DailyCandy Philadelphia

Heart Parts Eating Utensils

2012-02-13T09:00:00Z

Sweet Tools Meant for Sharing

Dear Cupid,

My only complaint about my beau is that he hogs the grub when we go splitsville. How can I make sure I get my fair share of mac ’n’ cheese?

Yours,
Starving in SF

’Sup Starving,

The answer is simple: Become a heartbreaker with Heart Parts eating utensils.

The florescent, palm-size tools are meant to be cracked in half, then used to stab, scoop, or even cut your nosh of choice. Product designer Fatima Fazal created them to bring the love back to sharing a meal.

Heart Parts come in boxes of ten, so they’re great for parties. Because they’re dishwasher safe, made with 66 percent less plastic than similar wares, and are completely biodegradable, you can enjoy your supper without guilt.

Even if you’re fed up with him, at least you’ll be properly fed.

Xo,
The Guy with the Arrow

Available online at iheart-this.com, $10.

Photo: Courtesy of Heart Parts

Spring 2012 Hair Trends

2012-02-13T07:00:00Z

Spring 2012 Beauty Trends

2012-02-13T07:00:00Z

(Not So) Bitter, Party of One

2012-02-10T08:00:00Z

Spring 2012 Trends: Stripes

2012-02-10T07:00:00Z

The Weekend Guide

2012-02-09T09:00:00Z

Online Finds, Fashions, and Fodder

V-Day isn’t just for lovers.

EAT
Cakeslider Creations
What: Redefined push-up pops ($22 for a basket of four) layered with cake and frosting. Treat yourself to inspired flavors (French toast, latte, Double Fudge Diamond) that arrive in festive packaging and allow you to (finally) eat cake hands free.
Why: They’re utterly moist. Yeah, we said it.
Where: Online at cakeslidercreations.com.

WEAR
Milly for Sperry
What: All aboard. The NY-based designer brings her colorful, playful prints to the famous Top-Sider brand ($90-$225).
Why: Vibrant patent leather yellow flats or navy wedges, as well as rose-print, laceless canvas sneakers.
Where: Online at sperrytopsider.com.

COLLECT
The Good Machinery Animal Figurines
What: We’re wild about the collectibles ($59-$69) painted by an Italian artist. Gift them to others or stash them in nooks and crannies for a splash of color.
Why: A howling silver wolf, hippo with fuchsia polka dots, and lion in magenta and gold are just part of the herd.
Where: Online at etsy.com.

SUPPORT
Spanx Lace Bra-llelujah
What: The best boulder holder ($68) in the world just got sexy. It smooths your back and lifts the ladies the same as before, but now with lace cups (in nude or black).
Why: The bra may have had a little work done; you’ll just look like you did.
Where: Online at spanx.com.

SWEAT
Electric Yoga Sportswear
What: French-born tanks, stretch pants, and zip-ups ($24-$198) from Bisou Bisou designer-turned-master yogi Michele Bohbot.
Why: Neon colors activate specified chakras. Light-as-air bubble coats pack down into mini carrying cases and use your own body heat to keep you toasty.
Where: Online at electric-yoga.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Cakeslider Creations

The Weekend Guide

2012-02-09T08:30:00Z

Philadelphia Events and Diversions

We want it all.

COVET
Outpost
What: Three Potato Four showcases handcrafted goodness ($5-$500) from favorite local talent, including Peg and Awl, Forage Bow Ties, and Giant Dwarf, as well as a fresh crop of salvaged furniture and bric-a-brac.
Why: Art in the Age provides cocktails this Friday, so you can swill while you shop.
When: Fri., 6-9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 376 Shurs Ln., bldg. a, Manayunk (267-335-3633).

INTERACT
Scratch Night
What: If you’ve always fancied yourself a critic, watch work-in-progress performances, and then offer feedback to the artists.
Why: Too shy to speak up? Submit comments through the anonymous survey.
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: Live Arts Studio, 919 N. 5th St. Pre-register (recommended) online at livearts-fringe.ticketleap.com.

