Earth Day, A little help for Spring-cleaning and getting rid of electronic clutter

Electronic recycling from EFORCE, www.eforcecompliance.com

Ask those who love me how I do with cleaning, and they may reply, “Marcie has some trouble there,” or “Marcie’s place is a friggin mess.” Sadly a major paradox of my life is that I love neat, tidy, and warm spaces and yet I am thrown into a panic at the thought of cleaning. I avoid, I fret, I poor a class of wine, maybe write a blog post… and I find better things to do than keep my home clean and decluttered. Now there are several things that do end up helping me, one of which is having the knowledge that things I get rid of will go to a new home or be properly broken down and recycled.

       Electronic items often pose difficulty here, as most thrift shops won’t take them and I am loathed to add them to waste in landfills. Happily, for those of us in Philly and the surrounding areas there is EFORCE recycling. They accept and will recycle any items that can be battery operated or plugged in. They sponsor events in both the public and private sectors, and there are a slew of free collections happening over the next several months! Notably, Whole Foods in Devon (April 28^th) and Jenkintown  (April 129^th) will be holding collections this upcoming weekend, and WXPN will be hosting one May 4^th. Go ahead, declutter your life and rest assured your electronic items are being responsibly recycled and broken down! Celebrate Earth Day and your new freedom from electronic clutter!

Items EFORCE accepts:

Electronics, batteries, lamps, mercury devices, furniture and equipments, paper, bottles, cardboard, and glass 

10, 9, 8 76ers!

Last night my boyfriend took me to see the 76ers play the Utah Jazz. It was not so much a date as it was an opportunity for me to witness a guys' night out. So out of place was I that one fan assumed I was the designated driver of the group.

I haven't been to a sixers game since I was 16. Allen Iverson was the star of the team then. Now people love Andre Iguodala. Say that name aloud - Andreiguodala. It just rolls off the tongue. 

Plus, look at this cute logo. It's nice and retro. It reminds me of converse hightops and those basketball socks that approach your kneecaps. I approve of the new (since 2009) jerseys. When it comes to logo design less is more:

Too much going on here: this logo is lame 1997-2009

Allen Iverson is happier in retro chic block letters.

Basketball is my favorite game to watch. I like sports where the ball is in play close to 100% of the time, and scoring happens every 20 seconds. AND I played third string point guard in junior high, so clearly the sport is dear to my heart. 

At these games you enter into another universe, where giant men hold giant balls upside down in the palm of one hand. Smaller men dunk baskets as they flip off trampolines. Toddlers, teens and grown women do slutty dancing for MY entertainment. Welcome to Comcast Country, as the sign above the court reads. 

Hearing the 76ers oldschool anthem was definitely a highlight in an evening full of highlights. I can't decide if I prefer the oldschool song or G. Love's nineties interpretation (ahhh halter tops and brown makeup - very Friends-esque).    








The 76ers beat the Jazz, 104-91.  I'm not even going to pretend to be able to interpret the game. For more information, I refer you to sportshouting.

Confession of total ignorance: I thought the Jazz were from LA or at least somewhere more Jazzy than Utah. I was grateful when a friend pointed out that the Jazz were originally a New Orleans team, which makes a lot more sense.  

I hope to get to another game this year. The Phillies have all the attention lately, but I think the Sixers are way cooler. 

-Melissa

“Leap Day comes around every four years, but a girl like you only once in a life time.”

This is real life! Actor Dan Hodge kissing his new fiance, Krista, at the end of Wednesday's "The Mousetrap."

 I am a huuuuge Agatha Christie fan, and for those of you who happen to be under ninety who probably aren’t familiar with the delightful Dame Aggie, she happens to be the most published author of all time!{check out her books here!} Quintessentially British, she wrote in the post WWI era, and penned delightfully wry and astute observations of human nature throughout her works. 

