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Visiting Williams, AZ - A Trip For Nature, Nostalgia and Nurturing Connection

5/16/2022

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The Spring of 2021 brought such an exuberant breath of fresh air when we started to travel again. We bought our first RV, (YAAAAAAAAY!) and were able to take Lexi on a few of her first few vacations! 

2020 felt like such a pressing year. One of refinement and frustration with many days of cabin fever and travel dreaming. 

Even through the hardships, there were also many moments of gratitude and family connection. We welcomed our sweet daughter, celebrated her first holidays, celebrated Grey turning 4, celebrated Grey graduating Pre-K and beginning our homeschool elementary school journey and many more sweet moments in between. 

Once the temps started creeping up in Phoenix, it was time to head North for some  cooler weather and I wanted to share one of our very favorite spots. 

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Williams, AZ has so many things to do for families with kids of all ages. We call it our destination for nature, nostalgia and nurturing connection with one another. Below I share my Top 10 Activities to do in Williams, where we stayed and a collection of our favorite photos! 
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TOP 10 ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES IN WILLIAMS, AZ

Updated January 2022 with the opening of the new coaster park!
  1. Bearizona - Drive Thru - Our FAVORITE place to visit in Williams (and one of our top in Arizona) is Bearizona. The Drive-Thru portion is filled with grizzly bears, wolves, bison and more up close. It is worth every penny!
  2. Bearizona - Walk Thru - In addition to the drive-thru portion, your ticket price also allows you a full day inside the zoo. Food trucks line the entrance and we enjoyed an allergen-friendly mexican lunch that was a 10/10! A wide array of animal exhibits, eateries and shopping. This is always a MUST DO for our trips up to Northern Arizona. 
  3. The Canyon Coaster - Brand new in 2022 the Canyon Coaster is built directly into the mountainside and spans several acres along the natural curvatures of the mountain. This thrill ride stretches over one mile on a stainless-steel-tube track that has all the bells and whistles of a roller coaster such as steep descents, hairpin turns, and 360-degree corkscrews.
  4. Grand Canyon Deer Farm - Get up close and personal with adorable woodland animals including deer, goats, camels and peacocks for a truly one of a kind, educational experience. 
  5. Route 66 - One of our favorite things to do, day or night, is visit Route 66 with the kids. We grab old fashion ice cream, grab dinner (I found amazing GF/DF food at Station 66 Italian Bistro), visit all of the fun shops and more. One of my favorite memories was shopping with Grey for authentic salt water taffy, something my dad took me to do when I was young.) 
  6. Grand Canyon Go Kart Racing - This is an activity at the Circle Pines KOA that is open to the public. We missed out on catching them when they were open but kids are able to ride and it looks very well kept and really fun! 
  7. Planes of Fame Air Museum - Have kids that love airplanes as much as we do? The Planes of Fame Air Museum is a nice way to enjoy a little time indoors if the temps are chilly when you are visiting. 
  8. Snow Play Areas - Williams, AZ is a beautiful place in Arizona to visit for snow. There are many snow play areas, including an area near the Canyon Coaster where you can rent inner tubes to take down the hills. 
  9. Grand Canyon Railroad - A fun item on our travel list is to take the kids on an authentic train ride and this one tops our list. Expect 65 miles of scenic woodlands on this four and a half hour train ride. 
  10. Circle Pines RV Park Activities - For those of you adventuring to Williams in your RV, Circle Pines is the most popular RV spot. An official KOA, it offers many of the amenities and activities I've listed below that are great for kids of all ages. 

We stayed at the Williams Circle Pines KOA with our RV and though it wasn't a top favorite on our favorite campsite list - it did have quite a few fun activities for kids!

Some of the activities include: miniature golf, big jumping pillow, playground, bike trails, gold panning, go-kart racing and an on-site store and eatery. 

Just make sure you check the schedule of events of when you are staying as some of the activities have odd days and hours. We thought we'd be able to Go Kart race during our four day stay and we unfortunately were unable to try that out. It's definitely on our list for our next trip as Grey is old enough and tall enough to ride and we think he would LOVE it. 
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Have you made a trip down Route 66 or visited Williams, AZ with your family? We would love to know your favorites that we may have missed before we head back!


