DEAR SANTA FROM ATLAS

Happy Holidays Finding Arizona fam! Guess what? Atlas, the adorable almost three-year-old has a special message for the man in red himself—Santa! Let's dive into Atlas's letter and get a peek into his toddler Christmas dreams.

Dear Santa,

Merry Christmas. It's me, Atlas, I've been super good this year—ask my mom and dad; they'll vouch for me! I even wrote our Holiday Postcards this year.

I wanted to share a few of my most favorite things with you and say thanks.

First off, I love staying busy everyday. From parks, to classes to shopping I just love seeing friends!

Now, let's talk talents. I'm basically a little fish in swim class, splashing and making waves. Dance class? I’m pretty much the star on the Christmas tree over there. And in the kitchen, I'm a mini chef, can’t wait for you to try my cookies my mom and I made.

Okay, Christmas wishes. I'm all about Paw Patrol and Mickey Mouse—they're my absolute faves. Their adventures are epic, Santa! And when I’m watching, Nutrigrain bars are my snack, but only the strawberry ones, please.

Oh, Santa, can we talk about the Grinch? It's my favorite Christmas movie and book ever! His grumpy heart turning all warm and fuzzy—it's the best. I love max! Do you think he likes Nutrigrain bars too?

Santa, I'm turning three in January! So, this Christmas is like a super-duper early birthday party for me as I go visit my Papa and GG in San Diego. I'm even leaving out some milk and cookies for you there so forward all gifts to the beach. Maybe throw in a Nutrigrain bar for Rudolf.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Santa! And if you see the Grinch, tell him I said hi!

From Atlas

Isn't he just the cutest? Cheers to a happy holiday season with the ones who bring you joy.

XoXo

Britt

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS AVOCADOS

Santa! It’s been a great year- how have you been? It is me, Atlas. Almost two now and ready for my second Christmas. I helped decorate this year and the cookies… *chefs kiss*. Hey! I saw a lot of you at the Churchill handing out candy canes; I didn’t take any because I couldn’t trust them. You’re the real deal.

Since you’re THE Santa and I have been extra good this year I know you can get me what I want….a lifetime supply of avocados. How about A year? A grove? A tree? A sprouted seed? My mom try’s with all the composted ones I provide for her but her thumb is not so green.

Also, while we’re at the big stuff can we get some extra kindness in this world. My friend H sings about TPWK and I agree. Our fam sprinkling kindness, but while you’re out delivering all those presents put some extra kindness in those stockings, would ya.

I won’t keep you much longer. I know you’re a busy man and I appreciate your time. I saw special show with Mickey and the Blues Clues one too ; great work. Tell the Mrs I said, “Hello.”

Atlas

PS My mom made my santa letter printable for you to get it into the real man just in time! She’s the best.

WARM HOLIDAY WISHES

Merry Christmas 2021 from the Acevedo Family. Atlas’ FIRST Christmas and we had to make a statement for this year’s Christmas card. His face says it all. Scroll through and let me know your favorite.

I found the inspo on Pinterest. I scored the suits on Amazon #FTW ! I sourced out my parents who were visiting that week as our photogs. I edited the photos in Lightroom and used Canva to design the card from scratch. Easy-coming from this full time worker full time new mama. Don’t let the matching sweaters, fancy foil and pre-made templates scare you from creating the most perfect holiday card.

Also, while I have you. Do me a favor and watch this SNL skit about family holiday cards.

We would love to get your family holiday card and display it on our wall. Send us your warm wishes too!

XoXo

Britt

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS MY TWO FRONT TEETH AND...

Admiral Atlas here and boy is it Christmas! I guess thats what they call it. We went from spooky things to holidays rings overnight. My mom even put lights, these red balls and this shiny stuff on my palm tree in my room. We’re constantly watching and reading about a guy in red suit and this white stuff that make its cold. I haven’t seen either with my own eyes, but I’ll take my parent’s word for it.

I do enjoy the music. My mom made me this playlist (like she does for every holiday). The songs are fun and I love hearing my crazy family sing. Another thing mom and dad are great at is reading me that Grinch book. Every night at bedtime I get my very own Dr Seuss performance.

Now I sit down and write a letter to this Santy Claus about how good I’ve been and what I want him to bring me. Mom went from saying, “tell Grandpa,” to “tell Santa.” So here you go mister.

I have everything I could ever need: love in my heart, food in my belly and a safe home, BUT if I had to ask for something I guess you don’t have to twist my arm. First, I would like my two front teeth. They have been pushing through for nights and days and I am ready to just have them so I can eat all the yummy things and sleep peacefully. After that I’ll take shoes. I am really learning to get around and I out grew all my baby pairs so if you want me walking get me some shoes, please.

I just want to make amazing memories with my family and take in every minute of my first Christmas! I hope you have an amazing holiday with the ones you love and I will seA you soon, eh!

