#TBT: 4th Of July (Because 'Murica)

If you're anything like me, you're a #instaholic. And since this is the Internet I have full reign over everything this blog. And because Anna and I are the co-queens we decided that living in the present is so now, so if you have figured it out from the title, this is our first ever #TBT post.

And since EVERYBODY knows that Philadelphia is essentially the birthplace of what we now know as 'Murica, we decided that the 4th of July is a pretty fitting choice for a #TBT. (**Disclaimer this post is full of hashtaggeries... That's probably not a thing)

But I'm just going to stop senselessly typing and get to the pictures. Because everyone knows that the City of Brotherly Love knows how to throw down and come together to celebrate our roots.

Meet the woman behind the lens, Anna. 

While I was in my hometown of San Diego, Anna chronicled the series of events that occurred throughout the 4th of July celebration. There definitely wasn't a shortage of star spangled apparel and red, white and blue where the colors du jour.

And when I say everyone dressed to the occasion, I mean EVERYONE. But you have to admire the amount of risk and #werk that he put into his outfit. If that's not #America I don't know what is.

I stand corrected, this is 110% America.

Benjamin Franklin Parkway was flooded with masses of people from near and far coming together to celebrate this beautiful country.

There was no better place to capture the essence of America, than the flag-lined parkway.

The most amazing part about this picture is that fact that each flag floating above the heads of all the people represents a part of their history and their present. And in the foreground is one of the first examples of American ingenuity. Philadelphia is a city dripping in culture and history, and that sounds a lot like America to me.

If you went to Philly and you didn't have a cheesesteak were you actually in Philly?

Seriously though. CHEESESTEAKS. (Is #foodporn too inappropriate?)

I just needed to show this to you just to restore your faith in all things good and pure. #amiright

While walking off cheesesteaks Anna stumbled upon this tree-lined beauty. Notice the sign? #CobblestoneGameStrong

The night ended with a star-studded concert and of course fireworks. Because its not a real 4th of July without fireworks.

Philadelphia is a city of beginnings, and a city that celebrates its beginnings. So I guess this is the perfect post for a #TBT, its all about remembering our past. History is what makes Philadelphia so beautiful and there's a piece of it in every single nook and cranny. I guess you could say everyday is throwback Thursday in the City of Brotherly Love.

Stay Phree. Stay Phierce.
Erica & Anna

September Forecast

Its that time of the year everyone! In a matter of days the cups will turn red, the leaves will turn beautiful hues of orange, yellow and red, and most importantly we can finally slip on those sweaters we got on sale during the summer.

I consider September to be the kickoff of the fall season. And in my opinion, the city of Philadelphia rightfully agrees. So to celebrate the wonderful city that we live in, I have decided to make a list of some of the major events going on throughout the Philadelphia area throughout the month of September.

For my fellow broke college students, XFINITY will be hosting a College Fest Free-4-All in Rittenhouse Square on September 3rd from 6-9 pm. Did I mention its FREE??

One of the most buzz-worthy events coming to the city will be the ribbon cutting ceremony of Dilworth Park on September 4th beginning at 8 am with the official ceremony at 11 am. Not only will you get the opportunity to see the grand opening of the new park, and hopefully snap some photos, but there will be several performances throughout the park area by various choruses, dance academies and companies, bands and several other artists from the Philadelphia area. This event will truly be one of the biggest events in the month of September! Make sure to arrive early to grab yourself a nice spot.

Beer lovers come together in a series of brewfests and beer crawls on September 6th, including the Delaware River Craft Brewfest, the SmörgåsBeer'd and lastly The Great Philadelphia Craft Beer Crawl. Cheers everyone!

THIS IS WHAT WE TRAIN FOR. Beginning September 7th-12th and September 14th-19th as well, will be Philadelphia Restaurant week. Restaurants throughout all of Philadelphia will be hosting hungry patrons with deals of $35 for three (sometimes four) course dinners, along with $20 three course lunches at participating restaurants. A full list of participating restaurants can be found here.

Moving on to September 17th, the 21st Annual Phasion Phest will be held in Liberty Place. This event is great for all of my phierce fashionistas! Along with an open-bar cocktail reception, for anyone who is of age of course, there will also be a fashion show, salon presentations,  student designer displays and a silent auction. Prices are included in the link and there will be student discounts available. 

For all of my music lovers, there will be a three day Jazz festival called OutBeat that will be begin on September 18th and end on September 21st. This is the first LGBT music festival in the United States, and it will feature not only intimate and iconic performances, there will also be public discussions and receptions. The link includes ticket prices and locations (performances, discussions and receptions are held throughout the city) In addition, English singer-songwriter Lily Allen will be performing at the Electric Factory on September 19th. The show starts at 8 am and tickets are available for purchase here.

And for my thrill seekers September 19th will be the official launching of the Eastern State Penitentiary's Terror Behind the Walls. Although it is not necessarily a fun event for the family, its definitely a great adventure for all those monster maniacs looking for a fall fright.

On September 27th come out to XFINITY Live!- for the 3rd Annual Xtober Beer Fest. Again this event is for those who are of age, but among many other things there will be 200+ craft beers available for sampling from 100+ breweries, food, live DJs, games, activities, prizes, and much more.

And for all my fellow foodies, on September 28th you should all make your way down to the Manayunk-Roxborough area for the Manayunk StrEAT Food Fest. Main street will be shut down to allow for a variety of food trucks, and farm stands. There will also be a beer garden, a play area for the kiddies, shopping and live music. This is all a precursor for Manayunk Restaurant week which begins September 28th and runs to October 10th. Manayunk Restaurant week will allow food lovers to indulge in three course meals all found within $15, $25 and $35 price ranges.

So! I really encourage all of you guys to go out and enjoy all the great things this city has to offer. Try a new restaurant, sip a new brew, dance to a new groove, find a nice pair of shoes and most importantly make memories.

Fall is a season for being thankful and having fun. And as September rolls around there's always new opportunities to enjoy the city we call home. (Or at least a home away from home.) So enjoy the season and live it up y'all!

Stay Phree. Stay Phierce.
Erica & Anna