FRIDAY FINDS: THE YARD AT FARMER ARTS DISTRICT

When I heard months ago that Fox Restaurant Concepts (FRC) was opening their new restaurant in Tempe, I was giddy but a little sad. Their new concept on Farmer was just STEPS away from my old Tempe condo. Soo... you're telling me if I stayed a little bit longer I would be able to hop, skip, and jump myself into fluffy pretzel bites and oozy gooey melted cheese!?!  You may sniff out a little bitterness but I can't help it, I'm jealous. If you're from the Phoenix area and haven't heard of Fox Concepts, I'm here to welcome you to a whole new line of restaurants. These concepts will give you a great excuse to skip the grocery store next week. And if you aren't from the Phoenix area, don't worry..they have a few restaurants out of state.

Photo courtesy of Fox Restaurant Concepts

Culinary Dropout in the Farmer Arts District is FRC's newest creation that recently opened in early December. Besides the phenomenal food and tasty cocktails the one thing that Fox does right every single time is the decor and Culinary Dropout is no exception. They provide a sense of warmth that draws the patron in and makes them feel at home. The Yard on Farmer is FRC's largest concept to date and has their largest kitchen. Once a furniture showroom this space is now filled with games, a stage for live music, and of course food and drink that satisfies any foodie.

Also in the district there is a ballroom called the Showcase Room. Here you can have a wedding reception, birthday party, private event and food catered by your favorite Fox Concept. Brandon and I may or may not be having our wedding reception here in November. ;)  Also, there are other retailers such as the Madison Improvement Club (my fav!) and Over Easy. Over Easy is set to open in a couple of months and is a favorite for breakfast connoisseurs.

Photo courtesy of Fox Restaurant Concepts

Inside The Coop

^The Coop: Additional seating but also a perfect place to host a private party. 

So if you didn't have weekend plans yet, I've got you covered. Catch a spin class at Madison then grab lunch, drinks, and some games at the Yard. If your dining at any of the Culinary Dropout locations I recommend the pretzels, fried chicken, and any of their specialty cocktails. 

xx

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. 

THE "I'M FEELING NAUGHTY" SMOOTHIE

Behold, my favorite smoothie EVER! This puppy will put a pep in your step after you blend these goodies together. The smoothie is so bad, it's good in all of its chocolate-ty, peanut butter-ery, banana-y, and berry glory. This smoothie was born while trying to intimidate D'lish's Breakfast Buzz. Since there isn't a D'lish near our area, I needed to recreate my own.  Once you blend, double check the taste of the smoothie. I tend to add ingredients to desired taste. You'll sure feel naughty after drinking this delicious drink.

Hope you enjoy, muah!

xoxo 

SLEEPWEAR

PJ Set // Mask // Romper // Shorts // Coffee Tee // Robe

I admit, I have my fair share of old sorority tees that I tend to sleep in but nothing beats a cute pair of PJ's. How cute is this ASOS lace romper? When it comes to picking out nightwear I try to keep my clothing light weight because I tend to run hot at night. When you look cute at night I believe you have a better sleep because well, look good-feel good, right?! & this Wildfox eye mask--to die for! However, I foresee a DIY project instead of spending $28 on an eye mask. Hmm....creative juices are starting to flow. 

Sleep tight bowutifuls. 

xoxo

FRIDAY FINDS: SIP COFFEE & BEER HOUSE

 ^^ 90's music Bingo! ^^

^^ so cute outside ^^

What are you doing this weekend?! Nothing?? Okay great, so you can get your booty over to this hot spot in Scottsdale. 

Sip Coffee & Beer House opened in March this year and has been firing people up with coffee and beer ever since. When you travel north into Old Town Scottsdale this gem is one of the first places you see as you enter. Sip Coffee & Beer House is a dream come true for owner, Travis and his wife. I met Travis yesterday afternoon and he was nice enough to go over their concept for the place. They wanted to keep as much as the original building as possible leaving the floors and exposed ceiling. The space used to be a yarn and craft store therefore the owners left details of yarn throughout the place. Travis and his wife decorated the space with pieces from Arizona yard sales and antique shops. Their goal was to keep everything local and sustainable. 

When my girlfriend Stacey and I sat down with our Whiskey Mules (yumm) we were immediately greeted by DJ's to play music BINGO. The BINGO hosts were funny and it was a surprise to our casual Thursday happy hour. Although they do offer food, both of us ate prior to our visit so we didn't get a chance to try it out. I've tried many places for happy hour and this is by far my favorite. There are people working, catching up, or even playing with their dogs on the patio. Whether you are looking for your next coffee shop or brew house Sip is a place to come day or night. Sip is just another example why I love Arizona and supporting local business. 

