No Words.

• Literally no words. I don't even know what the answer is anymore. As an American, as a human, I'm disgusted that this keeps happening. Will our prayers and thoughts help? No. Those are self-comforting theories. Real, substantial, broad ranging gun control is the only way we curb these attacks. I use the word "curb" because we'll never fully stop these attacks of hatred. Until our Congress comes together to commit to real change, I #standwithorlando. #lovewins ❤️💛💚💙💜

  

Weekend Recap: Pre-Thanksgiving Edition

Kyle and I had one if those weekends that screamed of domesticity. On Saturday, we ate an early brunch at Glutton (again), had our house cleaned while we were gone (love this little luxury!), shopped at Costco, attended a first birthday party (with the greatest cake smash ever) and finished the day with Chinese takeout and a movie. Busy, eventful and we were both wiped out when we finally got home. Eat your hearts out, all ye Vegas club goers!

The house is quickly coming together for our Thanksgiving guests who start arriving on Wednesday. We are beyond excited to host our first major holiday. The shopping, the holiday traffic, Christmas music on the radio, I love it all! Last week, in a major cleaning spree, I purged our pantry, bar, and entry closet. If the before and after of our pantry isn't Pinterest worthy, I don't know what is. 

...And after

Our pantry before...

New homes in Las Vegas are majorly lacking in storage space, so you have to get creative. We used this hanging shoe rack from Wal-Mart to act as extra storage for spices and Ziploc bags. This has de-cluttered our pantry and kitchen cabinets big time. It also helps to throw out any spices that expired in 2013. Ha! If you're looking for a new and healthy(ish) snack, I highly recommend the Harvest Snaps Snap Pea Crisps in Wasabi Ranch. You can see our bag peaking out from the third shelf. We tried the Lightly Salted flavor and it doesn't nearly pack the punch that the Wasabi Ranch does. So good!

Only three days to go! 

All I want for Christmas...

Since we've been together, Kyle and I have made a tradition of only spending $50 on each other for Christmas. As a newly married couple, we have savings and retirement goals we want to meet (sexy, baby) and regularly make big ticket purchases together throughout the year. When Christmas rolls around, we don't feel the need to spend lavishly and setting a budget for ourselves forces us to be creative when it comes time for gift giving.

Buuuuut, I don't remember Santa having a budget, so if he's reading, here are my top 5  gifts that ye old St. Nick can leave in my stocking:

1. Smartphone Photo Cube Printer via Sharper Image

Since taking photos with an actual camera is so old school and I exclusively snap pics with my iPhone, I find myself rarely printing any photos. I'm dating myself here, divas, but back in the day I was visiting Walgreens on the regular to print sleeves and sleeves of photos. Sadly, although I literally have thousands of photos saved on my phone, I never print them. This little gadget would make printing pics easy and efficient. 

2. Huffy Cruiser Bike via Wal-Mart 

I die over how cute this bike is. I'm not the most active gal in the world, but I bet I would be if I had this cute cruiser. Can't you just see me zooming down the streets of Sin City on this little number?

3. Jill Martin canvas jewelry and shoe bags via QVC

These stylish little totes would help keep me organized and keep my jewels and shoes in good condition when I travel. 

4. Kate Spade holiday ensemble and earrings 

I love all things Kate Spade, but this holiday ensemble and earrings are perfect for the holidays or a night out at the Smith Center. 

5. An original Banksy

Ok, so I know this one is a long shot, but Santa doesn't have a budget, remember? 

{Source}

What's on your wish list? 

Fabulous Finds: Master of None

Are you watching Master of None? Co-created, written, produced and starring the one and only Aziz Ansari, it's the latest buzzed about original programming from Netflix. Kyle and I started watching it over the weekend and finished the series in a few days. We loved much about the show and the purposeful integration of a multi-ethnic cast, but I wouldn't agree with the New York Times review calling the series, "The year's best comedy." 

Don't get me wrong. The show is funny and, at times, poignant, but it didn't hold our attention and make us binge watch like House of Cards or seasons one and two of Orange is the New Black. Although, I think we can all agree that Aziz's parents need their own show. Or, at the very least, their own YouTube channel. They were, easily, the breakout stars of this series. Every Millennial can relate to Dev (Aziz Ansari) when he tells his dad, "I'm not your personal computer guy!" Ding, ding! 

