Show R-E-S-P-E-C-T

NO, I’m not yelling at you…. this is NOT some rant! I’m literally talking about the live play-musical journey- show that is going on right now at the Society Hill Playhouse in Philadelphia called “Respect”.

I’ve lived in Delco all of my life, where we are only minutes from the city of Philadelphia, but we avoid going “in-town” because of

• The parking
• The traffic
• The hustle/bustle
• The prices

Well my fellow Delaware Conuntians (yes I am aware that is not a word) I advise, that you, especially you women, make the “oh-so-long” 20 minute trek in town. Trust me, this show is worth it.

I went last weekend with my Mom, Aunt and Sister. Tickets are between $40-$45 but if you snag one of the shows coupons that comes in the Clipper Magazine (you know that book of coupons that gets delivered to your house?) Well if you use that, then tickets are buy one get one half off. We used the coupons and only paid a fraction of the cost!

We arrived to the city early to get dinner before the show and pick up our tickets at will-call. The employee’s at Society Hill Playhouse recommended a restaurant right around the corner called “La Forno.” They told us that if we informed the restaurant that we were going to see a play at SHP we would receive a discount on our bill.

We walked around the corner, onto South Street, and upon arrival at La Forno we were greeted by the owner of the restaurant. Our waitress was wonderful, the food was INCREDIBLE (the brick-oven-pizza made me feel like I was back in Italy!) They knew we were on a schedule so everything came out in a timely fashion. The food was exceptional but reasonably prices ($$) and we did receive a discount on our bill because of the SHP. With full bellies, and after polishing off a bottle of wine, the four of us headed over to see the show.

WHAT A SHOW IT WAS!!! It’s like a musical, entertaining, hysterical, history lesson of how women and people have changed since the 1900’s. What’s amazing is that all of this change, is marked by our music. Things we subconsciously listen to, sing along with and hum to ourselves. Yet, unless you know the context of the music and the generation whom it was released for, you chance missing its impact.

For instance…

In the early 1900’s when women were typically obedient house wives they hummed along to “If I Knew You Were Comin’ I’d’ve Baked A Cake” or “Que Sera Sera.” By WWII it was “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “My Man” into the 1960’s and 1970’s it evolved into “I Am Woman” and “I Will Survive”

We women have come a long way baby! We have evolved from “I Will Follow Him” “As Long As He Needs Me” and “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” to “You Don’t Own Me”, “These Boots Are Made For Walking” and “New Attitude.”

It amazing to see how we women, people and our music has evolved with time! The play showcases a four piece band with all live music and four women who magically belt-out all 40 songs with absolute perfection. I couldn’t decide which one had the better voice because I was awed by all of them.

Convinced you should go yet? Well hurry up, because they extended the show only until May 30th! So get your tails down there. The Show plays at Society Hill Playhouse Wednesday at 2 pm and 7:30 pm, Thursday at 7:30 pm, Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2 pm and 8 pm, Sunday at 3 pm .

I Give It.....

xoxo

Lana

Irish Band "Blackthorn" tomorrow night!

The Western Delaware Valley Lions Club, based in Thornbury, is hosting a concert by the Irish band Blackthorn on Friday, April 23rd at Pace One Restaurant and Country Inn.

This year, Blackthorn is celebrating 17 years at the forefront of the Philadelphia music scene. They started in small bars around the Philadelphia area in the 1990’s and with each passing year the group draws larger crowds. Blackthorn has recorded over five albums and performs at various venues in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Delaware.

Blackthorn is set to perform on the terrace of Pace One at 7:30 pm. Tickets for the concert are $35 each and must be purchased in advance. For ticket information contact Marge at 610-399-8223.


Ted Pace, Proprieter of Pace One is offering a special $20 priced 3-course Prix Fixe menu from 4:30 to 6:30pm for those attending Blackthorn. The prix fixe menu includes choice of soup or salad, (Homemade Snapper, Cream Of Mushroom, Soup of the Day or House Salad) choice of one main entrée (Wild Mushroom Spinach Lasagna, Roasted Salmon Petite, Oven Roasted Quail, Portabella Mushroom, Eggplant,and Mozzarella Napoleon, Stuffed Pork Loin, Grilled Shrimp Alfredo, Char Grilled Pork Spareribs or Half BBQ Chicken) and one dessert (Killer Cake, Chocolate Cheesecake, New England Pudding or Fruit and Fondue).

This menu is available for a special one-night price of $20 per person. Reservations before the concert are suggested, please call 610-459-3702. Pace One also offers discounted drinks during the concert.

