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 

Renée Nicolo Photography Website Launch

It’s been a crazy few months! We are super excited to be sharing this post with you all, and couldn’t be happier for our girl (and Rachel's sister) Renée Nicolo as she launches her brand spanking new website Renée Nicolo Photography! 

Renée is a local Bucks County photographer who started her business in 2013, and has been expanding her list of clients and her portfolio ever since. Along with her full-time job, she has developed her passion for photography through weekend sessions and local adventures. Renée is all about capturing you and your authentic story.

To celebrate the launch of her brand new site, Renée Nicolo Photography is giving a FREE portrait session to one lucky winner valued at $150*!

Here's how to win:

Enter one of more of the following ways... The more you do, the better chances of winning!

1. You must follow both @renee_nicolo and @rayandablog on Instagram AND like the RNP launch photo.
2. Comment and tag your friends on the RNP launch photo. The more friends you tag, the more times you are entered!
3. Share the RNP launch Facebook post on the Renée Nicolo Photography page.

*The winner will be chosen on Friday, February 12, 2016 and contacted through social media. You must be willing to travel to the location agreed upon within Bucks County, Pennsylvania for the portrait session. Includes a one hour long session.

You won't want to miss this opportunity! Be sure to check out the new site and bask in her beautiful photos! 

(All photos above are taken and owned by Renée Nicolo)

#RNPlaunch

SEASONS GREETINGS (CARDS)

The best way to complete a gift? With a well-designed holiday card! We’re crazy about all the Christmas cards that have been flooding the Internet this year, and we’re showing you our favorite cards this season from extremely talented designers and illustrators. Check ‘em out to find the perfect card for anyone in your life!

WILD HART PAPER CO

WORTHWHILE PAPER

OUR HEIDAY

HELLO LUCKY

POKETO

LITTLE ARROW

Have a favorite? Show some love for your favorite paper goods designers below in the comments!

#tisthegreetings

DIY: Cinnamon Stick Coasters

Because getting ready for the holiday season always involves decorating every nook and cranny of the house, we’re going to be featuring a different DIY every week until Christmas! So get your crafty pants on, and let’s get started!

Nothing screams Christmas more than the sweet smell of cinnamon filling the house. We’re sharing this super simple DIY that only requires two materials. Cinnamon sticks and twine. See below for instructions on how to make this fun DIY perfect for the holidays!

MATERIALS:

+ Cinnamon sticks
+ Baker's twine (or any string will do!)

Step 1: Line up your cinnamon sticks so they're as level as can be, then tie a knot on the first stick, securing the string before you start weaving.

Step 2: Start weaving the string under, over, (under, over...) the cinnamon sticks. Once you reach the last one, loop around the bottom and weave the other way.

Step 3: When you reach your original knot, tie the two ends together. Repeat on other side of the cinnamon sticks.

Now you have a cute, festive decoration and a fragrant scent to fill your home as you set that hot cup of coffee on your new coaster.

Sidenote: Isn't coffee with creamer swirls the most fascinating, beautiful thing, or is is just me?

Oh yeah! These coasters also look super cute with a candle burning on them. When the candle gets warm, you just might smell some cinnamon. Last week we went to a pop-up holiday shop, and Alisa bought this candle from Zoet Bathlatier, an artisanal candle and soap-maker. Do check out her website and her etsy shop—these would make great Christmas gifts with a coaster!

Use these cinnamon coasters with your hot tea to give off a rich, cinnamon scent, or use them for your holiday decoration! Craft along with us, and share your coasters on social media using #rayandablog— we can’t wait to see your crafts!

#spiceitup

Apple Picking: Tabora Farms

What better way to welcome in fall than to go apple picking? We spent our Saturday afternoon at Tabora Farms eating delicious sandwiches, picking apples and browsing for mini pumpkins. Tabora has an indoor market which includes freshly-baked goods, special blends of coffee, fresh fruits and vegetables and a full deli counter. We especially love their stuffed rolls and raspberry apple crumb pie! 