{Source}

Watch Master of None and tell me what me you think! 

New Restaurant Wednesday: Glutton

Divas, do I have a restaurant for you! Last week, on a trip to Downtown Las Vegas, Kyle and I passed by a new (to us) restaurant, Glutton. Located on the corner of East Carson and South 7^th Street, the name and logo definitely caught our attention. We just finished brunch at eat and noted that we should return over the weekend. The weather in Las Vegas was predicted to be a stunning sixty degrees, perfect for a morning stroll through Container Park and then getting our grub on at Glutton.

As a newer Las Vegan, even I know that Downtown Las Vegas (DTLV) has a colorful history. What’s now known as the Fremont Street Experience used to be what the Strip is today. Bright lights, bustling streets and the busy casinos gave way to decades of disrepair and neglect. For years, I’ve learned, locals and tourists alike avoided DTLV and Fremont Street at all costs. Then, ever so slowly, things began to change. 

An area that was once filled with seedy hotels, boarded up buildings, and crime has given way to hip restaurants, unique boutiques, and cool coffee shops. Sure, things aren’t perfect and there’s a long way to go, but DTLV and Container Park has quickly become one of our go-to destinations.    

Glutton is housed in a former tattoo parlor, across the street from the popular downtown eatery, eat, and the trendy downtown shopping destination, Container Park. The interior is small, seating approximately forty patrons, but there’s an airy patio that has additional seating. I loved the exposed ceiling beams and ductwork, charming accents not usually seen in Las Vegas.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff: brunch, baby! Kyle and I worked up an appetite buying our first piece of art from Little Art Bodega (more on that later) and headed to Glutton at around noon. We typically like to split our entrees and drinks since that saves us money and wasting food (yes, we’re that couple), but we were hungry and decided to split the Glutton for Punishment Bloody Mary and an order of the spicy pork rinds.

Kyle digs into the Glutton for Punishment and Spicy Pork Rinds

Well, one taste of the Glutton for Punishment and Kyle knew he needed his own. This Bloody Mary comes loaded with shrimp, pickled mushrooms, and togarashi chili, a spice blend popular in Japan. Paired with the spicy pork rinds, we knew instantly why this restaurant bears its name. After chatting with the friendly folks at the next table, we received our entrees: The Proper Breakfast Sandwich for Kyle and the Breakfast Salad for me. I wish I’d taken photos of each because they were delicious! Kyle liked his so much, he proclaimed it, “The best breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had!” You might think my Breakfast Salad was bland compared to that, but you’d be wrong divas. Wild greens, potatoes and topped with a poached egg, this dish was a fantastic choice for brunch.

In DTLV or shopping at Container Park, head to Glutton first for a boozy brunch.

Keep up with Glutton on Facebook, twitter, and Instagram.

Restaurant Recommendations: 

• Glutton for Punishment Bloody Mary
• Spicy Pork Rinds
• The Proper Breakfast Sandwich
• Breakfast Salad

Diva's, I'm Back!

Diva’s, listen, I know it’s been a while. And if you’re keeping track, “a while” could also mean “two years”. Yikes. A few things have transpired since we last spoke in (gulp) February 2013. Actually that was the month that everything changed. 

When I last posted, I was partaking in what would be my final Soulard Mardi Gras as a citizen of St. Louis. But of course, I didn’t know that then. I didn’t know that in a few weeks I’d reconnect with my high school sweetheart. I didn’t know that we’d meet for dinner and zing! that would be the end of the single life for me (can I get an Amen?!). I didn’t know that after that fateful dinner, we’d talk or Facetime every night until April, when I visited Las Vegas a second time. I didn’t know that I’d quit my job, pack up my beloved townhouse in Soulard, and move from St. Louis to Las Vegas. And, you can bet all the water in the Bellagio fountains that I definitely didn’t know that we’d be married in 2015! There’s so much more to our story and I plan to document it here, but you can read more about us on The Knot.

What I do know, however, is that I miss blogging. I miss having a little spot to document my life. I still love finding the best restaurants in town and reading good books and, now, I have a partner in crime to experience all of it with.

This little blog has undergone a bit of an overhaul and I’m still tweaking it and will possibly even completely change the template, but I’m ready to get back to blogging. I have some good posts lined up, so as my bio suggests, sit back, bring some champs and read awhile.   

