DailyCandy Philadelphia

Doodle Bug

2009-11-06T14:15:00Z

Lisa Marie Norton's Pet Doodles

When you doodle, it’s usually something shameful like your name with boy-of-moment’s last name. You know, just to see how it will look when you fetch the mail after you two are married with kids.

Lisa Marie Norton’s doodles have real-life inspiration.

The Michigan-based graphic designer creates noncutesy five-by-seven portraits of your dog, cat, bird, bunny, iguana, turtle, or snake. You supply her with photos; she takes pen to paper and then colors it in digitally. The depictions are modern, cartoony, and a little Japanesey.

At just $50, they’re a perfect sentimental gift for yourself or others.

Even if they’re not destined to be significant ones.

Available online at lmnoprint.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Marie Norton

Turkeyish Delight

2009-11-06T08:30:00Z

Fair Food Farmstand's Thanksgiving Ingredients

After the bickering, backhanded compliments, and probing questions about your live-in “friend,” you’ve usually lost your appetite.

This year, let Fair Food Farmstand help you create a Thanksgiving meal that will keep even your cattiest cousin’s mouth shut.

Order online or swing by in person to select the perfect naturally raised gobbler for your group. The mostly white meat, cage-free bird feeds plenty of relatives; the certified organic fattens up the immediate fam. Hosting an intimate assembly of foodies? Go for the Heritage breed, with darker meat and a gamier flavor.

The fine farmy folks also have organic sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and heirloom cranberries. So you can make your dinner a truly fresh culinary experience.

And really give them something to talk about.

Available at Reading Terminal Market, 51 North 12th Street (215-627-2029 or fairfoodphilly.org).

Photo: Jupiter Images

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s Gordon Ramsay’s birthday on Sunday so have a f***ing good time.

SLEEP
FJS Pillows
What: Rest your head on beautiful, hand-sewn cushions inspired by the designer’s g-ma’s hankie collection, batik shirts Spitta wore in seventh grade, and his mom’s old hippie threads.
Why: You’re feelin’ groovy.
Where: Online at fjspillows.com.

REREAD
The Classics
What: Penguin’s jazzy ten-book collection of Coralie Bickford-Smith-designed hardcovers is finally available in the U.S. of A. Titles include Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and Great Expectations.
Why: It’s a universally acknowledged fact that they’re awesome.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: Introducing our new sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our fave designers — all at up to 80 percent off. Beta site (and first sale) goes up Nov. 16.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get dibs (first 100 members get $100 gift cards).
Where: Online at swirl.com.

DONATE
Your Halloween Candy
What: Participating dentists will buy back your unopened treats and ship them to troops overseas.
Why: You’re sweet enough already.
Where: Online at halloweencandybuyback.com.

BE
A Fashion Designer
What: Stylish sketchbooks feature figure templates (that disappear when photocopied) and a notes section on every page.
Why: Unleash your inner Coco.
Where: Online at hokeycroquis.com.

BUY
The Working Proof
What: New site releases a print by an emerging artist every Tuesday. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity.
Why: The proof’s in the pudding.
Where: Online at theworkingproof.com.

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of FJS

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T08:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Take notes.

READ
The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping
What: Insider tips for storing, cleaning, and wearing your finds, as well as a rundown of cool shops to get your collection started.
Why: Everything old is new again.
When: Wed.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Vintage Connection, 701 S. Ninth St. (267-528-1625).

SHOP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: New sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our editors’ favorite designers at up to 80 percent off.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get first dibs (and we’re giving away $100 gift cards to 100 early members).
When: Beta site (and first sale) launches Nov. 16.
Where: Online at swirl.com.

Third Annual Jewelry and Fine Craft Show
What: Art, accessories, and more locally made goodies from area vendors.
Why: Countdown to Christmas.
When: Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Fairmount Park Horticulture Center, 100 N. Horticultural Dr. (215-685-0107).

