Treat Yourself Like the King (or Queen) You Are!

There are certain dates on the calendar that, even as an adult, you anticipate with great excitement!  For the PHAG team, today is one such day- June 18th is National Splurge Day!  Really, are we actually pretending we need an excuse to splurge around here?. . LOL

Invented by eventologist Adrienne Sioux in 1994, National Splurge Day is a day to treat yourself excessively to anything you want, and, to excess if you so desire.  In other words, behave like the Queen (yes we're talking to you) you know you were born to be!  Have an XL serving of your favorite dessert, indulge in a special bath or spa treatment, get extra happy today at happy hour (yes, we know you're the real Queen of cocktails), heck buy yourself a throne!  Whatever your splurge, today's the day, so put your reservations aside, throw caution to the wind, and just splurge. . . for tomorrow will certainly come!

See more like this HERE!

This C.O. is Our New Stud!

June is PRIDE month, and this time each year, we take note of the people, places, products, and practices that have instilled a sense of pride in the greater community! 

This year, we need look no further than Orange is the New Black #OITNB.  Yes, that’s right, the much talked about Netflix original series set in a women’s prison that walks a fine line between dark comedy and drama, is among our favorites.  Season two (13 episodes) of this explosive series is set to be released on Friday, June 6th (tomorrow), and we can’t wait!

So why is this show among our top picks this year?  Is it the edgy lesbian storyline between Piper and Alex (or Nicky and nearly every other inmate)?  Or, is it the raw and impassioned story of transgender inmate Sophia?  While both offer amazing reasons to watch, the real reason we tune in is to spend some time (if only a fleeting moment) with C.O. John Bennett (played by competitive bodybuilder turned actor, Matt McGorry).

So naturally, we did a little web stalking of our favorite Netflix crush, and here’s a bit of what we found:

A graduate of NYC’s famous LaGuardia performing arts high school, and Emerson College, this breakout star is a native New Yorker who, at last check, still didn’t know how to drive.  At the age of 10(ish), Matt was the youngest member of the New York International Brotherhood of Magicians, and he was a prize winner in his 8^th grade science fair!  Before his big break he was not only a competitive bodybuilder, but also a trainer to the stars.  McGorry is no stranger to the LGBT community, either.  He grew up on 22^nd Street in Chelsea and has proudly remarked that he was basically, “raised by a pack of gays.”  Since the first season was released, Officer Bennett (and McGorry, by default) has become a bona-fide heartthrob to boys and girls alike- he’s even got an ever growing Buzzfeed tribute to prove it!

At PHAG, we love this Litchfield C.O. so much we’re proud to introduce you to our NEW studded ottoman- “TheBennett.”  Of course it’s no accident that we have to nail this thing like mad to achieve this stunning, studly finished product.  Enjoy!

See more like this HERE.

Fetish for Fairy tales?

Known by many as the Mistress of all Evil, Maleficent is the main antagonist in Disney's 1959 animated classic film, Sleeping Beauty.  As of today, she's also the focus of the NEW Disney live action feature film starring Angelina Jolie, that chronicles the untold story of one of animation's most iconic villains (I guess we all know where you'll find the #PHAGService Team tonight)!

If you're not a fan of action role-playing, you may  not know that Maleficent is also famous for her elegant, Gothic design and dramatic, flamboyant animation as a primary character in the Kingdom Hearts series of action role-playing games by Square Enix.  With her seemingly unlimited arsenal of magic powers, she has quickly achieved status as one of the most popular and recognizable villains in gaming.  In the live-action movie, released today, her on-screen look was made, in part, by artisans specializing in fetish wear, so she's not your toddler's fairy tale villain anymore!

Now, we call on those who live in the shadows. . . go to the movies NOW! (we are)

See more items like this HERE.

Gnomes & Fairies in Gardens- Oh my!

Like gnomes, fairies are among the magical wee folk that have long been fixtures in fables, myths, and ancient folklore.  Fairies bring luck, prosperity, and health to those whose gardens they inhabit, and, in fact, there are quite a few fluttering around the headquarters at PHAG on a daily basis.  So, when it comes to Fairy Gardening, we're the experts!

While you can literally convert any container into a fairy garden, the fairy gardening starter kit is a great place for the amateur fairy enthusiast to begin!  It includes everything you will need to create a garden for those playful, jovial creatures to frolic about when you're not looking.  More advanced fairy enthusiasts can shop for a range of miniature decor sets and accessories in PHAGs garden shop!

