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. 

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.

Easter 2019 is one for the books starting with a magical morning spent at The Omni Montelucia for Breakfast with the Bunny!

This is the second year we’ve spent the day before Easter enjoying a bountiful breakfast on the stunning and serene grounds of the majestic resort. We look forward to making this an annual occasion.

The breakfast buffet is plentiful with a variety of options including eggs, bacon, hash brown, pastries, crepes and several dessert options. Everything was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented.

After breakfast, Jax moved on to cookie decorating. Crisp sugar cookies with golden edges were set out with bags of pastel-hued frosting and bowls of candy. It was very cute watching the kids, deep in concentration, meticulously creating edible works of Easter art. Jax brought home a couple frosted confections piled high with sweets.

Of course the highlight of Easter is the egg hunt. The Omni Montelucia hosts one every hour during breakfast. Hundreds of eggs are strewn about the lawn and the kids are set free to snatch up the loot. Now egg hunts can become a free-for-all and full of chaos, but the eggs hunts at this resort are organized and contained, the kids had a great time and each walked away with dozens of candy-filled eggs.

One of the reasons I absolutely love Breakfast with The Bunny at The Omni Montelucia is all the time the kids get to spend with The Bunny. There wasn’t long lines for pictures, and that is such a plus, in my opinion. The Bunny was on hand for all the egg hunts and present throughout the event. It was pure magic for my little girl, for her nothing beats an approachable, available bunny. We got plenty of photos to remember this special morning!

Easter 2020 is on April 12 and you better believe Jax and I will be at The Omni Montelucia for Breakfast with the Bunny the day before. We can’t wait.

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

Disclaimer: Jax and I enjoyed Breakfast with the Bunny at The Omni Montelucia free of charge in exchange for this post. All opinions are entirely my own. 

Great news! Breakfast with the Bunny is returning to the Omni Scottsdale Resort at Montelucia on Saturday, April 20, 2019!

Last year, Jax and I enjoyed this beautiful and bountiful brunch set amongst the breathtaking scenery of the resort. The brunch was held outdoors on the lush lawn and every table was smartly dressed for the occasion. The buffet included traditional breakfast items like bacon, eggs, sausage, French toast and more.

After breakfast Jax decorated sugar cookies and made fun Easter crafts before heading over to the Easter Egg Hunt. It was a great spring morning!

One of my favorite things about this Easter brunch is the intimate feel it provides, allowing for an enjoyable holiday celebration with lots of interaction with the Easter Bunny for the kids.

And in comparison to other Easter Bunny Brunches at luxury resorts around town, the Montelucia’s Bunny Breakfast is more affordable at only $60 for adults and $35 for kids (ages 3-12 years). But there is still all the festive fun, delicious food,  great activities, beautiful scenery and 5-star hospitality!

Check out the scenes from last year and then hurry up and make your reservations for this year’s Bunny Breakfast at the Omni Montelucia. Just like last year it will be held the day before Easter on Saturday, April 20 with seatings from 9 a.m.-noon. Hop to it! Call (480) 627-3039 for reservations.

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

Disclaimer: Jax and I will be attending Breakfast with the Bunny at the Omni Montelucia free of charge in exchange for this post. All opinions are entirely my own. 

Eight years ago on a cold, windy wet day I vowed my forever to Timothy Karl Fuchs. Nothing before that day or after in our relationship has been easy.

On the last day of August 2010 Tim proposed to me. After six years together I often wondered if that day would ever come. But it did come, during a time when we were both at an emotional and mental low, reeling from a traumatic loss. But with that question and the sparkling ring came a glimmer of hope.

I said “yes.” And in the five months that followed pain turned into planning. Grief took a back seat to the joy and chaos of planning a wedding. It was just the distraction we needed, we healed.

It wasn’t easy, but we made it through.

And we’ve made it through eight years of more mess and more chaos laced with laughter and life. Our life, our never dull, never easy life.

There is a line in a song, an Eminem sing, no less, that fits Tim and I too a T.

