insta-lately

My instagram account says one thing of late: "SPRING!!!!"

(and maybe "LATTES!")

 

It is still a little chilly lately, and my weekends over the past month have been work, work, work.

It seems as though in my free time, I am surrounded by caffienated beverages and lots of happy green life. Which is perfect for me.

 I am not complaining!

 

What is usually the happiest part of your weekend?

I hope that this long weekend brings you many smiles and joy. :) celebrate it!

 

Ciao, xo

 

follow me on instagram: tmango77

cake in chestnut hill: a comparison



we can all agree one of THE best things about blogging is the people you "meet."

okay? okay.

The lovely Kerri had been keeping up with my quest for the perfect coffee, and emailed me with some wonderful recommendations close by (to the both of us!). Another perk about blogging! She too is a fellow coffee lover (particularly lattes, right, Kerri?) and gave me the name of the loveliest little place in Chestnut Hill, PA. It's called cake and it's the perfect cafe/brunch nook/cupcake heaven/secret garden/bright corner bistro/weekend bakery. It's quite possibly the prettiest little restaurant I've seen around these parts in a looong time. It's hidden behind plump green bushes, and it makes you feel like you're walking into a tucked away terrace.

Kerri has frequented cake long before me, but I think the both of us can agree and attest to the charming atmosphere of the place. I went this past weekend for a coffee with my mom and was enamored with the jars of cookies and plates of pastries. Not only that but the place is nice and airy and bright, perfect for brunching with friends or even going solo and reading a book.

Check out Kerri's blog, a girl with a latte today - she is writing about cake too! :)

ciao! xo

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mama/daughter date

 

 

WHERE did May go? I seriously want to know. Time, you make a fool of me.

 

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Here are just a few snapshots from one lovely morning with my mama. We rarely get out just us two, so it was nice!

And there's something just so delightful about walking down a charming town's main street.

Even if it's an overcast, drizzly spring day.

 

On our mama/daughter date, we:

 

+ found a cute cozy pizza shack with the coolest slushies, and perfect people-watching seating

+ said hello to an old but friendly yellow lab patrolling the sidewalk (and waiting for head rubs)

+ searched for a cute cafe with good coffee and ambience (duh, as I always am..)

+ poked in a camera shop and got a mini-photography lesson from the owner!

+ found the looooveliest flower nursery, which I already blogged about :)

+ geeked out in Penzey's spices and Kitchen Kapers (!!!)

+ refilled our parking meter several times, to avoid a ticket

 

Mom mentioned that she felt as though we were in another country, somehow detached from our everyday worries and strife. She is so right! I felt so fresh, like I was walking around a new place and forgetting my other usual concerns to enjoy the calm. This is such a great thing about exploring a new town, even if it is a small one. And all of this, on the outskirts of Philadelphia! What a beautiful morning!

 

Love you, mama!

ciao, xo :)

out of an Austen novel

 

A sign that everything is right with the world, total comfort? My mom and me shopping for flowers. This practice goes way back into my early pre-teenage years, when I worked at a garden center and she would come rescue me by picking me up and... strat shopping. I'd be dragging my feet and complaining the whole time. Thanks, mom. But no, I love your love for flowers and I love them too. Does that make sense??

 

There's a reason they they say "April showers bring May flowers...," not June flowers or July flowers. In May, blooms are in their finest magnificence. At their peak.

 

This past weekend I was taken back to my happy state-of-mind when Mom and I found the quaintest, most charming little garden shop - it looks like it could be out of England to me. It was tiny, sectionalized, and had some of the most ornate and unusual plants. Ivy grew all over the stone houses surrounding the nursery's yard. It really was out of an Austen novel! I can't think of a more calming and pleasing way to stroll around and sip my morning coffee on a Saturday morning.

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additionally - we have a winner for the rendi giveaway!

 

 

Kaitlyn, congrats on your $40 gift card! Check your email. :)

 



afternoon city slickin'



Disclaimer: I am not a city person.

I tried to have a little swagger while crossing the street so I didn't stick out (or get run over)

to look confident, you know?

 

I admire my sisters and my dad because they're sorta city slickers. they work and go to school there.And Philadelphia is one tough place. But I stick to the confines of my favorite city cafe, and stationery store. and I am a happy camper! This time in the city, it was a late afternoon hustle-and-bustle sort of deal. I had not one, but two espressos. Cue the crazies/hyperactive buzz. I snapped some pictures of the city, and these pictures don't seem to do it justice. The tree-lined streets blow in the wind; their leaves glisten even more prominently against the concrete when the sun is shining.

 

I walked around, struck out at Urban outfitters (isn't that always the case?) and ended the night at the art school. I awkwardly attended an art exhibition/gala (and I was wearing jeans and a Columbia sweatshirt. Yes!) I met this famous artist with my little sis. He was so cool! And I felt a little like a badass defiant hipster in my inappropriate dress, which totally fit in the art school atmosphere.

 

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have a greeeat weekend, all! see you monday! ciao xo

 

 

p.s. today is the final day the Rendi giveaway is open! click to enter for a $40 gift card :)