If you follow me on Instagram then you know that we are big fans of Zuzu, the restaurant at Hotel Valley Ho. We visit regularly for lunch and always order their mind-blowing Show Stopper Shakes. Jax looks forward to the outing every month. And every month she begs to stay at the hotel, it was at the top of her bucket list, right above becoming a mermaid and just below meeting Taylor Swift.

A few weeks ago she was finally able to check that off the list. And our stay did not disappoint her…or me. It was everything we both hoped it would be — comfortable, a little swanky and full of mid-century modern charm.

Every detail was perfect from the outstanding service to our awesome room. We got a Tower Suite and our only complaint was we were only there for one night and not an entire week.

The tower suites are basically a swanky mid-century modern condo, spacious and outfitted of everything you need for a perfectly pampered stay. There was an audible gasp from me and Jax when we opened the door and walked into a huge kitchen – fully stocked – full sized appliances, pots, pans, dishes, silverware, serving dishes, gizmos, gadgets and everything a gourmet kitchen would have. Floor to ceiling windows offered sweeping views of Scottsdale and we enjoyed spending time on the huge balcony. The living room was nice and the bedroom area was super comfortable. The bathroom was very large and featured a walk-in closet, a full-size washer and dryer and a pretty cool shower. For some reason my child loves hotel/resort showers and she said this one was one of the best.

We spent the entire day relaxing at the pool and enjoyed every second. On weekends Hotel Valley Ho has a DJ at The OH pool and it creates an exciting pool party vibe. We had lunch and lounged our day away. It was such a nice and relaxing stay and we look forward to visiting again soon!

And if you want to visit you can get 20% off your stay, a free room upgrade and a welcome amenity using code YAYBABY at checkout when you book online.

Hotel Valley Ho is located inside the 6850 E. Main Street, Scottsdale AZ 85253. Book your stay at www.hotelvalleyho.com.

We enjoyed a complimentary stay at the Valley Ho in exchange for this post. All opinions are entirely my own. 

If you have followed me here or on social media for any amount of time you know we LOVE The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The resort is truly one of our favorite places in town. We enjoy family staycations and relaxing at one of their many great pools. We love celebrating special occasions at Toro or La Hacienda, two of the properties’s restaurants. And most of all we  look forward to attending The Princess’s events. There is nothing quite like a Princess event where the theme is carried out in everything from the decor to the food, from the activities to the treatments offered in the resort’s spa. They think of everything making the Princess an ideal place to create memories.

New this year is Winter at The Princess, and it is amazing. It takes all the magic you would expect from a Princess event and exceeds it in every way. There is so much to see, so much to do, so much to explore, so much fun to be had! Kids of all ages are sure to have the time of their lives. There is a giant gondola-style ferris wheel, an ice maze, a giant ice slide, two ice skating areas, axe throwing (my favorite), a rock climbing wall fire pits, and live music! With all the creative and unique details there are photo opps everywhere, look for the snow mobile, the giant mountain summit on the plaza, the friendly moose, the snowboard benches and the ski lift, all perfect for selfies and family pics!

There’s also a Kids Village with rides for younger kids to enjoy, like swings, a carnival slide, spinning bears and dragon swing, we spent a good portion of our evening at the Kids Village, with Jax running from ride to ride. It made us so happy to see her joy. She also really loved skating the Alpine Trail, an ice skating experience that meanders around the ice slide and private igloos.

My Jax proclaimed our evening at Winter at The Princess the “best night of her life!”

If you haven’t ben yet, I highly suggest you plan your visit soon. Winter at The Princess runs Wednesdays-Sundays through March 21, 2021. Don’t miss the cool fun.

Click here for all the details. 

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

Looking for a fun day trip that is fun for the entire family? Look no further than Tortilla Flat, Arizona.

