WHAT TO GET A(n) (almost) 5-YEAR-OLD, MOM & DAD- OUR REAL FAMILY GIFT WISH LIST

Filling out our lists together with Atlas giggling over glow sticks and Dad debating camera lenses made me cherish those little holiday moments. It’s not about how many gifts end up under the tree. It’s about knowing what each of us values, what brings us joy or comfort, and what reminds us who we are. Maybe we get some items. Maybe we don’t. But this list? It’s our wishlist- for gifts, for magic, for memories. Its for an almost 5 year old Capricorn, who knows exactly what he wants. Its for a busy mom and dad who are still trying to figure out their identity and sanity and deserve a few specials things for their hard work.

Here’s a peek into our lists, in case you’re shopping for someone(s) like us.

Atlas: Almost 5 year old boy, full of wonder

Something he wants: Paw Patrol Toy
Something he needs: Lightning McQueen Undies
Something to wear: Slippers
Something to read: A Kids’ Cookbook

More wishes:

• Glow sticks

• Legos + MagnaTiles

• Yoto cards

• Water-color palette

• Hot Wheels T-shirt

• For his room: LEGO pillows

• Tickets or passes: Train park!

Me, Mama (Virgo Barbie living in Ken's Mojo Dojo Casa House)

Something I want: Meta Ray-Ban Glasses
Something I need: “Little library” for outside our house
Something to read: So many books: Brené Brown, Mel Robbins “Let Them Lead,” Poems and Prayers by Matthew McConaughey…

More wishes:

• Shampoo & conditioner

• For my room: Area Rug for the living room

• Tickets or passes: any Cubs game!

Dad (Joe, my husband- the Libra who takes his wish lists seriously)

Something he wants: DJI Osmo Pocket 3 AND a Sony Camera Lens
Something he needs: New Jeans AND Undies
Something to wear: Hoodie
Something to read: “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin

More wishes:

• Ryobi Speed Bench

• Yearly Planner

• Leatherman multitool

• Magnetic external SSD card (for all the practical tech daddies)

• For his room: A bedside table lamp

• Tickets or passes: Comedy show

I’m sharing our lists here, not to show off, but maybe to inspire you to make one with your crew too. Save a and print out the blank bellow!

Hope Santa Brings you everything you ask for.

XoXo

Mrs Clause

Britt

HOW I HACKED THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be chaos. This year, I pulled off a holiday that felt relaxed, fun, and full of magic. All it took was three tricks: a great partner, smart shortcuts, and a little kid power. Here’s how we did it.

1. Great Partner Energy-

This Thanksgiving ran smooth because I divided & conquered with my husband like a dream duo. We divided tasks based on what we’re good at and conquered communication on sharing exactly what needed to get done, when, and who would handle what. We ALSO managed to mow the front and back yard, clean the pool, and cover it for the season- all before football even started.

2. Smart Shortcuts in the Kitchen

Full transparency: These small shortcuts may included “boxes” but if that meant less stress, more flavor and more time to actually enjoy the day…

• Simple dessert upgrade: A boxed yellow-cake mix became a mouthwatering apple-cider-donut bundt. I baked it the night before so it was ready to serve when guests arrived.

• Easy bread & sides: I made a quick batch of dinner rolls that proofed overnight in my fridge and used boxed stuffing mix and gracy packets but jazzed them up a bit (with added turkey drippings and extra seasoning) so it tasted homemade.

• Prep ahead: I prepped what I could in advance so everything came together easily when dinner time hit. And what HIT was the Turkey! The recipe and the blog from our First Thanksgiving Day Hosting shares it.

3. Kid Power + Fun Entertainment

Want to keep little hands busy and add extra joy? Let them help, child labor! My son, Atlas, turned into my little holiday helper: he helped set the tablescape, carry dishes, and even helped assemble decor. It made him feel like part of the celebration- and honestly, it made the day easier for me too. We also turned parade-watching into a family game (see my Macy’s Parade blog for that) while waiting for the Turkey to cook and so I could prep a few sides.

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving and you want to survive with your sanity and maybe even enjoy it use these tricks. Find your person, make a plan, split the work, and don’t be afraid to cut a few corners that don’t matter. You got this!

