Happy Thanksgiving!!

MC Nutter

Well Will Smith isn't the only one that can get jiggy. Check out MC Nutter bust some rhymes over at the Mitchell and Ness Store opening this week.

Philly Cupcake Shop Whips Up Something Special For Late Night

The Late Night Show with Jimmy Fallon debuted on NBC March of 2009. Former "Saturday Night Live" star Jimmy Fallon has given a great reason for YoCoPros across the nation to tune in to Late Night TV. Once looked at as "Our Parents" late night TV has come around and now features artists, actors and comedy segments that we can relate to. Not to mention our Philly originated favorite band: The Roots, who signed on as the show's band...becoming the first band of that stature to commit to a network TV series, and continue to tour during the networks off season.

The Boss is stopping by the Late Night Show TONIGHT!!!!! Our friend Casey and the crew at Whipped Bakeshop (at 636 Belgrade Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125) have baked some pretty amazing cookies to send up to NYC for the occasion....

Design and portrait piping: Jenn Hall
Additional design and piping: Zoë Lukas
Ribbon measuring, cutting and tech support: Brennen Lukas
Dough making: Rebecca Hauptman

Whipped Bakeshop was started by Philadelphia pastry artist Zoë Lukas. "Zoë's lifelong love of baking was born as a child among her dessert-loving family. Her father traveled frequently and was always in search of the finest bakeries in America, bringing home the tastiest treats he could find. Zoë tried them all. Meanwhile, her mother was an incredible baker in her own right, and her brother Jeff became a successful chef." (-Whipped Bakeshop website)

It was luck, according to Whipped Bakeshop's blog that a recent customer came into their shop who happened to help manage The Late Night Show's band, The Roots. After mentioning that Bruce Springsteen would be on the show tonight performing they asked Whipped if they would be interested in sending over some cookies to help them celebrate. They said: "Um yes. We would like to send cookies to Jimmy Fallon."

We YoCos, think these cookies are pretty f-ing awesome and will be watching Jimmy Fallon to see if there is a mention of our friends!!

Great Thanksgiving Cookbooks

Getting ready for your first turkey or dissatisfied with the dry results you got last year? Not to worry--"Mr. Thanksgiving," Rick Rodgers, is here to teach Thanksgiving 101. And he ought to know. For the last eight years he has been traveling the country to teach his class as the media spokesperson for Perdue Farms, an industrial giant among turkey producers. The "Main Event" is everything, absolutely everything, you would want to know about buying, thawing, prepping, and roasting a turkey. You needn't look any further. There's a long question-and-answer-style section that anticipates any questions you might have.

In addition to the nearly fifty recipes, there are step-by-step instructions for decorating your home, setting an attractive table, and making a variety of festive drinks -- all lavishly illustrated with color photographs. Detailed work plans accompany each menu, and helpful reference sections provide guidelines on tableware and glassware, setting up a buffet, pairing food and wine, and more. You'll find everything you need to know to host a memorable Thanksgiving that both you and your guests will enjoy.

Vintage Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

You remember watching the parade while the smell of the cooking Turkey slowly started invading your house. But what you probably remember seeing was a lot of giant balloons of Snoopy, Garfield, Smurfs and Miss Piggy. Here are some 1950s and 1960s photographs of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for you to enjoy.
Some are pretty creepy.
And yes that is Betty White, she co-hosted the parade with Loren Green for several years. That picture is from 1969.
You remember how excited you got when Santa came at the end......



All images from Google Images

Top Three Things to do in Philly this Fall Season

October is almost over, here are Top 3 Picks of what you need to do this Fall Season....

1. Linvilla Orchards
137 W. Knowlton Road Media, PA 19063

Linvilla Orchards is a 300-acre farm dedicated to agriculture, entertainment and education. They raise their own fresh fruits and vegetables that you can pick yourself or purchase in the Farm Market. Their pies are out of this world, and we recommend you wait in that long line to buy one, drink some of their amazing Apple Cider to make the time pass. **Beware this place gets super crowded the closer Halloween gets.** So plan ahead and make sure you leave enough time to buy pumpkins, cider and mums. DON'T FORGET to have the pumpkin pie funnel cake or the apple cider slushie...two treats that should not be missed.

2. Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary
22nd & Fairmount Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19130

Many people believe that Eastern State Penitentiary is haunted. As early as the 1940s, officers and inmates reported mysterious visions and eerie experiences in the ancient prison. And the ghost sightings have only increased since Eastern State was abandoned in 1971. With the growing interest in paranormal investigation, Eastern State Penitentiary may now be the most carefully studied building in the United States. Dozens of teams visit to explore the site each year. So this may be the perfect site for a Haunted Walk Through Attraction...reserve your tickets today! Today till the weekend after Halloween are all you have left!

3. GREAT Pumpkin Sundae at Franklin Fountain
116 Market St. Philadelphia,, PA 19106




The Franklin Fountain aims to serve an experience steeped in ideals, drizzled with drollery, and sprinkled with the forgotten flavors of the American past. We came on a Wednesday night (not too crowded) and indulged in the quite wonderful Great Pumpkin Sundae. Pumpkin ice cream, (made here), carmel sauce, sugared walnuts, whipped cream and cinnamon ...need we say more. Portion is large, we shared, but if you are skipping dinner....one for each person is perfectly fine.

Tweet

WEDNESDAY LINKS

Here are some things we think you should check out!

2011 Sketchbook Project - Sign Up Ends 10/31!!
DIY Project: Ashley's Floral Tray Table (Design Sponge)
Monday's Pets on Furniture!!
Awesome iPhone App!
Celebrate Dutch Merchants!!
Our favorite place to eat right now:

Eames® Molded Plywood Dining Chair / Affordable Alternatives

Design is for living. That maxim shaped a widespread shift in design during the 1940s and 1950s. It was a revolution of form, an exciting visual language that signaled a new age and a fresh start – and two of its prime movers were Charles and Ray Eames. The Eameses were a husband and wife team whose unique synergy led to a whole new look in furniture. Lean and modern. Sleek, sophisticated and simple. Beautifully functional.

Yet Charles and Ray Eames created more than a "look" with their bent plywood chairs or molded fiberglass seating. They had ideas about making a better world, one in which things were designed to fulfill the practical needs of ordinary people and bring greater simplicity and pleasure to our lives.

As the most important exponents of organic design, Charles and Ray Eames demonstrated how good design can improve quality of life and human understanding and knowledge.

Artist photo from 1000 Chairs courtesy of Taschen.

Here is a comparison of the two original chairs by Eames® available through Design Within Reach. Both come in multiple finishes and are beautiful, but high in price.

First great alternative. We saw these in person at the West Elm store in Center City Philadelphia and fell in love. Not only are they a GREAT alternative but are very similar to the Eames® chairs. These chairs are in stock at the store, however they do require assembly.

These last two alternatives are at a GREAT price point! They are available through IKEA and as all furniture from Ikea, assembly is required. Not quite as similar to the Eames® chairs, but a close match in the idea of the same simple design. Plus at $39.99 a pop you really cannot go wrong!

Tweet

It's Time to Apply!!

Tweet

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

Tweet

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.

Tweet

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.


Tweet

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!!!

">

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!