Houseplant Confession

So remember how I have been hunting for a house plant for---well, a month or so?

Hmmm....haven't found one yet.

However, due to not going out of town today as was expected, I had a little extra time to do some exploring in my own home town.

It is a beautifully sunny day--cool but warmer than it has been. The perfect weather to get out and about.

Red and I headed down S. Grand to Chimichanga's for lunch---despite rave reviews via Urbanspoon, we left being glad we got that our of our system and with no intention of returning. ( I will say their chips were excellent....thin and light.)

That aside...

Red was meeting up with AD at Sump, so we headed down to Cherokee Street to Antique Row so I could pop into a few of my favorite places. By few, I mean one---where I found a fab old chair that I would love to buy and reupholster. (I'm kidding!!! Ok, no I'm not--but now isn't the best time.)

We left there for Red to hang with AD. I headed around the corner to Meremec and Grand---to an area known as Dutchtown.

Now. I had heard of Dutchtown, but I had never experienced it. And the row that had caught my eye was 4 stores of consignment/re-sale shops. You know I like that.

The first one-- Zaftig was great.

Here is where the confession part comes in.

I found a pair of J.Brand jeans for $17.00

This is an incredible find people. I couldn't pass it up. They fit (....besides needing to be hemmed a few inches) and they are beautiful. I say yes to that.

And the proprietor of the store was a sassy woman filled with personality. Bricks (her nickname) was not to be pushed aside. She even gave me some earrings for half-price. I say yes to that too!

Soft coral/pink color

Unfortunately, this means my hunt for a houseplant is on pause. I had set aside a little birthday money and have officially spent it.

So, future Houseplant? I say sorry to you. My heart is weak for good deals and the jeans beat you out. In a few months I'll make it up to you.

Houseplants and Donuts

I woke up with a huge hankering for a stroll around our neighborhood. You know...it's Sunday morning; it's cheerfully bright; it's crisp and refreshing; and....

It's blanketed in 4 inches of unexpected snow.

Ok, so no walk.

BUT instead of a Sunday morning walk, why not venture out into the winter wonderland via le Trooper and continue my hunt for a houseplant?

My thoughts exactly. There was absolutely no sound reason to stay home. Icy roads and frigid temperatures are nothing against my zealous desire to either a) build a terrarium or b) at least have a beautiful houseplant.

I lassoed Red into partnering with me on this escapade and off we went to the wonderful, marvelous, magically curated Bowood Farms Greenhouse and Gift shoppe in the Central West End.

Wandering the aisles of house plants, terrarium finds, and air plants, I was certain to find what I longed for: an Oxalis.

Didn't happen.

But, I did get to experience Bowood Farms in an excellent way. As you enter through their chartreuse front doors, you are transplanted into another world. They have an excellent selection of house plants but also carry distinctive gifts and accents for the home and garden.

It honestly felt like a special place....as if I could do anything! That terrarium is in reach, Laura! They even provided inspiration:

Although I didn't find my Oxalis (they will carry them in March in time for St. Patrick's Day), it was a rejuvenating experience to meander through their trove and get ideas for gifts in the future

One of my favorites for a young boy or girl:

Mouse in a box!

After our field-trip to Bowood Farms, Red and I headed home...

Only to be overcome by the need for donuts.

And so, we stopped at World Fair's Donuts.

And the heaven's cried Hallelujah!!

Wow--life was just made a little bit better.

For $2.86 we had 4 donuts (what just happened?!) and a small cup of coffee to wash it down.

People. These donuts are worth the drive. No matter where you are in the St. Louis area, come eat this goodness.

I highly recommend the Buttermilk Cake Donut and Red gives his highest regards to the Classic Glazed.

Now we are home recuperating from a rush of inspiration at Bowood's and a rush of sugar and  inspiration at World's Fair Donuts.

What a great start to the day. Red is reading his book and I'm focusing on getting my mind right for the SuperBowl tonight.

 Really, I'm getting my mind right for all that food.

Cheers to you!

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.

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

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

Jack town oh Jack town

I just returned from my final trip of the summer... and it was glorious.

The fabled setting of the book The Help, home of Eudora Welty, the quintessence of the Southern city:

Jackson, Mississippi.

I went down almost 2 weeks ago to spend time with my dear friend Amy who got married July 30th. It was a wondrous affair.

Amy and I

I tend to get very excited about any opportunity I have to return South and spend time with the folks I went to school with.

If you have never been to Jackson, you are missing out. Plain and simple.

Poor Jackson tends to be written off by people visiting there (and by those who have lived there for ages, for that matter) as a Southern  town with nothing to do and not much to offer.

But it just isn't true.

Though people may recognize some of the attributes it offers, they do not seem to give these characteristics the weight they deserve.

So here--though my tasting of the city was small on this trip, are a few highlights of things to do, places to eat, and interesting tidbits of information. (Ok, so I'm not promising anything here--these things just happen to be interesting to me, so I like to think they may be interesting to you.) Neither here, no there.

Let's get started.

