It's Time to Apply!!

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Summer may be over, but there are still rainbows...

rainbows to keep us cheerful, and help us make a happy transition to fall.... here are some of our favorites:



The ultimate kitchenware collection, this set includes a large non-slip mixing bowl, colander, sieve/strainer, small mixing bowl, and four measuring cups that nest for storage.
$50.00 Find at: www.momastore.org





This felt garland will make any room more festive, and is perfect for your next summer party. Each 1.5" felt circle was hand cut and sewn with transparent thread to make a delightful garland, which can be hung anywhere you want to add a little extra decoration.
$12.00 Find at: www.etsy.com/shop/erindollar




Long-fiber wool gives the rug a natural sheen and minimizes shedding. 100% wool.
$249.00 Find at: www.ikea.com




Vintage Sunbeam rainbow cloud hard plastic wall clock.
$12.00 Find at: www.etsy.com/shop/becaruns




Why pick one hue when you can have them all? Adorn your doors and drawers with this handpainted porcelain piece and light up any room.
$12.00 each. Find at: www.anthropologie.com

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Arch Back

Photography is one of our favorite hobbies and we can easily get lost admiring well taken compositions, especially if they are of some amazing architecture. Checkout the Flickr set from Arch Daily. Every day they upload user submitted work of architecture from all over the world. It's a great site to hit up in the morning before you start your day or even take a quick peek at it during your lunch. We use it as color and design inspiration and I am sure many others do as well.

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What are you smoking?

We love the look of contemporary home especially when they utilize sustainable practices and try to stay green. Well in this case they stayed very green, American Lime Technology has created a zero carbon concrete that is made from hemp. In there words its a "highly sustainable hemp-lime product that can be used to create insulating walls in new structures or to retrofit existing floors, roofs, and walls with thermally efficient, breathable insulating layers." Awesome technology and its green as well...

Some pretty cool hemp houses here and here.


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Another Great Project...

Developed by the International Association for Empty Pockets, the Pocket Artifact Classification System encompasses the entire spectrum of pocket, purse, and bag clutter. By organizing contributions into a common system, the Pockets Project seeks to illuminate the objects that share our pockets' darkest corners.

The Pockets Project imagines a second life for the stuff we've forgotten and offers each of us a chance at a new beginning. Everyone is welcome to participate – there is no artifact too insignificant or contribution too small. As people from all over the world empty their pockets together, these ordinary objects hint at the common threads of our daily lives.

Check out the website to sign up today!! : http://arthousecoop.com/projects/pockets

TODAY!!! Starts right now....

2010 SKETCHBOOK PROJECT!!!

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Sign up by:
Oct. 31st, 2010

Postmark book by:
January 15th, 2011

Tour starts:
March, 2011

The Sketchbook

Each artist is sent the same blank Moleskine sketchbook. We've only got two rules: first, the book must be used in some way - no sending us back an empty book or a completely different book! Second, the sketchbook must stay within its original dimensions (because we don't want to have to provide an extra suitcase just for your book while we're touring the country).

Each book will be given a barcode so we can easily catalog it into The Brooklyn Art Library system. Once we catalog it, artists will be able to track where on the tour their book is viewed and how many times someone pulled it from the shelf - we want to make sure you can stay connected with your sketchbook!

The availability of sketchbooks vary each day, so sign up quickly to reserve the one you want! You have the option to choose the kind of Moleskine and the color of the cover when you add the project to your cart over to the right.

Viewing notifications
Each and every single time your book is viewed, you'll receive an e-mail or a text message alerting you what city it was viewed in and the first name of the person browsing through it (well, only as long as they provide their name!) Even better, you can turn these notifications on or off at will

Your information is in the pocket.
There's a handy pocket attached to the inside cover of every sketchbook. Inside this pocket, you can place a card that contains your artist information - anything from a short biography to your website address.

