Bella Vineyard & A Wine Inspired Giveaway

outfit details - dress: c/o The Limited, shoes: Zara, scarf: Forever 21

It has always been a dream of mine to visit wine country. The rolling green hills, rows and rows of grapes as far as the eye can see, the breezy air and constantly flowing nectar of the gods...this northern california destination is one I won't soon forget. And plan to visit time and time again.

Bella Vineyards is one of my favorite of the locations we visited. The wine tasting takes place in a cave, dimly lit and romantic, with special rooms off to each side for private dinners & events. We tried more than six of their amazing wines, from chardonnay to zinfandel, pinot noir to the deepest of merlots. 

After our hour long tasting, we were in serious need of some lunch and shade. Cat and her fiancé (who were our incredible hosts for the weekend!), had packed us a picnic lunch with some crusty garlic sourdough, grapes fresh off their family's vineyard, chicken salad and the creamiest of brie. I was in HEAVEN. 

It was quite serendipitous that the dress I wore that day seemed to reflect the same color as the wines I noticed were my favorite. Before this trip, I never know how delicious a pinot noir could be! So thankful that Phoenix temps should be dropping soon, and I can get back to drinking my favorite reds.

Until then, I'll just have to show my love of deep reds through outfits! I've partnered up with The Limited to help celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. Within the company's celebration, they are raising money for an important organization, Dress for Success. Learn more how you can contribute here.

A big milestone to cheers to, and even better, a new store has come to Phoenix! You can visit it at The Biltmore Fashion Park. And one of you lucky readers can win a $50 giftcard to The Limited to spend on your first visit! Visit The Limited's site, and comment below with your favorite piece of clothing you want to wear this fall. The contest will end next Thursday, September 5 at 6:00 PM MST. Winner will be announced the following day! Good luck!

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GIVE ME ALL THE TREATS: Whole30 Day 30

Well friends, the day has finally arrived. Today is the last day of Whole30, a day I have waited for, for what seems like years! And to that I say - I, Katherine, being of sound mind and a healthier, slimmer body, promise to not eat my body weight in chocolate, tortilla chips, and LGO cookies and muffins come tomorrow morning at 8am.

But I WILL be having a big ol celebratory glass of red come 12:01 this evening. 

And maybe then I will feel inspired to write out a survival guide for this primal eating challenge, because it has absolutely changed my life. And I think it should change yours too! Cheers to health & happiness!

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New Year's Eve...Kinda

Thought I'd spread a little worldly wisdom on this wonderful hump day, straight from a girl who could stand to take her own advice a little more often. 

August has oddly always been the start to a new year for me. My brain still operates in a education oriented calendar, which transitioned perfectly into the fashion calendar, syncing my work & life yearly timeline. The month seems like 30 days of new beginnings, and I am pleased to say it has already started! A few big life changes are already underway, the hours spent googling landscaping ideas and hardwood options haven't been completely random - as I'll be moving in with Chris at the end of the month! I'm so excited to freshen up his adorable house, making it truly a home. (With that...hooray for excellent blog content! Who knew I was such an interested house DIY-er?).

With new responsibilities at work, new community involvement opportunities, partnerships with local businesses and my own special projects - this August to August is going to be a glorious one. Time to get up and go!

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Ladies Night: Casita Katherine

Happy Monday! I'm hoping all of my arizona friends survived the crazy flash floods & monsooning that happened over the weekend. I'm so thankful the rain finally came, as we have been swimming in humidity and choking on dust for far too long. A little part of my wishes it didn't rain the DAY after I finally caved and got my car wash - then again that is the true rain dance here in the desert. 

Last week I hosted a ladies night at casita katherine for a few good friends. Finding whole30 recipes that also translate into entertaining dishes is no easy feat! With a few modifications I was able to make food for myself and food for the girls that left us all full and happy. The one of us that didn't get to join in the prosecco cheersing wasn't AS happy. But alas, two weeks to go!

Enjoy some fabulous recipe ideas to steal - they are perfect for summer dining!

Ladies Night

Casita Katherine

Menu

Twice Baked Chipotle Sweet Potatoes

Modification: I added Chipotle Habanero Salsa instead of Chipotle Peppers

Lime Shrimp Avocado Salad

Watermelon Mint Salad

Modification: I used a half of a watermelon, so I halved the olive oil & vinegar

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Modification: No Mayo. I just can't.

