Ari loves her rope toys. I love that they are safer and often cheaper than their rubbery counterparts. So, you can imagine my fur-child obsessed delight when I discovered Harry Barker (cute name, huh). The balls and rings (and bones, oh my) seem more durable than the typical braided model and come in fabulous colors and sizes. At $4-6 dollars a piece they are a not-guilty splurge and might even be a cute gift when visiting a friend with a fur child of her own.

Rocky Cures Cancer

I guess you could consider Rocky as Philadelphia as the cheese steak or the Liberty Bell. As a Philadelphia native on the silver screen and forever memorialized in a bronze statute northeast of the Art Museum, Rocky Balboa was, and still is, and inspirational character.   

However, so is Dottie Copeland.  On NPR’s Storycorp, Dottie tells of her fight against Cancer and how she attacked an intimidating disease with Rocky Balboa vigor.  By playing the Rocky theme song 24 hours a day she trained mentally and physically to battle her ultimate opponent.  Reflecting on her fight with cancer and nine years of remission she declared, "I beat cancer for nine years. Will it come back tomorrow? It sure might. I've got to live my life as if it could end tomorrow — but everybody should live their life that way." 

During the piece her daughter asked her how she wanted to be remembered, and she responded, “A woman that had a fighting spirit that raised three wonderful human beings. And I want them to remember that when I do pass on, they can say, 'She was one hell of a woman, and she had one great ride!'" 

The next time I pass the Rocky Statue northeast to those famous Art Museum Steps, I’m sure I’ll hear Eye of the Tiger and think not of Rocky, but of Dottie Copeland. 

Philadelphia Cans Plastic

Only June 11, 2009, the Committee unanimously approved legislation banning plastic bags from use in the city.  As a result, it is likely Philadelphia will follow the trend spearheaded by San Francisco and Beijing and ban toxic plastic bags from being used by city vendors.  If the full council accepts the ban, as anticipated, before the summer recess commences, all merchants within the city must transition from using plastic bags to furnishing recyclable paper bags, compostable plastic bags, or reusable bags by July 1, 2011.  

Although I thought this was a significant and worthwhile move on the part of city government, I was shocked when I saw a large number of dissenters assert they would no longer be picking up their dogs waste in response to the ban.  While I’m optimistic about the environmental strides the city will continue to make, it’s disappointing a few Philadelphians balk at a positive move while declaring their own laziness conjoined with obvious disregard for environmental issues.  Luckily, these dissenters have plenty of time to stock up on their beloved plastic bags.  Or, maybe, they would like to join the rest of the responsible dog owning community and purchase doggie poop bags, preferably biodegradable.  Your children, and puppies, will thank you.

Brown Betty's Cupcakes

Once I found Brown Betty’s I knew I was ruined. From the elegant red velvet with vanilla icing to the smooth coconut better cream, my eyes devoured each petite confection so obviously Dave suggested I get two. (He’s good like that.) The magnificent confections recommended by a fellow cupcake lover certainly did not disappoint, nor last the afternoon. Although a nibble of Brown Betty’s cupcakes could lure anyone across town to Northern Liberties, the original location has recently been supplemented, for Rhittenhouse folk, with Brown Betty Petite at 269 South 20th Street. While the primary location serves cakes and caters special occasions, including weddings, Brown Betty Petite offers cupcakes in a welcomed rotation of flavors. You’re never too old for a cupcake.  

Brown Betty Dessert Boutique

100 N. 2nd Street

Philadelphia

Mon: Closed

Tue thru Sat: 12-7

Sun: 11-4

Brown Betty Petite

269 South 20th Street

Philadelphia

Mon: Closed

Tue-Sat: 12-7

Sun: Closed 

Criminally Caffeinated

If you asked most I’m sure they would see my coffee consumption as a crime of sorts, which makes Mugshots a perfect accomplice.  Not only does the café have a fantastic ambience (winning AOL’s City’s Best Coffee Shop), amazing food (City Paper’s #3 burrito), and great coffee, but like a super model tree-hugger, it has much more than first suspected.  The fair trade café uses wind power, biodegradable materials, and even composts accumulated waste.  The locally sourced menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches is a great asset to a rushed morning, even if it requires a bit of a splurge. 

If you prefer to eat at home, the local food buying club run from the Manayunk location, brings community supported agriculture to the area without the commitment or expense of CSA shares.  

2100 Fairmount Ave 
M – Sa 6.30 am until 10 pm, Sun 7 am until 10 pm 

Prom Season

It's prom season (again) which means Seventeen Prom graces checkout lines in every supermarket, hair dressers are briefed on the latest up do...and on the main line, well-off teens swarm area boutiques to find the perfect prom dress.  But, what about other teens that can't afford the Nicole Miller gowns that were popular back in my day.  Grant an underprivileged teen's wish by donating your no-longer-needed special occasion gowns and coordinating accessories to Princess Project.  