Your book will tour the country
Every artist who completes their sketchbook and returns it to us will have their book included in the tour. Your book will visit galleries and museums across the country, putting your art in front of thousands of people. (Psst - this is a great way to add some new lines to your résumé.)

HERE'S WHERE IT IS TOURING

Featured Hot Spot: NORTH BOWL, NoLibs

Opened in July 2006, North Bowl is the ultimate hang-out Oron dreamed. The completely renovated former mechanics garage is now a 21,000-square-foot nightlife haven. From the retro benches from bowling alleys of the 50s to the sculptural bar and glass enclosed pod that overlooks the lanes from the lounge, North Bowl is a place that is truly unique to Philadelphia. Its not just about bowling, it's about the atmosphere and the overall experience.

Start your weekend off right, and escape the heat. North Bowl will open at 12 pm on Fridays during the months of July and August.

Happy Hour Bowling
Monday-Friday 5:00pm-7:00pm
$3.95/person/game $3 Shoe Rentals

SPECIALTY DRINKS:

ALL $6.00

The NoCowSki - ABSOLUT Vanilla, kahlua, and Silk Soy milk
Citywide - PBR and a shot of Powers Whiskey
John Daly - Sweet Tea Vodka and Lemonade
Acai Berry Ginger Martini - ABSOLUT Acai, ginger infused liquor, splash of cranberry, fresh lemon squeeze
Chocolate Espresso Martini - Espresso Vodka, Chocolate liquor, Tuaca and a touch of cream
Grapefruit Cosmo - ABSOLUT Ruby Red, Triple Sec, Grapefruit juice, Cranberry juice and Lime juice

Family Leagues

Bowling should never be an individual experience. The kids are out of school, so why not bring the whole family out to compete? All-ages are invited!

Teams can choose between Saturday or Sunday afternoons. Teams will include families of 4 or single parent/child teams will be paired with other single parent/child teams. League fees are only $10 per person per week. Trophies will be given out for highest male and female averages, highest team score, best child bowler, and best adult bowler.

The winning family will receive a kid's party at North Bowl Lounge n' Lanes, all expenses paid, for up to 15 kids!

Benefits also include the North Bowl League Rate of $2 on Sunday-Thursday for all family league members.

If interested, please contact Mary at events@northbowlphilly.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

http://www.northbowlphilly.com/index.php

6th Annual Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn

What we love RiGhT nOw....

We were out at the Art Star Craft Bazaar this past weekend and thought that we would feature one vender a day that we loved throughout the week....

VAYA BAGS
"All-purpose bags that are designed with the biker in mind."

Vaya Bags are all handmade by Tianna Meilinger with the occasional help of her family and friends. Tianna is an environmental scientist and believes in reusing and recycling materials. (We think that's just one of the great things about these bags!) Vaya Bags are made from recycled canvas, this canvas is from scrap Sunbrella® Fabric from local sailboat factories. Sunbrella® is a waterproof marine canvas that is typically used for boat awnings and covers. Due to the highly resistant acrylic yarns, Sunbrella® will withstand many years of harsh climates such as heavy rains and the hot sun. The 100% solution dyed acrylics prove Sunbrella® to be fade resistant as well as resistant to multiple stains. Tia also uses recycled bicycle tubes to make all of her bike tube gear.

A petite bag starts at $85.00 (18" x 5" x 10" ), a standard bag $100.00 (23" x 6" x 12") or a standard wide bag $120.00 (24" x 8" x 12" )
Pretty Awesome Features:

• Easily adjustable shoulder strap
• Foam padding against your back
• 2 small inner pockets (about 5" x 5")
• Pockets under flap include: pen, iPod, cell phone
• No-swing stabilizer strap
• Reflective tape (optional)
  
• Waterproof inner lining

There are tons of colors to choose from...we are contemplating our bags as we type this blog!
Questions?
info@vayabags.com

The Loft District or Eraserhood?

After living in Philly for many years now we have often wondered what the hell the area around east of Broad and South of Spring Garden is called. Is it Chinatown? The Loft District? or Eraserhood?