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Springtime Menu at First Watch

4/25/2022

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This past weekend we were invited to the leading daytime dining concept, First Watch. And it didn't disappoint. In fact, their attention to detail, safe kitchen practices for our food allergy and sensitivity concerns, customer service and taste quality were unmatched. 

With locations nationwide, First Watch mixes fresh, premium, better-for-you ingredients with a true farmhouse feel throughout their establishments and we can't wait to go back!

Below we reviewed the entire new seasonal Spring Menu as well as listed our favorite GF/DF selections. 
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​What's been added?


Available through May 29th, 2022 the Spring Menu is a drool-worthy selection of decadent brunch favorites. Additions include:
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  • Chorizo Sunrise Sandwich
  • Crab Cake Benedict
  • Million Dollar Bacon
  • Shrimp and Grits
  • Pineapple Express 
  • and more! 
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What were our favorites?

We sampled the entire Spring Menu and nothing disappointed. We each had our own favorite! Our son Greyson (5) loved the Million Dollar Bacon and snagged some to accompany his pancakes. My husband now craves the Chorizo Sunrise Sandwich and I could drink a Pineapple Express every day. It tastes like a spring sunrise in a glass.  

Even our sweet babe Lexi (1) kept asking "more 'tatoes! more 'tatoes!"
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Special dietary needs? No problem!

As someone who is gluten-free and dairy-free I was pleasantly surprised not only by their selections, but my server and the kitchens knowledge of how to safely prepare and handle my food. 

I enjoyed a Traditional Breakfast with my cage-free eggs scrambled, breakfast potatoes, bacon (seriously, we couldn't get enough of their bacon!) and gluten-free  toast! 
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The extra mile...

It was the details for me. 

I ordered coffee to accompany my meal and they brought me, not only a dairy-free creamer, but one of the BEST coffee creamers available. So good, I had to snap a picture. 
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At First Watch, it's about so much more than a meal. It's about atmosphere, detail, kindness, service and warmth. 

The food just also happens to be incredible. 

Have you enjoyed brunch at First Watch? What will you be sampling first off of their Spring menu? Let me know in the comments below! 
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Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller- Our Top Baby Travel Must Have

7/22/2021

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I partnered with Ergobaby to share our experience with our favorite item for traveling with baby. 

Traveling with a baby or young children always poses a new set of scenarios to work through when it comes to packing and planning. Where will baby sleep? Do we bring the crib, rent a crib or co-sleep at our hotel? Will I have the right layers for baby if the weather changes? Did we pack enough diapers? Will the destination have foods our baby and toddler will eat or do I need to pack meals? The list can be lengthy.

One of the biggest questions that we found the perfect solution for was, "what is the best way for baby to get around that also allows us to get around with ease?" 
Enter the Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller

​This stroller arrived previous to our latest family vacation and I have to say it's one of the BEST additions to our family - a family who is always on the go, either by travel or exploring our home town.


Why do I give this piece of genius engineering the top spot on our travel or baby must-haves? Allow me to share my seven favorite features with you today!
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All The Reasons I Love Our Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller
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  1. It's compact size. This stroller is truly a magnificent feat of engineering. We were always looking for a stroller that we could take easily on airplanes (it fits into the airplane's overhead bin!), shuttles, small car rentals and the theme park buses multiple times a day (if you know you know).

  2. It's ease of movability. It glides easily, is lightweight to push and makes the perfect choice for small shopping places, busy theme parks or along the beaches’ two-lane boardwalks. 

  3. Comfort for baby. The Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller is THE MOST comfortable ultra-compact stroller on the market. I feel good about the fact that Lexi is truly comfortable.  

  4. Storage Space. For such a compact baby must-have, the under stroller storage space was truly impressive. When we're exploring the zoo, finding thrills at a theme park or enjoying a Sunday at the farmers market, we love a space to be able to store snacks, the diaper bag and some toys. This accommodates all of our needs. 

  5. Sleek Design. I'm a mom who also likes her baby items to look fashionable and work with our home. The sleek design of the Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller isn't too flashy for when we are out and about and I like that. 

  6. The adjustable leg rest. This was PERFECT for naptime strolls. When we travel, many naps are taken on the go and we haven't found a more comfortable stroller for those midday snoozes. The design is a true flat recline with an included adjustable leg rest.