My number one area for people to experience is: Fondren (pronounced: Fonderin)

"Pour quoi?" You ask?

Because it is artsy, quirky, unique, reasonable, quaint, and interesting.

It is basically an old street in Jackson that has been rehabbed and turned into a hip area filled with stores, galleries, and restaurants.

It's so cool, in fact, that several street scenes from the movie The Help were shot there.

My favorite find of a store is The Orange Peel, a sweet consignment store that is awesome to dig through---you can literally find anything here.

By anything, I truly mean anything.

They even have housewares...and cool decorating items:

They even have cool wicker beds that inspire you to hang them on the wall instead of using them as sleeping contraptions!...but whatever:

This is art people!!

Needless to say, if you are ever wandering around Jackson and would love to recharge with a great deal, The Orange Peel is an awesome mecca to seek said rejuvenation.

The Orange Peel

422 Mitchell Avenue

601.364.9977

orangepeelinc.net

Continuing on in the same neighborhood, we come to Babalu.

Yes--that's right. Ricky Ricardo's Babalu. Kind of.

(They did celebrate Lucy's 100th birthday this past weekend)

And, they serve Cuban food. Kind of.

They specialize in Tacos and Tapas...so you order lots of delicious small dishes.

Amy and I ordered the heavenly guacamole (they used sun-dried tomatos---what a sweet idea) which they made to order at our table. 

We then ordered two types of tacos--the pork being my favorite:

And the voices said: "Haaaaaaalelujah!"

The taco on the right is the pork--it has a peanut slaw on it--and this yummy cheese--and it changed my life.

(Oh--and a highlight of this eating experience was the birthday celebration next to us for a lady who must of been nearly 80. She was dressed in this gorgeous fire-engine red dress with matching red shoes and her face beautifully made up. She looked like she was out of the 50's.... Oh, and they brought a wine bottle out with a crazy shooting birthday candle in it for her to blow out. It was like having fireworks instead of the lame old regular birthday candles. Super cool...I would have taken a picture, but that would have been awkward.)

But Lucy would have been proud.

Babalu

622 Duling Avenue

601.366.5757

After the wedding on saturday, I got to go away with my dearest Sarah....to the beach!!! Some how we managed not to take any pictures which is silly. 

But I did manage one shot of the beach:

Hello boy who couldn't skinboard.

It was a sweet few days of relaxation. I praise the Lord for Orange Beach! One of our days there, we spent 5 hours on the beach!! We floated, then dried out, floated, then dried out, napped, then floated, etc. It was exactly what was needed in life.

We also got to see some family, eat crazy good crabs, do some shopping at our favorite places, sleep a lot, and of course got to enjoy each other. Every girl needs time with her closest friends.

So here is a calling card of encouragement. Where-ever you are, be there. Experience it and love it. Every place has something unique to offer--and this trip was a great reminder of that.

July Thus Far

So as you may have noticed, I haven't posted anything....since June.

Which is insane.

So here I am...and I am opening up my return to this here blog--with an update on all that I have been up to...including a few places that need to be added to your hit list for the Mid-west and St. Louis.

I've plundered. I've traveled. I've cooked. I've explored...

So this week will be dedicated to a few of these experiences, places, and persons.

I hope you enjoy.

Event #1:

I plundered an Estate Sale in Webster Grove---this awesome neighborhood/community loaded with historic homes, great restaurants, and some good shops.

The 2 things that spoke to my heart...

Exhibit A: A wonderfully old picture of a stranger

I sort of have a thing for old postcards or portraits. I love to imagine the stories behind these individuals-----who they are, where they are from, their struggles, their dreams, their flaws, their gifts...I can literally sit there and get lost in the life I give them.

This girl is smart. You can tell by her grin and how she naturally touches the book. She loves to disappear in her father's library and read for hours. She enjoys learning in any capacity whether it's through formal education or working with the cook in the kitchen. She is comfortable with her status but doesn't hold it over other people or use it as manipulation to get what she wants. She's great at playing spades and is unsure of dancing. She enjoys being outside...she also loves to sing. She hates bread pudding. She hopes to one day drive a car...

See, you can look at a picture and take it anywhere.

Exhibit B: A wonderfully stained and used Delta Gamma Cookbook

St. Louis has a good amount of DG representatives---and is also the site for one of Delta Gamma's school for the Blind. I was stoked when I stumbled upon this cook book from the 1960's. It has obviously been well loved--and as a fellow DG, it was heartwarming to make this connection---even if it's just with the cookbook not the actual cook. I have to believe that it was another DG who loved this book first...

I adore Estate sales because they connect you with the past...and if anything invite you to consider people who came before you...

I promise to provide many more updates this week---trust me you will be surprised to see all that has been happening.

Have a good one!

Marines, Inland in St. Louis

Since moving to St. Louis, we have become dear friends with Jackie and Micah (you're heard about them before...) and Micah was a Marine.

