Mexico lives here!

Yep. You read that title correct. And, no..I'm not trying to be smart or witty.

Instead, I am about to divulge to you a small piece of heaven. (ok, that may be taking it too far--but it was a pretty cool experience.)

An attention grabbing title, eh?

A few weeks ago between the gorging of Thanksgiving and the cheer of Christmas, my friend Nicole and I ventured down to the Lemp District--the area known for Cherokee Street, Antique Row, and.... a dense population of Hispanics...resulting in an abundance of taquerias and tiendas.

Nicole, who has a background in Southwestern cuisine (green sauce, red sauce, or christmas, anybody?)--was extremely excited to test these grounds. What deliciousness we were sure to encounter!!

(I must admit that Mexican food is basically at the top of my "favorites" list--and this expedition was an answer for my heart's desire.)

We decided to eat at a restaurant (ehem, titled: Mexico lives here!!) with outdoor seating---tucked away through the back of a store.

Buy a pinata, find special ingredients for your newest
enchilada recipe, or try a candy you've never had.

We meandered up and down the aisles then came to the grocery/lunch counter section. Check out the massive amount of horchata they had!

Horchata is one of Red's favorite drink---an interesting combination of "rice milk", sugar, cinnamon, and spices.

Te horchata is on the left. I am unsure of what is
on the right.

We turned the corner and were warmly greeted and seated outside on the covered patio...walking out, we passed a single man with a table overflowing with food---the fajitas and the undeniable star.

Nicole and I eyed each other--each it seemed with the beginning of a choice already made...

We poured over our menus taking in all of the familiar and un-familiar choices laid before us. It seemed that neither of us could stop thinking about our neighbor's fajitas--their sweet sizzle singing  in our ears.

We decided our best option was to split some chicken and steak fajitas and to get a Gordita. Please attempt to not salivate on your computer:

Ah-mazing.

Here is a close up of the life-changing Gordita:

Its a thin corn cake sandwich filled with steak, guacamole,
 lettuce, cheese,  and pico de gallo. Yum.

My friends--we filled ourselves to the point of bursting--and I still took home enough fajitas to eat for lunch the next day.

The Gordita--again, was life-changing--and the fajitas were fresh, smoky, and delicious with out the deluging effect of "fajita seasoning".

Friends, if you desire a taste of Mexico--then Mexico lives here! is an excellent place to visit. You forget you are in St. Louis and are instead absorbed in an adventure.

An adventure that enlists you to take pictures with men painted on walls:

The faceless man.

Go ring in the New Year my friends!

Ps. I couldn't find any contact information for this restaurant.(A good sign!!) If you are interested in going, simply go to Cherokee Row, St. Louis--and drive down that road. It is on Cherokee.

Creative Haven on The Hill

Stunning.

As it is the week before Christmas--life has been a madhouse.

However, as crazy as the times are, it was a sweet delight to have my sister-in-law Michelle visit St. Louis with her younger sister Megan.

Whenever someone comes to visit, I strive to expose them to an area of St. Louis they may not typically visit if they came knowing no one here...

With this in mind (and considering that Michelle and Megan specifically requested we spend some time on "The Hill"..they are part Italian, mind you...) we ended their short visit with a morning of Italian goodness.

With only a little time to explore, we meandered the streets pretending as if it weren't cold and horribly misty. We relaxed at Shaw's coffee, meandered through Viviano's grocery, browsed another speciality food shop looking for boxed tomatoes (not to be found)...and then...

found a haven for all things creative and beautiful. By this I mean-- SKIF International. Home to both SKIF and jipisiboho.

You are asking--what is this?!

This fabulous studio/shop, located at 2008 Marconi, is a warehouse filled to the brim with unique finds.

The jipsiboho element is a feast for your eyes:

jenny b. of jipsiboho, made these chairs from deconstructed
sweaters...and the wall decor: old books.

jenny b. specialized in interior design, styling, art direction, staging, props and sets, wardrobe, and events. The moment we walked in, jenny shared her passion for art and design. You could feel it emanating from her as she explained different pieces she had made and some of her inspiration.

