First Philly Finds of 2020, lessss goooo.
I came across these beautiful yarn flowers while strolling through the city one Sunday, and had a slight suspicion I knew who they might be by. And luckily Philly’s resident public art expert Conrad Brenner had the full story behind them. They were made by artist Lace in Moon, who you might know for her work with Symone Salib, and are a welcomed sight during these winter months.
The Scrunchie Club
This particular “Philly Find” is close to my heart because of the wonderful person behind this project. Alyssa Kaplan and I met while on the same THON committee at Penn State (THON is a dance marathon which supports the Four Diamond Fund of Hershey’s Children Hospital). From there, we had multiple classes together and formed a lifelong friendship. Alyssa now lives in the Big Apple, but is originally from the Philly ‘burbs. Alyssa recently launched The Scrunchie Club which aims “to provide moments of self-expression to scrunchie-wearers who are looking for hair accessories that are just as unique as they are.” The Scrunchie Club partners with independent artists to create unique, limited edition designs, and each scrunchie benefits a charity that’s near and dear to the artist’s heart. I recently made my first purchase, which supports NEDA. Congrats Alyssa!
Emmy Squared
Your future lunch and/or dinner plans should include the newly opened Emmy Squared location in Queen Village. The Angel Pie and Margarita pizza was crispy and filling, and the kale salad was an ideal starter.
Via Locusta
Michael Schulson’s new Italian creation Via Locusta is officially open on 17th and Locust, where I had an early birthday dinner this week. It’s a vastly different vibe than his other Italian restaurant of which I am a big fan of, Giuseppe and Sons, but still just as delicious. We enjoyed the focaccia, chicory salad, sweet onion, and pappardelle. Mangia!
Cogito Coffee
I had a damn good cup of coffee at Cogito, which recently opened in Midtown Village. I did some research and I believe this is their first location in America. I’m excited to set up shop here as my new writing spot.
Self(ish) Philly
I am excited to share that I am partnering with Self(ish) Philly, a wellness conference on April 3, 2020. A variety of handpicked vendors, coaches & speakers will be present, and attendees will have access to Philly-based wellness resources. More details coming soon! Disclaimer: I am not being paid to promote this event. I have worked with co-founder Carlee Myers before, and she is someone I greatly admire and believe in!
One more note… I’d like to thank Philly’s architecture expert and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Inga Saffron for answering a question I had about the stars often seen on old Philly homes. Perhaps you’ve also seen them too and wondered what their purpose is. Well, wonder no more:
“They’re star bolts. They’re attached to rods that go through the house. The tension from the bolts keeps the brick facades from bulging and falling off.”
Inga Saffron
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