“That’s what happens when a tornado meets a volcano.” — That’s us, not the physical explosiveness but the volatility of us.

I’m the tornado — always rushing, always loud, always all over the place, bursting and raucous and intrusive. He is the volcano — intense and brooding, dormant until he isn’t…

Two explosive souls. One memorable life. That’s us.

Sometimes it doesn’t seem normal or healthy but it’s our normal and we are strong. If anything, we are stubborn and we make it work. Every time we make it work.

It rained on our wedding day eight years ago. The sun came out an hour before I walked down the aisle. We said our vows in the wet, cold desert with the wind whipping my veil, our friends and family shivering. It turned out to be a beautiful ceremony despite the chill. The rain came back just as we went inside for dinner, we toasted and celebrated to the serenade of raindrops beating the surrounding landscape. It all worked out. Somehow it always does…

It’s never boring, and sometimes it seems too damn hard..but it is always worth it.

…………………………………

To Timothy, I love you for so many reasons, for your extreme generosity, for your protective nature, for the way you love me and Jax, I could go on and on…but mostly I love you for your willingness to put up with me.

We are both totally different than the day we met, and different still from our wedding day and we’ve done that to each and for each other; constantly adapting to make our life together work out. But I love who I am and I love who you are. I wouldn’t trade these past 8 years as your wife for all the promises in the world. The only promise I need or want is the promise of us, of our little family.

I love us — Volcano, Tornado and the force of nature we created out of love, Jax. Forever.

Late last year I had the incredible experience of filming two segments for the TV Show, Creative Living. I’ve been wanting to do more TV and the best part of doing this is one of my dearest, best friends is the host, Jane Monzures.

I have known Jane all of my adult life. I met her when I had just turned 20 years old, young, naive and in awe of her rock-star coolness. She was my boss when I worked in the promotions department of a local radio station. Her larger than life personality kind of took my breath away. I’d never met anyone like her – loud, confident, direct and the prettiest woman I had ever seen in person. She was a whip-cracker, always pushing her team to go above and beyond, even on the smallest of details. To date I count her as one of the strongest influences on my life. Angel, without having met Jane, would be a completely different Angel, of that I am positive.

I love her. And I loved filming this segment with her. I worked on creating a few five ingredient appetizers, perfect for entertaining. They are simple, and delicious made with minimal prep and help from the grocery store.

1. Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs
2. Chicken Caesar Salad Crostini
3. Pollo Fundido Wontons
4. Grilled Cheese Cigars with Tomato Soup Shooters

Check out the segment: https://www.yurview.com/shows/creative-living/holiday-party-ideas/

Recipes below…

Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs (makes 12)

Ingredients:

• 6 large hard boiled eggs, peeled and halved
• 2 tablespoons minced smoked salmon
• 1 tablespoon capers and brine
• 4 oz softened cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon Everything Bagel Seasoning
• dash of salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Separate yolks from whites, set whites aside and add yolks to medium sized mixing bowl
2. With a hand mixer mix together yolks, cream cheese and brine from capers until smooth and creamy. If too thick add a little more brine or a bit of water. Consstentchy should be like frosting.
3. Once at right consistency add minced salmon and everything bagel seasoning. Mix until well combined.
4. Put mixture into a gallon sized zip top bag and seal. Move it all to corner.
5. Snip off tip of bag and pipe into egg whites.
6. Garnish with a bit of salmon and/or caper.
7. Chill until ready to serve.

……………………………..

Chicken Caesar Salad Crostini (makes 12 crostini)

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups of rotisserie chicken, shredded
• ½ cup prepared caesar dressing
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 12 baguette slices
• Olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Brush oil on both sides of baguette slices and line on baking sheets.
3. Bake for 5 minutes, or until slightly golden browned, then flip and bake an additional 3-5 minutes until golden browned.
4. While bread is baking, combine chicken, dressing and cheese in a medium mixing bow.
5. Dollop a heaping spoonful on each crostini and garnish with parmesan cheese.

**Alternative serving – use lettuce leaves instead of crostini for a lighter bite.

……………………………..

