I love to experiment in the kitchen and this Buñuelo Tiramisu makes it to the top of my lest of one of the best things I have ever created. It is made with My Nana’s Best Tasting Buñuelos and is absolutely delicious with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s also a showstopper dessert presented in a trifle dish with the beautiful layers on display. And it’s pretty easy to make and assemble too.

Buñuelo Tiramisu

Ingredients

• 6 My Nana’s Buñuelos (5 for the layers, 1 crushed for topping)
• 2 Cups Strong Black Coffee
• 3 Tbs Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (separate 1 tbs for topping)
• 1 pint heavy whipping cream
• 1 tub mascarpone cheese
• 1 heaping tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 dark chocolate bar, finely chopped for topping

Directions:

1. Whip together the heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, vanilla and sugar until soft peaks form.
2. Mix together the coffee and tablespoons of the cocoa powder in s large shallow dish.
3. Soak one of the buñuelos in the coffee for a minute on each side. Then place on the bottom of the trifle dish.
4. Spread a layer of the cream on the coffee soaked buñuelo. Keep alternating the layers ending with the cream.
5. Crush the remaining buñuelo in a ziplock bag and mix with 1 tablespoon of the cocoa powder and the chocolate chunks. Sprinkle a generous layer of this mixture on the top of the tiramisu.
6. Chill for 2 hours and serve.

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. 

Francine is a newer dining concept that opened up in the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square over the summer. They offer French Mediterranean cuisine in a beautiful setting. For the past couple weeks I’ve seen picture of the gorgeous space and have been excited to plan a visit.

Then I discovered they just rolled out a new brunch menu and that excitement tripled. The offerings take brunch classics and elevate them to sublime.

I recently visited Francine and was blown away by the beauty of the interior. The space was bright and felt very open. Warm tones set the charming and refined vibe. The centerpiece of the restaurant is a gorgeous bar area, beautifully lit and welcoming.

They’re mixing up the usual brunch cocktails like mimosas and Bloody Marys and also a bevy of signature and classic cocktails.

During our visit we tried the Summer Cantaloupe and the Ah Oui Oui cocktails. Both were beautifully presented. The Summer Cantaloupe was light and refreshing, made with Pisco, St. George Basil, ginger, cantaloupe, lime and sparkling wine. It was lightly sweet and bubbly. A winner for sure. The Ah Oui Oui is made with Early Grey tea infused rum, St. George Pear, lustau amontillado passion fruit, pineapple and lemon. Both cocktails were as pretty as they were tasty, perfect to pair with brunch.

While we sipped our cocktails we noshed on the stunning Grilled Octopus appetizer. The octopus was perfection, expertly cooked and super tender. It was served with a savory spiced chorizo verde and bright romesco sauce. Our server said the Grilled Octopus was Francine’s most popular dish and it is no wonder why!

For our entree we opted for the Croque Madame, a sinfully decadent and rich French favorite. A sandwich made with a fried egg, ham, gruyere cheese, and creamy béchamel. At Francine you have the opportunity to add table side raclette to the already rich and filling sandwich; and while the option is truly gilding the lily, I highly recommend it! I don’t know of any other places in town that offer raclette and it’s a sublime experience to have your server scrape oozing, melty cheese onto your food, cheese makes everything better after all . YUM!!!

No brunch is complete without a sweet component and we satisfied that rule with the Lemon Ricotta Pancake. This pancake was HUGE and can easily be shared by a few people. Don’t miss it because it’s also wildly delicious. It’s more like a cake than a traditional pancake and it’s bright with the taste of lemon and sweetened with blueberry compote. It comes served with chantilly cream and maple syrup. It served as dessert and left us satisfied and happy.

As one of Scottsdale’s new premier eateries Francine offers something for everybody. It’s upscale but relaxed and comfortable. The brunch menu is perfect for a leisurely weekend morning spent with friends. It feels a little fancy and that’s what makes a dining experience there so special. Check it out and see for yourself, I promise you will not be disappointed.

Francine is located in the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square at 4710 N. Goldwater Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251.

Disclaimer: We enjoyed a complimentary meal at Francine in exchange for this write-up. All opinions are entirely my own.  

Admittedly I am a bit of a germaphobe and hypochondriac. Before covid was even a thing I packed my own baggies of disinfecting wipes and a small spray bottle of alcohol in my purse. I never felt the wipes stores provided were adequate because they always seem to be dry. I felt it best to come equipped with my own.