SWITCH
Hairdressers
What: Razor and Blade hosts a First Friday tress fete with live demonstrations, fashion, and music.
Why: Live on the razor’s edge.
When: Fri., 7-10 p.m.
Where: Top Hat Bar, 247 Market St., 2nd flr. (215-413-1433).

GET
Hope Cuts
What: Haircuts and other services (manicures, makeup application) at drastically reduced prices. All proceeds go to breast and pediatric cancer and HIV/AIDS research at the City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute.
Why: Locks of love.
When: Sun., noon-4 p.m.
Where: More info at cityofhope.org.

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Quirk Books

Apiece Apart Clothing Fall 2009

2009-11-04T17:30:00Z

Hot Tomato

2009-11-04T17:00:00Z

Black Tomato Launches DailyCandy Travel Desk

Travel dream No. 1: India. Now, pick cities. (Jaipur? Udaipur?) Find driver. Arrange elephant ride. And sunrise mountain picnic. Mmmkay. Maybe you’ll just go to your mom’s.

Travel dream No. 2: It’s Wednesday. Your boss tore you a new one. Sure would be nice to call in sick from a beach in Mexico Friday morning.

If only? Impossible? Nope. We’re making it easier to get outta town: We just launched a partnership with Black Tomato, the travel company for the way we (that means you) travel — in totally customized trips.

Why do this? Well, someone needs to take you from A (you know where you want to go) to B (you can’t deal with the arrangements).

Why Black Tomato? You pretty much suggested it. When we published its Insider’s Guide to Indonesia last year, so many of you booked with BT — and kept booking — it’s a wonder you got any work done in 2009.

What’s in it for DailyCandy subscribers? A dedicated travel desk a call or e-mail away. Personalized service. Custom trips. And sweet extras like a free night at a hotel (or that sunrise picnic).

We’ll keep doing what we do here at DailyCandy Travel: hitting the road and reporting on the destinations we think you’ll love. Only now we’re making it easier for your getaways to happen.

Your wish, our command.

Available online at blacktomato.co.uk.

Apiece Out

2009-11-04T14:15:00Z

Apiece Apart Fall 2009 Collection

Deafening sirens, rowdy mob scenes, shrieking teenagers.

Sheesh. Can’t we get a little peace and quiet?

Actually, yes, thanks to Apiece Apart, a high-end line of sleek separates that harmonizes your wardrobe.

Designed by two NYC gals, the collection consists of everything you need (from skirts, trousers, tops, and jackets to carryalls, clutches, and belts) to look like a chic, put-together grown-up. (And really, it’s time.) Articles pair as well with each other as they do with those crazy impulse buys (hello, sequin leggings!) sitting in your closet.

The hefty price tags might feel like a problem.

But pristine cuts and luxurious fabrics make Apiece Apart of the solution.

Available online at satineboutique.com, mickmargo.com, and shopjumelle.com. To see styles, go to apieceapart.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Apiece Apart

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

2009-11-04T08:30:00Z

Lee Hale's Rose Thorn Earrings

Protein-shake-sipping mimbos. Romance novel cover models. Nah, you’re not hanging with studs anytime soon.

But Lee Hale makes some you can get down with.

The super-private, Portland-based designer creates stud earrings cast from real rose thorns that ride a fine line between delicate and dangerous.

Available in small, medium, and large and materials like oxidized bronze, sterling, gold, and vermeil, the baubles can be paired together for a subdued, ladylike look. Or buy them individually to mix and match for an edgier, asymmetrical vibe.

Either way, they’re serious pieces of metal.

Or, you know, hunks of burning love.

Available at Egan Day, 260 South 16th Street (267-773-8833 or eganday.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Egan Day

Delightful Deals

2009-11-03T16:00:00Z

Aren’t we the cutest little e-mail you’ve ever seen?

Gifts for Nesters

2009-11-03T14:00:00Z

Where’s your piece of the hostessing pie? Try these gift picks, homeslice.

Home Game

2009-11-03T08:30:00Z

Roots Inc. Home Boutique Opens

All that “easy to assemble” furniture should be called “easily falls apart.” (Companies should just ship with the duct tape you’ll inevitably use to keep things from collapsing.)

