You were born. I blinked. And now you’re eight years old.

How is that real life?

How are you real life?

Jax, you are perfection to me and I  can’t even believe how I lucked out in the kid department.

You were the sweetest baby, sleeping through the night at only five weeks old, never crying, always content and happy. The kind of baby an insecure first time mama dreams about. And you were mine.

You were the ideal toddler and preschooler. So bright and eager to learn. So mild tempered and easy to redirect. Of course there was that brief period of time where I swear you didn’t like me much – you even told me so. But that was short-lived and looking back I realize it was more me than you. Your personality really came forward those years and I knew you were going to be a handful, sassy, silly and full of delight. And you were mine.

You are an incredible little girl. So bright and beautiful. Full of wonder and light. You bring joy to all who know you and leave smiles in your wake. You’re so smart and sweet. So polite and well-mannered. So thoughtful and imaginative. You’re always eager to please, yet so independent and self aware. You’re cautious until you’re comfortable and then you go full force. You’re flexible and forgiving. You’re snuggly and so fun. You’re compassionate and kind to your very core. You are my dream come true. And you are mine.

Baby love, you are destined to do amazing things. You were born to burn bright. You will spread your sparkle everywhere you go and the world will be a better place because of that. And that is because you are you. And I am so endlessly in awe of you and so blessed that you are mine.

Jacquelyn Gloria Elaine Fuchs, it is my extreme pleasure and defining grace to be your mama.

Enjoy 8 with all your heart, my love. Live and love every second. You are my favorite and you are my best.

I love you the most and I love you the best.

I took the picture of Jax a few nights ago. That night was especially rough for me as I let the craziness of the world take over my thoughts. At that very moment I needed her sweet innocence so I quickly snapped a few pics of her peacefully sleeping, warm, protected and loved.

My heart hurts and I am so scared right now for so many reasons, but mostly I am sad for how this affects Jax. I know that may seem pretty selfish considering this is a GLOBAL CATASTROPHE; but it’s my job to keep her happy, healthy, safe and protected.

She knows what’s happening in the world right now; she understands it as best as her 7 year-old mind allows. I pray that these hard times don’t rob her of her innocence, don’t steal her joy.

So I’m writing this to her, maybe I’ll read it to her, maybe I won’t. I just need to put it out there for her…

To my sweet Jaxie,

I love you the most and I love you the best. Your sweet face brightens my world every single day and now, more than ever, I appreciate your silliness, your happiness and your supreme cuteness more than you will ever know.

I am sorry your busy routine has come to a halt.

I am sorry your spring break was ruined, all of our plans canceled.

I am sorry you likely won’t be going back to school any time soon. I’ve thought about homeschool for you before, now we get to try it out! I apologize ahead of time for the patience I know I will lose and the mistakes I’m sure I will make during “Mom School.”

I’m sorry you miss your friends.

I’m sorry if I seem distracted and sad.

I’m sorry you can’t go to your singing lessons, I know you love them so much.

I’m sorry the shows you were so excited to perform in have been postponed. You were working so hard, showing such dedication. You were going to be the cutest Dormouse in Alice in Wonderland and your solos in the Academy showcases were guaranteed to blow the audience away.

I am sorry you have heard me and your daddy speak with worry in our voices.

I am sorry your daddy has asthma and other conditions that could make this illness catastrophic for him. Let’s keep praying for him and that everyone we love stays healthy and safe.

Baby, I’m sorry. I am just so sorry this is the world right now.

I’m sorry this will be something you remember forever. If you were a few years younger you wouldn’t remember it. If you were a few years older you would be able to better understand. But maybe not, because I don’t even understand what is happening.

I pray this is all over soon. I pray that our family and friends and their family and friends remain healthy and safe and that we don’t lose anybody to the dreaded C.

When you’re older and you remember this time when you were “7 and 3/4” and in the second grade and forced to stay home, I hope the memories you have are those of joy and happiness. I hope you recall this time as extra time spent with your mommy and daddy. I hope these days for you are remembered only for our neighborhood walks, forts in the living room, hot chocolate and movie marathons, popcorn and painting rocks, games, puzzles, staying up late on school nights and lessons learned at our kitchen table. A time when you felt extra protected, extra loved and extra appreciated.

I love you so much, Jacquelyn.  Thank you for not complaining and being so resilient and adaptable to the change and disappointment. Thank you for thanking me for all the snuggles and time we’ve spent together – it was equal parts heart warming and heartbreaking. Thank you for being so generous with your smiles and giggles. Thank you for being the wonderful child that you are.

You are my favorite and you are my best.

For the past three years Jax and I have enjoyed Breakfast with Santa at the Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia and it has become one of our most cherished Christmas traditions. We absolutely love the beauty of the resort any day of the year but at Christmas time it really becomes magical.

