on my couch, watching 90210 reruns on Soapnet. (I totally forgot what a bitch Brenda really was.) Anyway, when I read last February that the King Tut exhibit was coming to the Franklin Institute, I decided that I should definitely go. Naturally, I waited until last night, the week before it closes, to go.

The extensive exhibit consists of artifacts from his reign and tomb. I saw vases that held internal organs, deity figurines, King Tut childhood chairs, hieroglyphics and lots of jewelry boxes. The Franklin Institute did a great job of displaying everything and setting the mood, from the music to lights. However, I left a little disappointed. I'm not quite sure what I expected. I think I was hoping for some actual mummy action but all they showed was a video. That being said, I am glad I went. It's really neat to see all these items from the 1300s BC and I learned quite a bit about old King T, who actually was only 20 when he died mysteriously. I also recommend going on a weeknight to avoid the crowds and save a few bucks.

The exhibit closes on September 30th and moves to London. Get there fast!

http://www2.fi.edu/

Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

New Colleen 1: Dating 0.

2007-09-21T09:22:00.000-05:00

The first date (cue ominous music)...

How we met. We have mutual friends, but didn't know each other. He saw my profile on one of said friend's MySpace and got my IM. Ahhh, cyber dating. Old Colleen would have said "no", simply because he's not my usual type. See, I tend to err towards hipster and this guy's more of a Soprano (key differentiator, one showers the other doesn't). But New Colleen was into it. He suggested Tequila's and won me over immediately. Allow me to digress, when I went on my last actual date (there was snow on the ground) the guy took me to Mad Mex in University City. Don't get me wrong, it's perfect for its famous "Big Azz Margaritas" but not so great for a romantic afternoon date. I was carded by the hostess. The fact Gotti and I were going to an actual grown-up place was refreshing.

Preparation. This was tough. I shaved my right leg, thought better of it so when it came to my left I only shaved from the knee down (there had been proper maintenance up to this point so it didn't affect my balance). Megan vetoed my normal comfy/ cute outfit choices and made me break out the big guns, New Years Eve shirt '07. After my Pre-date glass of wine, we met at my street and walked over. The restaurant was everything I hoped it would be. The food was delicious, for the appetizer we had Queso Fundido (melted cheese with meat on top that you put in a tortilla... mmm cheese), and for the main course Cochinita Pibil (pork... mmm meat). For drinks I went with 2 mojitos (mmmm liquid courage).

Overall the conversation flowed easily. I gathered he was a little nervous because he went on a few tangents, then asked if he was talking too much (I think it was around the 10th time i said "right" and nodded my head). But I would take that over awkward silence any day. Apparently everything I did was "adorable" from my apathy for sports to my dumb joke about bringing a doggie bag home for the cats (Yes, I said cats. Plural. Don't judge.) My favorite quote of the night would have to be when he said "Yeah, I'm emotional and sentimental and all that shit." After said date he walked me home and didn't try to kiss me, which was admittedly a relief (baby steps). But I didn't want him to think I had a bad time, so I actually said "Let's hug it out". Yes. I said that out loud.

Anyway. First date was an overall success. This weekend, I'm going to West Chester to visit my girls. Let's see what tasty nuggets the burbs have to offer.

www.tequilasphilly.com

1602 Locust Street

Te Quiero Mucho

2007-09-19T13:46:00.000-05:00

When I think of things that I love in life: I think of friends, family, pets, clothes, and wine, but mostly, I think of guacomole. Good guacomole makes everything better. In fact, I know that I could eat chips and guac each and every day for the rest of my life and be totally fine, if a little green in complexion.

Imagine my excitement when I recently had the pleasure of dining at Molcajete Mixto in South Philadelphia. I was already enthusiastic as it's "bring your own tequila"so they can make you any fruit flavored margarita your heart desires. You can also bring your own wine for homemade sangria. Ok back to the guacomole! It was creamy, flavorful, and delicious! I highly recommend it. After I finished that off, I dug in to my entree, Tilapia a la Veracruzana which was equally fabulous. I was stuffed to the point where I may have had to "OP"- as in open pants button. Ladylike and necessary.

All in all, it was a great evening. The menu is reasonable and the ambiance is super cute. The choices are vast and the service was exceptional. I will definitely be back.

www.molcajetemixto.com
746 Christian St. Philadelphia, PA

Colleen

2007-09-19T13:22:00.000-05:00

I'm the single one. Single and... liking it. I say liking it cause I'm pumped for the "me time", but sometimes miss the plus 1. I'm a bad dater. I'm better at over analyzing.. (Do I have to kiss? Do I have to pay? Do I fake a stroke to get the eff outta herrr?) So I'm going to pull a Lauren Conrad and date like a man. But there is one thing. I don't get asked out. Ever. Can they smell my crazy? That can't be it 'cause I know people way crazier than I that are painting the town red. My friends are saying I'm not "out there" enough. So no more. Bitch is putting on my best "come hither stare" and taking an active role (hence the gun hands in the picture).

Join me, won't you? In my dating misadventures.

Back in Action

2007-09-19T10:04:00.000-05:00

After a long hiatus, Girl About Philly is back in action! It's been far too long. Over the course of the last several months, a ton has happened. There's been new jobs/career paths, a job quit after 3 days, a wedding, some international vacations, loads of haircuts, one new boyfriend, a ridiculous amount of dining out, and much more. Look forward to a whole bunch of exciting posts about all that is fabulous in the life of a Philly girl.

A True Belly Dance

2007-02-04T13:45:00.000-05:00

Many Philly BYO restaurants are of the Italian, Meditteranean, or neo-American cuisine. But if you are looking for something with a little twist, take the advice put forth in the 70's by Crosby, Stills & Nash: take a ride on the Marrakesh Express.

Marrakesh is an experience from the moment you open the door, partly because you can't open the door, you must ring the bell first. You are then greeted by a brooding gentleman in a traditional tunic, who my fiance described as "The Morrocan Elvis" (although I must qualify this statement, as he has an uncanny ability to relate just about anyone back to the King).

Once through, Elvis leads you to your banquette with plush pillowed seats and low gold engraved tables. My personal experience was with a large group - about 12 people - so we were given a private room upstairs. Once we had our hands properly cleaned and bathroom towels protecting our clothes (no joke - napkins are no match for this hands-on meal), we each grabbed a heaping helping of nan-style bread from a snake charmer woven basket, and ate and ate and ate, seven fabulous courses of fresh, authentic Morrocan cuisine.

There's no menu at Marrakesh, although a few of the courses do offer a choice between spicy or non, or beef or veal. Please don't go with picky eaters - while all the courses are simple, consisting mainly of vegetables, meat, and cous-cous, there's no substitutions and it is somewhat unclear exactly what else is in the mix. But that's part of the fun! And just when you think you couldn't possibly take another bite, they round out the meal with fruit, baklava, and mint tea.