I vigorously wiped down the cart all the way around, never only the handles and once I felt it was sufficiently sanitized I’d begin my task of shopping.

Enter corona and my freakishly through wipe down routine has become amplified and probably a little comical to onlookers. Thank goodness Cart Safe has entered my life.

Cart Safe are disposable liners to keep your hands free of germs and bacteria, they offer a barrier of protection and save on the use/waste of cart wipes. And they are 100% recyclable.

They were thoughtfully designed to have leg holes that fit over the leg holes in  the cart so children can sit in the cart and they are big enough to fit the jumbo carts at warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club.

I appreciated the ease of putting the Cart Safe liners on  the carts. It’s a simple process that takes a minute, maybe less. No more need to waste precious disinfecting wipes (where can you even get them these days), simply line the cart in a few seconds and go!

I’ve used these liners a few times and I always get some curious looks and questions of interest so be prepared for that, but people appreciate the info and most ask for the website so they can order as well!

It’s important to get back to normal as soon as possible and Cart Safe liners help with that transition by providing protection and convenience while out and about shopping. Honestly this is a product that I would use even if there wasn’t a global health crisis.

You can order your CartSafe liners at www.cartsafe.com. 10 liners cost only $19.99 and they are currently offering free shipping.

Disclaimer: this post is part of a paid partnership with Cart Safe. 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.

Late last year OEB, a breakfast eatery out of Canada opened it’s first location in the U.S. Lucky for us, it’s in Scottsdale.

Our neighbors to the north certainly know how to do breakfast right as evident by the grub served up in this  casual and bright new hot spot. If you love to do brunch, you will love OEB!

Everything I enjoyed during my recent visit was delicious; but one dish stood out and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since — the Get Shorty Rib Breakfast Poutine. OMG! Poached eggs, duck fat-fried herb potatoes, cheese curds, Philly-style beef short-rib, bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms and brown butter hollandaise in one dish. It’s salty, and savory and meaty and so, so, so, SO GOOD. Those duck fat-fried potatoes are so much better than the plain fries you find in an ordinary poutine, they are divine, so crispy and addictive. The short ribs are tender and flavorful and that brown butter hollandaise is what my dreams are made of. The Get Shorty Poutine is a sinful dish but worth every single indulgent bite.

I was also very impressed with the Cluck Norris. It’s a chicken sandwich that will knock you out with tastiness. Hand pulled smoked chicken is mixed with pesto mayo topped with heirloom tomato and micro watercress with a dollop of cranberry jam on crusty artisan ciabatta. It’s a hearty sandwich with lots of flavor and so juicy and messy in the best possible way!

If you fancy a sweeter start to your day, OEB has you covered. The menu abounds with tasty sweets and treats, like crepes, waffles and even a French Toast Trifle. I opted for the Banana Cream Pie French Toast and was wowed when it arrived. It wasn’t quite as sweet as I thought it would be but it was amazing. Soft Brioche bread, banana cream, fresh banana slices, toasted almonds, and freshly whipped cream piled and layered into a concoction meat for sharing, although you may not want to!

I was very impressed with all that OEB has to offer. The chef-driven menu is fun and creatively delicious dishes offering something that will bring smiles all around. The vibe is friendly and bright and will practically guarantees a great day.

Thank you, Canada for giving us OEB!

OEB is located at 17757 N Scottsdale Rd #103, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

I enjoyed our meal at OEB free of charge in exchange for this post. As usual all opinions are entirely my own. 

North Scottsdale is booming with great new eateries and one recent addition is bringing something truly special to the line-up. Chauncey Social is equal parts swanky and comfortable and the perfect place to spend these cool spring evenings.

This new space has it all – hip, upscale vibe, innovative yet familiar bites and friendly service. You’re sure to be impressed upon walking in – we certainly were. Oversized booths and comfy chairs abound, the bar is the jewel of the space and they’re serving up some pretty fun and tasty cocktails.

I loved the Coco Chanel – a fun and light play on a pina colada. It was perfectly sweet and refreshing and the iconic logo of the drink’s namesake made out of dried pineapple slices was such a special touch.

That’s what makes Chauncey Social stand out – extra attention to details.