  7. The large sunshade. The sunshade extends down over the baby, providing shade and quiet for those restful periods. It also comes with a fully enclosed weather shield – which I thought was a wonderful touch and something I didn’t have to buy in addition. 
And don't just take my word for it, even Lexi had a few sweet words to say about it. 


​But seriously, look how compact!
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We recently took the Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller to a local resort for a poolside weekend staycation and it was wonderful to navigate the restaurants and resort grounds. I loved that it took up very little footprint of our hotel room and was a soft, cozy place for Lexi to sleep. The adjustable leg rest turns the stroller into a perfect portable sleeping space and the large sunshade gave much needed shade from the sun. 

We are excited to take it with us this summer to the beach and on our many adventures! I will share our adventures along the way right here on the blog! 
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For all of the information on the Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller, where to purchase and all of the reviews, click here.
Do you have a favorite must-have for travel with baby? Share in the comments below!
This post is sponsored by Ergobaby.
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A Sizzling Summer At We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort

7/3/2021

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We were honored to be invited out for a weekend stay at the reimagined We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort. This post is sponsored and all opinions and experience are our own. 

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This past weekend, our family celebrated summer with delicious dining, adventure and fun in the sun at the newly reimagined We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort. We wanted to share our experience, and this gem in the desert, with all of you. 

You can read all about our first stay at the AAA Four Diamond Hotel when it was just the three of us here. 

Located right outside of Fountain Hills, AZ in Fort McDowell, the location has stunning mountain views and is far enough from the noise of the city that it feels like a real retreat. 

On Friday evening, we checked in to the lavish atrium lobby and we were greeted by the friendliest staff, snacks and water. You could hear tropical sounds of live music by the pool which transported us right into our weekend staycation away from home. 
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​Our Junior Golf Suite was spacious and beautiful and it's the perfect room if you're traveling with a family or small children. With a mini kitchen - complete with a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and coffee maker, it made it so easy to eat a few of our meals in the room, reheat leftovers or store milk for the baby. 

We also sometimes travel with our teenage niece to allow her to travel more before she begins college and she loves playing with and helping out with the kids. While the living space was a great place for us to watch movies and play board games - the large pull-out sofa in the living area was super comfortable and the perfect place for her to sleep and have her own space.

The king bedroom was large enough to accommodate our family of four (our kindergartner sleeps with us and I brought the babies crib) and the bathroom was spacious with a great shower and high end amenities to make you feel pampered. 

Below is a room tour to give you an up-close feel. 
The stunning and tranquil desert property features 246 contemporary, elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites that artfully blend stylish décor with exceptional amenities. All 100% smoke-free rooms boast spectacular mountain or pool views, as well as free high-speed wireless Internet, free self-parking, luxurious linens, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, coffeemakers and in-room safes.
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While the room gave us a home away from home, it was the activities and dining that made our weekend truly stellar. Aside from the activities I'm going to speak on below the resort is first and foremost known for their newly redesigned We-Ko-Pa Casino which enjoyed its grand reopening October 2020. 

The stunning smoke-free casino is open 24/7 and features 850 multi-dimensional slot machines, a 400-seat bingo hall with 50-inch monitors, 22 action-packed blackjack tables, and a spacious poker room featuring five tables with live games and tournaments. 

​The sophisticated new casino replaces the original Fort McDowell Casino that initially opened in 1984 as a bingo hall. Eight years later, the proud Yavapai Nation peacefully – and successfully – held off the attempts of federal agents to seize their slot machines, protecting their right to operate a casino on their reservation and provide livelihoods for their tribal members.
..."to provide livelihoods for their tribal members". It is the heart of the company and the family feel that really shined for us. We were given a tour by the Executive Director of Resort Operations, Ricky Borja Jr. who drove that point home even further. 

As we wrapped up our thorough tour he said, "We are presenting luxury as it pertains to each individual. Whether that means white glove, in-person service or automated service where the consumer can feel empowered to check themselves in and have a distanced digital experience - the freedom of choice to the consumer is the ultimate luxury, and that's what we offer."