Marrakesh is ideal for a large party and for people who want a memorable experience, not just a meal. And unlike many BYOs, they accept reservations. What they don't accept is credit cards, so come with cash. As you may imagine, finishing off seven courses takes some time, so don't make this a pre-theater dinner or plan on a grabbing a quick bite here. It's an event, which on weekends even includes belly dancers for table-side entertainment. So when you have the time and want a little something extraordinary, ring the bell at Marrakesh.

Marrakesh, 517 Leithgow Street, 215.925.5929

Melogra-no-no

2007-01-21T10:33:00.000-05:00

Melograno has emerged as one of Philly's favorite BYOs. Not an easy feat considering the shear volume of competitors in our fair city. It has definitely made the list of my personal favorites in the past - an atmosphere that has that special something - that 'je ne sais quoi'. Love the space with its floor-to-ceiling windows, open kitchen, red berry garland and minimalist sunflower arrangements. European waiters with thick accents and charming smiles. And the food, oh the food - my kind of perfection. Light, simple and flavorful.

So you can imagine my dismay at having to be the bearer of bad news from my most recent visit there on a cold Wednesday night. I understand that Melograno has received a lot of praise, great press and enjoys a constant buzz of traffic night in and night out. And it is certainly worthy of its success. But that is no reason to be rude to your patrons. No way. Unacceptable. So I politely ask the Melograno staff to sit back, take a deep breath, and quietly step down off your high horses. It is your privilege to enjoy our patronage, not the other way around. Make us feel welcome, not like you are doing us a huge favor by allowing us to have a table. Philly folk don't like snobs, not even in Rittenhouse.

That said, I'm not sure that even a snooty hostess will be enough to keep me away from the portabello with pine nuts and goat cheese or the branzino and garlic mashed. It really is that good.

Melograno, 2201 Spruce Street

215.875.8116

Your Friendly Neighborhood Pub

2007-01-07T14:18:00.000-05:00

After a long holiday hiatus filled with family obligations, international travel, and a few unfortunate cases of the flu, your girls about philly are getting back to blogging. And what better place to start on a stark winter's day than with a profile of one of Philly's warmest neighborhood pubs, McCrossen's Tavern.

McCrossen's is a family-owned operation with a storied history of pride, struggle, and the American dream. The building itself, built in 1852, has been everything from an immigrant shelter to a floral shop, and the McCrossens themselves even called the upstairs home back in the 1930s. Today it is a favorite neighborhood spot for Fairmounters looking for a well-poured pint and a homestyle meal.

McCrossen's is a great spot at any time of year, but its old world charm and warmth is particularly enjoyable in the winter months. The staff are friendly and attentive even when the place is packed, and it is obvious that they enjoy the company of their many regular customers. So next time you're in the mood for a hearty bowl of french onion soup and a smooth stoudt, head 'round the corner to McCrossen's.

McCrossen's Tavern, 529 N. 20th St., 215.845.0923

www.mccrossens.com

A Belgian Delight

2006-12-17T16:04:00.000-05:00

I've never been to Belgium, and I am ashamed to say that the name "Bruges" reminds me only of Austin Powers movies (think Dr. Evil's inconsequential childhood), tasty wheat beers and mussels. But now I have a new vision of life in the land of waffles and chocolate thanks to Bruges Home in Olde City.

Located in a gorgeous, light-filled open-floor plan historic building at 3rd & Race, finding Bruges was a lucky side affect of having to search for a parking space on a busy Saturday afternoon. The staff were friendly and knowledgable, and happy to answer any questions about their eclectic offerings. Many products there are organic, such as ornaments made from materials only found in nature and soy candles. And while I can't possibly fit anything else into my current apartment, here's hoping that this 4-month old infant store stays around long enough for me to go back and outfit my future home with their elegant, modern, european-style furniture.

Anyone still looking for some last minute gift ideas should definitely make the trip down to Bruges, as they have a great sale going on right now and with their wide selection of unique home accessories, coffee table books, jewelry, and tableware, there's no risk of showing up with the same present for Aunt Mildred as your cousin did.

Bruges Home, 323 Race St., 215.922.6041

www.brugeshome.com

Calling All Pet Lovers

2006-12-12T19:37:00.000-05:00

Clear your schedules for next Sunday, December 17th, to bring your precious pups, cuddly kittens, beautiful birds and lovely lizards to confess their every desire to his highness, Santa Paws. Your favorite furball might be in desperate need for new squeaky toys, giant rawhides or a cozy bed, and this is just the place for them to whisper their wishes into the open ears of Old St. Nick.

Santa Paws will be making his appearance from 12pm - 5pm at none other than the Rotunda at the Ritz-Carlton, a venue that few four-legged creatures ever have the pleasure of entering (although I am sure there are a few miniature yorkies out there that have snuck in by way of a Birkin bag). Your treasured pets will get their photo taken on Santa's lap for a very reasonable $10.

If watching your furry friends bark and yelp their holiday wishes to someone who we hope is a very tolerant jolly ol' elf isn't satisfaction enough, you'll be pleased to know that your $10 is a donation to the Morris Animal Rescue. Those of you who are familiar with Morris know that it needs a lot of financial help to keep up its 120-year old tradition of serving Philadelphia's neglected animals. So give your pet the memory that will last as long as pet memories last - approximately 3 minutes, for a good cause.

Morris Animal Refuge, 1242 Lombard St., 215-735-9570
www.morrisanimalrefuge.org

Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 10 Avenue of the Arts

Far East Feeding Frenzy

2006-12-07T20:37:00.000-05:00

Like in most major US cities, Philly's Chinatown is like stepping into another world. It has its own pulse, a heartbeat that seems to race faster than the rest of the city. Maybe it's the MSG.

China-town probably isn't an accurate description of the area, as the influences span the entire Far East, from Chinese, to Thai, to Indonesian and my most recent food exploration, Malaysian. But I guess the Chinese get the recognition, maybe because they were first to arrive on US soil? I'll have to research that one.

Choosing a restaurant in Chinatown can be intimidating, as there are so many that look alike and offer similar menus. But on a friend's recommendation we discovered Penang, a pearl of the east right here in our little corner of the western world. Penang offers an exploration of the culinary delights of Southeast Asia, which incorporates a diverse variety of flavors, spices, meats, veggies, and seafood. There are even a few items that are so unusual and authentic that they note on the menu for patrons to please "ask advice" before ordering.

Penang has locations in other cities, and I got the impression from my fellow diner who had been to the DC outpost that Philly's disappointed a bit in the atmosphere department. But upon second glance we all decided we quite liked the rustic decor, which was designed to invoke the traditional street-side vendors of the restaurant's namesake Malaysian state. And as a cash-only operation, it didn't hurt that the prices were not that much higher than one would find in the street stalls either!

