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Modeling 101: What It’s Like to be a Model
Story, modeling by Cassie Hepler The glitz, the glam. America’s Next Top Model makes it seem like a sham. But here’s what you don’t know about the industry… For all those Photoshopped faces and figures plastered on magazine covers, there is so much work that has to be done behind the scenes. Think of a successful model (i.e. one who gets paid for her craft) as a pretty duck, paddling furiously away underneath. For every one magazine publication, there are probably about 10-100 shoots that are just for portfolio building in the meantime. Now if you are an established model, you can get photographers to shoot you for free for…
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21 Best Margaritas in Philadelphia
Story by Cassie Hepler One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor. There’s a reason for that saying and I bet you want to find out why the hard way. Well, if you try every margarita on this list, I’m not responsible for the wrestling, public drunkenness arrest that may ensue ‘cuz that’s way more than four! But whether you like a salted, plain or sugar rim, you can surely work your way through the best margaritas in Philly, one by …err, four by four. Tequilas Rittenhouse Square The real name is Los Catrines Tequilas but since no one knows how to pronounce it properly, it’s just Tequilas. With quiet sidewalk…
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Full and Happy at The Yogi’s Table
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler A couple of months ago at the new Jose Garces joint Distrito in Moorestown, N.J., I mentioned to the PR team that there should be a place to do yoga and eat at the same place. The director agreed and said she’s on board if I start it. Well, those words must have resonated with the universe because Onna Hepner is doing just that – an infusion of yoga followed by a nutritious and delicious meal. My friend Carla Wertz who volunteers with me at Project Sunshine suggested the two of us connect – and that we did. I signed up for a Monday class…
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Best Boozy Desserts in Philadelphia
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler Sweets are pretty, um sweet … but you know what makes them taste even better? Booze. Incorporating booze into your dessert options, whether it be the spongy variety, the liquid kind or the injected variety, you really can’t go wrong. That’s why I’ve wrangled up the 6 best boozy desserts in Philly for the 21+ only. Max Brenner in Center City, Philadelphia This chocolate bar and restaurant mecca in the city has chocolate pizza (!!) for crying out loud. So it only makes sense they have a medley of other amazing concoctions such as the Berry Lovely, above, Snickers chocolate (with satisfaction guaranteed), chocolate martinis…
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Victory Brewing, Waste Oil Recyclers Tackle Brandywine River Clean Up
Story by Cassie Hepler If there’s one thing that inspires me about the human race, it is the concept of giving back especially when your company is doing so well. I am proud to feature this event as just one of the ways Victory continues to be committed to the environment, giving back to the local community and show their outstanding appreciation for clean water (after all, you can’t make a good beer with filthy water). These core principles inspired Victory to start the Headwater’s Grant, donating one cent of every bottle of Headwaters Pale Ale sold to the protection of the delicate Brandywine Watershed. Waste Oil Recyclers, a local…
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Pennsylvania 6 Hosts Supper Club in Philadelphia
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Most people love hosting guests and eating extravagant 5-course dinners. But nowadays who has the time to spend all day in the kitchen? Well, the folks at Pennsylvania 6 in Philadelphia started a Supper Club last month, starting with a 5-course pig themed dinner (including pig dessert!) that is European style with cocktails and apps at the bar starting at 6:30 p.m. and dinner from 7-9 or even close to 10 p.m. Check out my Instagram for photos of the pig dinner including pig ears like fries! For August, Blue Moon Acres farm was featured with chef Marc Plessis prepared a 5-course prix fixe dinner…
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Decibel Wines Bringing Kiwi Style to the States
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler I like people who travel. Why? Because it broadens and expands your mind through culture, experience and breaking through fear of the unknown. I also like wine. And rock and roll. So it only makes sense that I would write about this totally American former band tour manager who picked up and moved to New Zealand, studied wine making, now has his own label and comes home annually to share his wines. His name is Daniel Brennan of Decibel Wines (see what he did there?) and here is an exclusive Q&A session with him. 1. Why wine? Why not beer? Beer seems more fitting in…
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Mojito Mondays at Continental in Atlantic City, NJ
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler What better way to make a Monday not so blah than with some mojitos? And to soak it all up, some killer apps with budget friendly pricing at a Steven Starr that has views of the beach. Welcome to Continental Atlantic City where you can kick it casual beach style at The Pier Shops at Caesars. An Alma de Cuba summer promo by Douglas Rodriguez touts $7 (stiff) drinks and $7 (tasty) tapas inspired by Alma’s menu. Enjoy the medley of food porn photography by yours truly and keep your drool off the screen please. That’s gross.
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Mugshot Diner in Fishtown, Philadelphia Hits the Spot
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler The problem with Philadelphia diners is that you get thismuch food when you really want THIS MUCH to fill your growling belly. Well, Mugshot Diner in Fishtown has the cure for your stomach eating itself while looking at… you guessed it, mugshots of famous celebrities lining the back wall. Not only that, it is attached to a huge studio warehouse in the back where the owner displays his impressive collection of Cadillacs, people rent space for photoshoots (happening during my tour) and other random in need of massive space events. And props to Robert Wright from Small Talk Media for reaching out, being pretty awesome…
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Abandoned building in Philadelphia: Beury Building
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler Deep in North Philly sits another historic building on North Broad Street that has been left to crumble: the Beury Building aka “Forever Boner” tagged on the side. Once an Art Deco tower, the building was the National Bank of North Philadelphia in 1926. Designed by Architect William H. Lee, with a unique mix of Late Gothic Revival and Art Deco for the apartment building. The 14-story structure (the Divine Lorraine is only 10 stories) became known as the Beury Building after the bank’s first president, Charles E. Beury, (pronounced “Berry”) who was also once the president of Temple University. This was stop number three…