No interest in fairy gardening?  That never stopped a fairy from spreading a little dust!  Fairy dust is a sparkling, powdery substance that comes from magic crystals. According to the Elder Council of Fairies, close friends of PHAG, it is to be used by humans to add magical life to any space in a time of need (e.g. a hot night out at STIR lounge or an Atlantis cruise)!  Oh, and don't forget to make a special wish with each sparkling pinch!  Now, let your imagination run free, Fairy!

See more items like this HERE.

A Real Garden for Foodies. . . For real!

Green Zebra tomatoes. . . Siam Queen Basil. . . If you're a real foodie, then having that "something special" that turns an ordinary meal into an experience is truly what your heart desires!

These Foodie Garden kits provide a sure way to get the freshest, most imaginative ingredients straight to your table.  Featuring hand-drawn illustrations by famed artist, Joel Holland, each of these clever Foodie Garden kits includes everything you need to get growing:  soil, seeds, even a portable tin planter. Choose from Basil-O-Holic with sweet, lemon, and Siam basils; XXX Pepper with Pepperoncini, Habanero, and cayenne chili peppers; or Tomato Takeover with Black Krim, Green Zebra, and Roma tomatoes.

Looking for other ways to turn an otherwise ordinary meal into an experience?  On Thursday, April 24, 2014, participate in Dining Out for Life!  It's the 24th Anniversary of the charitable dining tradition that began in Philadelphia, PA.  This year, more than 150 restaurants across the Delaware Valley will donate 33% of the night's proceeds to benefit men, women and children with HIV/AIDS.

So tell us, where will you Dine Out For Life, and what will your Foodie Garden grow?

See more items like this HERE.

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, How do Your Comics Grow?

April is National Lawn & Garden month, and we're here to do our part in spreading the word!  Yes, you read our post title correctly, it's a comic geek's dream- a comic book that grows (and multiplies)!

Research cited by the National Gardening Association confirms that nurturing plants is universally good.  In doing so, attitudes toward health and nutrition are improved, community spirit grows, and kids even perform better at school!  Products like this colorful comic jacket of "The Gardener," support just that.  This easy-to-use kit contains two sheets of hand-made, recycled, plantable seed paper filled with mixed herbs.  To plant, you simply lay a single sheet on the soil, lightly cover with a topcoat, and water.

When it's this easy, what's the excuse not to join the celebration?  Come on, plant a comic this month, and help raise the spirit in your community!

See more items like this HERE.

It's Our Party We Can LOVE Where We Want To. . .

. . . and we choose to LOVE (in) Philly!

After 20 years in the City of Brotherly Love, I can say, with confidence, that there's no better place to celebrate America than in the birthplace of America itself- the home of the largest FREE concert in the country, and a city where even our mermen are red, white, and blue all over!

For those not fortunate enough to live in the nation's birthplace, you can thank VH1 who's bringing it back to the basics and back home to Philly in 2013, with VIDEOS all day (yes that's right video hits TV will actually broadcast videos) and music all night, broadcasting Philly's Fourth of July Jam and Fireworks LIVE from 8 - 11 pm!  Check out performances from Demi Lovato, John Mayer, hometown favorites The Roots, and many more.  The FINALE is, of course, an epic fireworks display that lights up the Ben Franklin Parkway and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

On behalf of our Philly team, have a safe and happy July 4th, wherever you're fortunate enough to celebrate!

See more items like this HERE.

It's Summer! Celebrate with MUSIC!

Happy SUMMER!  While summer unofficially kicked off with Memorial Day a few weeks back, today is, in fact, the official start of the flaming hot summer season!

I guess it's no coincidence, then, that June 21st is also World Music Day.  This annual celebration began in 1982, and has turned into a worldwide phenomenon as countries around the world enjoy the day in their own way.  The day also promotes peace and goodwill through music- heaven knows we can use more days to promote that!

Some of the countries that celebrate World Music Day are: Argentina, Australia, Britain, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, India, and Lebanon, among others.  While we fond some evidence of US participation in our sister city San Francisco, we would like to see Philly on fire with some HOT World Music Day events, so feel free to share the message and help us get the blog out!

Now, we're going to enjoy some classic vino while listening to some classic tunes on this classically beautiful summer, World Music Day!

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A Little Vexillology Anyone?

 

Flag Day was first observed in 1916.  In that year, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that established June 14th as a nationwide observance of "Flag Day."