Penang, 117 N. 10th St., 215-413-2531
www.penangusa.com

Get Crafty for Christmas

2006-12-06T11:19:00.000-05:00

I just found out something that has made my day. Nay. Made my whole Holiday season.

I am going to be here for the craft/art sale at the Standard Tap this year.

I am leaving on a trip to Paris this Saturday and will be gone until the week before Christmas when shopping opportunities are going to be slim. Why not buy all my presents in Paris, you ask? Because I’m not made of money, that’s why. I’m praying there will be fun little places to buy unusual and unexpected goodies for my loved ones, but I’m not willing to bank on it. This is why I am giddy in the knowledge that I will be able to squeeze in a trip up to the Standard Tap on Saturday before I jet off.

Last year I went up there, my first time wandering up to NoLibs without the intent to booze, the week before Christmas in the hopes that the arty types of Philadelphia would be there to help me get unusual gifts. And sure enough, I got something for everyone there. I finished up with a few other things down the road at P.A.D, but got all shopping done in two hours flat.

I like buying gifts from local people because not only to you give something beautiful and didn’t come from a catalog, but you can actually give their business card too and tell people a little bit about the artist.

I will warn you that you must pay cash, so come with your wallet fat. Mind you, nothing there is going to break the bank so don’t fret too much. I am also glad that things are inexpensive enough that should I find something else on my travels, I won’t have gone over budget.

So head up to the Standard Tap on Saturday from 11am – 3pm and should you sneak in a beer while your there it’ll only help you feel more jolly for the holidays.

Standard Tap, 901 N 2nd Street, (215) 238-0630, www.standardtap.com/
Standard Craft Sale, December 9th, 11 am to 3 pm

Tiiiiiimber!

2006-11-30T07:54:00.000-05:00

Have saw, will chop (yes that's really me!). But where does a Fairmount princess find herself a fresh tree for the holidays? Well, some things just must be done outside city limits. Luckily, having grown up in the beautiful countryside of Chadds Ford, I am familiar with where to go - far far into the woods to find the perfect tree to bring back to my urban nest.

Ok, so my mom actually discovered the place, but I will assume transitive credit. Schmidt's Christmas Tree Farm in Landenberg, Chester County, is where we found our firs. Landenberg is probably about an hour's drive from the city, beyond the Ford and Kennett Square. Actually it is quite close to Newark, DE but one would never know it by the rolling hills, brooding bovines and quaint 1-horse towns along the way.

Schmidt's Farm is everything a Christmas Tree farm should be. You are transported by tractor-pulled wagon from the main shop over the hills and through the woods to the trees, chauffeured by Mr. Schmidt himself. Once you've surveyed every Fraser, Douglas, and Blue Spruce and found The One, you saw it down and have it shaken and baled by friendly, young, strapping lads. The trees travel back down the hill separately from you, at which time you feel a pang of anxiety that there is a possibility that yours could get mixed up with someone else's. But fear not, the system is failsafe.

Back at the main shop you can sip free hot cocoa and cider whilst perusing hand-made ornaments and chatting it up with the two resident reindeer, aptly named Fraser and Douglas. They don't fly, but they do make you feel just a little bit closer to Santa.

Schmidt's Christmas Tree Farm, 1741 Flint Hill Road Landenberg, PA

610-274-8560

www.schmidtschristmastreefarm.com

Dealing With Your Quarter-Life Crisis

2006-11-29T13:18:00.000-05:00

Oh the quarter-life crisis! I’ve had a tough time these past couple of years transitioning from college life to real life. I’m pretty sure that I’m getting dumber every day. (And my horrendous addiction to Nicholas Sparks novels is not helping the case.) Some days, I have the “I should go to graduate school” discussion with myself. And then other days, I can’t muster up the motivation to walk to Superfresh for groceries.

Last winter was particularly hard for me so I decided I could use a little personal enrichment, and not in the form of a pedicure or shopping spree (shocking I know, but I needed to branch out). So I enrolled in a continuing education course at the University of the Arts. I took a screenwriting class. It was a great way to expose myself to something new and challenging, as well as, meet new people. It was a little expensive ($325), but well worth it when I thought of the money I spent on clothes, shoes, hair, etc. all the while wallowing in self pity. The only other drawback to the class that I can think of is that a couple of my classmates were middle age men who really loved to hear themselves talk about any and everything, all the time. Everybody else in the class was great. And, one of these days, I’m going to finish that screenplay I started. In fact, I plan on asking for another class for Christmas this year.

University of the Arts. http://www.uarts.edu/continue/edu/index.cfm

Sing City

2006-11-28T08:33:00.000-05:00

Karaoke. What is it about karaoke that makes people crazy? You're either obsessed or scared to death. There's really very little in between. Those who have a nice singing voice but are not quite good enough to do anything useful with it are most susceptible to the calling of this psuedo-performance. Some people take it very seriously. Almost sport-like. There's an unspoken sense of competition, like you have to one-up the guy that went before you. Or someone in the crowd decides you suck and wants to one-up you with a mind-blowing rendition of "We are the Champions."

I never thought of Philadelphia as a karaoke capital, but I recently discovered otherwise. With some friends in town for the Thanksgiving holiday, we headed to Fuji Mountain for a relaxing sushi dinner and a few Sapporos (I should note here that they offered this Japanese beer in 3 -yes - 3 different sizes, the 22 oz for those who really need to lube up before taking the mic). Fuji Mountain is a 4-story establishment with the sushi bar on the first floor, sake bar on the second, and the third and fourth devoted to cocktails and karaoke.

Fuji Mountain is the real deal, a chanteur's paradise devoted to the underappreciated art of televised accompaniment. When we'd had our fill of singing along with everyone from Elvis to TLC, we made our way to what we thought would be your typical Brit-style pub, Barristers. Little did we know that we would walk right into Wednesday night karaoke. It is everywhere. So get practicing - you could be up next.

Fuji Mountain, 2030 Chestnut St., 215-751-0939
www.fujimt.com
Barristers Bar & Grille, 1823 Sansom St., 215-496-0786
www.barristersbar.com

Organization for the Flibbertyjibbet

2006-11-27T13:50:00.000-05:00

A few years ago I was given a Palm Pilot as a present. This was my dream: more gadgetry in the hopes of making my organized. Woot! The only thing I failed to take in to consideration is that I am really a true lover of pen and paper. I can’t stop myself from writing lists of Christmas presents to buy and music I’ve heard and all sorts of stupid things that I actually like to keep and look back on. It was my habit of sitting down and writing pointless nothings that got me hooked on Molekine notebooks.

