Lately in Philadelphia

Life has been pretty hectic lately. The warm weather is finally inspiring me to leave me couch for once and go outside. Having an opportunity to go and explore Philadelphia has been lovely. Not to mention all of the events that Philadelphia offers in the spring/summer have been starting and they're pretty awesome!

Every month Old City takes place in an event called First Friday. Local artists line up on 2nd St between Arch and Market streets and display their work. The local galleries and shops are open later too. A lot of galleries have openings the night of first friday, which means wine… for free. Obviously the best part - other than looking at art.

I also recently stumbled on an event that took place on Friday too: Movies under the Stars & Stripes. The Betsy Ross House is putting on really lame, cheesy movies from the 50s and 60s every first Friday too. Admission is $5 each and its BYOB. I saw Plan 9 from Outer Space this past Friday and with a half a bottle of wine in me it was pretty decent and more hilarious with the special effects utilized for the time.

Phantogram

Saturday I was lucky enough to catch the last act at the 104.5 Summer Block Party at the Piazza at Schmidts in Northern Liberties. I missed CHVRCHES and Cherub but did catch Phantogram! The concert series takes place once a month and is always free. I'm excited to go and dance to whoever is appearing at the rest of their summer series.

Obviously if you can't tell the only things it takes for me to attend events is free/cheap and alcohol. Philadelphia has been delivering on both of my two requirements and its been awesome. Come hang out in Philly and enjoy all the cool events that have been happening lately!

Here's What I'm Listening To:

The Mother We Share - CHVRCHES

&

Gun - CHVRCHES

Karma

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For those who are always looking to try something different *raises hand*, Karma should be the first place on your list. I have only had Indian food a few times before and have definitely had mixed reviews. This time though? Totally impressed. I went for my birthday dinner this year because of the fantastic reviews it received on yelp and wanted to share some foods that neither my family nor boyfriend had tried before. Even my Nana, the pickiest and most dramatic person I have ever met to date, enjoyed her meal.

We ordered the tandoori gohi (cauliflower marinated in special, somewhat spicy sauces) for an appetizer and it was very yummy. The restaurant also brings chips and two sauces to the table, one that is spicy and a milder, green sauce. For my meal, I ordered malai kofta and it was absolutely delicious. The sauce was the perfect consistency and the spices were not overwhelming. Of course, naan was also ordered for the table, garlic and plain, and it was some of the best naan I've ever ate. Everyone else ordered some variety of a meat dish, two chicken dishes and a shrimp dish and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals. On top of having delicious foods, the service was quick and friendly. The atmosphere of the restaurant was also very nice and not busy at all.

All in all? Best Indian food in Philadelphia - hands down.

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These images are not of my dishes at the restaurant, but examples of what the dishes looked like. 

The Franklin Fountain

Living right in the heart of Old City is often heartwarming. To be able to wander in to little nooks and crannies, such as the Franklin Fountain, as I please is a blessing.

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The Franklin Fountain, started in 2003 by the Berley Boys, is one of my absolute favorite spots in the city. It is modeled after many old fashioned soda shops and its location in Old City could not be more perfect. The menu changes seasonally in order to reflect the changing temperatures and flavors, but also has a year-round menu as well. I personally chose an item off of the winter menu, some sort of delicious wine-based sorbet and topped it off with a berry compote. All of the ice-cream is handmade and from friends' reviews it is delicious. My lactose-intolerance forbids me from tasting unfortunately. The menu options are some things you have never heard of but your Grandfather could teach you a lesson in: from phosphates to thirst-aides to egg creams. The nostalgic experience is enough to make me want to permanently campout and have them bring me phosphates all day. In the winter it is dead, which is the biggest plus, but in the summer the lines wrap around the block.  It is cash only so make sure you have enough! If you can, try to come at a time when it is less busy so you can enjoy the stress-free environment of having an ice cream, or any of their concoctions, and sitting inside a place similar to what our grandparents enjoyed.

Loving/Hating Philadelphia

Christ Church 

After moving full-time to the city of brotherly love over eight months ago, I have had many ups and downs with the city. Moving from a city like New York City, where every place is extremely accessible via public transportation, and then moving to Philadelphia.. makes me frustrated to say the least. Trust me, if you have ever had to deal with SEPTA you know what I am talking about.

