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Philadelphia

Stratus Lounge celebrates Christmas In July with Snow Showers

Tis’ the season to party this summer, and Stratus Lounge celebrated the half year mark of Christmas with a fun Christmas in July party complete with an ice lunge, snow machine, craft cocktails with holiday names like Mistletoe Raspberry-Hibiscus infused with Ketal One and fresh lemon or Winter is Coming comprised of Rita’s Cherry Water Ice, lime Ketel One
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Guests, some dressed in their holiday best, packed the night spot and grooved to the tunes of house DJ Pfef and after midnight when celebrated NYC DJ Skribble spun til 2am.

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There was also a midnight toast as Veuve Clicquot passed out their luxury champagne to all the guests.

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Philadelphia

Pixs: A Midsummer’s Eve Celebrating Life, Love, and Tu B’Av

Throughout the year the Young Friends of NMAJH host various friend networking events, happy hours, outings, education sessions as well as at least two mixers as our parents used to call them – dances. One of them is the for our annual summer event celebrating Tu B’Av, the Jewish holiday of love –  Midsummer’s Eve. Everyone dresses in white…. Guests enjoy lite bites, including a desert bar, Beer, wine, and specialty cocktail by our wonderful sponsors, Tito’s Handmade Vodka!

Celebrating
Allison Richman, Carly Richman, Dr. Jessica Isaacs and Lauren Dranoff. Next up for Lauren and her friend, they’re headed to Game of Thrones Trivia Night at Pizzeria Vetri (1615 Chancellor Street, Philadelphia) 8/22

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Patrice Green and big congrats to Julie TaylorCelebrating
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Samantha van Adelsberg, Campaign Executive of Eastern PA – ‎Jewish National Fund and Aimee Bornfreund.
Who headed to Crystal Springs Resort  for a quick weekend getaway. I checked it out, looks fancy and fun.

Celebrating
Ryan Rosen, Rebecca Miller, Juliet Klinman and Jeff RosenthalCelebrating
Hannah Alexander, Family Therapist at Child Guidance Resource Centers and Dahlia Silberg
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Celebrating
Oleg Uzhansky, owner PROfection Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services and Cynthia Solis
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do the wobble wobble wobble Celebrating

Dr. Jessica Isaacs and Kayla LahijaniCelebrating
Samantha and Jack van Adelsberg

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Philadelphia

Fans Mourn Former Phillies Great Darren Daulton with Personal Photos and Tributes

I heard the sad news that former Phillies great Darren Daulton passed away yesterday at age 55 of brain cancer – glioblastoma, the same kinda brain cancer Sen John McCain was recently diagnosed with, as well as my friend Haydon, who is only 50 years old and didn’t discover he had the tumor until he had a mini stroke last month.  I woke up today with legions of my FB friends posting memories of Dutch as well as personal photos taken with him. Here are a few…

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I photographed Darren a few times, once when leaving the Four Seasons during a Phillies Alumni week in 2010

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Check out more fans thoughts on Darren Daulton on Facebook and read more info on his life and passing at Philly.com

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Philadelphia

Spotted at 2nd Street Festival in Northern Liberties

What an amazing weekend, and especially at the 2nd Street Festival where I headed yesterday with Mike and my friend Rahel Solomon. Let’s see who was there…

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The Piazza was happening with bands, and over 40 vendors with great gifts

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Post War Dream

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North Bowl was definitely one of the best beer gardens

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Greyhound Bus was doing an activation and gave out these cute paper visors. It’s so cool when people wear stuff like this.

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We (Mike, Moi and Rahel) stopped by Heritage and said hi to Marilyn Russell. I had so much fun being on WOGL FM with her on Friday.
I’m on again this Friday too.

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Pineapple drinks ready to go

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Seriously this menu is amazing. Anyone have the Alligator Sandwich?

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Kenneth Hilario, Phila Biz Journal (this guy is always smiling) and friends

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I think jumpsuits really are in, a much better trend than say faux hawks

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I gave him a dollar, but how many does he have to collect to buy gold paint, and then gold paint remover

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The ladies told me they had a lovely day, and were so glad to find this great bench

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I ran into some readers. Hi!

