C is for Cookie

Last-minute shopping and can't think what to get for that certain person?  Much like the way we've black-widowed men into loving us (with a home-cooked meal, of course…what were you thinking?!?), we think cookies are one of those things that never go unappreciated.

Deadline anxiety?  Midnight cravings?  Post-holiday depression?  Cookies are a temporary fix for everything, and the sweets from Urban Cookies are decadently delicious.  Plus they’re fashionably hip with organic ingredients and eco-friendly packaging, making them the perfect gift for any closeted sweet-tooth junkie.  Rest assured that when your BFF unwraps this gift of sweetness, she's unwrapping a gift that supports a local independent business and is handmade with love!

We thought about braving the cool weather in our favorite leopard coat to ring in the New Year, but once we found Urban Cookies we changed our plans.  Now, a French New Wave movie marathon and an unlimited supply of Urban Tropic cookies (made with coconut and chunks of tart pineapple) sounds absolutely heavenly.

Urban Cookies
4711 N. 7th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85014
602.451.3904
www.urbancookies.com

Who Didn't Heart Laura Ingalls?

We're not going to lie; we love us a big night of drinking ourselves into humiliation.  What we don't love is the next morning of nursing ourselves back to some form of living.
What better way to sober up than shoveling down a hearty breakfast?

Now we know that driving all the way to Gilbert with a hangover is simply batty ... but the Farm House is worth it.  This East Valley secret offers quick service, Little House on the Prairie-style antiquated charm and humongous servings of mornin' vittles—scrambled eggs, chicken fried steak, whopping stacks of pancakes, and cinnamon buns the size of a toddler's head.  It's not fancy, but it's just the place for stuffing our faces and indulging in a bacon binge.

Our Sunday morning fix was topped off with several mimosas; and before we knew it we were bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and ready for the drive back to our couches for an afternoon of Lifetime movies and cat-naps.

The Farm House
397 S. Gilbert Road
Gilbert, AZ 85296
480.926.0676

Te Time!

We're kind of envious of ladies who do weekday tea time and have the sass to rock feathers in their hair and oversize hats.  Instead, we're stuck high classin' it cubie style, checking out the society pages during our lunch break.  But on the weekends, it's a different story when we’re in search of lavish treats for our inner prima donna.

We loved finding Te Boutique in North Scottsdale.  Carrying exclusive, high-fashion designer lines, owner Terry Kutil hand picks each garment.  Dare we mention the labels she stocks, which are sure to break any fashionista's piggy bank?  Okay, twist our arms.  During our visit, we uncovered some great scores from Hugo Boss's Orange and Red Labels, Inhabit Cashmere and Chloe.

The clothes are classy, sophisticated, and in line with accentuating any gal's classic wardrobe with high-fashion statement pieces.  Te Boutique is sure to make shoppers feel a part of something extravagant and glamorous … picture yourself wearing an outfit from Te, and sipping champagne on an NYC balcony with the Gettys…

Te Boutique
20789 N Pima Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480.563.1243

A Fabulous Cling-on

Dontcha hate it when you're at a party and someone snags your glass of red wine?  No worries with Clingy Thingys—now you can keep track of whose glass is whose and who thieved your vino.

Clingy Thingy labels and Wine Tasting labels are great stocking stuffers for the wine lover on your list and a definite must-have for any hostess extraordinaire.  These hip reusable labels adhere to glasses and can be removed easily with no sticky residue. 

www.clingythingylabels.com 

A Hummingbird’s Heart

Our guy pals reveal an interesting point; according to them, nothing is sexier than a woman in jeans, t-shirt and no makeup.  We think a tee by Spraygraphic fits their bill. So send some love to your local designers and artists by visiting this online store.

When you have to sneak out to your local supermarket for a loaf of bread and onion, the karma of this tee is sure to bring a saucy conversation with the bohunk buying cat food in aisle #2.

www.spraygraphic.com

Embrace the Bébés

We are totally digging these handmade cashmere baby pants, which instantly reminded us of Jean Paul Gaultier.  We heart tots who dress like famous fashion designers, and mothers who dress like their children (think Katie and Suri Cruise’s matching haircuts!)

We kinda wish this Paris designer sold the same pants in our size!  But alas, she doesn’t, so co-worker’s new baby boy is sure to be the only cat’s meow in this warm little number.

www.etsy.com

No More Paper Hearts

We're secretly mourning the upcoming loss of our neighborhood art gallery, The Paper Heart.  We really loved seeing our high school pals belt out some serious notes on stage and will miss the hipster fashion parade on first Fridays.  So, join the old gang for one last hoorah—we’re bringing the extra tissues!

What: The End—The Paper Heart’s final show
When: Saturday, Dec. 29, 8 pm
Where: 750 NW Grand Ave.
Call: 602.262.2020
Visit: www.thepaperheart.com

Pandora’s Trunk

We love nostalgic moments and thinking about our glamorous big-city past.  When we heard Whitman’s i heart LA, we were sold.  The Trunk Space is bringing freak folk to Grand Ave with Whitman and Splinter Cake.  A little spacey, a little quirky and a whole lotta fun!

What: Whitman and Splinter Cake
When: Wednesday, Jan 9, 8 pm
Where: The Trunk Space, 1506 NW Grand Ave.
Call: 602.256.6006
Visit: www.thetrunkspace.com

LA curator "poor al" brought a great exhibit called "Underdogs" to Perihelion several Fridays ago, but due to the massive rain most of us missed this fabulous opening.  So the gang at Perihelion is putting together a little holiday fete with food and drink and discounts on original art and books, as well as a second chance to see some really awesome art.  We love second chances!

What: Perihelion Holiday
When: Friday, Dec. 21, 6-10 pm
Where: Perihelion Art Gallery, 1500 Grand Ave
Call: 602.462.9120
Visit: www.perihelionart.com

A Bohemian Adeventure

At our humble abode you can hear us belting out Puccini in the shower or the crackling of Maria Callas on our record player. We love opera; and we’re stoked that the newly created Phoenix Metropolitan Opera is bringing two performances of La Bohème to the Valley. Get your tickets ASAP and be sure to bring tissue for Act IV when Rudolfo cries out for Mimi! A definite tear jerker!

What: Phoenix Metropolitan Opera’s La Bohème
When: Friday Dec 21, 7:30 pm and Sun. Dec 23, 2 pm
Where: Orpheum Theatre, 203 Adams St.
Call: 866.673.7248
Visit: www.phoenixmetropolitanopera.org