Meet my Faves :: Amy

Please welcome, my dear friend and Maid of Honor, Amy Black as this week's Meet My Faves. Amy and I have been friends for about 7 years now and I don't know what I would do without her. I think our greatest memories come from opening Jimmy and Joe's Pizzeria together, the original dream team! Thanks for all the memories, love ya!

Full Name: Amy Marie Black

Location: Scottsdale, AZ

Occupation: Pizza eater

Alma Mater: Trinity Western University

Starbucks order: Easy. Summer-venti iced hazelnut americano; Winter-venti hot peppermint americano

How we met: Well I think when we worked at OB (Outback Steakhouse) and Red Fish by Kelly Taylor

If you could go to dinner with any three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?: Again, easy. Justin Timberlake, Mother Theresa, and probs Bspears

Describe your perfect Sunday: Lounging on the couch, reading magazines, taking a nap, maybe some Sex and the City. Yeah, that's pretty much my life.

Tasty Thursdays :: Carolina's

If you haven't been to Carolina's Mexican food you don't know what you are missing. If you like Mexican food this is a must try. Carolina's has been around for a LONG time and rightfully so since they make the best green chile north of that university down in Tucson. Be aware that Carolina's (the original store) is not quite safe looking, however, rest assured it is probably one of the safest places to eat because at any given time you can always find one or more officers dining there. So make a trip down to the hood (15th St. & Mohave) for some dang good burritos or if you're chicken you can head to Cave Creek & Cactus for the new and improved Carolina's Mexican Food.

Oh and a word to the wise, always ask for your burro double wrapped. It will cost you an extra dollar, but trust me by the end of your burro you will have lost all structural integrity. Happy eating!

Picture Perfect Tuesday :: Beat Down

If you know me, you know that I am a die hard ASU fan. You may also know that my bff Amy is a die hard UofA fan. I love Amy and today's picture captures our personalities on any given game day.


This photo was taken by Largo Photography. They are awesome people and I wish I got to hang out with them more often. Definitely take some time and look through their portfolio, you will be in love!

Meet my Faves :: Kelly

Kelly & I have been friends for over 10 years! We have been through a lot and I love her! I am so happy for her and Sage to begin their new life together. Here's a little more about Kelly.

Full Name: Kelly Danielle Taylor (soon to be Shirley)
Location: Chandler, AZ since 1988

Occupation: Hairstylist

Alma Mater: Arizona State University

Starbucks order: not a big fan, they don't have diet coke. haha.

How we met: We went to high school together. First couple weeks of freshman year, one of my friends was dating someone you knew from elementary school, so I was looking for you to tell you he said "hi." The rest is history! Wow, I can't believe we've known each other for 10 years!

If you could go to dinner with any three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?:

My grandparents (all 3 of them): They are missed dearly. It would be fun to share stories of my parents, when I was little, and what things were like when they were young. Unfortunatly, they all passed away before I was interested in hearing about what their lives were like and the things they overcame.

Christ: Wow, do I need to explain why? I'd like to thank him.
Justin Timberlake: He's been my hearth throb since 96, need I say more?

Describe your perfect Sunday: Going to church, heading back to where ever the family is, eating something yummy, and just spending time with people I love all day. Nothing spectacular, but completely perfect.

Tasty Thursdays :: Sol y Sombra

If you love tapas or have never had tapas, you need to visit Sol y Sombra up at DC Ranch. This restaurant has everything just right. From the posh decor to the fabulous food and the great service we just love Sol y Sombra.

Our favorites are the Pollo Colonial ($10) and the Patatas Bravas ($7). I really think that I could live off of these two items alone. The wonderful thing about Sol y Sombra is that they continually change their menu to match the seasons, so there is always something new to try.

The music is always refreshing here especially on the weekends when they bring in a dj that spins unusual mixes of ambient and hip hop. I absolutely love it.

So the next time you're searching for something a little different head down to Sol y Sombra, I promise you won't be disappointed.

Picture Perfect Tuesday :: The Natural

While surfing through some of my favorite blogs I came across one that every Sunday features one of her favorite wedding photos taken by various photographers. I love the idea of sharing photos on my blog, so that's exactly what I'm going to do. So every Tuesday you will find a new photo to find pleasure in. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. Oh and if you have a favorite photo you would like me to blog about, just share!

So to get things started, I would like to introduce you to one of my favorite photographers, Melissa Jill. I came across this picture on her blog and thought it so perfectly captured the theme of this past week, the Super Bowl.

I love how this little guy has perfect QB form. He's clearly a natural. I definitely recommend checking out more of Melissa Jill's work here.

Where in the World :: Rocchetta Sant'Antonio, Italy

I have always known that my family roots stem back to Italy, but I never really knew where. By doing some light reading on our family's website (yes, our family has it's own website. www.ritzclan.com) I found out that my great grandmother was from a town called Rocchetta Sant'Antonio. It looks like a beautiful place and hopefully, if I ever make it to Italy, I will be able to visit the town of Rocchetta Sant'Antonio and experience some of my family history.

Where are your family members from? I would be interested to know.