Chips & Salsa

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City Lovin - Phoenix Top Spots

Something rather interesting happened this past weekend, which I'll get to, but it needs some back story first. I was asked by the cute online magazine, Lydia, to write an article about this boiling hot city of Phoenix, since I have a "local's" perspective. Chris and I spent a good amount of our Sunday running all over the city, to my favorite coffee shop, a restaurant I wish I could eat at every day, even to a new shopping center filled with locally owned boutiques.

At the end of the day I was exhausted, extremely hot, but was rather impressed with the fact that I have a laundry list of places we could have visited. 

After three years, I think I finally have become a local, with concrete ties to this city. It's a weird and interesting feeling. I have a dry cleaner and a doctor, know where to visit to get the best farmer's market veggies, have a brunch list (with special love for the ones that serve bottomless mimosas), know where I like to get meat and organic foods, and can list my top 5 froyo locations, including there proximity to where I stand. That is a serious feat. 

To think I'm only 24 years old, and have every intention to explore many more cities during my time on this planet. I love the idea of being able to add the badge "Phoenix/Scottsdale local" to my repertoire, right next to Seattle. 

What cities do you consider yourself a "local" of?

You can see the Lydia post HERE

Any Excuse to Party: Lemonade Tasting

Summer is well underway, with boating, beach vacations, breezy dresses and sweet summer fruit the most important things on my mind. I decided to put together a lemonade tasting party, as a celebration of one of Courtney's last day's in the state before her big move to San Diego. It was so easy, and fun!

To put together your own lemonade tasting, head to your local favorite artisan market or wine shop (AJs and BevMo were my choices here in Arizona), and pick up anywhere from 3-6 varieties of lemonade. Since it was just the two of us, I settled on three - strawberry lemonade, sparkling pomegranate, and classic lemonade with a bubbly twist. Dress up the event with some stripe straws, and fruit, which also will help you keep the flavors separate while you're tasting. 

This would also be a fun set up for a BBQ, bridal shower, or pool party! So many summery events to celebrate in this wicked heat. Hope you enjoy!

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Wedding Wednesday: Coronado Nuptials

This Wedding Wednesday is especially near and dear to my heart, as Bianca is one of my very best friends in the world. I was lucky enough to stand up next to her as she married Bobby, a day I won't soon forget. Not only was this the first wedding I've been in, it's also the first of a string of weddings that will happen in the next year for some of my favorite ladies. The wedding age is finally upon me, and I'm thrilled!

Bianca hosted the sweetest bridesmaid brunch for all of us bridesmaids. We drank mimosas and celebrated the final moments of her singledom. Mini doughnuts may have happened. I mean at that point, your bridesmaid body isn't going to change...right? Might as well indulge! We all stayed together the night before the wedding, and let me tell you, waking up with your best friend on her wedding day is one of the most amazing things in the world. The girl was glowing.

We all got ready together in the suite. Girls in robes, blow dryers whirring and the tipsy giggles of delicious mumm champagne filled the room. Bobby impressively sent over a stack of wedding day presents, all wrapped in custom weiner dog wrapping paper with her pup's name "milo" stamped all over it. Even better? Inside one of the well wrapped boxes was the gorgeous Rifle Paper Co. recipe box! Gah! I just love that thing.

The ceremony was absolutely beautiful. It was held in a small catholic church on the island. The room was filled with 300 members of Bianca & Bobby's relatives, friends, close family and more adorable kids than you could imagine! I wish I had more photos, but that would have been odd up there with a camera.

My mom and Chris were out there cheering on the new couple, which was an amazing feeling knowing they cared enough about my friend to make themselves available to be there.

The magical evening ended with all kinds of cake, a moo time gelato cart, and the grand finale - lanterns. It was absolutely perfect. My heart is still so full of love for Bianca & Bobby. Congratulations!

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A New Challenge: Whole30

My mom has always been a super healthy person. She's a water bottle toting, vegetable snacking, home-made granola kind of lady, someone who gave up wheat and most dairy before it was hipster approved. She hates MSG and high fructose corn syrup, and switched to glass only containers way back when I was in grade school (apparently she was born with a sixth sense about harmful BPAs). She even owns an original copy of The Juiceman's Power of Juicing, which she bought with a juicer when it first came out in...1992. When dinosaurs roamed the earth.

