Today we debut plazaLIFE, our new blog series highlighting the goodness of life in the Plaza District–an inside look at the faces and happenings that make this place so great. We are so thrilled to partner with a true Plaza District neighbor and talented photographer, Maria Atkinson who is writing the plazaLIFE series. I met Maria first, about three years ago at one of the early LIVE on the Plaza’s. She was belting karaoke at Paula & Co. From then, the Plaza District has been graced with Maria’s friendly face at everything Plaza. So, read on dear Plaza friend, and get to know us a little better!

Warm up with Richie at Saints!

Ever heard of a Baked Appletini? Unless you’ve visited the Plaza District’s exclusive Irish Pub Saints, you probably haven’t experienced the wonder.

 Saints’ bartender Richie Zenner is very well versed in the crafting of delicious handmade cocktails. Richie first began bar-tending seven tears ago on his twenty-first birthday. Since then he’s stayed in the business and became part of the Saints’ family upon it’s opening this past June.

So what’s in a Baked Appletini? Richie was kind enough to give us his recipe.
1 1/2 oz of Beefeater Gin
1 oz Blackthorne Cider (currently featured on draught at Saints!)
2 dash baked apple bitters
1/2 oz of apple juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Splash of vanilla extract
1 egg white
Topped with cinnamon

Come see Richie every Saturday and Sunday night at Saints and try his delicious concoction!

From the knitting needles of…

Ask anyone in the district where to find some of the best handmade items in the city and you will get a unanimous answer of “Collected Thread”. Since it’s opening three years ago, owner Lindsay Zodrow has hand-knitted countless scarves, hats, headbands etc, all for devoted customers and loved ones.

If you’re looking for something unique to give your loved ones this holiday season, on December 3rd from 3-5pm, Lindsay will be sharing the gift of knitting, passed down to her by her great-grandmother in elementary school, to willing students.

For $35.00, you will receive yarn and needles and two hours of intricate instruction on how to make your very own scarf. All items provided will be yours for the taking.

“Knitting is a bit tricky to learn at first, but once you get the hang of it, you have it.” says Lindsay. Knitting is a bit like learning to ride a bike, once you know you never forget and you can learn to make everything from blankets, scarves and even sweaters for your pet!

If you are unable to make the class, private lesson are available upon request for the same price.

Reserve your spot today at www.collectedthread.com or for information on private classes you can email Lindsay at collectedthread@gmail.com or give her a ring at the store at 405-557-1141.

Hounds for the Holidays! – 11/21/11

You’ve probably seen these tall, skinny, sweet pooches down at LIVE on the Plaza, but maybe you need a little more convincing as to why you should choose a Greyhound for your next pet.

Hounds of the Heartland is a non-profit organization, who rescues retired racing Greyhounds from ages 18 months to 5 years. Hounds of the Heartland was founded in 2000 and each year helps hundreds of great dogs find wonderful homes.

Pictured above is Vice-President, Emily Hummel with 4 year old Goldie. Goldie has been in the Hounds of the Heartland foster care for five months. Like majority of greyhounds, Goldie is a happy, loving, easy-going dog who does best with older kids and larger dogs and loves to sleep. Hounds of the Heartland wants Goldie to find a home for Christmas!

Currently HFTH has eight dogs in foster homes awaiting adoption. If you decide to adopt a greyhound, you can fill out an application at www.greyhoundpetsok.com. Once you apply, HFTH finds a dog that best matches you and your family and will arrange an at home meeting. Once you find your new pet, a $200.00 adoption fee ensures you a spayed/neutered dog that is fully vaccinated, has had full dental care and free of intestinal parasites.

Give the gift of true love this holiday season by adopting a Greyhound from Hounds of the Heartland today!