Bravi Tuscan Kitchen

During my recent visit to Arizona, Bravi Tuscan Kitchen in Glendale was on my list of restaurants to visit. Bravi Tuscan Kitchen is an example of the new fast-casul dining craze, which combines partial self-service (ordering at a counter and having your food delivered to your table) with delicious, homemade gourmet food at a fraction of the cost of most full-service restaurants. From the stone oven pizzas to the freshly made pasta dishes, Bravi has something to satisfy all your Italian cravings.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the day:

I Heart Faces - "People's Choice" - Best Face Photo From February

What a coincidence that my daughter would learn how to give kisses just in time for Valentine's Day! I did a quick photo shoot with her as she opened her gift from her Grandma and Papa Luethje--a box of chocolate covered animal cookies. I just couldn't resist this photo, and thought it was perfect for my Best Face Photo From February entry. Pucker up! Here's your chocolately kiss from Cadence!

**Update** This week, the I Heart Faces Challenge is a People's Choice. Click HERE, and then click to vote for your favorites (up to 10). Cadence is #36, but be sure to browse through the rest of the entries because there are sooooo many gorgeous photos.

I Heart Faces Challenge - Anything But A Face

This week's I Heart Faces Challenge topic is "Anything But A Face" and I thought of this photo immediately. I posted it several weeks ago on my personal blog, as part of my 365 Photo/Writing Project, and I just love it. You can read the entire blog post here if you'd like.


I wish I could somehow have my flowered Docs permanently attached to my feet. Since the day I got them, I have worn them everywhere--to class, to church, to work, on dates. I was even planning to wear them under my wedding dress until my Mom vetoed the plan.

These days, the soles are worn almost smooth on the outer edges where I have a tendency to walk on the sides of my feet, and the toes are scraped and scuffed. But like all Doc Martens, they were made to last. All these years later, the stitches are still holding tight and even walking through a foot of wet snow, my feet stay warm and dry. The leather is still soft, and the flowers still bright enough to attract comments and curious glances from people I meet on the street.

I submit today's I Heart Faces Challenge entry to my flowered Docs--the best darn pair of shoes I will ever own. 

Kiss the Cook Restaurant & Antiques

The moment you walk through the door of Kiss the Cook Restaurant in Glendale, Arizona, you know you're in for something truly unique. None of the chairs or tables or plates or silverware match, and the entire restaurant is filled with antiques and crafts that can be purchased along with your meal. The owners wanted their customers to feel at home, like they were visiting grandma's house, and they have certainly accomplished their goal. The menu is filled with recipes passed down through the family for generations, and all of it is made completely from scratch. If you're looking for typical, deep-fried restaurant cuisine, you won't find it here. What you will find is delectable home-cooking and a cozy ambience that will keep you coming back for more.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the day. Yum...

I Heart Photos - Red