There is plenty of festive and fun things to do around town, lots of family friendly activities and Santa photo opps this time of year but none quite like what the Omni Montelucia offers.

What makes this so special is how low key it is, making for a more personal experience; and what I mean by that is the one-on-one time kids get with Santa Claus! For a child filled with wonder any amount of time spent with Santa is priceless. The Omni Montelucia offers that wondrous joy to families.

The breakfast is held in one of the ball rooms, decked out in it’s holiday best. Seating is limited so it never feels overwhelming or crowded and because of this Santa can take time to visit families at their tables, pose for photos, answer questions about his Naughty and Nice List and make each child feel special. My little Jax certainly did.

The food is excellent and served buffet-style. All the favorites in abundance, fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, pastries and breads, pancakes and French toast, plus cereal, yogurt, juices, coffee and hot chocolate! There is something for everyone and bellies will be full.

Jax enjoyed it all and we enjoyed watching her revel in the festive morning. She decorated Christmas cookies and made an ornament and kept making detours to visit with Santa, she had plenty to fill him in on!

Breakfast with Santa at the Omni Montelucia is definitely something we look forward to every December. It is sold out this year, but I highly recommend putting it on your radar for next year. It’s magical for the entire family. The low-key, relaxed atmosphere makes the experience feel a little more intimate and there aren’t long lines so it doesn’t get overwhelming. And like I said, any amount of time children get with Santa is absolutely priceless and they will get lots her. It’s perfect for memory making.

The Omni Montelucia is located at 4949 E. Lincoln Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85253

Disclaimer: We enjoyed Breakfast with Santa at the Omni Montelucia free of charge in exchange for this post. As usual all opinions are entirely my own. 

The Grand Afternoon Tea at the famed Arizona Biltmore has been a renowned affair for nearly a century. A cuppa taken in with dainty sandwiches and sweet treats among the luxe setting of the historic resort that has welcomed movie stars and presidents for decades.

It’s truly something remarkable, often reserved for special occasions, and nothing is more special than the Gingerbread Tea offered daily the month of December. A warm, cozy and delicious tradition.

I’ve enjoyed afternoon tea with my own mother for special occasions throughout the years, but never for Christmas. And I have been waiting for just the right time to share the experience with my little girl. No time like the  present and no place like The Arizona Biltmore.

The property is all decked out in its holiday best, making the tea experience festive and magical. A huge glowing Christmas tree serves as the focal point in the resort’s lobby and makes a splendid backdrop for afternoon tea.

Everything was absolutely splendid. When Jax is excited about something she shivers from head to toe, so she basically spent the entire time shivering with joy. She ooh’d over the tiny sandwiches, and ahh’d over the petite sweets. She kept her pinkies up with every sip and felt very pampered.

Tea Sommelier, Kevin Doyle and his assistant Brianna kept our cups full and our smiles present. The courses flowed and they took the time to explain the details and made us feel welcomed and happy.

To get things started we enjoyed Lemon Ginger Scones with Kumquat Jam, Devonshire Cream, Lemon Curd and Raspberry Cream. Kevin brought out a pot of the Nutcracker tea blend, steamy and warm with the rich scents of the season.

Jax was extremely pleased that she got her own plate of kid-friendly finger sandwiches that included ham and cheese, turkey and cheese, peanut butter and jelly and Nutella and banana, all familiar tastes impeccably presented for the occasion. My sandwiches were as lovely and they were tasty — Black Pepper Beef Tenderloin and Juniper Berry on Brioche, Turkey and Kumquat with Cranberry Marmalade on 12 Grain Bread, House Smoked Salmon with Tiny Shrimp Salad and Creme Fraiche on a Profiterole (my favorite), Grilled Chicken and Caramelized Apple Jam, Brie and Spiced Pecans and Cucumber and Boursin with Pickled Onion on Pumpernickel. They were delicate miniature works of edible art.

When the dessert tower arrived Jax’s shivers turned into full-blown shakes. She was beside herself with sweet bliss at the mere site of the teeny confections presented to us. A chocolate Peppermint Gateau, Vanilla Cranberry Verrine (our favorite), Cinnamon Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Cake with with White Chocolate Eggnog Cream and Two Frosted Gingerbread Stars. All so tiny and sweet. We both loved them.

It was a truly magical experience. Kevin and his team were gracious and welcoming – the epitome of customer service, all the food was delicious, the setting was exquisite and festive. It was pure enchantment for my little girl, and as if that wasn’t enough she was presented with a keepsake Gingerbread Teddy Bear to commemorate her first tea experience. She shivered and beamed with happiness.

The Arizona Biltmore’s Grand Afternoon Tea is truly an experience to behold, but in December it becomes magical and even more memorable.

I am so happy to have finally taken my daughter to tea and I’m thrilled it was the Gingerbread Tea. She will remember this for years to come and we’ve definitely created a new mommy and me holiday tradition.