Pollo Fundido Wontons (makes 24 wontons)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded Rotisserie chicken
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ brick softened cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons minced jalapeno
• 24 wonton wrappers

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375
2. Combine first 4 ingredients together in a mixing bowl
3. Drop a heaping teaspoon full of chicken mixture onto each wonton wrapper.
4. Dip finger into water and moisten 2 adjacent edges of wontop wrapper. Folder over diagonally to create a triangular shape. Press edges together to seal.
5. Line a baking sheet with the wontons and bake on one side for 5 minues.
6. Flip and make on oppostie side additional 3-5 minutes until golden browned.
7. Serve.

……………………………..

Grilled Cheese Cigars with Creamy Tomato Soup Shooters (Makes 12 shooters)

Ingredients:

• 1 box of store bought tomato soup
• 12 slices of white sandwich bread
• 12 slices American cheee singles
• 1 stick of butter, softened
• ½ cup of heavy cream

Directions:

1. Cut crusts of each slice of bread.
2. Using a rolling pin, flatten out each slice of bread.
3. Generously Butter 1 side of each slice of bread
4. Add 1 slice of cheese to non-buttered side and gently roll into a cigar shape.
5. Grill on medium low heat until golden brown, roll on pan to brown all sides of sandwich cigar
6. Set sandwich cigars aside.
7. In large sauce pan simmer tomato soup with the cream and remaining butter. Simmer until hot and bubbly.
8. Serve soup in shot glasses with grilled cheese cigars atop.

All the wonder and merriment of my family’s favorite holiday tradition has returned – Christmas at The Princess! 

There are many holiday activities around town this year, but nobody does Christmas quite like the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, from a spectacular lights display to a ferris wheel all aglow, there is much to behold and experience.

Last week my family had the pleasure of attending the VIP Tree Lighting and got a sneak peek of S’moresland and as usual The Princess pulled out all the stops spreading holiday cheer and the magic of the season.

This is the ninth year of Christmas at The Princess and it seems like each year it gets better and better. You can ride on the Princess Express that meanders across the vast resort property past the lagoon set alight with over 250,000 lights, then head over to S’moresland and hit the ice slide a few times. Then warm up by one of the fire pits and take the magic in. And once again, Build-a-Bear has set up a full-service shop where kids can stuff, and dress a new best friend to take home (good one, Princess).

Make a night of the festivities while giving back to the community. Once again The Christmas at the Princess festival offers several ways to support the community through Cox Charities and this year’s recipient, the #LoveUp Foundation, is a non-profit organization created by radio personalities Johnjay and Rich,  dedicated to spreading love, kindness and support to children living in the foster care system. A portion of proceeds from the Princess #LoveUp vacation package will benefit #LoveUp. It’s a great way to experience Christmas at the Princess and give back to the community! The package includes overnight accommodations with a $25 daily resort credit, 10% off daily rate, express VIP access to the rides and a Love Up lunchbox with a s’mores kit for four. Prices start from $199 per room, per night, plus taxes and resort fees. $10 per day benefits the #LoveUp Foundation.

Christmas at The Princess runs through December 31 and if you’ve never been this is the season to make this your new family tradition!

And there is so much more happening at The Princess during the holiday season. For details on admission and more info on other happenings during Christmas at The Princess click here. 

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is located at 7575 East Princess Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85255

In honor of the Downtown Phoenix Oktoberfest happening, Saturday, October 6, I thought it would be fun to share some facts about this German tradition. There is, after all, more to the celebration than brats and beer!

Did You Know…

The first Oktoberfest was a communal celebration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) of Bavaria and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It was held just outside Munich and attended by both royalty and citizens. The epic event started on Oct. 12, 1810, and lasted five days. The festival grounds were named Theresienwiese, or Therese’s Meadow.

The festival became an annual event, a celebration of autumn, harvest and agriculture. The timing was perfect for tapping that year’s locally brewed Märzen—still a dark beer, suitably aged and in prime condition for fall consumption.

