Two Years in Philly
Gratitude post, coming right up! March 26th is the second anniversary of my home closing, and I’ve been reflecting a lot on how that changed my course, grounded me in a positive way and grateful for the amazing things that have stemmed from it. First off, buying a house in that market was a bit mad, but I have zero regrets and love this place I call home. I have even more pride for the city and finding roots here.
Making new friends, eating great food, and enjoying all that Philly has to offer!
Food, Drink & Socializing
I’ve been pretty impressed with how the dining scene has evolved here and never find myself lacking choices. I pulled this Philly Dining & Drinking Guide together over the summer and will keep refreshing with my favorites. I’m available for research, so I love when friends are in town or food writers want to hang out.
Growing your friend circle isn’t so easy as you get older, work from home and single, however, I joined Fitler, which has connected me to some of my closest buds in the city and new travel friends. I’ve recently joined a group for women who love beer - Beer Necessities, which is pretty great. There’s been some great social events like Ball on the Square, first-annual Polo Match, ballet shows, incredibly winning season for soccer, baseball and football! The city has been elate with pride and excitement despite the final outcomes.
My Best Friend’s Wedding, Friends & Family Live Here!
We got to finally have my best friend’s wedding (and a lovely bachelorette), and then they finally moved back! Now I’m just a 15 minute walk from them and I can knock up whenever I want to see them.
A couple other great friends are here too: Annemarie, Kae Lani and soon to be Joey, who joined The Inquirer shortly after moving here. Worlds colliding in the best way! My cousin, his wife and little girl are a short walk away. My brother and his wife in a cool neighborhood in West Philly with mom nearby still in the house we grew up in the burbs.
Expanding Trip Whisperer
Because of Annemarie’s amazing talent of finding talent, I was able to connect with my amazing new colleague Stephanie Aviles who also lives in Philly, and splits her time in Puerto Rico where she’s from - how cool! Trip Whisperer continues to grow including being trademarked and serving more people with our travel gifts. It’s never easy to run your own business but it’s freedom and rewarding work that keeps me going.
Visitors Galore!
I love playing host. Barely before I got enough future, my house was warmed with so many visitors. Everyone from DC to NYC, we’re having the fun. Connie, Go and Fernando came for floral fun at the Flower Show when it was hosted in FDR Park! Eating around Philly with Erik and much much more.
Alex in Wanderland: My travel partner in Lebanon Wander Women Retreats and dear friend plotting our next Lebanon adventures, which has led me to gain three new friends Penny, Olivia and John. Of course, she inspired me to have the courage to launch my own tailored group trip finally for September (here).
A couple other Lebanon friend connections have come this way like Ashley, Carly and Sarah visited It’s like the world never ceases to bring me signs to that country!
Home Repairs
Just after the one year warranty, the roof leak was back! Oh joy. After the roof was fixed, I was able to get the office in order and get some pretty spectacular wallpaper. After all that, when I returned from the holidays the boiler went, but quickly followed with this silver lining home feature in The Philadelphia Inquirer!
It’s really about balance, and putting yourself out there. Finding friends in a ‘new city’ isn’t easy. Joining these social circles and finding community definitely makes it feel like home. Thankful for Philly, friends and a sense of place.