While it is unconfirmed who actually designed Old Glory, it is accepted that Betsy Ross made the first US flag in 1776 right here in Philadelphia, PA.  While the designer is unknown, the colors chosen for the flag are no accident.  Red is a symbol of valor; white symbolizes purity and innocence; and blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8, (d) of the US Flag Code maintains that the American flag, "should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free."

So, rather than use an actual flag, rely on design re-prints of the flag on objects like this decorative pillow to ensure your decorating is within the bounds of the "flag code."  Then again, maybe you should use this symbol of life, liberty, and freedom to decorate your home however you desire!

See more items like this HERE.





Say it Loud, Gay is Proud!

At the heart of it all. . . a squeaky clean, impressively pink Gay Bar!

In June of 1970, the nation's first PRIDE parade was held in New York City to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall riots (a nearly week-long uprising between NYC police officers and the city's youth, following a raid of Stonewall Inn).  Stonewall was a popular gay bar located on Greenwich Village's Christopher Street, and the uprising helped bring the LGBT civil rights movement into the national spotlight for the first time.  This first parade was named the "Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day" march.

Here in Philadelphia, official PRIDE parades began in the late 1980s, and continue today thanks to the hard work of Philly Pride Presents, a grassroots, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  The annual PRIDE parade and celebration at Penn's Landing attracts more than 25,000 people!

Fast forward to June, 2009, and the LGBT civil rights movement garnered a new level of support when the President of the United States of America proclaimed:

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists."

This year's Philly PRIDE celebration will be held tomorrow (Sunday, June 9, 2013) beginning at 12 noon in the heart of Philly's Gayborhood.

Now, go get washed up, and we hope to see you there!

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Summer BBQ Phun!

It's the last day of May which means we must bid farewell to National BBQ Month.  Fresh off Memorial Day weekend, we hope you kicked off the "unofficial" start of summer right!

Just what is BBQ anyway?  For us, it's not just a type of food, it's the friends, family, and the phun that come with it!  Now, don't misunderstand, it's still about the meat, you know with the PHAG team, it's always about the meat <wink>.

Recently, we read a statistic from the HPBA (Hearth Patio & Barbecue Association) that said 85% of people prefer to cook outside on a grill or smoker.  So we, say, let us give you a hand, or a pink piggy, as the case may be.  It's the perfect opportunity to introduce you to our squeezable plastic piggy dispenser.  This handy dispenser holds 12 oz. of your best sauce, and will revolutionize the way you (or your grill jockey) transports the sauce to the meat!

See more items like this HERE.

Baby put your YOLO on

Well folks, it's hard to believe, but it's already April 20th, and you know what that means. . .

 

It's time to celebrate the iconic record!  That's right, it's the 8th annual Record Store Day right here in the US of A!  Believe it or not, more than 350 exclusive releases will hit stores for the first (and, in some cases, only) time in celebration of this occasion.  You can check out the full list of releases and formats on the Official Record Store Day website HERE.

 

You will see that most are on vinyl, and with EARTH DAY just 48 hours away, you can purchase these rarities with confidence, knowing that when their days as music-makers are over, they can be converted into amazingly iconic home décor items. . . clocks, mirrors, bowls, coasters, maybe even a pair of prized 45rpm bookends (with authentic spindle adapters)!

 

Oh, and what's our pick for the day, you ask?  Without question, it's the "YOLO" vinyl single by The Lonely Island with Adam Levine & Kendrick Lamar.  Now, go pick up your copy, after all, "You only live once," but those recycled records can live on-and-on. . .

 

See more items like this HERE.

 

Kiss Me, I'm Irish. . .

and maybe a little gay, too!

This "Booze Beauty" shot glass is my sentiment for Today.  Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone, and may the luck of the Irish be yours!

Feel free to join us for the official St. Patrick's Day party of Philly's Gayborhood, "Kiss Me, I'm Irish and Gay" today.  The City of Hope's Mission is the charity beneficiary.  Irish fun and frolic will be had by all!

Sunday, March 17, 2013
2 - 5 pm
U Bar @ 1220 Locust Street in the heart of the Gayborhood!

See more items like this HERE.

Signs of Spring. . .

 

Green clover, St. Patrick's Day decor, Springing forward and sacrificing an hour of my beauty sleep this morning, swelling numbers of city dwellers filling Kelly Drive for some outdoor fun, the tree out front just beginning to show early signs of blossoming life.  For me, these are the early signs of Spring. . . a reminder of the colorful, natural beauty that will soon surround me, and a reminder to pause and reflect!