As my slow evolution of one day becoming my mother picks up speed, I've been transitioning my eating habits to follow hers more and more. I gave up most dairy more than a year ago (besides the occasional froyo binge), and wheat too as I was suffering from some not so excellent health issues. Really it's been more of a 70/30 experience, as my "wheat cheat Sundays" have often times rolled into the week. Resulting in a horrible evening of stomach pains and after effects. Like a hangover...when will we learn?!

To jump start my final transition into eating healthy all  most of the time (more of a 90/10 ration is what I'm aiming for), I've decided to enter the world of the Whole30 challenge. 30 days of veggies, lean meat, fish, eggs, seeds, the occasional fruit and sweet potato. I'll be staying away from all grains, legumes, sugars, dairy and alcohol. Thankfully coffee is still allowed. And avocados. Bring on the avocados!

I'm pulling inspiration from bloggers like Jessica of What I Wore, and recipes from awesome food blogs like Nom Nom Paleo, Freckled Foodie, Everyday Paleo, and ChowStalker.

Have you tried any kind of healthy food restart program? Anyone gone caveman and started the paleo diet? I'd love to hear some tips!

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*Photos from my May trip back home to Seattle. Pike Place Market is an absolute dream.

Phoenix Public Market Cafe

I was so sad when I learned that the Phoenix Public Market was closing. I loved the easy access to locally farmed fruits and veggies during the week (the off days when the farmer's market wasn't open). It was great being able to pop in to pick up some of my local favorites like Dr. Hummus or Sweet Republic Ice Cream. I didn't take advantage of it nearly as often as I could have, and it seems as though I wasn't the only one. The Public Market closed its doors a few months back from under utilization.

Rumor had it that the owners of one of my absolute favorite local restaurants, St. Francis, had purchased the space and was planning to enhance it with a restaurant, using the same locally farmed goods that were once sold in the space. Welp, turns out the rumors were true! The Phoenix Public Market Cafe opened and skyrocketed to the top of my must-do summer bucket list. During Courtney's last week in Phoenix, we made sure to stop by.

The inside of the space is interior design goodness from floor to ceiling. I think I took about 100 pictures of every nook, cranny and detail, hoping to one day duplicate the design in my own home. They sell a ton of amazing and necessary goodies like Rofle Paper Co. market lists, Phoenix buttons, "Yum" hats and artisan cookbooks. Flower bouquets line the entrance as you walk passed the cold cases of grab and go chilled drinks and pre-packaged meals for quick trips. Courtney and I had a whole morning to spend, so we shuffled up to the bar to order some delicious breakfast.

And coffee of course.

Since visiting, I've heard from tons of friends & instagramers recounting their experience at the Cafe, and the to die for item they ate. Now I feel like I need to go back enough times to sample every single thing. Anyone with my for this challenge?

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Chilly Treats & A Festive 4th

Behold. The power of a glorious homemade ice cream sandwich! 

Bringing smiles and sugar highs to wonderful 4th of July.

Our holiday was a mellow one. I woke up to a surprise delivery of my favorite lola coffee (#heartmelt), then breakfast at LGO, poolside bronzing, a smorgasbord BBQ feast for dinner, then iced tea lemonade cocktails and sparklers in the backyard. Honestly, I couldn't think of a better way to spend the day!

Lucky for Chris, the baking bug bit at about 9pm, so I whipped up some chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (my all time favorite). Tillamook recently sent me a few of their ice creams to try, since they are now going to be sold in Arizona (three cheers!). Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, there was no other option to what kind of cheese you would use. Tillamook is hands down the creamiest and most flavorful. I had no idea they made ice cream as well, and I have to say - that vanilla bean is some of the best I've ever had. And I am picky! I want to be able to see tons and tons of bean flecks throughout the entire thing. The ice cream smashed between two cookies? Heaven.

Now that I've tried the staple flavors - oregon strawberry, chocolate mudslide & vanilla bean, I'm ready to graduate to some of their more fun varieties. Marionberry Pie, S'mores & Chocolaty Chip Cookie Dough? YES PLEASE.

Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Adapted from All Recipies

• 1/2 C. butter, softened
• 1/2 C. light brown sugar
• 1/4 C. white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 Tsp. vanilla 
• 1/2 C. plus 2 tbl. flour
• 1/4 Tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 Tsp. kosher salt
• 1 1/2 C. quick cook oats
• 1/2 C. semi sweet chocolate chips

- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
- In a large bowl or mixer, cream together the butter, white & brown sugar until smooth. Beat in egg, then add vanilla.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Add gradually to the wet mixture.
- Hand mix the oats, then chocolate chips.
- Drop about a heaping tablespoon onto a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 12 minutes. Remove and allow cookies to cool and set for at least 5 minutes before noshing!

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Lately: Summer in AZ

Life around these parts has been good, really really good. Summer has officially started in Arizona with the painful arrival of triple digit temps every day of the week - even when it's storming. The city has slowed as most of the locals head out of town to avoid this hellish weather. Us crazy people with full time jobs are enjoying the quick commutes, light restaurant waits and an over abundance of air conditioning chills.

(1) I did manage to escape for a quick trip to the beach, to celebrate the nuptials of one of my best friends Bianca and her new husband Bobby. The wedding was beyond gorgeous, and when I'm done editing the photos I will definitely have to post them on the blog. I swear Bianca could be the next Martha Stewart (probably why we're best friends), and she left no detail spared while planning the gorgeous day. Peonies galore in the prettiest of pinks, a golf course reception mere steps from the beach, and a paper lantern release at the end of the night. It was amazing.

(2) Not such a stranger to this here blog, Chris and I took a trip to Seattle a few weeks back to visit family & friends, and soak up some excellent pea coat weather. After a year and a half a part with no real intentions of keeping up a friendship, let alone rethinking a relationship, he has come back into my life in a truly wonderful way. Turns out we might actually be meant to be after all :) The love tank is looking pretty darn full.

(3) Brunching at my new favorite downtown Phoenix spot - the Phoenix Public Market Cafe with my gal pal Courtney on her last day in the state of Arizona. She has grown to be one of my very best friends for life. Our world domination journey, starting in AZ, was abruptly cut short as she was promoted & quickly moved to a beachy paradise filled new job in La Jolla. I haven't recovered. (miss you court!)

(4) I am so thankful to have a partner in crime who is as hungry as I am (okay way more) and is willing to traipse around town to my favorite restaurants for a fancy cocktail and happy hour. Sunday afternoon happy hours are my new favorite tradition, on days where I can't drag myself out of bed to brunch. Clearly, rough life!

Travel plans are being made, hobbies are being explored, and I'm feeling more settled than ever.

How's life in your neck of the woods?

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Utter Disbelief

I am currently experiencing a full blown case of denial. Still a few months away from my quarter life birthday extravaganza, I've been operating under the assumption that life was still so easy breezy! I'm young! And fun! Yet life seems to have taken a transitional turn for adulthood for the people in my life, and I guess it's about time I open my eyes and realize life certainly isn't slowing down. And I'm not getting any younger.

I'll be standing in my first wedding as a bridesmaid this weekend, with the domino effect of engagements in full effect. Every time I turn around friends are getting promotions and advancing in their careers, purchasing new cars, condos, houses, and checking off milestones at a rapid pace. I'm overwhelmed with the feeling of being blessed with the opportunity to be there to see all these things happen in their lives, and for so many good things to be happening in mine as well. Since when were we ready for all of these things? Will we ever really be ready for the exciting drastic changes life throws our way?

I guess I'm thankful to experience them at all, and I'm even more thankful for cute coffee shops like Carmel's when I need a moment to sit back and soak it all in.

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Something Borrowed: Wild Florals

It is no secret that I have big love for all things weddings (events too, but weddings are my jam). Therefore, I've decided to stop ignoring the urge to obsessgush on my blog, as I had previously been avoiding looking like a crazy girl who is so wrapped up in excitement for her own wedding. With no ring even on the horizon.

But people! It's my dream job. So therefore, Wedding Wednesdays are now an officially slotted post, sure to brighten your hump day.

This week we will be oogling some gorgeous florals. I've been so smitten with organic styled bouquets, centerpieces, arches and boutineers. Long gone are the days where it was proper and preferred to have tightly packed roses displayed in the shapes of pew rounds, and in square glass vases. Instead, bouquets are beautiful displays of entire gardens, intertwined with ferns, cactuses, baby's breath, and more. The height is varied between many of the flowers, as are the shapes, colors, size of the blooms. Better yet, bouquet's can be made of 5 pieces or 30, and any number in between. A great choice for couple's looking to lower floral costs, or make their budget stretch.