XoXo

Britt

HOW WE TURNED THANKSGIVING DAY INTO A MACY’S PARADE PARTY AT HOME

This Thanksgiving felt different in the best way. We kicked it off at 630 am AZ with the Macy’s Parade yes, the big balloon-filled tradition many of us grew up watching and I turned our living room into my own little parade-watch BINGO party.

Because why not make watching fun? Bingo sheet and coffee in hand, we had our own family game going. My son was ON POINT- he practically won bingo before the floats even reached Herald Square. Since the broadcast runs long, we went with blackout style bingo so we could all stay engaged right through until the end. I printed 2025 cards from Music City Moms and their squares were so specifically on point to this year!

I need to mention the deocration that will help to take center-piece later… Mini City and Parade Balloons! Inspired by The House That Lars Built but wanting to do my own version of it we set our first buidlign and Bluey up on the tv console. When the last balloon drifted across the screen, its was time to set the table for later.

No offense, but Im tired of the usual turkey-leaf plates and beige tablecloth- this year, I decided to mix things up for Thanksgiving with bold, fun, and a little bit nostalgic, turning our backyard into a long dining mini parade route of its own.

I saved you and I the money and my my own printable cityscape skyscrapers and taxi-cars and even made some coloring sheets for the kids and word search the adults loved! Colorful Mylar balloons on sticks (taped to Jesus candles to weight them down) were rising above like parade balloons dancing over the city. The whole table looked like NYC- minus the cold and crowds! Honestly? It was a vibe. Guests walked in wide-eyed: surprise! Not your average Thanksgiving. Plates, cups, and napkins themed black and white and gold.

PRO TIP: I hit up Michaels for the small foil balloons (turns out way cheaper than ordering online).

Now, I’m not gonna lie. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with the leftover balloons or extra food yet. But once the chaos calmed down and the plates cleared, I caught myself thinking: this might just become a “we do this every other year” tradition. Because here’s the thing: Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey or the football- It’s about having fun and making memories. And if that means turning my house into a Parade Route / Bingo Hall- I’m in.

XoXo

Britt

AMAZON’S WONDERY LAYOFFS HIT CLOSE TO HOME

So Amazon just dropped a bombshell- no not a bombshell entering a villa - but the podcasting world had changed. Wondery, the powerhouse behind the hit Catfish: The Podcast - actually just the one I subscribed to from this network, but you may also know Business Wars, Dr. Death, and American Scandal. Well they are being turned over to Audible. 

The result? About 110 jobs lost….

This isn’t just another headline—it feels personal for us here at Finding Arizona Podcast because for those of you who listen to the episodse or know our Founder, host, and my incredible husband, Jose, he worked as a Landscape Architect in Corporate. Recently, he was laid off. 

The workers of Wondery laid off were the creators fueling stories, pushing our medium forward. Now, with a video-first pivot sweeping the industry, we’re reminded even more that stories matter! 

And so what happens for Jose? We keep going. At Found House Production Studios, where Finding Arizona Podcast is produced, we’re rooted right in the community—no tech giant behind us, just stories worth telling. Found House is our creative haven, where we amplify voices from local entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers through heart-forward storytelling.

This moment underscores why small, tight-knit media efforts matter more than ever. We're not chasing viral video metrics—we’re telling real stories of grit, passion, and homegrown impact. Whether it’s a local artist, female founder, or community innovator, their stories breathe life into our podcast, our feed, and yes, our hearts.

When the big players break things apart, we’re here to build together, episode by episode. Which reminds me—our studio doors are always open if you’re ready to share your story- reach out.

WE FOUND MR. GOLD AT LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA — OUR BADGE HUNT & FAMILY ADVENTURE

FIRST TIME LEGOLANDERS! Our family spent three summer days at LEGOLAND California Resort and we are breaking it down piece by piece. AND also giving the GOLD on how to FIND MR GOLD!

