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Philadelphia

Photos: Eddie Bruce and the Philly Pops – Also Sunday The Philly Pops Holiday Show

I’m a little behind as you know…

Eddie Bruce opened for the Philly POPS at the Kimmel Center and invited
his supporters for a cocktail reception prior to his debut on October
11, 2013. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, proceeds went to
support Breast Health International Fund for Living Program.
Ellen Lee, Eddie Bruce, and Lynn Honickman

 Lou Rose, Claire Rose, Annette Simmons, and Alan Simmons
 Gary Gremminger, Lisa McGraw, Shelley Schwartz and Gordon Schwartz; Founders of Foundation for Breast and Prostate Health
 Brian Kappra and Cissy Block
Jeffrey and Margie Honickman

Eddie Bruce and Maestro Michael Krajewski

Bottom Photo by Sharla Feldscher

The Philly POPS’ concerts appeal to all musical tastes! This
one-of-a-kind orchestra performs with playful sophistication as
audiences respond with unbridled enthusiasm. There’s no doubt about it –
POPS concerts are all about having fun! Holiday Show: 12/11 – 12/21

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Philadelphia

Wednesday Night Fun Parties (The 157th Anniversary Concert , Shop to You Drop, SAVA, Avance), People, fun, and Bruce Springsteen

Busy, busy, busy Wednesday.  First I headed over to Barnes & Noble to see my old celebrity photographer friend Debra Rothenberg, who was having a meet & greet for her new book “Bruce Springsteen In Focus 1980‑2012

 Tonight she’s at University of Pennsylvania Bookstore, Dec. 12

Last night at the The Nicole Miller store in Philadelphia held it’s annual Men’s Night Out. This year it benefited The 157th Anniversary Concert and Ball, Young Friends co-chairs Christie Honigman of The Honigman Group
and Brian Lipstein – Henry A. Davidsen, of the Young Friends of the
Academy of Music were on hand to chat about the upcoming Academy Ball.

The 157th Anniversary Concert and Ball will take place on
Saturday, January 25, 2014. Philadelphia’s premier annual white-tie gala
will celebrate this iconic building’s 157th birthday, while
contributing to the restoration and preservation of the national
historic landmark.
 
 Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The
Philadelphia Orchestra along with special guest artist Jill Scott will
dazzle attendees with a spectacular evening of  music, dining, and
dancing.



 Guests enjoyed bites from The Palm, Jose Garces and treats from DiBruno’s

There were plenty of great gifts on hand for the gentleman to pick out for the ladies in their lives.

In addition to items for themselves.
Natasha Hill and Allegra Yanelli

Have you seen these great ties, hankies and boxers with different logos of Philadelphia on them?

 Society Photographer Susan Scovill poses with husband Dr Curtis Scovill. Thanks to Susan for covering the Linda Creed Luncheon last week where they honored me as Volunteer of the Year. Check out the Photos Here.

Jeff Kellmer was on hand to show off his collection of jewels. Did you know every Friday in December, Kellmer Jewelers has a trunk show with specials for you to choose from. I was in their showroom a few weeks back. It’s discrete, and very personable for all your purchases. 510 W Lancaster Ave, Haverford

Former Gov Ed Rendell, picks out something nice for daughter in law Beka, as son Jesse Rendell looks on.
Justine Haemmerta, Jennifer Bisicchia of Jason Matthew Salon, and Leanne Shaeffer – They tell me there’s no such thing as a bad gift, as everything can be re-gifted.

 

Philly Style Magazine’s John Colabelli stopped by.

Purchases bought at Nicole Miller can be wrapped on the spot!!
Tonight the Nicole Miller store in Nicole MillerManayunk
is hosting their Men’s Night Out. Won’t you stop by?
In their year long commitment to the Young Friends organization, this is
co-chair Christie Honigman’s and Brian Lipstein’s third fundraiser to raise additional funds for the Restoration
Project of the Academy of Music.

Then it was off to the Donors are Heroes “Drop til You Drop” shopping along Chestnut Street between 17th and 18th Streets. The kick off store was Knit Wit where I found.
Don and Renee Freeman
and fun clothing like these matching Peace shirt and gloves.
Cati & Carla at South Moon Under
Nigel Richards, Nicole Cashaman and Danielle Hershman
Lynsie Solomon who came up with the concept for the event.

On my way through town I saw a very crowded SAVA as the days wind down before Sarah Van Aken  closes shop and moves on to her next chapter. i can tell you she is very excited.

