Hasta Luego America!

Well I'm traveling to Spain today in 6 hours with a stop over in Dallas, Texas. I'm very excited but also nervous at the same time. I'm not so good at flying. I tend to suffer from anxiety but I love to travel so I just deal with it. Mostly through alcohol. 
I have had a great time in Phoenix and will miss everyone here. I have felt very welcomed and loved by the people i have had the pleasure of meeting and also from the people i have know a long time that live here. 
So i'll say see you later and i'll send postcards.  
By the way today just happens to be Cinco De Mayo so maybe i'll drink margaritas at the airport to help celebrate.

1st Birthdays

A little treat for the birthday boy at The Cheesecake Factory

Max enjoying his smash cake on his birthday on sunday.

Me (on the left) with my best friend and Max's mom Morgan.

May 1st was a wonderful day for a birthday in Phoenix. My favourite little baby turned 1 and he had a great day and enjoyed his huge cake. There were cupcakes for everyone else, but Max had his own to go mental with and he did. It even ended up in his hair. 
I have know Morgan (max's mom) since we were only 10 years old in a small town in the outback of Australia called Woomera and its great to now see her little ones growing up. With two 5 year old and a little 1 year old, they are quite a hand full but Morgan and her husband David are doing a great job.
Cant wait to see the kids when they are older and making their own choices in the world.
It was just a weird end to the evening when breaking news came on T.V. with the death of Bin Laden. So now Max's 1st birthday will also be shared with this event which will go down in history as a great day for Americans and anyone who has been effected by events that have occurred by the commands of Bin Laden. 

Afternoon Tea

In celebration of the royal wedding, afternoon tea was called for to enjoy whilst watching the re-runs of the events of the wedding in the comforts of home. 
As scones aren't to common in supermarkets in Phoenix (well the supermarket i went to on the day) it was decided to have mini croissants with jam and creme instead, still very tasty. Along with lemon cake and roast beef & cucumber sandwiches Rose and I ate well while the story of Will and Kate was playing on T.V. And of course we had tea with milk and sugar.

What Instrument do you play?

Sri Lanka 

Shell Trumpet 

New Zealand

Mexico

Mouth Organs 

Bagpipes 

Water Drum

The Most Extraordinary Museum You'll Ever Hear. MIM - Musical Instrument Museum. It was a musical journey. 
Starting in Africa then to Asia and Western Asia. I love the music from Azerbaijan - the lutes was very lively, but the lutes from north India are beautiful. Also the sounds of the gong chime and knobbed gong from the Philippines were light and fun. Next was Oceania and Australasia. The music from New Zealand, Samoa, Cook Islands and French Polynesia is not just from musical instruments but also from their body's with hands, and the use of facial expressions and gestures. 
Then it was onto Latin America. The music from Argentina was so romantic and filled with passion as its the birthplace of Tango. The Marimba instrument from Guatemala sounds like a fun skip and twirl in a park on a sunny day. Then it was Europe. Pop music from Belarus was a great mix between folk and pop. The music in Austria was quite soothing. I LOVE Irish music, just makes you wish you were in a pub with a pint. Then last but not least, North America, with country music, hip hop, ukulele's from Hawaii.
It took 2 and a half hours to get through and it was great that we got our own head sets with a guildport that would start up when you were near a t.v that was playing music from the different countries. It was so fun.
Everyone in Phoenix should go!

A Store with Artful Elements.

I came across a store at Scottsdale Fashion Square a while back that i had never heard of before but its now my favourite shop to wonder around even if I don't plan on purchasing anything. Anthropologie. They have the most fun furniture and decorative housewares. Along with decorating, fashion and art books. And a children's section for books and plush toys. 
If you love this shop you will also like the magazine called Anthology - Living with Substance & Style click on the name and it will take you to its blog.
I hope everyone is having a great day. Enjoy.

Spring Time at Biltmore

It was so lovely today at Biltmore Fashion Park. It was the first time I had been, and it was so beautiful. It was a nice change from Fashion Square. As the shops are surrounded by pathways amidst charming fountains and gorgeous gardens that were all in bloom it was a pleasant way to spend the morning. I think my favorite shop was Teavana with 4 different types of tea for tasting, 2 were on a complementary tea tasting booth outside the shop and 2 next to the counter. I tasted wild orange blossom and it was delicious. All in all an enjoyable experience. 

Catch Of The Day.

King's Fish House

View of the bar area, and the lovely fish ornaments.

Went to King's Fish House at Tempe Marketplace for lunch today and i have to say the fish was perfect. I enjoyed it so much i didn't even think of taking a photo before i started eating, hence why i didn't post a picture of what i ate. All i can say is if i want seafood in Phoenix this would be my top choice at this present time. 

Urban Core

Roosevelt Row

The Firehouse

Warehouse 1005

Carly's

Art Awakenings

Revolver Records

MADE Art Boutique

JoBot Coffee

Galeria de los Muertos

Conspire

Grow Op

Butter Toast Boutique

I had so much fun exploring Roosevelt Row today and taking photos of some of the street art proudly on display in that area. From talking to a lot of the business owners, it turns out that some of the boutiques are quite new to the area. I'm not sure about the art studios but if you get the chance to go into the studios and check out the work i highly recommend it as the art is amazing and there is something for everyone. Whether its art, music, food, beauty or fashion its all there.
I cant wait to go back.