Spring time in the City

As the weather warms, I'd rather gather for an outdoor happy hour then prepare for a long night in a dark bar.  So, last friday when happy hour crept upon the last work day of the week, I met Kelly and Chalmers at Tria.  Slightly removed from the square, the food is delicious, somewhat unexpected, convincingly healthy, and perfectly priced.  The wine is, of course, a little pricer (chards starting at $7/glass), but well worth it.  If I may, I recommend the fig starter plate and the asparagus salad.  Also, of note, they have an excellent beer list for a more hearty dish or the man in your life.  

If you can't break away from your cubicle in time for happy hour, try a wine class or "sunday school (wine at 50% off the regular price)."  View your options at Tria-Events.

Just lovely.  

18th and Sansom Street

(and! there's also one in Washington Square - who knew!)

Philadelphia Museum of Art is for Lovers

Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one.  ~Stella Adler

If you are thinking of going to Cezanne and Beyond and the soon to come Picasso exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art or any other future exhibits, you may want to consider purchasing an Art Museum membership.  

Pair up with a friend or life partner and get a dual membership for $100 which basically covers the cost of 2 exhibition tickets ($48) to two events ($48 x 2 = $96).  Added bonus - $80 of the $100 membership cost is tax deductible.  

Stand Up for Aids

"Stand up for Aids by sitting down at your favorite restaurant."  

Thursday, April 30th is Dining Out for Life.  Dine at a participating restaurant, and 33% of your food bill will benefit local services in the fight against aids.  

Not only will you have an excuse to meet friends at a restaurant you've been meaning to try, but you're helping local services.  So, while you enjoy dessert, know you're helping a neighbor.  

Bon Appetit.  

NPR from sea to shining sea...

As summer approaches the chances I'll be (1) stuck in unreal traffic returning from the boat/shore/poconos and (2) road-trip-ing from radio frequency to radio frequency drastically increases.

But, static is annoying and so is Brittney Spears played every 15 minutes. So, NPR and all those nifty little programs sprinkled with news and traffic/weather reports comes in handy.

Plot your trip via NPR's Station Map or buy your well traveled friends "I want my NPR Map."

Happy Trails.

La Colombe

The first time I ever tasted La Colombe we were at Marigold Kitchen and it was love at first sip. Since then, I tried to please my palette with Starbucks and the much cheaper alternative, Maxwell House, but to no avail.  I've succumb to the fact that a few things are worth their price tag - prada shoes, louis vuitton, clinique foundation, organic food, j.crew suiting - and La Colombe.  If you are not sure, try a cup at the 19th street cafe for only $1.25 a mug - yes, you read that right.  A bag will put a $11 dent in your cole haan wallet, but make mornings a little bit easier (priceless).   

La Colombe Torrefaction

130 S 19th St 
Philadelphia, PA 19103

    

What Ales You?

Every once a while it is, oh, so, refreshing to venture beyond rhittenhouse for an alcoholic beverage.  Entre Apothecary Bar and Lounge located at 102 South 13th Street.  A collaborative endeavor between a restaurateur and Urbanspacedevelopment created this fabulously eclectic alcove for amazingly creative drinks.  I'm not talking about a pom-tini. I'm talking about concoctions containing interesting, not to mention delicious, blends of fresh surprising ingredients.  And to top it all off, it has a roof deck.  

It's all about the Lincoln's, Baby!

At first blush, it seem that Lincoln got the short end of the stick with the penny appoinment. (I once had a friend that threw out a penny when he received it as change. And isn't there a commercial with TD bank and complaining Lincoln?)

A recent money saving suggestion from Self Magazine, may bring Lincoln, and the $5 bill his face graces, back onto your priority list. Self Magazine suggests saving every five dollar bill you acquire, whether it be at the grocery store or the nail salon. The Rule: Everytime you receive a $5 bill it must be set aside as savings. Of course, it seems like a nifty smaller bill for trivial purchases, but follow 'The Rule' and watch your savings grow. I'm giving it a whirl in the name of some gucci flats, I mean my ING account.

The Daily Wag

The blogging scene is so hot and heavy that even Martha's Chinese Bulldogs, Francesca and Sharky, have their own blog. Apparently, the two bug-eyed pups blog about their experiences as Martha's canine offspring. Martha Stewart even gave a shout out to Snoop Dog about the dog's recent accomplishment via Twitter. Snoop isn't the only one Martha keeps tabs on via Twitter. After reading the NYTimes article and browsing The Daily Wag, I'm left wondering why Martha thought Snoop Dog would be interested. Maybe it had something to do with his name?

I am always intrigued and somewhat obsessed with the women behind the president. Whatever your politics are, I think it is an amazingly difficult and thankless position which is amazingly undertaken with elegance and sometimes, an enviable sense of attitude. I did not partake in Obamarama, but I am fully pining over his other (arguably, better) half. A recent New York Times article documenting a candid discussion with the first lady that is truly inspiring on a very real level. Although, I'm sure Ms. Obama is passionate about many serious and world-wide issues, it is quite refreshing to read about her real concerns - weight, fashion, her husband's commenting on her wardrobe. Enjoy.

