Philly Chit Chat

 Christina Cassiday and Crystal Hayes both of Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

Kelly Devine, Brownstone PR, Zabeth
Teelucksingh, Global Philadelphia Association and Elise,

Ben Franklin and his doppelganger with Elise and Kelly from Brownstone PR

Megan Smith, Brownstone PR and

Khaila
Edward Communications Manager of Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

Angela, Darwin and Angel

Jack Ferguson,  President & CEO The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, Larry Giuffra  Replica Creative, Michael Connor, Danielle Cohn, VP Marketing & Communications PHLCVB, Jacob Alvarez, Replica Creative

Council people: Blondell Reynolds Brown, Marian Tasco, James Kenney and Cindy Bass

Kathryn Ott Lovell  Executive Director at Fairmount Park Conservancy and Andrew Love, Temple University School of Tourism

Gina Harrigan and Evan Evans both of Le Meridien hotel

Philly-opoly is based on having fun with young people. Our goal is that
all children and families who need CHOP’s services will one day be able
to visit these great Philadelphia destinations and enjoy themselves
without the worries of illness. Seth Birch and Matthew Williams – 2010 Solutions

WELCOME BACK Tidbits: Onesies Party, Bernie Robbins Closes, and a loss

 Craig Spitzer and Erin Elmore hosted a “Onesie” party at their house in Rittenhouse Square. Lots of friends, and friends with kids attended including Kristin Detterline, Philly Style Magazine

 So fun, sad I missed it, I spent the night at home with Mike and Chinese food.

 Mole Street Productions put on a vintage fun party at the Independence Seaport Museum

 The Bernie Robbins jewelery store at the Borgata closed for good on New Year’s Eve. You might recall that last summer the store was held up and over $200k worth of merchandise was taken.

 Oh there’s a couple tables left over from the Transformer movie filmed here a few years back. They reside rain, snow and wind in the courtyard at City Hall.

 Nick Pytel

 Christmas morning wasn’t happy for the Marrone family

after husband, teacher, friend, father, artist Todd Marrone lost his battle, to live.

So honored to be invited to Doc & Kate’s wedding, which occurred on 11/30/13, but you know me i got behind in my blogging with all the events. Here is the gorgeous day.

 

Kate and Doc Parghi

Doc and his mother

several young women performed traditional Indian dances

Katie, Kate and Katie did the limbo at one point

Thank you to the Penns Landing Corp for inviting Mike and I to your party again this year. So awesome to watch the fireworks from the Chestnut Mall.

Josh Gordon and Julia Greenberger, with mom and dad Greta Greenberger and Deputy Mayor Alan Greenberger

Monica Williams, Ron Allen, Jymm Mitchell and Sam Lewis

Fireworks from our terrace in Fairmount (with a long lens). In the past we’ve had parties, but this year decided on low key. 

How about these gigantic Eagles placards at the Phila Art Museum. Plus I love the four peeps walking down the stairs in their New Year’s Day finest.

I love that moms, dads and kids and everyone can be in the mummers parade now. It definitely saved it.

So adorable. Thank you to the Mummers who put in so much work to put on a show for us.

*UGH #Fail #WHY Someone go find him and ask him please?
I was completely shocked that this guy wore blackface in the Mummers
Parade. It’s 2014, WTF. The mummers are a beloved tradition who have
evolved into a very inclusive organization. Women, people of all
nationalities, GLBTQ march in the parade today. Why this guy chose to
wear blackface is anybody’s guess. Doesn’t he have any friends? Even if
he’s lacking values, aren’t there rules about this? I did think long and
hard before I tweeted this photo out yesterday as I didn’t want anyone
to paint a broad brush and blame all the mummers, but it wasn’t me who
wore black face in public, but it is me who says this has to stop, so I
published it.

Thanks to Sugar House Casino for using our ie my losses to fund the Mummers and so many other great events in Philadelphia. You don’t have to, and they would still go, but you do and that’s great.

This series could be called “What Happened Next.”

I asked them if they’d like me to take the photo with their camera, then one with mine. Everything went well

opps then that equilibrium kinda went whacked

Frank Rizzo with a murse

everyone got a smile out of it

except her

Turkey Hill was giving out free ice cream, and even if it’s 35F out people like free, and ice cream. Here’s Tim and Mike enjoying a bite.

