Making Time for NYE

2011 is just about here, and ringing in the new year in Philadelphia is absolutely one of my favorite things to do.  Whether it's partying with crazy/drunk/old men with gold shoes (not the kind that lurk around dark corners) or popping bottles of champagne in sparkly attire from rooftops the night before, the past seven years of celebrating NYE here have all been so very memorable. 

So, what am I doing this year?  Well, New Year's Day there is no question that I will be dancing right along with the best of the Mummers (sans the terrifically, tacky costume) on Two Street bright and early with drink in hand after some much needed brunch (hangover food).  However, New Year's Eve night, after gathering with friends for food and drink at the apartment, we will be heading to the annual R5 Making Time New Year's Eve Freak-out event which is being held this year at 90 degrees (formerly Transit).  Making Time got its starts at Transit years ago, and now they're bringing it back for a sure to be excellent time.  A ticket to this event includes three floors of dancing, various DJs throughout the night, an open bar from 9 pm - 2 am, and a Midnight countdown complete with champagne and balloon drop.  Oh, and don't forget about the secret, after-party location!

An event like this should be experienced at least once by those living in Philadelphia, whether you're single and looking to mingle ;) or just want to "freak-out" to some good tunes with friends.  This just happens to be my very first Making Time event, and I have a feeling it will live up to all of the hype that surrounds it.  I will be sure to report back all of the details when my head stops pounding and my ears are done ringing.  Have a Happy New Year!

One Shot, New Spot

 I am thrilled that one of my favorite coffee shops in Philadelphia has finally relocated to their long-awaited, new spot.  Just a block away from their previous location, One Shot is now serving their tasty drinks and treats on the corner of American and George in a renovated three-story building.  One Shot may have an awesome new look to it, but the same great feel of it is still there.  I was happy to see the same familiar faces that have served me my favorite piping hot, large, non-fat, chai latte in the past, as well as hear the same great tunes blaring throughout the space. 

Unlike the previous location, the absolute best part about the new shop is the wonderful amount of space there is to work with, making it no longer necessary to cram with others onto what once were my fav worn sofas.  Two full floors are available for customers to sprawl out in a cozy, living room setting, a quaint cafe-like environment with tables for two and plenty of benches, or at the long banquette that takes up most of the length of the first floor.  Reclaimed, wall-mounted, wooden boards offer the second floor appealing texture along with, numerous bookshelves, and comfy leathers sofas and chairs.  Pendant fixtures, artwork, and beautiful textiles make up most of the space on the first floor, transforming the look and brand of One Shot entirely.   And although the style/decor/fabrics/furniture have changed a great deal, the menu still offers the great array of sandwiches and drinks it always has and then some.  New food items like poached eggs with mushroom gravy, parmesan cheese and truffle oil or veggie omelettes are now available due to the new, adequately sized, open kitchen, making One Shot more than just a place to grab a sandwich with your coffee.  Two floors with plenty of seating, a tasty menu spruced up with a few new goodies, and great company and tunes; Sunday brunch anyone?

Mamma Mia!

I don't know many people who can say they don't love an Italian feast, and frankly, I don't think I want to know anyone who does.  The antipasto, the home-made penne/rigatoni/gnocchi, the sauce (or gravy as my Nana called it), the ricotta/mozzarella/parmesan, the assortment of cookies/biscotti/cake, the glasses flowing with wine/sambuca/limoncello, and of course the cursing/yelling/laughing that comes along with it all; my mouth waters.  A feast like this reminds me of the Holiday Season with my family, and that is exactly how I felt when I dined with 20-some friends at Mamma Marie.

The restaurant had a set price and dinner menu starting off with of course the antipasto, moving on to the soup of the day, followed by the pasta trio, the main entree (your choice of 8), the salad to cleanse the palette and to prepare us for the home-made selection of cakes.  Red and white wine carafes were continuously being replenished for the table, and while we ate our almond, creme filled cake, we accompanied it with several shots of sambuca and home-made strawberry/creme/limoncello.