This is just the start of our many fall adventures and we can't wait to explore more autumn favorites soon! 

#supportlocalfarms

Falling for Fall

Fall is upon us, and we couldn't be more excited! After a hot summer, it's always nice to look forward to the brisk air, hot drinks, and cozy sweaters. We've made a list of things to do this fall wherever you are. Check them out below...

1. Knitting! All year is the perfect time to knit, but knitting in the fall has a special charm. Here's to new patterns, new yarn, and a lazy Saturday morning. Get your knit on!

2. Pumpkin and ghord picking! Even though it's only September, that doesn't mean you can't start putting out the festive ghord decor! Make a day of it and find a local farm that sell these autumn favorites!

3. Fall football games! Nothing says fall more than a Friday night high school football game. Bring back some memories, and make new ones with old friends and family. Don't forget to bring your school spirit and bundle up- it get's cold fast!

4. Plan an fall getaway! Go ahead and take those vacation days, maybe even rent out a cozy little woodsy cottage. There's no better way to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage than living in the midst of it.

5. Go apple picking! Apples are still relevant, don't let the pumpkins steal the spotlight. From apple pie to apple cider, and everything in between,  you really can't beat the taste of freshly-picked apples!

Happy Fall!

Photos (top to bottom)

Chaucee Stillman

Paula Leme

Lauren Marek

Evan Boutte

Iveth Morales

Tiffany Mitchell

Feature Friday: White Nest Market + Sweet Pea Ice Cream

We are thrilled to share with you our first "Feature Friday" spot, and by doing so, we hope to encourage you all to check out the local businesses that might be in your area too!

This week Ray & A explored White Nest Market + Sweet Pea, a local kitchen market and homemade ice cream shop in the heart of our little town, Perkasie. We got to speak with Danielle Marinelli, co-owner and wife of Vince Marinelli who both started Sweet Pea and White Nest Market after making pretzels in Doylestown for 15 years. 

We hosted a quick Q&A session with Danielle at the shop to learn more about White Nest Market + Sweet Pea:

Q: What is the process that goes into making the ice cream here, and what's your favorite flavor?
A: We start with 14% buttermilk sourced from a local farm and I churn the ice cream all day... Literally. I'll add the ingredients, such as 100% fresh fruit, roasted nuts, and cake pieces, and package it ready to sell at the different shops or place into large containers for fresh scoops. Caramel Pecan Praline (my personal favorite) and Mexican Chile Dark Chocolate are the some of the newest, most popular flavors in the shop right now.

Q: How did Sweet Pea and White Nest Market get their beginnings?

A: I (Danielle) was a nurse, and my husband, Vince an electrician, and we started with the pretzel business. An ice cream shop in Newtown closed one day, and Vince asked if I wanted to start making ice cream. I laughed, not thinking much of it at the time, but that's when Sweet Pea was born. We spent two years there and then opened a second location in Doylestown, and soon after, Perkasie became the third retail location. We also sell our ice cream in several Center City Philadelphia locations, and a few other cities all over the country. White Nest Market started out as an online shop focusing on modern kitchenware and home goods, but now I have been able to display the goods in the retail shops alongside my ice cream.

Q: How do you see this business influencing the community?
A: I want the community to come and hang out with their families and make awesome memories, ice cream brings people together! Buying and supporting local businesses is something that I am passionate about, and hope that other people will be as well. I also host 'Celebrity Scoop Night' with schools in the area, where the students vote on a custom flavor, I make the winning flavor and the principal and teachers take shifts scooping for the night. We encourage families to come and then give a percentage of our sales for the night back to the school. In the market side of the shop, we're going to be selling local homemade honey, pecans and nuts, beef jerky, and more, so stay tuned for more on that soon.

Be sure to look out for future Feature Fridays highlighting new awesome places by searching our Instagram hashtag #rayandafeaturefriday. And definitely stop by to taste it for yourself!

#loveyourlocal