So fun

He put on his head for me w/o asking, and struck a pose. That was awesome

Chris Konopka goalkeeper for Toronto FC of Major League Soccer and boyfriend of Maria Papadakis. We were all just down in AC over the weekend at the Borgata enjoying David Guetta and celebrating Maria’s bday. We had a delicious dinner at Michael Schulson’s Izakaya restaurant too.

The Union League always has a nice crowd out front. I decided I didn’t want to navigate through the crowds and would hit up a party at the Ritz Residence. Sorry Kimmel Center, I never made it down to your resolution wall. My resolution is to be more present, more authentic, and continue to promote the good, and not too bad, in Philly. Looking for nominations.

High Fives are always welcomed

Thanks to Tania Schade and Marc Schade, Realtor at Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., for inviting us to their party, three years in a row now. That’s a tradition.

Anna and Lisa

The gals

Jenny, Tania, Moi, Mike and Evan Thanks to Giovanni for taking the photo.
Finally thanks to you PCC total views for 2013 – 1.7 million. An increase of 350,000 over 2012.

The RHONJ are about as real as the wrastling my grandpop watched when I was a kid. Here’s Melissa Gorga and her sister in law, Teresa “I’m not going to Jail without a fight” Giudice (Giudice is charged with a staggering total of 41 counts of fraud and may be sent to prison with her husband Joe Giudice for a seriously long time.) These two are constantly portrayed as on again, off again fighting, but they’re laughing all the way to the bank, well at least one of them is. The other well they’re paying their past tax bill I hope.

carloscrazyself posted a photo of Melissa Gorga, Dina Manzo and three of the new Housewives Teresa and Nicole Napolitano and Amber Marchese at Royal Jelly. On Saturday, the gals filmed a scene on the casino floor, had dinner at Azure, then headed to HQ for a night of dancing. This is the 2nd time they’ve come to Revel Resorts to film scenes for the show. (I was just in AC this weekend, I stayed at the Borgata, had the best dinner at Michael Schulson’s Izakaya , but I have to say Revel Resorts is my number 1 stay, beautiful, new, (& new slots) and it doesn’t smell like smoke.)

Outlets will have you think that this season is the new vs the old, and their was a battle, and in this season that’s where the battles are going to stem from, especially since there is no longer a Melissa and Teresa feud “family has to stick together”.  We love to watch this train wreck, and until someone comes out with the script we continue to believe it’s reality.

You know what is real. Teresa Guidice and hubby Joe’s legal problems. It really is quite a shock that someone on a successful franchise as the Real Housewives series could have such financial problems, especially breakout star Teresa Guidice. Not since irritating Bethany has there been such an amazing entrepreneur than Teresa. I would much rather watch a talk show with Teresa than some kvetchy winey chick like Bethany. Anyway, sad to report that she’s down to hawking anything to keep her family afloat. I would support her. I’m sad to see her in such a pickle. I photographed her in October at a poorly promoted wedding expo at the Pa Convention Center, I even bought one of her cook books.

Sunday the cast checked out of Revel Resorts so Teresa and Joe could promote her new sparkling wine Fabellini at Bayway World of Liquors in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Nothing Fabellini about their lives lately. Best wishes to her and her strength in 2014
(A few of the pixs were taken from All Things Real Housewives)

During the meal someone at the restaurant tweeted to Taylor Swift thanking her for stopping in. Well you know the fans are all over twitter and following her. They saw that and hightailed it to the restaurant with mom in tow, some mom’s were in PJ’s. When Taylor’s peeps saw that she made a speedy exit through the kitchen, and was then escorted back to the Four Seasons with a 3 police motorcycle motorcade.

Because of the Film Tax Credit fiasco, we lost so many productions to other cities. The first one to return after nearly a year’s absence was Franny, starring Richard Gere. Where ever he went he was a true gentleman signing autographs and posing for photos.

Same goes for little Dakota Fanning and co-star Theo James. Although Theo isn’t an America star yet, he has a huge following and everyday his fans would write me on his whereabouts.

Justin Bieber fans waiting in the 100F weather at the Four Seasons for him, but he never showed up.

Justin Beiber was supposed to check into his the Four Seasons before his
concert Oh baby. Justin Bieber seems to be inventing more and more
creative ways to cause controversy. After jet skiing in Long Island,
then partying until the early morning hours on Tuesday night (July 18)
in New York City, he angered hotel staff at the Philadelphia Four
Seasons when he failed to show up after reserving 18 rooms. Justin
canceled the block of rooms, including the luxe Presidential Suite “at
the very last minute,” leaving behind a carton of pop rocks he demanded
be in his room. He said he was afraid of the Philly Paparazzi as an
excuse. (Justin Beiber Instagram). It’s ok, the kid has blown up his career. His movie failed, his CD failed, he’s in a nose dive surrounded by people who are sucking the air out of him. Hello Austin Mahone, take a look at Justin and do better.