The decor was of course tacky by all means, (what traditional Italian restaurant or kitchen isn't?) complete with a grumpy, old accordion player who scoffed at dollar bills and cameras (sounds like my Pop-Pop).  However, the waitstaff was energetic and refreshing and all too eager to see us bubbly/tipsy/happy.  We were never rushed or kicked-out (although we probably should have been on several occasions), and aside from being surrounded by my big family of friends, the staff had a comforting way of making me feel right at home at my grandmother's table.  It was like a preview of Christmas Eve dinner to come, and I couldn't be more thankful for that.  Salute!

What's Going On?

I can feel it already.  This weekend is going to be awesome/fun-filled/exhausting (in a good way), and it is much needed.  After buying gifts, a 10' tree, gifts, making wrapping paper, baking, hosting, baking (did I mention buying gifts?) my bank account has been looking pitiful, and it has seriously been hurting my social calendar.  However, gifts are bought, bonuses have been given (thank you!), and Friday/Saturday/Sunday are filled, so let the good times roll!  In addition to the numerous birthday party events I'm attending (I believe three) and taking Mr. Whisper up on his offer, I will be checking out some cool and sure to be a good time events in the city like the ones listed below.

Shmitten Kitten, one of my fav blogs is hosting their Holiday Party this Friday at Tattooed Mom's.  Drink specials and snowjobs??  Sounds like the perfect pre-game to me!

And, after a greasy, filling brunch on Saturday to cure my sure to be hangover, I will be stopping by The Philadelphia Independent Craft Market's Holiday Show.  The show will be offering over 40 vendors, snacks, live music, and beer!  Hair of the dog, ehhh ;)

Check-It-Out

"How's the Holiday shopping going?", "Did you start buying your gifts yet?", "What are you buying for so and so?"  These are the questions I give and get every year at this time.  It's like the automatic typical question I asked and everyone asked of me freshman year; "What's your major?".  However, this question follows me around for 23 continuous days of the year, and it will continue to do so unless I turn into a Scrooge (too late for that this year). Every year I make lists, I scratch ideas out, I make new lists, and I shop at a hundred different stores searching for new/fun/original ideas.  My point is....Oh, what's that?  Did I start my Holiday shopping, you ask?  As a matter of fact, yes, I did, and I'm DONE!  That's right!  How did I finish?  Did I pay someone to do it for me?  No and No!  I put my time in, I did my searching, and I found a few helpful sites that offered me great ideas and made this hectic time of year a little simpler for me.

1. Swirl by Daily Candy has helpful categories to choose from, a number of different price ranges, and best of all my order shipped in the same day!

2. Uncommon Goods has unique gifts for just about every age group and for every occasion.  The best part is the "gift finder" which allows you to search for gifts by price range, recipient, and occasion.  My order also shipped the same day!

3.  Who doesn't love Etsy?  My new favorite seller Kaye Rachelle Designs offers fabulous screen printed textiles for the home; Pillows/Totes/Towels and more!  And what's even better is that you can mix-&-match your fav colors and prints from their library.  These gals know what they're doing!

4. Amazon....enough said. 

5. And here's a helpful hint for the fellas.  You cannot go wrong with Piperlime.  Sexy shoes and boots, stylish bags, awesome jewelry, free shipping...need I say more?

Happy Shopping!!!  Are you done yet??

Light It Up!

It's officially the Holiday season, and tonight the annual tree lighting ceremony will begin at 5pm in front of City Hall as well as in LOVE park.  In addition to seeing the sparkly lights come alive, the Holiday Village is up and running (also in front of City Hall) and selling all sorts of snack and gifts.  I will happen to be viewing it all from up above with a glass of champagne in hand of course.  BTW, I hear those pine needles help to make an excellent holiday beer.

Coat Check Redemption

Well, well, well, it is about time!  After 3 calls (2 sober, 1 drunk) to Whisper regarding my "missing" coat, I finally received a call back and even a follow-up text!  In between providing me with several apologies, I had learned that not only did my coat go missing but so did the rude coat check girl (aka, she was fired). They also told me my coat was never found :(  Sad, I know, as it was the perfect black velvet blazer for going out.  However, they heard the sadness in my voice ;) and greatly made up for my losses.  Mr. Whisper gave me his personal number and informed me that the next time my friends and I felt like coming to Whisper, all I needed to do was ring him up and all expenses would be paid for us (including coat check).  Success!  Now, who wants to Party??