I like Molekines for a number of reasons. They are well constructed, with nice elastic to hold it together so that all the other crap I slip into it doesn’t get lost. There is a little pocket at the back in which I keep more odds and ends. The covers are hardy – my mum’s puppy chewed a corner and it didn’t make much of a dent.

This year, to add to all my notebooks, I bought the Moleskine year planner at the AIA Bookstore. It’s a soft cover so it’s not too heavy for your purse and is handily organized to have the days on one side of the page and the other side just a page for notes and scribbles. If you’re the type that can’t keep their pen still while on the phone making appointments, this is the organizer for you. You must, however, buy the planner early if you think it's your thing because they sell out. And they do not reappear. I made the mistake last year of trying to find one on something like January 2nd and was sorely disappointed.

I’ve also bought their Paris city notebook for my upcoming trip with my sister. I want to customize my sister’s before I give it to her to make it a little more special and also to make sure that we hit all the good patisseries. See how the Moleskine’s make you think straight?!

Moleskine, www.moleskine.it/eng/default.htm
AIA Bookstore, 117 S 17th Street, (215) 569-3188, www.aiabookstore.com
Check out the Moleskine tags on flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/tags/moleskine/clusters

Two Thumbs Up

2006-11-26T12:49:00.000-05:00

In my new neighborhood I have an abundance of places to look for movies, which is nice because I far prefer to rent a movie that try to watch any of the crap on tv. The only problem is, I never know what I want to rent. I don't go with a title or actor or even a genre in mind when I walk in there. Because of this, the majority of rental places are a little overwhelming for me. Last night when I went in, and even had someone else to help me make up my mind, I reckon it took no less than 45 minutes to choose something and it was a bad choice.

This is why I miss my old neighborhood movie place - Beaux Arts Video. It's a little hole in the wall that is pretty much the total opposite of Blockbuster. The new releases are intermixed with indie titles that you've probably heard a lot about but forgot you were ever interested in. The employee pics are honest and are a mixture of critically aclaimed film noir stuff (that I'm never going to touch) and movies you loved in your childhood and forgot existed (I snap them up right away.)

I will say that they don't have many of the popular releases, which can be a pain when you've set your heart on something. The flip side of that is there are so many good movies around that people don't bother even looking at because we're programmed to head zombie-like for Vince Vaughn's head. Beaux Arts has them all, and their super friendly staff will more than happily recommend something to you.

My favorite thing is they have a little gumball machine with chocolate in it so that when you've been staring blankly at the wall for too long you can recover your sugar levels, focus for long enough to pick your movie and get home to Vince and a glass of vino.

Beaux Arts Video, 1000 Spruce Street, (215) 923 1714

Tis the Season for The Papery

2006-11-25T18:51:00.000-05:00

Now that Thanksgiving is over, let the holiday chaos begin! One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is the Christmas card exchange. There is nothing my family loves more than reading and making fun of other people's Christmas letters. Apparently, my extended family has a lot of geniuses/saints/world travellers. My immediate family has um...well, you get the point.

One of my backup dreams, should the professional tabloid reader dream not work out, is to open a stationery store. I love paper! And there is no greater place for paper of all kinds than The Papery in Old City. I could spend forever staring at all of the card options for every occasion in life.

Holiday card choices are vast- you can go classy, chic, humorous or godly. The staff is friendly and the store is big enough that you don't have to worry about knocking displays over with all of your shopping bags, over sized purse, 9 lbs. dog, etc. And, fear not, they also carry wrapping paper!

So visit the Papery and stock up on cute cards so you can brag to your nearest and dearest about how fabulous a girl about Philly you are!

http://www.paperyofphilly.com/. 57 North 3rd St.

Confessions of a Drunk Dialer

2006-11-24T15:43:00.000-05:00

I have a problem that I think most people conquer in college. It just so happens that my condition has only gotten worse since college. I am a chronic drunk dialer/text messager/ emailer. My condition knows no boundaries. It doesn’t matter how long it’s been since I’ve talked to you or the last conversation we had. It doesn’t matter if you’re an ex boyfriend, ex best friend, ex guy that said hi to me that time in that bar. I’m a monster.

It’s such a problem that when I was coming out of anesthesia, after having my wisdom teeth pulled, I told the hygienist who was walking me to a bed, that I felt like drunk dialing. What could she do? She smiled politely and made sure I was in a recovery room, far from the phones.

I’ve tried to deal with the problem. I’ve deleted numbers from my phone, deleted email addresses, and even tried writing notes to myself. But where there is a will there’s a way. Just recently, I listed a particular person whom I so kindly reached out to and who is so very very bad news, in my phone as Do Not Resuscitate. I have a bunch of these in my phone- strange but true.
Obviously, there is no way to bar me from technology. It’s better than me showing up at your house, right? Drunken Megan in person with something to say would be way worse. So I warn you innocent people that you should never answer a call from me past midnight, nor should you read emails from me that may seem perfectly coherent but have subjects like “I just need to say this, but definitely don’t write me back”. But, the good news is that apparently I’m not the only one with such a severe problem and cell phone manufacturers in Korea have found a solution- a breathalyzer for your phone! Check this article out http://news.com.com/2061-10801_3-6088879.html .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drunk_dialing

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-23T12:53:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

For a Little Girl About Philly

2006-11-22T13:58:00.000-05:00

I love love love giving presents. I get particular joy out of Christmas by spending time looking around for the gift that will be just right for everyone in my family. But last week I faced a new challenge in the gift giving department- the Christening gift.

Here I was rather stumped. Finding a present that is rather significant for someone who can’t tell you what they want…. Dilemma… First I started by looking for the traditional present- the silver rattle, the little cup. I found luck with the piggy bank. I love this unusual piggy and it even comes with money ALREADY IN IT! It’s an absolute bargain at $28 so I was all set. Until the godfather, my boyfriend, went and got the very traditional piggy bank from Tiffany’s (at my suggestion. DAMN ME!)

So the search went on. The Children’s Boutique offers not only a wide range of gifts at a wide range of prices, the people there are also extremely attentive. And not in that nagging, you’d-better-buy-something way. The BF had actually originally settled on something they retailed: an adorable stepstool with a little compartment for kiddies to hide things, carved from wood and hand painted. It costs a reasonable $75, if my memory serves me, but for me that was a little high. I ended up getting a super cuddly baby blanket and a weird toy that was all hand wrapped and ribboned to perfection.

Had I really bought what I wanted it would have been an engraved Christmas ornament. Ornaments have always been one of my favorite gifts to give, and a little bell (on sale right now) with the name and birthdate would have been exactly what I wanted. I have heard a lot of good things about Things Remembered, so learn from my mistakes and, when you know what you really want to give, plan ahead and just order it already.