       Philly’s Walnut Street Theater is rapping up their rendition of her murder mystery The Mouse Trap, with their last show being March 4^th. This play just  happens to be, “the longest running show of any kind, in the world,” and Wednesday, the elusive February 29th, Melissa, my sister Tegan, and I sat in the cheap seats (ten bucks!) for this delightful “who dun it.”    Walnut St’s rendition was solid. And, I must say it was a joy and a delight to spend time with two of my favorite gals and be pulled into quaint 1950’s England- it’s looks,  humor, words, mannerisms, and murders (their murders of course being allot more civilized than ours…)

        At the curtain call the actors of course requested we keep the secret of the identity of our diabolical murderer, and of course I will. But one surprise I must share! Wednesday night’s audience was treated to an event I suppose those who go for the remaining performances shall not get to see- the proposal of Dan Hodge (who played Giles Ralston) to his totally shocked and thrilled girlfriend, Krista! The crowd was equally wooed as Mr. Hodge got on one knee and declared, “Leap Day comes around every four years, but a girl like you only once in a life time.” As if the crowd could have loved the couple more, they promptly dropped the ring and upon recovering it, both remained on one knee. Love, delightful love, and an ending Aggie would have been proud of! Go check it out while there’s still time! 

                             *Marcie

When he reached for his ticket, his hand grazed mine....

Krisy Plourde, center left, and Tom Golden, center right, kiss after they were married on the “Love Train,” a SEPTA elevated train festively-decorated for Valentine's Day, on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011 in Philadelphia. The train toured the Mural Arts Program’s “Love Letter” project by artist Stephen Powers. (AP Photo/Philadelphia Daily News, David Maialetti) from Washington Tmes article, http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/feb/13/the-science-of-valentines-day/?page=all

 I was flipping through the Metro today and my eyes rested on page four, where an add in the bottom right of the page caught me eye, and got me get all sappy. It asked, “Did you meet your sweetheart on SEPTA”? For the record, no I didn’t. Ben and I actually met while bustin' a move at The 700 Club, BUT I loooooove the idea of SEPTA romances! (For you non-Philly folks, SEPTA stands for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority). Instead of our eyes meeting on the dance floor, I’m starting to wish I could begin our love story with the phrase, “As he reached for his ticket, his hand grazed mine….”

     I hope some of you reading this met your Mister or Miss Right on the rails (or the bus, or the trolley, or the subway)! Please tell me about it and more importantly submit your story to  SEPTA Love Stories! 

                 The fourteen winning couples will get a free ride on a decorated Market Frankford line train, with a great view of the Mural Arts Program’s “Love Letter.” Then you’ll get to go to a champagne reception in downtown Philly. Submissions and votes are open until February 6^th! Good luck you crazy kids!!!!!!!!

              *Marcie 

The (Un)Toy Story!

I know this is not a mommy blog but I have a bad mom confession to make any way: I hate toys, all toys! They either have millions of pieces, are ginormous, expensive, or kids are only interest in them for about five seconds {this may be an exageration, but you get the idea}. I also live in a 1000sq foot row home, which gets cluttered very easily. Add to this the fact that I tend to get stir crazy staying in one place all day,and you can see why I need to find some alternatives! So instead of buying Maya lots of stuff, I take her out of the house to encourage creative play :) We go to different local jaunts like the Philadelphia Zoo, our local branch of the Philly Library, or other kid friendly places. Sometimes we just stay home and she writes on my couch with a black gel pen, true story.{Don’t get me wrong Maya does have some toys, but I try to get her classics or very well made stuff that will stand the test of time}. 

 

"High Horse" get it? ;)

 So anyway let me get off my high horse... This week as part of her Christmas gift, Maya and I went to the Please Touch Museum for the first time ever, and Maya loved it! I think we will be treating ourselves to a membership! Last year we were diehards and braved the elements to play outside. This year mama is a wimp and we need places where we can stay warm and dry. 

   So here are some pics. And here's another confession: though I do care about conservation and conscientious consumption, I also wanted you guys to see my cutie's outfit ;)After all, this is technically a fashion blog, right?!

                                                                                                   *  Kia 

Magic Last Minute Locals to Help You Look Freaky and Frightful for Less!!

Past and Present 7224 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19119

So with Halloween fast approaching I’m busting out all my magic to try and get all the freaky and fabulous Halloween posts up! With whatever you’ve decided to be (I’m a witch, hence my “magic” reference) here are some great stores where you can still get accessories, fabric, or full costumes for you haunted Halloween needs. 

    Up first, Past and Present...

 Jenn's lookin' good in vintage red!