By the 1870s, Josef Sedlmayr, Gabriel II’s brother and brewer at Franziskaner (today part of Spaten) was keen to the changing landscape, noting that lighter beers were becoming quite popular. The Sedlmayrs were among the most prominent brewers in Munich, and the penchant for tinkering was apparently an inherited trait. Josef got busy working on a Vienna-style lagerbier, finally hitting his mark and rigorous standards in 1871. He brewed it the following March and introduced it in 1872.

It was poured in the Schottenhamel Banquet Tent by Michael Schottenhamel, a carpenter from the Palatinate who erected a small barn on the Theresienwiese in 1867. Called Franziskaner-Leistbrauerei Ur-Märzen (original Märzen), it was pricey, but sold like crazy. The newly stylized beer was hastily copied by other Oktoberfest brewers and soon enough became the event’s signature brew.

Well, there you have it folks, all you needed to know about how Oktoberfest came to be! So now that you know all this I bet you can’t wait to celebrate, so get your tickets to Downtown Phoenix Oktoberfest now! Click here for details.

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!!

Happy birthday my dazzling girl, my sparkling Jacquelyn. Today you are six years old!

I am in awe of you, sweet girl. From your radiant smile to your kind heart, it doesn’t get any better than you.

You make my heart burst with pride; so on this day, your 6th birthday, here are 6 things that make me proud to be your mommy…

I’m proud that you’re eager to learn, inquisitive and intelligent.
I’m proud of your confidence and strong sense of self — you’re going places, I’m sure of it.
I’m proud of your kindness and your inclusive nature.
I’m proud of your happiness — it tells me that I must be doing something right.
I’m proud of your beauty, you are so lovely and you take my breath away.
I’m proud of your moxie, you’re as tenacious as they come.

You blow me away and I’m so thankful you are mine.  I love being your mommy. Thank you for all that you bring to my world — so much beauty, laughter and infinite joy. You are as close to perfection as I will ever get.

Happy 6th birthday, Jacquelyn Gloria Elaine Fuchs! I love you the most and I love you the best.

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is unfurling its 8th annual 4th of July Freedom Fest, featuring six nights of fireworks, three concerts, a vintage air show, all-American fare, military tributes and poolside fun, with vacation packages benefitting military families, June 29 – July 4, 2018. While celebrating America’s birthday, the Princess is also celebrating the “Best. Summer. Ever.” with family-friendly festivities and share-worthy moments every weekend through Labor Day.

Saluting Heroes & Vintage Air Shows
Saluting America’s heroes, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess will host an air show with the Falcon Warbirds on July 4, where 30 vintage military aircraft from World War II, Korea and Vietnam will fly over the resort, piloted by retired veterans. The air show concludes with a military parachutist from the All Veterans Parachute Team soaring through the skies and landing with American and military flags. Miniature flags will be provided to guests on the ground to cheer on the crews. At the Trailblazers Kids Club, veterans will meet with kid campers.

Fairmont Freedom Fest Tribute Concerts & Fireworks
Revelers can dance and celebrate with live music under the stars on the Princess Lagoon Lawn at the Freedom Fest tribute concerts. Complete with a patriotic introduction and fireworks intermission, these performances are complimentary for overnight guests or those dining in La Hacienda, Bourbon Steak, Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar or Ironwood American Kitchen.

Friday, June 29 – Wednesday, July 4

• 9 pm: Fireworks Show

Monday, July 2

• 7:45 pm Concert seating on the Lagoon Lawn for hotel & restaurant guests
• Kids Pre-Show with Grammy award-winning Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
• 8:15 pm National Anthem and special military programming
• 8:30 pm The Spazmatics – As self-proclaimed “nerds who rock,” this ’80s New Wave cover band of geeks are high-energy and sure to “blind you with science” and make you party like it’s “1999,” when, really, it was more like 1982.
• 9 pm Fireworks Intermission
• 9:15 pm Spazmatics concert resumes