 

 

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I signed up for Enterprise Car Share, I need wheels to get me to the studio every week. I used to be with Zipcar, but when I went to their office on 12th Street I found they recently left and everything has to be done online. It wasn’t fun trying to get a human on the phone to explain all the levels. Bye Felicia!

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It was as I said, an amazing day, with an amazing crowd.
See you tomorrow….

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Philadelphia

#PCCBuzz DelFrisco’s Grille Headed to Broad Street, Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff ; WXTU’s Crockett on the Move

Hope you’re Friday was awesome!! Yesterday morning  I made my debut on WOGL radio and then prepared two columns about Thursday night’s party – Philly Mag Best of Soiree, check out photos here: Philly Mag and one for Metro Philly ; I ran kinda late getting my post up earlier today so let’s just call this Saturday Scoop

P.S. Did I photograph you this week. Click on the links at the bottom for the links to the party pictures, but first check out what’s happening around town

Will
What a dream come true to be live on air on my favorite radio station WOGL FM Thanks to the extraordinary producer Kevin Crockett, and the legendary Marilyn Russell for today. Listen to me again next Friday at 830am, and hopefully every Friday afterwards til eternity. I’ll be chatting about events around town and dropping some dope news, and celebrity stories that happen in Philadelphia, just like you’re about to read below:

Good news for Crockett on the horizon..

Cumulus Media announces that veteran Philadelphia on-air personality Kevin Crockett has been named co-host of 100.7 WLEV/Allentown’s new morning radio show Selena and Crockett. The new show will air weekdays from 5-10am and debuts in mid-August. Crockett joins 100.7 WLEV and Cumulus-Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA, from CBS Radio-Philadelphia, where he’s been heard in the market for the last eight years. Crockett most recently served as the Executive Producer of 98.1 WOGL‘s The Breakfast Club and was previously heard mornings on 92.5 WXTU. He also spent time at the former Wired 96.5, where he started his career.

 

OH I forgot to mention Kevin and I both graduated from Paul VI High School, 20 years apart – ha

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Ok let’s get to the big breaking news. Everyone has been wondering what restaurant is going to be a part of the new CAMBRiA hotel & suites Philadelphia project being built in Center City at Broad & Locust Sts.

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On June 8th, 2016 Choice Hotels International Inc., Pearl Properties (who owns the parcel of land – 3 lots running from mid block to the corner of Broad and Locust Sts) and Concord Hospitality Enterprises Co. broke ground for the for the CAMBRiA hotel & suites Philadelphia ( 219 S. Broad St.)

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Ground Breaking Shot: Rob Wonderling, President and CEO, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce; Meryl Levitz, President and CEO, Visit Philadelphia; Steve Joyce, CEO, Choice Hotels International; Reed Slogoff, Partner at Peal Properties; James Pearlstein, Founder and President of Pearl Properties; Janis Cannon, Senior Vice President of Upscale Brands, Choice Hotels International (photo provided by PHI-TNC)

The 15-story, 223 room hotel is being designed by DAS Architects Inc. (they do most of Pearl Properties) and will be managed by Concord.  The hotel sounds spectacular in the amenities they are planing including a state of the art fitness room, free wi-fi, a grab-and-go gourmet salads, sandwiches as well as a barista bar and a 3,000 square foot rooftop bar with views of the city where I can’t wait to hang; And it’s just been announced that

8-4-2017 7-38-45 PM (Custom) Del Frisco’s Grille . “a more casual take on the upscale Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House” will offer seating for 230 in the main dining area, with a private dining room to accommodate special occasions and celebrations for up to 35 people, as well as patio seating for 30 fronting Broad Street. There will be an extensive selection of wines in custom designed displays throughout the dining area and the space will highlight the high ceilings, expansive storefront windows, and a prominently positioned curved bar to create a modern, elevated and vibrant feel. (According to DelFrisco’s spokesperson in a DM on Aug 1, 2017, they stated it’s going in at Broad & Locust Sts., which could mean the Perch/Varalli Restaurants, of the main hotel since the whole project is at Broad & Locust Streets) and the press release

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The company describes its’ Del Frisco’s Grille delivers a more creative twists on American classic comfort food. Menu examples at the eatery include ahi tacos, wild mushroom flatbread, steakhouse salad, burgers, chopped chicken and farm greens salad, Filet Mignon, prime rib-eye and mesquite smoked pork chop.

