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. 

What makes an ideal dinner date night spot for you? For us it’s great food and cocktails, attentive service, and a warm, inviting vibe. Throw in a great view and the magic happens. All of that is what Hearth ’61 at the Mountain shadows Resort offers – all of that and more. Date nights are few and far between for Tim and me so when we get one, wherever we go has to check all the boxes.

Hearth ’61 did not disappoint.

We enjoyed the restaurant during a recent stay at the resort and had an incredible meal with a breathtaking view of Camelback Mountain. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect evening.

We started the evening off with a couple cocktails. Tim chose the Maple Manhattan, made with 3 Man Blend Bourbon, maple syrup, Carpano Antica and chocolate bitters. Whiskey isn’t my jam but he loved it.  The Apricot Vodka Sour was definitely my jam – just a hint of sweet and very refreshing made with Ketel One Vodka, apricot puree, lemon, turbinado syrup, aperol and orange bitters. With our cocktails we enjoyed the Spicy Queso and Guacamole with blue corn tortilla chips from the lounge menu. The queso dip had a kick and the guac was perfectly seasoned and tasted like it was freshly made.

For dinner Tim chose the burger, also from the bar menu. That’s a pretty basic choice but his burger tasted anything but basic. It was a thick and juicy patty cooked a perfect medium with crisp lettuce and tomato on a soft and buttery lightly toasted bun. I may have stolen a bite or two and I definitely stole a few of the hot, crispy fries that came with his burger.

My dinner was a work of art. The Niman Ranch Short Ribs served with roasted garlic polenta, pan jus, crispy Brussels and pomegranate arils. This beautiful dish was three of my very favorite things on one plate – short ribs, polenta and Brussels sprouts! The short ribs fell apart with just a touch of my fork, the pan jus was savory, well seasoned and kept the meat luscious and moist, the polenta was smooth and creamy and the Brussels were perfectly cooked with charred edges. Delicious.

A great date night deserves a sweet ending and we definitely splurged. We ordered the Flourless Chocolate Torte and the Vegan Doughnuts. The doughnuts are a good option and definitely an indulgence. They were pretty dense for a donut but the blueberry coulis and banana softened them to a nice chewy texture. They were super sweet and delightful, but our favorite of the two was the decadent chocolate torte. It was super rich and luscious and came with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream and caramel popcorn. The accompaniments offered a great contrast in textures – the creamy ice cream and crunchy popcorn along with the rich and smooth chocolate makes for a deliciously wonderful dessert.

The ambiance of Hearth ’61 is warm and inviting. It has an upscale feel with a relaxed vibe. The lighting and decor were pleasant and relaxing. Our server was top-notch. He kept our water refilled and was attentive and prompt the entire night. Everything about our dining experience was wonderful.

Hearth ’61 is truly a gem within a gem!

Hearth ’61 is located inside the Mountain Shadows Resort at 5445 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253. Book your stay at www.mountainshadows.com.

We enjoyed a complimentary meal in exchange for this post. All opinions are entirely my own. 

Last weekend Tim and I enjoyed an overnight retreat at the Mountain Shadows Resort. It had been way too long since we’ve had some alone time and the resort offered the serene sanctuary we needed. The property is beautiful and inviting with spectacular views of Camelback Mountain.

Check-in was simple and quick and we were welcomed with a warmth that assured us we were in for a spectacular stay. The vibe of the resort is laid back and casual with a hint of vintage swank. We LOVED our room, it was unlike any other hotel room we have ever stayed in. We had a first floor room with a lovely private patio that opened up into a large lawn where a wedding was being set up. The aesthetic of the room was clean and modern, with  insanely high ceilings that made the space feel very open and airy. The centerpiece of the room was the huge open shower with high glass walls that reached the ceiling. I loved that shower. And I loved our room!

We threw open the curtains and let in all the beautiful sun light and relaxed. The bed was extremely comfortable with plush linens and lots of pillows. We enjoyed champagne on our patio and watched the sun set before dinner at Hearth ’61, the resort’s fabulous restaurant – which I will share in a separate post.

It was a perfect evening.

The next morning and afternoon we spent at the pool. The pool area also offers glorious views of the mountain and service was great. We had lunch and some cocktails poolside and soaked up the warm spring sunshine.

