Having recently moved into a new apartment, I’m all about decorating my space and yearning to replace everything I own with something new. Maybe because it’s a fresh start or it could be that there are too many beautiful choices out there. Either way, it’s fun to shop around and check out new decorating ideas and inspirations.

Foster’s Urban Homeware is one of the coolest places to find everything you’ll need for your urban (or suburban) dwelling. They are artistically packed from floor to ceiling with home goods, in a fashionable and energetic space. The walls are painted bright orange and green and upbeat, cheerful music plays in the background.

This Old City store is street meets chic (meets my home please)! They carry everything one would need to live beautifully, from sleek silverware sets, books about design, pieces by Umbra and colorful dishware by Iittala, to CD’s, modern picture frames, funky lighting, sleek furniture and endless accessories for kitchen and bath.

The home goods they sell are urban, current and well designed. Foster’s is a great place to buy some interesting and useful pieces to add character and really make your home your own. Keep in mind - Foster’s is a fabulous store for unique housewarming gifts too!

Tip: They also have a Foster’s Gourmet Cookware store in the Reading Terminal Market for you or your friends that like to chef it up. If you’re not coming to Philly soon, you can visit their online store and pick up a new piece to spice up your home.

Foster’s Urban Homeware
124 N. 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
267.671.0588

Shop Girl | Email | Print | //

Italy is one of my favorite vacation spots, but I’ve always been too busy taking in the sites and never made time to try their infamous gelato. To my delight, Capogiro has given me a second chance, right here in my own city.

The place is always busy and buzzing with people. They let you sample the flavors before you commit, so take your time and find the perfect one - that’s all part of the fun. At Capogiro, choose from typical flavors like raspberry, mango, apricot, even peanut butter, to more unique ones such as mojito, kiwi, ginger sesame, La Colombe espresso, and Thai coconut milk. The flavors are made fresh daily and differ depending on the season, all the more reason to stop back often! Capogiro gelato is rich and delicious, but I’ll warn you it can be habit-forming. It is different (and so much better) from the typical ice cream many of us are used to. I’ve been known to risk a parking ticket on more than one occasion to jump out and satisfy my craving!

This corner shop is small, but really packs a punch. When you enter, the first thing you come upon is the counter with all the various flavors beautifully displayed. People crowd this area trying samples, but it is so worth the wait. Silver and blue lights hang over the counter and tables with blue chairs line the exterior wall. It’s a fun place to sit and enjoy a cup of the delicious gelato and people-watch.

After finding their website, I found out Capogiro is even cooler than I thought. A couple that traveled to Italy and fell in love with the gelato, decided to bring the tradition to life here in Philadelphia. To them, I give a kiss on each cheek and a huge GRAZIE!! They also use only natural ingredients and local, fresh picked produce. They’re helping the community in more ways than one - how fantastic is that! Gelato also has fewer calories and fat than ice cream, even another reason to try (as if more coaxing was necessary).

So go ahead, indulge, guilt-free and live a little La Dolce Vita, as only the Italians know best!

Tip: Save time at the counter and check out their daily flavors listed on their website before you go.

Capogiro Gelato Artisans
119 S. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215.351.0900

Famished Girl | Email | Print | //

Independent and artistic films are my absolute favorite genre and The Ritz is the best place to see them in Philadelphia. They have three theaters, all conveniently located in Old City.

Unlike the super-sized stadium theaters that are popping up all over the place now, The Ritz remains intimate and classic. I’m not sure if it’s the patrons, the film selections, atmosphere or a combination, but there’s something simply wonderful about it. They offer the latest, stellar quality independent and foreign films and are very supportive of the arts. Prior to the previews, soothing music is played and usually B&W photos of the city are shown on the big screen. They host film festivals throughout the year and supply a free bimonthly “Ritz Filmbill” that provides info on the current movies, reviews, dining guides and the like.

The Ritz was the first theater that I felt comfortable going to see a picture alone, maybe because there are so many others there doing the same. It could be the Pisces dreamer in me, but I also love to escape into a story. My cell phone is turned off; I get a break from reality and leave any worries behind, even if just for a few hours. Often times, The Ritz films are inspiring, suggest a life lesson or provoke meaningful conversation. I adore films that take me to another place and have been known to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon viewing several movies in a row.

So pick a movie and a Ritz, buy some popcorn, sit back, relax, enjoy a little escape and hopefully learn something too.

Ritz Filmbill
Ritz East - Sansom St. Walkway, between Front & 2nd
Ritz Five - 2nd & Walnut
Ritz at the Bourse - 4th St. between Market & Chestnut
215.925.7900 for movie times

Scene Girl | Email | Print | //