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.

Italian Goodies & Little Brother Time

I've just finished up all of my assignments that are due before Thanksgiving break, and have even gotten a head start on things due by the end of the semester. The next five days will be full of anticipation because I'm ready to be home with my dogs and family, plus I haven't seen Sam in more than a month! I had the lovely opportunity to have my little brother come spend the day with me again, while my parents were elsewhere in the city.

We explored Italian Market, which is in the southern part of Philly. Our family is mostly German by blood relation, but a significant portion of our family is Italian through marriage, so I like to think of us as socialized Italians. So many funny things happened to us that were soooo Italian; we stopped to help an old lady with her garden, dealt with a blunt but dear cashier woman, and had a man in the pastry shop tell us the best place to get cheese and to "tell them Dave sent you and they'll take care of you." It's charming areas like this that force me to fall in love with the city all over again.  

If you're in the area, I recommend you stop by Isgro's on 10th and Christian and buy any pastry (I love the chocolate chip canolis, but that's just me). Also, Sarcone's Deli on 9th and Fitzwater makes some great sandwiches (I did the Sinatra - proscuitto, spinach, fresh mozz), with the hard ass but affectionate Philly attitude and a real homey feeling. After you've filled up, take a walk through the Italian Market area with all the chocolate, cheese, and produce shops. Just please don't go to Pat's or Geno's. There's a perfect South Philly Saturday for you!