I am Arizona born and raised and all my life I’ve heard about this little place called Tortilla Flat but had never visited and never quite knew exactly what it was. That changed last weekend when my family and I made the hour and a half drive to learn and explore. Tortilla Flat is a small unincorporated community in eastern Maricopa County, northeast of Apache Junction. It boasts a population of six residents and is the last surviving stagecoach stop along the Apache Trail.

A visit will afford you a lesson in Arizona history and absolutely breathtaking views of the rugged desert landscape.

The drive from our home in the northwest part of town took just under 90 minutes, the last half hour or so were on a winding road that curved through desert cliffs past Canyon Lake. It was a white knuckle drive but the scenery was absolutely stunning.

The town has a restaurant and saloon and upon our arrival we were ready for lunch. They require masks and limit capacity to allow for social distancing. The service was attentive and the food was great, exactly what you would expect to find in a western town – burgers, chili, sandwiches and such.

We started our meal with nachos and they were generously portioned and hit the spot. My husband had a burger and I opted for a chicken sandwich both were delicious and came served with piping hot, extra crispy fries. It was a great lunch that gave us energy to explore the cute little western town.

After lunch we met up with Tortilla Flat expert/owner, Chris for tour. He was a gracious host and a wealth of knowledge. Tortilla Flat is a self-sustained community perched within the mountains. It was an instrumental part in the construction of the Roosevelt Dam, serving as a stagecoach stop for freight haulers on their way to the construction site of the dam.

In addition to the restaurant there is a mercantile selling gifts and art from local artisans, a candy store that sells sundries, sodas, ice cream and fudge, a tiny school house museum and a barbecue patio with live band. We took advantage of the sunshine and cool breeze and enjoyed some ice cream soaking up the scenery and climate.

We spent a hours enjoying all that Tortilla Flat has to offer before heading out. We stopped at one of the recreational areas at Canyon Lake and enjoyed the serene setting before heading home. It was a great day and my family loved our visit.

There are numerous hiking trails, plus Canyon Lake is close by so you could easily make a full day out of a visit to the area. It’s definitely worth a visit, kids and adults are sure to enjoy it and it’s the perfect place to take out of town guests for a slice of Arizona history!

Before the Covid lockdown hit back in March, my family had plans to visit Medieval Times in Scottsdale. We were kicking off Spring Break with the feasting and merriment and we were so excited. Then just two days before our scheduled visit, we were notified the castle had to close due to the pandemic. While I really appreciated their initiative to keep their staff and guests safe and healthy, you can only imagine our extreme disappointment.

We counted down the days all spring and summer and our visit as soon as Medieval Times opened gave us a little bit of hope during those long, boring lockdown days.

Finally! It happened Medieval Times in Scottsdale re-opened and we couldn’t wait to get there. And they are going above and beyond all expectations to make sure everyone stays safe and still has a fabulous time. We certainly did!

My family has been particularly careful and cautious during these times. We are not going out as often as we sued to and we are very selective about the places we do visit. I definitely did my research about the precautions Medieval Times were taking and felt comfortable that they were taking safety and health seriously. The measure they have put in place really impressed me!

Before entering the castle everyone must have their temperature checked. Once cleared to enter you’re welcomed into festive fanfare!

Social distancing is important and everyone from guests to staff were mindful of respecting the guidelines. There is also hand sanitizer all around and the staff wears both masks and safety shields.

Tables to enjoy drinks and relax before the show are spaced out. Guests are invited to enter the arena by their seating areas to avoid crowding and guests are seated with their own groups with a minimum of six feet apart from other guests. Masks are mandatory until you are seated in the arena and anytime you leave your seats.

My family felt safe from the moment we arrived until we left. All the safety measures and precautions were so appreciated and allowed us to relax and enjoy our visit.

The show was very entertaining. A pageantry of gorgeous horses, a falcon soaring, a friendly, competitive joust and a little drama for some extra flair. Our daughter and her friend loved every second and it was good to see them enjoying themselves being kids and having fun.