Gingerbread Tea at The Arizona Biltmore is served daily through December 24 from 11am-2pm. Call 602.955.6600 or visit https://www.arizonabiltmore.com/holiday-dining/ for reservations and more information. 

The Arizona Biltmore is located at 2400 E. Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona, United States, 85016

Disclaimer: We enjoyed a complimentary Gingerbread Tea experience in exchange for this post. As usual all opinions are entirely my own. 

Over the summer my best girl and I had a mama and mini getaway to the beautiful Civana Resort, Spa and Sanctuary in Carefree. 

Just me and my little girl, enjoying the beauty and calm of the resort set in the scenic desert landscape, lounging at the pool, relaxing in our beautifully appointed room and dining at Terras, Civana’s on-site restaurant serving up a seasonal menu using local ingredients.

During our stay we enjoyed breakfast, lunch and dinner and every meal was incredible. Chef Justin Macy uses only the freshest produce and ingredients so the menu changes regularly as the seasons progress and change.

Jax and her picky palette stuck with buttered pasta with parmesan cheese and a side of fresh fruit, she said it was delicious and devoured every bite. For dinner the night we checked in, I enjoyed a Grass-fed Burger with a side of sweet potato fries. The burger was thick and expertly cooked and seasoned. It came dressed to impressed with onion, crisp lettuce, avocado, and a thick slice of juicy heirloom tomato. Delicious! And the sweet potato fries were some of the best I have ever eaten. So crispy they were addictive.

Breakfast was equally enjoyable. Jax opted for the Happy Cakes off the kids menu and the portion was generous! Two big, fluffy buttermilk pancakes served with whipped cream and real maple syrup. She ate her breakfast quietly which is a sure sign she was enjoying her food!

I was wowed with the Ranch Breakfast Burrito! An organic whole wheat tortilla stuffed with cage-free scrambled eggs, diced heirloom tomatoes, spicy Arizona chorizo, breakfast potatoes, black beans, onion, cilantro and organic pepper jack cheese. The burrito was filling and fantastic — full of great flavor, mellow heat from the chorizo and lots of texture from the fresh veg. I was stuffed and happy, ready to start my day of relaxation at the resort.

After some swimming, a yoga class, so rock painting and a fun kid’s cooking class it was time for lunch! Jax again enjoyed her buttered pasta and I opted to enjoy the Chef’s Soup of the Day, which that day was Creamy Broccoli. It was incredible and pretty spicy from the addition of red pepper flakes. Even though it was a creamy soup it wasn’t too heavy but it was rich and filling, served with fresh-baked sourdough bread it made for a perfect, tasty lunch. Oh, and I may have also had another order of those killer sweet potato fries.

Dessert at Terras is not to be missed. Like the regular menu, the chef changes things up regularly. During our visit we indulged in the Strawberry Shortcake and the Coconut Sorbet.

The strawberry shortcake was a delightful take on the classic summer dessert. A slice of vanilla sponge cake is accompanied by fresh strawberries, strawberry sauce, whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbs. It was a sweet ending to a wonderful meal.

Jax especially enjoyed the Coconut Sorbet encased in a dark chocolate shell and served with prickly pear sauce, candied pepitas and toffee crisp. It was a unique dessert with lots of different tastes and textures, creamy sweet coconut, bittersweet chocolate, and crunch from the toffee and pepitas. Jax proclaimed it the best dessert she’s ever had!

Jax and I loved everything about our Civana getaway. It was great to relax and unwind with my daughter in a beautiful setting and enjoy delicious meals. We definitely indulged but everything was fresh, consciously made and nourishing , so we splurged without the guilt.

Civana definitely nourishes the soul, mind, body and bellies.

Disclaimer: We enjoyed a complimentary night stay at Civana and Kids cooking class in exchange for this post. As usual all opinions are entirely my own. 

Tucked away in the breathtaking desert town of Carefree, Arizona is my family’s new favorite staycation destination – Civana Resort. Jax and I had a fabulous Mom & Mini Getaway there and we loved the property, amenities and offerings so much we can’t wait to return with daddy!

First, I must say when most families think of an Arizona summer staycation it’s all waterparks and lazy rivers. You won’t find that kind of wet and wild fun at Civana, but what they lack in slipping and sliding they make up for with purposeful fun activities for adults and kids…and the views are simply breathtaking. Of course, they do have a pool – and it’s HUGE and deep so the water stays refreshing and cool.

The welcome we received upon check-in and the service we received throughout our stay was excellent. The resort is relatively small, so the staff is really able to cater to guests. Some of the staff even greeted us by name which makes you feel pretty special.

Our room was spacious and positively gorgeous! The aesthetic was clean and modern allowing for the beauty of the surroundings to take center stage because the view outside our door was stunning. The bed was cleverly set in the middle of the room, facing out the windows so we could lounge and soak up the beauty of the desert. Jax and I loved that room.

