Au de Naturale

For city gals, we’re kind of obsessed with the outdoors. All those summers we were dragged up mountain trails with the parents taught us a couple things: A) There's no McDonald’s at the top of those mountains, like Mom promised and B) Arizona is one drop-dead gorgeous place. 

So now that we’re old enough to create our own outdoor adventures, our love for all things natural has only increased. Sure, we still jump on the nearest countertop and shriek like howler monkeys when we find a cockroach in the house, but we still respect their place in the environment (ok, maybe respect isn’t the right word.) So barring a few creepy-crawlies, we’re pretty stoked about all that the outdoors has to offer, and it’s only right that we would be equally stoked about a fabulous store like Natural Territory. 

It is a one-stop shop for everything to transform your home into a true green machine. We drooled over the beautiful furniture, handcrafted from reclaimed wood and recycled pieces, and we are so going back for the softer-than-you-can-comprehend towels made from bamboo

Natural Territory
15816 N. Greenway Hayden Loop, #300
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480.998.2700
www.naturalterritory.com

A Fine Whine
 
We've been through some major life upheavals lately: Renting our first big-girl apartment; buying non-Ikea furniture; and adopting a kitten who likes to swipe at our eyelids at three in the morning, leaving us groggy with toy-mouse sacrifices on the pillow next to us. (Buyer’s remorse, anyone?) Not to mention our parents meeting the gorilla for the first time and the big brouhaha we had with our BFF… we're exhausted.
 
Thankfully, a coworker took pity on us and delivered us to Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar for a big glass of Calm-the-Eff-Down. With a deliciously buttery, salty, grilled ham and cheese to accent our full-bodied, rich Chardonnay, we were soon floating in a numbing haze of burgundy. Cheuvront’s a great haunt for nice but not over-the-top business lunches, as well, and an incognito place to kindly remind the hubby-to-be that either the television goes or we go ... in that favorite black dress of course!

We like to think of Cheuvront as a neighborhood score, but we’re happy to spread the word. BTW, they’re hosting a Mother’s Day brunch with goblets of champagne and heaping plates of Belgian waffles, which is perfect for your mommy dearest.
 
Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar
1326 North Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602.307.0022
www.cheuvronts.com

There Ain't No Way to Hide Your Beading Eyes

We've officially become bead hoarders. Starts off with a weekend craft project of beading a simple strand of turquoise into a necklace, then it becomes combing the pages of Vogue and Elle for new inspiration and more daring creations, and months later boxes full of coral, Swarovski crystals, vintage pearls and various gems.

In the middle of the night we find ourselves opening up our treasure coffins of beads and running our fingers through loose stones with visions de grandeur of how John Galliano has demanded we make beautiful necklaces for his spring couture collection.

When inspiration strikes and we must create our next masterpieces, we head over to Bead World for the essential goods and some of the best beads in town. We like to think when we're at this luxe boutique that we're in touch with our primitive berry gathering instinct. With walls of vintage glass, precious stones and gorgeous silver findings you'll find everything you need to make your own glamorama jewels. P.S. Make Mom a necklace ... we know from experience, she'll never wear it!

Bead World
6068 W. 16th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602.240.BEAD
www.beadworldinc.com  

Who Loves the Sun?

Backyard barbecues and pool parties are right up our alley, but it never fails—after a day of playing in that AZ sun we're as pink as a rock lobster. But that's all changed since we found the perfect daily moisturizer that is said to reduce fine lines, tone skin and protect our lovely visage from those evil UV rays.

What we love best about Emerita's Day Face Cream is that after jumping in and out of the pool and basking in the sun our skin is still moist and baby skin soft. We highly recommend using it all over the body. And when you buy online, enter the code pick1 and get $3.00 off!

www.emerita.com

A Beautiful Mind

Before Joey from NKOTB, Zack from SBTB, or Taylor from Hanson (if you quote us on that one, we'll vehemently deny it), we were in love with drawing. Then, along came boys and kissing and we started forgetting and losing things (priorities, interests, our minds).
 
But we love all the cool graphic tees everyone is wearing and illustration is everywhere nowadays (CD covers, DVD cases, etc). Our newest fave? Danae Diaz and her brilliant use of color, emotion, and simple forms.

www.danaediaz.com

Twist Me Up

We wish we had the talent of Ken Paves or even Vidal Sassoon—but we can barely master a good blowout, never mind a stunning up-do on a night out. So naturally, we were stoked when we came across the Twistii. Within seconds, this styling tool creates dozens of effortless-looking up-dos—much more chic than a boring old ponytail. We are now red-carpet ready!

Get your FREE Twistii, compliments of PhoenixPicks.com !
Let the styling begin!

www.twistii.tv

A Dress for the Cause

Local fashion designer Jennyvi Dizon celebrates her mother's 15-year fight with breast cancer by donating two of her own beautifully tailored dresses to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. It's the perfect situation: support a good cause, scope out local fashion and music, and be part of the 5th Annual "Frock N Roll" fashion event at Alice Cooperstown.

What: Frock N Roll Fashion Show
When: Saturday, May 17, 6 pm
Where: Alice Cooperstown, 101 E. Jackson St.
Call: 602.253.7337
Visit: www.alicecooperstown.com

A Vaudeville Menagerie

A pool party at the Clarendon Hotel, vaudeville chic fashion from local designer Angela Johnson, a chance to rock your best Dita ensemble and delish cocktails to make you regret the morning after? It's everything you need to guarantee a good time—and a reason to start the rexie diet now!

What: 2008 Menagerie Fashion Show
When: Saturday, May 10, 8 pm
Where: Clarendon Pool, 401 W. Clarendon Ave.
Visit: www.angelajohnsondesigns.com

Conceptual Couture

Fashion takes an intellectual turn at this event where local fashion designer Galina Mihaleva (winner of Project Runway Ecuador) will show attendees the overall process of couture dressmaking, from initial concept to garment construction. Who says there's no fashion in Phoenix!

What: From Concept to Couture
When: Thursday, May 15, 6:30 pm
Where: Galina Couture, 4151 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale
Call: 480.451.8465
Visit: www.fgi.org