Plywood Lounge Chairs

Did I mention we got some new chairs? I've loved the Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chairs for quite sometime but never thought I'd own any. We've been looking at adding a chair to the living room so we can have a more circular seating arrangement. Circular helps with conversation. (It's a little odd when three people have to sit on the couch and the fourth sits across from them.)

While in Palm Springs earlier this summer, we stopped by the Design Within Reach clearance center. I'm sure they have a much fancier name for it, but I can't remember. Chris had seen a couple chairs he thought I might like. Unfortunately, I didn't. But I saw a couple of the Eames plywood dining chairs and I said, "You know what I'd really like..." And Chris knew immediately I was talking about the lounge chairs. He said, "Like the ones over there?" and pointed to a set. I almost jumped up and down with joy when I saw the price tag. Even better, we got them to come down a little bit more. (Remember, everything is negotiable.)

I'm sure the sales guy thought we were nuts as we wrangled our new chairs into the backseat of the Civic. But we got them home! And I love, love, love them. So stylish and yet so comfortable too. You should come over and sit in them. I look forward to the conversation.

Mens Fashion Blogs

I've been reading a few blogs lately on fashion for men. Why? I'm not really sure. I suppose it's kinda like watching a movie...it's far removed from my own reality. Also, there's lots of pretty stuff to look at.

Most Exerent (aka BROG? Not a blog?)
Less.Gentle.Men.of.Meager.Means.
Put This On

I love seeing these men all dressed up. I especially love the way Jesse from Put This On approaches fashion within a normal budget (He talks a lot about thrifting.) I've found myself reading archives and clicking on links and getting lost in the internet. I haven't gotten lost in content on the internet in a really, really long time.

There something about these blogs that makes the internet feel like it did in 2001. I love it.

I think you might love it too. Check out this video from Put This On:

Put This On, Episode 3: Work from Put This On on Vimeo.

Oh and if anyone knows of a site like this for women, please share!

Cycling in the City

I've only been on a bike about 10 times this summer. Most of those times were short rides to run errands, like to the grocery store. I just haven't been motivated to get on a bicycle. Sure, it's hot in Phoenix during the summer and that's part of it, but mostly I've been playing too many video games. (Shouldn't have bought that PS3.)

Last night Chris was playing bike polo in Tempe, so I decided to ride my bike there to meet him. It was a great excuse to do a long ride. It was about 28 miles total. I left the house just as the sun was setting so I enjoyed cooler less hot temperatures. Since it was a school night, not many people were out which made for light traffic.

I've always loved riding through the city at night and last night reminded me how much I love it. I love going at a slow pace so I can look at everything. I love how quiet it is when there aren't any cars around. I love the feeling of accomplishment when I can travel across the city under my own power.

I'm so glad I took that ride last night to remind me why I love cycling. I have a feeling I'll be riding a lot more in the near future.

Quote of the Day

"Hustle is not wisdom."
- Keith R

There goes the neighborhood

Or, the neighborhood is going to the dogs.

This was posted on the neighborhood bulletin board, which is next to the mailboxes. The way it was written and then edited cracked me up. Though I know coyotes aren't something to laugh at. Nor are coyotes that unusual in the city of Phoenix. We've never had a problem in our neighborhood before, but I have friends who live a little further out who have. They have to look out for the small domestic animals, such as dogs or cats. Coyotes and hawks are known to have killed family pets.

A few days after this sign was posted, Chris was working in the garage one morning. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a dog in the driveway. His initial thought was that someone's dog got out. But as his eyes met the eyes of the animal in the driveway, he realized it wasn't a dog. A "teenager" coyote was standing there looking at him. Chris made some noise and chased him off. He hasn't seen it again. I hope the coyote found his way back to the desert and doesn't visit any more.

Good to be Home

It's so good to be home. I've been traveling a lot. Last Mon - Wed in Portland for work. Thurs - Sat in Seattle for vacation. Sun - Tues in Portland for vacation. Wed - Fri in Chicago for work. That's 12 days total away from home. Though, I slept in my own bed Tues night while I flew through Phoenix. Twelve days is too many. I got really homesick the last couple days. It felt SO great to arrive in Phoenix. Plus, we had gorgeous weather and I was able to join Chris and friends for dinner on a patio. This weekend is going to be about relaxing and enjoying home.

Man v. Food Features Phoenix

I love Phoenix. I also love when other people visit Phoenix and find little things they can love too. So I was excited to hear that Man v. Food will be featuring Phoenix tonight! If you get the Travel Channel at home, check out Man v. Food at 9pm E and the great Phoenix restaurants he highlights.

• Alice Cooperstown to enjoy a 3 pound, 22 inch hot dog. This hot dog legend is named after former Diamondbacks pitcher, Randy Johnson.
• Los Reyes de la Torta for the Torta del Rey, the “king of all Mexican sandwiches”, stuffed with pork, beef, beans, ham, hot dog, chorizo, egg, and veggies.
• Chompie's for the Ultimate Slider Challenge. A five pound platter contains 12 sliders made up of a biscuit, potato pancake, cheese, and en entire order of onion strings. Only one person has ever completed the Ultimate Slider Challenge.

Chris and I recently ate at Los Reyes de la Torta upon the recommendation from our friend, Karen. It's just a small neighborhood Mexican place only a few miles from our house. As expected, the food was delicious. On the day we went, the place was packed for the food and the World Cup. I didn't have the courage to order the Torta del Rey, but did have a torta. The best I've ever had! We will definitely be going back. Now I'd like to make a visit to Alice Cooperstown soon and try the hot dog. Anyone want to share?

About Man v. Food:
"Food fanatic Adam Richman has held every job in the restaurant business, and now he's on a journey to explore the biggest and best eats our nation has to offer, including some of the craziest eating challenges around."

Mighty Advice

Great article from Mighty Girl: Don't be Rude, Kindness.

"Unsolicited advice on hairstyles, TV habits, cigarette addiction, or relationships is rude. These people already know that their stylist got carried away with the buzz clipper, that they should get out more, that smoking is killing them, and that their girlfriend—though pretty—isn’t as bright as she could be."

RIP, Bentley

He was the best little dog. It was so hard to see him go, but he went peacefully. I'm still so sad. Chris and I have cried a lot the past few days. I have a feeling we'll cry a lot more too. We've been looking at a lot of pictures of Bentley, trying to remember the better days.

We've been telling all the good stories about Bentley too. If you knew him and want to share a memory, I would like that a lot.

RIP, Mr. B, we love you a lot.