There were nice little details in the room that made our stay feel extra special – like the stainless steel water bottles and the fabulous bath amenity (scented bath bomb and bath salts) that Jax could not wait to use. And those water bottles are yours to use throughout your stay, there are water filling stations throughout the property so you can stay hydrated while you explore. And best of all you can keep the bottles when you leave, making for an excellent eco-friendly keepsake.

The pool is open pretty late and there is also a jacuzzi with jets so you can wind down and relax after a day of activities. And there are tons of activities and happenings at Civana, many included in the rate. The activities focus on mind, body and spirit and include nature strolls, restorative yoga, stretching classes, cooking classes and so much more.

During our stay we participated in the kid friendly activities starting with Kids Yoga and Stretch. Jax loved doing this class with kids her own age. It was a great way to get our day started.

Next, she moved on to Rock Painting and was very inspired by her beautiful surroundings. Both rock painting and yoga were free.

And then there was the Kids Cook and Create Class, which brought so much joy to Jax she can’t stop talking about it. The class is led by the property’s pastry chef and is hands on, informative and so much fun for kids and adults! Best of all, the kids will make a healthy snack that everyone enjoys. We made vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free, and dairy-free oatmeal cookies with marshmallow cream filling –believe it or not they were absolutely delicious!!!

The cooking classes is $25/per child and adults are encouraged to cook with their kids. Guests and locals are welcome to participate. Jax and I will for sure do this again, and try I can’t recommend it enough if you have kids.

Jax and I had an incredible time. We loved the laid-back relaxed vibe of the property, and enjoyed the pool and activities. I’ve heard excellent things about the spa and plan to return to check out the services and amenities. The relaxed atmosphere of the property makes for a great Girls Weekend, so if you have a bachelorette party or baby shower coming up or just need girl time, keep Civana in mind. I also see this place as an ideal getaway for a busy mom. On a solo trip it would be easy to lose yourself in the landscape and come away with a clear and focused mind.

But I was most impressed with the family offerings! It’s a great place to be Carefree with kids!

Civana Resort & Spa is located at 37220 Mule Train Road, Carefree, AZ 85377

Disclaimer: We enjoyed a complimentary night stay at Civana and Kids cooking class in exchange for this post. As usual all opinions are entirely my own. 

Today you are seven years old. I am not sure how that is even possible, seven years gone by, seven years of chaos and bliss and feeling like the luckiest person on the planet because I was chosen to be your mama.

Your birthday never gets easier for me. I am, of course, always excited to celebrate you — but my heart aches a little more with each passing year; I prayed for years for you to come to us and now it’s going by way too fast. You are 7!!!

My promise to you on your 7th birthday is to do my best to make every year count, make every year memorable and special. I promise to give you a splendid childhood – you deserve nothing less.

My sweet Jacquelyn, you are everything I dreamed you would be, from your gorgeous face to your sassy sweetness. You are quite literally, a dream come true and that makes you absolutely perfect in my eyes.

Every day you amaze me with your confidence, resilience, and ability to forgive. You are such a strong girl and your heart is golden. You are sunshine in human form, bringing light and warmth to everyone you meet. You are everyone’s friend and I love that you are always inclusive and kind. You are sassy and stubborn and defiant and although that can get frustrating it’s one of my favorite things about you, I know above all your other attributes that will be what takes you the farthest. That and your confidence, never could I think a child so young could have your kind of confidence. It is what makes people take notice of you, it makes you stand out. It makes you special. It makes you Jax.

You are amazing, baby girl, and today you are seven. Oh, how I wish I could turn back time, slow the days down and have more time with you at every age – because you are perfect!

But how lucky am I, that I get to guide you, teach you, love you, cheer you on, pick you up, be your mommy.

Happy birthday, my beautiful Jacquelyn. You are my favorite and you are my best.

On any given weekend, school break or holiday you can find me and Jax at the OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale. We love that place. And the new Monster Fish Exhibition adds excitement and education in a fun and creepy way!

Presented by National Geographic, this fascinating exhibition takes guests around the world with Nat Geo Explorer, Zeb Hogan, in search of bizarre and extraordinary species of freshwater fish. The exhibit includes gigantic life-size sculptures, video installations, and interactive activities allowing guests to explore the unique biology and behaviors of these giant freshwater fish.

Jax loved exploring, in awe of the size of these monster fish. It was thrilling to learn thatches captivating creatures swim the earth’s rivers!

The exhibition runs through May 5, 2019 so plan your visit now!

OdySea Aquarium is located at 9500 E Via De Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

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Disclaimer: Jax & I visited the Monster Fish exhibition at OdySea Aquarium free of charge to help facilitate this post. All opinions are entirely my own. 