I had been hearing about Marine Week St. Louis on NPR so when Jackie asked me if I wanted to go, I jumped on it. I honestly am quite ignorant when it comes to armed forces and thought that this would be a great way to gain some knowledge--and sweet friend time.

So, I woke up at 4:45 this morning and met Jackie half-way down town at Starbucks (which sadly didn't open until 6:30am...bummer) and headed down to The Arch/Riverfront area.

The morning started off nicely once we were down there--we enjoyed walking around..catching up..and, well you know, posing in front of Hummers..

(A "professional photographer" approached us and took our picture...turns out his specialty is taking pictures of vehicles...I'm not sure how to take that...)

You may be wondering why we needed to be there so early in the morning... Friends, let me show you why.

Here it is:

We got to see this baby land!

Pretty cool, eh? It is a CH-46 and is used to move platoons. They were first manufactured in the 1960's (Vietnam, anyone?) and are still used today.

It's one of those things that you've seen in movies...aghem...cough...Forrest Gump... and always wondered what it would be like to be inside one.

Turns out, it's really hot inside...and not as big as it looks on the outside...

But still super cool:

We stayed until 8:30am...enjoyed checking things out and learning more about the helicopters, etc. It spurred some great discussion about the courage and diligence it takes to serve our country...something I feel I under-rate sometimes.

So, thank you Marines and other armed forces. Your service is appreciated. Thank you for helping make this life possible.

....The end of this experience is especially fun and is related to a parking garage...

We arrived at the parking garage at 5:58am..just in time for 6:00am early bird special (ie. 4 buckaroos from 6am-9am instead of the usual $6.00). So we thought, sweet! We had a $5.00 between us--so we were covered unless we stayed for an extraordinary long time. So we went, enjoyed, and returned to the car at 8:40am or so. Just in time...to pay $6.00.

"What?!" you say..." That doesn't make sense!" I know, right?! Well, it turns out that they are sticklers about that 6am rule, and the fact that we were there three minutes early means we were not true early birds (though I beg to differ)...

So here we are with only $5.00 and they tell us we can leave an id and go to the ATM. (Wait, what?)...so we scrounge for change, fall 40 cents short...and have to ask the car behind us for some cents... Jackie hops out of the car...and the attendant who is fully irritated with us shouts out, "Ma'am your car is moving!"

Here I am sitting in the front seat, completely oblivious to the fact that the car is rolling--and then when I realize, I have no idea how to work the stick-shift so I freak and bend over to press the brake pedal with my hand. (Totally by-passing the emergency break that is conveniently right beside me.) hahaha

Jackie rushes back to the car---40 cents from the cranky man behind us---and we are on our way. Car in tack...and dues paid.

So that was my experience at the River-front all before 9am this morning---

The Marines will be in town all week bringing awareness about their skills and also helping construct a greenhouse on the Saint Louis Riverfront and also to build a garden in a local community...

And, if you head down to the Riverfront, be sure read all signs in parking garages and know that they mean it when they say the times...

Click here for more information about Marine Week!

Picnic with Shakespeare

St. Louis is such a sweet place to be in the summer. There are so many free places to go and things to do.

Last night, Red and I decided to take advantage of one of these opportunities: St. Charles Shakespeare in the Park.

We saw Much Ado about Nothing...a fabulous comedy, and enjoyed a delicious picnic.

Check out our super cool picnic basket!! (Thanks Jackie--we were the only ones with a basket!)

The play was set by the Missouri River in downtown St. Charles. They had simple props, but did a great job of making the characters fill the stage and come to life.

It was so relaxing laying on our picnic blanket, talking, and taking in the people around us. It was a mixed crowd but definitely lent itself to the more senior end of things. (I'm always interested in who shows up at these free events...so many types of people there for the same reason...)

Red and I have been struggling some with balancing our alone time with our social life. It was such a nice time to be with each other but around others.

Poor Red, he is so big, that it was difficult for him to get comfortable on the blanket (we couldn't find a normal camping chair for him to use!!)...so we ended up leaving at intermission (Hey, no judgement)...it's as he pointed out: it's difficult to pay attention when you're really uncomfortable..)

So we left. But, I was still so satisfied. I love being outside...and I love supporting the local arts...and I love picnics (which we've established before...)...and I love free things...and I love my Husband....

So it was a great night.

Well, and it also ended with a spectacular sunset:

What free things does your community offer? Leave a comment, and let us know!

Treasure in Memphis

I grew up going to Jun Lee.

My mom would load me up in the car and we would drive down to Summer Ave., arrive... and hop out of the car...to a whole new world.

Experience this:

This place is the ultimate accessory haven. You can find everything here---pearls, fake Yurman (be picky...but you can find some beautiful things) pashmina scarves, purses, glam earrings, etc.

Every time I come to Memphis I am sure to hit this place up. (We even found a head-piece for the bride to be and her rehearsal dinner hair-do!).

You never know what new item you might find...

If you're ever in Memphis, go to Jun Lee.

Contact

Jun Lee Trading Co.

3397 Summer Ave.

Memphis, TN 38122

901.327.1822