She even grabbed her favorite Japanese magazine to show me her vision for her digital magazine she is laying the foundation for.

Here are more of her products:

This couch makes me happy. Perfect for a reading nook in a child's room...or
as a prop in a photo-shoot...or in a boutique. OK--or in my tree house I'll have
one day.
Love love.

A genius inspiration board.

And my favorite:

Imagine this over our sick new couch. yes.
Only $150.

Jenny B.'s distinctively charming style is the perfect compliment to SKIF's organic rawness. The clothing  they create here at the St. Louis studio--is beautiful.

Designed to drape and compliment the body, their pieces are appropriate for all people in all walks of life.

There are shirts, pants, tunics, vests, dresses...really anything you can imagine. They also will work with you if you'd like a piece made with a different yarn or with slight variances such as sleeve length.

While you shop, the studio is buzzing with clothing being made as well as other unique woven/sewn goods.

A rug being made from "trash"..or remnants
from other clothing being made.

A quilt being made from fabric remnants.

Nina, the owner of SKIF, had her desk set up so she could view the show room, her hospitality evident. Their website even offers a guest house if you are interested in coming to stay there and learn more about their business---or just to shop!

Michelle, Megan, and I spend the bulk of our time on The Hill at SKIF. It was such an education to discover this place in the middle of St. Louis. No longer must I brave the mall for Anthropologie--I can now go to a quaint Italian neighborhood and shop a local store with the same degree of creative of inspiration.

It pays to shop local, doesn't it?

I must say that after leaving the studio, my desire to be creative had quadrupled. I was raking my brain for every way possible to be paid to do my passions.

Though I am still deliberating about what exactly my passions are--I did come up with one way I could do this--

I am a professional estate "saler"... and by this I mean, I love love love bargain hunting for random things at people's massive garage sales (or really anywhere, for that matter.) Perhaps I could turn this into a professional treasure hunter for those who need treasure?

'Tis a thought.

So, since my own creativity is at a standstill, go, and support our local creatives. Their work is outstanding.

SKIF INTERNATIONAL

2008 Marconi

St. Louis, MO 63110

www.skifo.com

Nina

314.773.4401

jipsiboho

2008 Marconi

St. Louis, MO 63110

www.jipisiboho.com

jenny b.

314.303.5499

Deals for our New Home

It's been a few weeks---since I've had internet because---

We MOVED!

No worries. We are still in lovely St. Louis--but simply closer in.

We are officially living in U-City--home to Blueberry hill, Dewey's Pizza, and Jilly's cupcakes.

I can also officially walk to Starbucks whenever I get the urge.

I have to say that it is a complete change--but a complete blessing all at the same time.

We actually found this place the weekend of our stay-cation--and moved in a week later!! (then waited another week for cable/internet--sheesh)

It has been awesome as we begin to actually feather our nest. I've been estate saleing like nobody's business and been spending hours on craigslist (at Starbucks, of course) hoping to find a long lost treasure that someone else doesn't need any longer.

And friends, my search has been well worth it.

Check 'em out:

Find numero uno:

Our Mad Men-esque dresser from craigslist made into our tv console. Red will be removing
that top center drawer and drilling a hole in the back for cables. Handy. $250 for 2 of these babies.

Find numero dos:

Large leather chair for large man. Check. $2000 chair for $365. Thank you estate
sale #1.

Find numero tres:

6 seated heavy wood dining table from craigslist. Needs a little love but will
look fabulous after the table is gray and the chairs are french gray..meaning
blue. $140 yes.

Find numero quatro:

Sweet outdoor beverage cart and adorable bronzy birds.
Gracias Estate Sale #2
$20

Find numero cinco:

Wait! Those aren't for the apartment, they're for me!
$5

These babies are Fryes...and yes I paid $5 for them. My friend Kara and I were admiring an old desk in the back room of a basement at an Estate Sale and looked down and saw these sweet boots. Size 8, they were perfect for me (Kara wears a 9) and so I grabbed them up and paid for them with an awestruck look on my face.

