Philly, You Should Be Ashamed!

I cannot believe I am actually posting about this right now. Philadelphia should be so ashamed of itself. A very close friend of mine is friends with the person who alerted the media (and police, and mayor, etc) about this situation so I am getting it all firsthand. I am saddened to say that NO-ONE is doing anything about it. This is a complete and total disgrace and no wonder why people say Philadelphia is one of the dirtiest cities in the United States. I am completely embarrassed to say I (used to) call that city my home. You would think, after the press this situation is getting, someone would have rushed out to clean this up, to be the hero and say "Yes, I care about my city and I am just as shocked and appalled as you all are" . But no, countless hours later, it is still there untouched. I am not even hinting to you what I'm talking about because it is just so shocking you need to see it for yourself...

http://www.rightthisminute.com/video/philly-cabbie-leaves-little-dookie-behind

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/video/#!/news/local/Caught-on-Cam--Cabbie-Defecates-on-Philly-Street/162677056

I am sorry to those of you not from Philadelphia. I promise we are not all like that! I swear I use the toilet (99% of the time anyway) and I take pride in my city. I just spent the weekend downtown missing it and wanting to come back. But, unfortunately, none of the people in authoritative positions apparently feel the way I do.

With love and pearls (and no poop),
Ashley

Coldplay

Jay and I went to see the Coldplay concert on Friday night and let me tell you it was the best concert I have ever been to!!!! Did any of you go see their show? I have always enjoyed Coldplay but did not expect them to put on the show that they did. It was truly amazing. They are such great entertainers and they can seriously sing...no lip-synching or autotune with them! Jay didn't really expect much. He was only going and being a wonderful fiance but he agreed and said it was the best concert also. I wish I could just relive it over and over again. Everyone was so happy, not too many drunk people, we could get up and dance around, and sing our hearts out! Here are some sneak peaks:

With love and pearls,
Ashley

OMG I'm Getting Married!

He did it! We're engaged!

I'm definitely a little behind the ball because he did propose 2 Saturdays ago but I feel like it hasn't officially set in yet. I keep looking down at my finger and have to remember that is a real engagement ring and not one of the many cocktail rings I'm used to wearing.

I am beyond excited to marry Jay. He is amazing and I truly am the luckiest girl alive, but I am 100% completely scared to officially "grow up". Is this a normal feeling? I have to start my own life, with my own family, in my own house, and make my own new memories. I won't be able to come home after work to mom and dad's, sit on the couch, and wait until they make me dinner. I will have to be the official dinner maker in my house, which will probably not be true since Jay is a much better cook than me.

But enough of the sad stuff, the great news is that I booked the venue of my dreams!!! For those of you who live in the Philadelphia area, you have probably heard of Cescaphe before. If you haven't, you must be living under a rock! They are rumored to do the best weddings ever, seriously. I am beyond excited to add my name to the Cescaphe brides after next year. I cannot wait. This truly will be a fairytale come true :)

If any of you have any advice for a newly engaged bride, please share!!

With love and pearls,
Ashley

Restaurant Week

It's Restaurant Week in Philadelphia! Well actually it started last week and is still continuing this week but you catch my drift. Some people are overjoyed. Some people could care less. I, for one, love it.

The trick with Restaurant Week is knowing which restaurants to go to. You do not want to go to the big name, uber popular restaurants. I've been going to Restaurant Week for about 5 years and I've been to many, many restaurants and made many mistakes along the way. Anytime I've gone to the big name, tourist spots, I've been disappointed with my meal and understandably so. Your paying $35 for a three or four course dinner (which is a great deal) but to them, it may be the equivalent of one entree or an entree and a side salad. The owners aren't happy, the servers know they're not getting as big of a tip as they're used to so they're not as friendly and doting as you want them to be.

I typically stick to the BYOB's or the smaller, not as popular restaurants. This year I went to Salento and GiGi's. Both were seriously awesome and I'm sorry to say I forgot to take pictures of my food. Salento was a small, Italian BYO and was the perfect restaurant for girls night. Me and the man went to GiGi's and were treated to a very delicious 4 course meal. We were actually so stuffed we got our dessert to go!

So all in all, Restaurant Week is awesome and if you need any suggestions, don't hesitate to ask!

With love and pearls,
Ashley