Day 1 (Sunday): Hotel Arrival & Brick Building

We arrived Sunday and dove straight into the LEGOLAND creative spirit. As first timers why would you not. Atlas found build zones around every corner and especially loved the in room scavenger hunt prizes! He also began practicing asking EVERY Model Citizen (people who work their) is the have “Seen Mr Gold or Space Baby.” It has to be from a child and the limited edition pop badges are hard to come by. We tried our hand at bingo and ditched story time early, preferring to dance the night away at he night club and ride the disco-ball elevators. The pool was a literally and physically cool with a walk in entrance and floating legos to build your own rafts.

Day 2 (Monday): Water Park & SEA LIFE Aquarium

Monday was pro-level splash time. From chillin on the Build‑A‑Raft River to beating times on the Riptide Racers we made our way through LEGOLAND’S WATERPARK. DUPLO Splash Safari is where we cabana’d. Cragger’s Swamp and Eglor’s Build-A-Boat was a fave but the ultimate family moment was floating in the Lion Temple Wave Pool. After a full day at the park we were off to the SEA LIFE Aquarium- LEGO displays as sea-creature exhibits. There was a fun passport stamping program that allowed us to learn more about he creatures and keep the little entertained.

Day 3 (Tuesday): Theme Park & The Mr. Gold Badge

We closed our trip at the main park, experiencing a lineup of rides:

• Explorer River Quest

• DUPLO Little Dino Trail

• Emmet’s Flying Adventure

• Unikitty’s Disco Drop

• Legoland Express

• Driving School (Atlas’s driver’s license debut)

• Sky Patrol

• Skipper School

• LEGO City: Deep Sea Adventure (submarine ride!)

• The Royal Joust

• LEGO Show Place

• Ferrari Build & Race

• Miniland USA

Atlas had countless firsts—his face lit up riding the disco drop multiple times and driving his first car in a sleek lego red vehicle. His two-day practice of asking for Mr Gold and Space Baby paid off: he confidently asked, “Do you have Mr. Gold?” to a Model Citizen at the park entrance and walked away with LEGOLAND’s rarest collector’s keepsake—the elusive Mr. Gold Pop Badge. We drove home to San Diego with hearts full and a badge to prove it!

Okay, ready for some first time tips or what I wish I would have known going there?

• Arrive early and take advantage of the Early Park Access for Hotel Guests at LEGOLAND California

• Littles be ready to ask staff daily for Pop Badges—Mr. Gold appears only in limited numbers each day

• Bring your own snacks and plan restroom visits—Food places were PACKED and the restrooms were too far apart. Apple Fries are totally worth it!

• Leave time for creation stations and let your kids be kid but stay attentive for safety and inclusivity.

• AND REMEMBER … Patience is key—focus on your kids, not others. Be mindful in crowded LEGO areas and maintain your own boundary of fun!

Hope EVERYTHING about this IS AWESOME!

XoXo

Britt

ARIZONA REAL ESTATE FAQs: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CLOSE ON A HOME ?

Buying a home in Arizona? You probably have one big question swirling in your head: "How long will this take?" It's a good question, and like most things in real estate, the answer depends. From inspections and appraisals to title transfers and financing, there's a lot that can affect your timeline. Let’s break it all down so you know what to expect—without the fluff.

What’s the Average Home Closing Time in Arizona?

If you’re looking for a quick stat, here it is: average home closing time in Arizona typically runs 30 to 45 days after a contract is signed. But that’s only part of the picture.

According to Best Real Estate Market, most buyers and sellers in Arizona can expect closing to take up to a month and a half, assuming there are no hiccups along the way. That doesn’t include the time the home spends on the market before you even get to the signing table.

How Long Does a House Sit on the Market First?

This varies by location and time of year. According to Clever Real Estate, the average total time to sell a home in Arizona is about 92 days. That includes 57 days on market and another 35 days to close.

• Phoenix: 48 days to pending, 31 to close (GOBankingRates)

• Tucson: 44 days to pending, 33 to close

• Show Low: 78 days to pending, 30 to close

Timing also shifts with the seasons. March is your best bet for a quick sale—homes average just 51 days on the market in that month.

Factors That Affect Your Closing Timeline

So why can’t we just pin down a number and call it a day? Because several moving parts can speed things up—or slow them way down.

