My journey in AZ (Arizona)

This article was originally written for The Queendom take a read and enjoy.

The 15^th of this month marks a year of living in Arizona and I realize there is so much to a city that one could not possibly grasp in one year. So I am kicking off my Living in AZ articles exploring my own backyard for the time being.

Which brings to the point that everyone should embrace where they live and explore their city. You will be surprise what you find out there. Even though I was born and raised in Chicago every time I go home discovery of new things always happen. But before I digress back to that great city of Chicago J Let’s get back to AZ.

When I first moved to AZ the first place I discovered was the local mall in the area, Fashion Square. Knowing where to shop is one of those important pleasures in life. This mall is some of the best shopping I have experienced so far in AZ. If you know better please let me know. The downside is that everyone else in AZ thinks the same thing. So on this weekend everyone and their mother is in the mall and that can get annoying fast. Making the parking that of a pain and causing you to either think obscene words or say them to the top of your lungs. If serious about shopping I recommend valet located in two place one near Kona Grill and also across from Grand Lux Café.

When it comes to shopping in the mall the shops are pretty nice with the all major stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Betsey Johnson, H&M, and much more. The selection of stores are among what you would see at a typical large mall, but this one has a gem I like to call Barney's of New York.

For my serious shoppers Barney’s of New York (www.barneys.com ) in Scottsdale will wet your palate for shopping urge. It is much smaller than its holy grail in New York but, the store has some pretty nice selections. Barney’s has always appealed to my inner fashion goddess with its edgy pieces but then right back to some Jackie-O classics. The home and lifestyle department right before the entrance of Fred’s is nice but uber small wishing there was more. The ambiance of the store is lovely great customer service and the lovely part it was not overly crowded. Nothing like shopping and not bumping into someone every two steps. After indulging I went to grab a glass of wine and lite bite at Olive and Ivy (http://www.foxrc.com/olive_ivy.html) a nice little restaurant located right outside of the Fashion Square Mall. There are a lot of restaurant choices in the mall and located nearby to suit a taste for everyone. Some restaurants I recommend along with Olive and Ivy, is that of Sauce a very relaxed atmosphere with pizza, pasta, and other tasty dishes.

While over that way check out the cool boutiques over that way showcasing some of AZ own. For the sneaker fiends I recommend going to High Point (www.highpointshoes.com) a very kick ass collection of sneakers and some cool custom tees along with nice hats. Another boutique I like to frequent is that of Moody Blues Boutique which is two doors down from High Point. This boutique has a great collection of denim for any lover of jeans J .

This journey throughout AZ has yet to begin and I’m bringing everyone along for the journey because its no fun unless you share. The next adventure in AZ who knows. Until next time…

I'm baaaack

Every point in a mogul's life there is block and for me it was creativity block. Well after having one hell of a year I am back and better than ever. Now expect Spitting Of The Mind blog to be just that my mind expressing on the great topics of film, fashion, food, art, travel, and music. I am not trying to be Andre Leon Talley, Necole Bitchie, and others while they are great. I am just being moi and loving every second. Also you will see some of my writings from stint as travel writer for The Queendom. Until Then....

New Beginnings

Funny how sometimes we let people hold us from our own greatness. This just not by staying around them, but believing in them and keeping them around. It is true that some people are a reason for certain time in life when there time is to exit let them. Even when the exit is abrupt and sometimes rocky.

Take that exit as a new beginning for you and rejoice set goals to reach them. That new beginning can be many things for many people. Such as moving, the loss of a love one, break-ups and even make-ups. Seize that moment and love self for a while before that next step in your journey where ever it might be.

Another thing we will all be be on the end of the one entering and exiting some one's life. So, think about how you want to be portrayed, respected, and seen before you do anything to harsh that you might regret. Because we all only get one chance so make the best of it.

Until next time.....

Travel

 Every Sunday about I write about a new place to check out. Tonight  I think I will talk about the excitement of travel itself. 

