A new appreciation for Phoenix

I think there are a few ways you can instantly find gratitude where you may have overlooked it in every day life.

Nothing will make you more thankful to be alive than when you almost die.  Just ask my dad who wasn’t supposed to survive terminal lymphoma cancer and was in stage 4.

I also think nothing will make you appreciate a good thing until you experience a bad thing, like treasuring what you currently have.

And sometimes, when you go to the same places in your every day life but you bring someone there for the first time, you are discovering your city again and you come to realize, you live in a pretty awesome place.

I am compelled to one day sit down and jot down my favorite places to shop and eat as if I were planning someone’s day visiting Phoenix for the first time! *wink*  Until then, consider this a preface guide to Phoenix.

Bruschetta at Postino

The bruschetta at Postino is a mix of indulgence with refreshing- you can’t go wrong with any of the choices!  It’s a former post office, now wine bar, hence the blended name, Postino.  There are a few locations across the valley.

Rustic finds at Rust & Roses

A stop into Rust & Roses, one of my favorite repurpose home stores is incredibly rustic and charming.  That little trailer back there I have photographed Jessi Colter in it, widow of Waylon Jennings.  That reminds me, I need to share that image it was from about four or five years ago but very fun!

I also am now wanting to make those fabric bunt flags for an upcoming shower I have. Don’t look Brenna!

Now I’m inspired by some beautiful pillows.  Summer is coming, it might be time for me to get cracking on some crafty projects since I’ll be either on a plane or indoors to avoid a little heat wave.

Eating at Desoto Central Market

Desoto Central Market is now open to the public.  I think of it as an open market with popup shops – like a fancy, posh, hip food court.  I was able to check it out before it opened and I love Tea & Toast, Co., featuring Teaspressa – this is my favorite drink, the Cape Town which tastes amazing hot or cold and has no caffeine.  Not that it matters but I did drink two of them in addition to one that did have caffeine that was equally amazing called London Fog and had a hint of lavender.

Soon they will also have small pop up stores in the middle area but for right now it’s food.  The Mayor of Phoenix was in attendance and gave a nice speech.

Breakfast and coffee at Chestnut

Chestnut is a favorite spot of mine because of the excellent lattes and the short rib hash.  Short rib – that’s my dream meal. It’s $12 on Saturdays and Sundays and only offered then.  You also want to go a bit early, like before 10 am before they run out or it’s over crowded.

Pizza at La Grande Orange

This was the view from the passenger seat of the car – because we love curbside pick up!  The sourdough they use makes every pizza amazing. I always used to order the margherita which you can’t go wrong, switched to corn, then the gladiator, now my new favorite the avocado!

I came back a few days later for lunch with a girlfriend and stayed for three and a half hours!  We were laughing hysterically, telling stories and remembering old times.  I love how meals bring people together and create memories.  I Skyped with a girlfriend who lives in the middle of the country and wished I could hug her. I sort of love the people in my life a lot if you couldn’t tell.

Donuts from Bosa

Open 24 hours.

So… yeah, we made a sampler of five donuts and convinced that if we cut them into little pieces like this, it’s less calories (Clueless anyone?).  BoSa Donuts also sells boba drinks if that’s your thing – it was Brittany’s thing so we actually returned after the Glam Garage Sale and went through the drive thru.

Happy Hour at Salty Sow

Sow, like a pig, rhymes with “Ow”. Like a farm to table restaurant, the deviled eggs are amazing, a $5 appetizer menu and a $7 small plates – the fried chicken, oh boy.

Opens at 4:30 p.m. for dinners only.  A huge patio and great food, this is one of my favorite restaurants, it’s right in Paradise Valley/Scottsdale area off Tatum and Cactus.

There were many additional stops shopping and eating I didn’t snap a photo or go to this past week – like The Parlor, Flower Child, Sapporo, and consignment stores like My Sister’s Closet and Poor Little Rich Girl (now turned re-sale, no longer consignment) which now motivates me to clear out my closet.

Sometimes it’s fun rediscovering where you live and loving that when company comes in town, there are places to go and things to do and enjoy – the things you do every day!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend rediscovering your town!

Don’t forget this Sunday Lilly Pultizer hits Target stores! I have my wishlist!