To begin with, I’d like to highlight the shop Past and Present, located at 7224 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19119. Located in my part of Philly, the town of Mount Airy, I was nothing but pleased with this vintage store. In the front there is a myriad of old hats, shoes, purses, clothing, and costumes ranging from about $10 dollars to $40. There’s also traditional and inexpressive Halloween accessories, wigs, spider rings, brooms, fake teeth, etc. 

Past and Present rental room, items now for sale!

that's hot

The real glorious treasure of this store, tucked away in the back, is its rental room. This place has been in business almost thirty years, and they have costumes to prove it.  Authentic sailor suites, prairie girl dresses, Native American garb, suits, slips, scarves, sixties dresses, everything you can imagine! Once upon a time they were for rent. Now, they are actually for sale. Sadly this establishment is set to close forever shortly after Halloween, so run to Past and Present NOW for beautiful and unique costumes!!!!

    
And now on to the Jomar Stores...

No need to be blue, Jomar has the costume for you!

Another great option for accessories or for complete costumes, or if you’re doing it from scratch, for glorious fabric, are the JOMARStores. Merchandise varies store by store, and the one closest to me on Easton Rd, unfortunately doesn’t have fabric, but overall these stores are awesome! The fabric at the rest of the stores is excellently priced and unique, and the textiles are my favorite part of these establishments! There are six locations in and around Philadelphia, and you can get deals on costumes from places like K-mart that didn’t sell last year and have since landed in the Jomar racks. In their home goods section you’ll also find great Halloween and fall decorations. As far as non-costume clothing goes, if you dig you can find some chic gems on the cheap! Also, Jomar is having a monthly photo costume where you can submit pics of you in items purchased from the store and enter to win an Ipad or $200! Plus there's winners every week. I haven't entered yet, but I certainly will! 


          * Marcie 

Lookin' Hot While Cookin' Hot, or why this guy thinks I'm a creepy creepster

Our very gracious waiter and his swanky apron!

 

So months upon months ago I decided to do a post on DIY aprons, which are just about the easiest item to sew! Especially if you are a sewing novice, you’ll find making an apron satisfying and fun. You don’t even need to buy a pattern, I promise! I’ve included pictures of several beautiful aprons my good friend Sarah sewed as Christmas gifts years back. As these aprons are so feminine and fun, they are great inspiration for stylish gals who like to get down and dirty in the kitchen! But these days awesome gentlemen are also making their mark with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And, they deserve to look good while they’re heating things up in the kitchen, too! With this in mind some friends and I asked this great guy, a waiter at Max Brenner’s, if we could put up a pic of him in his super manly apron. I love how it almost looks like a utility apron from a wood shop or smithy!  So my friends, Suzanne and Alan, and I were talking with this guy and telling him all about the up coming post months and months ago, and promised him we’d send him a link…. but as you can see I never did.  So now I’m pretty sure he thinks back upon his interaction, with our bold manner and imposing camera, and he shivers… And of course I lost his contact info, but if any of you see him at Max Brenner’s, give him the link and tell him thank you! Oh, and ladies, he was so sweet and gracious, and so single!

Heather, Malorie, and Erika, circa 2006 in aprons made by our dear friend, Sarah

Now, on to the nitty gritty of DIY aprons, go make your selection at your favorite fabric store (Jomar stores have an excellent and very inexpensive options, and if you sign up on line at Jo-Ann Fabrics they will occasionally send you a coupon for 40% off one item, including fabric). You’ll need maybe a yard (to have room for the body and the ties), and you may want to get to different colors so you can line the apron or have it be reversible. If you choose not to line your apron, purchasing decorative notions (lace, piping, etc) can be sewn around the seams to give a nice finished look. Make sure to purchase thread (either matching your fabric or using contrasting colors). You can also use ribbon for the neck loop and ties if you like.

