I’m reading a book called “The Greatest Secret,” and one of the premises in the book is that gratitude brings blessings. Everyday, I thank God for where He has placed me, for the friends and family he has given me, and for the grace that He has shown me. Today, we celebrated my husband’s birthday, and I thank God for him. Our marriage is the result of much patience and faith. We have actually been celebrating my husband’s birthday all week long, but today, we decided to take it easy and have a romantic dinner at McClintock’s. Matt took me to McClintock’s while we were dating, and I was hooked, so I knew we had to go there again for his birthday. If you are ever in Tucson, you have to visit McClintock’s, especially during sunset. Dinner is by reservation only, so make sure you call and make a reservation. Jamie was our server, and her service was impeccable.
To get to McClintock’s, you have to drive through a tunnel in the mountains.
Once you arrive onto the property, you are escorted by a patrolman to the restaurant.
Upon arriving in the parking lot, the patrolman pointed out that a Gila Monster was in the parking lot. I’m a country girl, so I went over to shoot a couple of pics. After shooting the pics, Jamie asked me if it hissed at me. Everyone informed me that it is not poisonous, but if it bites you, you have to go to the ER to have it removed from your body. It literally grips you and does not let go unless removed by a professional. I think they should have told me about the hissing and the death grip before I began taking pictures.
We immediately asked to be seated on the rooftop deck where the sun was beginning to set. This yellow and white seersucker jacket from JCrew was perfect for the evening because it was pleasantly cool and a bit breezy. I purchased it a couple of years ago. I love the double vent and the yellow stripes, which set this blazer apart from most of the traditional seersucker blazers I have seen. If you are wearing seersucker this season, try a fun color and get away from the traditional blue and white stripes. The yellow and white stripe is fun yet professional, lightweight and classic — always in style.
Jeans (7For All Mankind flare), blazer (JCrew), v-neck tee (Banana Republic), ring (Forever 21), shoes (Valerie Stevens). I never owned a pair of shoes by this designer, but I purchased these over 5 years ago because of the wedge. I love wedges. I think they are so sexy. I never wear these, and I pulled them out of the closet because of the blog challenge. It’s amazing what you can find buried in your closet. I think I’ll have to wear these on more occasions. I’m in love with them again.
The goofy smirk means I’m ready to eat. We both ate the grilled lamb porterhouse with lemon-scented hummus, caramelized onions and ice wine vinegarette. The lamb was delicious. The hummus had a hint of lemon, which was subtle and not overwhelming. The onions were so sweet and melted in your mouth. This was truly a meal to “write home about.”
As a sweet treat, my husband ordered profiteroles and I ordered the triple chocolate Napoleon. The profiteroles is a puff pastry with creamy vanilla ice-cream, chocolate sauce and fresh raspberries. In the background, you can see my dessert, the triple chocolate Napoleon —chocolate ganache with dark chocolate phyllo and milk chocolate mouse bombes. Umm, umm good! However, I ate most of my hubby’s dessert. I think his was the best.
After our fill, we sat back and watched the sunset. What a great way to end a special day. I’m feeling romantic, so I think I’ll start posting some wedding pictures this week. Stay tuned for my next post. Until then, enjoy this beautiful view wherever you are…
You take beautiful pictures. I love your sense of style.
Again… great post! Loving this blog. The pics are beautiful… Makes me want to come to Tucson 🙂
Love the blog Shayla!!!! This is a place I definitely want to visit. I felt like I was there with you. Very appealing and appetizing. Great job!!!
Happy birthday Matt and thanks Shayla Jay for sharing this special day with your readers. The sunset is stunning and I loved your yellow seersucker blazer from J.Crew. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with the Crew.
Keep up the great posts!!!
– KNIGHT
I will! I’m having a blast. For those who are visiting this post, go to http://www.rossoscarknight.com. His work is awesome! Thanks for the post Mr. Knight!
@ D.C. Fashionista You are right! You can never go wrong with JCrew. I love the seersucker Shayla Jay, and those wedges are hot. I am going to dig in my closet too and try to come up with some cute shoes. Maybe I can fall in love again! I think I have a couple of pairs that need a little polishing from the shoe shop. The guy who shines my shoes can always make my shoes look new. That will help me stay on track with the challenge. 🙂
Love the ensemble and the food. I must visit there.
Shayla, Your pictures are beautiful. I plan to keep up with the blogs. Keep up the great work.
Shayla, loving the site! Great content, great pics, great layout too! Keep em coming. Any advice on cute jeans in our size?
I have several pairs of Citizens of Humanity, 7 For All Mankind, and Joe’s Jeans. All of them have great fits and some of them come in petite sizes. I like a little stretch in mine. I just consider it an investment and go for it. If you don’t own designer jeans, I would start with one good pair. They hold up really well and are very comfortable. If you buy a petite size, you won’t have to do much altering (if any) in the hem. If you ever have to get them hemmed, ask your tailor to keep the “original hem” so it does not look like they have been hemmed. Also remember they don’t come in sizes such as 0,2,4,6, etc. You have to purchase them in sizes 24, 25, 26, 27, etc. It might help to try some on in a store, and if you see them online cheaper, just order your size in the less expensive pair online. Try http://www.bluefly.com I hope this helps!
Thanks Shay, I never really gave the designer of the jean much thought, just always trying to find a good fit. I need to make that investment though.
Great advice.
Our apparel line is also at http://www.baldwinhillsrep.com.
Great post! I love wedges, and this just reminded me that I had some and I have no idea what happened to them. I’m falling in love with platforms now, though. Also, I love jeans and I love dressing them up with cute tops and blazers to go out. I’m very interested in purchasing some nice designer jeans and looks like 7 for All Mankind may be the way to go. Of course, I’m curvy with alot of hips and butt, but I know the value of a good tailor to get the fit I like. I also just recently discovered http://www.bluefly.com and some other great websites for shopping. I used to get so frustrated in B.R. because I could never find what I wanted at that darn mall, but these websites have opened up a whole new world for me.
I just recommended Bluefly to another reader who had previously sent a post (see the reply to InspiredMind). She is petite and has trouble finding jeans that are “grown up.” Designer jeans cost a bit more, but Bluefly does offer discounted prices on designer jeans. You can also go to http://www.shopstyle.com and type in the actual type of jeans you want and it will give you every store that has that particular pair of jeans and show you the prices at which they are currently being offered in each store. For example, go to http://www.shopstyle.com and type in 7 for all mankind dojo in the search box. Hit enter and you will see the dojo in stores from Nordstrom to Bergdorf. I have saved a lot of money by doing that. Click on the least expensive pair and it will show you the sizes that are available at that particular store. I hope this helps!
Happy Birthday Matt! I Love the yellow and white seersucker blazer. Seersucker will always be a hot fashion and looks great on everyone!
The food looks great Me and Tyrone will try it out thanks
Hey Shayla – I look forward to following your blog. Tucson looks really nice and you look great! Congratulations on you marriage!
Those wedges and that blazer are a MUST HAVE for me I love it!! Pausing for the gila monster…questionable. I will need to know where that restaurant is?
Ok so I LOOOVE all the outfits that Blazer is a MUST!! I also shop at Bluefly.com and they have some cute things as well. Loved the story and def teh ouitfits, keep advicing on what to put together for the summer.
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