Tiffany & Co., 1414 Walnut St., www.tiffany.com

Children's Boutique, 1702 Walnut St., www.echildrensboutique.com,

Things Remembered, www.thingsremembered.com/

Wino Forever

2006-11-21T09:33:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know this is my second Johnny Depp reference in less than one week...but it just worked, ok?

In keeping with my series on Philadelphia's BYO culture, and since Thursday is Thanksgiving and many folks will head to the homes of friends and family and may like to arrive bearing wine, I thought it a good time to mention a little helpful hint about purchasing wine in the Quaker state.

I'd venture a guess that many of you find it as frustrating as I do that when having a party, you need to make 3 stops - grocery store for food and mixers, beer distributor, and state store for wine and spirits. In other less back-asswards states, people can just hit their local Piggly Wiggly and get it all done in one fell swoop. Not to mention that in many cases these 3 necessary stops are located nowhere near each other! By the time you get done driving and shopping, you rush home to drown yourself in the recently purchased libations.

But there is one shining light in an otherwise dismal state of PA's liquor affairs - The Chairman's Selections. The Chairman's Selections are the PA Liquor Control Board's wayof saying, "We're sorry, loyal patrons and struggling restauranteurs, for being so anal." These are nice wines, (I'm no expert, but they've all gone down smooth so far), supposedly hand-chosen by the LCB Chairman himself (we're to assume he is an expert), available at deep discount prices. The selections change frequently, so there's always something new to try. I've seen $100.00 bottles offered at $49.99, $45.00 bottles for $20, $25.00 bottles for $10, and so on. They're usually displayed along with a nice explanation of the wine's body and flavor and a rating from Wine Spectator or another reputable reviewer. So stock up, it's going to be a long holiday season.

PA Wine and Spirits Shoppes, various locations

www.pawineandspirits.com

Useful Gifts the Series -Part 1 Labels

2006-11-20T01:36:00.000-05:00

My days of having Sharpie marker staining my hands are over. Thank goodness for "Stuck on You" personalized stickers! Most mommies spend considerable amounts of time labeling their kids bottles, sippy cups, clothes, shoes and toys. Working mommies are one with the Sharpie, dutifully scribbling their child's name on every blessed thing that their kid brings to school or day care. I have recently said goodbye to my multitude of permanent markers...which by the way are not dishwasher proof on sippy cups and food containers.

I have become a huge fan of these adorable personalized stickers which cleverly adorn just about everything my son owns. This incredibly smart product is a fabulous gift for all the special mommies in your life. Actually, if my husband is reading this (which he better be) I would be very happy to get some of the shoe and clothing labels for our son. The web site http://www.stuckonyou.biz/ is very cute and easy to navigate and their selection is unbelievable. They have small dot stickers and the larger character stickers featured above. For kids with allergies they have personalized no nuts, no eggs and no dairy stickers for food containers and lunchboxes. The site allows you to pick from hundreds of icons, colors and fun shapes. They also offer personalized gift tags (way cheaper than buying a card for every birthday party our little social butterflies attend), luggage tags, pencil/marker stickers, shoe and clothing labels and personalized notepads and calling cards for all those playdate connections. For those moms who are trying to potty train or get their kids to do their chores, "Stuck on You" offers great motivational sticker charts.

You too can abandon your Sharpie markers and just pop these microwave and dishwasher safe stickers on any and all of your childrens belongings. Add these to your Holiday wish lists...I always embrace the useful stocking stuffer (yes honey, I do consider diamonds to be a useful stocking stuffer) and will certainly be ordering some for my mommie friends. Stay tuned for more useful mommie gift ideas!

A Sweet Fix

2006-11-19T18:39:00.000-05:00

You never know when you're going to get a craving for a cupcake. I used to have quite the habit. And as every cupcake connoisseur knows, it's not easy to find a delicious and fresh cupcake at 9:00 PM. Fear not, I've found the answer. Whole Foods. I do admit that Whole Foods has (in my opinion) a hit or miss bakery section. Some of their baked goods can be overly rich. However, the cupcakes are yummy when you're in a pinch. Of course, they are not of Naked caliber, but they're good when you need a fix.

I highly recommend the chocolate cupcake. My favorite part of the Whole Foods cupcakes is that they are bigger than average and, therefore, slightly most satisfying. And for the vegan cupcake lover- the vegan vanilla cupcakes are fabulous and my personal favorite. In fact, I've decided that we should pay tribute to our vegan girl about Philly friends and rate the vegan vanilla cupcake. Here it goes:

Appearance: 6 (it could be prettier).

Cakiness: 7 (semi moist)

Icing: 8 (flavorful)

Sweetness: 7

Freshness: 8

Overall Yumminess: 7

My conclusion is that when you're in dire need of a cupcake- Whole Foods is the place to go.

Whole Foods. 929 South St. or 20th and Callowhill

A Perfect 10 (or 20)

2006-11-18T11:24:00.000-05:00

City Nails, Midtown Nails, Nail City, Uptown Nails, Downtown Nails, Center City Nails, Walnut Nails, Chestnut Nails, Nails R Us...Nails, Nails, Nails. How is a girl to know the good from the bad and the ugly? Well the ugly I guess is easy to pick out and steer clear of. Dirty is a definite don't. But so many nail boutiques look the same, they're almost all always busy, how to know if I'll wind up with a fabulous mani or a fist full of fung?

My answer is Rittenhouse Nails. I worked around the corner when they opened a little over 2 years ago so I saw the whole thing go down. Hardwood floors, crown molding, even a lovely chandelier give this walk-ins-welcome a little extra class. The staff are friendly, full of smiles and even chatty despite a language barrier. Last week one of the ladies noticed my engagement ring and asked if I had any pictures of my wedding. How cute is that? Of course I could not oblige due to the fact that it has not yet occured, but whatevs.

The ladies at Rittenhouse are very thorough, so don't pop in if you are pressed for time. They take real care of their clients' digits - no wayward cuticle is safe around them. And if they can make mine look good, they can help anybody! They not only massage your feet and legs during the pedi and your hands during the mani, but also your shoulders while you wait under the nail dryers. Love that.

Rittenhouse Nails, 1742 Sansom St. 215.557.0078

Try it. You might like it.

2006-11-17T12:25:00.000-05:00

I went to a show last night and I’m not sure why but just how wonderful it was surprised me. It was the Joanna Newsom show at the Sanctuary at the First Unitarian Church, and there probably isn’t much of a better place to see her in Philly. The small audience was deadly silent and spilled out to seating in the aisles and in front of the stage. I was right at the back but still close enough that my $15 standing room ticket now seems ridiculously cheap. So thank you R5.

She was accompanied by four other people to play her new highly orchestrated album in its entirety. I couldn’t really get over her stamina to play her harp for these seven minute long songs and singing along while hardly taking a breath. You may be able to tell from my glowing adoration here that I am now a Joanna groupie type and seeing her live has given me a greater appreciation of her albums.

