guest blogger: mari of design shuffle

Hi all! It's Mari and I write as guest blogger for Design Shuffle, a fantastic social networking site for interior designers, architects, design professionals and enthusiasts to upload their work and receive lots of exposure. I love my work because I get to explore the beautiful world of interior design every day and then write about it, along with the great decorating ideas I discover along the way.†I'm so excited to be here at The Willows {blog} today. As you know, there's always something very interesting going at The Willowsóand everyone feels so welcome.

Let's talk about a subject near and dear to the hearts of many of you--vintage suitcases. We're already hooked and can't get enough of these intriguing pieces. They carry with them tales of yesteryear and bygone travel adventures. From our admittedly biased point of view, they add a historical feel, a sense of mystery and simply "belong" in any room. See what you think. We hope you enjoy these beautiful ways to decorate with vintage suitcases.

First Lady of the House (via)

Stacked to the ceiling in the corner of a traditional living room, this is an enviable collection of vintage suitcases. A great conversation starter!

Eclectic Revisited (via)

Vintage suitcases also work well in pale Swedish or French Country rooms. Don't they look wonderful next to the grouping of hatboxes beneath this antique work bench?

French Larkspur (via)

Small pieces can also be used to great effect with other found objects and a bouquet fresh of flowers like this one casually arranged in a galvanized metal container.

Vintage Junky (via)

Another fabulous stack of vintage suitcases reaching almost to the ceiling looks really stunning in this entry and hallway. Think of all the extra storage they provide. Good looking decorative element and great functionalityóa perfect pairing.

Decorology (via)

A stylish display of luggage is an inspired choice to go with this "world traveler" vignette. Perhaps a bit more modern than many of the rooms we're looking at today, but definitely one of the living room ideas to remember.

A Beach Cottage (via)

Regardless of which direction your bedroom design is going, vintage suitcases just might fit right in. White painted luggage makes a unique and functional bedside table in this eclectic bedroom.

SF Girl by Bay (via)

This totally personal and unique collection of cases is as eclectic as its surroundings. Think of the fun someone had searching for and finding those vintage treasures.

Design Happens (via)

And one last stack of vintage suitcases reminds us that the bedroom is always a great place to show off such a collection. And yes, they do seem to "belong" in this cozy and inviting room.


This post comes courtesy of Design Shuffle, where you can find top tier interior designs from around the world ñ from New York interior designers, Los Angeles interior designers, and more, check out the latest at Design Shuffle.

guest blogger: local lily

Local Lily is a wonderful new blog featuring all things local.

It is a great resource for local establishments from restaurants and stores to museums and markets.

They are definitely one to bookmark, especially if you are from Phoenix or planning to visit.

And, of course, the ladies of Local Lily are simply lovely. So, we are, indeed, thrilled to hear what some of their local No. 1's are here in Phoenix. We are so very happy to introduce you to the ladies of Local Lily...

Our five favorite things about Phoenix

by Local Lily

We found it nearly impossible to pick only five local faves! But we tried our best and here's a few close to our hearts...

1. The Duce!

A speak-easy that isn't going to be such a hidden gem for long. Little by little the Duce is becoming everyone's favorite spot! RnR surplus clothing, antique home items, great food and great drinks all in a family friendly atmosphere - you can't beat it!

2. Farmer's Markets

Farmer's Markets are a great way to start your weekend. See your neighbors, buy your produce and goodies from local vendors and increase the cohesiveness of your community.

3. Arizona Derby Dames

Arizona Derby Dames is a Saturday Night Out you won't soon forget! Grab a draft beer and get ready to holler - it ain't child's play!

4. The Phoenix Children's Museum

The Phoenix Children's Museum has many floors of awesome, air-conditioned fun for families of all ages... babies and big kids, too!

5. Nouvelle Armoire

For a one-stop shop of clothes and accessories, its all about Nouvelle Armoire! Gorgeous earrings, beautifully made and unique clothing with sales you can't beat.

Thank you so much to the ladies of Local Lily!

Keep up with their blog to find more fabulous places scattered across this great city of ours!

Hope you enjoyed all of our guest bloggers this week! We sure did!

For those from Phoenix, did you discover anything unknown to you that you are now itching to go check out?

What are some of you local favorites in Phoenix or your own city that you would recommend to someone if they were visiting?

