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November 7th, 2008
Fall is one big tease. We had a quick relief last month for a week and then back to nearly 100 degrees (since when did Halloween require no jackets for trick-or-treaters?). But, we’re convinced, fall has finally arrived; we almost didn't sweat yesterday! As "unbearably hot" begrudgingly begins to change into "we-only-want-to-die-a-little hot," we feel as if our life is changing seasons, too. From suddenly having to change career paths (not by choice) to chopping off all our hair (totally by choice), we've noticed that we're evolving: shedding our old, yellowed leaves to prepare for the new, vibrant spring that lies ahead. We know we're coming off as schmaltzy, but with Thanksgiving around the corner, we can't help but reflect on all the things in our lives that we are thankful for. As always, Phoenix Picks is on our list: it is here that we can release our creative yah-yahs, but even more importantly we get to mingle with the awesome people, businesses and goodies in our beloved Phoenix. Btw: Bring a print-out of this email to Sweet Republic (see below) to receive a special Buy 1, Get 1 Free deal on their artisan ice cream (up to a $5.75 value with purchase of equal or greater value) before Nov 15. Sweets for the Sweet! |
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| Phoenix Picks: | |||
| 1 | Fig’s Newton One of the things we inherited from our Asian mother is a profound love for knick knacks. If it wasn’t for the minimalist aesthetics of our beau our entire house would be filled with plastic flower arrangements and our childhood collection of unicorns. Luckily, our bedroom is the place where we can unleash our fury, a personal paradise where we can feed our Francophile daydreams (two closets filled with more black than a funeral procession, leopard coats and plenty of berets). But it’s our collection of vintage oriental statues from the 1950s that completes us. Recently we stumbled into Figs Home and Garden where our Asian half burst from a long coma and did some Gene Kelly. We felt at home rummaging through the amazing blend of old-orient antiques, shabby chic goodies and new home furnishings. Filled with plenty of beautiful treasures and accents to give any room or home a Zen-boost, you’ll have a hard time leaving empty handed. Trust us, our vintage figurines are stylin’ in the Qing Dynasty-esque armoire we just picked up. Figs Home and Garden |
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| 2 | The Sweet Life We rationalized dropping economics our freshman year by admitting we are just too literary for econ—in other words, we’re numerically challenged. We are so much so that tracking the mercurial state of the stock market just hurts our pretty little heads. Needless to say, investment banking ranks high on the list of top 10 jobs from which we would be fired our first day. The way things are going, we probably would have quit anyway. And that’s just what two Valley entrepreneurs did, in order to pursue the sweetest career path imaginable. Helen Yung and Jan Wichayanuparp ditched their careers as i-bankers to get culinary training in ice-cream making (as in Le Cordon Bleu, not Grandma’s back porch). The friends recently opened the Sweet Republic artisan ice cream shop, specializing in handcrafted, gourmet flavors including Salted Butter Caramel Swirl and Pumpkin Spice. It’s so delicious it distracts us from what’s happening to our 401(k). Sweet Republic |
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| 3 | Devious Behavior Upon returning to reality and checking our bank account, we really appreciate Shop Devious Beauty Lounge and Boutique, which combines upscale vintage and resale fare, beauty supplies, and an Internet café. This lounge even offers small business services like copying and faxing, so you can get your start-up off the ground, shop for that client-winning ensemble, and grab a snack while you’re at it. They also host a “Gong Show”-style comedy night every second Wednesday, a free clothing swap every third Saturday, and they’re open during the First Friday Art Walk. Owner Anna Marie prides herself on maintaining a culture of affordability in her shop, because she believes you shouldn’t have to be a high roller to look good. Mention Phoenix Picks and receive a free gift with purchase. Jackpot! |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Say It with Sass Sometimes, when we're feeling blue, we have to remind ourselves that we're the queen of our world, ain’t nobody gonna hold us down! And while we don't have a scepter or a crown, we did manage to procure a Sassy Sash that declares just how much of a rock star we are. Created by local chica Meredith Peltier, these adorable sashes are perfect for birthdays, bachelorette parties or just for reminding yourself and everyone else how much arse you kick. |
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| 2 | Room in the Womb Recently, little Bella inquired about where, exactly, babies come from. It's adorable when she informs everyone she has "a baby in my womb," so we got her a baby of her own. These sweet, handmade rag dolls from DadzDesign are soft, cuddly and a far cry from skanky Barbies or Bratz dolls. With their goofy stitched grins and wonky button eyes, these heartwarming dolls are the perfect tea party companion, faux baby or night snuggly. |
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| 3 | Seems Fishy One of the best things about being a mommy is playing dress up with the munchkin—although the pleasure is usually one-sided. So when we received this adorable “Future Sushi Lover” T-shirt from RA Sushi, we were in mommy paradise. As for the little fishy, he finds it much more comfy than the sweater vests and corduroys we make him wear. Shirts are available at all RA Sushi locations, and also come in the “Small Fry” variety. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | A Fall Fling When a girl is down and out in Beverly Hills she can always count on her four-legged besties and an old-fashioned shopping spree to lift the spirits. This is why you and your always busy friends should bookmark the date and join other women-on-the-go for this wonderful event that understands just what girls like us need. What: Always Busy Fall Fling |
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| 2 | Sting into Action The season is finally perfect to let the tots run free at the Phoenix Zoo. Stingray Bay has reopened! It’s hands-on fun for the entire family featuring more than 40 cownose and southern stingrays, six sharks and, now, 10 horseshoe crabs in a spectacular 17,000-gallon touch tank, all of which you can experience up close and personal! What: Stringray Bay at the Phoenix Zoo |
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| 3 | Dissecting a Bargain We know that scoring a good bargain just isn’t as juicy unless we can share the experience. For example, the Chloe heels we found for under $100 (which don’t match anything in our closet)! If you’re craving the sisterhood of fashionista and tips on how to find designer discounts, then don’t miss Shopittome.com’s fashion meet-up! What: Fashion Meet-Up |
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Did you know we cover all things fashion and indie in other cities, too? If you have BFFs, family and fashionable colleagues in Portland, Seattle, Chicago and Minneapolis be sure to tell them about our sister publications. We even have a Portland and Seattle Picks for Men for all those manly he-devils in your life! |
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