1. Home Inspection Delays

Inspections are typically scheduled within 5-10 days of the contract being signed. But if the inspector finds issues, repairs can push back your timeline. Even minor fixes might require back-and-forth negotiation.

Tip: If you’re selling, get a pre-listing inspection. It'll catch problems early and save time.

2. Appraisal Complications

Appraisals are usually ordered by the buyer’s lender and must match or exceed the sale price. If the appraisal comes in low? You’ll need to renegotiate—or walk away.

This part typically takes 7–10 business days but can delay closing if the numbers don’t line up.

3. Title and Escrow Services

Title companies research the property’s history to make sure it’s free of liens or legal issues. This part is pretty standard, but title issues (like old unpaid taxes or incorrect property records) can stall the deal.

Expect about 10–14 days to clear the title, assuming everything checks out.

4. Financing Hiccups

If you’re buying with a mortgage, your lender needs to process everything—income verification, credit checks, debt-to-income ratios. This is one of the biggest wildcards.

Pre-approved buyers may move faster. But if a document is missing or a financial red flag pops up, it could take weeks to resolve.

5. Contingencies in the Contract

Some contracts include contingencies, like selling your current home first or finalizing financing. These conditions can stretch your timeline depending on how quickly they’re resolved.

6. Buyer or Seller Schedule Conflicts

Believe it or not, one of the most common causes of last-minute delays? People’s calendars. If the seller’s out of town or the buyer’s job won’t allow time off, that signing date might have to wait.

Arizona-Specific Considerations

Arizona’s closing process has its own quirks. Here’s what stands out:

• Buyers typically pay 2–5% of the sale price in closing costs (Best Real Estate Market).

• Sellers can expect to pay more—6–10% of the sale price.

• Closing doesn’t usually happen around a big table. Most Arizona closings are handled by escrow agents, with parties signing separately.

How Do Arizona Cities Compare?

Want to know how your city stacks up? Here’s a quick look:

According to HomeLight, Bullhead City tends to have some of the slowest timelines in the state.

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis also tracks median days on market for the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale area. As of May 2025, it’s 58 days—a sign of relatively stable demand.

Can You Speed It Up?

Absolutely. Here’s how:

• Get pre-approved for a mortgage before house hunting.

• Respond fast to requests from your lender, agent, or title company.

• Avoid big financial changes, like taking out new credit cards or switching jobs mid-deal.

• Work with experienced professionals who know how to keep things moving.

You won’t control everything, but being organized gives you a serious advantage.

The Bottom Line

So, how long does it take to close on a home in Arizona? Here’s the short version:

• Plan for about 30–45 days once you're under contract.

• Expect another 40–60 days (depending on location and time of year) for the home to go under contract in the first place.

• Factor in variables like inspection issues, title searches, and financing delays.

Whether you're buying in Tucson or selling in Phoenix, the process takes time—but knowing what to expect can make it feel a lot smoother.

About the Author:

Brooke Lazor

Brooke is a seasoned PR professional with over 8 years of experience in the field. Brooke has a proven track record of securing top placements in major publications for the companies she has worked for, including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg News

TESLA, TURO, TUCSON: A DAY TRIP I’LL NEVER FORGET

You know those bucket list items that sound great in theory but feel like punishment in reality? That was me… renting a Tesla through Turo for a quick family trip to Tucson. I had high hopes—new experience, eco-friendly, sleek ride, podcast girl in a futuristic car. What could go wrong?

Spoiler: everything.

Memorial Day Monday Morning we prescheduled a Day Trip Turo Rental - I thought TESLA to TUCSON! We showed up for our scheduled pickup and the car wasn’t even ready. Not washed, not fully charged, not even cleaned out. It was giving not “luxury EV experience.”

BUT—let’s talk about why we were going to Tucson in the first place. Thanks to the Culture Pass from the Phoenix Public Library, we scored free admission to the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson.

Nearly 60% of the battery drained just getting from Phoenix to Tucson. And guess who got pulled over in the middle of it? Yep—me. Luckily, the sheriff was more interested in asking, “So do you like the car?” than giving me a ticket. He also question why the Tucson Zoo? We were warned it was “small,” but honestly- more relieved to get out of the ticket and pretty impressed by this “little” zoo.