I was also in awe of the various projects and branches of the We-Ko-Pa company and family and the way they secure work for so many members of their community. More on this can be found at www.FMYN.org. 

Also known for their WeKoPa Golf Club, which features two award-winning courses, incredible live music and various activities through Fort McDowell Adventures, there are so many options to building an itinerary no matter the season your family is in. From the youngest visitors to the more mature audiences, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. 

While traveling with little ones (our kids are young, 4 1/2 years and 7 months respectively), my husband and I always try to squeeze in one adult activity. Whether that means having someone watch the kids so we can grab a drink or enjoy a high-end dinner, or take turns with the babies to allow the other to take an hour or so away, it makes our vacation still feel luxurious while not having to leave our family for too long. 


As for my activity this trip, I chose to get a massage at their boutique spa - Amethyst, named for the gems mined in the nearby Four Peaks Mountains. My therapist, Loree, was incredible and made me feel relaxed for the rest of my stay. You can choose from a menu of services from reflexology and massages to facials and nail services. ​
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As for my husband, he revisited Fort McDowell Adventures and opted for a 3-hour ATV tour to which he says "was thrilling and so much fun!" He mirrored the same to me, in that the feeling of friendliness and care of the customers experience was  apparent and valued. 

Other adventures include horseback rides, cowboy cookouts, desert Segway tours, kayaking, and guided mountain bike and hiking tours – there is even an authentic City Slicker Cattle Drive.

We have shared a small snippet below of Doug's day in the desert with Fort McDowell Adventures - more information on booking your own  personal or group tour can be obtained at www.fortmcdowelladventures.com.  
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Our favorite family activity during summer travels is always the pool! Cool inviting waters are always the best way to beat the heat in the summer. The live music was fun and transported me back to cruise ship living and the Caribbean while the smoothies from the drink bar kept us cool. Make sure to hit the pool early on warm days to snag a seat! We got to the pool around 1pm after lunch and we got the last chairs available. 

The sparkling water was so inviting, and you can also find putting greens and cornhole. I wish we would have had more days to lounge, swim and enjoy! It was a true haven from the intense heat of June in Arizona.

Also, how adorable in Lexi in her resort pool wear?
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Saving the best for last, the dining was exceptional! With many on-site dining options from their casual quick-serve market inside the casino to the high-end Ember, it was fun to try out and visit all the spots!

For our breakfast dining and for our dinner the first evening we dined at Ahnala. We loved every dish and I've shared what we ordered below. I also made note of the dishes that were gluten and dairy free since that is what I always need when I'm traveling and what I always promise to bring to you all so you can feel safe traveling too!

BREAKFAST

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The restaurant is located right off of the hotels atrium and has beautiful views!
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Eggs, Gluten-Free Toast, Hashbrowns and Avocado for my GF/DF meal.
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Grey opted for decadence on his vacation and ordered the kid's meal Belgian waffle.
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The Oatmeal Bowl was large enough to feed two so Lexi loved sharing! It was also GF/DF and safe for me

DINNER

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One of the best dinners I've had in a long time. GF/DF safe, their Rib-Eye steak was served with a baked potato and asparagus. The wine was also devine!
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Our niece ordered the chicken and vegetables and it did not dissapoint! And aside from the fries, this dish is also GF/DF.
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Also a GF option, my husband ordered their steak street tacos and said they were delicious! You can also opt for chicken.
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The boys were excited to share this dessert and it was almost too pretty to eat!

On our second and last evening at the resort we headed to WKP Sports and Entertainment which was a contrasting atmosphere to Ahnala. Where Ahnala was serene and relaxing with views of the beautiful tribal-inspired atrium, WKP Sports and Entertainment was vibrant, fun and energetic. We enjoyed watching basketball on the big screen, listening to the live band rehearse and the food was beyond incredible for burgers and bar food. They truly took the burger and pizza experience to the next level and we are planning a trip back just to snag a burger and their sweet potato fries! 

