August was a long month. Watching the news is difficult (yet I can’t tear myself away) and September seems to be more of the same. I have to remind myself to step away and disconnect for a bit. My friend Dana and I made time this holiday weekend to take Arya and Zamboni to the Wissahickon Valley Park in Philadelphia. It’s a really popular (and huge!) urban park, and we had never been. It was so nice to get some fresh air and not hear city buses for a couple hours. And of course, the pups loved it and were exhausted by the time we got home (Zamboni doesn’t live with me full-time, so I always try to do something special when we’re reunited). Definitely adding a return to the Wissahickon to my fall bucket list. Hope you enjoy the photos!
It’s Philly Loves PAWS Day! Businesses around the city are donating 10-20% of their proceeds to the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society. PAWS is near and dear to my heart — I used to volunteer at their Northeaster adoption center and adopted Arya through PAWS. Isn’t she a cutie?
You can see all the participating businesses here, but these are my favorites!
Bing Bing Dim Sum (East Passayunk)
My friends and I tried Bing Bing during East Passayunk Restaurant Week. I recommend the scarlet dumplings and the pork noodles.
Cantina Los Caballitos (East Passayunk)
One of my favorite Mexican places in Philadelphia. The nachos, the margaritas. Yes, please.
Evil Genius Beer Company (Fishtown)
Okay, I haven’t technically been here yet, but I’ve heard good things! It’s definitely on my list this summer.
Joe’s Steaks and Soda (Fishtown & Northeast Philadelphia)
Come here for the milkshakes (banana especially), not the steaks.
Schmear It (University City & food truck)
The schmears here are amazing, and the guys who run it are the nicest. My favorite schmear? The French toast, but hold the walnuts.
Smak Parlour (Old City)
I love this little boutique. Most of my purchases here have been accessories, but they have their own clothing line and it’s awesome. Perfect for anyone with an appreciation for pin-up fashion.
I think I’m finally recovering from a case of exhaustion and writer’s block, which means it’s Blog Connect recap time! I was lucky enough to be part of this year’s planning committee, and it was so rewarding to see everything come together! First up on Saturday evening, my co-sponsorship director Melissa and I welcomed our wonderful speakers at The Baker’s Jar (16th and Bainbridge).
Melissa and me — it was cold so I had to wear ankle boots!
After we met and chatted with our speakers, it was time to head to ellelauri (19th and Chestnut) for our kickoff party! It’s a super chic boutique, and the staff is super nice. Boutiques can intimidate me, but ellelauri has items across different price points and the pieces are all so fun. It was great to catch up with blogger friends and meet new people before the craziness of the conference on Sunday!
Braids by Concihairge. Obsessed. (Also doesn’t the purple lipstick make the whole outfit pop?)
Priyanka from Paint the Town Chic spearheaded the party planning, and it was awesome! In addition to a braid bar by Concihairge, we had a flatlay space with help from Ann Blake from Ann Blake Photography. We had kombucha from Inspired Brews and white wines from Pinot Boutique (perfect for summer!). Our snack game was on point too: macarons from ICI Macarons, and savory snacks from Agno Grill and Pure Fare. Bai supplied us with plenty of juice and sparkling water! After a fun night with my blogger babes (and bros), it was time for some sleep!
We got an early start at Saxbys the next morning for a full day of speakers, workshops and panels! A million and one thanks to Saxbys for hosting us again this year and keeping me fueled with iced chai lattes all.day.long. Would not have made it without your tea and lovely baristas.
Another lifesaver? These awesome custom planners from Erin Condren. They came in super handy for the attendees during all the awesome presentations we had throughout the day.
Thank you again to all of our speakers, presenters and panelists! We wouldn’t have had a conference without you — and our attendees, of course!
Speakers
Ten Game Changers to Take Your Blog to the Next Level | Sarah Morgan
Create Your Own Space in The Blogosphere | Sola Onitiri
Finding Your Voice: Write With Confidence, for Crying Out Loud | Andy Shaw
We also had a yummy and healthy lunch from Grateful Plate and a cupcake break with Cupcakes By Ruth (I also practiced my new flatlay skills — thanks Ann!).
And of course, it wouldn’t be a blogger conference without a lot selfies with friends. Andy, Kendall and Emily: thanks for indulging me with a selfie stick and the balloon wall! One more shout out to the brilliant beyond brilliant team I worked with: Priyanka at Paint the Town Chic, Melissa at Skinny Affair, Chrystina at Chrystina Noel andSarah Moore at smoorelovin. Learned so much from you all!
Thank you to Julia Dent and Tim Becker for all the fab photos throughout the weekend! You guys are absolute rockstars. Want more Blog Connect? Check out these awesome recaps:
