valentines day is this weekend? yikes, where does the time go. for all those loved ones of yours , we have plenty of gifts and inspiration around the shop to get your valentine well taken care of. from gorgeous coffee tables books, some of our new cookbooks just in, to a bulb vase filled with a pink rose, candles, jewelry and more. you are sure to find something perfect. we hope to see you soon!

perhaps you need a fun brunch recipe or and treat to try over the weekend? well give this a go with some fresh whipped cream and hot coffee. you may have a winner up your sleeve. feel free to replace the grapefruit juice with orange, lemon, lime, or the citrus of your desire. cheers!

buttermilk scones.

4 c. flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 c. sugar

zest of one lemon

2 sticks of cold butter

1/2 c. buttermilk

1/2 c. heavy cream

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

preheat oven to 375. whisk or sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar. add dry to stand mixer with paddle attachment. blend on low with butter , cut into small cubes. while mixing add lemon zest. stop once butter is small as peas. do not over mix. combine liquid ingredients and slowly add in a steady stream to dry/butter. mix until it just comes together into a crumbly dough. remove and use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix a bit more and form the dough. lay out dough on floured surface. shape into rectangle and cut into small triangles of your desired size. brush with an egg wash of one whisked egg and a teaspoon of cream. sprinkle with sugar. bake until lightly browned and slightly firm to touch. enjoy warm.

grapefruit and raspberry curd.

1 c. grapefruit juice

2/3 c. sugar

4 egg yolks, 1 egg

3 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon orange zest

2/3 c. raspberries

1 tablespoon sugar

mash raspberries and tablespoon of sugar in small bowl; set aside. in a saucepan combine grapefruit juice, sugar, egg yolks and egg. over medium heat whisk constantly. add butter slowly and whisk to combine once hot. slowly keep cooking until thickened. remove from heat and strain. let cool. once cool strain raspberries and whisk into curd. enjoy cool on scones or with fruit.

pale pink flowers wrapped in white paper and sealed so sweet has us swooning and getting excited for valentines. we happened upon this adorable clean and well curated shop in new zealand, father rabbit, which sells the gorgeously wrapped flowers of bloom social and were truly inspiried. go take a look at the breathtaking blooms all wrapped in white. i would be a happy gal to receive a bundle of these come february fourteenth. always nice to find pretty and out of the ordinary simple inspiration. booking my flight to nz asap.

if you had never tried their downtown phoenix location you are in luck. matts big breakfast  has recently opened up a new location on 32nd st and camelback. yes! we stopped in recently and had a lovely experience over some steak and eggs, great coffee and delicious bread. we are happy to welcome this new/old restaurant with great taste, mouth watering breakfast and the sweetest of owners. best wishes to matt and ernie in their new endeavor! we will be back soon!!

a gorgeous weekend here in phoenix! blessed with dreamy weather here; not to brag but… honestly it could not get better. i spent my weekend rearranging my back patio, making plans to plant more veggies in the garden, hiking to get outside!! and helping my husband and grandkids work on our endless supply of citrus. what to do with all that citrus?? daunting every year. we are brewing up some delicious ideas in the kitchen to share with you this week. so stay tuned for some yummy citrus recipes and ideas to get your week off to a good start.

not only do i have to think ahead of season for the shop but i usually think a bit ahead for my family and gifts as well. i’ve come upon a fun little Easter tradition of getting grandkid girlies a new fun swimsuit. they are just so fun to browse at! i mean who can resist all those adorable bright whimsy colors, stripes and polka dots! it gets me in the summer dreaming and planning mode, and I can look forward to another summer beach reunion with all my kids and their kids. its wild and crazy but i could not ask for anything more. blessed with life and laughter indeed. so much to look forward to in warm months ahead!