BACK TO THE CITY PART II

Get it? While the rain has been sticking around for literally weeks, it didn't stop us from going out on another Philly adventure. And this time we went exploring along with two others– A's sister, Kelsey, and our dear friend, Leanne. 

FIRST STOP 

Of course we needed to fuel our bodies for the day, so we stopped by Little Spoon Cafe for our brunching needs. Mason jars, windowsill plants, cheery printed wallpaper, and fine food are just a few of our favorite things about this place! The menu alone has such a unique variety of foods that we didn't even know existed, like ramps which are apparently a 'mild green vegetable,' kinda like a green onion... go figure. They definitely know what they're doing here because it was a delicious choice. 

SECOND STOP

What's a day in Philly without stopping by La Colombe each and every time? But this time we were able to give our friend Leanne the experience of her first draft latte, and she loved it (of course.) There's really nothing quite like the smooth layer of foam, crunchy ice chunks and fresh espresso. Insanely refreshing.

THIRD STOP

West Elm. The visuals in this place are literally jaw dropping each and every time. From the room accents to the pillows to the furniture pieces we were already planning our future, non existent home as if we could buy everything in the store for it. One day my friends, one day...

FOURTH STOP

The Blick store. Ray had never been in here and boy was she missing out all these years. For all your art supply needs, and we mean any, this is the place to go. Walls of different kinds of pen is the place we want to be! Let's just say we spent a good chunk here gawking at the variety of supplies Blick carries, and definitely didn't come out empty-handed.

FIFTH STOP

The perfect stop for accomplishing any projects in a chill atmosphere that has two floors for space with drinks and eating options, Chapterhouse Cafe. Our main goal for the day was to assemble all of Ray's wedding invites so they're all ready to send out. This was the perfect way to catch up with each other, share some crazy stories, and get organized. We even had a little visit from the cafe's dog friend. We highly recommend this place to get some serious work done, or if you just want a chill spot to catch up with a friend.

Until next time, Phily. We're thankful for friends that stick together and always make time for each other even when life is crazy!

#galpals 

ROMPING 'ROUND PHILLY

After the random snow and chilly weather that consumed our second weekend in April we took full advantage of the 75 degree weather this past Saturday. Since Alisa moved to Philly recently, Rachel used good ol’ Septa to make her way to the city for the day! 

FIRST STOP

We started the day hungry of course, so we popped into Marathon Grill and had some bangin' omelettes, home fries and multi grain toast. The atmosphere is chill and screams fresh food. Let’s just say we will definitely be back again for more.

SECOND STOP

The place we can never get enough of. PAPER SOURCE. We probably spent the most time here out of any other place we explored. Between the stationary, desk accessories, gifts, and even a scratch-and-sniff book on whiskey, they definitely have everything you could ever want, and more.

THIRD STOP

Rittenhouse Square. Since the weather was so nice the park was packed with so many people and more dogs than ever (secretly wishing we had our cats on leash...) After taking a stroll around the farmer's market we planted our butts on a bench to bask in the sunlight and people watch. The perfect combo.

  

FOURTH STOP

The lovely Anthropologie where visual displays are always on point. Walking around there always leaves our mouths wide open at how much detail is put into the displays. With such a refreshing atmosphere we wandered around each floor in anticipation of what beautiful display would be next. 

 

FIFTH STOP

La Colombe. Where coffee lovers dwell. After Rachel’s first experience with the can of draft latte, she was so looking forward to getting the real deal. And boy, was it worth the wait. It is the perfect amount of smoothness, creaminess and foam that there could be.

We’re looking forward to the next time we will meet up to explore more of this city. Thank goodness for friends and fun-filled cities. Until next time, keep on exploring!

Be sure to follow our adventures on Instagram! @rayandablog

#cityofbrotherlylove

DRAFT LATTE REVIEW

This week has been crazy busy, and we can’t believe it’s already MARCH. As hectic as life is day-to-day, we all need a little caffeine in our lives, and thankfully La Colombe gave us a little Christmas miracle smack in the middle of the winter that definitely gives us a little pep in our step. It’s called the Draft Latte. **WARNING:** Recovering coffee addicts, this post is definitely not for you.

Back in 2015, La Colombe’s CEO dreamt a wonderful dream to make the smoothest, most frothy latte but from a keg. We’re not talking beer, we’re talking huge coffee innovation here people. Rachel and I couldn’t contain our excitement to try them for ourselves, so we conducted a highly scientific, separated taste test…

RAY

Smell: The scent of freshly brewed coffee. Drank mine straight from the can, after it exploded all over my desk. That woke me up. Good morning to me! 
Taste: Literally tastes like a freshly made latte right out of the coffee shop. At first you taste the coffee with a slight touch of cocoa and then BAM espresso.  
Texture: Rich and smooth. Followed by lovely latte froth

Overall Rating: 9/10. Very, very enjoyable. A perfect morning pick-me-up. Dare I say this was my first La Colombe experience? Definitely heading to their shop with A sometime in the near future!

A

Smell: Heavenly. Pour it out of the can and into a glass unless you're into the metallic smell of aluminum cans...

Taste: BEYOND WORDS. It's got the slightest hint of chocolatey-sweetness, quickly followed by a strong bit of espresso, and it's from the tap, so it's ever so slightly bubbly. 

Texture: Smoother than the creamiest milkshake you've ever had. 

Overall Rating: 10/10. This is definitely my new preferred drink of choice, and it's even more dangerous it comes in little, pack-able cans because I can literally carry them anywhere. It's like being able to have your favorite little coffee house experience wherever you go, it tastes just as good! La Colombe, you're doing it oh, so right.  

*Alisa has indeed had a draft latte prior to this tasting, but the results are not skewed, it’s still as delicious, and rich in the can as it is straight from the tap. I NEVER lie about my coffee.

**This post was not sponsored or endorsed in any way, we just love coffee and love taking photos of it!

#itscoffeeoclock