Come on in & have a Sip! 

CAFTAN

Heels // Dress --Similar // Caftan--Similar // Clutch // Sunnies // Necklace (old Forever 21) 

I'm not going to lie. It is getting F'ing hot in Arizona...& I'm also not going to lie and let you know that I was sweating my tits off during this shoot. However, this caftan actually keeps me cool which helps in this heat. You know who else doesn't like liars?? Sophia Amoruso, the ultimate #GIRLBOSS. I just finished her book over the weekend and I couldn't be more excited. One of the best things I've learned from her is to dive headfirst into things without being too attached to the results. Have a goal to gain experience, perspective, and knowledge, and failure is no longer a possibility. 

Have a great day & hope you take some of that advice like I am and run with it. xxoo
P.S. Found this article from The Cut regarding how to to get a caftan body--I found it hilarrr so check it. 

FRIDAY FINDS: BUNKY BOUTIQUE

 ^^^adorable babe clothes^^

Hey you..yah you..stop what you're doing. stop driving..stop texting... stop picking your nose...but don't stop reading! :) 

Looking for a gift? Either for you or someone special? Well, look no further than Bunky Boutique in downtown Phoenix. Named after the owner's grandmother, Bunky, the boutique is located on 1st & Mcdowell across from the Phx Art Museum. The owner Rachel specializes in local pieces made by artists or designers right here in our backyard. A majority of their jewelry pieces are from Arizona artists and their collection of dainty necklaces will make you want to have multiple necks! 

Bunky's own line, AZ Love is by far my favorite. If you love Arizona, you need to pick up one of those tees! This weekend instead of heading to your local mall, pick up a coffee at Giant Coffee and stop by Bunky Boutique for some unique finds! 

 ^^gorg dresses hidden in this rack!^^

^^^mens beauty & jewelry products perfect for your man^^^

Friday Finds: The Breakfast Club

Eggs benny, mimosas, good vibes, & friendly staff--behold...The Breakfast Club. Nope, not the 80's movie, it's the hottest breakfast spot in Old Town Scottsdale. The Breakfast Club has fresh juices, local ingredients, and fun twists on breakfast classics. 

My family and I have been having breakfast every Sunday at the Scottsdale location for years now. We've had many memories here & Sunday mornings wouldn't be the same without it. Whether you want to take your granny or your girlfriends to brunch, The Breakfast Club is a perfect place to pick. 

I would advise to arrive early because they do get busy on the weekends. & if you're in the Scottsdale location make sure you say hello to the manager, Laura! 

FRIDAY FINDS: SHINE COFFEE

Shine Coffee 

Let me tell you a little story about Shine Coffee....

I'm heading south on Central in downtown Phoenix and I see this little sign that says, "Coffee Shop Open" with an arrow to turn right. I immediately thought in my head, "Yum! Although I just finished a cup o' joe, I'll take another!!! (all hyper/wired/excited/stressed--yup one of THOSE days) So I took a quick right turn...hmm sorry to the driver behind me! oops. & once I took the turn...ALAS a perfect quaint building appeared, saying COFFEE BAR OPEN. It was like the coffee gods were raining down on me this day... 

I park the car. Sidenote: parking can be a little tough but honestly...I have never NOT found a parking spot...It is just a little squeeze sometimes. Thats what you get for living in the "BIG" city! 

Anyway, back to the story....

I walk up to the ORDER HERE window and ask about their Ice Coffee Toddy. I was told that the cold brew coffee was brewed over 18 hours and was very smooth. So--I ordered one up. After just a few moments I get my ice toddy. I take a sip & BAMMMM. Best damn ice coffee I have ever had. It's smooth yet dimensional and not acidity like other iced coffees. No need for fatty artificial creamers or sugars...I'm sippin' this baby black. 
As I'm sippin' my black baby I walk around the grounds. There is a courtyard for Tai Chi classes every Tuesday morning @ 6:30 a.m. I also find out that every Wednesday evening Shine Coffee partners with Short Lease Hot Dogs for their event Shine + Dine.  Hot dogs  & Coffee--yes please! 

I stumbled upon their Living Room--they have games, free wi-fi and a comfortable atmosphere. --I could see myself spending hours here, yet! at this moment...I had to go. (Insert whiny emjoiiii) 

So needless to say...  you need to head over to Shine Coffee. Whether your in Scottsdale, Tempe, or Gilbert you need to get your cute butt over here. 
& get there early before you miss out on their yummy pastries! Yummmm