BOWW LOVES GRAND CANYON STATE

When I was asked why I love Arizona so much, I couldn't help but think of just a few things: The weather, Old Town Scottsdale, that small town feeling in a big city, Arizona State, Mill Ave, local restaurants, friends, monsoon season, no snow shoveling, good looking people, great shopping, Arizona Cardinals, mountains, desert, the location to California or Las Vegas, small local businesses, Mexican food, Grand Canyon, downtown living, cactus, friends, year round pool parties, great highways, easy commuting, local charity work, Arizona Biltmore, Waste Management Open, American pride, Fox Concepts, and of course family.

Yah...just a few reasons. Born and bred in this great state, I'm a little biased however there is so much to love. There are people all over the country that come here for college and there is a good reason why a portion of them stay. Arizona has some of the best highways I have ever seen and it takes about 30 minutes to get anywhere around the city. Although our Downtown Phoenix is slowly coming alive there are great little pockets such as Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Glendale. Each of these cities provide their own uniqueness to the state which just gives me even more reason to get out and explore. Although our sports teams are limited with their championship titles, Arizonans are loyal to our teams such as the Diamondbacks, Cardinals, Suns, and Coyotes.

Tired of the Arizona heat? You are only a few hours away from another location for a perfect weekend getaway. However, with all the reasons I listed above why would you even want to leave? 

xx

FRIDAY FINDS // 5two3 GRAND OPENING

// All images from 5two3 //

When a sorority sister of mine told me that she was opening her own clothing/accessory line I couldn't be more excited for her. Just a few short years later, Brittany and her co-founder announced that they will be opening a store front in Old Town Scottsdale. 5two3 headbands and pants are made for the woman who wants to feel sexy and fun. A portion of their proceeds go to women in repressed countries who are starting their own apparel businesses. 5two3 is having their grand opening tonight in Old Town from 5-8 p.m. This event will be fun and a perfect excuse to sip on some champs & shop. Come help support my girlfriend and their local Arizona business! xx 

5two3

6957 E. 5th Ave

Scottsdale, AZ 85281

BOWW LOVES PORTLAND

Nikes // Leggings // Sweater // Purse

Brace yourself, this is long...

I'm pretty sure the earth started to shake when I was running at the gym today. Yup, you can tell that I had a good time in Portland last weekend.  Portland surprised me because it wasn't what I was expecting. But really, I didn't know what to expect. A bunch of hipsters walking around drinking coffee? ...Okay, ya I saw that. I even saw a whole store just for men's underwear. A WHOLE store?! 

I did a bit of research before we arrived in Portland from friends and other bloggers so I had an idea where we wanted to go. We stayed at the Hotel Monaco which was awesome. The decor is unique, they are pet friendly, and even have a free wine hour (come to mamma). Our hotel also had a free rental bike program which helped us bop around the city. 

If you're in Portland, check these out: 

Vooodoo Doughnuts // This is a must in Portland but be ready to wait in line. Also, there is a homeless shelter near by so there are a lot of homeless people around the shop.

Bijou Cafe // This is located near Voodoo Doughnuts and it is amazing. There will be a wait on the weekends, but its worth it. Fresh ingredients & the best biscuits & gravy I've ever had.... (queue the drool from my mouth)

Imperial // Located in downtown, we stumbled in here for breakfast one day. The corn cakes were so yummy it's silly.

Salt & Straw // All I have to say is that I am very upset that there isn't a location in Arizona. --You need to try this, enough said.

Ace Hotel // Shown in the photos above. A funky boutique hotel that is a must to see. People are lounging drinking their coffee and reading the paper. Also, there is a photobooth located in the lobby of the hotel that is a perfect excuse to take funny photos.

Stumptown Coffee // Portland has great coffee but this is the signature brew that you shouldn't miss. They have locations throughout the city but we stopped by the one right next to the Ace Hotel. 

Zenny & Zuke's // This is located right down the block from the Ace Hotel. We were hangry the morning we stopped by the Ace Hotel and we picked this place on a whim. The fresh ingredients didn't disappoint and I would love to come here again. 

Portland City Grill // This has a great view of the city! We stopped in here Friday afternoon for drinks and appz.

