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Of course you prefer email. I mean, you still have a roll of stamps that requires you to add enough penny stamps to cover the right side of the envelope. But the next time you need to make a snail mail trip, consider walking over to the B. Free Franklin Post Office & Museum in Franklin Court. Franklin was the father of the U.S. postal service, as he was the first Postmaster General appointed by Continental Congress in 1775. What didn’t B. Frank do??

Snag a few stamps and take in some history while looking at miniature models of postmen, all wearing the array of uniforms from 1770 til now. Soak up Mr. Franklin’s wise words stenciled on the walls as you’re writing your return address.

And if you still want to feed your need for history, walk upstairs to the United States Postal Service Museum. This historic spot is worth the quick visit as its contents only take up the space of one room. Although it’s a stamp collector’s dream destination, as it has several cases filled with rare and commemorative stamps, you can also take a peek at an original coin counter, images of vintage mail transportation, and learn about the origins of the famous USPS motto “Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”

I’d share the answer, but why not go see it for yourself? Just call it a little historic motivation.

B Free Franklin Post Office & Museum in Franklin Court
316 Market St, Philadelphia, PA

Take a step into Anthony’s Italian Coffee House and take a step back in time, as the Anastasio family owned café opened in 1938. The coffee house, nestled in the Italian Market, has an old world charm with an original tin roof, small marble tables, a playlist of classic Italian songs, and black and white images of the Anastasio family that line the wall above the mantle.

Beyond their freshly brewed house blends, choose from Anthony’s laundry list of lattes, tea, and other specialty drinks. And if you’re looking to truly experience their slogan, “taste the tradition” you could try their homemade Italian sweets (cannoli, pizzelle) as well as their array of homemade Panini sandwiches. If you want to take a bit of Anthony’s home to your kitchen, pick up a bag of their loose tea, signature coffee blends, and packaged traditional Italian sweets (Baci chocolates, Biscotti, etc) on your way out.

After your taste buds make a decision, take a seat at one of the eight mini marble tables and soak in the scenery. But if you’re in more of a “people-watching” mood, then snag a window seat (or an outdoor table) and watch the crowds stroll through the market .

Anthony’s Italian Coffee House
903 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(800) 833-5030
www.italiancoffeehouse.com

As we tighten our belts during these frugal times, we’re training our take-out dialing fingers to cook up something in our very own kitchen.

In an effort to avoid the world of bland, I’ve been spending more time in the Italian Market Spice Store. Beyond the go-to staples of salt, pepper and your basic herbs, the Spice Store is stocked with every dried spice that you’ve ever heard of on the Food Network. Yes, that’s right. You can finally make those dishes that call for the unknown herb or spice. From lavender, to cayenne, pickling spices, jalapeño powder, pumpkin pie spice, olive dipping spice, and countless other spices from around the world, I’ll guarantee they have enough spices to please the pickiest foodie’s palette.

But the flavor overload doesn’t stop at dried seasoning, as they also carry an array of flour (almond flour, semolina chestnut flour), coffee and loose tea, along with an assortment of dried fruit/nuts and other baking ingredients.

And to make this deal even sweeter (or saltier depending on your tastes), you’ll save by buying these spices in bulk rather than overpaying for the fancy schmancy grocery store brands. Make sure to leave your plastic cards at home, as they only take cash.

Italian Market Spice Store
949 S 9th St Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 627-8039
www.italianmarketspice.com

If you’ve recently upgraded from college futon, fold-out “furniture” and are looking to revamp your cookie cutter IKEA look with some fabulous one-of-kind pieces, then you need to make a trip to Hello Home, the stylish home décor shop located on Pine Street on Antique Row. (And just to clear up any confusion, Hello World was previously located on 12th and Pine, but can now be found 10th and Pine) Along with the hop, skip and a jump change of location, owner and interior decorator, J. Lamancuso, appropriately changed the name from Hello World to Hello Home as the store’s goods focus on your casa (although he still carries fabulous bags, jewelry and other goodies to accessorize your persona).