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(Illustrations from website and press releases)

Del Frisco’s Grille is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2018 and is going to have spectacular views of Broad and Locust Streets. The Grille, will be located across the street from the very hot, newly renovated and opened Palm Restaurant at the Bellevue (had lunch there yesterday, they’re starting to put up fun caricatures), and a couple blocks away from the delicious DelFrisco’s Steakhouse down the street (Was there Thursday night, and it was jammed packed with singles. Better than Tinder.)

Summer, summer, summertime
Time to sit back and unwind
Will
You might have read last year that Actor/rapper Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff  are “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit it” as they are reuniting and touring this summer. They’ll be headlining Livewire Festival in the UK on August 27, and then  stopping by Croatia’s MTV Summerblast on August 25 and 26. The duo will no doubt performed songs from their new CD Consequence Of Sound, as well as songs from the five CDs they did together, including 1991’s Homebase, which spawned the Grammy-winning Summertime.  For the three weeks running up to the tour, the West Philly guys are rehearsing the tour in Philadelphia. There have been sightings of Will Smith running on Broad Street, and unfortunately for Jazzy Jeff, his car broke down on RT 95 near the Linc the other day as he was heading into town from the Wilmington area, where he lives.

Will
The Child Life, Education and Creative Arts Therapy Department at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Comcast NBCUniversal held a special screening of Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures’ animated film, “Despicable Me 3” while it is still in theaters. CHOP President and CEO Madeline Bell and Comcast Corporation Senior Executive Vice President David L. Cohen delivered opening remarks prior to the movie screening. Patients got to interact with Minions in the Hospital’s atrium. Following the screening, the movie was streamed into hospital rooms for patients who were unable to attend in-person.” (Photo provided)HD1_6279 (Custom)
I could write a whole blog on what’s happening on Walnut Street, this week bad news True Religion is going out of business after nearly 6 years at the Ritt Row location. The good news everything is 50% off. You can still buy them at Macy’s across from Broad Street.

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Will

On Thursday, August 10 the PSPCA will partner with 62 Chipotle locations throughout the Philadelphia area, Central Pennsylvania, and Southern New Jersey as part of their community giving efforts.

For the second consecutive year, Chipotle will invite customers to make eating a selfless act, by joining the fundraiser to support the PSPCA. Those who visit any Philadelphia or Central PA Chipotle on Thursday, August 10 from 10:45am-10pm, bring the below flier, show it on their smartphone or simply mention the fundraiser will have 50% of the proceeds from their meal donated to the PSPCA.

The participating locations will donate 50 percent of their sales from August 10 (10:45 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.) to the PSPCA’s life saving-mission when the fundraiser is mentioned at check out or the designated flier is presented via hard copy or smartphone.

Did PCC Photograph You This Week?

Photos: East Passyunk Car Show and Street Festival 2017

PHOTOS: Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop house hosts Sunset Soiree

The Gerald Henderson Charity Golf Invitational

Christmas In July At Stratus Rooftop Lounge

Amino Payments Official Launch

East Passyunk Car Show on PHL Biz Journal

Published on: Aug 5, 2017 @ 01:25am

Categories
Philadelphia

Where did the Trees Go at 17th and JFK, Happy Birthday Mimi, Ben Simmons,

Hello Thursday, August 3. Summer is slipping by, but we’ve had a lot of fun this year haven’t we?

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Let’s see what’s been going on around town.

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Sixers Ben Simmons headed to Rumor last night for SIPS After Dark.  Here he is with Legendary doorman with

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Nicole Brewer: T-1 week til I’m back on CBS Philly! It will be extraordinarily difficult to leave my little ones, but I know it will get easier. (Right?!?!) And I’ll have the support of my colleagues and friends, especially fellow Momma Kate Bilo. Thank God for girlfriends who just “get it.”

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Happy birthday to my niece Mimi Bateman. Here she is with my sister Crista and her hubby Michael.

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Missing something, seems the City removed the planters along JFK Blvd. Hope they’re going to do something about the mismatched
concrete, it looks ridiculous.