Tuesday, July 3

• 7:45 pm Concert seating on the Lagoon Lawn for hotel & restaurant guests
• Kids Pre-Show with Grammy award-winning Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
• 8:15 pm National Anthem and special military programming
• 8:30 pm Uptown Funk – A Bruno Mars tribute band performing his top hits, capturing the full essence and the exciting signature style of this versatile funk and R&B artist
• 9 pm Fireworks Intermission
• 9:15 pm Uptown Funk concert resumes

Wednesday, July 4

• 4:45 pm Vintage Air Show, best viewed from Princess Pool & Lagoons
• 7:45 pm Concert seating on the Lagoon Lawn for hotel & restaurant guests
• Kids Pre-Show with Grammy award-winning Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
• 8:15 pm National Anthem and special military programming
• 8:30 pm MJ Live – This Michael Jackson tribute band captures the electricity of the legendary superstar singing all the hits, with moonwalking moves and lighting effects sure to be a “Thriller.”
• 9 pm Fireworks Intermission
• 9:15 pm MJ Live concert resumes

Patriotic, Poolside!
Celebrating America, poolside is the place to be. Sunset Beach is the resort’s newest and largest pool with 830 tons of cool, sugar white sand, glamorous cabanas, swimming mermaids and sudsy new foam parties at the splash pad. At the Sonoran Splash pool complex, families can have a ball racing down 200-foot waterslides, while the Fun Team is on deck leading games with music from DJ Splash. Red, white and blue frozen drinks and watermelon eating contests round-out the fun. At night, the Sonoran Splash pool transforms into the H2/Glow Party, with fog, lasers and LED hula hoopers.

Around the resort, the Princess’ new Instagram Concierge offers tips for taking the best pics, guiding guests to any of six new summer art installations featuring giant popsicles, a “Catch of the Day” fishing display at the lagoons, an enormous Adirondack chair and a “Best. Summer. Ever.” mural, to name a few.

Freedom Fest Vacation Packages
The summer’s popular “Best. Summer. Ever.” vacation package includes a $50 daily resort credit that can be applied toward spa or dining, and a 20-minute session with the resort’s new Instagram Concierge. This vacation package starts from $179, plus taxes, parking and a daily $32 resort fee.
The 4th of July Freedom Fest VIP Gold Package offers a more exclusive experience and is ideal for couples. This package includes luxury accommodations in the newly-renovated Fairmont Gold Junior Suites, along with a patriotic welcome amenity, personalized bath products, complimentary daily breakfast and afternoon hors d’oeuvres in the Fairmont Gold Lounge, reserved VIP seating at the Freedom Fest concerts, complimentary access to Well & Being Spa and self-parking. This package is offered July 2-4, 2018 and starts from $379 per night plus taxes and daily resort fee.
A portion of the proceeds from Fairmont’s 4th of July Freedom Fest will benefit Friends of Freedom, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, active duty service members and their families.

For reservations, please call (480) 585-4848, toll-free at (866) 540-4495 or visit www.scottsdaleprincess.com.
The 4th of July Freedom Fest is one of Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ signature “Legacy Events,” a series of annual special events for the local community and resort guests including Christmas at the Princess, Summer at the Princess, Labor Day Dreamcation and Bunnyland at Easter brunch.

Last weekend Mario Lopez heated things up in Scottsdale during Cinco de Mario!

5,000 revelers celebrated Cinco at Scottsdale Civic Center. 8000 tacos were devoured and 12,000 margaritas were guzzled – now that sounds like a party. And lucky for us Cinco de Mario will return in 2019.

Take a look at the fun!

AC Slater, aka Mario Lopez was enjoying the party taking time for interviews and photos with attendees.

The Sugar Hill Gang delighted the masses with old-school hip-hop classics.

Tacos, tacos and more tacos! There were dozens and dozens of vendors selling delicious tacos like these beauties from Taco Cat.

And of course the margaritas were flowing! And cervezas, and tequila…there was even a Rosé tent!

Cinco de Mario was quite a fiesta! Stay tuned here for details on next year’s festivities.