Disneyland! Finally we took Jacquelyn to the Happiest Place on Earth and our visit was nothing short of PURE MAGIC!

I gotta say, I was worried that at 6 years-old, Jax’s first trip might not be as magical as if we had taken her when she was younger. I thought 3 or 4 would be a more ideal age but timing was never right, until recently! As it turns out, 6 years-old was the perfect age for Jax’s first trip to Disneyland. She still believes in magic, she still has such sweet innocence and even better, she will hold on to these memories for her entire life.

And the memories were plenty! To make her first Disney visit even more special we coordinated our trip with our friends so Jax could experience the park with her best friend. It was epic!

We kept our plans a secret for well over a month. Jax only knew we were going to California over her fall break from school. The night before we spilled the beans and she was over the moon with excitement!

Our timing couldn’t have been more perfect and any and all trips to Disneyland will follow suit. Fall is our family’s favorite time of year, and we love all things Halloween, so boy were we in for a treat. The park is decked out in it’s Halloween best — jack-o-lanterns and family-friendly spooks the way only Disney can do it. And the weather was glorious, all sunshine and cool breezes.

Disneyland holds Mickey’s Halloween Party on select nights throughout the month. We went on a Friday and the park closed early for the party. This totally worked in our favor because while still very busy, the park didn’t seem to have the usual crowds you would expect.

We arrived when the park opened to the general public at 8 a.m. and stayed until it closed for the party at 7 p.m. and it worked out great for us! We had park hopper passes with a plan to head to Disney California Adventure Park when Disneyland closed early. We didn’t make it, we were so exhausted from 11 hours doing it up at the Happiest Place on Earth.

We started out the day with the two musts on my list:
1. Dole Whip
2. Pirates of the Caribbean.

And we got those done first! Dole Whip for breakfast guarantees a great day.

A must for anyone visiting Disneyland is the Disney MaxPass. I wouldn’t even consider doing Disneyland again without one. For a nominal fee ($10 per ticket) the MaxPass affords you unlimited downloads of all your photos from character greetings, rides, attractions, etc; you can also make reservations at select restaurants through the park and order food. But even better, the Disney MaxPass helps you plan your visit and maximize your time by allowing you to select FastPass times on your phone!

Don’t do Disney without one.

The app is free and once you have your tickets you simply connect them to your account on the app with an easy scan; then purchase the MaxPass and start planning your day. We began in New Orleans Square and reserved our FastPass for the Haunted Mansion which is redone for Halloween as a Nightmare Before Christmas experience. While we waited to check in for the attraction we visited Pirates of the Caribbean and once we were done there we walked right up for the Haunted Mansion, bypassing the long queue, we were on the ride within 5 minutes! Then we were on to Adventureland to grab the Dole Whip and jump on the Indiana Jones ride (only an 8 minute wait with the FastPass).

And it was like that for the rest of the day; we mapped out which land we would visit next, checked what FastPasses were available, scheduled a time and then headed over. Our longest wait with the FastPass was no more than 10 minutes! The MaxPass allowed us to get the most out of our day, visiting all the rides and attractions without time lost in long lines.

I couldn’t wait to enjoy all the iconic attractions with Jax and my husband — Pirates, the Jungle Cruise, the Haunted Mansion, the Submarine, Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain (also redone for Halloween and surprisingly, Jax’s favorite ride of the day), It’s a Small World and all those incredible little rides in Fantasyland (the Peter Pan ride is my favorite).

We could not have asked for a better Disneyland experience! All the major attractions I remember visiting as a child haven’t changed a bit. It was a walk down memory lane for me only infinitely more magical because I was experiencing it all over agin for the first time as a mother with a child full of wonder.

I wish I could relive countless moments with Jacquelyn during of visit. Her excited squeals, her sweet face full of awe and amazement. Seeing her enjoy it all with her best friend brought exponential joy to my heart.

Our friends are Disneyland aficionados and were amazed at how sparse the crowds were, now don’t get me wrong it was crowded, but less busy than usual; I assume because the park closed early and those with tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party came later. Whatever the case me be, it truly seemed like all the stars aligned allowing us to have an unforgettably magical time for Jax’s first visit.

We can’t wait for Jax’s 2nd trip to Disneyland, and her 3rd and her 10th. The wonder never gets old, the magic is timeless.

Disclaimer: We received two complimentary media passes to Disneyland in exchange for this post. All opinions are entirely my own.  

Pita Jungle is synonymous with healthy eating in the Valley and it is my family’s go-to place when we are craving flavorful food without any guilt, plus they have one of the best kid’s menus in town.

Jax loves eating out at Pita Jungle and that thrills me because it is the one place where she willingly eats all her veggies without any fuss (it’s the hummus). She will eat all her cucumbers and tomatoes as long as she has a plate of hummus to dip it in to, and that’s saying something because she won’t eat hummus anywhere else.