Time to put down the screwdriver and head to Chestnut Hill’s new Roots Inc.

The quaint home decor store is stocked with all the nuts and bolts you need to take your pad from drab to dashing. It’s the grown-up answer to your decorating dilemma. Shop whimsical shadow boxes filled with rare bugs and kooky-cool papier-mâché animal heads. Big-ticket items include custom tables made of recycled materials by Groundworks.

Roots is also a great place to scoop up last-minute gifts like candles and jewelry that will please everyone from your clients to your BFF.

Keeping you from looking like a tool.

Roots Inc., 7946 Germantown Avenue (267-385-5753).

Photo: Eneida Cardona / Courtesy of Roots Inc.

Fine, Have It Your Way

2009-11-02T14:15:00Z

Omne Necklace by Gemma Redux

Help! Help!

Woman screams.

Deep in the heart of Pleasantville, there’s a damsel in distress. She’s worn the same boring jewelry every day since 2007 (hold back your tears, please).

Wait what’s that? It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s Super Necklace, a.k.a. the Omne by Gemma Redux.

It morphs from chunky choker to open chain necklace to bohemian hair accessory to dangly belt in the blink of an eye — all thanks to a really strong magnet. Don’t believe it? We caught it in the act in today’s video, shot in New York City, er, Gotham.

And here’s the part that really saves the day: It retails for just $98 and up.

You know, in case you wanna hire it for birthday parties.

Available online at gemmaredux.com.

A Boy Named Schu

2009-11-02T08:30:00Z

Schu Fall Boots

Spending your food budget on the perfect knee-highs seems like a grand idea during a shopping binge.

But you can’t eat that leather. No matter what quality it is.

Save your grocery money and spring for Schu instead. Now available for the first time in the U.S., the Paris- and Padova-based boot collection tops out at $130 a pair.

Fall sees slouchy black knee-grazers, oxblood booties, and a rugged ankle-high pair that laces up the back. They’re all lined in leather, and the uppers are suede rather than chintzy synthetics.

Go on: Fork it over.

Available at Reward, 55 North Second Street (267-773-8675 or rewardproject.com). To see styles, go to schu-shop.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Schu

Don't Be Yourself

2009-10-30T13:45:00Z

Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

You know what was truly a fright last Halloween? Seeing a sexy Sarah Palin on every block.

This year, opt for something a little more original and a little less hockey MILF (but perhaps equally as creepy). And no, Balloon Boy isn’t what we’re getting at.

In today’s video, we show you five easy DIY costumes that you can make in less than ten minutes: a cereal killer, little white lies, swine flu (sorry, couldn’t resist), a chick in a box, and — get this — a Kraft single (you know we’d never pass up a chance to be cheesy).

The best part: You won’t need to stand in line at a Halloween superstore (which can be a scary sight on its own) for any of the above.

You’re a maverick in disguise.

For more detailed descriptions on how to make each costume, check out our photo gallery.

Strap One On

2009-10-30T13:15:00Z

Pup to Go Dog Carrier

Hey, everybody. My name’s Precious Peanut McDoggle III. May I sniff your crotch?

[Can I have a treat?]

You may think it’s easy bein’ a dog, and all I need to be happy is a snack or two (apples, Pinkberry, bread, insect bits, etc.). Not true! Although I am famished.

[Can I have a treat?]

The truth is, when you leave, I go nuts. So might I suggest you buy a Pup to Go dog carrier? So I can come with you everywhere.

[Can I have a treat?]

Basically, it’s a durable, breathable backpack for your front with my head coming out the top and arm, leg, and tail holes on the sides. It’s machine washable, comfy for us both, and available in three sizes.

[Can I have a treat?]

Sure, people might mistake me for a big, furry human baby at first.

But wouldn’t that be a treat?

Available online at puptogo.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Pup to Go

Get Your Jolly's

2009-10-30T07:30:00Z

Jolly's Dueling Piano Bar Opens

You can’t throw a brick in this city without hitting a “musician.” But a real showman is hard to find.

