Phoenix Dinner Out, Rokerij

I am also picky about where I eat.  I love great food and can't stand the bad.  While I won't mention the bad for this blogs purpose, I will talk about the good, super great and the mouth watering!  SO, we just went to a restaurant I've never tried before over the weekend.  It's called The Rokerij (sounds like roker-eee) off 16th Street and Glendale in Central Phoenix.  It was good!

I first ordered a pomegranate marg which was sweet, tart and potent, actually.  I liked it.  Then, we had some crab tostadas for an appetizer which were served on five little chips but packed a serious mouth punch, in a good way.  Also, some fries and calamari which were good but not special.  Even though we were already full I ordered a salmon dish topped with pesto and Brie.  Now I know that's hard to screw up, with 3 such scrumptious main ingredients, but, trust me, it can be done - this, however, did not disappoint.  My kids had some sliders that were very tasty and my husband enjoyed a crab louie salad with mounds of the crab slapped on it!  All in all, very good and we'd go back!  A warning though:  it's pretty pricey.  Especially if you're taking kids.  There's no children's menu.  View it on line.

One last mention, on a day that I think the high was around 115 degrees... maybe they shouldn't put on the fireplace...?  I saw one couple walk in, who was seated next to it, by the look on the woman's face, she was not happy!
    

Beach Style

It's summer! And this picky chick loves the beach cottage look.  We just returned from a South Carolina beach vacation and whenever I do I get inspired.  So during this season, my dessert cottage style always turns "beachy." It's simple to do but a little time consuming.  I switch out pillows, bring in the sand and shells, use one overwhelming beach color ( for things like jelly beans, blankets, vases, napkins, sea glass) and voila!  Turquoise is my summer color and it instantly brings a lightness to a room.  Not to mention it's soothing and oh so ocean chic!  The other thing you can do, that is so simple, is take pictures of your family during the season and then place the pictures in your theme color or style of frame.  The whole affair takes me less than half a day and it keeps me in the summer mood for 4 months!  Love love love it!  Here's what I mean...  

Decorating with Magazines

I do it all the time.  Of course, pending on the season and the colors.  Sometimes, those pictures are awesome - hello - that's what those guys get paid for! I throw a mag on my side table or coffee table and it not only adds a bit of color but something for a guest to do (yes, I know we now all carry smart phones and were never bored these days but... ya never know)!

Alright!  Let's get this beach party started!