Love to hear from you all!

guest blogger: georganne of frances and smeeks

If you live in Phoenix and are not already familiar with Frances and Smeeks, then come on out from under that rock and discover them.

Georganne Bryant is the brilliant talent behind both these fantastic local businesses.

Frances is one of the loveliest boutiques with wonderful gifts for anyone on your list (or, of course, for yourself, as it is hard to walk out of this store without something you just couldn't resist). And Smeeks is a dream of a candy store for any kid, or any person who still has that bit of kid inside them.

We couldn't be more thrilled to have Georganne here today to tell us why she loves this city of ours so very much. So, herewith 5 of her very favorite things about Phoenix, Georganne of Frances and Smeeks...

My five favorite things about Phoenix

by Georganne Bryant

(Georganne with the Frances & Smeeks staff Sandy, Cassandra and Julie)

1. Murphy's Bridle Path

I love walking my dog in the early, early morning along Murphy's Bridle Path on North Central.

2. Durant's

A definite favorite is Durant's on Central for its constant coolness. Its always a great place for a drink and we have celebrated many special occasions at this Phoenix landmark. Try the strawberry shortcake for a real treat!

3. Vintage Shopping along 7th Ave.

I love vintage shopping along 7th Ave. in Phoenix. I particularly love Indigo's style and finds at Retro Ranch. She always has a great collection/selection of vintage office supplies. Zinnia's, Hollywood Regency and Go Kat Go are all wonderful, too.

4. Urban Cookies and AJ's

We love Urban Cookies on a hot summer day with an AJ's iced tea! Yum! Try Urban Cookies ice cream sandwich!

5. Swimming pool at night.

My all time favorite "beat the heat" in Phoenix is hanging out with family in our pool at night. Love it!

Thank you so much to Georganne for another fantastic list of great things in Phoenix!

Maybe you should grab an AJ's iced tea and head over to Frances to check out all their lovelies and then pop into Smeeks for a little treat. Tell them we sent you!

And don't forget to check out their colorful blog for all the latest Frances and Smeeks news!

See you all tomorrow!

guest blogger: seesaw designs

Seesaw Designs is a local graphic design and letterpress studio run by three insanely talented ladies, Lindsay, Angela and Raquel. They are one of those companies where you just stare at their work and dream of being so creative (drool over these for a little while).

In addition to being an amazing local business, their blog is the loveliest and they have, possibly, the most perfect vintage etsy shop, seesaw vintage.

We are so very excited to have them here today to share some of their no. 1 favorite things about hot and wonderful Phoenix. So, if you don't know them already, we are happy to introduce you to the lovely ladies of seesaw designs...

Our five favorite things about Phoenix

by Seesaw Designs

1. St Francis

We love everything about this neighborhood restaurant, from the mid-century Wendell Burnette space it occupies to it's amazing lunch and dinner offerings (the Forbidden Rice is a vegetarian's dream). Chef Aaron Chamberlain does an amazing job of creating delicious wood-fired cuisine, and we were thrilled to begin working with them on a brand new website (coming soon!)

2. Thrifting and Vintage Finds

Phoenix is chock-full of amazing vintage clothes and furniture, and who doesn't love a good treasure hunt? The three of us are compulsive thrifters and spend our evenings and weekends searching for goodies for our online vintage shop, seesaw vintage.

3. Mid Century Modern Architecture

The valley has been home to some amazing architects, among them Frank Lloyd Wright, Al Beadle and Ralph Haver. We love the many mid-century gems that you can find sprinkled throughout the city. Modern Phoenix is a great resource for learning more about these historic buildings and neighborhoods.

4. Phoenix's Growing Creative + Small Business Community

We think Phoenix is awesome, and are proud to know people and organizations that are working to unite the community and get the word out. Phoenix Design Week is a great event serving the design community that happens every fall. Local First Arizona is an organization that works year-round to bring attention to all of the great community gems in the Valley. They put out a "small wonders" map yearly, as well.

5. Frances

We love Georganne and all the lovely finds at Frances, her boutique on Central and Camelback. Plus, its next door to Smeeks, a great place to feed your sweet tooth.

Thank you so much to Seesaw Designs!

You can ooh and aww over their work for a while, pick out something from their fantastic vintage shop or just stop in to their lovely blog and say hello (tell them we sent you!).

And, of course, if you need anything by way of design, we think these are your girls.

