Calling all Valley illustrators, photographers, graphic designers, animators, architects (and other hipster-creatives)! Looking for a fun, relevant read?

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Three words: Arizona. Cheesecake. Bakery.

Not everyone has the culinary perseverance of Julia Child or the time and domesticity of June Cleaver. Thus, we buy our creamy, New York-style cheesecake. But, because we have impeccable taste, we cannot stomach celebrating holidays with that cardboard “graham cracker” crust from The Cheesecake Factory. (Sorry, neighbor).

We’ve scrounged local farmer’s markets to discover the most tantalizing local pastries, “research” that led us to Arizona Cheesecake Bakery and the best blondie brownie crust we’ve ever tasted!

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Step into Au Petit Four at the Esplanade in Phoenix and smell the buttery quiche crust, powdered sugar-doused pastries and savory soup de jour. Oiu, you are in France. Thanks to Catherine Berraud-Dufour. Enjoy a spot of kitchen talk after the jump.

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Located, of all places, in the deserts of north Phoenix, is the world’s first musical instrument museum. Cleverly titled The Musical Instrument Museum, this mecca for all things tuneful held its grand opening in April of last year. The MIM welcomes the young and old to experience of the diverse history of musical instruments throughout the globe (and some of the most stunning architectural and design innovations the Southwest has seen in years) And did we mention it’s home to John Lennon’s piano?

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to think flip-flops. And while we adore our pale green Rainbow flip-flops, they kill our feet after 3 hours of Phoenix errand-running and Scottsdale over-embellished people-watching. We’ve even investigated the Dr. Scholl’s route, but Doc’s south-of-the-ankle options are far too orthepedic-looking for our taste. Little did we know that a small, Teva-inspired company out of Arizona could provide supportive, stylish footwear for our flip-flop-loving lifestyles.

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As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

In yet another example of people going crazy from the heat, a posh Detroit hotel (oxymoron alert?) says it was stiffed by an AZ-based film company last summer. Is this another sad sign of the economic downturn? Who cares, we’re more amazed that AZ has a local film company.

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Did you check out 12 News’ fancy new digs this morning. We did, and all we can say is, bring on Mark Curtis. That stache is going to to look so great in person!

The Valley is getting very hairy these days. And, all we can say is, “What took you so long, Arizona?” Of course, irony-loving hipsters have been embracing the ol’ cookie duster for a while now. Check out this hilarious Jimmy Fallon Ultimate Mustache Fighter clip. However, what about longtime local aficionados of the misplaced eyebrow? News 12′s Mark Curtis has had it goin’ on for years now. (He even earned $12,000 for charity to shave it off once.) So in honor of suddenly-trendy soup strainer, DLT presents the Valley’s finest face furniture.

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Sad news on the foodie front as it’s been confirmed that the gourmet sundry shop, Chestnut Lane will be closing on November 20. Although a critical and popular success, owner Polly Levine says she was unable to work out an “amicable” new lease with her landlord. However, Levine’s inviting those interested in receiving regular updates for future plans for Chestnut Lane to email her.

Meanwhile, learn more about what you’re going to be missing, as well as the secret recipe for CL’s famed Slow Baked Oatmeal, after the jump.

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As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

Step into Au Petit Four at the Esplanade and smell the buttery quiche crust, powdered sugar-doused pastries and savory soup de jour. Oiu, you are in France. Thanks to Catherine Berraud-Dufour. Enjoy a spot of kitchen talk after the jump. »READ MORE

Stomachs a-growlin’? Well, don’t hurt yourselves: Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings on our favorite food blogs.

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Good morning, Giant Coffee single, wet macciato and Lux Coffeebar date-oat bar. Good afternoon McDonald’s Big and Tasty With Cheese. Just kidding: I meant, Cheese ‘N Stuff “Doughboy” Warmed Sandwich. Good (late) afternoon Hava Java pomegranate green iced tea. Good evening Postino bruschetta plate. Here’s a redux of the local spots keeping us lovin’ the Phoenix food scene. Wait, no. Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings on our favorite food blogs. But, seriously, try Lux’s date-oat bar tomorrow morning. And, blog about it.

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For years, Local First Arizona has been extolling the virtues of supporting mom-and-pops such as Frances Vintage and Lola Coffee. But how can you support local artisans when buying online? That’s where Etsy comes in!

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They’re green; they’re clean; they’re made in AZ. Valley-based Herb ‘n Organics is a non-toxic triple threat spreading the Earth-friendly love—all wrapped inside a stylish package. Even better, these all-natural cleaning products are as affordable as they are eco-tastic.

Etsy.com fav and local legend, Flipped Bird specializes in reversible handbags, sun hats and accessories for all occasions. Born out of a desire to promote happiness via handcrafted gifts, these funky, bright items are sold at Valley boutiques such as Muse Apparel, La Grande Orange Grocery and Stephanie’s Little Luxuries!

Are you bored with the “usual” iced, grande, triple, skinny hazelnut latte and blasé, iced pumpkin scone. We know, we know: Starbucks is on the way to work, and it’s a drive-thru, and the scones are soft on Wednesdays because the shipment comes Tuesday evening … blah, blah, blah. Make your meals creative! We know a few who do! Speaking of, here’s a redux of this week’s happenings on our favorite food blogs.

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Though we found this project on a wedding blog (don’t judge us), we think the final product is suitable for nesting the home, decorating the dorm or surprising the friend way-too-many miles away. They’re a little bit second-grade-swim-meet and a little bit beauty pageant, but altogether adorable! “Designed and crafted by the cutest girls ever, the owners of the fabulous Posh Paperie, and photographed by the hugely talented Ms. Jackie Wonders… this is the sweetest way to start our day,” says Abby Larsen of Style Me Pretty (said wedding blog). Materials and directions after the jump!

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They never get old. We thought they were yesterday at about 4 p.m. but then we saw Martha Stewart endorsing them. If Martha says they’re chic, we know they’re chic. A guide to your perfect ‘stache after the jump!

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Are you ready? We’re not sure if you’re ready? (Okay, they’re ready). Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings on our favorite food blogs.

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Feeling famished? Fabulous, because here’s a redux of this week’s happenings on our favorite food blogs.

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As chosen by you, here are the most popular posts of ALL TIME! (last week):

Buying local just got way more fun. Three words: Sugar Bean Jewelry.

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Drumroll, please. Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings on our favorite food blogs.

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Blank canvas: check. Paint: check. Water: check. Dropcloth: check. Breasts: check. Wait, what?

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Look at your closet.

Now look at your screen.

Now look at your closet.

Now back at your screen.

Can your man look like this?

Yes! Simple, classic masculinity is very, very hot right now. Designers and Old Spice men everywhere are donning the blue utility shirt. Fashion inspiration from our favorite Old Spice pitchman (and former ASU Sun Devil) after the jump.

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Buying local just got way more fun. Three words: Sugar Bean Jewelry.

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In celebration of Wellness Week, dozens of Valley spas and yoga/pilates studios are offering specially-priced treatments and classes from September 20-26th. Sign up before August 15 and get exclusive early access to the list of participating spa and wellness centers! So, mark your calendars.

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