But honestly, who doesn’t love Pita Jungle’s hummus. Ask anyone you know who has the best hummus in AZ and you can bet they will say Pita Jungle. I love that you can get it as a duo or a trio with their three flavors because Jax prefers the simplicity of the plain but I am cilantro jalapeño all the way!

And about those kid’s meals – they are fantastic. Jax loves picking out her protein, she is a chicken or turkey kind of girl, her grain/carb choice is always pasta (hold the marinara) with parmesan, cukes for her veggie, and fresh fruit rounds out every kid’s meal. Ordering from the menu teaches kids about a balanced plate, healthy eating and portion control. We always appreciate a good lesson on nutrition, especially one as tasty as this!

For me it’s always the Chicken Pasta Salad (add feta, extra dressing). The portion is so generous I easily make two meals out of it, two deliciously delightful meals. Pita Jungle has a way with chicken, it’s always so perfectly seasoned and expertly cooked, and that lemon vinaigrette is amazing. I always order a couple extra side of it. Pita Jungle, can I get the recipe, please?

Don’t miss dessert, since you ate so healthy, it is deserved! I love Pita Jungle’s Rice Pudding, but on our most recent visit Jax and I enjoyed the gluten-free brownie ice cream sandwich. It was so rich and decadent you won’t miss the gluten at all! It’s on the seasonal menu, so I suggest heading over soon if you want to partake. And believe me, you do.

Everybody LOVES Pita Jungle and it is no secret why – the hummus can’t be beat, the food is healthy and fresh, the kid’s meals are the best, and bonus: dessert is always guilt-free (mostly)!

Pita Jungle has numerous locations through the Valley, plus a couple in Tucson and one in Flagstaff.

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Disclaimer: I enjoyed a meal at Pita Jungle to help facilitate this post. All opinions are entirely my own. 

Halloween is my family’s most favorite holiday. We love it more than Christmas, even Jax does. The decorations, the candy, the cooler temps, the excitement and the costumes! Oh, the costumes. I always look forward to checking out all the costumes on Halloween. And nobody has better costumes than Chasing Fireflies. 

I lose myself perusing their offerings, pages and pages of high quality and absolutely adorable Halloween garb. They have everything from mermaids to matadors and all the accessories needed to complete the look. Need a themed costume for the whole family? Perfect! Chasing Fireflies has you covered.

I had so much fun shopping with Jax, but I must admit it was hard choosing just one costume. I was partial to the Pretty Peacock and period Princess costumes, but Jax had her heart set on the beautiful Bride costume. I knew that we wouldn’t go wrong with anything we got from Chasing Fireflies so bride it was!

The bride costume is gorgeous. It is not like the cheaply made costumes you find at big box stores, it’s high quality, made of soft lace and tulle. The long skirt is full with layers and layers of flounce.

Jax felt like a princess in it, as every bride should.

I took the photos at the beautiful Omni Montelucia and guests at the resort stopped to compliment the gorgeous gown. The costume is such great quality that people had no idea it was even a costume, they thought Jax was part of a wedding party.

Take a look at Chasing Fireflies. I guarantee you will find the costume of your child’s dreams. Whether it be a superhero, zombie, alien or pirate they have it all! You and your kids will have the best Halloween duds  on the block and at the party!

Chasing Fireflies and Halloween are truly the perfect pair!

I’d like to extend a HUGE thank you to the Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia for allowing us to shoot on their gorgeous grounds.

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Disclaimer: I received the bride costume free of charge as part of a collaboration with Chasing Fireflies. As usual all opinions are entirely my own. 

A couple weeks ago Jax and I had the honor of attending the Kids Fashion Week Show held at the historic Arizona Biltmore Resort. The annual show is presented by The Young Agency and benefits Make a Wish Arizona.

We enjoyed the show as special guests, sitting in the front row taking in the sights and sounds. Adorable models dressed in the latest trends from Peek Boutique at Scottsdale Quarter, Macy’s and JC Penny’s.

The show was hosted by Oscar De Las Salas and Nicole Smith, Miss Arizona 2018 who kept the it running smoothly and the crowd entertained.

It was a great time and we can’t wait for next year’s show.

Jacquelyn’s adorable outfit is from Peek Boutique. 

Growing up I always dreaded when summer ended and school started. The only thing that eased the anxiety was shopping for new school clothes, a backpack and shoes. My new wardrobe and accessories gave me a little boost of confidence and made the transition back to school a little easier.

Thankfully, my little Jacquelyn has confidence in spades but new clothes are a right of passage for the new school year. We did most of our shopping at the popular big box stores but I let Jax pick some special items from our favorite online children’s boutique, Chasing Fireflies.

