Local Love - Porter Barn Wood

We had such a great time last Thursday at the Grand Opening Porter Barn Wood's new design center. The catering from Pizzeria Bianco was just an added bonus.

 

The team at Porter Barn Wood are some of the most creative and talented artisans I've had the pleasure to work with. Just talking with Thomas Porter and you will feel the passion he has for his art. He says, "My goal with Porter Barn Wood is to grow as a family business and continue to see these old barns, antiques, and various lumber products become an exciting new way to bring the warmth of wood and nostalgia into homes and businesses. Over the next few years I intend to add products, services, and facilities to Porter Barn Wood that will help us continue to bring high-quality at reasonable prices. I also intend to continue loving it as much as I do now." Here is just a sample of what they can do. We love the second image below.

 

 



How fantastic is this? A Lego sliding door! Perfect for a playroom. We can't wait to have a chance to install this for a client!

Local Love - Tuck Shop

 Looking for something delicious, quaint, and unique? The Tuck Shop in Phoenix is the answer.

 

Located on 12th Street and Oak, Tuck Shop is one of my new favorite restaurants. And, you know me: I love shopping (and mostly eating) local! Renovated from a mid-century modern house, this place has it all. Ambiance, deliciously addictive food, fine wine and desserts that rotate weekly. Stop in often to see what's new!

 

 

 

 

 

A few of our favorite recommendations:

Start with the Pasta Fries (enough to share), add the Stuffed Medjool Dates and then try the Lobster Mac 'n Cheese! We always have a hard time choosing between the Pine Skirt Steak or the Classic Chicken & Waffles so just 'eeny, meeny, miney, mo' to make a selection. 

 



Mejico

We LOVE unique, local, one of a kind restaurants, and Mejico certainly is that! I just had to tell you all about it. The menu is simple, with classic Mexican dishes, all sounding delicious. In addition to their signature margaritas, which the bartender is happy to doctor up for those really craving some heat, they have added a craft cocktail menu that would compliment any spicy dish (present company included).

In my opinion, the bar has the best seats in the house. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about the food, drinks and always ready with a recommendation if you are having trouble deciding which yummy dish to try.

They also have an AMAZING happy hour. Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm. Half price drinks and appetizers. They had me at $1 street tacos. I'm going back tomorrow, and maybe the next day... Mejico, welcome to the neighborhood! What are some of your favorite local spots?

Click Here for More Details

     

   



making chili for the crowds

When our Chicago cousins come to town, everyone is so excited to see them!  I always know we will have a full house of visitors and those anxious to hang out with them.  No one wants to cook, plus I'm never sure exactly how many people will show up, not to mention what all the different little picky-eaters will and won't eat, so I always make a big pot of the world's easiest chili.  This is the best go-to meal when you want it done fast, you need to feed a lot of people, and you want to make everyone happy.  

world's easiest chili

- ground meat of your choice (sirloin, turkey, etc.)

- pork chops, cut into cubes

- ranch style beans (the secret ingredient)

- chili powder, salt and pepper to taste 

pour everything in a pot and cook.  see how easy that is.

then, make a buffet of toppings for everyone to choose from.

examples: cheese, corn, sour cream, radishes, zucchini, avocado, cilantro...

the list could go on and on.

the kids can have it plain with cheese, the dads can spice it up with tabasco, 

and everyone else can make it just the way they like :) 

happy crowd, happy hostess.

the secret ingredient :)

something here doesn't belong...

a sure sign of lots of kids running around :)

cleo and clementine

I have to say, I think we are really lucky in Phoenix to have so many unique local shops and restaurants, and I love being able to support them. One of my favorites that my daughter Christine introduced me to a while back is the lovely Cleo and Clementine.  Attention all brides or anyone in need of a unique, one-of-a-kind dress!  This is a place you need to know about!  These dresses will make you drool and the shop itself is beyond darling.  My personal highlight was seeing her eight year old daughter making doll clothes in the back!  I wanted to sit down with her and join in.  7th Avenue is full of so many gems these days and this is definitely one you need to visit if you haven't yet.  Grab a coffee, hit up some vintage shops and stop in to Cleo and Clementine.  There, I just planned a lovely weekday morning for you :)  You're welcome.

For more information...

OUMA by Monique Sandoval

oumaclothing.com

602.341.5125

tea with my little loves

I took advantage of having all 8 of my granddaughters in town last week and took the lovely little ladies all out to tea.  There is nothing sweeter than seeing them all dressed up and acting like little ladies.  

I am so blessed with these darling girls in my life!

And two more on the way this summer!

essence bakery

Have you been to the new Essence Bakery yet?

I used to drive out to the one in Tempe and then they ever so nicely opened a new bakery location just across Indian School from the Willows.  Too kind of them.  And a little dangerous, too...

I tell you, good things are happening along Indian School in Phoenix.  Lots of great local places popping up right around here.  And I am all about supporting the locals!

Back to Essence...  everything that comes out of this little french bakery is to die for.  They have the absolute yummiest (and prettiest) macarons.  Their pastries are amazing (I'm partial to that almond croissant...  just typing that I want to run over and get one).  And their breakfast and lunch items are delicious.  Most recently I had their Signature Sausage Turnover and Eggs...  just go treat yourself to one.  You will not be disappointed.

So, if you haven't been yet, stop in for a latte and croissant, meet a friend for lunch or grab a box of macarons for your next party!

Baby's first croissant.  As big as her head.

january in phoenix

Well, this is what January in Phoenix looks like.  Bike rides, sunshine, drinks on the patio...

I'm not going to lie, it's really nice.

Plan a visit and while you are here stop by the Willows and see us!

We will tell you about all our favorite local shops and restaurants :)

had to take a selfie after the group shot :)

baking sisters

Went to Lux this morning to see both my girls baking side by side!  Who would have thought that these sisters, 16 years apart, would someday be working together?  A love for baking certainly runs in the family!  

I am feeling like one proud mama right now!

wally's

Wally's is one of those great neighborhood, family restaurants.  Wally himself almost always seems to be there to greet you, chat with the kids and make sure everyone is taken care of and happy.  The food is always good and the staff are amazing.  They seriously find the best kids to work at this place.  And it keeps Phoenix feeling small town, as you almost always seem to run into other people in the neighborhood there (like the almost-famous Jackie Hutt who I just ran into there last week...).  And, best of all, they are so accommodating to kids and families.  Grab a seat out on the patio and let the kids play in the grass while you wait for your food.  Oh, and, of course, I love supporting the local businesses.  Go see Wally and tell him we said hi!