Book Review: Bitter Brew - The Rise and Fall of Anheuser Busch and America's King of Beer

Yep, it's a book about beer, Bitter Brew: The Rise and Fall of Anheuser Busch and America's King of Beer. I don't have any sources to back me up on this, but I'm pretty sure the majority of adults worldwide drink alcohol. So whether you drink or not, it might be a good idea to educate yourself. The Busch Family is a great place to start. The money and philandering will disgust you. The nepotism and adultery will shock you. The scandal and litigation will make you sick.

Yet, somehow, after reading this book, you'll be even more proud to be an American. Grade: A

Creative art idea for your home

I found this art at The Farm at South Mountain in the little gift shop. I thought it was a unique, creative art idea and easy to make on your own! Although I may just purchase the original art because it's fabulous and done right. I love the message and look forward to having our own garden VERY soon!

They used a page from a dictionary, then put the phrase and illustration over the top. You could use a different phrase, or just a picture, and feed it through your printer. The possibilities are endless! The simplistic look is great and with a plain mat and a frame you have wall-ready art.

January Women's Birchbox Review

The +Birchbox redeemed itself in January! If you're interested in getting in on the Birchbox for $10/month, here's the link to signup!



1. Camille Beckman Glycerine Hand Therapy. Midnight Monarch Scent.
This was actually a delighful little surprise. I wasn't looking forward to another overrated lotion, but this stuff is quite nice. The scent is lovely and the texture is perfect! My advice: Try it.

2. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser.
Meh. Nothing special here. It does have a nice calming scent but doesn't do anything extraordinary for my skin. And the cloth is a little lack-lustre. My advice: Skip it.

3. Nelson j Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 Moisture Healing Mask.
For your hair. My ends have been pretty dry lately so I was excited for this sample. It was just OK for me. Again, nice scent but no ground breaking science to repair my hair. I'll try it a few more times before I make my final judgement. My advice: Can you find a sample to try?

4. Ruby Wing Kitten Heals Nail Color.
This nail polish changes colors in the sun. How fun is that?! Love the polish itself, applies smooth. And the color changes from a bright pink to a deeper magenta. My advice: If you're into polish, try it.

Lifestyle Extra: Under Armour Braided Mini Headbands.
MY FAVORITE BB ITEM! I have a thing for grippy headbands (I own a plethora), and I have a thing for Under Armour. This bad boy is colorful and stays in place. Bonus: Natural eyebrow lift with its hair-pulling power. :)

La Grande Orange Phoenix

La Grande Orange (LGO) is the place where dreams come true. I've eaten at a lot of places in the valley but this is at the top of my list. No contest. Best pizza and best chips and dips plate. During the day you order at the counter and pick a seat but at night it's a full service bar and restaurant. They've got gelato, a bakery, and a gift shop, too. And guess what else? LGO is in the Phoenix Sky Harbor airport (Terminal 4, Southwest Airlines D Gates)! You MUST try it.

Bake Shop and To Go ordering

Salsa, Pimento, and Guacamole Dips

The best damn margherita pizza and sourdough crust you've ever had

LGO at night

Men's Birchbox January Review

Gentlemen,

Here's your Men's Birchbox January Review, but first, a wee bit of advice, make sure you update your settings. If you're receiving things you don't use, it's time for an update. Enough jibber-jabber. Here are the January Box contents and my comments:

Bear Buddy Beard Oil: Full-size $24-40
Full disclosure, I can't grow a full beard. I gifted this little sample to a friend. While I'm sure it's great,
I'm in no position to review beard oil.

Mayron's Goods Chapstuff: Full-size $14
As a child, if I had an ailment, my mother would almost always tell me to put Bag Balm on it. Made from organic oils and cocoa butter, this balm is perfect for many uses.

MenScience Androceuticals Dialy Face Wash: Full-size $28
I don't really use face wash. Again, this is why it's important to update your personal +Birchbox settings. I have no one to blame buy myself.

Reviver Dry Deodorant Wipes: Full-size $16
Very interesting concept. These wipes purge odor from clothing or hair. Perfect when there's no time for a shower or after eating Mongolian-style.

Tommy John 360 Trunk: $31
It's like underwear were just invented. The +Birchbox subscription has just paid for itself many times over. These underwear have changed my life. The pee-flap opens up, not to the side! Yes, you read that correctly. The pee-flap opens up. Enough said.