Mejico

We LOVE unique, local, one of a kind restaurants, and Mejico certainly is that!

I just had to tell you all about it.

The menu is simple, with classic Mexican dishes, all sounding delicious. 

In addition to their signature margaritas,

which the bartender is happy to doctor up for those really craving some heat,

they have added a craft cocktail menu that would compliment any spicy dish

(present company included)

 

In my opinion, the bar has the best seats in the house.

The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about the food, drinks

 and always ready with a recommendation if you are having trouble

deciding which yummy dish to try.

They also have an AMAZING happy hour.

Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm

Half price drinks and appetizers

They had me at $1 street tacos.

I'm going back tomorrow, and maybe the next day...

Mejico, welcome to the neighborhood!

 

What are some of your favorite local spots?

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Something Old, Something New....

...isn't that what people say when you're re-branding? 

Okay, I guess it's traditionally used for weddings,

but it IS the perfect mantra for the next, exciting, few months at The Willows!

After 18 years, (I was 12 when I opened this store) we are giving ourselves a face-lift, but with less swelling.

 

We are working with the incredibly talented Kitchen Sink Studios to create a brand new website and online store.

 

The designers over at Kitchen Sink are coming up with great ideas and we can't wait to unveil our new online look.

 

In the meantime, keep following our Blog, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

for the latest updates, sales, events, giveaways, inspiration and plain ol' fun!

 

In fact, if you come in the store and shout "I can't wait for the new website!!"

we will give you 20% off any regular priced item of apparel. 

 

 (Okay, okay, you don't have to shout it, just mention this post)

Stay Tuned!

 

 

 

 

willows' anniversary party!

Have you heard? The Willows is turning 17.  Come celebrate with us!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 23rd!

Don't miss out on our Holiday Table Top Workshop going on all day with our in shop design experts showing you how to set your holiday table.  And our in-house fashion stylist Michelle will be here giving you all the tips you need to get the most out of your wardrobe.  It will certainly be a day you won't want to miss!  We can't wait to see you all there!

Celebrate The Willows Anniversary Thursday, October 23rd      After 17 years and a new facelift, (the store, not Bev!) We invite you to join us and support Care Card. 20% off  with your Care Card along with fun activities, treats, and giveaways throughout the day. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. World Famous Waffle Truck 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Local Jewelry Designers Dos Fannies and Jewel Ya 1 - 7 p.m. Wine and Cheese Learn how to dress your bed for you or your guests. Purchase $500 worth of bedding and your name will go into a drawing for 2 Bella Notte linen pillowcases! Demonstrations will be given on holiday tabletops and flower arrangements to get your home ready for Fall!

making chili for the crowds

When our Chicago cousins come to town, everyone is so excited to see them!  I always know we will have a full house of visitors and those anxious to hang out with them.  No one wants to cook, plus I'm never sure exactly how many people will show up, not to mention what all the different little picky-eaters will and won't eat, so I always make a big pot of the world's easiest chili.  This is the best go-to meal when you want it done fast, you need to feed a lot of people, and you want to make everyone happy.  

world's easiest chili

- ground meat of your choice (sirloin, turkey, etc.)

- pork chops, cut into cubes

- ranch style beans (the secret ingredient)

- chili powder, salt and pepper to taste 

pour everything in a pot and cook.  see how easy that is.

then, make a buffet of toppings for everyone to choose from.

examples: cheese, corn, sour cream, radishes, zucchini, avocado, cilantro...

the list could go on and on.

the kids can have it plain with cheese, the dads can spice it up with tabasco, 

and everyone else can make it just the way they like :) 

happy crowd, happy hostess.

the secret ingredient :)

something here doesn't belong...

a sure sign of lots of kids running around :)

cleo and clementine

I have to say, I think we are really lucky in Phoenix to have so many unique local shops and restaurants, and I love being able to support them. One of my favorites that my daughter Christine introduced me to a while back is the lovely Cleo and Clementine.  Attention all brides or anyone in need of a unique, one-of-a-kind dress!  This is a place you need to know about!  These dresses will make you drool and the shop itself is beyond darling.  My personal highlight was seeing her eight year old daughter making doll clothes in the back!  I wanted to sit down with her and join in.  7th Avenue is full of so many gems these days and this is definitely one you need to visit if you haven't yet.  Grab a coffee, hit up some vintage shops and stop in to Cleo and Clementine.  There, I just planned a lovely weekday morning for you :)  You're welcome.

For more information...

OUMA by Monique Sandoval

oumaclothing.com

602.341.5125

outdoor living

One of the most wonderful aspects of living in Arizona is the opportunity for indoor/outdoor living.  At this beautiful client's home (she is beautiful and so is her home), all the doors open onto the garden, pool and yard.  We designed a 15' custom dining table for her back patio made from 2" reclaimed wood with a custom designed iron base.  Around the table we put upholstered chairs with sunbrella fabrics.  With the finishing touch of the unique chandelier overhead, this setting welcomes family and guests for enchanted gatherings.  We always love to bring in fresh flowering plants and blend multiple textures to make each space feel unique.  Using chandeliers, large mirrors and collected pieces brings an unexpected ambiance to your guests.

A side seating area offers warm, cozy comfort while enjoying the refreshing outdoors...

Over the holidays we helped decorate and prepare for a holiday dinner party on this beautiful back patio...

We showed up with a car full of goodies for the party!

On the other end of her yard, we placed two more custom tables - round reclaimed wood tops with stone bases surrounded by woven chairs with sunbrella cushions, which offer the opportunity for intimate dining conversations.  We feel that using varying table shapes that are most conducive for the spaces helps create the most optimal flow.

tea with my little loves

I took advantage of having all 8 of my granddaughters in town last week and took the lovely little ladies all out to tea.  There is nothing sweeter than seeing them all dressed up and acting like little ladies.  

I am so blessed with these darling girls in my life!

And two more on the way this summer!

celebrating with the ones i love!

My oldest son and his family came in town for a long weekend, so we decided to have a little Valentine's Day party with all the grandkids last Friday night.  I had some little helpers in my craft room that morning, so we made bags for each of the kids.  That night each child went around and dropped their valentine's into everyone's bag.  They had so much fun and with that many cousins, ended up with quite the goody-bag full!  (Some of my grandkids go to a really small school and were laughing that they had to make more valentines to share with their cousins than with their classmates!) We missed those that weren't here (my son in Chicago with his wife and grandbaby number 20 due this summer and my daughter in Belgium), but it was wonderful to all be together!  Family is the best!

Hope you had a lovely Valentine's Day!

The moms all needed goody bags, too! 

Grrrr, group pictures.  Oh, well.  We tried.