Atlas loved the elephants. Jose I loved the literal “cool zone” in the kids’ area—fans, misting, shade. It felt like a mirage. And yes, the Tesla charged (barely) in the zoo parking lot. Four hours and $14 later, we got… 4% more battery to take us to our next destination: FOOD.

We found Little Anthony's Diner, a hidden gem with kid-friendly vibes, an old-school arcade, fun decor, and delicious comfort food. It gave us the morale boost and french dip we didn’t know we needed. Next, a little detour to Trail Dust Town—a historic Western-themed ghost town that was (surprise!) closed for Memorial Day. But we had it to ourselves, pretending to be old westerners. As for the Tesla? Still basically dead. We found a janky charger outside a random real estate office and only got a few more percentages in the battery to find a real charger… the Telsa Supercharger. Tucson only has 3 and after joining the line of Teslas and parking for 40 minutes we got a FULL CHARGE and PINK BERRY!

Back to Phoenix we went. Once we were home, we had to recharge to return the car. We parked at the Target Tesla Supercharger near us, where Atlas got to “drive” (aka push all the buttons, make fart sounds, and summon Santa mode).

We dropped off the rental (which now felt like a very expensive lemon) and I got back into my trusty gas-powered Nissan Rogue. And that’s when it hit me—I LEFT MY OWALA BOTTLE IN THE TESLA! Dont make me go back!

But Tucson? We'll be back!

XoXo

Britt

FROM KNOW TO WPO: TWO WEEKS WITH WOMEN BUSINESS LEADERS

Two whirlwind weeks filled with inspiration, connection, and a whole lot of learning from 200+ successful female founders and executives averaging over a million dollars in revenue annually is not something I am BOASTING about. As someone who's been with KNOW Women—a global media company dedicated to amplifying the voices of ambitious women—and attended five summits, each event continues to fill my cup in ways I can't fully describe. But I will try my best in this blog!

First, the Annual KNOW Summit! This Spring 2025 it was help at the gorgeous resort in Fountain Hills- ADERO. If you're curious about last year's experience, you can read my 2024 recap here: KNOW Summit 2024 Success. At KNOW Women, I have the privilege of producing podcasts, crafting content, and fostering connections that highlight and celebrate female leaders. At the KNOW Women Summit 2025 I wore alot of hats as well. I was BOUNCER BRITT - directing traffic for workshops and roundtables, setting the stage for the panels and fireside chats, and prepping the seats for the next gifts and finally honoring the 100 Women to KNOW in America! Early mornings late nights and avoiding a commute back to midtown with a stay at the team AirBnB! It was another huge SUCCESS!

After a quick rest it was off to San Antonio Texas for the WPO Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum. KNOW served as the media partner for the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) for the third consecutive year. It was my second time attending, and let me tell you, one of my highlights was interviewing two of the honorees from the 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies, an annual ranking sponsored by JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking and WPO. One of these incredible women runs the largest supplier of English muffins for McDonald's Egg McMuffins! Their stories of grit, innovation, and perseverance left me in awe. I cannot wait for these episodes to air soon! Beyond the interviews, we captured founder stories and “mini mic moments” with attendees. These candid conversations reminded me that every successful woman is just like us- Stars - They're Just Like Us! Speaking of Stars like us… Misty Copeland. She was our incredible Key Note and so incredible relatable. From building a business, getting back in dance, being an incredible partner and mom and so much more. Sharing having grace for yourself is key.

There was one moment that stuck out in particular: A successful multi million dollar business women asked me: “So, are you getting the entrepreneurial bug?” I laughed and said I already caught it. But what occurred to me in that moment I need to LIVE it! I've been immersed in the world of entrepreneurship—I ran a business for 10+ years that put me in rooms to meet my husband (and business partner) and other women who would champion my name when I’m not in a room. Producing podcasts, sharing stories, and connecting with incredible women through KNOW Women is not just about talking the talk; it's about walking the walk, embracing the challenges, and celebrating the victories. Everyday! So, here's me, shouting from the mountain tops: I PRODUCE PODCASTS! I'm building my future today, one episode, one story, one connection at a time. Are you ready to do the same?