Staying true to the Antique Row location, Hello Home is filled to the brim with mid century furniture and home décor accessories, from Andy Warhol plates, 1960′s international studio pottery, antique drawings and paintings, molded fiber glass chairs, a bevy of 60′s bar carts, not to mention a refurbished signed Paul McCobb planner group dresser, and many more home accoutrements that Lamancuso handpicks from estate sales and auctions (it’s like having your very own interior decorator).

Beyond the vintage, Hello Home will satisfy your modern love with an array of contemporary home décor, such as Trina Turk’s bold rugs, wasabi mint and bergamot tobacco candles, minimalist wooden menorahs, guitar ice cube trays, a plethora of vivid pillow, an entire display of tea forte, enough lamps to light up your life, and an endless amount of other décor accessories (vases, frames, etc) to turn your blank four wall box into a design blog worthy home.

Oh, and even though your eyes will be glued to the décor goodies, make sure to take a peek at the fabulous patterned ceiling!

Hello Home
1004 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
www.shophelloworld.com

Museum of Archeology and Anthropology

Besides cheese steaks and Rocky, Philadelphia is known for its thriving historical sites and museums that shed light on American culture and politics. Although, why not avoid the tourists at Independence Hall this weekend and delve into a history that you haven’t had instant access to… the ancient Maya culture.

UPenn’s Museum of Archeology and Anthropology are currently sharing their personal collection of Maya pottery and other artifacts via their exhibit, Painted Metaphors: Pottery and Politics of the Ancient Maya, which opened up back in April. This new exhibit features over 150 ancient artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, incense burners, figurines, musical instruments and other historical pieces that were excavated over a century ago and have recently been restored and studied. These treasured pieces depict significant Maya traditions and political turmoil.

And if you’re looking for a hands on experience (yes, even in a museum), why not try to create your own painted metaphor with inked stamps of symbols and glyphs. Or maybe you’d like to give the art of restoration a try, by carefully assembling a broken Maya vessel with magnetic pieces.

Beyond the artifacts, this exhibit also offers audio, video and photos of more recent Maya life in the village of Chama. In essence, Painted Metaphors is expressing and preserving stories of the Maya culture.

University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
www.paintedmetaphors.org

The 3-hour tour didn’t work so well for Gilligan and his crew, but that’s because they weren’t being led by Eric and Rob of City Food Tours. This fabulous duo gives new meaning to Philly Flava, and has added a brand spanking new tasting adventure to compliment this years infamous flower show.

Their flower inspired food tour will explore specialty food spots that create artisanal goods blended with botanical elements (exotic teas, lavender dusted goat cheese, rose infuse chocolates), and participants will have the opportunity to meet and learn from the culinary experts behind this natural treats.

And to get even closer to nature, Joe Liana, Co-founder of Urbangreen will teach the group how to grow a simple, Italian garden via their hands on demonstration. Oh, and did I mention that Trip Advisor ranked their tours as the #1 attraction in Philly? Everyone loves a winner.

This very special tasting tour is only available for a limited time (March 2nd to the 7th). So snag a ticket and taste away before visiting the flower show (just don’t try to eat the plants at the show-the tasting stops when the tour ends).

Flower Inspired Food Tour
March 2nd – 7th, 10AM-1PM
Tickets: $39 for adults & $35 for seniors over 65.
www.zerve.com/CityFoods/Flower

In addition to the acres of floral displays, the 2009 Philadelphia Flower Show will feature live entertainment (opera singers from Philadelphia’s Academy of Vocal Arts, string trio and quartet, and Italian folk dancers), countless vendors with authentic Italian crafts, live culinary destinations by local chefs, and Italian delicacies, all of which will be available and take place in the recreated Italian Piazza.