 SA VA’s FINAL FAREWELL Fall/Winter Clearance $25 Spring 2014 Samples 30% off We are closing Friday at 7p.m.

Then I stopped by the new Avance restaurant where I found Owner Chris Scarduzzio and co-partner of Avance Craig Spitzer hosting one of the opening parties.
Chris gave me a tour of the space, and it’s beautiful, very modern and there are vertical gardens flanking the walls.
I liked the kitchen a lot, and the clever window on the staircase where you can peak inside.
The downstairs bar is HOT, and not just because I found these cuties there.
Erin Elmore, Danielle Krupa, Tara Murphy, Monique Crawford and Cindy Calliro.
I see myself hanging out here on many nights after i shoot events, or at the Sporting Club, I really need to get my exercise on.
The wine cellar is on the main floor, and also houses the only remnant left from Le Bec Fin, this beautiful crystal chandelier.
I then jetted to Ocean Prime for the After Party for Shop til You Drop
The food was delicious, as always.
On my way back home I happened by Chris DiGeorge and Heather Lee were up from Florida for the holidays and hanging out with friends including John Westrum, at the Happy Rooster. Whew, that’s it for today, but we still have 10 days left for Christmas and a whole slew more of parties. Then I will be trying to catch up on the blog posts before we complete the year.
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Philadelphia

I received this email this week asking if I’d like to tour the “Charmin” bathrooms at the Army/Navy Game on Saturday:

I received this email this week asking if I’d like to tour the bathrooms at the Army/Navy Game on Saturday:

In case you were planning to cover this
weekend’s Army-Navy game, I wanted to introduce myself and share some news
about an event we’ll be sponsoring on game day in Philly.

Despite having a long standing rivalry,
there’s one issue uniting Army and Navy on game day – a universal hatred
of the port-a-potty!  Those stinky, oppressive blue boxes are the
bane of tailgating fans across the country.

On Saturday (December 14),  Charmin
toilet paper is bringing a better bathroom experience to one of the biggest
college rivalries – the annual Army-Navy game.  The “Charmin
Relief Project” is teaming up with Tailgate for Troops, a non-profit
focused on increasing the morale and welfare of active duty service members/veterans,
to bring state-of-the-art restrooms to tailgaters at the annual Army-Navy
game in Philadelphia.

The “Charmin Relief Project” will provide
20 clean and fresh-smelling portable restrooms, equipped with Satellite
TV and custom lighting fixtures for tailgaters to enjoy before the game.
 

In addition to providing “relief” to
tailgaters, Charmin will be donating $10,000 to Tailgate for
Troops.

Let me know if you would like to get a
behind the scenes look at the restrooms on December 14 in Philadelphia.
 I’m happy to talk and share more info! (Hmm I can’t make it as I’m going to tour the Fairmount Park Holiday House Tours, but I found a video of one used earlier this year. So funny too.)

There’s a contest you can enter for a bathroom make over too. 

Categories
Philadelphia

Tuesday’s Snow Day Photos – Did He Just Pop the Question?

Tuesday’s snow was one of the best. Light, flaky and stayed on the branches. That snow always makes for the most picturesque shots. Then as I was out and about, the sun broke through the clouds, another rarity for someone that has free time to go out and shoot.

So often when I had a 9 – 5 job, I would sneak out early to capture these shots, or show up at work a couple hours later, or just angst away wondering will there be any scenes to capture after the close of the work day.
Would there be virgin snow, or would it have been trampled. I was pleasantly surprised there was hardly anyone out between 2 & 5PM
  there wasn’t enough snow on the front of the art museum steps,
 so people took to the back hills
by any means necessary

So many choices for Christmas and Holiday Cards next year. I think I need to go back to creating photo greeting cards. That was so much fun.

 Definitely my favorite photo of the day

 Something I noticed at the top of the Art Museum Steps. On the far left they cleared the steps all the way down to the street for guests, then in the center of the steps they cleared it for
 the Rocky imprints so tourist could stand where he stood and take photos or feel the Eye of the Tiger

 I love how the gal is just sitting on the bench reading her book
 Everyone in this photo is either taking a photo or just took a photo

 OMG I was so excited was he going to pop the question
I love you, I love you too, let’s take a selfie to remember this moment!
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Philadelphia

Please Help: COOK to help ease the pain of the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines – 12/11 and 1/20

There are two important fundraisers to help ease the pain of the devastation caused by
Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. 100% of money raised during the
efforts detailed below will be donated directly to the Gawad Kalinga Fund, a poverty empowerment organization that is spearheading relief efforts on the ground.