Two wonderful experiences to mix it up on vacation!
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They took great care in making my meal safe! A lettuce wrapped burger (the prettiest lettuce I've ever seen!) and homemade potato chips!
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The stars of the evening were the burgers we ordered. Some of the best burgers we've had in Arizona if not THE best. Doug's featured a buffalo sauce onion ring and melty blue-cheese
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Grey ordered the kid's menu pizza and loved that they served it on the wood board just like the grown-ups!
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The salads are large portioned and so crisp and delicious!
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Ember needs to be mentioned because if we had had the chance to have a grown-up dinner date, this would have been a top choice for dining. Exceptional wine selection (one of the best in the world with over 100 centurion wines in house!) - I would have opted for their Jerusalem Artichoke Soup and Filet steak. 

Overall a fantastic and well-rounded family vacation filled with adventure, relaxation, fun and good eats. A favorite stay-cation spot that we will visit again and again!

Visit We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort

One of the many enterprises of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort offers beautiful views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert as well as the sacred Four Peaks mountains (translated as “We-Ko-Pa” in Yavapai.) The casino resort is located off Arizona State Highway 87, within a 30-minute drive of Sky Harbor International Airport and the myriad of attractions, shopping and dining establishments in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area.

                                     www.WeKoPaCasinoResort.com
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'Comic X' Marks The Spot For Superhero Fun In The Valley!

2/20/2020

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Last weekend we visited a REALLY fun spot in Arizona. We set out to take Grey because of his love of super heroes and Star Wars, but I was surprised with how impressed WE ALL would be. 

​'Comic X' Marks The Spot For Superhero Fun In The Valley! Their motto afterall is "Where superheroes grab a bite!"

The 8,000 sq. ft. venue displays life-size figurines of your favorite heroes and villains and the restaurant feels like a dine-in theme park. The creators of the Comic X space did it justice and didn't miss a detail which made it so fun! 

You can opt to dine downstairs in the eatery to be surrounded by the likes of Joker, Batman, Spider-Man and Slimer from Ghost Busters, just to name a few. Alternatively you can head upstairs to enter the planet of Tatooine and dine amongst your favorte Star Wars characters. Lastly, you can take a seat in the fully-stocked bar, where you will be transported to the Harry Potter train station and the gaming world of Halo. 
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We ordered burgers and fries, but the menu is expansive! From pasta and steaks, to tacos and sandwhiches, there's something for every palette and the prices are reasonable. We expected to see higher prices for the experience factor, but were pleasantly surprised. They were GREAT with my allergy concerns and made me a burger with a gluten-free bun, no cheese, a safe salad and their fries are all GF-safe, made in their own fryer. 

They unfortunately got crummy reviews on Yelp which is why I really wanted to post our own experience. You may well have a different experience than I, however I really wanted to say we had a lovely time. It was clean, fun, magical for our 3 year old and the food was good. We will be going back! We may even host his birthday party there as you can reserve large tables in the upstairs Star Wars decorated section for parties of 10 or more. 

They are working to pare down their wait times by simplifying their menu, as it did take quite a while to get our food, but it was a happening place and there was enough to entertain us such as the decor and the super hero movies and cartoons playing on big screens throughout through the wait so we didn't mind! 
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Have you been? What did you nosh on? What was your favorite part of your experience? If you haven't or don't live local, what is your favorite immersive dining experience for families?

Comix X is located in Desert Ridge Marketplace at 21001 N Tatum Blvd #95, Phoenix, AZ 85050. 

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Choose Your Own Adventure at Fort McDowell

7/15/2019

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During our stay at the We Ko Pa Resort in Fountain Hills, Arizona we were escorted by the lovely Gail Manginelli of GM and Associates PR to visit Fort McDowell Adventures. A sprawling adventure and entertainment venue set up two and half miles into the Sonoran Desert.

Set against beautiful mountains, there is something for everyone and I can't wait to share more this fall when we visit to experience what Fort McDowell Adventures has to offer hands on. 
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We started off our tour by visiting Rosa's Ranch, a charming Western BBQ cookout venue that can host 50-200 and can be rented for corporate events, family reunions, intimate weddings and more. 

The authenticity was on point and I could picture shoot outs, wild horses, roasting s'mores over the open fire pits and the smell of BBQ wafting through the air. There were so many photo opp areas as well which would make for the perfect cookout keepsake. 

The second venue we visited, La Puesta del Sol, was a breathtaking wedding, concert and corporate venue. The name means "the setting sun" and it's Arizona's best kept secret for one of the best places to watch the desert sunset. 

