pizza at tacconelli's

I think it's funny that I didn't even take pictures of the pizza - it is just too good to wait to eat it. For our family, it is a special place (more of a tradition) to visit, since its where my grandparents met. The ambience, and for me, imagining what that 1940s December night must have been like, is pure magic. That's when my grandparents met - right over the jukebox, where my sisters are pictured above. And plus, the pizza is just out-of-this-world fantastic. Crisp and thin crusted, just how I like it. If you ever go, make sure you call ahead - there are certain things you just need to know before you go - such as reserving your dough. It is all made fresh that day and baked in the huge brick oven, one at a time. Everything is worth the wait!

I can't wait to take my friends here - the more, the merrier. I have my favorite pizza places around home, but this counts as one of my all-time favorites (even including Italy…I know). 

The Original Tacconelli's

2604 East Somerset Street

Phila., PA 19134

insta-lately

eep! another insta-lately!

i love this wintry collection of photos. even though this is, hands down, the time of year i like the least.

this is kind of the ideal version of what winter should look like…

everything white, everything bright, cookies in jars,

pine needles, plaid, and happy lights in windows. it's all a little glamorized.

Maybe I do like the winter a little bit. Sometimes winter does look like this,

but most times it doesn't - it also consists of short hours of daylight,

horrid frigid temperatures, icy roads, the Christmas tree being taken down, and being PALE, the very worst!

Is anyone sick of my cold weather complaints?

I am looking forward to a few things this winter, a few awesome things.

Weekends with friends, near and far…the Olympics (!)…the premiere of Downton Abbey season 4!

The arrival of spring! Awards shows! Valentines' Day! 

And before we know it…poof! spring!

I'm not sure if I am convincing you that I can actually like the winter.

okkkk…bye! ciao, xo

2014 inspo!

Who doesn't love a good inspo post?

all via

ok, who's inspired!?

it's 2014!

original image via

This time last year…if you told me all the things 2013 would bring, I'd laugh in disbelief.
2013 took me to Italy, after winning a contest. It gave me a huge boost in my career.
It brought me to amazing people and experiences all over…home and far away.
It brought me closer to friends and gave me so many amazing moments with family.
I can only hope that this year will bring more of the same!

But I have to be honest…even just for a second…
New Year's is definitely my least favorite holiday. I really don't like it.
All the buildup, the plans, the expectations for plans, and the reality.
The very worst part is immediately after…back to school, back to work, and winter! ew!
I am shuddering.

But to emphasize the positive…things are moving forward. As they always do.
There is so much to look forward to, and be thankful for. Even the things I don't know about yet!
Which is what makes life absolutely amazingly fun.
So…no more philosophical new years' complaints and tangents…
go enjoy your first day of 2014! do something awesome.

ciao! xo