Today’s opening of Jolly’s Dueling Piano Bar will leave the performance-starved amply sated.

After a long hiatus, the Philly institution is back — with Anthony “Tony T” DeCarolis and “Wildman Joe” Marchetti tickling the ivories of two Roland FP Digital baby grands with more than 2,000 songs from the ’50s to today.

The staff (comprising out-of-work actors and crazy exhibitionists personally cast by owner Jolly Weldon) dance, sing, and generally act as if slinging recession-proof grub (veggie spring rolls, Maryland crab cake sliders) is their moment of prime time.

Avoid Thursday’s Cougar Nights and opt for happy hour, when food and drinks are just three bucks. If harmless old men ply you with interesting conversation and free whiskey? No judgment.

Just leave the music-making to the pros.

Jolly’s Dueling Piano Bar, 2006 Chestnut Street (267-687-1161 or jollyspianobar.com).

Photo: Bob Bezushko

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T13:45:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Be who you wanna be.

COMMISERATE
Cassette from My Ex
What: Writers (Jancee Dunn, Rick Moody) and other creative types wax nostalgic about old flames through the music they compiled.
Why: Beach ’93 (a.k.a. V-card mix) will never die.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

WRITE
Penzu
What: Record your scandalous thoughts and upload pics in a handy online diary. Unlike blogs, it’s accessible by only you unless you decide otherwise.
Why: Secrets, secrets are so fun.
Where: Online at penzu.com.

READ
Poetry of Food
What: New online magazine contains recipes, restaurant reviews, foodie recollections, and pics that’ll make you hungry.
Why: Eat these words.
Where: Online at poetryoffood.com.

PACK
Old-Fashioned Luggage
What: Although the colorful, little suitcases aren’t big enough for a vacation (let’s be real, overpackers), they’re perfect for day trips or even organizing things around the house.
Why: Stuff it.
Where: Online at landofnod.com.

WEAR
Month-of-the-Year Undies
What: Hip Portland-based site just started making timely little skivvies with leftover scraps from other projects. November and December coming soon.
Why: Don’t wear them a month straight.
Where: Online at store.makoollovesyou.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Cassette from My Ex

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T07:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

You’re all blown up.

SEE
The Titan and the Fireflies
What: NYC-based artist Jason Hackenwerth creates fanciful, large-scale balloon sculptures that have to be seen to be believed.
Why: Bigger is better.
When: Thru Nov. 28. Opening reception, Fri., 7-10 p.m.
Where: Skybox at 2424 Studios, 2424 E. York St.

SCENE
Fright of Fancy
What: Fabric Horse and other artists, troublemakers, and ne’er-do-wells present a fashion show (Topstitch), costume contest (win a custom trophy by artist Sabrina Lessard), DJs (KurtLife, AJ Ready Right), music, and food at The Latvian Society.
Why: It’s better than trick-or-treating.
When: Sat., 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: 531 N. Seventh St.

SCREAM
Thriller Dance Class
What: Join the folks at Society Hill Dance Academy to learn the infamous Thriller moves. Feel free to dress the part and get ready to break a sweat.
Why: No one’s gonna save you from the beast about to strike.
When: Fri., 8:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: 409 S. Second St. (215-574-3574).

DRINK
Oyster Stout
What: Flying Fish presents the newest addition to its Exit beers, with local mollusks in the brew. It tastes a little oceany, a little creamy, and is on tap at Oyster House until it runs out.
Why: Really. It’s good.
When: Mon.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
Where: 1516 Sansom St. (215-567-7683).

DANCE
Making Time Halloween
What: The annual dance party is back, this year with Simian Mobile Disco and Dave Pak, Mike Z, and the rest of the DJ gang bringing you a ghoulishly good time.
Why: It’s no longer at sketchy old Transit.
When: Sat., 9 p.m.
Where: 2424 Studios, 2424 E. York St.

