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

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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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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About Town: Friends & Fun Edition

With the promise of warmer temperatures coming to the Valley (it's an absolute ice box here! I just turned on my heat again. Shiver.), I'll be much more open to the idea of attending local art events, parties & happy hours. Well, full disclosure, I've never been one to turn down a great happy hour.

First up, the Phoenix Style Collective crew and I will be hosting a fabulous event at the brand new Kendra Scott store at the Scottsdale Quarter. Come stop by for cupcakes, champagne, and catching up with your favorite stylish local ladies & gentleman. We always have such a fun turn out at these events - thank you to all who come out! Thinking I might need a new ring or sparkly pair of earrings after this night.

The second is an art show featuring the talented other half to my friend Courtney. Sanford and his friends will be displaying "An Exhibition of Excessive Bravado", which is sure to be an absolute blast. The collection debuts on March 25 at Gallery 100 at ASU's Herberger Institute School of Art, with the opening reception on March 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. I'll certainly be there - I hope you will too!

Three cheers to local Phoenix & Scottsdale fun! Spring is in the air!

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Farmers Market Breakfast Burritos

Truly the main reason to get out of bed far too early on a Saturday morning, is the anticipation of a hot coffee & breakfast burrito from the farmer's market.

Now that I've visited both the Phoenix & Scottsdale farmer's markets on multiple occasions, it's safe to say I like both immensely. But for different reasons.

Both markets offer beautiful, fresh produce, bleary eyed crowds, cool morning weather and test bites to fill your entire stomach. Scottsdale's market is filled with stands of big name, local restaurants like Tammie Coe & Brauthaüs, while Phoenix's market is made up of rows upon rows of local artisans, jewelers and knick knack crafters.

The two locations are both brimming with fresh pastries, warm muffins and quiche to walk and nibble as you stock your fresh vegetable drawers for the week. They both have chocolate stands and coffee carts, honey bee keepers and gluten free pasta sellers. Between them, finding a breakfast burrito is not difficult.

But the Mi Salsa stand at the downtown Phoenix market wins, hands down, every time. Chorizo & egg with a little fire roasted salsa on top? The best way to start a weekend.

Of course, don't forget to sample a few stinky cheeses on your way out. 

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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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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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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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Walking Tour of Bisbee AZ

Bisbee was the cutest town. Which allowed for entirely too many hipster photo opps, almost regretful antique purchases, and several delicious coffee stops.

As we toured, the weather slowly turned to an overcast moody day. A light sprinkle of rain kept us running in and out of the local shops, pondering our need for vintage luggage, giant outdoor furniture, and the amount of junk/treasure we could realistically fit in the car.

A favorite moment must have been when we stumbled on the most odd, creative art installation - which seems to have been completely random, and built up over time. There were no names to credit, and no reason to when or why this cropped up, other than an opportunity to beautify an old empty lot. People's minds are fascinating sometimes.

Foodies in Bisbee Arizona

Not too long ago, my good friend Kortney & I roadtripped down to Tucson to visit our friend Greg. I search of an adventure, we hopped on the road and kept driving south - in search of the old western town of Bisbee. Our first stop lunch, and we chose the vegan mexican restaurant Poco after reading a flood of fantastic yelp reviews.

It was hilarious to see the server's face as we added chorizo to several of the items, not realizing that it was a vegan restaurant. I think the comment "mmmm I love pork" really pushed her over the edge, and she let slip an audible chuckle.

The inside of the restaurant is pretty tiny, but so colorfully decorated. We opted to sit out on one of the patios to enjoy the beautiful cool weather, watching the dark clouds of a stormy afternoon slowly roll in.

Being new in town we rookie ordered a meal each - which was entirely too much food. Nachos with chorizo, a chick'n sausage burrito & double decker mexican pizza (the middle was filled with black beans) were left half untouched, as we sat with fire breath and full bellies. Filling up on fresh pureed watermelon juice probably didn't help - but wow was it refreshing!

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Kissing Frogs & Red Rocks

While my dad was in town, we took a day trip to the chilly city of Sedona (chilly in Arizona standards). It was 60 degrees! How glorious! Whenever I have visitors in town, I easily forget about the close daytrip options we have in this state. Sedona, Jerome, Prescott, Tucson, Bisbee, even the Grand Canyon if you're feeling extra adventurous!

Usually saved for longer visits, when my fam & friends come into town I like to pick one small town to explore. It's a great way to get out of my usual Phoenix & Scottsdale bubble and traipse around the state, which I may not have done without them.

A little fresh air never hurt anyone. 

In other news, being in Sedona didn't make me any more psychic. Even with all the vortexes! And the Elote Cafe was closed for the third time that I've attempted to visit. Looks like I'll be needing to head up again soon!

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