Back in Action!

First of all, thank you to everyone who reached out and kept Sean and I in your thoughts over the past 2 weeks.  It's certainly been hectic and all your kind words really do mean so much so THANK YOU!

Now, I figured a quick update was in order before getting back to our regularly scheduled blogging program.  A lot has happened in the past 2 weeks:

Sean was hospitalized...TWICE! For an infection in his leg.  Apparently it was strep.  Who the heck gets Strep Leg?! 

Being back and forth to the hospital, combined with trying to take care of the pup and actually do work made it pretty crazy around here.  I may or may not have given up on cooking and cleaning entirely. 

We also got another farm share...yum!  Planning on making some Elote with that corn.

We also celebrated Sean's 28th birthday!  We got a Mint Chocolate Chip Cake from Termini Brothers.  This bakery is pretty much a Philadelphia institution, and it totally lived up to its reputation.  Delicious!

Louie graduated from the Advanced Obedience Class which means I can cross off yet another item from my 11 in '11 list!  Those are his pals Dolly and Daisy.  So cute!  Up next he'll be testing for the Canine Good Citizen Award

And we celebrated my Badass Friend Juliette's Birthday by toasting with some Philly Cheesesteaks on our Flavors of Philly Food Tour.  That's her bf Dave--he's a ninja.  Seriously. 



So although things have been busy they haven't been all bad, and we've actually had some fun.  Sean's leg is looking better by the day, and mostly he's just glad to be home.  I'm just glad to be back on the blog and catching up with some of you wonderful ladies.  I have some fun interviews coming up this week so stay tuned!

Farm Share: Week 3

After a GREAT winter season with our Greensgrow Farms Farm Share we decided to go with Landisdale Farm for the summer and fall.  It's closer, a little cheaper, and allows for pick-up every week for a small share.  So far we're pleased with the hauls we've been getting, although I'm looking forward to some more variety in the coming weeks.  The first 3 boxes were nearly identical, so here's the scoop:

• Green Cabbage
• Lettuce
• Swiss Chard
• Garlic Scapes (those green curly things)
• Onions
• Summer Squash
• Zucchini
• Blueberries

Pretty yummy stuff--the berries are great in my yogurt in the morning and I've been using the garlic scapes in almost any sauteed meal we've made.  They have a very light, warm garlic flavor that is also slightly sweet.  Perfect for adding just a bit of garlic.  (Although I could probably eat a whole clove like an apple I love garlic so much...)

I'll be sure to let you know what we get tomorrow!

This weekend we have a trip to the Farmer's Market at Clark Park to pick up our Farm Share
Happy Hour at Biba--omg the shirred egg is something I dream about!  Looking forward to the sangria!
A friend's birthday party Saturday night at R2L--first time there so I will be sure to post a review
Sean's mom visiting Sunday night which means a great dinner out, hopefully somewhere new!

What do you all have planned?

Belated Recap

Although the holiday weekend seems like ages ago, We had such an amazing time I just have to share! 

This was my first 4th of July that wasn't spent home in Chicago, and although I missed it terribly, there was something so powerful about being in Philadelphia for this holiday.  This is where it all started! 

And we did go to the all-you-can-eat ice cream fest...which was so yummy!

We also spent some time in Chinatown, at a Philly Pops concert, and of course at the parade and fireworks!

We spent time with good friends and ate lots of good food, so it was clearly a fabulous weekend.

Festive pedicure & picnic while waiting for the Philly Pops in front of Independence Hall



A red white and blue breakfast made by the hubs



Celebrating in Chinatown with my friend Grace and her +1





Not quite sure how they got this giant truck through the city for the parade





A bit of history



A rootbeer float from Capo Giro





Fireworks as seen from University City



Friday Ramblings

JULY?! ALREADY?! This is just craziness, people.

July is going to be an exciting month!!

• The 4th! duh! Who doesn't love fireworks?
• Sean's birthday...although I've arranged for him to get the greatest gift ever (no spoilers yet), I have no clue what I am actually getting him.  Any ideas for a man's man turning 28?
• My badass friend Juliette's birthday.  We are thinking of doing a Philly food tour to celebrate!
• My 1 year anniversary at my job that I love.
• Our Louieversary--we've had him for 2 years!
• We'll also be seriously looking at our finances in preparation for a major purchase in the next 6 months

Sean is working on the Fourth, and so far I've had no luck inviting myself to other people's BBQ's.  Everyone is out of town--what is up with that, Philly?!

I think we're going to try to go to The Super Scooper Ice Cream Fest- 1 spoon, all the ice cream you can handle?  Yes, please!


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 I'm linking up for Happy Hour!

Next to Normal

Last Thursday Sean and I went to see Next to Normal, a broadway show that won about 8gajillion Tony's a few years ago.

With Sean being a counselor and me working with college students--a show about mental health was a great fit.  We both had stories to share and people we knew who dealt with serious mental health issues.  The show was amazing...hilarious and heart wrenching.  Plus the rock music was totally on point. 

I have seen a ton of musicals in my life (my dad was a theater buff), but this is absolutely at the top of my list.

