For many of us, the daily task of living within our own bodies is at once natural and confusing. From the daily reminders each morning when a pair of jeans no longer fits the right way to the anxiety that can accompany the purchase of a new swim suit, the way we look at our body and how it behaves makes up a large part of how we see ourselves as people. A three-part art exhibition, a project of the KatherineAlexandra Foundation, takes a look at this relationship and tries to help us understand the complexities.

Looking for a little eco-friendliness in your fashion? The Earthly Beauties — a group of five local, sustainable fashion designers and two supportive boutiques — wants to help you do just that, and will put some of the hottest trends at your fingertips during their fashion show and shopping extravaganza this weekend at CITYSPACE in Center City.

Be it for a fresh morning start or a late-afternoon jolt, Philadelphians love their coffee. And while a times anything caffeinated will do, we prefer to indulge in one of the city’s many independent shops, where ceramic cups are the norm and you don’t need to speak Italian to order correctly.If you want to go laid back the next time you perk up, check out one of these popular Philly java joints.

For 120 years now, the country’s two major military schools — the Naval Academy and West Point — have continued one of the fiercest football rivalries, the Army-Navy Game, putting down the ball only to pick up weapons during some of the country’s most serious wars. And since 1899, that showdown has taken place most often in Philadelphia. Originally chosen simply due to its neutral location, the city has embraced the game and now proudly puts on a weekend of events to host the teams and the thousands of students that stream in, culminating in a game day full of pageantry and patriotic pride.

It’s the holiday season, which, contrary to all the hymns and tunes on the radio, means credit card workout season. You need the perfect gift for everyone from your sister and your best friend to your boss and your hair stylist (she is, after all, the only one who can get that perfect shade of spun gold). So many presents to purchase doesn’t need to translate into so many parking lots to stalk bag-toting customers in, though. Head to one of these Philadelphia area shopping destinations and you’ll only have to practice your spot hunting skills once.

Holiday shopping alert! You know that best bud with the too-cool loft that is desperate need of some striking yet sassy decor? And the cousin that won’t use a kitchen utensil unless it resembles a woodland creature? And the coworker whose office space could use a bit of, ahem, freshness? Oh, and everyone else on your list? You can call off the wild hunt for perfect gifts for them all right now. As of Monday, December 13, your problem is solved. As of Monday, Philadelphia has its very own Jonathan Adler boutique.

Wine pairing: done it. Beer pairing: seen it. If you are looking for a new planned-menu experience, drop into Noble: An American Cookery, one of Rittenhouse Square’s favorite spots for local fare and casual/elegant dining, this Tuesday, December 7, and experience a food/cocktail/scent pairing menu.

Fans of Bravo’s Top Chef have been not-so-patiently waiting for Season 7 winner and local Chef Kevin Sbraga to announce the location of his new restaurant — a venue slated for late 2010 or early 2011 that is said to be warm, inviting and inimate. But while you are scouring the Web and checking out every constructions site in town, you can get a taste of what’s to come at a sneak preview event the star chef is hosting this Thursday at Azalea Restaurant in the Omni Hotel at Independence Park.

With my birthday and the seasonal holidays both in December, it’s often right around now that I receive a barrage of calls, texts and Twitter DMs asking me what I want. It’s the end of the year, I’m tired and a bit burned out. Since sadly my friends and family cannot help me out with my request for a 26-hour day, my response is often “a day at the spa.” Soothing, relaxing, peaceful and pampering, there are few more perfect places on Earth. So where will my loved ones be calling in the days ahead? Hopefully one of these top stress-relieving, Philadelphia-area spas.