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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Weekending: The Final Whole30 Push

 
Ahh the weekend. My favorite time to relax, catch up on sleep, see friends, drink bowl sized servings of coffee, hang with my main squeeze and tidy my apartment. If we're being perfectly honest, this weekend was a little on the mellow side for my liking, with the main reason centering around Whole30.

Don't get me wrong - I like snoozing & loafing as much as the next 20 something, but it is usually prompted by a late night out with friends grabbing drinks, dinner and a movie, date night, etc. With Whole30, I've been spiraling down the hole of extreme boredom, with an overwhelming feeling of not being able to do anything.

I realize of course I'm being a bit dramatic. My entire life does not should not center around a 7 p.m. glass of wine...and yet it more or less does. Okay not really around alcohol, but social activities that involve eating or drinking.

When you can't eat without the fear your brunch omelette was sauteed in canola oil, that your chicken was rubbed down with a sprinkling of brown sugar before served to you, that you can't stuff a pre-snack into your mouth to make it through HH sitting looking like a weirdo when you don't order anything, or the fear that you will get hungry at some point during your friend hang out and you need at least 30 minutes to get home to then prepare a wheat/gluten/grain/sugar/soy/legume/dairy free meal is EXHAUSTING. And it's starting to spill over into too much of my life. I'm over it.

It is safe to say I am beyond thrilled to be on day 28 of 30 in this Whole30 journey. This challenge has changed my mindset, my determination, my eating habits and my body in such an amazing way that I will likely recommend it to everyone I know (that means you friends! I'm comin for ya with my Whole30 peer pressure!). But I am SO EXCITED to close this chapter and get into a new normal.

My new normal will be 90/10 paleo. I never in a million years thought I could get away from grains completely (wheat was tough enough but brown rice too? No way sister), and I am shocked to be standing at the end of this journey having walked away from my favorite quinoa or brown rice stir fry recipes for an entire month.

My new normal will include a weekly sugary treat, a weekly indulgent meal, and wine or a mimosa whenever I please. I will skip the gluten and grains, but you can better believe I won't be checking the labels of my favorite gluten free BBQ sauce for a "contains less than 2% sugar" soul crushing message.

In a few days I'll post my "must have" foods and recipes to survive Whole30, because it really is doable. But now, I'm back to day dreaming about my Friday night plans of celebrating the completion of this month with dinner at Pizzeria Bianco and a personal bottle of wine with my favorite, supportive boyfriend, who I could not have made it through without.

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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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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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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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Coffee Shop Inspiration

I find myself asking the question "where do people find the time?!" more often than I'd like to admit. This either means I spend way too much time lurking social media sites (guilty), and/or it means I'm looking at other people who are following their dreams, finding their passions and acting on it - while I am not.

{1 - echo, 2 - starbucks, 3 - lola, 4 - casa kath}

Twenty four is officially the most interesting age yet. I'm settling into a career field that I absolutely adore, focusing my attention on the activities that make me most happy, and have surrounded myself with a group of friends that I know would do anything for me...which means the WORLD to me.

I feel very lucky. And unsettled. I have an inkling sensation in the back of my head that I should be doing something more, and the feeling becomes almost overwhelming when I spend time with people I respect, that I'm inspired by, and in my favorite places. I don't know what it is about a local coffee shop, where I bring out my planner & a notebook that makes my mind EXPLODE with a million and a half ideas of future business ideas, growth opportunities, travel daydreams and pages of to-do checklists. It typically gives me the most excited, queasy feeling in my stomach - which makes me want to go out and conquer the world! But as soon as I leave those doors I'm slammed with the realization I have other things to accomplish like laundry, grocery shopping and a job.

Fully realizing no matter how much begging and pleading I do, the universe is not going to give me more hours in the day. Harumph. Which means I need to utilize my hours that much better, which apparently I am terrible at.

For now, I will enjoy this day off (woot!), drink a big cup of coffee and try to tackle at least one itty bitty item on my list of life goals. Small tasks to make up a big picture life dream. Onward & upward! Happy Thursday friends!

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All Things Bridal with Fashion Group International

Hello blog interweb friends! There have been some pretty exciting things happening over here at SparkleFarkle HQ, which is what I've named the small corner in my room dedicated to the pursuit of my after-work hobbies.

Most recently I joined the board of Fashion Group International, the local Arizona chapter. I am so excited to be taking on the Special Projects/Blog position, working with some amazingly talented professionals. My position will primarily focus on the expansion of the FGI Arizona blog - and I will be writing about all things bridal in the Valley! Boutiques, Wedding Fashion, Planners, Stylists and more.

My most recent article features Almond Tree Weddings - a Phoenix boutique specializing in consignment gowns, local artisan jewelry and fashion for the rest of the bridal party. You can read the feature over on the FGI Arizona Blog!

All of my previous features can be seen under the category "Bridal". Hooray for wedding things & a happy Tuesday to you!

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Hiding from this horrible flu

While this flu rages on throughout the country, I have taken a strong stance against letting it into my body again. I refuse to get sick...you hear that, flu? Leave me be!