SHACK UP
Hotel Palomar Philadelphia’s Valentine Packages
What: Taking a staycation is all the more tempting with perks like champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a leisurely breakfast (from $220).
Why: Spring for a package that includes free parking (because there’s nothing romantic about a ticket).
When: Thru Feb. 29.
Where: 117 S. 17th St. To book, call 888-725-1778 and mention code PLOVE1.

SMOOCH
Valentine’s Day at Eastern State Penitentiary
What: Instead of the predictable prix fixe, take a guided tour of the prison and learn about love behind bars.
Why: See where the cellar inmates had covert rendezvous.
When: Sat.-Tues., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 2027 Fairmount Ave. (215-236-3300). Tickets ($12) online at v2.interactiveticketing.com. Enter code BALLANDCHAIN at checkout to buy one, get one free.

Photo: Courtesy of Three Potato Four

New and Noteworthy: Reading Notes Book Inserts

2012-02-08T09:00:00Z

A Cure for Digital Fatigue

Patient Name: E. Post

Symptoms: Digital fatigue. Indecipherable shorthand. Attempts to touch-screen activate all shiny surfaces within reach.

Diagnosis: Pen-to-paper withdrawal.

Treatment: Reading Notes palm-size notebooks.

Modeled after old-fashioned library cards, the self-adhering pamphlets stick to the insides of book covers, ensuring they’ll never be lost, forgotten, or deleted in the wake of a Words with Friends bender. The mini journals can lend clarity to random margin scrawlings, gravity to tawdry beach reads, and relief to texting thumbs.

Front and back flaps cover the basics (where the book was read, a one-to-five-star rating system). Thirty-two tiny pages can be filled with any other ramblings, rants, or rave reviews that are too private to share on a Twitter feed, Tumblr post, or Facebook page.

Dosage: Whenever it feels novel.

Available online at pleasetakenotes.com, $16 for three.

Photo: Matthew Latkiewicz / Courtesy of Reading Notes

Spring 2012 Trends: Into the Ocean

2012-02-08T07:00:00Z

Spring 2012 Trends: Metallics

2012-02-08T07:00:00Z

Gifts for the Valentines in Your Life

2012-02-07T08:30:00Z

Set Their Hearts on Fire

No cellophane-wrapped hearts from the drugstore. Promise.

Dirty Talk
Yeah, he really is from Mars. To-the-point messages on The Woo Me Pak ($20) from Mo Ganey Cards eradicate communication breakdowns.

Old’s Cool
His tattered high school lacrosse jersey? Not exactly retro. Book a consultation at Briar Vintage ($30 and up); they’ll show him how to incorporate secondhand style into his look.

Character Study
Sometimes TiVo marathons with your bestie are better than any boyfriend. Abbey Christine’s finger puppet depictions ($16-$19) of Martha Stewart, Steve Zissou, and Liz Lemon make her equally as happy (available at Art Star).

Flavor of Love
Nix the chocolate massage oils this year (your sheets will thank you). A ten-course aphrodisiac dinner at Isabella is the better approach (February 10-14, $40 per person).

Easy Does It
Take your laid-back dude to the Four Seasons’s Swann Lounge for a pint of its Dock Street Brewing Co. Truffled Old Ale and chef Rafael Gonzalez’s deluxe cheeseburger.

Flower Child
Mom saw beauty through your brace-face; show her how much you appreciate the unconditional love with Sullivan Owen’s sophisticated bouquets (from $60). Order at 215-964-9790 by Wednesday for free delivery.

Here’s the Rub
Whether he admits it, chances are he thinks lounging around a spa in a plush robe is a touch emasculating. Tierra Mia Organic Nail Spa’s Papito foot and leg massage ($30) is bliss minus the priss.

Red Hot
Forgot to pay the heat bill again? Keep his hands warm and his Yuengling cold with a crocheted beer cozy ($18) from Nice Things Handmade. If he’s on the wagon, it works for coffee, too.