Walking through you can envision a beautiful ceremony. Twinkle lights, built in stage and dance floor, bar and a fun and whimsical Dirty Docs saloon for photos or bachelor/bachelorette parties, the venue hosts up to 1600 guests. 
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Want to experience adventure in the desert? Beginning in the fall, you can choose where to begin. Take a horseback ride along the Verde River, participate in a real life City Slickers cattle drive, a drive through the desert in a Green Zebra Tomcar or cruise on a segway with a group of friends to experience the local desert plant life. 

You can add a lunch or dinner option to any adventure to make it a well-rounded experience and the adventures are perfect for team building. 

And for the full vacation experience, you can get a room at the WeKoPa Resort to enjoy a nice meal or a dip in the gorgeous pool to relax after your fun-filled day. 

You can read our full post on our stay here, and view the highlight video we captured of the beautiful resort on our channel. 
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A Summer Staycation at Fountain Hills We Ko Pa Resort

7/14/2019

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This post was sponsored by the beautiful WeKoPa Resort in Fountain Hills, Arizona. The review and all opinions are my own. 

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Walk on to the property at We Ko Pa Resort and Conference Center in Fountain Hills, Arizona and you feel as if you're truly transported to a luxury summer vacation alongside the Yavapai Tribe. Meaning "four peaks", We Ko Pa is set against peaked mountains that make for beautiful views morning or night. 

You can watch our full We Ko Pa Resort VLOG highlight on our channel here. 

The authentic music greets you as you head towards the lobby, taking in the sweeping mountain views. The summer smells of blooming florals and suntan lotion envelop you, and the taste of prickly pear jam comes to mind. A full sensory experience, our stay at WeKoPa was relaxing and fun and we can't wait to go back to experience the adventures available through Fort McDowell Adventures once the weather cools. We got to take a tour of the properties and excursions as a sneak peek - you can see those photos here! 

The resorts attention to detail caught our eye as something truly unique. The homage to water and wood was breathtaking and was seen in the details from the rippled glass to the river stones leading from the pool, to the lobby and all the way up to the premier golf courses pro shop. 
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Upon entering our Junior Golf Suite, we felt at home. From the mini kitchen that made it easy to prep meals in room, to the cozy living room, the main living space made it nice to have a large expanse to play games, entertain our toddler and watch family movies cuddled up in the evening. The bedroom was a haven for good sleep with a luxuriously comfortable king size bed and black out curtains. The large chair and ottoman in the room was a dream for reading stories to our little guy to get him to sleep and for reading a novel once he was asleep in bed. 

The bathroom included a lit makeup mirror which made getting ready a breeze and the jetted tub was the perfect touch for sore muscles after a day of exploring Fountain Hills. 

You can view our view the full room tour on our highlight VLOG on our channel by clicking here. 
After waking on day one, we headed to the resorts onsite restaurant, Ahnala. It was a large eatery that served southwest inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner and they were able to easily accommodate my allergies! For breakfast I got the Traditional Breakfast with eggs, gluten free avocado toast, plain breakfast potatoes and piping hot coffee. Doug enjoyed a breakfast burrito, (that was wrapped in egg instead of a tortilla!) and Grey had the kid's buttermilk pancakes. All of the staff we encountered, from check-in to check-out, were so friendly and helpful as well. 

Before heading to the pool, I made a stop at the fitness center, which is quaint but offers treadmills, ellipticals, bikes and free weights. Enough to get in a great post-meal workout. I peeked in to the Amethyst Spa, and saw they had some amazing summer deals. You don't have to be staying at the resort to visit the spa, so if you're looking for a relaxing massage, a mani/pedi or a unique facial, give them a call. 

Once we had a light lunch in the room, we headed the pool! It was PERFECT weather, 100 degrees and sunny and the water couldn't have been more lovely. The crowds were light and we were able to secure a few chairs in a shady area by the edge of the pool. Grey had a blast splashing and swimming with Doug and I, and I had a chance to lay out and work on my tan a bit with a book. 
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Conveniently located near Fountain Hills, Scottsdale and Chandler - there are many dining options. Aside from the resorts own Anhala, and room service options, the resorts adjacent casino for the adult crowd, Fort McDowell Casino offers dining options as well that are just a few steps from the hotels pool. 