Here are some high points:

Do you go to the theater?  What other ways do you infuse "culture" into your life?

Weekend Recap: Terrain

This weekend I took some of my work friends to Terrain at Styer's.  It is a GLORIOUS place where outdoor meets indoor in one fabulous package.  I pretty much want to snag one of their colorful throw pillows and just set up camp there.  Not to mention, the cafe has some of the best food that has graced my foodie lips and the fact that it's all locally sourced makes my inner green goddess smile. 

If you live anywhere near PA, you need to make a roadtrip.  Seriously. 

Here are a few pics--none of the food since my companions and I snarfed it all down before I could even focus the camera.

Sean and I also headed to the Taste of Philly where we had some YUMTASTIC noms, and enjoyed a gorgeous day down by the river. 

How was your weekend?

Food from Sean's Motherland

Recently, Sean and I were invited by some friends to try out Philly's Brauhaus Schmitz.  Since Sean's grandfather is from Germany, he grew up eating all kinds of yummy German foods and so we were totally game.  (An extensive beer list was also pretty inticing).

The outside and inner decor is charming, even if a little cheesy.  You really can't mistake it for anything besides a German beer hall but clearly that's working for them. 

We ordered a soft pretzel with THE most amazing horseradish mustard I've ever had--it will clear out your sinuses but you will be happy.

I had the Weiner Schnitzel with spaetzle and Sean had the Rouladen.  Both were YUMTASTIC!  Totally authentic (according to the hubs) and definitely passed my test of deliciosity.  So while it's a tad on the pricey side, I still say go for the food, stay for the beer!

The beer list was longer than the food menu, which made the hubs pretty happy.  I had a yummy brown ale, and Sean drank the boot.  This was only the baby boot...they had a bigger one.  Coming from someone who really isn't a beer drinker, I'd say you can bet on having a great pint at this place.



Das Boot

 We'll definitely be back. 

I've found that I'm partial to brown ales...since I'm new at this whole beer drinking thing I'd love to hear suggestions for your faves!

So I've been looking around forever for some prints for our kitchen.  I live in a dorm and although my apartment is pretty fly (like how I brought that terminology back?) there are a few things that aren't exactly aesthetically pleasing.  For example, the giant fusebox in the middle of my kitchen wall. 

And so I wanted to get some prints that would be fun, modern, and cover up that damn ugly box.  Plus any project that feeds my Etsy addiction is worthwhile, no?

And by George I think I've found them!

The first one will be in my shopping cart as soon as my paycheck hits the bank!  Sean and I love shopping our local Farmer's Markets (new Farm Share starts in June!!) and so this would be perfect for us!  I love the colors, the letterpress, the fact that it's repurposed....swooning over this badboy.

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Kim from Albie Designs has the most gorgeous city series of prints (among other amazingness in her shop).  She has a bunch of cities, including Chicago--my hometown!--but no Philly yet.  However, Kim has assured me that it's next on her list of creations, so I will be waiting hopelessly on my Etsy homepage until it's ready. 

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After this, the kitchen/living room area will be fully decorated!  You know, only about a year since we moved in.  No biggy. 

Do you have any favorite etsy items you're pining for lately?

Friday Ramblings

It looks like we will finally have some sunshine after rain, fog, and thunderstorms all week.

I'm not complaining though...it seems as though the rain has knocked a lot of the pollen out which makes my sinuses super happy.

This weekend I have a big event with my staff, and then it's off to the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival.  Lot's of yummy food and of course, great people watching!

Although I've been fighting my cookie craving, Lauren over at The Elephant's Trunk posted a recipe so amazing sounding I absolutely need to try it.  So I will be doing that this weekend as well. (Hopefully the gym too....maybe...Bueller?)

I have a GIVEAWAY coming up!  Wooo!  I'm pretty psyched.  I'll give you a hint...it has to do with this post.

I got the exciting news that one of my friend is expecting a baby BOY!  Which makes me think of all the fun boy things there are...I love a baby in a tie!





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Here's hoping for good weather and fun times this weekend!  What are all of you up to?

Best Cheesesteak in Philly

Like Chicago is known for its Deep Dish, New York for its Reubens, Philadelphia is home to the Cheesteak.  Whether you order it "wit whiz" or "witout" (and yes, folks...that means Cheez Whiz straight from the can) having a Cheesesteak is a must while in the city of Brotherly Love. And so after searching high and low...

I have found it.  The one.  Do not be fooled by tourist traps such as Pat's or Geno's.  Yes, I know that the flashy lights beckoning from South Philly might be appealing, but seriously, don't even bother with those sad excuses for a sandwich.

John's Roast Pork is a hole in the wall that is open until 3pm...or until they run out of rolls...and only during the week.  The wait is long, and the folks at the grill will yell if you don't order correctly, but it's TOTALLY worth it!

On Friday, we made the trek and got a cheesesteak and a roast pork sandwich and then split.  All I can say is YUMTASTIC!  The cheesesteak did not even need ketchup, people!  Cheesesteaks ALWAYS need ketchup.  The Roast Pork was super flavorful and with spinach on top I was basically in heaven.