Mountain Shadows is a chic resort, perfect for a romantic weekend. Every detail, from the bright lobby area and sleek design to our beautiful and comfortable room made our sweet and short stay perfect.

Book a stay for yourself and enjoy 20% the lowest available rate, a free room upgrade upon check-in and a welcome amenity using code: YAYBABY 

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner so book now and enjoy this great getaway for a fun getaway staycation!

Mountain Shadows is located at 5445 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253. Book your stay at www.mountainshadows.com.

We enjoyed a complimentary stay at the resort 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.

A couple weeks ago my husband and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary at a brand new restaurant called Tash. The beautiful ambiance, impeccable service, stunning views and incredible food made for a memorable celebration.

Tash is located on the third floor of the Talking Stick Resort and Casino in Scottsdale and offers breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain and the surrounding desert landscape. The interior decor is hip, welcoming and picture perfect. And the staff is knowledgable and friendly, our server made excellent suggestions and described the menu in delicious details.

The food was mouth watering. My husband is a relatively picky eater but he was feeling adventurous during and visit and has been raving about our meal ever since.

We started off the night with cocktails and a beautifully presented Mezze platter with hummus, roasted eggplant spread, goat cheese whip and skordalia served with warm toasted pita. All the dips and spreads were delicious but my favorite was the eggplant spread and the goat cheese and I could not get enough of that pita.

The Mezze was perfect to enjoy over cocktails while we watched the blazing sunset. We took our time enjoying the bites and sipping our drinks, I enjoyed the Verona Margarita made with tequila, amaretto., limoncello and bold orange. The margarita was a little bit sweet and tart, perfectly balanced and smooth. I loved it. My husband enjoyed the Toulouse Your Inhibitions made with whiskey, peach, basil and lemon. He said it was smooth and strong.

Tash takes pride in creating beautifully crafted, unique cocktails and the attention to detail is apparent in the taste and presentation. They also have a selection of alcohol-free drinks, cleverly called Free Spirits. I tried the Spiced Tea of St. Tropez and loved it. It was a creative and unique mix of chai tea, ginger beer and coconut. It was delicious, interesting and unlike anything I have ever sipped. It was very good and I highly recommend it!

The entrees on the menu are categorized as Agua (seafood) and Tierra (meats) and a selection of pizzas. We opted to carry on with the grazing and decided to order the Pirri Pirris Shrimp and a pizza, both ideal for leisurely noshing. The Piri Piri Shrimp was lightly battered and fried then bathed in a slightly spicy and smoky sauce. The shrimp was perfectly cooked and tender and the sauce was incredible. It hit all the right notes on the palette and was pretty addicting. It’s served with haricot vert and cous cous. My husband proclaimed the shrimp as his favorite bite of the night.

We also had the Due Pizza. The crust was light and very thin, with charred edges, just the way I like my pies. It was topped with artisan pepperoni, house made fennel sausage with red sauce and mozzarella. I am a pizza snob and this pie far exceeded my high standards.

The sweet ending to our wonderful meal were the most delicious cannoli I have ever had. The pastry shell was perfect, crispy and sweetly spiced and the cream inside was luxurious and velvety.  We were delighted with the sweet message too.

Thank you Tash for making our celebration so memorable!

Tash is mindful of the health and safety of both staff and employees. Masks are required until you are seated and tables are spaced accordingly. Temperatures are taken upon arrival and hand sanitizer is readily available. We felt safe and comfortable during our visit and appreciated the precautions.

If you are looking for a great date night destination or a great GNO spot, Tash is definitely worth a visit. Our visit was top notch and one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in awhile. The great attention to detail put into Tash is evident in everything from the beautiful decor and ambiance to high-quality food and drinks.

Tash is located at 9800 E. Talking Stick Way in Scottsdale.

We enjoyed our meal at Tash free of charge. All opinions are entirely my own. 

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. 

Confession: I am a woman run ragged. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining because it is the path I have chosen and I know, without hesitation, it is the right path, yet too often I feel burned out.

During those times I’m short tempered and impatient. I disconnect and am not present for my family when I need to be, then I feel guilty and the guilt leads to stress, the stress leads to restless sleep and exhaustion. It’s the story of every wife, mom, woman, human — am I right? We forget about ourselves.

