3 Things I've been loving about Summer and will be taking into Fall...

1) Foldable sunglasses

Credit: http://www.sunpocketoriginal.com/

Credit: Laura Dougherty, media.patch.com

 2. Al fresco dining












3. 1970s Teal-Green Giant Road Bike

1) So I bought my first pair of "sunnies" in early June. Sunpocket is a former French skiing/surfing sunglasses brand of the 70's that was relaunched in late April and is now a Swedish brand. They make sunglasses that literally fold up and go in your pocket. It took a while for the glasses to come, but the Sunpocket rep, Anton, that I spoke with via email, assured me my sunnies would arrive as promised and they did. I opted for the Sunpocket II Shiny White ($65.00): Sunpocket Webstore. I would totally suggest buying the retainers (I bought pink with these) because as functional as it is to have them hang around your neck, it also creates a nice necklace accessory as well! *See photo.

Other brands with these foldable sunglasses started to become popular this summer ranging from the American Eagle ($6.99) lowest priced/unreliable: AE Online to the more expensive RayBand Wayfarers ($155.00) Ray-Ban Online. I've heard Urban Outfitters has actual Sunpockets in their stores and one version is available online: Sunpocket Vintage Folding Sunglasses. I would definitely suggest stocking up on a few different pairs so you can rock this trend into fall and even bring them out on the slopes come Winter!

2) When the weather is nice out, why would you ever stay inside? That's my philosophy as far as Summer dining and I'll definitely be taking that same motto into Fall. Down the shore in Brigantine, New Jersey it was a great to be able to go straight off the beach and onto Laguna Grill's new outside deck which opened July 4th weekend. If you want a last taste of Jersey Shore craziness and don't feel like going all the way to Seaside, Whitebrier's (Avalon) Saturday happy hour can you give you that same feel. The inside sweltering hot/beerfoaming/fist-pumping is nicely contrasted with the relaxed outdoor seating and half price sushi. But this happy hour isn't for the meek at heart--be prepared to fight your way through a crowd inside and maybe witness a bro-brawl outside.

Back in Philly, Media has an amazing "Dining Under The Stars" (photo above) every Wednesday through the end of September. They close off State Street, place tables in the streets, and provide live entertainment. If you can't wait til Wednesday for your al fresco dining, a delicious Media restaurant that provides rooftop dining is the Asian Fusion, Azie. Also, if you are looking for another good roof-top dining spot, you can head over to University City, and check out City Tap House. Be prepared for a UPenn college crowd come fall, but the 60-beers-on-tap, updated regional bar cuisine, and beautiful terraces with firepits, overlooking Walnut Street, make it worth it. Lastly, if you haven't made it to the Piazza at Schmidt's in Northern Liberties yet this Summer for their 104.5 concert series, make sure you check it out come fightin' Phils playoffs. It is a great spot to grab some lawn chairs, have some outdoor refreshments, and watch the game on the big screen. (I'd also five-star recommend a PYT burger, and an adult shake!)

3) That's my new bike Betty. I actually bought her in good old Berks County, PA at Spokes. I got her for only $120 and was pretty excited to find a great condition (they think 70's) roadbike, with the awesome teal green color. This way I can use her to get around the city, and if I choose to do some tri's come next Summer (it's always a long-term goal but never happens)--she'll be the perfect transition without having to pay the grand price tag. I suggest investing in a good helmet. Mine actually cost about $40 (more than 1/3 the bike) but everyone keeps saying when it comes to your head it is worth it. I guess so. <33