My pup at the National Constitution Center

Philly sunsets

There are also a lot of reasons to be in love with a city like this. Huffington Post has determined Philadelphia to be the most underrated city in America… and has given us 31 reasons why. If the over 200 BYOB restaurants don't make you fall in love, then going to a Phillies game or grubbing out at the Reading Terminal will. I have found myself in love with the city just walking my dog in my little neighborhood. I mean whats not to love living next to a book store and a record store? Or living directly across the street from a park or even living walking distance from the Constitution Center? I walk my dog past Betsy Ross's house every night for christ sake.

If that isn't convincing, Philly is also significantly cheaper than living in Manhattan and being a college student, cheap is my favorite word. I also came across this article for doing Philly on a budget. Basically, I will be definitely doing a lot of what is in that article when it gets warmer out and so should you!

In case you haven't noticed, I gave my blog a little touching up over the weekend. My new banner even has a little Sushi in it! (It's really iiwaken, a Japanese cartoon Shiba Inu that happens to look exactly like Sushi) I guess my Myspace html days are really coming back to haunt me in a surprisingly positive way.

My weekend was spent pretty much just as I had stated on Friday: studying. I am procrastinating at this very moment for my three exams tomorrow. I'm sorry but if I cram my head with any more american government, biology, or anthropology I will absolutely stick needles in my eyeballs.

After classes on Friday I came home and Sushi and I went on a lovely adventure around my neighborhood. We meandered to a pier that overlooks New Jersey, watched the melting ice on the Delaware River float by and relaxed in the finally "warm" sun. The Race Street Pier is one of my favorite hidden spots in Philadelphia - total zen area for me. We also got lost in the bookstore next to my apartment and I took home some F. Scott Fitzgerald. Later, boyfriend came over and we got some delicious sushi at a local restaurant the size of a closet. Yummy things come in small restaurants? Is that a thing? We fell asleep with full bellies & watching Game of Thrones.

Portobello mushroom & zucchini pizza

Saturday I crammed for the exams and made us a lovely dinner. Since becoming a vegetarian, Pinterest has been a godsend. Before finding the website, I was basically just eating pasta (with the post-stomach pains, unknowingly I needed to be eating gluten free) or salad. Boyfriend found me at a good time because I am utilizing the Food & Drink category like no other and making some goddamn delicious food.  I made portobello mushroom & zucchini pizzas. Super easy & quick meal - got good reviews from me & the boyfriend too!

I hope you all had a lovely & relaxing weekend!

Not really relevant to anything but this video is hilarious. Guys have no idea how much anything we use/wear costs. at all.  I guess I should know this by now considering my boyfriend definitely has not even the slightest idea what I spend on anything related to being a female. Thanks for sharing Rubi!


 




Here's what I'm listening to: Making Plans for Nigel - Nouvelle Vague & Fade Into You - Mazzy Star

Hermit Life

With all of this recent snow fall and sickness, I have become the biggest hermit alive. My life is normally pretty consistent with hiding away in my apartment on my couch behind a computer screen, but it has become a serious struggle to even take Sushi outside. I did manage to dye my hair a shade of lavender in the mean time & see Schoolboy Q perform. (Even if I couldn't actually see a damn thing… #shortgirlproblems)

Winter is cute and all but for like… max three days. Certainly not cute after its been snowing constantly for the entire month of January or when it turns to brown slush and I slip and slide while attempting to walk. I'm prepared to pick up and move to the southern region of France any day now - who is paying for my plane ticket?

Here is my less than exciting life the past few days in iPhone photograph form.

My neighborhood mid-blizzard.

My mama sent me flowers because I've been so sick.

It's a flower dog with a stethoscope, medical bag, & a head mirror!

The most delicious snack. Gluten-free toast, avocado, & tomatoes 

avec black coffee. 

Sushi in her snow booties! 

Essential when you live in the city & the sidewalks are covered

in really harmful salts. I swear by Pawz dog boots. 

Gluten free cinnamon Chex cereal with blackberries & raspberries. 

Très yummy. 

Here's what I've been listening to recently:

Agoraphobia - Deerhunter

Excuse me, while I toot my own horn

Yes, here I am honking away over here. My boyfriend and I recently decided that we will be starting our own independent, small clothing line based out of Philadelphia. We know a few people who have been doing it and just thought, "fuck.. we could do this… but better." We're both creative individuals and both have some awesome ideas. We're currently looking for somewhere/someone to print the t-shirts for us but we have a lot of ideas and designs in the works. We plan to sell t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, hats, beanies, for both the gentlemen and ladies out there. Really, we're planning on making anything that we think would look dope.. and is affordable. We know what it's like to be a broke ass kid (hence the name). Definitely keep checking back because this won't be the last time you'll hear about Broke Ass Kidz. If you're interested please don't hesitate to contact me via e-mail or comment below.