First of all, a HUGE thanks to Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Southern Wine & SpiritsThe Wine MerchantVintage ImportsDock Street Brewing Company and Gelmarc Distributors for generously donating products and support for these events!
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11, 12PM- UNTIL WE RUN OUT @ COOK (253 S. 20TH ST.): It’s Filipino takeout time at COOK! Chef Lou will be preparing “silog”-style boxed lunches, featuring your choice of beef, chicken, eggplant with eggs, fried rice, lumpia, flan and sago. Meals will be $12, first-come first-served. CASH ONLY, but we will also have laptops open for you to donate directly to Gawad Kalinga
 
Buy Tickets for this event 1/20/14:
MONDAY, JAN. 20, 5PM, 7PM, 9PM @ COOK (253 S. 20TH ST.): Chef Lou, who has hosted three hit Filipino pop-ups at COOK, is at it again, with 100% of the money going to Filipino relief. He’s doing a four-course modern Filipino meal, complete
with beverage pairings, for $75 a head (tax/tip included). Three
seatings, at 5, 7 and 9. Reservation info will be available via audreyclairecook.com on Monday, Dec. 16 — but you can get first crack at tix by visiting the 12/11 lunch pop-up!
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Philadelphia

The Shops of Liberty Place Tree Lighting with the Nutcraker Performance and Santa – Holiday events all month long

I know you can’t be everywhere, so I try and be. Last week there were so many Christmas Tree Lighting events. I covered a bunch and will share the links to several others at the bottom. Right now here’s the Shops of Liberty Place. This year they had their first ceremony with Santa and an amazing performance from the Philadelphia Dance Studio where the dancers did snippets from the Nutcracker.

The Shops of Liberty Place have 50 stores under one roof. 16th & Chestnut Streets

The Shops at Liberty Place Holiday Choir Performances

December 3rd-December 19th, Mall Hours

Each year The Shops at Liberty Place invites local schools in
the Greater Philadelphia area to perform in the Rotunda during the month
of December. Below are the following schools performing this holiday
season!

Wednesday, December 4th at 12pm: Friends Central School Upper School Orchestra
Wednesday, December 11th at 12pm: Upper Perkiomen “A” Choir
Wednesday, December 11th at 1pm: Belmont Hills Elementary School Street Singers
Thursday, December 12th at 12pm: Frankford Friends School Choir
Wednesday, December 18th at 12pm: Harriton High School Jazz Ensemble
Thursday, December 19th at 1pm: Hatboro-Horsham HS Madrigal Singers

Army Navy Pep Rally

12/13/2013 12-1pm

The Shops at Liberty Place will be host the Army-Navy Pep Rally
on Friday, December 13th from 12pm-1pm in the Rotunda! This huge city
event will include cadets, cheerleaders and band members from each
academy to entertain the lunchtime crowd.

Philadelphia Ronald McDonald Gift Wrap Station

December 16th-24th, Mall Hours

Join the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House
for their annual Gift Wrap Station at The Shops at Liberty Place. From
December 16th-24th during mall hours, Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House
Volunteers will be bringing holiday cheer and provide gift wrap for all
SLP patrons.

The Gift Wrap Station will be located on the first floor of the mall
in Space 105. All proceeds from the gift wrap station will benefit the
PRMH.

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Philadelphia

Free Movie Tickets: Zarwin Baum Movie Screening Series 12/17/13 – The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

On Tuesday, December 17, Zarwin Baum<http://www.zarwin.com/>
is offering a free advance screening of the yet to be released movie,
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, starring and directed by Ben Stiller
and starring Kristen Wiig.
This film is rated PG. Official Website: http://www.waltermitty.com/
 Seats are limited; so if you wish to attend, please immediately RSVP to Kristy Kroll at movie@zarwin.com
(PCC Client)
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Philadelphia

No Reservation hosted a Reservation Lunch at Ocean Prime Last Week

New York Times best-selling humorist Josh Piven (l) (Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook) gives theater audiences a best-case scenario this holiday season with the World Premiere of No Reservations at
Adrienne Theater. Piven trades the volcanoes, quicksand, and alligator
wrestling for holiday survival among the mistletoe, scrapple, and
paparazzi.

 

Penned by the author of The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook and directed by Allison Heishman (center sitting) (Artistic Associate at Azuka Theater) , the production runs November 26 through December 15, 2013 at Skybox @ The Adrienne Theater
The ensemble cast of Philadelphia favorites features Jared Michael
Delaney, Wendy Staton, Brian McCann, Mary Beth Shrader, Colleen Corcoran
and Brandon Pierce. Tickets are available now for $18 to $25 at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/449685. (Source)

Last Sunday there was a media cocktail party held at Ocean Prime in Center City before we all headed over to see the play. Aversa Pr’s Sarah and Dana checked in the guests.