After a little wash and polish--they are good as new. Yes ma'am.

A small aside: Kara and I had the craziest estate sale experience of our life. At the estate sale I got the small beverage cart and birds at, they handed out numbers into the afternoon!! And then it was at least a half mile hike to and from your car to the house. They had police running interference, and the neighbors were not happy. Crazy--but worth it just to see inside the home...and to get my beverage cart.

I will be posting more as this new apt comes along--and as I explore my new neighborhood. There is lots to do and see!

Staycation

Everyone needs sweet surprises from their loved one.

Red surprised me friday with the "itinerary" for our weekend. (We have been trying to be intentional with our time together.)

I had just finished getting ready to head to our friends' house ( for the best Mexican food we've ever had...ever)...and Red handed me a sheet of paper to read aloud.

It went something like this:

...3:15 pack for the night
3:50 leave for church
6:15 check into hotel ( I love you!!)...

I was floored. We had mentioned this idea in passing a couple of weeks ago but I had not imagined it actually happening!!

After a great dinner of burgers, fries, and shakes at Baileys' Range (recommended to me by my foodie friend Kara)...

We headed to check in at the Marriott at Union Station in downtown STL...it was wonderful.

A night of relaxation and enjoyment.

The weekend came to perfect closure with a pancake breakfast at Uncle Bill's...Red's favorite.

Thanks Love.

Pinterest Applied

As many of you may have discovered, Pinterest is addictive.

It places so many ideas, projects, inspirations, thoughts, and sources at your fingertips ---it's overwhelming!! Ok--for me?.. It's exciting.

It has been a perfect tool in dealing with this strong creative streak I've been feeling--but it reaches a point where being exposed to other people's creativity is not enough.

You must act--you must bring value to those hours you have spent browsing Pinterest, stumbling over new organization tips, side-stepping sewing projects, and staring too long at that decadent chocolate cake recipe calling your name....

So yesterday I tackled this issue.

 I decided for better or worse, I was going to break out my sewing machine and sew a project I had pinned to some board or another...

Little rice bag hand warmers: heat 'em up in the microwave for 30 secs and then put in your coat pockets for toasty fingers.

Can be bought at Etsy (not made by me of course.)

Adorable!

There are a few caveats to this project decision you need to know:

1. I'm not a crafty person. Just a creative person.

2. I don't know how to sew.

"What?!" You exclaim...no worries, Youtube and Pinterest really do solve everything--project related.

I found this nifty Youtube video that concisely taught me to thread my machine and how to do a basic stitch:




After figuring out this process--I felt really good about myself. I was preening to myself as if I had become fluent in a foreign language---as I cut more hearts out and prepared myself for further "success"---

Check out my work station:

Here is my first attempt at stitching the heart:

Preening deflated.

I ripped it out and did it again---round 2 was better--

I filled it with rice and completed the heart on the machine.

the funnel is a must.

My entire afternoon was consumed with making 4 hearts total---and I have...hmmm... A LOT more to make as Christmas gets closer.

Finished Product

So--if you receive a gift from me and Red this Christmas--- that seems a little wonky---know that it was made with love.

 I'm starting to really appreciate DIY gifts.

Go be creative--even if it is in a realm you have no knowledge in...success (to some degree--even if it's low :o) can be found.

Crossroads

It seems that everyone comes to the crossroads of "What do I want to do with my life?"---and it casts a shadow on all they do--- No matter what they put their time and efforts in--this question colors the experience and expectation.

Perhaps that is where I am standing.

No doubt we all long for value and a sense of self---maybe even fame and affirmation for all we do. I haven't met many people with the goal of not making a difference or perhaps the goal of helping society devolve...

No. It seems that we--specifically this current generation of 20-somethings want more. We want not only to be successful and rich--but to somewhere along the line---make a difference---leave a legacy---to be known.