 It starts with the thought of the trip. That place that makes you so relax it's insane. The thought of walking through a city and taking in the scenery, seeing new sights, trying new foods, and just loving life. But the day dreams don't suffice for you, so you start the search. Site after site deal after deal you search until that perfect or close to perfect deals crosses your screen . Then click and book it that initial excitement is setting in as you realize that your dream is coming closer.  

 So after that excitement you start the research on the city you are visiting dining, nightlife, sightseeing, shopping, and more. The more you see the more you are excited to go.  As the weeks near you start to shop for that travel wardrobe, finalize some bookings, and just wait.   

The weeks seems like years until that day arrives. Then once again you feel like a child on Christmas day rushing to see your gift.   You get your airplane survival kit together: Ipod, book, magazine, and water :)  Now you are off to check in and battle the security checkpoint even though you hate it, but its all worth it.   Now  at the gate the butterflies in your stomach start to flutter as they announce your seating area. You rush aboard to get your seat. 

Now you are ready to go the plane takes off you slip on you Ipod and close your eyes  only to know when you awake you will be in the place that you have been looking forward to for a while.  Ah the joy and excitement of travel. 

Jolly Ol' Travel Sundays

  The hot days and nights of summer are here so bust out the Sangria and music. For those this is travel season :)  Today I am recommending a staple for when traveling to Europe that is jolly ol' London. The site of the 2012 Olympics London is truly a melting pot of cultures and people.  

 To get to London I recommend using TravelZoo.com to  help find one of the better fares. If you are still in school use STATravel.com they have deals as low as 300 round trip :) Remember to be patient and like that of Sherlock Holmes himself to find  these  deals. Start looking early also in the off season would be the best to book the tickets such as winter and late summer. 

Now the ideal time to go in my opinion was the summer the weather was great (for London standards). The weather is mild in nature ranging from 70 to 78 Celsius.  So typical summer clothes is okay and might recommend bringing a light jacket and umbrella for the light rain from time to time. 

The list of things to do in London go on and on. I recommend the tours that are offered through  your hotel with Double Decker bus. But if you are feeling a little luxurious I recommend renting a private limousine for the day to have your own private tour of London. It might be a little more expensive, but the experience is much better. You will see the international gems: Big Ben, Tower of London,  Tower Bridge( London Bridge), Baker Street, and so much more.   For the mystery seekers I recommend the Jack the Ripper tour very fun I must say. Another tour would be walking tour of Haunted London for those wanting to know what skeletons hide in this old city. 

 When it comes to places to stay I recommend The Forum Hotel(now owned by Holiday Inn)  located in the Kensington neighborhood which located near a lot of the attractions.  When it comes to the English cuisine I truly recommend having some Fish and Chips at one of the local pubs.  After that I will say the London truly has the world's cuisine in their backyard.  Some of the best Indian Food I have had was from London.  

So now after sharing with you a little about this wonderful city I say go and explore it for yourself.  Until next time ......

The Price

 What is the price when young and the strive to be successful?   

  The social life will take a dive depending on the career field or you might end at the networking events which are not as fun.   Late nights and early mornings. Phone meetings, lunch meetings, dinner meetings, all the while you long to just enjoy one meal in silence or in the company of good people.  Dating? What is that?   You schedule your chill time and work outs.  The airport is your friend. You probably have more airline miles than a pilot.  

  Your best friend just might be your blackberry. When you have the free time you spend it with family and friends. But remember the work you do now will pay off. While everyone else is just deciding to make moves you have already made them.  You will be enjoying the fruits of your labor.   So the price you pay now will give you a great reward in the near future. 

So to all my young professionals please keep up the work it is all worth in the end. 

Until next time..... 

Reflection

As time passes by it makes one reflect on their life. Where they have been and where they are going.  

It seems though it happens at the quietest points in life why is that?  Why can't someone reflect a little each day noticing the little things that have made them who  they are.  Everyday I read  the news I notice the changes my life has had.  Noticing after enduring certain stories touch my heart more as I get older. 

Reflect each day and be thankful for the good and bad. Because no matter the situation it has shaped you as the person you are. 

Until next time......