Special thanks to Heather at Fork It Over AZ and to my new friend and winner of my VIP ticket giveaway, Lisa Morales, for the photos in this post.

Join Jax and I on Saturday, March 31 for breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. This is perfect way to extend Easter weekend if you’ve already made plans for Sunday.

Jax and I had the pleasure of dining with Santa at The Omni Montelucia last December and we loved the intimate feeling of the experience. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the resort promises the same whimsical magic with a full Easter buffet including delicious fruits, breads, farm-fresh scrambled eggs, French toast, smoked bacon, crispy hash browns, desserts and more. Plus, cookie decorating, meet & greet and photos with The Bunny, Easter egg hunt and Easter-themed arts & crafts for the kids.

The Easter Bunny Breakfast at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is Saturday, March 31 from 9am-12pm.  Adults are $50 and children ages 3-12 are $35. To make your reservations call or email Haley Hill at (480) 627-3111 or Haley.Hill@omnihotels.com.

Happy Easter!

Last year my family had the pleasure of enjoying Easter the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and like everything The Princess does, it was fabulous.

We can’t wait for the joy and festivities again this year!

There are so many precious details to make the holiday memorable and special for the little ones, including a lavish and delicious brunch presented by all four of the resort’s famed restaurants, Easter bunny photos and fun activities to keep adults and kids smiling. There will be train rides on the Bunny Express and egg hunts held every hour. New this year is the Build-A-Bear Pop-Up Workshop, plus games such as teapot cornhole, Pin the Grin on the Cheshire Cat and the Queen of Hearts hat toss.

Easter  Wonderland Brunch and Bunnyland at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess will be held Easter Sunday, April 1st from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The price for adults is $109 and $49 for children  6-12 years old, 5 and under dine for free with the purchase of an adult. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 480-585-2694.

Thank you to my friends at Chasing Fireflies for partnering with me on this post. As always all opinions are entirely my own. 

I have a confession to make — I am obsessed with curating the perfect wardrobe for my daughter, Jacquelyn. I can’t help it – I love dressing her and I love that even at 5 years-old she still lets me. Special occasions can get out of hand, sometimes I stress about the perfect outfit for parties, events and holidays. Thank goodness for Chasing Fireflies, and their AMAZING collection of high quality, fashionable clothing for every occasion. This Easter, thanks to Chasing Fireflies, Jax will be the most stylish child at the Easter egg hunt.

Click here to shop. 

Here are two of my top picks for Jacquelyn’s Easter outfits. 

Rose Lattice Dress

For a more formal spring celebration I am in love with the Girls Rose Lattice Dress. This dress is absolutely stunning and your little lady will feel like a princess in it. The details are precious, metallic embroidered vines and roses, sweet satin straps and sash and an attached bow so you don’t have to worry about your bow tying skills. Jacquelyn received so many compliments on this dress. It’s ethereal perfection and any little girl will adore it.

Juliet Lace Trim Dress

The Juliet Lace Trim Dress is perfect for a more casual Easter celebration. Like the Rose Lattice Dress, the details on this are fabulous. I’m dying over the embroidered lace embellishments on the sleeves and hem. It has a vintage feel with modern flourishes like the off-the-shoulder neckline and adjustable halter straps. This dress is so lovely, pair it with a pair of Girls Patent Leather Sandals in silver (which happen to be on clearance right now) for cool and fresh Spring ensemble.

Easter Pajamas

How about these adorable Easter pajamas? Chasing Fireflies has several styles to choose from for girls and boys. These jammies are comfortable and super soft. Jax wants to wear them every night. For an extra special touch you can have them personalized with your child’s name! What a  great gift for those precious wee ones in your life.

Choosing these Easter outfits and jammies was no simple task. Chasing Fireflies has so many gorgeous options to choose from. And the little guys won’t be left out either, there are plenty of duds for dapper dudes too.  What are you waiting for…get your shop on! Easter is only one month away. And don’t forget to use that promo code I shared for 20% off your entire purchase. Happy shopping! Happy Easter.