Sweet Success

One of my articles was recently featured on the award-winning site, bestsmallbizhelp.com. Read about the Philly-famous food truck, Bonjour Creperie, by clicking the link HERE.

The "Bella" crepe (nutella and strawberries)

Cake Cake Cake Cake!

Ladies and gentlemen, we've entered the Roaring Twenties! In the past, I've celebrated my birthday in beautiful, vibrant cities like Paris (16, 18) and New York (19), but this year I celebrated my birthday in the City of Brotherly Love. I can't think of a better way to ring in two decades of living than spending time with the people whose lives and friendships have made me a better human being.

The day began with a birthday brunch at The Dandelion pub in Rittenhouse Square. Friends came from New York, Philly, and my hometown to brunch-out like Brits at my new favorite restaurant. The day ended with a family dinner overlooking Spruce Street Harbor Park and a killer concert at Penn's Landing with my friend Kristen, who's more like a sister.

Thank you to everyone who sent birthday greetings! I'm humbled by the amazing individuals who prompt me to celebrate life. Cheers to 20 years!

Why birthdays are the greatest: people shower you with gifts,
candy, laughter, and more candy (thanks, Jessica). 

In two decades, not a whole lot has changed. Dress-up
is still my favorite activity (in close second: being a ham).
Pictured: Tracy Reese dress, MAC lipstick in 'Morange.'

Mandatory photo-shoot on the steps of Anthropology
in Rittenhouse. 

Me and my lovely Philly roommate, Jessica.

Six of my dearest friends joined me for a birthday brunch at The Dandelion
pub in Rittenhouse Square.

The food and decor at The Dandelion was perfectly British.

...and their scones are to die for.

Ciara, my roommate from school, came all the way from
NYC to celebrate with me! As always, she brought plenty
of giggles.

Me and my big, Chelsey, posing under the hanging urns
at The Dandelion.

The Dandelion gets everything so right, right down to the
end-of-meal birthday dessert: chocolate cherry ice cream and
a homemade butter cookie crown.

The Fray concert was the perfect end to an amazing birthday
in Philly. I've been listening to Isaac Slade (pictured above)
for the past decade, and seeing him perform live was surreal.

Birthday Adventures, Part One

Hey, you! I hope everyone had a lovely Fourth of July weekend. I spent mine in St. Mary's, PA at my annual family reunion, which is always a good time. My family is super-competitive, so the weekend is always packed with various athletic, strategic, and recreational activities. I REALLY thought this was going to be my year to win the bake-off (the only event I compete in--I always get third), but the winning entry incorporated lit sparklers. Yeah, it's that intense.

Baking bitterness aside (my dish had BACON in it--I thought I was golden!), it's been a wonderful few days off. My best friend turned 21 the other day, and we brunched like queens in the City of Brotherly Love. Since our birthdays are only five days apart (she's the 7th, and I'm the 12th), we have entered what we call our "birthday week." Today, I spent the afternoon thrifting and visiting with my mom and some close friends from back home.  I scored on vintage jewelry at Buffalo Exchange, and I found this incredible dress that I will most definitely be wearing to my birthday brunch on Saturday (can't wait to show you!). I'd say this week is off to a pretty stellar start...

Birthday girl (left), Kelly, and Birthday-girl-to be (right).

One of the thrift stores we visited had a Tiffany Blue rotary
phone. It was glorious.

I was content to feed my turquoise addiction today at
Buffalo Exchange on Chestnut St. 

The incredibly dapper "Wall of Churchill" at Duke & Winston.

The majestic Duke, of Duke & Winston. 

Early to Rise

"Early to bed and early to rise makes a [wo]man healthy, wealthy, and wise." - Benjamin Franklin

This lovely day off began with an early-morning bike to Race St. Pier for some FREE yoga beside the water. I can't believe this was my first time out! Though the idea of leaving my house at 6:30 a.m. and biking four miles to the river doesn't generally appeal, the idea of working out in the humid, blistering heat (high of 93 today!) is decisively less appealing. Plus, I'd never tried yoga before--only Pilates and similar work-out classes--and I needed an excuse to use my new yoga mat.

It was fun first class, and I can't wait go again. Next time, I'm bringing friends :)

There is nothing more relaxing than starting your day
watching the sunrise by the water.

Completely in love with the view from Race St. Pier.

As a friend humorously pointed out, I am an incurable
color-coordinator. Tiffany Blue for days and days :)