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And I hope they saved the trees as well. Where am I going to sit now, I guess I’ll go up to 18th and JFK they have a wall to sit on.
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Timberland opened a Tree Lab Experiential Store yesterday at their King of Prussia store.
The experiential Tree Lab concept store will feature carefully curated product collections and brand stories in a gallery-style setting that will completely change every six weeks.  Similarly to an art gallery. Hope it comes to the Center City store as well, I love that place.

Mimi
Congrats to Josh DeMarco who is a finalist in BehindTheChair’s “Haircut of the Year” competition.

FOOD PORN

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Looks like Lombard Cafe (700 Sansom St.) is nearly opened. Michael Klein wrote about it earlier this year.
Now when is PJ Clarke’s opening across the street at the Curtis Center?
I did stop by Craftsman Row around the corner for my favorite Buffalo Cauliflower last week.

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After the Car Show Sunday night, Mike and our friends headed to Barcelona Wine Bar on East Passyunk
What a surprise. The place was gorgeous, the staff was very nice, the food divine. Mike and I enjoyed the above dish Parrillada, which was $26.50 a person and so delicious.

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8-3-2017 10-06-55 AM (Custom)SUNDAY, AUGUST 6TH 2017 NOON to 10pm
http://www.2ndstfestival.org/

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Philadelphia

Pictorial: The 14th year Annual Singles Party at Union Trust

The 14th year Annual Singles formerly Philly Daily News Sexy Singles Party, was held last week at Union Trust.  The lineup this year included everyone from from your co-workers, fitness experts, to local radio and TV personalities.  This year the Daily News has dropped the Sexy moniker, although I would still call all the winners sexy for sure. The theme this year is “Fit is the new sexy.”

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For several days in July, the singles were featured in the Daily News, and occassionally they were featured on the cover of the paper .
Meisha Johnson, sexy, fit, single and the traffic gal at CBS3

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The place was packed when I arrived.

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Neshamah Keating and Lauren Holland

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Meredith West and Liz Bassallo

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The rules for being a Single is just not be married. There were several “singles” that came to the party with their significant others.

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Tracy and Steve Davis, the co-owners of Omega Optical with their crew.
Check out this article in the Phila Tribune about their recent milestone

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Meisha Johnson, Melony Roy and Dr. Jen Caudle Single
Lauren Simmonds, Jenice Armstrong – the genius behind the creation of Single Party and Christina Cleery

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Jeniece Armstrong, Cherri Gregg and Monica Burch

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Robert Hicks and Dr. Jen Caudle

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Fashion standout of the night
NazAarah Sabree wearing Chic Bella

Categories
Philadelphia

251 Dekalb Celebrates Families Everyday with Kidville

 251 Dekalb Celebrates Families Everyday with Kidville

The newly-opened 251 Dekalb is the result of an extensive five-phase, multi-million-dollar redevelopment project that brings five residential buildings, housing 641 apartments and totaling more than 769,000 square feet, to King of Prussia. Beautifully re-imagined, the upscale gated community offers residents a one-of-a-kind living experience combining unique, unparalleled amenities and convenient life-simplification services paired with vibrant, ultra-modern designs and sweeping panoramic views of the Montgomery County.

Kidville

 

The design is inspired by Art Deco’s geometric shapes, eclectic motifs, imagery and materials, and its features and technological upgrades are unique to Montgomery County. 251 Dekalb’s amenities and services cater to both the traditional and modern palates of King of Prussia’s busy consumer. Resident’s enjoy Jazz Sunday’s at the region’s first complimentary La Colombe™ Coffee Bar and kids rule at their own play space, exclusively by KidVille™.

 

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The Cashman Girls were on hand to check the guests into the first annual FUNFEST: WHERE KIDS ARE KING

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a private art gallery with rotating exhibits exclusively-curated by KMR Arts™, and wellness program featuring Technogym™ equipment expertly powered by Sweat Fitness™ will appeal to today’s progressive, sophisticated dweller.