Eraserhood? Well yea why not, not only does it describe the area of empty lots, train tracks, power stations and old factories but its the basis of the 1977 movie Eraserhead which is a surrealistic film written and directed by David Lynch which was deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the U.S. Library of Congress.

We can't completely hate on the area though, its home to some cool lofts, recently built townhomes, and by far the best brunch in Philadelphia Cafe Lift. In addition to that, Cafe Lift's close relative and neighbor, Prohibition Taproom is the jawn!

Mummer Tradition in Philly

Mummers tradition dates back to 400 BC and the Roman Festival of Saturnalias where Latin laborers marched in masks throughout the day of satire and gift exchange. This included Celtic variations of “trick-or-treat” and Druidic noise-making to drive away demons for the new year. Reports of rowdy groups “parading” on New Years day in Philadelphia date back before the revolution. Prizes were offered by merchants in the late 1800’s. January 1, 1901 was the first “official” parade offered about $1,725 in prize money from the city.

Come out this New Years day and celebrate the tradition with us YoCos and Philadelphians and celebrate the new year:
The Fancy Brigades
South Philly Stringband (Last Year's Winners)

The Mummers parade is a celebration of the New Year but is serious business in Philadelphia. Clubs work on the costumes and practice all year for their one day in the sun (…wind, rain or snow). There are many lively discussions over the scoring by the judges and adherence to the complicated set of rules the marchers must follow when being judged. String Bands are judged on their musical presentation as well as the costumes. Seeing and hearing a String Band performing live in the parade is a one-of-a-kind experience.

The 2010 Mummers Parade will still go from South Philadelpia and climax in Center City. A few changes will be made in reagrds to the start of the parade and the march from South Philadelphia.

Parade starting points:

Comics will line up from Washington to Morris Fancies will line up from Morris to Snyder The String Bands will from at Shunk Street. The Fancy Brigades at will form at Oregon Ave.

Performance Areas of the Parade:

Shunk Street Methodist Hospital Washington Avenue Pine Street The Doubletree Hotel the Union League City Hall where the Comics, Fancies, and String Bands are judged The Fancy Brigade Division performs indoors at the Pennsylvania Convention Center for their judging. There are two shows one is for the families at 12PM and their judged show at 5PM. Click here to obtain more information about the Fancy Brigades and the Fancy Brigade Finale.

Watch this Mummer's video!

Carol Hannah - Project Etsy

We were perusing Etsy as usual and stumbled across Carol Hannah's Etsy shop! If you love Project Runway like we do, then you saw Ms.Whitfield on last season's show and her beautiful dresses!! Now we, the real people of America can buy her designs online through Etsy!!

Check out the shop!

Beer-tober

This time of year is amazing, not only is there great weather but great food and beverage. This time of year when the leaves change color, and the mornings are cool I know Wawa will soon bring back their hot turkey hoagie, oh and its also the best time of the year for beer. Octoberfest and Pumpkin ales are two of the YoCo's favorite adult beverages during Fall/Winter. Check out this great article about the best fall beers to indulge in and upon.

Finally, Milkcrate Cafe

The long awaited coffee shop on 400 E Girard Ave has finally arrived. We mentioned this back in July but the time has come. The former location of canvas coffee, is now home to a much needed coffee/record shop; Milkcrate Cafe. Check it out here and read more. A review to come soon1

Joules! Pedal me into town

We love bicycles in all of there forms, we also like being lazy on occasion as well. Why not be lazy while on your bicycle? No; why not have someone cycle you around and only for 18 easy payments of $999.99 you can have your own cycling buddy, (names Joules) take that Lance.

Can I put my cell in your column?

We are not big fans of Excel, or mostly anything that Microsoft creates, but it only takes a creative mind to make art in one of the most boring applications ever made. Microsoft Excel art, Shazaam!

