weekend getaway | arizona

while arizona isn't the obvious choice for a weekend getaway in july, it does happen to be where the hubby is for military training, so off i went for the holiday!  besides that i was going to be there for the long weekend, we had no plans - deciding it would be more fun to just wing it.  after flying into tucson, we decided to drive up to phoenix, and while on the way, made a hotel reservation from hotwire.  the hotel turned out to be the most colorful, funkiest little place in scottsdale, the saguaro.  (you know it's gonna be fun when your door is bright blue!)

after exploring the area, and of course, some shopping, we decided to go to dinner at petite maison, an adorable little french restaurant.  the food - and french press coffee - was de.licious. 

check out these desserts ... an enormous chocolate whoopie pie, and grilled pineapple ... yum.

 

we did manage to catch the fireworks show in tempe, although sadly, no photographic proof exists.

we started saturday off on our own personal porch, with a view of palm tress (!), and then headed south to the military base.



the southwest really does have a beauty that's all its own.  they just started "monsoon season," so we did run into a few crazy rain storms, but mostly the weather was lovely, albeit hot.

hope you all had a fabulous and safe holiday weekend!

- E

July 4th Inspiration

we cannot believe that it is july already! where does the time go seriously?! we are always inspired by red, white and blue this time of year of course - so many unique and unexpected ways to get into the holiday.

need some inspiration for how to style yourself for this coming friday or any time really? look no further than below.

beauty

 why we love it | totally chic. it can go from day to night too - casual to dressy

{source}

{source}

why we love it | keep it casual with a soft wave. classic but fun for summer

{source}

 why we love it | need we say more? so classic plus all you need is blue and white to complete the whole look - earrings, outfit or shoes

{source}

why we love it | take the above look and make it more natural and subtle. the dewy glow look is really in right now too - screams summer but in a nice way of course

{source}

 why we love it | this one and the one below are so much fun but still sophisticated enough to be able to wear it to work if you need to

{source}

 {source}

fashion

 why we love it | who doesn't love a great chevron skirt? plus it adds a fun spin to the outfit

{source}

{source}

 why we love it | staple pieces that you should have in your wardrobe anyways. change the red bag to a blue one and you are all set

{source}

 why we love it | unexpected right? that's why we love it - fresh and youthful

{source}

why we love it | who doesn't love a good scarf?

{source}

why we love it | oh come on! i could not resist! who doesn't love a little sparkle? it makes every outfit look complete

{source}

 why we love it | don't forget the sunglasses! why not make them blue to fit the theme - fun but classic with the aviator style

{source}

{source}

i realize that i said 'classic' a lot in this blog, but that is the goal right? everything above is a classic but just done in a unique or modern way. the great thing is that classic/staple pieces, hairstyles, etc. can all be placed in your every day arsenal as well so yay to that!

happy shopping!

with love - P

Holiday Weekend Happenings In Des Moines

Looking for something to do on this long holiday weekend?  Des Moines is filled with awesome things to do this weekend starting on Thursday the 3rd and continuing throughout the weekend.  Put on your party pants, it's going to be a crazy weekend!

Thursday, July 3rd
1. Yankee Doodle Pops: Enjoy always wonderful music from the Des Moines Symphony on the lawn of the Iowa State Capitol.  Pack a picnic, or opt to purchase food on site from one of the vendors.  Enjoy an amazing fireworks display at dusk!  Music by the Parranderos Latin Combo begins at 6:30 PM with the Des Moines Symphony playing beginning at 8:30 PM.

[source]

2. Catch A Game: Watch the Iowa Cubs take on the Omaha Storm Chasers at Principal Park.  The game starts at 7:05 PM with a fireworks display at the conclusion of the game.  General admission tickets start at $8 for adults and $4 for kids. 

3. Summer Concert Series: Head over to Jasper Winery on George Flagg Parkway and enjoy an evening of Dueling Guitars featuring Brian Congdon.  Music starts at 6:00 PM and runs until 9:00 PM.  Wine is available for purchase during the concert as well as burgers and brats.   

Thursday, July 3rd and Friday, July 4th 

4. Parades: Looking for something to do with the kids this weekend?  Check out several of the 4th of July parades around town.  The Urbandale Parade begins at City Hall at 10:00 AM on July 4th.  The parade in West Des Moines starts Thursday night at 6:30 PM at Valley High School and ends in Valley Junction.  The Windsor Heights parade begins at 1:00 PM on July 4th; the parade begins at 73rd and Hickman and ends at Colby Park.  Additional information regarding the local parades can be found on the Des Moines Register's website.

5. Fireworks: Don't forget to catch one of the local fireworks displays this 4th of July.  A complete list of local displays can be found on KCCI's website.

[source]

Friday, July 4th 

6. Old-Fashioned Fourth: Looking for another family friendly activity to enjoy this weekend?  Participate in a pie eating contest, watermelon seed spitting contest, and end the day while watching a historic baseball game.  Living History Farms will be hosting their annual Old-Fashioned Fourth even on Friday, July 4th starting at 11:00 PM. 

7. 80/35: Don't miss this two day music festival in Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines.  Music kicks off at noon on Thursday, July 4th and runs through late evening.  The 80/35 music festival runs Friday and Saturday.  For a complete lineup of bands as well as ticket information, check out the website. 

8. Something For The Guys: Head out to the Iowa State Fairgrounds this Friday, Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the Goodguys Heartland Nationals featuring hot rods, customs, and classic muscle cars. 

Saturday, July 5th 

9. Farmers' Market: Don't forget to make a trip to the downtown Farmers' Market if you haven't already this season.  The market is in full swing and has lots to offer!  Market hours are 7:00 AM to Noon every Saturday through October 25th. 

[source]

Sunday, July 6th 

10. Weekend Wind-down: Finish you weekend off with a little music and relaxation.  If you are looking for an adults only event, check out Flipside while they play at Summerset Winery in Indianola.  Music starts at 3:00 PM and runs until 6:00 PM.  Wine is available for purchase at the winery during the event; pack your own snacks!  Looking for something to do with the family?  Check out Final Mix as they play at the Live At The Creek Series at Jordan Creek Town Center Sunday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Sit around the pond and enjoy the music, or dine on one of the surrounding restaurant patios.   

I hope this list gives you some ideas to enjoy all our local activities this weekend!  Happy 4th! 

- N