XoXo

Britt

P.S. If you're interested in learning more about these incredible organizations, check out KNOW Women and Women Presidents Organization.

MY 3 DAY SQUEEZED JUICE CLEANSE

Embarking on a wellness journey often requires stepping out of one's comfort zone: Cold Plunging, HIIT training, HOTWORX, etc. As someone who loves a good bio hack, I decided to undertake a another 3-day juice cleanse with Squeezed. Delivered in a cooler tote bag with ice packs, the 18 bottles were neatly organized and labeled for each day. Here's a candid account of my 72 hours! And if you are ready for a cleanse - you HAVE TO TRY SQUEEZED!

Day 1: Back in Familiar Waters

• Morning: Starting with Juice #1, a vibrant blend of beet, apple, pineapple, carrot, orange, ginger, and lemon. I usually dont “eat” till 11am, but I had to juice by 9am. I was getting hungry. I had Juice #2 for snack- it was good and spicy. Spice is suposed to help speed the metabolic process.

• Midday: Hunger set it! I had to have banana and my ENERGY Juice- My Favorite! It is cashew milk and cinnamon and Juice #3, combining coconut, pineapple, spinach, and apple, provided a tropical twist that kept me energized too!

• Evening: At home its harder when you are “Snack Bitch” to your toddler; then the dinner witching hour! I was quickly outta juice and needed something more. I snuck some raw cashews- chewed them well, but according to ChatGBT I didn’t “break the cleanse”.

Day 2: Navigating Challenges

• Morning: Woke up feeling more alert and less hungry!

• Midday: Faced some hunger pains, but staying hydrated and focusing on the cleanse's purpose helped. More water today! I even got an energy boost at 3pm when I usually get a crash!

• Evening: Noticed improved digestion and a clearer mind. Making dinner was TOUGH! I made chicken nachos (my favorite) and almost popped a chip that dropped into my mouth from muscle memory, but stopped! This cleanse is a mental challenge too!

Day 3: Reflecting on the Journey

• Morning: Felt a sense of accomplishment and clarity. Today is my last day!

• Midday: Energy levels remained consistent, and the juices continued to satisfy. I enjoyed my last cashew milk, sipping every last drop. Its so good! I might order for fun!

• Evening:Final stretch! I celebrated dinner with a salad! I needed to chew something and thought a good first meal would be a salad! Nothing fancy- mixed bag from the grocery store. Just like Elaine I love a BIG SALAD!

Completing the 3-day Squeezed juice cleanse was both challenging and rewarding. I was experiencing tummy troubles from big work events and travel and needed this reset! If you need this reset too I encourage you to try SQUEEZED!

Take care of yourself so you can take care of others.

XoXo

Britt

YOUR BUSINESS TOOLKIT - RESOURCES FOR SUCCESS NOT JUST IN ARIZONA NOT JUST FOR PODCASTING

In the entrepreneurial journey, success isn't about shortcut—it's about rolling up your sleeves, doing the work, BUT doing it smart. Recently we had Greg Forzani, founder of Forzani Business Education, on the podcast and he is one of those smart individuals you want to surround yourself with to grow in business and life.

Greg empowers business owners and working with KNOW Women everyday I KNOW that surrounding yourself with those to make you better is the best! Greg provides a comprehensive roadmap for business owners seeking predictable profitability and scalability. The More Profit Less Stress Program, program delves into crucial areas such as financial mastery, revenue growth, expense management, and team development. It's not about working harder; it's about working smarter.

For those facing operational challenges, the Fix Your Business Fast program offers targeted solutions. Aspiring entrepreneurs can benefit from the Start-up Business Academy, which lays the foundation for building a successful business from the ground up. Check out more about these programs at Forzani Business Education.

I will be honest with you- what we do is hard work! Working full time PLUS running a full time podcast PLUS producing 3 more podcasts! While working on bettering our family and social bonds... But we would change it, in fact we surround ourselves with those who recognize it in us and also challenge us to be better.

I encourage you to seek out those who elevate your journey. I cannot wait to hear about what you accomplish when you put your heart and brain out there.

XoXo

Britt