Holiday Part Two: Doing Stuff

These are the faces of two people who are very happy to be home and seeing each other again. It's incredible what a different closeness makes.

Once Sam made his way home, we kicked off break by decorating a baby sized tree and jamming. Then we went on a little movie date to see Lincoln - which was amazing. I'd like to point out that Sam is going through an adorable tie phase since being home, and I adore it. Now I'm not dressed up alone.

 For his Christmas present, Sam and I went on a day trip to South Philly to see Good Old War in concert again.This band's music is practically the soundtrack to our relationship, so it's beautiful to see it live. We went to the kitschy goofiness that is Johny Rockets for burgers & malts, before venturing through bookstores and record stores in the cold. We had fun, as always in Philly.

 On Saturday, we accompanied Sam's family to Washington D.C. to see the national Christmas tree. It was freezing cold and windy, but we made it and took some cheesy pictures that turned out pretty cute. Plus, we ate at one of the most delicious Italian restaurants I've been to in a long time. 

Sunday was spent doing five hours of baking with my best friend, while our boyfriends watched football and ate pizza on the couch. Plus we exchanged gifts with our favorite couple. As far as Christmas excitement goes, we spent Christmas Eve at Sam's grandmother's house (I regret not taking pictures because we looked pretty cute (Sam's still in the tie phase)). Christmas day was spent with our individual families till Sam came over for Christmas dinner. We're both not big on the fan fare of Christmas, so we are looking forward to spending non-holiday related time together. 

Hope you had a happy holiday, because we did. 

Now we're off to West Virginia for the weekend!

Smiles, Morgen.

Holidays Part One: Making Stuff

I kind of dropped the ball on blogging during the holiday anticipation time, sorry! But I promise I was making lots of fun things to show. I had to speed crochet a pile of presents for a few friends, which can be a little time consuming. Also, being back home with the family, friends and boyfriend is a little distracting, but I'm not complaining. 

 Christmas Cookies: From-Scratch Sugar Cookies, Brownie Peppermint Sandwiches, Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies, Cake Batter Confetti Cookies.

 Wine Cork Christmas Trees (Made with my cat's company).

Festive Christmas string light manicure.

Crocheted wrist-warmers with little bows

Punk Rock Flea Market

I had heard some talk about the Punk Rock Flea Market, which is a twice a year occurrence here in the city of Philadelphia. They fill a big warehouse near Chinatown with vendors - records, vintage clothes retailers, jewelry, crafts, knick knacks, even a section with roller derby. You have to pay an admission free but as soon as you walk in, there are hundreds of people and you can barely move. It was great!

I ended up with this sweet orange patterned button up from The Captain's Vintage. I'm looking forward to wearing it on Thursday when I see my dad. I also picked up a couple of pins to add to my jean jacket - specifically the one with the dancing Philly pretzel and the lobster. Before we went back to the subway, my friend Ben and I split this amazing pulled pork sandwich with pickled jalepenos and red cabbage slaw on a challah roll. It was a lovely afternoon for such a rainy city Sunday! (2 days till I go home!) Smiles, Morgen

Kicking off December

I dragged another victim along to my favorite area, just south of South Street. After meeting a cool chick with a Women's Studies degree working in a feminist-run sex education center, my roommate and I explored Bainbridge Street. We stumbled upon Anastasia's Antiques, where we were inspired by a beautiful collection of costume jewelry as well as the orchestra piece playing in the background. I forgot to figure out the name of this used book store but I was over the moon with 1) the sheer number and variety of books and 2) the great space, with exposed brick and handwritten signs. Our adventure ended with a stop for a killer panini and cup of joe at Anthony's Italian Coffee House in Italian Market.

Saturday and Sunday weren't quite as interesting, I enjoyed a day of coffee, newspaper reading and crocheting (finished my first ever hat, all in one day!) Following this day of peace, a new friend and I went to the museum and took advantage of the pay-what-you-want days that happen the first Sunday of every month at the art museum. I realized how much I've missed art in my life.

 

My Monday night blew away the entire weekend! I put on my 80's inspired outfit and finally got to use my birthday present from almost six months ago - I saw the musical gods and 80's royalty that is Daryll Hall & John Oates. My dad came with me, and I'm glad he did. We had a great time, I sang and danced while he sorta smiled.

 I am so grateful for how much closer him and I've gotten since I left for school.

Do yourself a favor and listen to "You Make My Dreams,"

 that's what I'm doing to get through the last 9 days till I get to go home for the holidays.

Smiles, Morgen.