Adam Hayal and Nate Olyugle
Josh Piven and Robin Bloom,  WHYY 
Robert Mendelson, Phila Tribune Photographer and blogger from  LeAnne, Tinsel & T
Robin Austin getting the scoop for Tony Bruno
Have you tried the calamari at Ocean Prime, some of the best.
Jason and Marlo Dilks of Slice Pizza
Maggie Grittin-Smith and Jarod Delaney
crab cakes
sliders
Jamyra Perry (Finished Christmas shopping online) and Yael Johnson
Amanda and Geoffrey Gambier
Retired New Jersey Superior Court Judge, Victor Friedman and writer Sally Friedman
Nathan Lerner, Montgomery County News
Sandy Smith, Philadelphia Real Estate blog

Kory Aversa, Aversa PR introduces author Josh Piven to the crowd.


 Mike and I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Mike laughed continuously, as did the three ladies in the front row, who reminded me of my grandmother. It’s a fun and funny show, you’ll enjoy.

The cast of No Reservation. Check out Miss A’s review here.
WHEN: December 11th – 15th, 2013
2:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8 p.m. showtimes.
WHERE:
Skybox at the Adrienne Theater
2030 Sansom Street, 3rd Floor
Philadelphia, Pa 19103
Ph: 215-567-2848
TICKETS:
$18 to $25 tickets. Please click here for tickets.
– See more at:
http://askmissa.com/2013/12/09/holiday-comedy-reservations-adrienne-theater-philadelphia-needs-fixed/#sthash.rp0Xdr4K.dpuf
WHEN: December 11th – 15th, 2013 2:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8 p.m. showtimes.  WHERE: Skybox at the Adrienne Theater 2030 Sansom Street, 3rd Floor Philadelphia, Pa 19103 Ph: 215-567-2848  TICKETS: $18 to $25 tickets. Please click here for tickets.

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Philadelphia

WIN TWO TICKETS TO SEE THE CHARMS OF FAIRMOUNT PARK (GIVING AWAY 3 SETS OF 2 TICKETS For 12/12 – 12/15)

WIN TWO TICKETS TO SEE THE CHARMS OF FAIRMOUNT PARK (GIVING
AWAY 3 SETS OF 2 TICKETS)

The Historic Holiday House Tours showcase the Charms of
Fairmount Park (Cedar Grove, Laurel Hill, Lemon Hill, Mount Pleasant,
Strawberry Mansion, Sweetbriar and Woodford). Tour the six gorgeous houses this
weekend (Dec. 12-15) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Use the Complimentary Pass
(pictured below) to see all six locations. Enjoy the historic houses on your
own time, but don’t worry about missing out on information shared during guided
tours. Hosts are at each location to answer questions and talk about the
uniqueness of each house. Historically inspired recipe cards will be available
at each house, too. Also free parking!
Want to tour the Charms of Fairmount Park? Click on the
Rafflecopter widget below. You can tweet about the ticket contest and follow
@iPhillyChitChat on Twitter to enter. Contest runs until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday,
December 10th. All winners are selected at random through the widget.
Tickets must be picked up at the desk at 2401 Pennsylvania Ave before Dec. 15th.
For more information on the tours visit ParkCharms.com. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Philadelphia

MY SNOW DAY or MY WALK TO THE SOUTH STREET TREE LIGHTING, and THEN BACK HOME – First Snow 2013

Jewelers Row (visit my advertiser Safian & Rudolph at 7th & Sansom)

 Christmas Village at Love Park
 4PM 15th & Market – The snow took everyone by surprise. I didn’t see one snow/salt plow on my walk from the Art Museum all the way to the South Street Tree Lighting.
 so surprised how many people on bikes were able to navigate the roads, especially the food delivery guys. My hat is off to you.

 It’s still Fall technically

 Kahn Park at 11th and Pine
 Alley off 11th near South Street

  The Magic Garden on South street, I was making my way down to the tree lighting.

 The best shoveled walkways were Planned Parenthood
Spruce Food Market
 
 the 300 block of Camac Street
The Union League

 
Mercato and Del Frisco’s also had nice clean sidewalks

 Rittenhouse Square

 Last night I covered the South Street Tree Lighting with Santa. The column should be up at Philly.com shortly. I’ll link it here.