All proceeds from this event benefit the Western Delaware Valley Lions Club which supports the blind, visually impaired and disabled veterans, as well as other local community members facing hardship. The event offers wonderful food, music, dancing and a great price! So Check it out! I'll be there!

xoxo
Lana

To read more check out my article on Gimme This & That 

Manhattan in Delco? Swarthmore Hair Studio

Do you hate those hair salons where you feel like you’re just a number? Where dozens of stylists come and go, your're stuck with a different person each time and you're almost certain they spent more time staring at themselves in the mirror than they did looking at your hair? You feel like you're whole experience was a flop and you're not sure why you paid so much to be rushed through? Well STOP going to that cookie-cutter, wanna-be salon and pay attention here… Go to Swarthmore Hair Studio.

It’s within 20 paces of the Swarthmore Train Station, nestled on quaint Park Avenue in the heart of Swarthmore. It is conveniently located in Delco, but don’t be fooled, because the second you walk through those doors, you feel as if you’ve walked into a luxurious Manhattan Salon.

Swarthmore Hair Studio  has undergone a major face-life and the results are beautiful. This Aveda Concept Salon was recently remodeled from top to bottom and features state of the art equipment. For instance, usually when you get your hair colored, the processing generally takes 30-45 minutes. At Swarthmore Hair Studio they no longer use that hair-stressing electric heat that is both time consuming and requires constant monitoring to avoid over or under processed color. Instead, they have invested in a new special Roller-Ball Circular Infrared Processor. The processor is used to orbit your hair application making five rotations per minute at 60 Hz. For the client it provides a relaxing, warm, therapeutic heat that takes only about 10 minutes, saving you more than half the time! This is only one of many of new technological advancements used regularly at this salon.

One of my favorite aspects of this salon is that you can have your hair done by the owner Patricia Ukropec herself. Unlike other salons in the Delco Area who fall short, where you are shuffled around from stylist-to-stylist like a cattle call, at Swarthmore Hair you can have your hair done by the owner herself. Patricia (Pat as she likes to go by) has 30+ years of experience and has been a salon owner for 25 years. She stays on the cutting edge of hair fashion, style and design by attending classes and workshops at the Aveda Academy in Minneapolis and London, as well as attends International Hair Fashion Shows in London, Paris, Milan, Prague, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Take it from me, if you want a Manhattan feel with a personal touch - Check out Swarthmore Hair Studio, you won’t be disappointed.

Swarthmore Hair Studio,
4 Park Avenue
Swarthmore, PA 19081
610- 544-6620

xoxo
Lana

The skinny on "Skinny Water" and summer cocktails!

Lindsey Field of Aston is the Field Marketing Manager of Skinny Nutritional Co- the founders and owners of Skinny Water.

If you haven’t heard of it yet... Skinny Water is a flavored non-carbonated water (similar to Vitamin Water© or Propel©), however, unlike its competitors, Skinny Water has zero calories, sugar, carbs and sodium.  The water is sweetened with sucralose, (the same ingredient found in Splena©).  Skinny Water is naturally colored and flavored, and is vitamin and electrolyte enhanced.

I used to love drinking Smart Water ©  while working out because of the increased electrolytes in the water, that was until I found out about Skinny Water-- Skinny Water is a great alternative if you don’t want to sacrifice the electrolytes or the great taste/flavors.  

Skinny Water is distributed in 5,550 stores across 23 states and 3 other countries- Bermuda, Ireland, and England.  In Delco/Philadelphia Area you can find Skinny Water at Acme, Giant, Shop Rite, Target and Costco.  Prices range from $1.00- $1.65.

My favorite part about Skinny Water is the taste and that it is a great “mixer” for your favorite summer cocktails. Here are some fun, guilt-free drink ideas from Lindsey herself…

Summer  Sangria- 3 parts White wine, 2 parts Peach Mango Mandarin XXX Detox Skinny Water, and 1 part mango vodka. Add in as much fruit as you would like to the cocktail (she suggests mandarin oranges).

FYI:  Peach Mango Mandarin XXX Detox Skinny Water has loads of Antioxidants to provide proactive health  Ability to increase intracellular levels of vitamin C and  beneficial effects on capillary permeability and blood flow

A  Lemon Skinny-Tini-  2 parts ‘Total V’- Passionfruit Lemonade Skinny Water and  1 part Vodka.  Add fresh lemon/lime to this drink.  

