Urbane Hymns

We love a good "me" splurge. In fact, we think we deserve something special every day; but sometimes the humanitarian side gets the best of us and we can't hold back on a purchase for lover and our BFFs.

Urbayn, a cheeky gift boutique in Chandler, has something for every gal on our list. For the birthday girl, we like the sparkly, feather-adorned wine-bottle holder with “Birthday B*tch” so kindly written on it. For our single friend, the hot pink ostrich “SL*TS” flask—pulled out of the purse, mid-date, as she slurs the words "I need another drink" like some toothless barmaid—will send the right message. Our bestest will like the “Any B*tch Can Cook” cookbook for her housewarming party, and Grandma is sure to squeal with delight when she unwraps the black leather belt with a rhinestone-encrusted buckle... yee-haw, Granny!

Of course, no one can resist picking up an item or two for themselves as they fill their cart with thoughtful presents for their loved ones. We picked up the “Are you a Good B*tch or a Bad B*tch?” flask just because our schizophrenic half is always down for some mischief.

Urbayn
7131 W. Ray Road
Chandler, AZ 85226
480.785.1450
www.urbayn.com

Soup-er Duper

What a week! From our new baby kitty having explosive diarrhea all over the floor to a horrible case of the stomach flu for us, then having to clean up kitty poo with the stomach flu, we're totally drained. And while our gorilla has been doing his best to soothe our fevered brow, we're just not having any of it, especially when he insists that a nice chili-cheeseburger is just the thing to get us back on our feet. (Hey, at least he tries, right?)

We finally made it back to work, weak and in need of some nourishment, so bestest cubie mate piled our sorry ass into the car and took us to the newly opened The Art of Soup in Central Phoenix.

Our spirit and body were revived with a healing bowl of homemade chicken noodle, reminiscent of what our Nana used to make. Heaped with delicious buttery noodles, organic veggies and so-free-range-that-they-got-massages-before-we-ate-'em chicken, our appetites were once again whetted and we managed to suck down a raspberry Italian soda for dessert.

The Art of Soup Cafe and Soup Boutique
2329 North 7th St,
Phoenix, AZ 85006
602.257.4609
www.theartofsoup.com

Paper Tigers

We are origami junkies, and if there was enough time in the day we’d start our own business making paper crane and frog mobiles. But just like our attempts at the DIY scarf and jewelry business, we know a venture like this would amount to nothing more than big thoughts and little action (and maybe two half-completed mobiles). But that doesn’t mean we can’t stock every drawer in the house with beautiful paper!

Paper Joy is our little paradise, not only when we feel compelled to master our origami skills with the Praying Mantis diagram, but when we add another page to the “life in the fast lane” scrapbook we’ve been working on since our early 20s, and when we write our bestie a note telling her just how much we appreciate her advice when we wanted to spend our rent money on a leather purse that looked like dragon scales.

This paperteria is chock full of inspiration and ideas for party invites; and if you’re in need of announcements with a personal touch, owner Lydia Beaulieu will help you create just the right message to embody your personality and that special day.

Paper Joy
4410 N. 40th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85018
602.667.6227
www.paperjoyinc.com

Hannah and Her Sisters

These skirts from Made with Love by Hannah leave us in a splendiferous stupor. Who doesn’t love cheeky scherenschnitte skirts with pretzels and bunnies on them? And let's not forget Russian nesting dolls and beloved fairy tales like Snow White. We immediately snatched up three and would have bought more if it wasn't for that damn credit card limit.

Perfect for prancing around the office and humming a Thumbelina tune, or when mid-day errands beckon and you want to look cute but not overdone, we plan to wear these custom-made darlings as often as possible.

www.etsy.com

Between the Buttons

Lately our fashion sensibilities have matured. We like the idea of wearing a silver miniskirt paired with a Rolling Stones tee, but it doesn’t fit into our world of editor glasses and gray cardigans.

We’re not ready to trade our years of fashion maven expertise for a pair of pleated khakis and a polo shirt, but we’re def craving something more refined and modern. If you’re going through a similar crisis, check out totokaelo—we guarantee you’ll be happy we shared our new secret with you!

www.totokaelo.com

Vegan Steagans

When you hear the word vegan it either a) Makes you want to scream “dirty hippie!” or b) Makes you feel sympathy, as in, “Forgoing cheese, chocolate, ice cream and buffalo wings! Are you nuts?”

You’d be surprised just how delish some vegan treats taste. Our new favorite, Purely Decadent’s Coconut Milk Chocolate Ice Cream, has less calories than regular ice cream and (dare we say it) it tastes better than the real thing. It’s so good we make all our dairy-loving friends have a scoop. Begrudgingly, they admit they love it too!

www.turtlemountain.com

It’s About Time!

Finally Phoenix adopts one of our old favorite Hollywood pastimes: chilling out at swanky hotel rooftop pool parties. We were never one to shy away from showing off a Missoni bikini and our D&G heels, especially after a few martinis. The San Carlos is a perfect pool party destination and backdrop for your Sartorialist (http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/) photo op. Be Seen Here!

What: Rise Up Summer Session
When: Friday, July 4, 10 pm–2 am
(first and third Friday until Sept. 5)
Where: Hotel San Carlos, 202 N. Central Ave.
Visit: www.myspace.com/riseupphx

In the Twilight Hour

By the time it’s “only” 100 degrees and you’re ready to brave the outdoors, the moon has risen and your favorite haunts have closed. See just how beautiful the desert is at night when critters and desert blooms awaken for a little moonlight fiesta. Bring the kiddies and flashlights and be a part of the desert nightlife at the gorgeous Desert Botanical Gardens’ Flashlight Tour.

What: Desert Botanical Gardens’ Flashlight Tour
When: Thursdays and Saturdays until Aug. 30, 7–9 pm
Where: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway
Call: 480.941.1225
Visit: www.dbg.org

B&B for Ladies

The Derma Health Institute is offering one day “staycation” B&Bs (aka: breakfast and Botox). At only $9/unit we can zap away those wrinkles and frown lines no problem, and indulge in a light breakfast. Also on hand will be demonstrations of the new Vela Shape body-contour laser that melts off fat... perfect for all those rooftop pool parties you'll be attending this summer!

What: Breakfast and Botox Staycations
When: Saturday, July 19, 9 am–2 pm
Where: Chandler Derma Health Institute
2905 W. Warner Road, #17
Call: 480.730.9000
Visit: www.dermahealthinstitute.com