We hope you are enjoying these guest bloggers as much as we are.

See you back here tomorrow!

guest blogger: polly of chestnut lane

Chestnut Lane is one of our very favorite spots in the valley (have we mentioned that before?).

The food is delicious and the atmosphere perfection.

Have you seen their cakes? We might have mentioned those before, too...

And they don't come any nicer than Polly. Thus, we couldn't be more excited than to be hearing what some of her no. 1's are here in Phoenix. So, herewith her top five, Polly from Chestnut Lane...

My five favorite things about Phoenix

by Polly

1. Hiking Camelback after it rains.

2. Lunch at Pane Bianco.

3. The stunning sunsets here.

4. Having an almond margarita with my husband at St. Francis.

5. Cricket Pavillion when Dave Matthews is playing.

Thank you so much to Polly!

Now go treat yourself to something delicious from Chestnut Lane or call them next time you are having a party. Need a cake? This is your place.

See you back here tomorrow for another fabulous guest post!

*images here, here, here, here, here and here.

guest blogger jen: a special friday

Today is my last blog post for all of you. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this amazing blog for a week!

I thought today I would focus more on Bev's wonderful boutique that I have been lucky enough to be a part of for over two years now! The Willows is a dream, and I secretly play house every day while I'm here.

Bev, I decided while you're gone I'm going to give away the store! heehee. We need some fun summer sales!
Friday Madness - Today only! 25% off all flip flops!!

Monday, July 12 - Saturday, July 17 - SALE!

First, we have a new promotion we are very excited about!

Spend $100 at The Willows 7/12 - 7/17 and get a voucher for $25 off any $50 purchase to use in August! Every $100 spent gets you another voucher - one week only!!

20% off all Seabags!

(please call the store for availabilty)

Free Gift with any $100 or more purchase! (while supplies last!)

Please call me at the store if you need any more details! It's going to be fun next week! Please stop in and say hello. I really enjoy meeting all of Bev's followers!

guest blogger jen - the wedding day!

Italians LOVE weddings. We were told this upon our arrival in Italy. Even knowing this, we could not have anticipated the outpouring of love from all who were involved in our wedding from our planner to absolute strangers on the street. It was an absolutely magical day that makes me smile every time it crosses my mind.

Erika, the owner of the bed and breakfast we were staying at, had some fun filling us in on Italian wedding traditions the day before our Friday wedding. She told us that we should not see each other the entire day before the wedding - which was not until 5pm! The whole crew had lots of fun keeping Vance and I apart that day! We only heard each other's voices once when Vance shouted down to me from a balcony to say hello!
The boys spent the morning doing their thing, and the women spent the morning relaxing! We went out to lunch and had an emotional time filled with happy tears in anticipation for the big evening! Then Vance's mom and I went to get our hair done at an Italian hairdresser - they spoke no English! Luckily, we had consulted with them previously while Erika translated. It began to rain as we got our hair done, but by the time I was getting ready in our hotel room, the sun was shining! In fact, during our wedding was the best weather we had there all week! I told all the girls at The Willows to pray for good weather during my wedding, and they came through for me!

Sergio, the owner of the restaurant where we were having our wedding dinner, picked me up from the hotel in a special car called a "tuk-tuk" to take me to the castle. It was so fun!

Our small, intimate ceremony was done in a private wing of the castle. It was spoken in Italian and then translated to English by Anna. It was very romantic!



After the ceremony, the tuk-tuk car took us through the streets of Malcesine where strangers started cheering and singing to the two of us! It was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced! People were even taking pictures! We rented a boat to take us around Lake Garda after the wedding. It was so beautiful at sunset!

The boat ride wouldn't be complete without champagne and plastic cups!

After the boat ride, we arrived at our restaurant to find a special buffet set up just for us! We toasted, ate appetizers and then sat down for dinner. The restaurant La Pace was so wonderful. They even surprised us by putting our cake out on the end of the dock so Vance and I could have our own special cake cutting ceremony at dark - complete with a sparkler on the cake! It was truly a dream day for the two of us.

Everyone in Malcesine drank these Aperol Spritzers - and they are so, so good! 1/3 Prosecco wine, 1/3 Aperol, 1/3 sparkling water, ice and a slice of orange. Mix and enjoy!

Thank you so much for letting me share my wedding story with you. I have a special surprise for all of our readers tomorrow!