The Magic Garden's - South Philly

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is a folk art environment, gallery space, and nonprofit organization that showcases the work of mosaicist Isaiah Zagar. Located at the site of Zagar's largest public mosaic installation, the Magic Gardens includes a fully mosaiced indoor gallery and a massive outdoor labyrinthine mosaic sculpture. The installation, primarily consisting of found objects and contributions from the community, covers half a city block with myriads of tile, texture, and color. A walk through the labyrinth will reveal sculptures from Latin America and Asia, bicycle wheels from local South Street shop Via Bicycles, Zagar's hand-made tiles, and mirrors of every shape and size.

There will be a Mosaic Workshop with Isaiah Zagar this weekend!

Learn Isaiah's techniques, and help him build a public mural from start to finish, in this two-day mosaic mural workshop. Visit: www.phillymagicgardens.org/programs.php for more information.

In the year 93?

In many respects 1993 seems like a short time ago but on further thought it was almost 17 years ago now. Rendering us without a cell phone, computer, internet, and GPS amongst many other technological marvels we take for granted. Check out these great ads from the year of 93' from AT&T. Crazy how accurate they were since we currently have most of what they predicted.

Bad slice of Piazza

Well as we predicted we feel the downfall has started.
Yes we predicted it but did we really want it to happen? No.

The Piazza is not only a great social and gathering place but has allowed many small independently owned Fishtown and Kensington businesses to thrive and get lots of attention. For example; Bambi Gallery, Fresh Melt Water, and Fabric Horse have received great exposure and large increases in business. On the negative side The Piazza still has yet to fill the empty commercial spots and still has some duplicate stores from Liberties Walk, like the Delicious Boutique.

We feel that the first step in the downward spiral was canceling the wildly popular Sundae on Sundays at the Piazza. The Lee Jones dj/music event has been free and packed with people since the Piazza was finished being constructed. Sundae could actually get credit for exposing The Piazza to a large amount of people that would not normally venture out to it's 2nd and Germantown Ave location. Sundae has brought hundreds of people to The Piazza every Sunday for weeks now, all for free. This has spurred more artists renting tables in the courtyard, huge sales of food and drinks at Vino (formerly the official Sundae after party spot) and has increased awareness for all of the shops there. So what’s the problem?

A few weeks ago the official partnership between Vino and Sundae ended.

The business that Sundae brought to Vino’s after party helped keep the venue free and fun. Unfortunately that has ended, either from complaints from the other bars/restaurants losing Sunday business to Vino or just cause Sundae had done it's job of bringing the people into the Piazza and management now felt it was time to dump them. Whether it was for those reasons or for some unknown ones we feel it's a greedy mentality that has forced Sundae to the new club/restaurant on Delaware Ave. known as Octo. The vast open bar with a tropical feel is a great place for Sundae to switch to, it's not as easily convenient to get to, and is considerably smaller than the Piazza courtyard, but it's fun non the less and always crowded on Sunday.
So we feel as we did before; The Piazza management is only concerned with making money. Canceling Sundae before the agreement they had along with it's questionable half occupied commercial spaces can only lead us to believe that the Piazza will be a barren desert when cold weather arrives. This is much like Liberties Walk is and has been for years now. Liberties Walk started off the same way, and due to extremely high rent and lack of foot traffic in cold weather and daytime hours, 6 independent businesses closed up shop within a year in and half. We feel many of the small shops will do the same once their free monthly rent deals expire (especially since the Piazza and Liberties walk are run by the same people).

Only time will tell, but the recent addition of Tony Danza living at the Piazza apartments just seems like another gimmick to draw attention and will soon end much like Sundae. We really hope all the negative points we brought up don't occur, but if managed correctly, the Piazza and Liberties Walk can boost the neighborhood appearance, and business, along with bringing the much needed cleanup of Girard between 2nd and Front. Rumor has it that high-rise condos, a dog park, and a Wholefoods Market will soon appear on that corner of 2nd but we can only cross our fingers...