Entertainment

Photo Pop Philly Tips & Tricks

- Sarah Leave a comment

Photo Pop Philly

Photo Pop Philly, the city’s first and only interactive pop-up exhibit, is back for its second season! It’s curated by my friends at Philly PR Girl, and I had more fun than I expected when I checked out last summer’s Photo Pop. I’m excited to check out this year’s “Sweet Paradise” at The Bourse later this week.

Don’t know what to expect? I’m sharing some tips I learned last year!

1. Coordinate your outfit.

This is by no means a requirement (wear whatever you makes you happy!), but I’m glad I stayed on-theme last summer. The theme was classic Philly — red, white and blue — so I wore my favorite cherry red dress from Smak Parlour (also seen here). Each installation was pretty colorful, but by wearing coordinating colors my outfit either popped or matched the decor, instead of clashing. Coincidentally, my friends Chelsea and Cortney also ended up matching the theme, so it worked out even better!

Sweet Paradise looks to be even more bright and colorful (sneak a peek on Instagram), so I’m still debating what to wear. Maybe a white dress? Send help!

Photo Pop Philly

2. Bring your friends.

Most of the fun at Photo Pop is taking lots of cute pictures for the ‘gram. Personally, I think friends make the best “Instagram Boyfriends,” so make it a girls’ night. Plus, then you can take a mix of group photos and solo shots, without having to worry about asking too many strangers. To make things that much easier, unlock your phone so you don’t have to constantly use Touch ID.

Photo Pop Philly

3. Credit the artists.

Besides Philly PR Girl, many local artists work hard to bring Photo Pop Philly to life. So credit where credit is due! Tag your selfies and Insta posts so other people can find these talented individuals. Some of my favorite installments last summer were by @nero_one and @amberellaxo.

Photo Pop Philly

Photo Pop also hosts occasional special events (we went on a girls’ night themed-event) which is another great way to get more bang for your buck. Have you been to Photo Pop Philly or similar exhibits? They’re not for everyone, but I had so much fun snapping pictures with my friends. I’m looking forward to checking out Sweet Paradise soon, and I’ll definitely be sharing on my Instagram.

~ Sarah

Philly Winter Bucket List

- Sarah Leave a comment

Philly Winter Bucket ListHappy first day of Winter! On one hand, I’m glad our days are going to get a bit longer each day, but I know the snow and cold have just begun. I’m an extrovert, but even I have to force myself out of the house to try new things during the winter months. So this year, I’m crossing off items from my own Philly winter bucket list.

Riverrink

The Blue Cross Riverrink on the Delaware River Waterfront is a winter classic for a reason! I wouldn’t say that I’m a good ice skater, but I do’t have to grip the walls when I skate anymore. I almost always end up going to the ice rink on closing weekend, but this year I’m determined to make it there at least twice. They also have cozy cabins and wintery drinks so it’s nice to unwind after all your skating.

Philadelphia Distillery Trail

Breweries are a big deal in Philadelphia, and a fun place to spend weekend afternoons. It’s time to branch out though by visiting a distillery — if you’re feeling ambitious, you can tackle the whole Philly Distillery Trail. I think I’ll start with visiting Red Brick Distillery; I enjoy their whiskey and it’s in my neighborhood. Perfect way to warm up on a winter afternoon. Wine more your thing? Take a day trip to a local winery for a tasting — here are some wine destinations perfect for a winter day.

Restaurant Week

Center City Restaurant Week is coming (January 14-26, 2018, FYI)! East Passayunk also usually hosts their own restaurant week in the late winter. I haven’t picked out which restaurants, but it’s always fun to try new places and new dishes you wouldn’t usually order. Emily at Her Philly has great tips on how to conquer restaurant week too!

Winter Hike

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to be inside 24/7. Fresh air is necessary, though I’d suggest saving a winter hike for a sunnier day. I have plans to bring Arya to the Wissahickon this weekend, but my new hiking boots are begging me for a trip to the Poconos. (Don’t forget to check out my pet-friendly list of Airbnbs near the Pocono Mountains.) Prefer exercising indoors? Winter is a great time to try a new fitness class or sign up for Classpass!

Philly Theatre Week

I admittedly did not know this was a thing until LaNeshe told me about it! Philly Theatre Week makes theatre more accessible to the community by having free and discounted events (tickets are no more than $30!).  Tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 16 and the celebration runs February 8 through February 18. You can see the shows available here. (Bonus: lots of options in the suburbs too.)

Let me know what’s on your winter bucket list, whether you’re in Philly or another city!

~ Sarah

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

Philly Pick: Monarch Philly

- Sarah Leave a comment

Monarch Philly, NoLibs | Shades of Sarah

Just because the calendar says mid-September (already, somehow), doesn’t mean we have fall weather just yet. I love summer, so I don’t mind — and this means I can enjoy my favorite summer spots for a few more weeks. So for my Philly friends who haven’t checked out Monarch Philly in Northern Liberties, get on that.

Monarch Philly, NoLibs | Shades of Sarah

Monarch Philly, NoLibs | Shades of Sarah

Monarch is part swim club, part beer garden, all swanky (and very Miami-esque). You can buy daily swim passes or a membership, or you can just enjoy food and drinks with the ambiance. I usually stick to light bites — the chicken skewers and pork pot stickers are definitely my favorites. And of course, they pair well with cocktails — try the Saint Monarch for something light and fizzy.

Monarch Philly, NoLibs | Shades of Sarah

Monarch is always Instagram-worthy, but it really comes alive during the weekends. This fall, there’s weekend brunch and football specials Saturdays and Sundays. Watching football poolside with with $25 pitchers of mimosas? Yes please.

~ Sarah