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April 17th, 2009
“Oh, just give it to me easy!” That’s what we’re saying lately as our days become bombarded with obstacles and challenges. We’re not sure if it’s because our moon is in Jupiter, but the karma being thrown our way is quite bizarre-o (and a little exciting). Either way we’re polishing off the quartz and crystals and wrapping our soul in a lot of padding. And we’re taking in a lot of vitamin D and enjoying the last snippets of this beautiful weather before hell breaks loose. Are you feeling the same? Drop us a line and let us know how you’re doing at picks@phoenixpicks.com… let us know if you’ve found a new boutique or haunt that is helping you deal with these everyday stresses. We need some new ideas! |
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| 1 | Carved to Perfection When we were but wee snarkettes, we would twirl for hours in our pink tutu, imagining the day when we would be a lovely ballerina who would astound the world with her grace and loveliness. Sadly, we lasted for about two ballet classes before we quit, because the shoes "made our feet sweat." Our dreams were further dashed when genetics took over and we developed our mother’s ample thighs and derriere, and our grandmother's giant, pendulous breasts. Lithe and slender would never be ours. But! A beacon of light shone in the form of Karve Studio in Scottsdale. A fierce combo of yoga stretching, Pilates strength-training and ballet barre work, we discovered muscles we didn't even know were part of the human anatomy, and they were stretched to the point of snapping. We must admit though—it felt gooooood—and we can definitely see ourselves slimming down and lengthening our limbs in the next couple of months. Perfect for beginners and the more experienced, Karve will test your limits and kick your ass. Goodbye, thunder thighs. Ballerina legs, here we come! Karve Studio |
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| 2 | The Emperor’s New Clothes Our fashion eyes had grown weary and restless of the repetitive slew of graphic screen-printed shirts, oversized baby doll tops and metrosexual foiled tees cluttering the malls, bars, and late-night eateries we’d been popping in and out of lately. It’s even getting more difficult to see out of our bug-eyed sunglasses collection. (Can we get something other than Jackie O’s or Ray Ban knock-offs in the Valley, please?) But recently on a lovely spring afternoon, we stumbled into Studio Joy Li and it was just what we needed—beautiful and functional clothes that give trendy mall fashions a run for their money. We’re talking Malibu chic—but in the classic sense, as in breathable fabric and textiles with clean, streamlined cuts that are simple, textured and irresistibly classic, while staying true to form and function. There are pieces that compliment an array of ages for work, fitness or a lazy day on our neighboring California beach. Finally, we can say no more last-season hand-me-downs! Joy Li at The Mix Shops |
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| 3 | Scratch That Sometimes we feel like getting in touch with our inner Francophile. Because the recession doesn’t allow for a luxurious multi-course experience, we’ve been known to employ a DIY attempt that entails a few episodes of “French in Action” on public access and le déjuner courtesy of Trader Jacques. But thanks to Scratch Pastries, we can roll with a little more authenticity. Hidden in an unassuming strip mall, this little gem is small slice of Paris in the middle of Scottsdale. From the issues of French Vogue hanging on the walls to minimalist décor, the laid back vibe feels like Carla Bruni and Nicolas Sarkozy might walk in at any moment. And the pastries. Oh, the pastries. We can’t get enough of the decadent selection of treats, as well as mouth-watering sandwiches, soups, and salads all made from scratch—hence the name. Most importantly, all of it is pas trop chere. In other words, this authentic French café won’t break the bank. C’est magnifique, non? Scratch Pastries |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Well, Yes Filled with a quirky mix of spot-on knick-knackery, this sweet site has a little something for everyone, including mod clocks, cool coasters, and our personal fave, the Horn Bar Set—perfect for pleasing our guy’s sense of macho and our sense of edgy style. |
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| 2 | Wishbone Whether we’re holding our breath through a tunnel or blowing out birthday candles, we never miss a chance to make a wish. Sadly, those occasions don’t pop up every day, so we’re treating ourselves to a present from Flying Wish Paper. With their whimsical kits, you can make a wish whenever you want. Just write down your thoughts, light up the paper tube and—voila!—your dreams will come true. Or at least that’s what we’re wishing for! |
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| 3 | Bird Is the Word Bird flu aside, we’ve always had a soft spot for our fine-feathered friends and their ultra-vibrant plumages. Unfortunately, feather boas are limited to a few special occasions (or playing dress-up with the little miss). Thankfully, Pluma is upping the cool quotient on the feather and making it acceptable in daily wear with the stylish whimsy of their headbands. Exquisitely handcrafted from a variety of feathers, these hair accessories are surprisingly cool and perfect for dressing up summer ensembles. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Picnic Time! Feeling a little nostalgic for our 20s and longing for a day of drinking and greasy cheeseburgers, we remembered one of Scottsdale’s finest events: the Scottsdale Culinary Festival. Eat, drink and be merry at the 2009 Scottsdale Culinary Festival this weekend at the Great Arizona Picnic! What: Great Arizona Picnic |
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| 2 | Mother Earth’s Feast Show your earthy side by joining the faculty and students from ASU Polytechnic campus and local vendors as they host the Earth Day Feastival. It’s filled with eco-friendly eats and treats, even shopping. Get down there to enjoy… and maybe polish up your hacky-sack skills before you go... What: Earth Day Feastival |
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| 3 | Do You Realize? No doubt the Flaming Lips give one helluva great show. And we sure do miss the good old days when outdoor music festivals were part of the lazy days of summer. This year we’re adding them back into our social planner… and so should you! What: McDowell Mountain Music Festival with the Flaming Lips |
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Help us spread the word about Phoenix Picks…. forward this issue to your new cubie mate or, better yet, tell everyone at the dog park just how great and under-the-radar we are. |
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