She felt so grown up perusing the website and picking her favorite things. She’s a big first-grader now so my input was unneeded. Chasing Fireflies offers classic pieces like beautiful skirts and dresses and little bits of whimsy, like these Pastel Unicorn Flats.

What little girl wouldn’t swoon over these shoes? I want a pair for myself. When they arrived, Jax immediately put them on and loved them so much she begged to sleep in them. It took all that she had to take them off and wait to wear them until the first day of school.

One of my favorite things about Chasing Fireflies is that many of their items have a customization option allowing you to personalize everything from pajamas to t-shirts to sandals! Yes, even shoes!

Jax opted for a custom backpack, and what a backpack it is!

The Personalized Glitter Fairy Backpack is absolutely beautiful and pretty utilitarian too! It’s roomy and features many pockets, it even has a hidden pocket on the straps, a perfect hiding place for lunch money or a secret note between friends.

What I like best is that even though it’s all blinged out with glitter it doesn’t shed sparkles and make a mess!

Jax also picked out  these sassy Skirted Leggings, available in five colors. Of course, my unicorn loving girl chose the vibrant bright pink. Jax prefers skirts and dressing to pants and shorts and these leggings make a great compromise offering the best of both worlds. The ruffles add a feminine flare and because they are leggings they are perfect for days when Jax has P.E.

These leggings can be easily dressed up with a nice blouse or made casual with a tank top and vest.

And of course, Jax had to chose a dress from Chasing Fireflies. And because she is Jax, the dress is sparkly and maybe a teensy bit too fancy for every day school clothes. But this Jacquard Twirl Dress is ideal for picture day and school concerts. It has just the right amount of shimmer and flounce and is soft and comfortable. The three-quarter sleeves and knit jacquard fabric will take it seamlessly from fall to winter wear.

In the past we have ordered from Chasing Fireflies for special occasions so it was natural to order from them again for the monumental occasion of the first day of school. I love the quality items and Jax loves that she can pick unique and whimsical things you can’t find anywhere else.

Jax felt confident and sassy on her first day of school and that sets my protective mama’s mind at ease.

P.S. Halloween is just around the corner! There is NO better place on earth to shop for the perfect costumes. You can and will get lost in all their offerings.

Stay tuned to see what Jax picked out!

Disclaimer: We received items free of charge from Chasing Fireflies to help facilitate this post. As usual all opinions are entirely my own. 

Jax and I made so many fabulous memories over summer break and one of our favorite is of our morning at Sardella’s Pizza Camp!

The local pizza joint offered several days of the morning camp at all of their Valley locations; but don’t worry, even though summer is over, there are still opportunities to get in on the saucy, cheesey fun. Sardella’s is considering offering the camps over school breaks and you can always book a private camp for birthday celebrations, filed trips and group gatherings.

Camp participants get a behind-the-scenes tour of the restaurant, play with dough, learning to toss and stretch it, and then they will make their own pizza to eat and enjoy! Drinks and endless fun are included.

The camp lasts an hour and a half and parents are invited to either drop their kids off or stay and watch. I chose to stay and joined Jax in the fun.

She loved playing with the dough and did a pretty good job tossing and stretching it. She may just have a future as a pizza chef!

The best part, of course, was making her own pizza. The kids get to make the pizza to their own liking and Jax wanted hers in a star shape, topped with cheese, pepperoni and black olives. She was so proud of her masterpiece, as were all the other kids with their pizza creations.

Sardella’s Pizza Camp was the perfect way to beat the summer heat and spend a fun morning playing with our food! We had such a fun morning and now I am considering signing up Jax’s Daisy Troupe for a private pizza camp.

For details click here: Sardella’s Pizza Camp. 

Disclaimer: We enjoyed Sardella’s Pizza Camp free of charge to help facilitate this write up. As usual, all opinions are entirely my own. 

I have to start this post with a HUGE thank you to the folks at Westin Kierland Resort and Spa and their awesome FUN Team, especially Scott Davidson, Captain Fun, himself.

If you know me, or have been following my blog for any time, you likely know that I always go all out to make Jacquelyn’s birthday parties special. But this one, her 6th birthday party, can never, ever be topped.

It was epic.

The idea for Jax’s Cabana Jam started last year during our family staycation. We saw a birthday party happening on the lawn by the pool and my rotors started turning. Jax was enthralled; she had already proclaimed the Westin Kierland as her “favorite place in all the solar system” so the idea of having a party there had her counting the days until she turned six (she had just turned 5).

I started working with Scott months in advance to secure the space I wanted. Since her birthday is in July a pool party was a must. Westin Kierland’s pool has a great lawn area to host parties, cabanas and two private areas along the lazy river. We opted for Paradise Point, a secluded area adjacent to the water slide with it’s own little “lagoon” area in the lazy river where guests could swim and cool off.