If you want to rest your feet and revive your energy after walking through acres of displays, treat yourself to the well known and often sold out Garden Tea (FYI – additional tickets required for this event).

But if you would prefer to relax Italian style, then you might want to check out the wine tasting room created for this year’s show. Sample Italian wine for free and then pick up your favorite blend at the PLCB Wine and Spirits Store at the show. Oh, and if you’re an Always Sunny fan (who isn’t?) then you’re in luck, because Danny Devito will be showing his face on March 7th to introduce his limeoncello brand.

And who knows, you might get inspired to catch a flight to Italy or maybe just make reservations at the Italian BYO down the street.

Philadelphia Flower Show
March 1st – 8th

Pennsylvania Convention Center
12th & Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107
www.theflowershow.com

Crowd from last year’s Flower Show

This year’s Philadelphia Flower Show, Bella Italia, was inspired by the alluring flora and artistic culture of Italy. So, whether you’ve haven’t had the chance to take that Italian backpacking trip or are longing for the blooming beauty of spring, you can instantly transport yourself to Italian scenes and spring views at this year’s show.

The acres of gardens and landscape displays were inspired by the by beautiful scenery of San Remo, Venice, Rome, Tuscan countryside, and Florence. Natural artists will recreate famous Italian scenes, such as boutiques in Milan, Venetian Canals, Tuscan gardens, sculptures, etc with flowers.

The show’s central feature, formal palace gardens of ancient Rome, will be created by J. Cugliotta Landscape and Nursery, Inc. Cugliotta, a well-known, local landscape designer, will artistically build and design an Italian exhibit that will “culminate with a multi-tiered stage that will reach about 28 feet high, where opera and traditional Italian music will be performed.”

And in an effort to help grow the Philly green scene, try to catch a demonstration on how to create and maintain a sustainable environment for both urban and suburban locations.

I highly recommend you stop whining about the cold and pick up some tickets to this year’s show. While you get rid of the winter blues, you’ll be happy to know that proceeds will support the Philadelphia horticultural society and Philadelphia Green.

Philadelphia Flower Show
March 1st – 8th

Pennsylvania Convention Center
12th & Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107
www.theflowershow.com

When the clock strikes 5 on Friday, February 13th, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is transforming their Great Stair Hall into mood music central with a very special Art After 5 event. Jazz singer, Denise King, will be sharing her favorite love songs as lovebirds sip from special Valentine’s cocktails.

And if the music doesn’t keep you in a romantic trance, then you can explore the famous masterpieces via one of the five guided gallery tours given throughout the evening: Van Gogh and Color, Shakers: Plain and Simple, Highlights of the Museum, American Portraits, Philadelphia Treasures.

By the end of the night, your culture loving heart will be beating to a whole new jazzy rhythm.

Valentine’s Concert
Friday, February 13th, 5 – 8:45pm
Event is FREE with Museum Admission

Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19101
(215) 763-8100
www.philamuseum.org

Artist and baker, Zoë Lukas of Whipped Bakeshop, is sweetening up Valentine’s Day this year with her spectacular array of festive cookies. Choose from Vintage Valentine cookies with printed edible images, the sweet yet sexy Lacy Valentine Heart Cookies, 2-sided Indian Pattern Valentine Cookies (with hand stamped indian pattern on one side and sparkling red on the other), 2-sided Woodgrain Valentine Cookies pressed with woodgrain pattern, XOXOXO Hug and Kiss Cookie Collection, and Wood You Be Mine Valentine Heart Cookies (icing on top with a woodgrain pattern).

These one of a kind, edible works of art come in sets of 12 or 24. So why not treat your sweet to his or her favorite cookie (choose from gingerbread, chocolate, or vanilla sugar cookies).

Whipped Bakeshop will even wrap the cookies in cello bags tied with pink and red bows. And if you want to add more sugar to this gift box of sweets, Zoë will include a short handwritten love note.

Valentine’s Day Cookies by Whipped Bakeshop
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6525966