Sadly, her tour is now moving south and then across to the west coast. And then to England where she’ll play with full symphony orchestras, which I would now KILL to see. Her voice is a bit of an acquired taste so this album really isn’t for everyone. So maybe give her a bit of a looksee and tell me that you’re not a little big enamored now. And then buy her new album and get all swept away.

Joanna Newsom, http://www.dragcity.com/bands/newsom.html

R5 Productions, www.r5productions.com/shows.html

A Head Area Experience

2006-11-16T11:01:00.000-05:00

I am a self- confessed hair junkie. There is nothing more rejuvenating to me than a great cut and color. I never go in for a trim. I expect something funky and different every time. My high standards have led me on a bumpy ride throughout the Philly hair salon scene. I've been to lots of salons, rarely going back to the same place more than twice. Therefore, I figured it would be a great public service for me to share my salon knowledge with all the girls about Philly. I'll start with the best and work my way down.

Center City's Head Area piqued my interest after I read some Citysearch reviews. I made an appointment with Stephen and they were able to take me 2 days later. (I also do not have the patience to wait weeks for an appointment.) I was a little nervous because the day of my appointment was the day after the Philadelphia Magazine "Best" list came out and Head Area topped their list. I thought, "um, oh shit. This is going to be a fortune." Sucking it up, I took my Visa and marched on over. The salon is very tiny and located in the back of the Matthew Izzo store. Truth be told, it's kind of a weird vibe. I showed up to my appointment and was seen right away. We discussed my color options. Stephen "got" me. He understood that I like my hair funky and messy and that I'm not a straightening iron kind of girl. The process took a reasonable amount of time (not over 2 hours, like some places). As it came time to pay, I felt my heart racing, hoping I'd still have money left over on my credit card for groceries, but if not, at least I'd have great hair. Well, to my delight, my highlights and cut all totalled came to $110- not bad at all. Five minutes later and less broke than I had anticipated, I was on my merry way with a great cut!

In conclusion, I'd definitely recommend Head Area Salon. The people were nice, the cut and color were great, and it was an all around positive experience.

Head Area. 1109 Walnut St. 215.829.0699. www.headarea.com

Get Naked

2006-11-15T08:11:00.000-05:00

Something has happened in Center City. A gravitational force that no mere human can resist is pulling everyone toward the corner of Juniper and Walnut. I don't know if it's the name and people think that there's a different kind of sugar to be had there, or that everyone is just hoping that a mysterious gypsy bearing a striking resemblance to Johnny Depp will walk through the door at the very moment that they are enjoying a mini fudge cheesecake at the front table. But whatever it is, Philly is mezmerized by its very own Chocolat. And this place is has a great atmosphere (totally abuzz at 3:30 on a Tuesday afternoon), stays open late at night, and a presents fabulous alternative to the 'Bucks.

The Naked Chocolate Cafe's cupcakes have been calling my name since their doors opened, but I have managed to resist their charms...until yesterday, when I gave in (research, of course). Plus, we received a recommendation by one of our fabulous readers, so the Naked cupcake could no longer be ignored.

The first hurdle to get over in the Naked Chocolate Cafe is deciding on just one thing since everything is just so darn pretty. That said, I did not buy just one thing, rather I also picked up a sample of their dark chocolate for my man (that got the thumbs up too). Their cupcakes come in a number of varieties, of which I went for, yes, the chocolate with vanilla icing, again. Anyone who is a fan of carrot cake might want to test that one out because it almost tempted me and I do not go to the carrot. I believe Megan has indulged in the chocolate with peanut butter icing, so perhaps she will weigh in on that variety as well.

The flavor of this cupcake was much bigger than its actual size. I was so drunk with pleasure I actually felt hung over after eating it. Sugar rush, no doubt, because this pup is SWEET. I felt I could have been happy simply smelling it...but unfortunately for my waste line, our 6 criteria do require actual eating. The chocolate cake was dense and moist, and you can taste the real chocolate in the mix - this ain't no Duncan Hines! The icing was very sugary and had a slight granular quality to it, which personally I like, and I will say it was borderline too sweet. Sugar overdose. But isn't that the point?

Score: Appearance - 9 (although the black forest and carrot cake varieties would definitely warrant 10s); Cakiness - 10; Icing - 7; Sweetness - 7; Freshness - 9; Overall Flavor Yumminess - 8

Total: 50

The Naked Chocolate Cafe, 1317 Walnut St.

www.nakedchocolatecafe.com

Just don't forget to breath...

2006-11-14T14:32:00.000-05:00

I am reluctant to share the following thing with you, as I want to keep it all to myself. I don’t want people to start going to this and then I can’t get in and then because of my big mouth I can’t do my favorite thing anymore.

But, for the greater good and because I am SO NICE, I will let you in on this.

It’s my pilates teacher. Elizabeth. She is so great that she is like Madonna or Cher or Britney and no longer needs a last name. (Plus they don’t put it on the schedules so I don’t know it.) She is my instructor at 12th Street Gym and she also teachers at the ever wonderful Lithe Pilates in NoLibs.

If you’ve ever taken pilates you will know that you can do it one of two ways: (a) you flop around on the floor and think it’s crazy easy and don’t understand why you’re there or (b) you concentrate on what the teacher says and you’re surprisingly beat up by the end of the session. What makes Elizabeth so special is that not only does she manage to squeeze in a TON of exhausting moves into the hour but also she has the care to really teach. She walks around adjusting the moves, she’ll stop the class to give the tips that make you actually do the moves right, and all sorts of things which help you on the way to getting those yummy pilates abs.

Plus, she’s just bloody nice. When I’m forcing myself to sit in a mirrored room with a bunch of dancers in lycra and attempt to move like them, it’s nice to have an instructor that lets you feel less like the elephant in the room.

12th Street Gym, 204 S 12th Street, (215) 985-4092, www.12streetgym.com/

Lithe Pilates, Liberties Walk, (215) 928-1663, www.lithemethod.com/

Raining Stupid

2006-11-13T12:47:00.000-05:00

It's cold and wet and you're soaked, already the day sucks. As you wade through the sea of umbrellas and newspaper shields(buy an umbrella dude), you can't help but notice at least a couple of grown women with children's umbrellas. I'm talking miniature Disney umbrellas, even the kind with the name in fancy script! I don't think it's a matter of running out of the house and taking your kid's umbrella, I think these twisted freaks are buying juvenile umbrellas because they think it's cute. Um, no. It's kinda scary. Scary in that, "I wouldn't let me kids trick or treat at your house" kind of way. As I wandered in to the Girl About Philly headquarters this morning, I had to walk by a business woman, smoking a cigarette with a bright yellow Spongebob umbrella over her head. Automatically, I thought a) eww people should stop smoking in bad weather and b) why are you holding such a stupid umbrella that doesn't even cover your entire circumference.

