Carmen's Famous Italian Hoagies and Cheesesteaks!

I wanted to share one more fun adventure in Philadelphia!


As soon as we got to Philadelphia, we had to get a cheesesteak, of course. We were told 
to go Carmen's Famous Italian Hoagies and Cheesesteaks at the Reading Terminal Market 
across the street from the convention center. So off we went to get our cheesesteaks. 


I have to say, they really were the best cheesesteaks! If you are ever in Philly, go 
and see Carmen (aka; The Big Ragu) at Carmen's Famous Italian Hoagies and 
Cheesesteaks on Market 12th and Arch Streets. He was so much fun! We ate 
our lunch, hung out and had a blast meeting him and his crew! We could 
have stayed all day. 


And when you visit him, tell him that Jayboo sent you!

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

While visiting the show in Philadelphia, we decided to do a little sightseeing. We were told of a place called The Magic Gardens What an amazing place to visit and highly recommend visiting if you are ever in Philly!

The Magic Gardens is a non profit organization that show cases the art of Isaiah Zagar.

Here's little background on Isaiah Zagar - an award-winning mosaic mural artist whose work can be found on over 100 public walls throughout the city of Philadelphia and around the world. He devoted himself to beautifying South Street neighborhood since the late 60's. 

We have never seen anything like this magical place. As we walked up to the house, there were mosaics covering each side of the building, with vibrant colors, it lit the whole street up. It was just magnificent. I would love my house to have this much 

color and style. 

His artwork was influenced a lot by his travels. He traveled to Peru for the Peace Corps for three years and brought back found objects, which he used in his mosaics. In addition to his three-year Peace Corps service in Peru, Isaiah has completed artist residencies in Tianjin, China and Rajisthan, India. He also participated in a residency at the Kohler Ceramic Factory in Wisconsin.

Here are some photos of his incredible life-long work! I am still in awe! 

Outside of the Magic Gardens

One of the ceilings inside the house

Downstairs basement walls - my favorite!

Outside in the gardens

American Craft Show and The Niche Awards - Philadelphia

We just got back from the Buyers Market of America show and The Niche Awards in Philadelphia. We had a wonderful time. 

The Buyers Market of American Craft (1982) is the nation’s largest wholesale craft trade show. It is held biannually, the Buyers Market offers artists the opportunity to create long-term business relationships with over 3,000 galleries throughout the United States and Canada. 

That was just one part of our exciting trip to Philly but the important part was going to the Niche Awards show to see Jay Bridgland (my brother) of Bridgland Studios who was nominated for a huge award! The Niche Award.

He is a truly amazing glass artist. I was so excited to be there for his big win. He won under the category, Sculpture to Wear (concept Jewelry) - called Modern Tribal!

Congratulations Jay Bridgland! His work speaks for itself!

Stay tuned for more exciting places we visited in Philadelphia! A great place to visit. 

The cheesesteaks are AMAZING! :)

"Take Your Pix" Board Book Album Review...

I was so excited to receive my very own "Take Your Pix™" Board Book Photo Album. The Board Books comes in yellow, pink, and blue colors, as well as white. I chose the yellow album since it reminds me of sunshine -- and living in NH we are in serious need of some! :)

The front cover of the yellow, pink and blue albums have "My First Photos" written in soft felt lettering. The white album is blank for your creative input. The book itself has sturdy pages so a baby or young child can hold it. The photos can be inserted at the top of the page with notches on the sides of the pages for flipping. 

The photo album is 7" x 7" with 10 pages. It holds 20 4" x 6" photos and has a cover photo frame that holds a slightly smaller photo (about 4" x 5", so you can just trim a 4" x 6" photo to fit). All of the Board Book Album products are perfect for display and are free standing!  

What I really love about these albums is the sturdiness. I also love that I can decorate it myself. I am really looking forward to adding my daughters photos. We are going to have fun decorating it.

These albums are also great for gifts -- baby showers, wedding gifts and birthdays. Little ones can decorate it with special events, or add photos of their family and friends.

These albums are also used by speech therapists to help kids with autism, speech delay, or other special needs. They may find it particularly beneficial as a learning tool, or just something fun to create with their own favorite photos.

They are priced originally at $24.95 but you can buy them now at their special price for just $19.95! What a great deal! 

Here are some ways to decorate your own board book! 

Birthday party photos, going back to school photos

A Wedding photo album for a gift! 

A couple more in pink!

Check back soon to see my very 
own "Take Your Pix" Board Book Album all decorated!

Stay tuned....