 

The biggest Celebrity Moment in Philly, and one that went super viral….

Sad, Sad Drake – I chatted this up on Fox 29, then sent it over to my editor at PhillyMag.com, Brian Howard, who titled it. It went viral all over the world.
was staying at Hotel Monaco. When his concert was
cancelled, he headed back to the hotel bar where he ran into Laura
Roberts, who’s engaged to Eagles player Kurt Coleman. They asked him to
pose for a photo and he did. Recently I chatted with Laura and asked
her how the photo came about, she said that she and the gals were in the Vapor Room at Stratus Lounge. The powers that be came into the space and cleared it out except for their reserved party. Drake came in and they asked for a photo, and he was super nice and complied. And that’s how Sad Drake came about. Congrats to Laura Roberts and Kurt Coleman on their 2/7/14 wedding. (Laura Roberts and used by permission)

Don’t miss this year’s spectacular fireworks display over the Delaware River!

Best viewing spots: Penns Landing

Drive carefully, people get a little crazy near show time

ALSO

Franklin Square’s New Year’s Eve Countdown − A family-friendly version of the

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The Mummers are distictivly a Philadelphia Tradition, and I love them.

 Park for free at SugarHouse Casino and hop on the free Mummers Party
Bus! Departs from SugarHouse every hour on the hour starting at 10AM. Dress warmly.

Free Events & Get out of the Cold: Stop by the Kimmel Center for all day long

Kimmel
Center Hosts Annual

Wednesday, January 1, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

10:30 a.m. – 3:30
p.m.
Balloon Artist, Face Painter
and Philly Pholders
Bring the kids for balloon sculptures courtesy of Black Cat Balloon Company, face painting, and crafts for everyone to enjoy.


11am
Steve Pullara and The Cool Beans Band
Grammy Award®-winner Steve Pullara and his Cool Beans Band bring live
entertainment to the stage for the littlest music lovers! This
performance, part of our monthly PNC Grow Up Great program, will bring
music and story to life – entertaining parents and kids
alike.

I finally signed up for Instagram and I love it

http://instagram.com/phillychitchat#

 Family

I have nearly 15,000 twitter followers @iphillychitchat

It’s fun to meet them, and great when they tell me they ate somewhere, did something or saw something after I tweeted about it. Every time I tweet something it goes on all my SM outlets to a potential 22,000 peeps

Thanks to all my clients, I had the best year ever.

Thanks to PhillyMag, Philly.com, Liberty City Press, Fox 29 for giving me outlets to service.

Thanks to PhillyMag.com and CBS3 for doing stories on my work, oh and that viral video. It bumped my traffic up about 3,000 more eyes a day.
Check out my year end snaps & philanthropic young friends on PhillyMag.com

Thanks to those who let me use their online photos via instagram, twitter & FB. Here’s Sad Sad Drake at Laura Roberts bacherlorette party at Stratus Lounge. It became a national story. I had more than a handful of stories that went national/viral.
Car Drives Down Rocky Steps

Thanks to my tipsters. I appreciate your trust. Justin Bieber playing hooky from the 18 rooms he reserved at the Philly Four Seasons. Hope he paid for them.
So fun to break stories on Bloomingdales coming to the Gallery 
Pearl Properties buying up 19th and Chestnut Street, and so many 
more fun stories… including celeb sightings like Taylor Swift & her $500 tip 

one of the best events of the year – Diner en Blanc

Ben Stango with Rachel Hodas. Most possibly our mayor one day. One thing I know for sure, he’s interested in the commonwealth of Pa., and is one of the good guys.

 Theater Confetti had one of the most innovated, interesting and creative parties this year. The event was  Co–artistic directors of Theatre Confetti Bi Jean Ngo and Nicole Paloux (r) who tapped Creme Design to create the atmosphere which filled the room with balloons and streamers. There was also a lot of tantalizing tastes and entertainment. Check out the night here.

 It was a Great Gatsby year. One of the first parties of the year with that theme was Amber Goins birthday party, here with then fiance, now husband Pedro Gomes. The party was held in one of the ballrooms at Hotel Monaco.

Amber Goins and  Pedro Gomes. I couldn’t make it to their wedding, it was my mom’s 70th bday.