Spring Cleaning Can Be Very Green

This fall when I moved into my two closet, I mean one bedroom apartment, I brought with me my furniture, all my favorite framed photos, Ari, and 10 summer camp worthy duffle bags of clothing, shoes, and accessories. I crammed my accumulated threads into closets, hat boxes, drawers, and chests alike. But, the reality of my clothing extravaganza hit hard when Dave declared there was no room in my overstuffed coat closet for him to hang a single coat. Ouch. This would be the perfect opportunity to insert some reflective Sex and the City phrase about how I need to make room for him in my life. That's bs. Carrie would have kicked Aiden to the curb if he asked her to purge her closet instead of kicking the cancerstick habit.

So, I started to purge. First I was discretionary and then it became like an addiction. Oodles of those nifty ikea blue bags littered my bedroom filled with discarded clothing that never really got the attention it deserved. It was far too much to list on ebay. So, I set out for Greene Street Consignment. I threw down 80 items of clothing, walked out feeling a little lighter and can't wait to get the check in the mail - can you say cole haan bag...I mean savings account!

Anyways, if you face a similar overcrowding situation purge like there's no tomorrow.

Here are the golden rules:
If it doesn't fit - kick it.
If you haven't worn it in a year and it's not a special item - give it up.
If it's a faddy item that you dont' see coming back - toodles.
If you've never worn it, but bought it over a season ago - peace.

If you are unfamiliar with consignment here's how it works: You hand over you unwanted, but gently worn clothing. They weed through the first cut to produce a consignment worthy second cut which gets put on the racks. What doesn't make the cut is donated to charities. In about 60 days you will get a check for your sales less their consignement fee (typically 40%).

If you don't need the money bring your clothing to a local thirft store that supports a charity that shares common interests. I've always thought Dress for Success, a Philadelphia organization that supports underprivilegd women seeking employment with the proper digs to do so, is a great cause!

Introducing my Green Thumb!

After a recent trip to Aruba and a fantastic Cuban restaurant, my love for mojitos is renewed just in time for the summer.  Over plantain chips Dave and I discussed my already ordained Summer 2009 drink.  But, fresh mint always on hand - way expensive.  Which got me thinking, why not grow a little herb garden.  If one were to buy fresh herbs every week for cooking you could end up spending about $125 dollars a year. An herb garden is only as much as you want it to be.  

So, I set out to foster a little garden of go-to herbs.  Unfortunately, the inspiration herb - mint - will not be in for another two weeks, but I did plant rosemary, basil and parsley.  It was surprising easily.  I felt so economical and resourceful.  Not to mention, if the plants sprout and produce herbs it was $20 well spent.  

A few tips:

Ikea has pots for approximately $3 each.  I preferred the white variation with alternating patterns.  Using separate containers allows you to move them around on a whim and allows each plant to retain it's own flavor.  Mint flavored basil?  Not so much.  

To create plant markers, I took a toothpick and sandwiched said toothpick with a scrap-booking letter and a piece of paper.  It looks creative and was absolutely free.  

Place gravel or rocks at the bottom of the pot for proper draining in order to prevent root rot.  (Gross!)

Lastly, grope the soil daily to determine if it needs watering.  If the soil feels dry to the touch offer your new amigo a swig from your glass of water.  

Silver Lining on South Street

The economic meltdown has forced many business around the country to shut their doors and Philadelphia is no exception.  Luckily, for South Street and art enthusiasts, real estate developers Howard Lander and Steve Giannascoli of Triad Reality are offering use of their empty properties to reestablish South Street as a creative mecca.  The first five galleries will be operating before Easter with plans to begin a preview opening on Good Friday, followed by monthly Fourth Friday events.  

The current movement is reflective of the original South Street Renaissance in the 60s. Pioneers, Julia Zagar of Eyes Gallery and Bill Curry of Copabanana are mentoring the new art collective movement with help from their staffs and businesses.  Bill Curry reflected, "We were lucky to be part of the creative excitement back in the day.  Now a new generation has a chance to create new memories as great as ours."  

These endeavors are not only meant to inspire but also spur new business entities.  The current plan allows the artists to renew their leases under negotiations.  Initially, they will be pro-bona and good for two months with month-to-month renewals.  

Snacks from the 80s

I very recently received the forward, "You Know You're a Child of the 80s When..." I was suddenly reminded of my legging and sweater sets, judy blume books, and bad perm.  So you can imagine my childhood glee when I found the "Top 10 Foods of the 80s" list on Yahoo.com.   Glancing over the list harkens back to my Jem (truly outrageous!) lunch box and recess on the black top.  

Drum-roll please....

10. Jawbreakers

9.  California Raisins

8. Cool Ranch Doritos

7.  Tri-Color Pasta

6.  Orange Julius

5.  Equal

4.  Artificially Flavored Fruit Snacks 

3.  Tab Cola

2.  Lean Cuisine

1.  Capri Sun

What I would add to the list: Tasty Cakes, Pop Rocks, Pixie Sticks, Pepsi Clear, and that Bubblegum with the liquid center.