You’ll find those same details across the menu. Beautiful flourishes make an experience more memorable. The Kung Pao Cauliflower was a hit. The crispy cauliflower was perfectly dressed in a sticky sweet, slightly spicy sauce and gilded with micro greens for bright freshness. We also drooled over the Dumplings stuffed with 12 hour-braised short ribs and garnished with pink pickled onions, cashews, fig & chili marmalade and scallions. They were savory, sweet and just kissed with a touch of spicy heat. Delicious.

The showstopper of our meal was the Atlantic Salmon with chermoula yogurt, pearl cous cous and walnut cilantro relish. There is a lot going on in this dish and it was all delicious. The wild caught salmon was expertly cooked, moist and flavorful. The cous cous added interest and texture and chemoula was smooth and herby, complementing the fish perfectly. Every bite was a punched up with incredible flavors. This is a great dish worth the visit alone!

There is so much to love about Chauncey Social. It’s a great place for a night out with friends, date night, happy hour or just to enjoy a great meal in a cool setting.

Chauncey Social is located at 17767 N Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85255

We enjoyed our meal at Chauncey Social free of charge in exchange for this post. As usual all opinions are entirely my own. 

If you follow me on Instagram you know I have a love affair with ZuZu at the Hotel Valley Ho. It’s a great space with fantastic ambiance and so much fun. Jax and I visit regularly for their Show Stopper Shakes and our visit is something we look forward to every month; not only for that shake but also because we always enjoy a great meal there too!

I am here to attest that ZuZu is so, so much more than those over the top shakes! They have a diverse and delicious menu featuring some of the tastiest dishes I have ever had – like the best Mac & Cheese on the planet (pictured above; so creamy and filling, amped up with green chili pork. It is so damn good.

These days you can find poke and ahi tuna everywhere, but not quite like what you get at ZuZu.

Their Salmon Belly Poke is served with white bean hummus and duck fat crackers. It’s very decadent; the salmon is luscious and rich, the hummus smooth and creamy and the duck fat crackers kick it up a dozen notches. It’s a unique dish full of contrasting flavors and textures.

The Ahi Tuna and Avocado is light and delightful, served with crispy tortilla chips. The ahi is tender and fresh, brightened up with lime and dressed with scallions, sesame and the punch of jalapeño. Addictive is the best way to describe it!

Speaking of unique dishes – the Arizona Shade Farms Oyster Mushrooms are incredible! The meaty, savory mushrooms are served on roasted garlic toast with warmed goat cheese. This hearty appetizer is elevated comfort food and not to be missed. The mushrooms are savory and the goat cheese is creamy and earthy with a tart edge that contrasts deliciously with the garlic on the toasty bread.

The chef-driven entrees are something to behold as well. I love the Crispy Pork Shank with sour apple molasses glaze, cucumber yogurt and warm pita. Talk about a flavor combination! There is a lot going on in this entree and it’s a lot of deliciousness. First of all, this dish is enormous – be prepared to share, or better yet, eat what you can and have glorious leftovers. The pork is sticky, sweet and so tender it slides right off the bones. The tart yogurt adds a nice contrast to the savory sweetness. This is a show stopper entree!

The Jidori Half Chicken is also fantastic. It’s a confit leg and roasted breast with a chimichurri marinade served with corn on the cob seasoned with tajin. Again, this is a flavor party on the plate. The chicken is juicy and perfectly spiced and the corn is sweet with a hint of tangy heat from the tajin. You get savory, sweet, salty, and spicy with each and every bite.

Of course, as the place that comes up with monthly jaw-dropping, eye-popping, over the top milkshakes, you can expect other epic desserts – like the Donut Sundae served with two big donuts, two generous scoops of ice cream and two toppings; or the Butterscotch Pudding Cake served in a mason jar and topped with popcorn, cashews, bacon, chocolate and sea salt. WOW!!!

A sweet ending to an epic meal is always a good idea and ZuZu has the best ideas out there!

I love all that ZuZu has to offer, a newly renovated look that offers a fun and hip retro vibe and an incredible chef-driven menu, featuring unique and delicious diversity. Every visit is always a memorable experience.

ZuZu is located inside the Hotel Valley Ho at 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251.

I enjoyed a meal at ZuZu free of charge in exchange for this post. As usual all opinions are entirely my own.