In addition to the above, what flowers or plants have you been loving lately? And yes, I already know you love peonies:)

1 - Green Wedding Shoes // 2 - Style Me Pretty // 3 - 100 Layer Cake // 4 - Green Wedding Shoes // 5 - Style Me Pretty // 6 - Style Me Pretty // 7 - Snippet and Ink // 8 - Hey Gorgeous Events & Photographer Kelly Braman  // 9 - Style Me Pretty

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I love you Instagram

As of late...I gram more than I blog. 

Things are just really, really good right now.

And until my triumphant return to blogging (soon!)

won'tcha follow along?

@sparklefarkle

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The 2nd Annual Arizona Blogger Conference...It Cometh

I am excited to announce that the Arizona Blogger Conference is coming back for year number two! We, the Phoenix Style Collective, were thrilled we had such an amazing turnout last year and have somehow managed to make this year's conference even bigger and better. I can't even wait for everyone to get there! Pop up shops! Goody bags! Instagramoverloadtimesonethousand!

The conference will be held at the Hotel Palomar in downtown Phoenix. It's very swanky and cool.

This year's speakers include the fashionable Jessie of Style and Pepper (flying in from New York!), the lovely Danielle of Sometimes Sweet, Sarah and Sara of Emma Magazine and Frances Vintage (respectively), and the too cute Summer of The Girls with Glasses!

Can I get a three cheers for this lineup?

I have looked up to many of these ladies throughout my blogging career. To know that we will have the opportunity to pick their brains for a while, to learn a few secrets behind their much deserved success, is a little much for the brain to handle. Girl crush overload. 

Followed by an all out dancefest at the Palomar's Lustre bar. Can I get another three cheers?

#ABC13

Buy your ticket!

arizonabloggerconference13.eventbrite.com

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Hiking as an excuse to brunch

Weather in the Valley has been absolutely incredible. We are getting the first wave of our Spring/Summer weather, with highs in the 80s and breezy as can be. This means it is absolutely necessary to plan at least one (or more...) outdoor happy hour, spring training game, brunch, etc. per week. I consider it homework.

Last weekend one of my best girlfriends, Sarah, came in to town to visit from San Diego. Wine nights, too many cupcakes, and visits to our local favorite speakeasy were on the agenda, in addition to a fabulous brunch. Sarah, Dani and I decided to mix in a little physical activity by waking up early (9 a.m....early for a Sunday!), and driving to hike the beautiful trail "Dreamy Draw".

Realistically it was more of a leisurely walk than a hike...but it was just the minimal amount of sweat we needed to justify an immediate trip to the Vig as soon as we were down off the mountain. To replenish our vitamin C. With mimosas.

The Vig Uptown has an amazing back patio that I rarely take advantage of, since my usual Vig trips are just up the road to the location in Arcadia. We all ordered egg dishes, with my healthy start omelet (with avocado of course), completely hitting the spot. Extra pico & hot sauce for me please!

After we brunched for far too many hours, we took a trip to Union for some window shopping, and prickly pear lemonades.Which, might I add, are INCREDIBLE. I see many future trips to this spot once we hit our 100 degree temps.

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A dreamy coffee shop & room to dream

I have been on a new schedule at work lately, working Saturday's and taking Thursday off during the week. At first, not having two days back to back for a weekend was a little jarring. I either wasted away the entire day sitting on the couch & watching movies, forgetting that real things like laundry and a trip to the market weren't going to finish themselves, or I'd spend all day running around with no chance to relax.

Now that I've settled in to this routine, I've fallen in love! Work three days, take a day to sleep in, enjoy a coffee, hit the gym, run a few errands, and shut out the rest of the world. Still leaving another day off right down the road - to do whatever I please.

A quick trip to Lola to pick up some ground coffee for the week turned in to a 2 hour brainstorm session with myself, a few Martha Stewart magazines, and the best cinnamon coffee in all of Phoenix. Planning a San Diego bridal shower for one of your very best friends, with a fabulous maid of honor who is all the way in New York...is no easy task! Yet I can't remember the last time I've had this much fun. Pinterest beware, you are about to get a flood of new inspiration photos. I just love this stuff so much.

Hope you're all having lovely weeks. Happy Friday!

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