Scott worked with me on every detail, from food and party activities to decor and flow. He was attentive and assured me everything would be perfect for my little girl’s special day. And it was! Everything was amazing and with the exception of a hospitable tour to pick the party site, a few phone calls and frequent email exchanges I didn’t have to do a thing. Scott and his fab FUN Team did everything.

I was welcome to bring my own party decor but I didn’t see the need. The pool area is lush and beautiful and the FUN Team added balloons for a festive vibe. I brought some tiki/pineapple/palm tree cups  (purchased from The Dollar Tree) for the kids but that was it. Everything else was worked through in advance.

The day of the party went off with a hitch. We headed down to Paradise Point about 20 minutes before start time so we could check it out and be there as guests started to arrive. I was blown away with how great the area looked. We were welcomed by an enthusiastic dedicated party host and were introduced to our private server and attendants for the day. Jax felt very special.

Since this was a pool party with a lazy river, water slides, and a huge, refreshing sparkling pool at our guests disposal, I kept food simple, portable and kid-friendly. Scott helped me choose the right amount of food for the number of guests attending. We ordered some pizzas and chicken finger baskets which we had served family style.

Our guests had a fabulous time, racing down the water slide, lounging in the lazy river and splashing in the pool. The Adventure Pool complex is one of our favorite resort pools, it’s nice and cool, very clean and sparkling and perfect on a hot Arizona summer day.

Everything about Jax’s party was perfection, and a big highlight was the kid’s craft/activity, Stuff-a-Buddy! Kids got to pick out a new friend and stuff it themselves, making it as cuddly as they wanted. The FUN Team provided lots of choices, pink unicorns, pandas, dragons, bunnies, piggies, leopards and more! This activity is actually available regularly at The OK Corral for resort guests and was an add-on for Jax’s party. It was a hit!

The kids had a blast picking out a soft, new friend and stuffing it. There were so many smiles and squeals of delight. Stuff-a-Buddy served two-fold, it was a fun activity for the kids and made for a memorable party favor!

Every birthday party at the Westin Kierland comes with a custom cake created by the resorts own pastry chef. I worked with Scott to pick the cake flavor and look. Together we chose a marble cake with white chocolate mousse filling, covered in rich chocolate ganache and decorated to fit the Cabana Jam theme. It was everything I had hoped for in appearance and most importantly, taste! And it was HUGE, we had more than enough cake for everyone to have a slice and lots to take home.

The cake was moist and flavorful and the ganache that enrobed it was adorned with fondant and modeling chocolate details like a surf hut and loungers, sand made from graham cracker crumbs and a surfboard sugar cookie. This cake was EVERYTHING!

One HUGE perk go having the party at the Westin Kierland was that our guests were welcomed to use the pool ALL day, even after the party was over. Paradise Point was ours for the day and guests could use it as a “home base” while they swam and enjoyed the amenities.

This was great because families were able to make an entire day of it and a few even made a night of it too, by booking an overnight stay.

Nothing could dampen that incredible day. Not even the summer monsoon that blew through bringing high winds and lightening. For safety reasons the pool had to be evacuated until the storm had passed. At that time the party was slowing down and a few guests had already left. But Scott and the FUN Team invited those of us that were still there to move the party to the safety of the resort’s Kids Club. We grabbed the leftover pizza and headed over. The kids had a dance party, played video games and colored while the adults mingled and snacked. After an hour or so we were back in the pool and there about a dozen of us stayed until the pool closed at 8pm.

I will never, ever be able to top Jax’s 6th birthday Cabana Jam! Sorry, baby girl, you’ve peaked when it comes to your birthday parties.

We made an entire celebratory weekend out of the party and The Westin Kierland team made our stay one with memories to last a lifetime. The kind gentlemen at the front drive had cookies delivered to our room upon learning we were celebrating a birthday. The room itself was cozy with a fabulous view. The pool staff was attentive and prompt.

After the party, exhausted and water logged we arrived back to our room to find that the FUN Team had  decorated our room, leaving a balloon bouquet and colorful messages scrawled on the mirrors. It was a special surprise, very touching and it left me overwhelmed with emotion (and Jax with excitement) that everyone had gone out of their way to make our stay and our little girl’s party so memorable.

If you are interested in hosting a FUN party at The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa contact Scott Davidson at 480-624-1262 or email Scott.Davidson@westin.com. Tell him I referred you!

You can customize a party for any occasion, anytime of year! Tell Scott what you are thinking, give him your budget and he will bring your visions to life.

Thank you so much to The Westin Kierland and the FUN Team for all that you did to make Jacquelyn’s party and our family stay so special.

And THANK YOU Scott, my co-husband for the past 6 months. You are such a gem. I am a type-A control freak when it comes to pretty much everything, especially party planning. You made every aspect of this experience so enjoyable with your easy-going, pleasing ways. The party exceeded every expectation I had. THANK YOU!!