Self-care is basically a foreign concept to me. So I ask myself – how can I be my best self for anyone if I am not my best self for me? If I’m running on empty, I’m not at maximum performance. Clearly changes need to be made because my family deserves the best…and so do I.

Last month I was invited to close out 2019 at Civana Wellness Resort & Spa. The first thing I thought of was bringing my daughter, Jax, with me but after some thought I realized I should take that time for some reflection and self love. Some time spent away from my every day responsibilities for relaxation and peace and to fill my cup in preparation for the intentions I have set for myself.

I want to be more patient, more forgiving and more accepting. I know that by achieving those intentions I’ll feel less guilty, less stressed and more present. I can be a better wife, a better mother and a better me.

And it all starts with me and knowing that my family is deserving of having the best me. I am deserving of being my best.

There was no better place to set and affirm these intentions than at Civana, surrounded by the peaceful desert in a warm and beautifully appointed room, and of course a day at their world-class spa.

I had the pleasure of a Civana staycation last summer for a mommy and mini getaway with Jax. And while we had a blast enjoying their family-friendly classes and the pool, I was unable to visit the spa because she was with me.

But thankfully, this time around, I booked an appointment and spent the afternoon taking full advantage of the amenities. The spa is epic. I’ve been to quite a few resort spas in town and this was by far one of the best experiences I have ever had. The spa was recently named a top 10 Wellness Resort by the readers of USA Today and it’s no wonder why. The place is gorgeous, the amenities top notch, the services diverse and healing, the staff welcoming and impeccable. Just wow.

I braved the hydrotherapy thermal circuit by relaxing in very warm water then plunging in stingingly frigid water. After the initial shock and a few repeats in the circuit I found the process invigorating and the cold water became more tolerable each time. I detoxed in the steam room and spent some time in the dry sauna too. Then I went to the relaxation room to snooze for a bit before my treatment.

I opted for one of Civana’s specialty treatments and booked the Marine Detox Body Wrap with Vischy Shower. Oh my goodness! It was 60 minutes of bliss. I was actually kind of emotional when it was over. It was so relaxing, so invigorating, so soothing, so healing and so cleansing that I did did not want it to end. Initially I was a little skeptical because of my modesty issues but that was all put to rest when the therapist explained I would never be fully exposed, always draped in towels and sheets and clad in the disposable undergarments provided.

My entire body was dry brushed, leaving me feeling a bit tingly. After that I was coated from head to toe in a detoxing seaweed mask then tightly wrapped in warm, wet towels and plastic sheets. I felt safe and content in that warm cocoon while the therapist massaged my face and scalp, lulling me into a pleasant and blissful slumber. Afterwards I was unwrapped and rinsed clean with the Vischy shower heads. That rinse off alone was absolutely incredible. Once all the seaweed had been washed away I was dried off and slathered with moisturizing oil and then the euphoric experience concluded and I felt so relaxed I was light-headed and loopy, yet energized and excited.

The Marine Detox Body Wrap was amazing and I can’t recommend it enough.

Civana also offers over 70 complimentary classes to all guests. The classes focus on mindfulness, well-being and nutrition. During my stay I took an aerial meditation class where I climbed into a silk cocoon, cleared my mind, let go of stress and basically took the most clarifying and relaxing nap of my life.

I also took a cooking/nutrition class where I learned tips on making nutritious smoothies for breakfast and snacks. We made an apple pie smoothie full of protein and nutrients. It was absolutely delicious and you better believe I immediately ordered hemp hearts and chia seeds so I can repeat the goodness at home.

In just over 24 hours I felt like a new person — refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the challenges the new decade sends my way. I gained realization that “me-time” is not selfish, it’s necessary – and I intend to do it. It will make me the best version of myself so I can be the best I can be for the people I love the most, Jax and Tim.

I definitely think more solo trips and staycations are in my future and it was a pleasure to kick off a new year/decade and a new me at such a beautiful and peaceful destination.

Thank you, Civana, for such an enlightening, relaxing and much needed getaway. I’ll see you soon!

Civana Wellness Resort and Spa is located at 37220 Mule Train Rd., Carefree, AZ 85377

Disclaimer: I enjoyed a complimentary one-night stay and spa treatment in exchange for this post. As usual all opinions are entirely my own. 

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. 

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. 

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.