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The event included Elmwood Park Zoo’s, “Zoo on Wheels”

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At Funfest there was face painting

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and everyone received a balloon animal

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Kids at 251 DeKalb also enjoy their own play space, exclusively by KidVille

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251 DeKalb collaborates with Sweat Fitness on programing for KidVille

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During Fun Fest the kids enjoyed art class

 

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And Little Baby’s Ice Cream

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Linda Thao, Frugal Philly Mom and family stopped by

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Philadelphia

Selfies, Signs and TShirts at 12th Annual Car Show and Street Festival

Selfies, Signs and TShirts at 12th Annual Car Show and Street Festival

Sunday was a winner as far as weather and certainly at the 12th Annual Car Show and Street Festival.

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I was there to capture it all. I sent a few photos to media outlets, and saved these fun ones for us.

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Always great to see Holly and Collin Keefe. They just got back from a dream vacation, that I once did, which was fly into Phoenix AZ, and drive to
Las Vegas via Sedona, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. – Jackpot!

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I think Diva and Noodles enjoyed the day.

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Vanessa Beahn, Brauhaus Schmitz  and Seth Power
Vanessa tells me the 2nd annual 23rd Armory Oktoberfest over Columbus Day Weekend with 4 sessions to choose from is coming up. Already 1,000 tickets have
been sold. Get yours HERE

 

 

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This guy created a drive in theater in the boot of his car

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For Sale
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I had dinner at the new eatery on East Passyunk – Barcelona last night. What a gorgeous space. The staff is super friendly, and the food is delicious.

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Marlo Dilks tells me all the coins collected in the video game at Punk Burger East Passyunk will
go to American Foundation of Suicide Prevention Philadelphia Chapter. Thanks

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Hang in there Friday is only 5 days away….

Categories
Philadelphia

#PCCBuzz Classic Cake Coming to Center City, Business Babes, Matchmaker Heaven & Joel Embiid

Good Sunday to you. It’s going to be a beautiful day. I’ll be shooting the East Passyunk Car Show & Street Festival from 1 PM til about 4PM so if you see me give me a shout and I’ll grab your photo. Earlier this week I went to Philly Style Mag Hot List Party, it was packed. Great times running into so many old friends, new friends and then there was the fashion. Friday I did a blog post on the people I saw who were stunning. Fashion has definitely evolved. I also ran into my buddy, Robert Bennett, head chef of Classic Cake.

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Here’s Robert with Emiliee Timko, working the delicious cake station at the Philly Style Mag Party. It’s always a running joke with Robert and I
whether I’m on my diet or not and am I going to have a sampling of his wares. This year I treated myself.
Congrats to Robert on his marriage to Dawn earlier this summer. Plus more great news for us Philadelphian’s as Classic Cake is
coming to Center City. Next February he is opening up a 4,000 sq ft bakery at 16th and JFK in Suburban Station, so folks living in the City
as well as commuting home can enjoy the former pastry chef at Le Bec-Fin’s delicious cakes and pastry’s. I can’t wait.

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Congrats to the ultimate Matchmaker Steve Ward, host of VH1’s Tough Love, who married long time girlfriend/fiance Madison Pard on July 22.  An established model, Madison has taken Steve’s name and is now know as Madison Ward.
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Never photo shy for his pal legendary doorman TeeFish, Joel Embiid stopped by Rumor again this week.Classic
Excited to announce that beginning this August, StreetsDept.com will begin offering monthly street art walking tours guided by me, Conrad Benner. First up, the Spring Arts/Eraserhood neighborhood, where a TON of great street art and pop-up murals are happening right now! (Get tickets.)

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The Business Babes LLC. is a professional digital marketing and online resource agency developed to assist entrepreneurs and professionals in their efforts to manage and monetize their brands. Honorees Include Berlinda Garnett, Emmy Award Winning Producer for Fox29; Deirdre Childress, Strategic Communications Manager at the Pennsylvania Convention Center; WHYY Reporter Annette John-Hall; CBS3 Anchor and Reporter Rahel Solomon; Midday Talent on WRNB FM and Operations Manager at Radio One Karen Vaughn; Tweety Elitou, Lifestyle Writer at BET & Lifestyle Editor at PYNK Magazine; Haniyyah Sharpe-Brown,Communications Manager for Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown; and Elizabeth Wellington, Fashion Columnist at the Philadelphia Inquirer. ClassicThe power of the internet. This dropped off of someone’s truck Friday night, and by Saturday afternoon the owner was found via this post shared nearly 5ks times.