Photo: Courtesy of Jason Hackenwerth

Go Wilde

2009-10-28T16:00:00Z

DailyCandy Goes to Ireland

Ireland has a long history of rhyming (Wilde, Yeats, Joyce, Beckett). But there’s no East Coast-West Coast rivalry, which means you can hip-hop across the country from Dublin to Galway.

Dublin or Nothin’
Start by getting cozy. Check into Dylan (Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4; +353-1-660-3000), a colorful boutique hotel in a renovated Victorian building not far from St. Stephen’s Green. Then head off the beaten path to the serene Irish Museum of Modern Art (Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8; +353-1-612-9900) for outsider, Irish, and international art.

Now you’re ready for some Guinness. Grogans Castle Lounge (15 William Street South, Dublin 2; +353-1-677-9320) is a divey watering hole where local artists and writers will keep you entertained with stories and so-so artwork on the walls. Order another (and another) at Shebeen Chic (4 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-9667), a gastropub decorated in thrift shop finds and clotheslines.

Prevent a hangover with classic Irish fare like black pudding and smoked haddock at The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop (40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1; +353-1-872-7320). How incredibly charming and cozy is this place? Well, there’s also a great selection of hard-to-find used books.

When you’re ready to shop, hit Design Centre (59 South William Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-5863) for Irish labels like Philip Treacy and Pauric Sweeney and Avoca (11-13 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-667-4215) for housewares, boho clothing, and affordable jewelry.

And get your green on strolling the River Liffey and the many parks around town.

Such Galway
It’s dramatically gray, right on the water, and authentically Oirish. And when you hang your hat at the glam Philip Treacy-designed The G (Dublin Road, Wellpark; +353-91-865-200), you’re front and center to everything.

Galway is an incredibly walkable town. Here’s your path: Stroll along the River Corrib, over to the Claddagh (yes, of those rings), and amble along the expansive Salthill beaches next to Galway Bay.

The annual Galway Oyster Festival makes for quite a show, but you can get your aquatic fill anytime at the down-to-earth and boisterous McDonagh’s Seafood House (22 Quay Street; +353-91-565-001), where no one notices how much you eat or drink. (It. will. be. lots.)

Pop into Les Jumelles (11 Upper Abbeygate Street; +353-91-564-540) for gems from Irish designers like Lainey Keogh and Mary Grant. Come weekend, hit the centuries-old farmers market (next to St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Mainguard and Lombard Streets) for local crafts, woolens, and the biggest carrots you’ve ever seen. Saturdays are best for food; Sundays are all about crafts.

You’ve fallen in love with the town, now hit the road. Rent a car and drive to Cliffs of Moher for breathtakingly high views and then wind around through the rocky terrain of the Burren and breathe in the fresh air. So many sheep, cows, and horses. So many green hills and dramatic waters.

Aye, it’s enough to make you wax poetic.

While you’re down there:
+ DailyCandy Goes to Edinburgh

Photos: Jupiter Images; Courtesy of Grogans Castle Lounge; Courtesy of The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop; Courtesy of Avoca; Courtesy of The G; Eoin Gardiner/Flickr; Courtesy of McDonagh’s Seafood House; Courtesy of Lainey Keogh; Courtesy of Cliffs of Moher

Give Thanks

2009-10-28T13:15:00Z

Heritage Thanksgiving Turkeys

Your typical Thanksgiving meal includes mashed potatoes with a side of crazy, yams topped with family dysfunction, and turkey as dry as your parents’ sex life.

Bring some sanity to the table this year in the form of a Heritage turkey.

Grown on the Good Shepherd Turkey Ranch, the fowl is bred naturally; never fed antibiotics or animal by-products; matures at a natural rate; and, when the day comes, meets a clean end.

Pick a bird ranging from 8 to 22 pounds (one pound per person), and Heritage will include the neck and giblets for stuffing and gravy. Never frozen, the game comes on ice, sealed in a cryovaced bag with a cavity wedge to protect it from bacterial growth.

Order before they sell out, and your gobbler will arrive via FedEx Tuesday, November 24 with cooking instructions.

Oh, will you please pass the judgment?

Available online at heritagefoodsusa.com.

Photo: Getty Images