For those who love to golf, the resorts two world class courses (and home to Arizona's #1 golf course!) at the We Ko Pa Golf Club are beautiful year round. The rolling green grass against the desert landscape and iconic Red Mountains lends a contrast that is a sight to see. The golf course also features an on-site pro shop and an eatery that features classic favorites such as burgers, sandwiches and entrees with patio seating that features postcard-esque views.  
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Our second morning was spent venturing out to fun family activities you can see nearby. The Fountain Hills fountain park is a MUST visit if you haven't been before. For littles, the BEST offsite activity we found was visiting the Crayola Experience, just 25 miles from the resort at the Chandler Fashion Center Mall. 

Fall-Spring you can visit Fort McDowell Adventures, located right near the resort. Horseback riding, boat tours, segway desert tours, Green Zebra rides, cowboy cookouts and more can be enjoyed and we can't wait to experience some of what they have to offer come September. 

You can view our full post on Fort McDowell adventures here. Stay tuned for our full VLOG as well! 

After a day out playing, we returned back to the pool to cool down and take a dip and enjoyed dinner and a movie cozy up in our room. 

The next morning we headed home, filled with a million memories. It doesn't take venturing far to adventure and connect with your loved ones. 

We are staycation lovers through and through and I highly recommend WeKoPa Resort for your next family getaway in the desert. 

View their Summer Staycation rates and packages (starting at just $99!) by visiting their website: 
https://www.wekoparesortandconferencecenter.com. 
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My Birthday Staycation at Cibola Vista Resort

7/8/2019

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My husband has always been stellar at surprising me. When we were dating and newly married it was tickets to my favorite concerts, earrings hidden on stuffed animals, nice dinners and, the one thing I joke is my love language, travel.

Vacations, staycations - if you surprise me with a vacation I'm pretty much goo. 

Since having our sweet Grey, its obviously been harder to surprise each other with spontaneous getaways. However, for my 36th birthday this past week, my husband was able to pull it off in grand style. And it was lovely! 

He had gone early to Cibola Vista Resort and Spa one day after getting off work before coming to pick up Grey and I and set up the room to contain birthday decor, balloons, fresh red roses, a vegan cheesecake and had packed the refrigerator in our penthouse suite (Arizona hotel rates are AWESOME in the summer, so you can get BIG rooms for lower prices!) for dinner and breakfast the next day. 
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The dreamy decor was modern farmhouse which made me feel right at home! The penthouse suite contained a full kitchen, dining area, living room with pull out sofa, a balcony with grill a huge bathroom and a king bedroom with its own large vanity area. 

The beds were soooo comfy and the place felt homey and luxurious at the same time. Having booked two nights, Doug planned on us spending the next two full days at the resort which was the perfect length.

It was nice having this room because we grilled steaks for my birthday dinner and it was nice to have him grill them right on our own patio while Grey was able to play in the living room with me and we didn't have leave the room. After dinner we explored the grounds a bit and made our plan for the next day.

We slept in a little, which was so nice, and woke up and cooked a fresh breakfast of eggs, bacon and fresh fruit right in our kitchen then we headed for the pool for the day! (The hotel also has on site games, tennis and a full service day spa.)
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The resort has two pools (one that is adult only, and then the large family pool) however, even when Doug and I stayed here kid-free, we opted for the family pool because it's the larger of the two. The water was PERFECT and Grey loved that it was a wading style pool so he could walk around and play in the water. The water slide is for older kids but it is awesome and was busy all day! 

They also hosted food trucks the weekend we were there and played a movie on the lawn the night before we checked out which was fun to watch while we were swimming!

It was such a fun filled weekend in the sun and we can't wait to go back. 

Have you visited Cibola Vista or a Blue Green property? We would love to hear your favorites as we are Blue Green Sampler owners and have some points to use! 


*this post is not sponsored. This was a vacation we paid for ourselves. 
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15 of Arizona's Best West Valley Date Nights

8/11/2018

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Date nights are EVERYTHING once you’re a mama.