The feast was surprisingly delicious! Sanitizing wipes are provided in the places settings so you can clean up before you dig in. The first course was a steamy bowl of tomato soup served with garlic toast. The main course included a half of a juicy roasted chicken, seasoned roasted potato half and a buttery cob of corn. Everything was delicious and fun to eat because there are no utensils! Guests slurp the soup right out of the bowl and tear into the chicken with their fingers. It’s messy but all part of the experience! Don’t worry because more wipes are provided as well as a warm moist towelette. After you clean up a cup or ice cream with caramel sauce is delivered and for that you do get a spoon. It was a sweet treat to a great meal!

If you’re planning a visit to Medieval Times rest assured they are doing it right and keeping everyone safe. My family had such a great time and look forward to visiting again.

Thank you Medieval times for caring about your staff and the community.

Medieval Times Scottsdale is located at 9051 East Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Disclaimer: My family received a complimentary visit to Medieval Times in exchange for this post. All opinions are entirely my own. 

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. 

Giordano’s has fast become my family’s go-to for awesome apps, excellent pizza and a great time out. We love the casual vibe, laid back ambiance and neighborhood feel; and the variety ensures there is something for everyone on the menu.

Recently, Giordano’s added a few new items to the menu and all are sure to please.

One crowd-pleaser is the Spinach Artichoke Dip with Toasted Ravioli. The creative folks at Giordano’s have taken two familiar small-plates and combined them into one epic appetizer! The spinach artichoke dip is full of fresh spinach, artichokes, herbs and cheese and unlike most spin dips it isn’t overly rich and creamy. I love the addition of toasted raviolis for dipping instead of the usual chips. The ravs come out piping hot, perfectly crispy and filled with a savory mix of spinach and herbs. It’s a creative, yet familiar appetizer that will get any meal started out with a bang!

Also new to the appetizer menu are the Parmesan Breadsticks, made with Giordano’s famous pizza dough and encased in a savory crust of parmesan cheese. Served with a side of garlicky ranch dip, these breadsticks were crispy, flaky and absolutely delicious. They would make a great accompaniment to any of Giordano’s pasta dishes or salads!

An if those Parmesan Breadsticks sound delightful, get a load of Giordano’s new Parmesan Crusted Pan Pizzas! All I can say about these new pies is, wow – JUST WOW!! Imagine Giordano’s famous deep dish in a mash up with their excellent thin crust pizzas. The Parmesan Crusted Pan Pizzas are the best of both worlds, a pan pizza, with a high, flaky, cheesey crust loaded with toppings and just the right amount of cheese. You can build your own or choose from Margherita, Spinach Mushroom Alfredo or Double Pepperoni. We opted for the latter and man, it was incredible – YUM!

One of my favorite new dishes on the menu is the Chicken Pomodoro pasta. It’s a hearty dish of seasoned grilled chicken breast atop a bed of al dente spaghetti with baby heirloom tomatoes, fresh spinach tossed in olive oil and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese. The dish was well-seasoned, the chicken juicy and tender and the sauce created by the olive oil and fresh veg was perfect for sopping up with one of those parmesan breadsticks! This is a not-to-be-missed menu item.

Like I said, Giordano’s is a family favorite and on regular rotation when we eat out and now they’ve added more reasons we love them! Giordano’s is always worth a visit.

Plus, they serve the best Skillet Cookie I have ever had. It’s pretty much my favorite dessert and theirs is the best!!

Disclaimer: We enjoyed a complimentary meal at Giordano’s to sample the new menu items in exchange for this post. All opinions are entirely my own. 

Linda Searles & Don Coyote. Photo courtesy of SWCC.

It all started with an orphaned baby coyote, a distraught farmer and a woman with a kind heart and a love for all living things. Back in the early 90’s a farmer accidentally ran over a coyote den leaving one newly born surviving cub. The farmer tried desperately to find someone to care for the pup and fate led him to Diane Searles. Searles took in the baby coyote, and named him, Don. At the time there were no vets who would care for injured or orphaned coyotes and Searles saw an immediate need for a rehabilitation center specializing in the care of the wild mammals of the area.

