a little party. (or pictures of food).

Last week we had a little cocktail party for my husband's birthday.  Nothing special, we just threw together some snacks and drinks and all hung out and had some good laughs.  Of course, I only got pictures of the food...  oh, well.  My current favorite appetizer is the absolute simplest.  Figs, sliced in half with some goat cheese and balsamic, bake and done.  Give it a try sometime.

Oh, and I grabbed a bunch of desserts from Urban Cookie.  Mmmm, doesn't get much more delicious than that...

Do you have any go-to appetizers, drinks or desserts for parties?  Do share!

coming soon...

No, I am not planning on opening a coffee shop.  We are, however, starting on a little remodel at the Willows with a section dedicated to our "Garden Shop" and this is soon to be our sign.  We are having it painted to say garden shop and will hang it outside the store.  Don't you love it?  Of course, if there is someone opening a coffee shop who wants to buy it before we have it repainted, hurry up and give us a call!

they can't keep me away...

So, I headed back to the flea market last month.  And, I'll be honest, I am ready to go back again.  I just can't get enough of that place.  I think I am probably an addict.  Yep, a total flea market junkie.  Just looking at the table below, I want to jump in and start piling my basket full of linens...

But, please do stop me when I start bringing items like this one home...

Hope you have a lovely weekend filled with something fun!

lux central

For those who haven't heard, the new Lux Central just opened here in Phoenix last week (there was a huge write-up in the Arizona Republic last weekend).  And, like many others, I am totally hooked.  First of all, my no. 1 favorite oldest daughter Christine is one of the amazing pastry chefs there (formerly of the beloved Palatte...).  I like to think of myself as a Christine groupie...  I just can't get enough.  Anyway, they are doing all sorts of delicious new food dishes to satisfy your breakfast, lunch and dinner cravings.  For example, the drool-worthy egg bake I just ate for breakfast this morning...  mmmm.  They have an ever-rotating menu of what is in season, what they can get local and whatever suits the chefs' whim.  And now with their impressive new bar, I think Lux would make the very best date night.  Order some appetizers and a cocktail and enjoy the ambiance and decor.  Oh, and speaking of the decor, bring your cozy blanket and your favorite pillow because you won't ever want to leave.  It somehow manages to be sleek, modern, rustic and cozy all at once...  you will feel at home there no matter what.  And as the little girls drool over the pink couches and chairs, I continue to drool over the little turquoise sofa...  Do you think they would notice if I wheeled it out on a dolly?  

If you are in the area, do go pay a visit!  You won't be sorry you did!

a must

Have you ever bought one little thing that changed your whole wardrobe?  That is how I feel about this shawl.  There are so many different ways to wear it, it is amazing.  My favorite way to sport it at the moment is around my waist.  It makes every old dress I own feel like a new one.  It even looks great just over jeans.  So, here are just a few of the ways we came up with wearing it...  hurry in to get yours!

all the pretties

I must say, I am really loving all our apparel and jewelry these days.  I basically want one of everything in the store right now.  There is just something about these "back-to-school" days that make you want to freshen up your wardrobe, even as an adult.  Some new clothes, new shoes, new hair accessories, some new lip gloss...  my, I could get myself in some trouble...

crave

We now are carrying the fabulous "urban girl's manifesto" CRAVE Phoenix in the store.  It is so fun to look through, featuring over 125 women-owned businesses.  Definitely a good source to plan your shopping ventures around.  Stop in to pick one up today.  You just might recognize a few familiar faces...

So come on in and check it out.  You can also follow CRAVE on facebook and twitter!