Isn’t that lovely?

Read on for more Valentine’s Day ideas that make us weak in the knees.

Photos: Courtesy of Mo Ganey Cards; Abbey Christine / Courtesy of Art Star; Lorraine Daley / Courtesy of Sullivan Owen

Valentine's Day Heart Stealers

2012-02-07T06:30:00Z

Painted Shoes with Sole

2012-02-06T09:00:00Z

The Office of Angela Scott Footwear

From the OkCupider who stood you up for bocce (classic body snatch) to your go-to brow lady (who’s also “kinda psychic”), everybody’s got a story.

A tale actually worth spreading? That of The Office of Angela Scott.

This week the designer launches an online boutique full of Italian-crafted shoes with personae as colorful as their painted uppers and soles.

Mrs. and Mr. Smith (her, a proper heel; him, a flat oxford) are a traditional-looking pair — until you read into their flaming pink stripes.

Prim Miss Wright lace-ups and Mrs. Seymour saddle shoes tell a saucier saga than their traditional counterparts, and Mr. Oliver equestrian boots are finished in quirky canvas. (Here’s hoping the red, white, and blue Americana edition becomes a permanent fixture.)

Whatever she’s selling, we’re buying.

Available online at theofficeofangelascott.com, $350-$825.

Photo: Jessica Watts / Courtesy of The Office of Angela Scott

Screen Play: February's Must-See Movies

2012-02-03T08:30:00Z

The Weekend Guide

2012-02-02T09:00:00Z

Online Finds, Fashions, and Fodder

Low-impact weekending.

PLAN
Low-Commitment Projects
What: There’s no need to DTR here. Two cute, bicoastal BFFs post lazy-day projects each Monday to please even the most flighty DIYers.
Why: Serve Mondrian-inspired sandwiches, fashion fake self-help book covers (Eat Your Way Thin), and more.
Where: Online at lowcommitmentprojects.com.

SHOP
Eaton Trading Company
What: Men’s and women’s fashions, bags, jewelry and accessories from the likes of A.P.C., Band of Outsiders, Steven Alan, Rag & Bone, and Rachel Comey.
Why: DC readers get 30 percent off site-wide (and an additional 30 percent off sale items) with code VALENTINE thru Sun.
Where: Online at stores.eatontradingcompany.com.

SET
Palace Dinnerware
What: Unfortunately, Will and Kate can’t make it to supper. Save face by serving your meal with black and white plates, cups, bowls, and platters that, when assembled, transform into classic palaces ($75-$529).
Why: Seven-piece sets stack up like Russian dolls for eye-catching storage or display.
Where: Online at shop.thefutureperfect.com.

EAT
Typocolate
What: Milk and dark chocolate bars ($20 for two) engraved with irreverent typographic messages (Best Day Ever, Oui? Oui.) that spell out your feelings.
Why: Food should always be art.
Where: Available for preorder at shop.godynamo.com.

SUPPORT
Mulu
What: A new social sharing site with a charitable twist. Post what you like (clothing, toys, gadgets), and when people buy your picks, a percentage of the proceeds goes to your choice cause.
Why: Join the cerebral-ebrity ranks of Jonathan Franzen (for the American Bird Conservancy) and Toni Collette (Doctors Without Borders).
Where: Online at mulu.me.

Photo: Courtesy of Low-Commitment Projects

The Weekend Guide

2012-02-02T08:30:00Z

Philadelphia Events and Diversions

Vote yes.

SEE
The American Alliance of Unpaid Public Servants
What: Two Paperdolls created a series of posters that pay homage to the presidents’ wives.
Why: Lord knows the ladies of the White House deserve some props.
When: Thru Feb. 29. Opening, Fri., 6-8 p.m.
Where: Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, 116 N. Third St. (215-922-2600).