I'd like to suggest that these women invest in grown up umbrellas for the sheer practicality of the matter. They can live out their bizarre juvenile obsessions in other ways, like buying Tigger and Pooh figurines at the Disney Store.

King Ferdinand, es muy muy bien

2006-11-12T12:22:00.000-05:00

Last night I made the commitment to go out in Northern Liberties. I say commitment because as much as everyone loves the starving artist "6th borough" feel of this perpetually up-and-coming neighborhood, no one can deny its isolation from the rest of Center City. If you find yourself unhappy with the venues NoLibs has to offer, there's most definitely a cab fare in your future to at least make it back to Old City. So as far as I am concerned, whatever happens in NoLibs, I stay in NoLibs. For the evening, that is. Sorry cabbies, but I am lazy and cheap.

So this evening we checked out Bar Ferdinand, the latest addition to the Liberties Walk community. Having spent much time in the glorious country of Espana, tapas are always on my menu. I can still remember late night bocadillos after a night out at the clubs in Malaga. And Bar Ferdinand brought me back to these noches calientes where the vino was tinto, the queso was manchego, and the Erino was drunko.

Bar Ferdinand, like many of Philly's Spanish restuarants (think Mixto and Amada) is a really attractive space. The design is flawless, and I loved the tribute to the black bull, one of Spain's most familiar emblems. The food was spot on, from the gambas al ajillo to the pinchos andaluz, it all felt the same as it did in the neighborhood bars in Jerez de la Frontera. The tempranillo wine was a perfect accent to all of the dishes we sampled (and we did dabble in quite a few). The only downside was that most of our dishes arrived almost immediately upon placing our order - definitely out of line with the far more relaxed, take-your-time attitude of an authentic Andalusian outpost.

Bar Ferdinand presents an inexpensive opportunity to experiment with the foods of Espana. Once you've savoured all the tapas you can stomach, head over to Standard Tap or Liberties for a few well-poured pints. And then hail your cab, one stop, straight home.

Bar Ferdinand, 1030 N. 2nd St. 215.923.1313

www.barferdinand.com

Say Cheeeeeeese

2006-11-11T16:48:00.000-05:00

This particular recommendation would perhaps normally fall under the heading of "shopping" but I think this camera shop offers so much more that I'm hijacking over to the "adventures" category.

I'm a bit of a secret photography nut. Secret because recently I've been spending more time researching stuff than actually taking any pictures. To further my research, I recently headed out to Photo Louge (aka CBOP for those who have known it over the years) to check out the recent camera of my fantasy: the holga with polaroid backing. Never heard of it? Well, don't worry. You probably don't want it. I'm just insane and think that if I owned this camera then I would soon be on my way to becoming the next Annie Leibowitz. Sadly, Photo Lounge did not carry it. The man who helped me was able to tell me that it's unlikely that I'll find the holgaroid, as it's called (though it sounds more like a bum problem to me), in Philadelphia. But he was able to recommend two New York retailers that might be able to help me.

I then proceded to talk to him for about 45 minutes about other cameras that caught my eye. I have rarely talked to any sales person who was more interested in what he was talking about and less pushy about making an actual sale. Ever. And because of this, after a little more research, I am actually going to go buy my new camera there when I was once just going to head off to Best Buy and guiltily hand more money over to a big chain.

Photo Lounge also produces beautiful prints because they hire people who actually care about photography and know what they're doing instead of just feeding your film into a big box and handing over a pack of crappy looking pictures. You can also load your digital photos online for printing so even if you're as lazy as me about getting them on paper you have no excuse any more.

So if you need advice about your next camera purchase (which you probably do more than you think) or want beautiful prints to add to your albums, please think about heading to Photo Lounge. You'll get the best service around and keep a local store in business.

Photo Lounge CBOP, www.myphotolounge.com, 1909 Chestnut St, (267) 322 6651

Once Upon a Time, There Was a Beauty Queen...

2006-11-10T11:20:00.000-05:00

As girls about Philly, we are forever on a quest for health and beauty discoveries (and by health, I mean the occasional light beer substitution and by beauty, I mean shaving my legs.) So ta da- welcome to our newest category, creatively titled Health and Beauty.

Let me begin by telling you a very sad story about a girl (a lovely young woman, I might add)who has had problem skin (fine, acne) since...oh in utero. Maybe not that far back..but close. Seriously it's been forever. She tried everything from facials to Proactiv to dermatologists and prescription creams and antibiotics. Nothing worked. One fine day, a coworker tipped her off about a little place called Rescue Rittenhouse Spa and a woman named Rachel. Our little pimple victim promptly scheduled an appointment with Rachel, the miracle worker. Rachel assessed the situation and offered hope and guidance. Problem skin girl began to see Rachel and had all kinds of facials performed, even microdermabrasion. Slowly, but surely, her skin began improving. She would even go on to receive compliments on her complexion!

Let me just forewarn you that it can be pricey. But, for those of us who have skin issues, it's a great investment.

Rescue Rittenhouse Spa http://www.rescuerittenhousespa.com/

Went in for sushi, came out with Christmas

2006-11-09T09:43:00.000-05:00

While we're on the subject of random lunchtime wanderings, I might as well mention that I stumbled across my first taste of the holiday season the other day at none other than DiBruno Brothers. Most people go for bread, cheese, and $20 per pound salami. On this particular occasion I settled on sushi and a lovely addition to my forthcoming frazier fir. I usually subscribe to the "no Christmas until after Thanksgiving" rule, but how could I resist this fabulous tribute to my city? I did, by the way (shopaholics everywhere be proud of my self-restraint), resist the matching appetizer plates, dish towels, juice cups and pint glasses that were also prominently displayed in the impulse-purchase section.

This porcelain ornament, which is part of the Cityscape Collection by DSC Designs, features all of Philly's most famous landmarks - Independence Hall, Boathouse Row, and the Academy of Fine Arts to name a few. You know, all those places you take for granted, walk by every day but never visit. The artwork has remarkable detail for such small renderings and each landmark is labeled in the artist's handwriting. It is, in a word, adorable. And it's $14.99 plus tax. What can I say? It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St. 215-665-9220

www.dibruno.com

I'll take the psychic and half a sandwich please.

2006-11-08T12:55:00.000-05:00

Have your lunch breaks become all about lunch? Do you just run out to Cosi and grab a soup or sandwich and run back to your desk to check emails again? Have you become bored of the same routine? Then try our new Visit A Psychic During Your Lunch Hour And Have Something To Talk About For Days To Come plan!