It's not enough to "just" be a teacher. We want to transform the educational system. It's not enough to "just" be a mom. We want to be a super-mom who happens to own a small business, speak 3 different languages, and volunteer every saturday at the local orphanage---so we can give our children a solid world view. It's not enough to write just because we enjoy writing. We want to be the next Jane Austen or J.K. Rowling.

None of these things are wrong or bad. And it is good (I would argue) to strive to thrive. There is no shame in doing your job well.

But is this perspective of "enough is never enough" realistic and/or healthy? And how is this impacting our lives? Isn't every one exhausted?

I come to this point from my desire to be creative...and my desire to one day be "successful" (a loaded term I know) in a way that glorifies the Lord.

How do you balance contentment with success/improvement?

How does one marry skills and interests to possibilities and opportunities? How do you get paid for doing what you love?---and for that matter, how do you figure out what you really love doing?

Experience. How do you get experience?

Networking.

How do you network for experiences you'd like to have--and how do you expose yourself to people who have the discernment and insight to help you towards a future?

So sort of in the same vein--but in a different direction....

Here is a video from TED--a lovely source of food for thought. One of my grad school professors shared this with us--and it hit me in an interesting way.

 It is Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray, Love) discussing creativity. She suggests that a person can not be a genius but rather has an inner genius...though I do not agree with her entire perspective--it is an interesting concept to consider when one is struggling with creativity.




How have you dealt with these issues of career and creativity--or enjoyment? And what are some conclusions you have drawn?

Euclid Explored

I have a thing for antiques. It is quite a misfortunate thing (though fortunate for Red, I think) that our apartment is too small for most of my cherished finds...It turns out that one couch is quite enough for a room with only 1 full wall...

However, just because I'm in a season of life that dictates what I can or can not buy, does not mean I shouldn't look for stores that inspire my eye for the future.

With this in mind, I share with you Rothschild's Antiques on Euclid---close to the Central West End and, more importantly, across from Pi, St. Louis's best pizza.

Here is a shot of the interior:

Filled to the brim,  Rothschild's offers a plethora of high and low antiques. I especially loved the prints in the picture above. Here is a closer shot:

I love botanical prints--their interesting but impersonal---beautiful but a bit sterile at the same time...perhaps clean is a better term.

Rothchild's does an excellent job of setting up vignettes--and making their items come to life...even if they are presented in a way that you would not necessarily use them. For example, they had linens and pillows displayed on an old factory cart:

They seem to offer some locally made new items--ie the pillows as a compliment to their international collection of antiques.

A beautifully manicured store, Rothchild's may be the place you need to visit in order to find that special something that will complete a room. Some things here are bargains, while others are pricey. I suggest going, knowing what you are looking for or go expecting the store to offer inspiration for your own home.

If you are unable to visit the store, check out their website listed below.

Enjoy!

Rothschild's Antiques

398 North Euclid

Central West End, MO 63108

314.361.4870

Nom Nom Thursday: St. Louis These Past few weeks--crazy!

It's been quite a while since I have written, so today, in lieu of "Nom Nom Thursday", I am going to share about Red's and my crazy past 2 weeks...

As the universe knows, the World Series was the past 2 weeks and the Cardinals won!!! Red and I were so excited to get to go to a couple of games---this was a huge blessing due to the fact that going to the World Series is extremely expensive. We were so happy to be blessed by friends! Here are some pictures:

We got to sit behind home-plate one of the nights-- It was awesome! Definitely a special way to experience the World Series.

At the end of our second game experience--we had an interesting finale.... A girl comes up to me as I am about to climb into Red's truck and says "Your friend is in the back of your truck, just wanted to let you know." I replied, "You get your friend out of the back of our truck, why is he back there?" She quickly says, "He's not my friend." I find this odd considering she was taking a picture of him in our truck...

Red and I walk back there and this is what we find:

I'm thinking he may have partied too hardy for the night---the Cards didn't even win that game!

Red and some other dude started to drag him out of the truck because he wouldn't respond to gentle shaking---he jumped up and announced that he would be back...he had to go pee. We said, no worries, we won't be here.

The week pressed on--we had Bible studies--dinner dates---and...... costume parties to prepare for!!!