CROON
Martha Undressed
What: Martha Graham Cracker, the sassy drag queen, plays a stripped-down acoustic set backed by a two-piece band.
Why: Cracker brings new life to classics like “Fire and Rain” and “Message in a Bottle.”
When: Tonight. Doors, 7 p.m.; show, 8 p.m.
Where: Chez Colette, Sofitel, 120 S. 17th St. Info at 267-909-3309. Tickets online ($10) at theatreconfetti.tix.com or at the door ($15).

SEND
Cleanwash Letterpress Cards
What: Mail sweet, locally designed missives made with solar power ($4.50) to your secret crush, sis, or best buddy.
Why: Like it or not, V-Day is around the corner.
When: The sooner, the better.
Where: Online at etsy.com.

EAT
Brunch at Birra
What: You’ve already fallen in love with the pizza; now obsess over tiramisu waffles, frittata, and syrup-covered French toast.
Why: La Cardiaco (brisket, fried egg, and spicy capicola heaped on an Italian roll) should hold you over for an hour or two.
When: Every Sun., 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Where: 1700 E. Passyunk Ave. (267-324-3127).

Art: Two Paperdolls / Courtesy of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

How to Massage Your Dog

2012-02-01T09:00:00Z

Buddha Dog's Canine Masseuse Shows Us the Proper Technique

Dear Mom,

You think it’s easy dozing most of the day, begging for biscuits, nipping at your heels, and barking at squirrels?

Okay, it is. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want a massage, like the one certified animal masseuse Pam Holt gives to our L.A. editor’s best friend, Agnes, in today’s video.

All it takes is a little kneading and gentle stretching on your part to give me improved flexibility, energy, and overall happiness. Plus, it’ll help my anxiety. (I know I sometimes get a little cray cray when you leave.)

Also, can I have a treat? Please and thanks.

Love,

Spartacus Brownie Von Lickety Jones Jr.

P.S. I accidentally humped the cat yesterday.

For more information about Pam Holt and dog massage, go to buddhadog.com.

Lingerie Show and Tell

2012-01-31T09:00:00Z

Underpinnings You'll Want to Show Off

Unmentionables worth mentioning.

	Treasure Chest Forgo the over-the-top, enhanced-cleavage look and display your true assets in an Only Hearts translucent bralette ($55).

	Show Off Peeping undies are acceptable when they’re as cute as VPL’s glam boy shorts ($115). Make them the statement piece of your outfit.

	Romp and Roll The T-strap halter and sheer detailing flirt with the drawstring waist and full-coverage bottom of Good Night Gilda’s silk romper ($180).

	Dressing Gown After a bath or just lounging about, Josie Natori’s Eastern-inspired floral number ($35) makes us feel even more relaxed.

	She’s Tricky Ask and you shall deceive: Easy-on sheer tights ($20) have all the wow of a complex thigh-highs-and-garter combo.

Now that we’ve got you in the mood, click for more lovely lingerie.

Take a Poi Dance, Flow, and Glow Class

2012-01-31T08:30:00Z

Go Dancing in the Dark

Many moons ago, you partied ’til dawn.

When you need to let loose, try the Poi Dance, Flow, and Glow class.

A trip to Burning Man got Ploome’s Christina Stoltz and JJ Johnson hooked on the Maori-based performance art that uses LED balls in translucent cloth pouches.

The basics class teaches moves like the butterfly, weave, and buzz saw. Slip on 3-D glasses in the dark studio to experience the bright swaths of light in full effect. It’s tricky, but we got the hang of it after a few sessions (bonus: no one saw us look silly). Brave souls can attempt to twirl ignited poi (following a lesson in fire safety).

The recently opened space also offers other inventive workouts, such as tribal fan dancing and cardio Hula-Hooping, and gives 10 percent of proceeds to its sister nonprofit Req.1, which supports survivors of gender-based violence.

Now that’s something to rave about.

Class is every Wednesday, 8 p.m., at Ploome, 1040 North American Street, Liberties Walk, suite 1001 (215-238-0200 or ploomephilly.com), $20.

Photo: Joe Perri Photography / Courtesy of Ploome

A Three-Day Getaway to Vieques

2012-01-30T08:45:00Z