“It’s been awhile,” I replied.

Entirely too long, in fact. So today my husband and I tried the (relatively) new Filiipino/Mexican fusion restaurant, Karey’s Kitchen. The tiny spot sits on the corner of a strip mall at 40th Street and Thomas and consists of 3 tables and some seats along the wall.

The first thing we noticed post-entrance was the warmth. “Is this your first time?” asked the woman behind the counter and started fishing out marinated meats from several covered bins in front of her with toothpicks for us to taste. The first, Beef Caldereta was delicious and tender in a stew-like sauce. It was followed by Pork Adobo, which was also flavorful in a different, smokier way. The 2 women working behind the counter and in some cases, in the kitchen, chatted with a few of the other patrons like regulars.

Each day the restaurant has several specials which they serve with a side of white or fried rice. One item + rice is $5.50, 2 items is $5.99 and 3 is $6.99. We ordered our food (2 items each), which was ready in a matter of moments. Our meal was hearty and good, though not terribly spicy. The remedy, loads of interesting sauces: A banana sauce, which tastes a bit like sweet & sour, a sweet chili sauce, and a hot Tabasco/Sriracha blend.

There are other items on the menu as well: Egg rolls, burritos, sandwiches and noodles. They’ve recently opened for breakfast, serving omelettes and other egg dishes.

Karey’s Kitchen
4041 E. Thomas Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85018
(602) 955-2182
Follow them on Twitter

Order at the counter.

The small but cozy dining room.

The menu board showing the daily specials.

An array of sauces.

Vegetable Chop Suey and Chicken Sotanghon.

Pork Adobo and Chicken Curry.

Short Sleeve Cowl, $34.90

Every Wednesday, Glee took me to my happy place  (except for maybe when Finn sang Quinn the “You’re having my baby” song at her parents’ dinner table). For an hour I’d watch with a smile plastered across my face.

Emma Pillsbury’s cute, vintage grandma style had something to do with that smile. Her sherbet colors, prim bows and statement necklaces perfectly fit her wide “bush baby” eyes.

I’m sad to be Glee-less for the next few months, but in the meantime I can enjoy some Emma-inspired ensembles.

• Patent Tortoise Shell Flats, $125
• Frosted Jacquard Pencil Skirt, $69.99
• Syracuse Cardigan, $59.99
• Kate Spade Daisy Row Bracelet, $95

View another >>

Hiawatha Moccasins, $49.50

Anyone panicking?

If you need more incentives — other than the thought of family and friends pouting under an empty tree — there are still good deals to be had!

• Take 20% off your entire order at Alloy using coupon code 2DAY20 through Thursday OR get free shipping through Sunday!
• Take 35% off amazing gift store Fred Flare. Use coupon Daily Candy code dailycandy.1209. Oh, and check out Daily Candy (the source of aforementioned coupon) for the latest in fashion, food and fun while you’re at it.
• Take an extra 30% off items marked 70% off at Shopbop — which means you get designer stuff for nearly free! Enter code 30off70 at checkout.
• 40% off sweaters, shirts and pants at Express.
• 40% off your $75 accessories order at Endless.
• 25% off entire Gap purchase from now until Dec. 16. Enter coupon code HOORAH at checkout.
• Take up to 50% off at French Connection.
• 20% off new and sale styles at Couture Candy with code SHOP20.
• In stores: Take 50% off throughout the store at H&M.

While you’re at it, get some ideas with my Cracking Good Gift Guide >>

Hand-felted Floor Pillows, $480

– Spray tan for $15
- 35% off any massage
- 25% off any waxing
- 35% off any facials
- 30% off any nails

They’re open until 9 p.m., so why not partake in a little post-work relaxation?

Call (480) 722-0500 to book an appointment at one of their 3 locations (Scottsdale, Chandler, Arrowhead).

Follow them on Twitter for more daily deals.

Suki Bio-C 10% Formula, $80

Wrinkle prevention that’s natural and cruelty-free.