Which brings me to the next exciting chapter of today--Red's and my kickin' Halloween costumes.

We had some trouble coming up with costumes that we both would be comfortable in--and that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg---and this is what we settled on:

Serious, I'll ge you gods

Yes his beard is real.

Who are we, you ask? Poseidon and Amphitrite his wife....or according to an adorable little sorceress at the party--Ariel in human form and her father Triton.

In the midst of all of these social engagements we also had our kitchen remodeled--and this weekend is Red's birthday--It has been a crazy end of the month--but well worth it.

I have some sweet finds to share with you guys--so stay tuned--

I hope this post gave you something to chew on--bahahahaha

Refresh with Purpose

I haven't met too many people..ok women...who don't enjoy refreshing their wardrobe. Especially in the Fall. It seems that Fall lights a fire within us that smolders until we deal with it...and to deal with it, we must find incredible articles of clothing and accessories that imbibe our wardrobe with that je ne sais quoi we are striving for...

For some of us...ehem....me.... this fire must be dealt with through good deals. It's not just about the item, but about the good deal..

So, where is a better place to search then local consignment stores? There isn't a better place, actually.

Yesterday I searched out 2 stores I had heard of through the grapevine:

The ScholarShop: An upscale consignment store that supports The Scholarship Fund of St. Louis.


Upon arrival, the ScholarShop was very busy---mostly with middle age and older women digging through a more mature gathering of clothes. I was not to be discouraged, however. I jumped right in only to find....

She's vogueing...ha

This! Fantastic, slick, chic, lemon yellow leather skirt. YES! The sad part is that I decided not to get it.

The sweet part is that I'm going back to get it...and at 20 buck-a-roos it's a sweet deal. (Feel free to send up a little prayer that I'm not too late...surely everyone is clamoring for a lemon yellow leather skirt...)

If you are a digger, there is an absolute possibility that you will find something here. And if you would like to donate, The ScholarShop  will send you an itemized list of deductibles at the end of the year.

The 2nd consignment store I visited was: [Re]Fresh, A Fashion Coalition


Now, [Re]Fresh is a little more youthful and modern in set-up and style. They even have a DJ area!

It was an Urban Outfitters-esq consignment shop. Though some items seemed to be overpriced...some were underpriced as well. I found a Nanette Lepore dress for $18!

If you have pre-teen to young adult people in your life...this is a great place to check out. The entire upstairs is mostly party dresses ranging from short and conservative to long and bedazzled.

All of this store's proceeds support the work of the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition. They even have special event days during which foster children/families can come shop and get 90% off every item.

[Re]Fresh also offers a special service to it's patrons: Free Fashion Workshops! You or your child can learn how to get a look for less. Very cool...

I hope this post encourages you to check out your local consignment and thrift stores. It is a great thing to refresh your wardrobe with purpose.

The ScholarShop

8211 Clayton Road

St. Louis, MO 63117

(Another location in Webster Groves)

314.725.3456

Donation Hours: Mon-Sat 10-5pm

[Re]Fresh

1710 S. Brentwood Blvd

St. Louis, MO 63144

314.881.0331

Open: Thurs-Sat 11-8pm

Sun 11-5pm

Nom Nom Thursday: The Block

So every Tuesday is Red's and my date night. It's his day off from work so we are usually pretty relaxed when it comes to dinner time---hence the reason we now go out for dinner each Tuesday..

As I think I have mentioned before, Red and I love to eat...and not only that, but we love to try new foods and new places. We actually have a little notebook we write reviews of restaurants in...and well, have lists of places we want to try:

This week we got to check one such restaurant off our list: The Block in Webster Groves, MO...el suburb de St. Louis.

No it isn't a Mexican restaurant--don't be confused: el and de are used all the time in my English language. Get with it.

The Block actually marry's a few good ideas. It is a restaurant. bar, and butcher, all in one. You can try a local brew, eat delicious food, and then, if you like it, buy that cut of meat (among others) to take home with you. It's a novel idea actually.