Weekend Recap: Soulard Mardi Gras Edition

The time for repentance and fasting is upon us. The time to ask forgiveness of our grievous sins and to give up our wicked ways begins this week when Lent starts on Wednesday. So what do hundreds of thousands of people do the weekend before this solemn time? Gather in my neighborhood for the annual Soulard Mardi Gras, of course.

View looking Southwest towards McGurk's Irish Pub.
{Photo credit}

Rio has the raucous Carnival, The Big Easy has the biggest Mardi Gras celebration in the country, and my little neighborhood hosts thousands of visitors each year with a month of fun beginning with Twelfth Night in early January. Since its inception in 1979 on the steps of Johnny's Restaurant and Bar, Soulard Mardi Gras has welcomed St. Louisans and visitors alike to partake it its parades, its Wiener Dog Derby, and its Taste of Soulard.

Think Mardi Gras is all about the beads? Think again, divas. In 2012, the Beggin' Barkus Pet Parade smashed the Guinness World Record for "most dogs in costumed attire gathered in a single location." N’awlins can’t claim that, now can they?

This year, like the VIP's that we are think we are, we watched the River City Casino Grand Parade from the VIP Tent where we ate, drank, and tried to stay warm. Like any good celebration, Soulard Mardi Gras is about making memories. And if they're good enough, hopefully you'll remember them in the morning.

It's always fabulous meeting Twitter friends IRL, including Martin Casas!

It's not a party until Fredbird makes an appearance.

Soulard Mardi Gras: Booze, beads, and lots o' food.

Fabulous Find: Tabletop S'mores at Kayak's

Last Friday, my boss and co-worker took me out for a very belated birthday lunch at Kayak's.* I was last there in 2011 and I forgot just how much I enjoy the food, the imported free-trade coffee, and of course, the tabletop s’mores.

A haven for Washington University students, Kayak’s has the feel of a Canadian ski lodge with rough timber walls, snow skis mounted on the ceiling, and colorful Tibetan prayer flags hanging in the air. The rustic atmosphere is perfect for studying, relaxing, or reading the RFT by the fire. Enjoy a carefully crafted cup of coffee? Kayak’s, a member of the Kaldi’s family of coffee shops since 2010, is committed to providing its patrons with the highest quality certified organic, certified kosher, and certified free trade coffees and teas. The food at Kayak’s is equally delish: I love that their sandwiches are named after ski towns such as Breckenridge, Jackson Hole, and Telluride. My favorite? The Aspen.

Jeremy gets his kicks at Kayak's.

But we came here to talk about their tabletop s’mores, didn’t we divas? Forget sitting outside in the cold around a campfire, Kayak’s provides the flame and all the fixin’s. If you’re in St. Louis and hunkering down for winter (hello unexpected snowfall), Kayak’s tabletop s’mores are the perfect winter treat.

Tabletop s'mores for two.
{2011}

Want to get your kicks with Kaldi’s Coffee? Follow them on twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

*It turns out, I really do celebrate my birthday all month long!

New Restaurant Wednesday: Kansas City Edition

What a view: The Kansas City, MO skyline from the top of the Liberty Memorial. 

A few weeks ago, I visited Ruthie for a long weekend in Kansas City (KC), MO. The last time I visited KC, I was a wee diva and traveling with my family, so I was excited to see what the “City of Fountains” had to offer me as an adult and as a foodie. Aside from touring the National World War I Museum and visiting the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, (hello extensive Picasso collection and Shuttlecocks) Ruthie took me on a culinary tour of KC that included Vienna, Paris, and even a little sufferin’ Succotash.

Grünauer

As a former student who ate and drank my way through studied my way through Austria, I’m always ready to take a walk down memory strasse. With traditional dishes like Wienerschnitzel and Käsekrainer served with a bottle of Salzburger Stiegl, I felt right at home at Kansas City’s Grünauer. The interior space has the feel of an Austrian ski chalet with exposed wood beams and dark wood accents. And while I enjoyed my Traditional Wienerschnitzel, I wish I would have opted for Ruthie’s Hungarian Beef Gulasch which was hearty, rich, and sehr gute!

