Fall does something for Me

Fall does something for me.

It lights me up.

It warms my heart.

I get to wear boots.

I get to wear jewel tones.

I get to take nature walks.

Today, I firmly decided that Fall is my favorite season. As you can see from the list above, there are important reasons for this.

I must say that with all the transitions around life right now, it couldn't have made it's entrance at a better time.

Now, in the midst of job hunting, I get to look out my windows and see fiery leaves, be snuggled up in blankets, and sip my delicious Earl Grey tea.

Pretend this is the view from my window, Thanks weather.com

Red and I haven't turned the heat on yet. Cheers to that.

Put some Southwest in your Corner

Camp for Red, this year, has been so very different. Hours off in the afternoon, nights at home, and days off. It has been wonderful!

We decided to take advantage of his off day last Sunday and check out a new place to eat---new to us that is...well, maybe for you too--

It's called Southwest Diner and, big surprise...it's on Southwest Ave in Ellendale (just south of Dogtown)

But the clever part of this name and location is that they also serve southwestern fare!! (whoa.)

Complete with red sauce, green sauce, or if you're from New Mexico: Christmas. Yum.

We walked in and it was packed---to the point where you were invited to sit with strangers. (Dude! why not? What a great way to meet people---over food!)

The moment we entered the restaurant I felt like I was on vacation somewhere else--I kept saying to Red that it reminded me of Colorado--the vibe is so naturally hip and relaxed that you feel immediately at ease.

We waited in line next to a girl who grew up with the owner and she happily gave us tips on ordering while pointing out the owner and his mom (who was in charge of seating).


We ended up at the end of the counter right by the kitchen---surprisingly a calm, quiet place to sit.

Our food was delicious (the breakfast burrito, cornmeal pancakes, and beef enchiladas with red sauce) and we were entertained by the the waiters behind the counter.

Breakfast Burrito--Christmas style

Enchiladas

There may or may not have been a moose noise making moment. (I had no idea that's what a moose sounds like!)

Needless to say, it was a hit. It was fresh and a delightful departure from typical breakfast. We can't wait to return and try more of the menu!

Check it out!

PS--they also serve Tacos at Tower Grove Farmers market---um, this sounds marvelous.

Southwest Diner

6803 Southwest Diner

St. Louis, MO 63143

314.260.7244

website

Last Weekend before the Weekend

Today is the day.

Red just left to report for camp.

It is officially the time of year filled with redecorating, reading dozens of books, and experimenting in the kitchen. I wear less make-up, eat less healthy, and manage my time less effectively.

But that is all good. Really.

In honor of our last week together, this time last saturday, Red and I went on an adventure.

First, to Uncle Bills. Home of Red's most favorite pancakes.

Half of Red with our gi-normous breakfast.

If you ever come to visit STL, or you live here already, don't write off Uncle Bills.

Go. Appreciate it's greasy, 70's, ski-lodge vibe and order the regular pancakes.

Red would tell you that there is something magical about them. Red knows.

After our mammoth breakfast, we headed to a few stores. We are still searching for je ne sais quoi for our home...

SO, Red graciously agreed to peruse an antique mall or two with me. We headed to the Green Shag Market on Manchester.

We didn't find a thing--but we had fun looking.

Ok, so maybe I shouldn't say we didn't find a thing... I did find a sweet pair of black pants with gold sequined tuxedo stripes going down the side. I resisted. But I question if I should have.

Red found some sweet Lennon glasses.

It was a fabulous saturday morning. Our goal since then has been to make the most of our time together since today marks the start of a month apart--basically.

Thursday night we went on a date as a final duo hoorah. 

Hey grill. You look lovely.

It was fabulous.

Sidney Street Cafe, you woo me.

Allow me to be more specific-- Deconstructed sneakers bar, you woo me. If you go--you must get this dessert.

It was a perfect final weekend and week before the weekend. We had fun and got things done.

Red left this morning, bag packed, supplements loaded, me in my p.j's waving goodbye...a breeze blowing, birds singing, bunnies hopping, I think I may have seen a family of deer in the neighboring driveway swaying to the rustling of tree branches.

It was nice, needless to say, and so it begins.

The Final Two

We are down to the final two weeks before Red reports for work. We are packing it in.

We just got back from a weekend in Memphis, TN--celebrating my brother's 30th birthday. It was awesome.

 Friday night we sat out on the front porch, relaxed, ate a delicious dinner, and reminisced about Henry Crystal--- a pet chicken of yesteryear. (There are rumors that he was cooked by the maid).

My bros opened their gifts from Trader Joes; and Ragan and I spent some time dancing to some weird 70's music. All in all, it was perfect.

Saturday morning Red and I got up and headed down to the farmer's market for some food-truck action.

Beginning at my brother Chris's truck (Fuel), we got the breakfast burrito and hibiscus tea--whoa--amazing.

Then, because you know Red's obsession with perfect pizza, we moved one truck over to try some at Rock n' Dough. This place had a wood burning oven in the back of their truck!! Dude!

No doubt: Red declared he could eat from food-trucks for the rest of his life and be completely and utterly satisfied.

After our food coma we diligently worked to transform Ragan and Michelle's backyard into a setting fit for a luau---complete with lei's, parrots, and a frozen drink machine. Yum.

Without any doubt, it was a great weekend...and now we're back in STL with Hans and Lee in town from Belgium and more friends on the way.

We might as well let summer go out with a bang!

St. Louis in the Summer

Has it really been that long since I have posted? I sign in today and was shocked to see May 22 as the date of my last post.

July 10th resolution: write in blog at least once a week. We shall see.

It has been a crazy 6 weeks. I have been traveling everywhere!! From Charleston, SC to Vienna, VA to Orange Beach, AL--through Jackson, MS and Memphis, TN back to St. Louis.

I feel as if I have seen the world....if in reality I've really just seen my south-eastern corner. It has been lovely seeing family and friends but, as always, it is wonderful to be home.

Red and I had huge intentions of truly experiencing the St. Louis summer---there is so much to do!! Due to the travels, however, our intentions have been pared down.

We shall have to be content going to a Dave Matthews Band concert tomorrow night.

By content, I mean completely and utterly stoked. It's our first DMB show--which is ridiculous. DMB has been on my bucket list since 8th grade. dude.

After that spectacular event, I'm hoping we will have time before Red reports for work (at which time he will disappear from my life for 3 weeks) to visit the Muny for a broadway show and go to a movie on Art Hill both in Forest Park. I will keep you posted.

During the next few weeks I'll be volunteering at Mission St. Louis' day camp and doing research for a project I have while Red prepares for work.

I know it sounds professional of me when I say: I'm doing research for a project. But please, don't be concerned. It is not professional.

I'm getting to design/decorate/fill a room for a friend of Red's. It is to be kid friendly and houseguest friendly. You know how I love good deals and good decorating! I'm jazzed to get to use my obsessions to bless a friend.

Yep--jazzed.