Married five years, and together for ten, my husband and I have always made date nights a priority. Now that we’ve welcomed our first little one, it’s become a little tricky to get away and make time to connect which is why planning and organization is key.
Date nights help recharge you as a woman, as a couple and reconnects you to your partner.
 
We keep a handy list of fun ideas nearby so that we don’t resort to the same activities over and over when we have time to slip away and I’ve compiled a list below of our favorite activities in the West Valley.

READ THE FULL POST HERE

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The Best Of: GFAF Expo 2018 - Glendale, AZ

6/29/2018

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It was another deliciously exciting and eventful weekend at the GFAF Expo in Arizona this year.
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The crowd was bustling, excited to try the newest sampling from some of the best gluten free and allergen friendly brands in the market today. The expo took place the last week of June at the gorgeous Renaissance Resort in Glendale, AZ where I spent the weekend with my boys.

I'd love to say the weekend was blissful and smooth, but after our first expo day and a wonderful night of delicious, healthy eats, swimming in the pool and grabbing frozen yogurt, the night took a turn when our little man took a fall in the hotel room, ending in a trip to the emergency room. He's ok now, but after six stitches and many tears (from all of us), we had to forego staying the night. 

We returned the next morning (after closely monitoring Grey in the night and seeing that he was good in the morning), for day two of the expo. More on our wonderful hotel experience (aside from the hospital detour) is coming soon to Wanderlust, so stay tuned! Now, on to the expo!
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If you caught my Instagram Stories, you got to experience much of the samplings and booths live along with me, however, if you missed it, this post will share my personal favorite finds and highlights of this years GFAF Expo of Glendale, AZ. 

A long time favorite, Mikey's was in attendance with their Lemon Blueberry and Chocolate Muffin Tops. Moist and satisfying, the muffin tops are Paleo and perfect alone or on yogurt bowls, dessert bowls or oatmeal. Their traditional Paleo english muffins have been a longtime favorite of mine are a staple in our home for breakfast sandwhiches. 

Thrive Life, a shelf stable dried food brand, great for easy meals and long term emergency food storage now offers full, pre-prepped meals that are nutritious and cater to various food allergies.

Grey's favorite, Enjoy Life Foods, had the CUTEST booth. It was set up like a little land to visit, complete with a maze of trees and a chocolate forest where you collect free samples along the way. We LOVE their chocolate chips for all things snacking and baking. Their Rice Milk Crunch Chocolate bars are also my go to indulgence for candy when I want something sweet and crunchy. 

Canyon Bakehouse was the blogger sponsor, and were SO sweet to us! They fed us a DELICIOUS gluten-free breakfast and my favorite products were by far the blueberry bagels and the Hawaiian bread! So delicious and the family can't even tell they're gluten free. 
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 Veggiecopia offered little travel packs of olives (a great snack for both mom and babe!) while Mozaic Snacks provided the most delicious pea based chips. The sea salt and salsa flavors were the BEST! 

Other favorites included Grandpa's Kitchen, a new small company that sampled pumpkin cake using the BEST gluten free all purpose flour I've tried. (and I've bought many that are on the market today. GFC Bakery, a local Arizona bakery, also offers amazing pre-baked breakfast items, desserts and birthday treats. 

Picazzo's Italian, another local Arizona eatery, is BY FAR our FAVORITE nosh spot for allergen friendly food and they were on site sampling delicious and fluffy gluten free vegan pizzas. I'm going to be completely honest and say we circled back a couple of times to visit, it was one of our faves and the staff were SO nice. 

The show has inspired me to plan a BEST OF 2018 list of items ranging from breads to pastas, drinks to eateries around the U.S. that are the best in gluten free, dairy free and allergen friendly ingredients. I'd love to know what YOU would like to see, so comment below and I'll make sure it makes the list. 
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Nosh & Nurture was born of this journey I am on to better the health of myself, my family and those around me.  What started as a simple compilation of recipes has grown to a all-around lifestyle journal with ways to incorporate organic products into your home, pantry and beauty cabinet.  I also include stories on pregnancy, new motherhood, travel, Proverbs 31 marriage, and spiritual health, as I am a Christian who couldn't do any of this without my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. For more of my story you can click here. 

All recipes are gluten-free and dairy-free with a lot of soy-free, grain-free, sugar-free options. 

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