She purchased 10 acres in northeast Scottsdale and Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center (SWCC) was born. Don lived a long life at SWCC and served as the center’s ambassador. Now almost 30 years since that orphaned pup and Searles met, SWCC has given aide to countless other orphaned, injured and displaced mammals, including other coyotes, bears, bobcats, mountain lions, foxes, skunks and much more! Many live at the center for the remainder of their lives, unable to ever be released, but most are rehabilitated at SWCC and returned to the wild.

Over the summer Jax and I visited some of the animals at SWCC and are eager to help spread the word about the center’s fabulous mission. We were only permitted to see the animals who are living at the facility and will not be released. Since they are not going back to the wild human contact is ok for them. We saw coyotes, bears, bob cats (my favorites), foxes, a giant tortoise (Jax’s favorite) deer, wolves, and more. We even saw a jaguar/leopard cross-breed, named Leonardo.

While most of the animals at the center are indigenous to the region, there have been times when SWCC has taken in exotic and non-native animals until a more suitable place can be found for them.

We visited in June when a huge wildfire was ravaging part of our state, displacing thousands of animals. Many of those animals were brought to SWCC. The rehab area is kept separate from any areas where visitors can go and the animals there have pretty much no human contact, not even with staff; this ensures they can be safely released when the time comes.

Our visit was educational and informative. Robyn, our tour guide was a wealth of knowledge and answered all of our questions thoroughly, explaining things in a way that Jax could understand.

SWCC hosts Walk with Wildlife Tours a few days a week, as well as monthly Full Moon Tours, where guests get to explore in the dark under the light of the full moon; both tours are guided, the Full Moon Tour includes light refreshments. Click here for details. Special events include Howl-a-Ween and Happy Howlidays Parties and guest speakers. Proceeds from tours and events go directly to the care of the animals at SWCC.

I was so impressed with the mission of SWCC and Jax really loved our tour. We both left with a newfound respect and appreciation for the wildlife in our state.

 Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is a 501(c)(3) and relies on volunteers and donations from the public. Click here to find out how you can help. 

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is located at 27026 N. 156th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85262.

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. 

Last month during the peak heat of the Arizona summer my family headed west to San Diego. It was a two week respite from the triple digit heat spent basking in the cool sea breezes. We packed as much as we could into our vacation but the highlight was our visit to SeaWorld San Diego. 

This was our second visit to SeaWorld as a family and better than the last! Jax is now seven years-old and tall enough for most of the rides and old enough to appreciate and understand the mission of SeaWorld. We all left happy, entertained, exhausted and inspired to make more conscious efforts to do our part in saving the planet’s oceans and marine life.

Jax and I loved Journey to Atlantis, the roller coaster with a steep dive guaranteed to leave you drenched and sharp turns that will leave you breathless. So much fun! We walked away dripping wet and doubled over with laughter and ran back in to the line for a second go!

This year we did the All Day Dining Deal, and what a deal it is! If you plan on eating in the park at all, this is the way to go. The All Day Dining Deal includes an entree, side or dessert and a drink, every hour from open until close for 39.99/adult and $19.99/child. After one meal and a round of drinks for my family of three, the deal pretty much paid for itself. We took full advantage and sampled our way through the park’s eateries.

We worked off all that food by exploring every end of SeaWorld. We took in rides and shows, played midway games and shopped. It was a perfect day!

Right now SeaWorld is offering some pretty sweet savings with their End of Summer Sale. How does Buy one day, get a second day free sound! There was so much we missed during our visit (like Orca Encounters show, and the Manta roller coaster) that a second day would have been fabulous!

Hurry and get your tickets today – the sale ends August 11, 2019.

Disclaimer: I received media passes for complimentary entry to SeaWorld 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.

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.