That’s right. In a moment of inspiration, Megan decided that the best thing to do in the middle of the work day is go out and have the future foretold by a stranger so I happily skipped along with her. Oddly, the first one wasn’t home (hello? Did you not psychically know we were coming?!). And if the next one was too expensive to get anything but a palm reading done, but I guess that’s what you get for visiting a psychic with a Rittenhouse address…

Megan had both her palms read and I only one, as I am willing to save pennies even when it involves knowing my future, which might come in handy (no pun intended). Afterwards Megan was a little cross that she got around the same amount of information that I did for half the palm supply, but if you’ve ever seen my granny hands you’d know there’s a lot that’s going on there in the many wrinkles. The biggest insights we were given were that Megan will live to 91, which she’s dreading, and I will have two children, which is... ok… Really the best thing about it was a great change from the normal lunch hour but you don’t have to be psychic to know that variety is the spice of life.

Happy Election Day

2006-11-07T13:14:00.000-05:00

Happy Election Day! Obviously, everyone should vote, especially the ladies, as we’ve only been allowed to vote in the good old USA since 1920, and many of those hot issues out there are about us. And could the Democrats finally be getting their asses in gear? Only time will tell. But aside from all of those reasons, today is a special day because it signals the end of those horrible commercials that have bombarded us for the past 2 months. Don’t get me wrong, I love how each female candidate has to show footage of her with her kids and husband, as the loving mother, and then the ass kicking politician. As long as she has her priorities straight, just like her male competitors. Ha.

But seriously, who are the voices behind these commercials? It gets darker and scarier as each day passes. Wait until Hillary runs for Prez in 2008, those are going to be some awesome commercials.

Finally, good riddance to the campaigning! Now, I can go back to watching Grey’s Anatomy in peace, with the occasional car commercial interjection. Oh bliss.

Don't Forget...

2006-11-06T09:11:00.000-05:00

...to vote tomorrow! Not sure where your polling place is? Check out http://www.seventy.org/index.html

for the listings of all the Philly districts. The polls stay open until 8 pm.

Culture File: Papa Sal

2006-11-05T12:32:00.000-05:00

This weekend I was on a quest to find a new Saturday night "spot". I was going to find my Peach Pit if it killed me. And if Dylan McKay walked out of the bathroom and in to my heart, that would be ok too.

Sure, there are places that I've had some fun at, but nothing that really hit home. L'Etage, on Bainbridge Street, used to be fun, but I've grown tired of waiting in line to get in, then paying a cover, then fighting for air to stand, let alone dance, not to mention, the horrendous bar service. So L'Etage and I are officially dunzo. The 700 Club in Northern Liberties is a good place except that the cab fare there and back is like a slap in the face when you're already broke. (ok and I may have been the tacky girl that made out with some guy on the dance floor last week and, therefore, am too embarrassed to go back.)

After some serious My Space stalking, I found a new place to try, Upstairs @ Sal's on 12th and Walnut. The convenience of a place so close to my pad could not be beat. So I rounded up my people and trekked out to Sal's around 11ish. It was like a small dance party in Grandma's attic. There is no cover. The service at the bar is excellent and cheap. And the DJs don't suck. They take requests and even come out and groove with you. It was not at all crowded and everybody looked to be having a great time. If you're looking to change up your Saturday night location, I'd highly recommend you and yours check out Upstairs @ Sal's.

Upstairs @ Sal's. 12th and Walnut St.

Lolita Had a Little Goat

2006-11-04T20:05:00.000-05:00

I am always on the hunt for new little boutique food places, so in the months leading up to the opening of the Grocery Market + Cafe I was as excited as a deli addict waiting for their next fix of hard-to-find cheeses. And when that blessed day came I was most pleased. Grocery has a great little set up, with one part dedicated to serving unusual sandwiches, both cold and grilled, soups, smoothies and other impressive lunch type items. This is the side you would call the "Cafe". The "Market" section is the perfect place to grab yourself a treat, find some special bits and bobs for a dinner party or get a lovely gift for the foodie in your life. With the shelves lined from everything from cookbooks to homemade frozen cookie dough and a selection of pre-cooked dishes it's hard to walk out empty handed.

My latest purchase there was for my first contribution to the Cupcake Showdown. They have a menu of five types and I grabbed a couple that looked chocolatey and icingy and caramelly all at the same time - The Little Lolita. What I failed to do was read the full description of what the Little Lolita had tempted me with: chocolate-ancho cake, goat's milk caramel, cream cheese frosting and chile toffee peanuts. As much as the cupcake was overall very well made and the ingredients thoughtful, I just couldn't get away from the goaty taste left from the caramel. My mother felt otherwise, so perhaps it was just my immature palate sabotaging me. I may just be better suited to the Plain Jane: madagascar bourbon vanilla cake, vanilla bean frosting and vanilla dots. Whatever your choice, it certainly won't be average.

And so to the scoring:

Appearance- 9; Cakiness- 9; Icing- 3; Sweetness- 6; Freshness- 10; Overall flavor combination yumminess- 4

Total: 41

Grocery Market + Cafe, 101-105 S 13th Street, (215) 922-5252

Find a BYO, Courtesy of "The Google"

2006-11-03T08:14:00.000-05:00

If you haven't yet been seduced by Philadelphia's burgeoning BYOB culture, than you are a much less hungry person than I. Who can resist the grilled whole fish, garlic hummus platters, goat cheese salads, hand-rolled gnocchi and vanilla creme brulees that await, just a few doors down any given block at one of the city's over 200 BYOBs. And its not just the food that tempts, but the din of happy voices, the buzz of the kitchen just a few feet away, the low candle light and the hearth-like warmth of these undersized and often overstuffed 1-room establishments. Why just in the last week alone I have had the pleasure of dining (and drinking) at 2 of these pint-sized places, Mercato at the corner of Spruce and Camac Sts. in Washington Square West (pictured), and Audrey Claire at 20th & Spruce in Rittenhouse.

But with the sheer number of BYO options these days, who can choose? Personally I'm trying to hit them all one by one, but it's going to take some time. And since they seem to be multiplying by the day, how can one even keep up with the latest and greatest? Now, thanks to the wonders of Google maps and the clever folks over at the Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Corporation, finding your next BYO has never been easier. Their new Interactive BYOB Restaurant Map lets you find what you want, where you want it. Just choose a neighborhood, and all the BYOs are marked by cute little bottles of vino, conveniently color-coded by cuisine type. Red for Italian, Orange for French, Yellow for Spanish/Latin American, Green for...well you get the idea. Click on your chosen bottle and up pops the address, website, phone number, and important bits of information like whether they take reservations (not likely) or accept credit cards (dream on).

The map even lists the Wine & Spirits shops in the area in case you run out of the fruit of the vine before the cheese course arrives. Brilliant.

Greater Philadelphia Tourism & Marketing Corp.

Interactive BYOB Restaurant Map

www.gophila.com/byobmap