A NEW HALLOWEEN TRADITION

This was our third Halloween together, but our first at our forever home so we wanted to make a memory to last a lifetime. From our costumes to our treats we wanted to be the new neighbors everyone was talking about in a good way.

My costumes previously like to hit a similar theme: Historical Women. So it was only fitting that this year I represented the Rowdy Ronda Rousey. Keeping in the couple’s theme Jose wanted to dress up as a WWE Character and live his childhood dreams. After scraping together what turned out to be the greatest costume of all time the 1980’s Fanny Pack, Turtle Neck, Gold Chain wearing the Rock emerged.

After attending a Halloween party and being mistaken for an 80’s rocker side chick I was ready to just start kicking butt if people were mistaken by my costume. I let it slide and by the time it was actual all Hallow’s Eve I was ready to just admire the costumes of our tick or treaters.

As a housewarming gift, Jose and I received a vintage popcorn machine and after using it in the house and watching his family use one on Halloween for their trick or treaters, we . were excited to carry on the family tradition. With our spooky front yard decked out with a giant spider and skeleton flamingos we wheeled out our popcorn machine and popped to the sounds of the Monster Mash.

At first we had nerves. We saw empty blocks, deserted streets and no other houses ready to pass out candy. But, the nerves quickly subsided after the kids started arriving and hearing their excited over popcorn made us realize we are finally welcomed in our neighborhood. Three batches and three hours later we packed up and switched the light off signaling no more treats. That night when the kids dumped their pillow cases full of goodies we knew we would be the talk of the neighborhood about our standout treats.

We hope you had a safe Halloween, next year we will be newlyweds passing out popcorn and I couldn’t be more excited.

XoXo Britt

TWENTY-FOUR HOURS IN TUCSON

Tucson has always been one of my favorite travel destinations in Arizona. It is often overlooked in comparison to Sedona, Flagstaff and obviously Phoenix, but any chance I get to travel south I want to extend the experience. This past weekend we took a twenty-four hour trip to the dirty T, first it was for our Book Club, then we feel in the love with our AirBnB so we maximized the trip as semiprofesional tourists.

Our morning of exploring started with breakfast at the 5 Points Market and Restaurant featuring local and organic products, I mean of course we are going to pay a dollar more for a local cage free egg. Duh! After treating ourselves to brunch and balancing 3 cups of coffee with a ginger beet juice we were off to explore Historic Fourth Avenue: The Heartbeat of Tucson. Featuring vintage clothing and furniture shops, food of all sorts and artwork decorating the streets this neighborhood is a millennials paradise for photos.

One of the place that we historically had to take photos next to was the Tucson Postcard Sign. Painted in February 2017 by Victor Ving and his girlfriend, photographer Lisa Beggs this iconic piece can be found behind the Miller Surplus building and it worth the hunt for the photo shoot.

Before heading back up north, you must head south of Tucson to visit the gorgeous Mission San Xavier del Bac. Founded in 1692 by Padre Eusebio Kino[1] in the center of a centuries-old Indian settlement of the Sobaipuri O'odham this castle in the desert is a must see! We arrived mid Sunday afternoon just before a rainstorm and the contrasting dark clouds surrounding the white building was stunning. You have to walk the grounds and feel the 350 year old spirits. Not sure if it was the energy of the historic site or the fast moving clouds but we could feel it was time to head out.

Last stop on the trip was for snacks! Not road snacks, but grocery shopping at the famous Alejandro’s Tortilla Factory: a Southern Arizona tradition since 1980. We picked up some warm delicious bolillos, fresh marinated carne asada and sweet mexican pastries. This bodegas is off the beaten path and the street signs measure in Kilometers so you know flavors are real.

This is not our first or last trip to Tucson, we just like to prove no matter if you have 2 hours or 2 weeks you can experience the Old Pueblo the FInding Arizona Way! Safe Travels.

XoXo

Britt

THE BEST LITTLE AIRBNB IN TUCSON

Tucson, AZ is just a short drive from Phoenix, but completely another world. For Sun Devil’s it is almost forbidden territory, but for desert dwellers it is a hidden gem. Quick day trips to Tucson was the usual agenda for us, but this time Jose and I wanted to take a mini vacay and extend out trip in the dirty T.

I quickly started looking up AirBnB.com for our trip. I didn’t want us to stay in a hotel with hundreds of other people seeking privacy. Browsing through most of the AirBnBs I avoided any couch crashing opportunities because we wanted a space of our own. Then we found The Desert Studio and I fell in love.

This well designed space was the first thing that caught my eye. Upon our arrival, every expectation was met. This space felt particularly warm and full of love. Maybe it was the blush colored linens and art but it was a photographer’s and instagrammers dream. So of course we spent some time capturing the best elements of the space.

First, the location of the house was prime! Located in the lovely Highland Vista Cinco Via neighborhood in Tucson, it was a 25 drive from our book club meeting near Marana (see previous post on the Book Club we joined), but less than a 10 minute drive to the Uof A campus and Historic Fourth Ave. The space a had a private entrance and everytime we pulled into the driveway it felt like we were coming home.

Second, a space must serve purpose. The studio is well equipped with many amenities. (Mini -refrigerator, microwave, Keurig coffee maker, TV, and Wifi.) But our favorite use of the space was the record player. It was set with classic albums to enhance the experience. There is no better sound than a needle hitting the record and hearing that crackling spin.

Lastly, bring on the accessories! Need a good selfie mirror?. Want to relive eighth grade English class browsing J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye? Dreamed of taking a photo in a Peacock wicker chair? Continuing the idea of functionality and purpose, each decoration enhanced the everyday experiences of conversation, reading and or sharing a meal at the quaint table for 2.

If you are headed to Tucson, AZ you have to book this place! Looking to get out of town and experience a true AirBnB then reach out to Lauren And Kyle at The Desert Studio.

Safe Travels.

XoXo

Britt