I'm a strong believer in more natural healing when it comes to colds and the flu - drinking lots of water, tea, sleep, pampering from loved ones, and of course home cooked chicken noodle soup. This is the stuff of magic! Sure to cure all (although I am guilty of NyQuil over-use. Sometimes you just need to get to sleep).

So if you have a few extra minutes this weekend, chop up some veggies, heat up the chicken stock, and make your neighbor or loved one a pot of healing soup. The thoughtful gesture might just push them over the edge to get better!

Chicken Noodle Soup

Roughly Adapted from Smitten Kitchen

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 rotisserie chicken
• 2 cups water
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 1 medium leek, chopped
• 1 large celery stalk, diced
• 3 ounces dried egg noodles, I used this one
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

- In a large heavy pot over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. 

- Add the onion and sauté it for 3 to 4 minutes, until beginning to take on color at edges. 

- Add a the celery and carrots, sauté.

- Add chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and bring to a boil. Once a rolling boil has begun, reduce to a simmer.

- Cook for about an hour, tasting along the way. I think I left mine on the stove for about an hour and a half total. 

- While your broth is simmering, chop the rotisserie chicken to small, cubed pieces. I used primarily light meat.

- When you're ready to eat, and your kitchen smells fantastic, add two egg nests and cook about 7 to 9 minutes (check the package to be sure). Add chopped dill.

- Add chicken to heat through, right at the end.

- Serve in a big mug, with a few saltines.

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Desert Botanical Gardens: Las Noches de las Luminarias

Pretty close to my apartment, there is a lovely hidden gem - the Desert Botanical Gardens. The gardens are a local secret, that I just happened to stumble across this past holiday season.

My mom has always been a fan of any kind of botanical garden, often dragging me along to visit the blooming acres of flora that can be found all over Seattle. Naturally, I had little to no appreciation for it until I aged a few years (although, full disclosure, I still get a little twitchy staring at bushes for more than two minutes before continuing on our stroll).

I knew I needed to work this into her December visit, but apparently due to the secret popularness of the Desert Botanical Gardens, tickets had sold out all the way through Christmas. Damn you out of towners!

Thankfully a few tickets opened up for the day after Christmas, and I scooped them up as fast as possible. The Gardens hold what is called Las Noches de las Luminarias each holiday season, lining each and every path of the gardens with candle lit luminaries.

As you curve around the paths, viewing the beautiful Chihuly installations, cactus varieties and desert friendly bushes, you come across stations of musical talent, singing, caroling, storytelling and playing all kinds of instruments.

With hot apple cider in hand (if I hadn't been sick, I would have been all over that mulled wine!), we stolled throughout the park. A four person steel drum band, and man with a didgeridoo, a native american story teller who played a hand whittled flute, even a quartet of old time carolers filled our ears with the wonderful sounds of the holidays.

It was an amazing evening, and a new tradition which I'm sure we will enjoy each Christmas. If you haven't had a chance to check out the Desert Botanical Gardens, I can't think of a better place to pack a picnic, grab a good read and a pair of shades this Spring. Unwind and step away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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Goodbye Winter?

Well it appears winter in Arizona has come to an end. After a week of bitter cold lows of 30 degrees and highs of 50 (where I was convinced I was going to die - I've become quite fragile after living in this state for the past few years!), the clouds parted, the angels sang, and sunbeams shined down to warm us up to a whopping 75 on Friday. Technically speaking we rarely have clouds here...but you get the idea.

This weekend I made good on my promise to recreate my mom's fabulous butternut squash risotto (three cheers!), which I paired with panko crusted chicken and garlic lemon roasted zucchini. Deeelicious! Remond me why I don't cook like this every night?

Saturday morning I was up early to visit the Scottsdale Farmers Market for the first time. Coffee in hand, I managed to resist the face sized cinnamon rolls from the French Bakery stand, the pretzel sticks and apple oatmeal crumb cookies from Tammie Coe, and even a prize winning cheesy sausage potato breakfast burrito (Health kick 2013 is painful). But then we rounded the corner and a warm slice of gruyere spinach quiche started singing my name...there was no fighting it. I can NEVER say no to a quiche.

Retail therapy...it happened. It was glorious. I'm sorry Paris savings account!

Rounding out the wonderful weekend was a trip to Cartel for an espresso and an hour of killing time before work. Tommy Lee was there, catching up with friends. Seeing a semi celebrity in my personal neighborhood bubble is officially the oddest feeling. I mean I guess magazines have been explaining that Celebs! They're just like us! for years...but I'm just now a believer.

How was your weekend?

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Butternut Squash Risotto

After living on my own for the past two and a half years, I would like to think I've fine tuned my cooking skills. Every time my mom comes into town, my inflated sense of personal top chef skills get absolutely smashed, as she whips together the most delicious and inventive meals. Clearly I still have a lot to learn.