Deschutes Brewery // My dad loves their beer so we were happy to find out that they are located in Portland. Also, their food is pretty tasty and pairs perfectly with their brews.

Yo Vintage // Just one of the cute vintage shops we stumbled upon on Burnside St.

Henry's Tavern // A perfect spot to grab great lunch and watch Sunday football.

Imogene + Willie // Denim lovers haven.

Tanner Goods // Not quite like Jimmy Fallon's leeeattthherman but it's pretty good. ;)

Also, every where we had breakfast was amazzing. I couldn't get over the food...hence the earth shaking when I got back home. I would recommend anyone to head to Portland for a weekend getaway. It's a perfect excuse to eat, drink, and create memories. 

FRIDAY FINDS // PHOENIX EVENTS

If you live in Phoenix, it is no secret that October tends to be the month that is jammed packed with events. I feel like every weekend there is something to do! I just wished there were more Saturdays in October. Pumpkin patches, weddings, festivals, and local events start to take over my calendar in the fall. However, what do you expect? The weather is finally bearable therefore, we have to take advantage!

Today, I wanted to share with you two of my favorite events coming up this weekend, the Arizona Taco Festival and Pineapple Triangles, AZ Share That You Care event.

First, let's talk tacos. I love tacos. Beef tacos, chicken tacos, pork tacos, veggies tacos... you know name it and I'll probably want it in my belly. Brandon and I make tacos at home at least once a week. They are simple and easy to throw together yet, you can get really creative with them. Full disclosure, I have never attended the festival yet, it sounds blissful. My favorite foods groups are tacos, chips, and margs so this festival just speaks to me. So if you are looking for something different and not too expensive (only $2 tacos!) than you need to head over to the Arizona Taco Festival this weekend. 

Second, another one of my favorite events is put together from the ladies of Pineapple Triangle. Remember when I went to their event earlier this year? Well, they are throwing a bigger event this Saturday. The ladies of Pineapple Triangle are committed to bring local artists and the community together in their AZ Share That You Care event. A portion of the proceeds go to the local artists choice therefore you can shop and help out some great causes! This will be a perfect October Saturday because there will be live music, a food truck, and shopping. Be sure to check out this lovely event and help support our local artists. 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and thanks for reading! xxoo

FRIDAY FINDS // PEPPER

My family and I spend every Sunday morning having breakfast at The Breakfast Club in Old Town Scottsdale. Most of the time Brandon and I drag our butts out of bed and drive down there with our minds still hazy from the night before. 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning is just early and sometimes it feels like it should be illegal. However, on the rare occasion that we are feeling chipper and overly caffeinated I tend to pay more attention to my surrounds. A couple of weeks ago on one of these Sunday morning drives, we passed a little boutique called Pepper. I asked Brandon, "Pepper? Do you know anything about that place?" Brandon shook is head, and I couldn't help but begin to feel giddy and excited. 

Did I just see a Show Me Your Mumu sign on the outside of that place? And a cute little bicycle? Yup, yes you did Martha. 

So a few google searches and emails later, I was at the store meeting owner Cathy. Let's just start out by saying, Cathy is a badass. She has her masters in psychology so she is a therapist, runs the store, and helps her mom through chemo. Despite having so much on her plate she seems to have a good team helping her out because the store is fantastic. Pepper (named after her dog) is the store that Arizona was craving. They have good quality clothing at reasonable prices. The vibe is boho, "California cool," and casual and I'm not mad about it. You can tell that Cathy's past work experiences from Nordstrom, Free People, and Rachel Pally have helped Pepper come to fruition. Besides the awesome clothing at awesome prices, Cathy told me that her and her team really try to buy items that are made domestically, ethically, and/or made with a purpose. She said it isn't always plausible with their targeted price point but they try their best. --Horraryy! Also, besides clothing they have local honey (yum) that is made just a couple of miles from the store. Even the wall art is made by a local artist and is for sale. 

To put a cherry on top of this sundae Pepper is having a Girl's Night Out event this Saturday from 4 pm - 6 pm. Free blowouts, gift with purchase, a food truck, and a juice bar...okay do I need to say more?

I hope you have a great weekend, and head over to Pepper for some great shopping! 

Thanks for reading, xoxo