FYI: Total V Passionfruit Lemonade Skinny Water contains Multi-Vitamin’s (Vitamin B, C, and E). These are key nutrients to nourish your active body, and help protect cells from damage to keep the body strongThey will help your body utilize energy, support and increase the rate of metabolism, maintain healthy skin and muscle tone and enhance immune and nervous system function.

If you are interested in having Skinny Water at an event or sponsor contact Lindsey Field: lindsey@skinnyco.com

To find out more about Skinny Water go to here

Glenolden Resident & PRO Fighter Supports Autism

Sam Oropeza, he is 24 years old and lives in Glenolden PA. Sam has 5 total Mixed Martial Arts “MMA” fights- 2 amateur 3 pro. Sam's goal is not to be rich or to have fame but to be able to help others through his fighting.

Sam shared with his Manager, Bill Shuker, at his first PRO fight that he has a young nephew with Autism. Sam indicated that he wanted to use his fighting to raise money to ultimately help his nephew and immediatly help out his charity, “Easter Seals.” This endeavor is both professional and personal. Sam independently raised over $2,000 for “Austim Awareness” by selling promotional T-shirts.

Today 4/1/2010 Sam signed a contract for a major promotion called "KING OF THE CAGE" His fight will show LIVE on HDNET!

To find out more information about this athlete. Contact: Bill Shuker at 610-960-8768

I'm letting the secret out...Styler’s Garden Café

Since this the first official entry (not the intro) I figured I would let you guys in on a Delco restaurant that has been under the radar for too long. So I’m going to spread the word and fill you in on how cool Styler’s Garden Café is.

Styler’s Garden Café is located in Glen Mills inside Terrain. Terrain reminds me of a “main-line-Linville Orchards-for adults.” It has plants, books, skin care items and oh yea did I mention the amazing food from the café? The café is actually a greenhouse restaurant tucked away inside Terrain. From the outside it looks like a landscaping nursery, but trusts me, take a moment and walk around the grounds; It offers unique merchandise and great food.

The Styler’s café has received rave reviews from places like Philly Mag, and Yelp. Its aesthetically beautiful and creates a nice out-doorsy ambiance while you eat your brunch/lunch sitting among various types of plants and flowers. Like I said, your eating in a green house so even though it was cold today (which I wasn’t happy about) we felt like we were eating lunch in a tropical island because of the warmth and the sunshine pouring in.

I personally love places where you get the “outside” feel even if you’re not technically outside. And don’t worry in the summer they have the green house air-conditioned so you won’t have to worry about melting away.

One of the more unique attributes of the café is that drink menu. No not cocktails (sorry to disappoint) but the variety of teas and coffee’s put’s many other coffee shops to shame. With lunch I had iced honey and lavender tea. It was made with real honey and had lavender in a mini tea strainer sitting inside my cup. Well actually it wasn’t a cup, all cold drinks are served in jar’s (you know the canning jars) which also adds a cool twist.

The best part is you don’t have to drive out of Delco to have a truly unique meal. The menu has great prices! For two people you can get sandwiches, salads and drinks for under $25 total. Terrain only serves food until 2:30pm during the week and 3:00pm on the weekends for brunch/lunch, however, the coffee bar does operate until 6:00pm daily so you can get coffee/tea or a pastry. But, I recommend having lunch and make a reservation because space is limited. Oh and when you go try one of many distinctive tea’s listed.

xoxo
Lana

First Bite

Today is the first day... first bite, of my “Food for Thought” section. I decided to go with "Food For Thought" because my blog sounds like it implies cocktails (which is does NOT) so why not have this section sound like it involved Food (even when it does NOT). Its a little backwards...but I think it works!

I am writing this section because I know that people are multi-tasking...

updating, checking, following, downloading, emailing, messaging, texting and still trying to maintain relationships, responsibilities and just life in general.

Whew! I’m tired just thinking about all the stuff we have to do.

So don’t worry….I get it! Sometimes you just don’t have time to sit down and read something long. This is why I only update my blog once a week. I don’t want to be another check on the daily “to-do list" of life.

So if you only want to read a little, or you love my work and just can’t get enough….(I’m hoping it’s the latter) this section of my page will focus on local tid-bits and will be updated more often than once a week.

So keep checking back and remember…Friday is the big day! Not just TGIF because it’s...

• The start of the weekend
• We can go out
• Grab a drink after work
• Take a break
• Know we can sleep in the following day  

But because its also the day new posts are published on my blogs homepage DUH! Okay maybe not the highlight of your weekend...but a girl can dream... :)

xoxo 

Lana