 Lay your existing old apron over your fabric, and trace or free cut around, leaving 5/8 or an inch or so extra (this will be your seam for sewing). Measure the neck loop and the ties based on your old apron, and double the width and then add the 5/8^th inch. Put right sides together and sew along the 5/8^th inch along the long-side of you ties, and along one of the short sides. Push in a wooden spoon into the seam in stitched short-side and use it to pull the fabric of the tie right side out. Fold your un-sewn short edge over at the end, having about an inch overlap and sew it.  If you are lining it, put the right sides (patterned side) of your fabric together, and sew along the 5/8^th, leaving the top section by the head un-sewn. Use this section to turn the garment right side out. Pin your ties and neck loop to the side that will serve to be your lining or wrong aside. (If you are an experienced sewer, go ahead and sew the ties in-between your front and lining).For your ties make sure you have at least an inch and a half of overlap with the body of your apron so they won’t rip. Stitch it securely, and enjoy lookin’ hot while you’re cookin’ hot. 

                            *Marcie 

Weekend Thrifting

Trevor's Thrift Store

I went to 2 thrift shops over the weekend; the 1st was near my old stomping grounds in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia,"What up Hill Top"(JK,I don't talk like that:)).I went to Trevor's thrift shop located at 6208 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA. I personally love a neighborhood thrift store because that’s where you find your real Jewels.I found a cute wrap dress for $5.Yes it's polyester but I can style it up to make it look like it cost $10.




Trevor's Thrift Store



 

I also was drooling over the colors in this dashiki. The blue was sooo vibrant,but it was too big. I could cut it down to fit but I'd loose too much of the fabulous pattern, so I decided not to get it, boohoo.




Salvation Army Thrift Store

 

The second store I went into was a the Good Will on 2601 S Front street,Philadelphia,PA 19148.I found a lovely Benetton Chambray blazer for $6 dollars, woohoo! 

Our Unexpected Adventures in Fabric Row

Wilbur Vintage & Designer Clothing

Marcie and I recently went down to Fabric Row, which is right below 4th and South, so I could get some material and a pattern to begin a skirt project (Note to self, don’t go to Fabric Row at 4:50pm on a Friday). When we got there the fabric stores were either closing or already closed. But, we noticed that there were a few shops still open and those shops were second hand stores. I love second hand shops but never knew there were so many on Fabric Row. One of the good things about the second hand shops is that there is a price point for everyone. We visited three shops on 4th Street and each shop was unique.



 

Rockers Closet



The first shop we visited was Rockers Closet, at 818 South 4th Street. Its price points reminded me of the thrift shops I went to as a child, which were wonderfully low. The shop is new so the inventory is still being built up, but there are good deals to be had. Interesting item of note: the proprietor runs an in-store alteration station. Also, I bought a-line knee length wool skirt for 4 dollars so I was happy.  :)

Decades Vintage

The next shop, Decades Vintange at 723 South 4th, would be a high-end vintage shop. It had designer vintage duds, glitzy baubles, and it was fantastically over the top. The proprietor told us of a shipment she recently obtained from a woman who lived down the street from Gianni Versace in the 80’s. The pieces weren’t Versace, but the clothes were definitely reminiscent of that time period- very luxe, very gold, very strong shoulders. It was maaarvelous, and there is lots to be had. But, you do really need to be patient and sort through to find items that are wearable now. 

Wilbur Vintage & Designer Clothing

The last shop we ventured in was WilburVintage/DesignerClothing,at 716 South 4th Street, and was a favorite of both Marcie and myself. It was the most well rounded shop, with a well edited selection, great prices, and a loungy, cool, relaxed atmosphere. The layout was thoughtfully spaced for easy browsing, which is especially important to me as a mom shopping with a young child. The prices were very reasonable, and I could get a lot of cool pieces at once without break the bank. The proprietor mentioned how he carefully inspects each piece before he adds it to the collection. And,I believe him because there was nada stain, or hole to be seen.      

Before I go, I wanted to give a little shout out to our CareWearShare roady, Maya B. She has been soooo patient. I’m sure she’d rather be practicing saying “NO” or putting lipstick on walls. We love ya girl. I also wanted to give myself a pat on the back for being a good friend;) The day we went thrifting was a beautiful day but it became very cold.  I risked being arrested by the fashion police, put on my husband’s 3X rhinestone encrusted orange Ed Hardy jacket, and  let Marcie wear my cute fitted black leather jacket. Having worn a very thin Members Only type jacket so Marcie was freezing her petunia off. My only saving grace was the fact the orange in the Ed Hardy jacket did work with my clothes. I risked it all because I really like Marcie; she’s one fab and fashionable gal.

*Kia*