This was, by far, the best sandwich experience in Philadelphia thus far.  So for all you Philly locals, and anyone who might be traveling to Philly in the near future, trust me on this, and head to John's.

What is your local food favorite?

A Historic Day

Although I had another post scheduled for this morning, something told me that posting about the best cheesesteak in Philly wasn't necessarily appropriate in light of current events.  (Don't worry--it'll be here tomorrow so you can get your nom on.)

Watching the newscasts last night as well as reading facebook and twitter updates  I couldn't help but feel conflicted over what was happening.  The death of a man who helped organize the death of many Americans, coming after 10 years of searching, certainly should be cause for celebration, no?  And of course on my campus...(I live on a college campus remember?)...there was chanting in the streets, fireworks, and I'm sure, no shortage of students skipping class today. 

For me, however, it just doesn't feel right to celebrate someone...anyone...being killed.  My good friend Aileen is here visiting for a couple of days and her sister, Maggie, put up a facebook status that genuinely sums up my feelings for the situation.

"Celebrate Justice, Not Death. 

God Bless America."

How do you feel...were you among those screaming our National Anthem when Obama announced the news?  As someone who is not overtly politically minded, I would love to hear your thoughts.  Comment away...

Louie's Journal: Birthday!

My mom wasn't totally convinced that I should write this post, but my cuteness overcame her so here I am!

I had a great birthday this past weekend.  All of my friends came to play!  We went down to the Schuylkill River Dog Run to run around before the rain hit. 

This is my girlfriend, Lola

My birthday suit!

Allie keeping watch

Grady--he's shy most of the time so I was glad he came to play



There was even dancing after playing


Dancing and running, and some new special toys made for a great day!  If it hadn't started pouring on the walk home it would have been perfect. 

My mom even made treats for me and all my friends!  She'll be sharing the recipe with you all tomorrow.

Thanks for having me!

-Louie

Friday Ramblings

Woohoo it's FRIDAY!!!  Now, I am clearly late to this party but my boss just showed me this video yesterday.  CAUTION: You WILL lose brain cells by watching!

It's sadly catchy.  And also ridiculously horrible.  All the makings of a hit single!

This Saturday is Louie's Birthday!  Our little puppy is growing up.  There will be pictures of all the festivities and a tutorial for homemade dog treats next week.

Next week will be the blog redesign. I can't wait to see what you all think!

We are officially signing up for scuba this weekend!  So excited to make my #1 Goal for 2011 a reality.  YAY!  The classes are in May so there are definitely embarrasing wet suit pictures to come.  Hopefully that will be motivation to work on #8 so I don't look quite AS pudgy in the wet suit.

One of the shirts I've been jonesing after was on the FRONT page of Etsy today!  This same seller has her shirts in some Philly stores and I just haven't ponied up the cash yet.  Maybe it's fate?



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 This week has steamrolled me a bit, and so I'm looking forward to a night at home with the hubs tonight since he's working Saturday and I'm working Sunday.  Hopefully we'll be able to steal an hour or two for some quality time over the weekend. 

Hope yours is lovely!

Weekend Recap

Although Sean was working all weekend, it was one of the best I've had in a long time.  (Don't tell him that!)

Went on a long walk downtown to see the Macy's flower show...who knew Macy's even HAD a flower show?!


Wannamaker Organ



Got a mani/pedi.  I will never get a regular manicure again--gel all the way baby!  Dries immediately, and lasts for two weeks?  Yes please!



Don't judge my feet--just focus on the pretty pink polish!

Ate at DiBruno Bros.  YUMTASTIC to the max.

Pulled pork with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe mmmmmmm

Decorated!  Check back later this week for my wall decal adventures.

Did some shopping!  Haven't checked off all my spring must haves, but got some great new tops to wear to work.  WINNING!

Had an impromptu visit from a friend--one of Sean's groomsmen.  He told us a story of being caught with no pants..pants are overrated anyway don't you think? 

Anyway, we went to our favorite Ethiopian restaurant on Saturday night and to our new favorite brunch place Sunday morning.

Eggs florentine with sauteed spinach, toasted focaccia, and truffle hollandaise.  It probably took about 6 months off my life but holy amazing, Batman, was it worth it.



It was just what I needed to gear up for a busy busy week at work.  Tell me what your favorite part of your weekend was, it will help us all get over a case of the Mondays. 

Spring?

I'm trying not to get ahead of myself here, but recently it's been incredible outside!  The trees are starting to bloom and I've finally pushed my scarf to the back of the closet.  Here is some of the loveliness that has resulted:



My peas and tomatoes from Greensgrow .  Thanks to their seed starting workshop I'm off and running with my urban garden.  Using an egg carton to start the seeds = brilliance



 I'm hoping to have a good amount of edibles on our patio this year.  Peas, tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce...YUM!


Sean and I went on a long walk this weekend.  Here are some of my favorite shots:




The back of the Art Museum--yes, from Rocky




Bridge near WaterWorks




Zoo Bridge




Skyline view from West Philly



Boat House Row




My Favorite Boat House



Some cuteness for your viewing pleasure

What are you doing to welcome spring?