Aixois Bistro (55^th Street location)

By far, my favorite stop on our tour de Kansas City was the cozy and classy French bistro, Aixois. Named after the region in southern France where owner Emmanuel Langlade called home, Aixois is the epitome of Kansas City joie de vivre. We started with the cheese plate which came with an assortment of imported cheeses, fresh fruit, and the tastiest little sampling of jam. If you’re stopping by Aixois before a visit to one of Kansas City’s 200 fountains (as the Parisians would do) or if you’re simply enjoying lunch like we did, the cheese plate is an absolute must. After two glasses of Vieux Papes Vin Blanc each (as the Parisians would say, When in France…or Missouri), my lunch of soupe á l’oignon gratinée (traditional French Onion Soup with Cheese Crouton) and Croque Monsieur Sandwich arrived and it was très délicieux.

 A cozy French bistro in the heart of KC? We'll drink to that!

The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange*

If Aixois is my top spot for dining in KC, then The Rieger (as locals know it) comes in a very close second. From the moment we were greeted by the friendly hostess to the open kitchen concept to our delicious dinner, this historic restaurant in Kansas City’s Crossroads Art District lived up to my lofty expectations. While the restaurant is fairly new, opening in 2010, the building itself has been part of downtown KC since 1915 and many of the interior features are original to the building. Using local and seasonal ingredients, chef and owner Howard Hanna has brought this “Kansas City classic forward in time” with such dishes as my dinner entrée, the Winter Squash Fettuccine. From my perfectly concocted French 75 to our superb service, The Rieger is proving that it will be as much a part of KC’s future as it was its past.     

*No photos of this meal exist because we were too busy eating and drinking and loving the service at The Rieger.

Succotash Catering and Bruncheonette
Succotash is every hipster’s dream: Organic food, repurposed furniture and funky wall art. Ruthie took me to Succotash for my last meal in KC – Sunday brunch. Located in the Dutch Hill neighborhood, Succotash is the essence of the “farm to table” movement. Their eggs are delivered weekly from a local Amish community, their produce comes from a farm in Wathena, Kansas, and their coffee is brewed at Oddly Correct Coffee Roasters in KC. Owner Beth Barden is a former sex education teacher and Succotash, originally opened in 2001 in the River Market district, is a reflection of her sassy and bold approach. Ruthie enjoyed her breakfast sandwich, but my Wild Blueberry Pancakes were enough to feed the entirety of the Jackson County Juvenile Detention Center – Succotash’s neighbor (a word to the wise – order the short stack!). 

Fabulous Find: The AMC Fork & Screen Theatre

A night out at the movies ain’t what it used to be, divas. Forget about sticky floors, crying babies, and rude attendants. AMC Theatres has created a whole new movie-going experience. Reclining seats, cocktails, and cheery employees await you at your local AMC Fork & Screen Theatre.

A night at the movies - Fork & Screen style.

To celebrate my birthday, Laura, Sylvia, and I headed to the AMC West Olive 16 to view the Academy Award nominated Les Misérables. One of only ten Fork & Screen theatres in the country, we ordered dinner and drinks all from the comfort of our reclining seats. Need a bag of popcorn? How about some Milk Duds for the movie? A cosmopolitan to get you through “Castle on A Cloud”? No waiting in line and missing a pivotal scene, your friendly seat attendant will pop over to the concession stand for you.

Laura needs cocktail to get her through "Castle on A Cloud."

The menu selections were surprisingly delicious.

In an age where customer service seems to have gone the way of the newsreel, the AMC Fork & Screen Theatre proves that you can have your meal inside an upscale movie theatre and eat it too.

In the St. Louis area? Follow the AMC West Olive 16 on Facebook.

Fabulous Find: The Flying Saucer Starbucks

The famous flying saucer-shaped building on Grand Avenue, not far from the campus of SLU, was destined for demolition when Del Taco vacated the premises in 2011. But saving the building was paramount to St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and other preservationists who petitioned to have the building, which was built in 1965 and an example of Mid-Century style architecture, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.   

Saving the day, and the unique building, was an unlikely hero - Starbucks. Recently named one of the "Ten Remarkable Preservation Wins of 2012" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the global coffee giant stepped in and created a space that is comfortable, metropolitan, and uniquely St. Louis. Miss your Tex-Mex fix? Chipotle is rumored to move into the other side of "The Saucer" in the summer of 2013.