Set in the lovely and quaint Webster Groves, The Block offers locally sourced food in a comforting and delicious style... Por ejemplo...

We started out with shrimp and grits for our appetizer. Not any ole' shrimp and grits, but crispy fried shrimp with herb cheddar grits and honey barbeque:

Yum. The only complaint was that there wasn't more.

For our entrees, Red got the pulled pork sandwich with fries and pickled veggies...and I got the pork chop (that was so tender and delicious it could have been steak) with potato and bacon hash and apple slaw.

Yes--I know it's glamorous and delicious looking. No worries, it tasted just as good.

It was a great evening. Red and I sat al fresco eating and talking while enjoying all the people going by taking advantage of the perfect night. I recommend The Block---good food with out being too froo froo...kid friendly...relatively well priced... Check out their menu here.

Besides, if you want to make a night of it...you can wander through the local record shops and boutiques. Who says no to that?

The Block

146 West Lockwood Ave

Webster Groves, MO 63119

Open for Dinner

314.918.7900

Nom Nom Thursday: Thai Food. Slurp.

Thai food warms my heart.

Ok, and it warms everything because it is so deliciously and complicatedly spicy. But that is the beauty of it. It isn't a spicy that hits you right away. No. It is a spicy that slowly builds so you can still taste all of the other flavors in your dish as you start to glisten--hmm...sweat a little..

I introduced Red to Thai food way back in our college years---down in Hattiesburg, MS at Jutamas... a little Thai place surrounded by car dealerships and across the street from a shut-down club. Jutamas managed to be completely different from its neighbors with its calming music, fragrant spices, and delicious meals....you totally forgot what was outside.

This place quickly became one of our go to spots for healthy flavorful meals. It was consistent, reasonably priced, Red could get full with one plate, and we loved it.

When we moved to St. Louis, we made it our mission to try as many Thai restaurants as possible with the goal of meeting or surpassing Jutamas high standards... We've been to: Thai Sawadee (Chesterfield), Addie's Thai House (Chesterfield, Thai Kitchen (St. Peters), Blue Elephant (Clayton), and Land of Smile (Olivette)... no doubt there are probably more...

But--we still haven't come to a concrete decision on which is our favorite. Red claims the Blue Elephant--but I have my reservations...I'm not sure my favorite...but I am sure of my new most favoritest dish:

Kao Sol. Described on the menu as: Chicken, Rice noodles, with a special curry sauce topped with crispy onions. What they neglect to tell you is that it also has bean sprouts, cilantro, red onions, and other veggies chopped up and soaked in that crazy curry sauce.

Here is a picture of my bowl half-way through---it was beautiful upon arrival I promise:

Red and I had decided to try new things this visit--we both typically get the same dishes every time. Red loves Pad See Yu ( Flat noodles, egg, broccoli, and carrots, in dark soy sauce)...and I usually get Pad Gra Prik (sauteed meet with basil, peppers, and onions with this spicy sweet sauce). Red's dish is especially good for those new to Thai food.

A special treat that accompanied our adventurous spirits at Thai Kitchen, was the gift of dessert:

Ok--what do you think it is?

It's interesting. That's what it is.

It is called something along the lines of: Split Bean Pudding.

First of all, I expected it to be cold. It's warm. And, the flavors were the strangest party in my mouth: popcorn meets cornbread meets sweet meets nuttiness....and the white stuff was kind of like sour cream but not...

Needless to say, it was a departure from my idea of dessert. But I'm glad I tried it--because now I know what popcorn, cornbread, nut, sweet, sour cream, alllll mixed together in a warm jelly form, tastes like.

On that note, I hope you are inspired to try Thai Food. It is a sweet way to satiate your craving for Asian food in a healthier fashion---who needs fried General Tso's chicken? (me, but only every once in a while...)

Go eat Thai food and be Happy.

Thai Kitchen

3899-B Veterans Memorial Pkwy

St. Peters, MO 63376

636.447.1883

(This restaurant is listed simply because it's dish is the one that changed my life.)