We just received a new shipment of these popular, affordable mirrored decals.  Extremely versatile, in form and function, the decals can be used on walls, windows, doors, etc., the options are limitless!  They're light weight, easy to apply, and even though Spring is officially still 10 days away, they're a real reflection of what I'm feeling today!

See more items like this HERE.

"Wilde" about Art!

Life imitates art far more than art imitates life.- Oscar Wilde

It's hard to believe we're already in the final month of the first quarter of 2013!  As I began to think of all March has to offer. . . March Madness, the Ides of March, St. Patrick's Day. . . Irish author Oscar Wilde came to mind.  I mean, let's face it, March is known for the wilder side of life, right?

Though he wasn't a painter or visual artist, Wilde was a leading proponent of the aesthetic movement, emphasizing the pursuit of beauty for its own sake.  Perhaps Wilde's greatest masterpiece, The Picture of Dorian Gray, is a cautionary tale about a beautiful young man who wishes that his portrait would age while he remains youthful, living a life of utter pleasure!

In the art of life, we all strive to create our own masterpiece.  By surrounding ourselves with objects of art and inspiration, we create our own aesthetic movement, and a colorful palette in the kitchen is a step in the right direction!  What pleasures will you wish for?  What culinary masterpiece will you create?  It's March. . . go Wilde!

See more items like this HERE.

Move over Hollywood. . .

 

Philadelphia is a film darling, once again!

The role of Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone in 1976, placed the film spotlight brightly upon the City of Brotherly Love.  Nominated for 10 Oscars in 1977, and winner of three (including Best Picture), the recognition given to Rocky could easily have given Philly a BIG head, and from the looks of this POP vinyl Rocky collectible figurine, it had that effect on Stallone. . . LOL!

Either way, thanks in large part to the hard work of all the folks over at the GPFO, in 2013, Philadelphia has its sights set on Oscar, once again, compliments of Silver Linings Playbook.  It boasts 8 Oscar nods, including one for Hometown Hottie Bradley Cooper (his first)!

So this Sunday night, cheers to Rocky, best of luck to Silver Linings Playbook, kudos to the GPFO, love and lust to Bradley Cooper, and a sweet sofa snuggle to the one and only Oscar!

See more items like this HERE.

Life, LOVE, Liberty, & a little FUN!

This President's Day weekend, we recall the words of our 1st President, George Washington, who said, "Interwoven is the LOVE of Liberty with every ligament of the heart."
 
It's February (the month of celebrating love), we're here in Philly (the City of Brotherly Love), and we absolutely LOVE this handy symbol of liberty for your home!

So "wring" out those old dish rags and replace them with this whimsical dish brush! 

While you're at it, pause and give thanks for the many liberties you're afforded this day.

Now, go enjoy your freedom to have some decorating fun!

See more items like this HERE.

LOVE is in the. . .

 

 

kitchen, this Valentine's Day!

As a lover of art, a lover of cookies, and a lover of Philly, this novel cookie cutter has it all.

This unique tin cutter is crafted in the shape of Robert Indiana's famous LOVE sculpture, first placed in Philadelphia, PA in 1976 as part of the US Bicentennial celebration.  You know what else is worth celebrating?  That this traditional cookie cutter is made here in the USA!

See more items like this HERE.  Be certain to show your LOVE to someone special on February 14th!

Step into Spring!

This year, step into spring with real style. Our collection of hand-painted single bottle wine holders give new meaning to boutique wine! This multi-colored, shoe-shaped wine holder is constructed of durable, molded resin, and features an array of sculpted springtime flowers.

If you're more into an open-toe look this time of year, check out this roses design! Or for a more subtle springtime touch, you may enjoy our floral shoe wine stopper.

No matter what your style, these clever wine accessories will put a spring in your step and add a touch of spring to your bar!

Decor That Takes You Back!

While this weekend has been all about moving time forward, we decided to feature a new product at PHAG that will actually take you back in time!

This pair of 45rpm bookends is the perfect way to brace your favorite novels or display your prized music or movies! Each bookend is created using two vintage 45rpm records (of assorted artists/genres) and an authentic spindle record turntable adapter. The inner core of each bookend is made from recycled wood, all mounted to a 3” steel tongue, fully backed in cork to protect furniture and provide stable support.

If this new product is music to your ears, you can also check out our recycled record wall mirror or recycled LP wall clock, all are made right here in the city of Brotherly Love!