Thanks Replica. They do all my printing and had my first photo exhibit, back in February. All my girls were there.

One of the best events held annually is definitely the Philadelphia Dancing With The Stars event, that benefits the Sickle Cell Anemia. 

Founded by Megan Smith, Brownstone PR.

The first generation of PhillyChitChat girls. Nicole Cashman, Lauren Colabelli, Sabrina Tamburino Thorne, Tempa Berish, Erin Elmore, Carol Tamburino and Kristin Foote

Jimmy and Johari Rollins and baby Camryn

I loved the Rittenhouse Square Ball anniversary ball this year

Story of the year – Joan Shepp’s store moves off of Walnut Street to The Shops of Liberty Place

Sarah van Aken closes her eco-sustainable clothing store to pursue personal endeavors. Sal D’Angelo survives a life threatening accident, and Elaine Graber re-meets the man of her dreams.

Always one of my favorite event’s The Conservancy Gala

The Radnor Hunt

Anne Hamilton chaired a really fun event called Art After Dark: All That Glitters gala, here with David Schwartz, of Sophy Curson, and Jim Miller.

Marilyn Russell judged the City of Hope’s Let Them Eat Cake competition at the Merion in SJ. This year it’s 4/7 at the Doubletree

Maria Papadakis looks for her prince at the PHS Flower Show

The NAACP Mayor’s Ball – Lisa Nutter – Best Dressed

The dress that started a conversation. Kate Beaver at the Hair of the Dog. Let’s see what you have to top this?

Heidi and Cole Hamels at the Academy Ball. If you buy your ticket today, you are entered into a contest for a pair of tickets.

 Best Dressed Couple: Joe Weiss and Sharon Pinkenson

2nd runner up Cindy and Larry Wanerman

Top Chefs are always a great subject. The Lemon Ball is coming up.

On Sunday night, after the 1983 Sixers were honored at the Wells Fargo in a celebration of their championship season, Julius “Dr. J” Erving
was honored by his family at a private party held at the Stratus Lounge
at Hotel Monaco Philadelphia. Family and friends flew in from around
the country to celebrate this special night. Pictured: Moses Malone, Stedman Graham, Dr. J, Reggie Johnson, and Clemon Johnson.
The Johnson brothers were excited to be back in Philly and feel the
love of the great Philadelphia fans. The first thing they did when they
got to town was to run to the Reading Terminal to eat a cheesesteak.

Anytime Suzanne Roberts is at an event I know I’m at the right event. (Saw her at PIFA, also at Feastival)

 My mid century birthday party w/150 of my closest friends, really. It was hard to exclude people, but I go to events every night and I hate a packed house.

 my sisters and Matt Ray

 Jade Starling

The Photo Booth Photos, so love…

My 2014 New Year’s Resolution. More of the same, promoting the good in Philly, the people, events. Photographing the hottest events, but being selective. I’m always sad when I can’t cover something, and six years in, there are 1000 percent more events than when I started.

Learning to say no. Sleeping more. 

Being creative. I’m excited for several projects with new clients. 

I am very grateful to have your trust.

I am grateful to have today.

I am grateful.

So honored to be honored by so many this year. Replica, The Palm putting my mug up on their wall, The Do-Gooder’s Inaugural Innovation Award for charity doings ie promotion and then 

in December the Linda Creed Volunteer of the Year Award.

Becoming a mentor in January 2013, and convincing him that he should write about men’s fashion since it was obvious he knew men’s fashion, especially those pocket squares he tied around his neck.  It’s rewarding to see where he is today with his career, one year later with a column in Racked Philly, Philly Current, Details magazine and something to announce very soon. It was fun to be a mentor, but we became friends too so that was nice; Plus I get to see life as a 21 year old again, except Ian is much more focused than I ever was.

My friends, I am blessed to have the friends who protect my soul. I admire them for their success in their fields, while still maintaining amazing friendships with women, some who are competitors.  I love that my IncHUGHbator, where I hosted a gathering of PR, Media and business owners in May, was a huge success. The mission bring professionals in business 3 years or less, teach them about media placements, and introduce them to peers in hopes they would work together on projects to better Philadelphia. It worked, as all of them do partner on projects. I will be having another one in the Spring, if you would like to come or you know someone who should be on the list email me.

2014 – Happy 20 Years Together Mike. Let’s Get Married, I bet Brian Sims can get it done in Pennsylvania.

I mean really, Utah has legalized Same Sex Marriage before Pa, crazy!