Pit Stop

This is a favorite place to drop by for that mid afternoon hunger pang. Eco water bottle purchase (see post below) preceded by window browsing at Anthropologie and West Elm to name a few, the decision was made to indulge in the American Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Chloe's Corner. Contents included White American, Cheddar, baby Swiss Cheese, bacon, tomato and white bread, with of course a little crispy pickle on the side. I am a simple girl I AM.

Twisty bar seat + salt water taffy at candy counter = satisfied. Thank you bus boy for the free water with ice. BTW, how do you think that girl holding flower wall paper would look in my kitchen? Right too weird, pink shirt and red flowers would go waaay better.

Drink to this

Eco friendly glass water bottles to mimic the "trashier" plastic version. Addicted to water bottles, I have adopted a resolution for my water container consumption, this is IT. Crate and Barrel comes in small and large, I prefer the bigger, you know for more water intake.

The Replacements

Ever since DOMINO has been on the outs, I've been searching the world near and far for a replacement to fill the deep mag hole in my Swiss cheese heart. I stumbled across AntlerMag from one of my fave bloggers sfgirlbybay as I paraded about for my daily dose of creative flow. VIOLA, instantly feelin INSPIRED by the muted picture designs and indie chic style. Kudos and major bonus points to the deer people for deleting the carbon footprint left behind by the typical paper mag.

Environmental admission: IT is a guilty pleasure to select the thickest of magazines with the glossiest of finishes. Deep in my heart I know with each paper bundled booklet, I am axing mother natures friendly trees to the grave. I might as well take a match to Tonto National Forrest and Enjoy the sparked spectacular view. I DO however also love the ACT. Licking my thumb and pointer finger pinched together as if holding a grain of sand, leaving slick spitty residue to stick and turn the heavily glossed pages while a crisp flick finishes it ALL off. Leisurely meandering through ( back to front is my style) as if I were browsing down a store aisle, inspecting contents like they were the last thing left in the world.

Perhaps the click of my little black mouse or the stamp stamping of my keyboard arrow button could prove to provide the same effect. We'll see, In the meantime, I will enjoy this new website subscription venture.




ISSUE ONE

Ya'll

For old times sake:

He rocks in the tree tops all day long, Hoppin' and a-boppin' and singing his song, All the little birdies on Jaybird Street, Love to hear the robin go tweet tweet tweet "It's almost Spring Break, Tweet Tweeteleteet".

Yee Haw is right.

Willo

Knock knock. Who's there? Willo. Willo Whoooo? Willo, the darling neighborhood you stalk in your free time. You know driving up and down the neighborly streets, braking at bold red doors and gardened walkways? Sweet huz and I spent a drizzly Sunday afternoon in historic downtown Phoenix. Our umbrella as a canopy as we strolled down the palmed lined streets, basking in green lawned glory. The azaleas and bougainvillea were in full bloom, our hearts content. I was the map gatekeeper choosing the houses we would target first as Andrew devoured a giant bratwurst in one hand, balancing a bag of chips in the other before he could exude the energy needed to house "Visit".

This time, I was not on the outside looking in as I've been so many times before, but the in looking out. Much larger than they appear from the street, but just as charming. Full of original tiled character and restored hardwood humility. With the exception of the occasional creepy life size doll at the top of stairs and Hansel and Gretel figurines, the houses were lovely with a capital L. There is something to say about a neighborhood evolved out of the 20's and 30's that still holds true to it's original identity. Living in Phoenix surrounded by a sea of beige and fake adobe abodes, it's revitalizing to capture a glimpse that hasn't given way to the "stamped out" southwest version of row houses.

Excuse the trying to smile but not face, this truly is evidence of a day well spent. Sonora Brewhouse beckoned our tired bones after our walking feet gave way from the stone pavers and puddley streets. Homemade potato chips with spicy ketchup and ice cold brews provided the foundation for our retrospective conversation. We will find our way back again in 2010.

Now lay me gently down to sleep

Color infused pouf pillows from Urban Outfitters , I'll take twenty! I am lucky enough to have one that is similar residing on my guest bed, billowy tufts and all. Except the color is celery, more silky like and made by extra gifted hands.My leafy one of a kind treasure is handmade by my favorite Llama (aka second Mama). I'm hoping she can pass on her knitting and sewing abilities by osmosis.

Je'taime. It is a dear favorite.

PLAY HOOKY

Have a cowboy cookie. What better way to make a Monday into a Funday than to stay home to bake sweetish delights. Sorry job, I needed a day to play. I'll be back with a vengeance tomorrow.

Cowboy Cookie Recipe, delish. They are a tantalizing taste bud sensory mixture of gewy chewy crunchy chocolaty goodness.

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, cut into 1/4-inch chunks (1 cup)
3 ounces (3/4 cup) pecan halves
1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

Recipe from my beloved MARTHA.