On one particular evening, with a butternut squash looking especially lonely on my counter, we decided to make a creamy risotto. I consider myself a complete newb when it comes to the squash/gourd family - basically having only used them for decorating purposes. I watched intently as my mom simultaneously baked, sauteed, chopped, peeled, stirred, babysat and caramelized each portion of this dish, to create one of the best meals I've had this chilly season. I'm already itching to make it again!

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded (fibers and seeds reserved), and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 3/4 teaspoon table salt, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 small onions, chopped very fine (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 2 cups Arborio rice
• 1 1/2 cups dry white wine
• 1 1/2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese (about 3/4 cup)
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh sage leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg

Directions:
- In a nonstick skillet on medium-high, heat 2 tablespoons oil until shimmering but not smoking. Add about 3 1/2 cups squash in even layer and cook without stirring until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes; stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until squash is tender and browned, about 5 minutes longer.
- Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.

- Return skillet to medium heat and add reserved squash fibers, seeds and any leftover diced squash. Cook, stirring frequently until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. 

- Transfer fibers to large saucepan and add chicken broth and water; cover and bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low to maintain simmer.
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter in the empty skillet over medium heat. When melted, add onions, garlic, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper. 
- Stir occasionally, until onions are soft, 4 to 5 minutes. 
- Add rice to skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until grains are translucent around edges, about 3 minutes. 
- Add wine and cook, stirring frequently, until fully absorbed, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Strain hot broth through fine-mesh strainer into a medium bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Return strained broth to saucepan and discard solids in strainer; cover saucepan and set over low heat to keep broth hot.
- When wine is fully absorbed, add 3 cups hot broth and half of reserved squash to rice. Simmer, stirring every 3 to 4 minutes, until liquid is absorbed and bottom of pan is almost dry, about 12 minutes.
- Stir in about 1/2 cup hot broth and cook, stirring constantly, until absorbed.

- Repeat with additional broth 2 or 3 more times, until rice is al dente. Turn off heat and stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter, Parmesan, sage, and nutmeg.

- Fold in remaining cooked squash. 

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A Housewarming Brunch

The lovely ladies of the Phoenix Style Collective, including myself, decided to get together to celebrate Kara & her husband's big move to a grownup person house near downtown Phoenix. I baked a quiche (typical.), and threw on my coziest of weekend wear for a morning of girl time.

This folks, is how real adults do it. Or so we tell ourselves. Other life lessons learned while brunching? A friend who will go to the market so get some soy creamer for those of us (cough, me, cough) who can't seem to tolerate dairy deliciousness these days...that is a friend for life.

Quite the special group of women. Kara, Court & Chels...whoot whoot owl crew for life. xo

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My Golden Globes Experience (Live from NBC 12 in Arizona!)

The Golden Globes are definitely ranked a little higher in my book, mainly because I love to see all of the movie stars, TV celebs & the sprinkling of popular musicians all chumming it up in one room. It's always interesting to see the tables and who they awkwardly place together, even giving us a sneak peek at the real life cross-pop culture friendships that have been established.

But let's be real. Most individuals watch the two hour pre-show, more than they really pay attention to the awards. The gowns! The beautiful hair! The sparkly millions of dollars worth of diamonds! The sky high shoes! I could go on. Which I did, on our NBC affiliate, Ch. 12, last night on their new show Connecting Arizona.

My experience was completely amazing. A TV first timer, I was so nervous the days leading up to the show! I read up on the Golden Globes, watched every segment I could find on last year's fashion police & this year's award show teasers, and solicited pep talks from pretty much every one of my best friends.  The day of, my stylish friend Karina let me peruse through her closet, picking out a number of amazing dresses to wear during my big debut.

I took a little trip over to a nearby Dry Bar, to get my hair done in true celebrity fashion. I was not about to risk burning the whole side of my face/wimpy hair/a bad do. It was amazing! I completely zoned out as Clueless was on, and before I knew it, the blowout was done! A quick stop home to pick up my things, and a got on the road for Ch. 12 to begin watching the red carpet. The ladies & I worked out of the upstairs newsroom, picking our favorite looks of the night with show hosts Tram Mai, Caribe Devine & Fay Fredricks.

Before we knew it, it was time to go on! We slipped into our cocktail wear, got our mics positioned, and were seated in front of the green screen. My fellow fashion panelists included the Arizona Republic's Megan Finnerty, Sharee Hartwell, owner of FORD/Robert Black modeling agency, and Terri Camberlengo, and Terri Camberlango, owner of the Agency Arizona. It was an absolute blur. Two segments in and poof! It was over. We were back walking upstairs to grab our things and head home.

My favorite picks for the evening? Kate Hudson. She KILLED IT. That dress, holy moly! 

Others I loved? Kerri Washington, J. Lo, Eva Longoria (who cares if she showed a little angelina leg...she looked incredible!), Jennifer Lawrence, Jon Hamm's girlfriend Jennifer Westfeldt, and that sparkly teal Tina Fey number was lovely!

Who were your favorites red carpet hits? Any terrible misses?

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