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS- SAN DIEGO CHRISTMAS

Another Christmas in San Diego and it was perfect, this time we took Winter with us and she now has her new favorite vacation spot, Imperial Beach, CA. Our first Christmas as married couple one of things shared with us was making sure we have holiday traditions. Although this holiday we went through major kitchen construction we still managed to make it feel like Christmas.

Our precious 1949 home is teaching us so much about handiwork, but this time, it was over our head. After the wedding we thought we had a kitchen pipe clogged that could be solved by a snake or even a hydro flush, but when your line collapses, all you can do is get a new one. Thankfully we found Neighborhood Plumber- through a family friend and not only was he nice in the process, but also to our wallets. After four days and nights, 45 feet of concrete was jackhammered and a new kitchen line was placed. The finishing touches of concrete and a new faucet were added and now we’re cooking. Literally.

As husband and wife we knew this project would hit our Christmas budget hard and agreed that it was our present to each other; we’re thankful we don’t have kids that we have to announce this too. Because kitchen construction means dust EVERYWHERE we didn’t put up a tree, or lights. Our trip to San Diego would be our Christmas fix.

We left Christmas Eve; it was raining hard the entire ride and on top of that it was Winter’s longest car ride! She didn’t sleep and after a few potty stops we were celebrating Christmas Eve in Imperial Beach.

Christmas Eve for us is spent ant my mom and dad’s house with our entire family filled with food, drinks, and fun!White elephant and Saran Wrap Christmas games are part of our Christmas traditions. I’m sure you’ve seen the video where you wear a Santa hat and baking mitts and take turns rolling doubles to open up a nearly impossible present or Saran Wrapped gifts. This is so much fun and even though Jose and I will be alternating holiday locations I will make sure this one stays.

Tamale time! Although we have only been doing this the passed three years, now that I know how to make tamales it is a must for the holidays. Next year I want to try olives! If it’s at my house, we just might! Although I’ll be missing making them with my papa, he is turning 90 in January and sharing stories over spreading masa is so fun.

One thing no matter near or far and big or small our family is we will continue to make and send Holiday cards. I look forward to designing them, selecting our favorite photos from the year and sharing them with our loved ones. If you want one next year be sure to send me your address.

As we head into the new year we have a lot up our sleeve but more importantly putting ourselves first because what I kept repeating through the kitchen chaos was, “I’m too blessed to be stressed.” That is exactly how I felt on Christmas too, blessed; surrounded by the ones I love the most with everything I need.

As I mentioned, we took Winter with us to San Diego and she experienced her first time at the beach. She doesn’t like pools but the beach was another story- she loved it! Her paws running up and down the sand and chasing the tide faster than ever made all our heart’s smile.

I hope you got everything you wanted for the holidays and more! Santa did bring me the two things I asked for- a new kitchen line and a mixer! So get ready for some amazing recipes from the Finding Arizona Kitchen! Have a happy and healthy new year! Thank you for reading and following our journey.

XoXo

Britt

FINDING AZ HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2019

Last year’s gift guide was a success so we brought it back! Surprise! Everyone is doing GG this year. But here is what makes our different: 1) Local brands- but don’t worry you can still buy online if your not local to AZ and support them 2) Budget friendly- sorry no $50 candles or Designer Shoes 3) It is for everyone- seriously you can find something for everyone on this list! Enjoy and Happy Holidays and of course Merry Christmas!

Skincare-

#Selfcare is not just a LADY thing! In fact every time I do a mask at home, Jose joins too! Get your man a nice skincare routine this year for him. He doesn’t want to smell like roses, but he like the way it makes his face feel.

Or if this is breaking your budget we have suggested a Burt’s Bees Essential Travel Set to ease into a skincare routine. Nails and lips count as skin too, don’t forget it!

Finally this Aztec Clay is a miracle. Use it for DIY masks, add to your bath, sport treatments, and many more. Use it once and you’ll be hooked.

K-Duo Coffee Maker- K cups for weeks days and full pots for weekends- get the best of both worlds with a duo coffee pot. I have had my Keurig for almost 10 years and even though it’s going strong I find myself making 2-3 cups some mornings. This was on our Wedding Registry and has now made it to our Gift Guide.

KitchenAid Stand Mixer- I can’t’ believe I have gone this long without a mixer. Do you know how hard it is to cream butter and sugar by hand? Save your pennies and invest in this beautiful mixer. It is a timeless piece that will get more use than you can even think of right now- especially looking chic with the designer bowls. This was another gift that made its way from our Wedding Registry to the Gift Guide.

Weighted Blanket- This is the adult’s equivalent of the Tickle Me Elmo gift craze. You see these everywhere- grocery stores, furniture stores, mall kiosks. I can’t personally speak from experience but others have raved over it and highly recommended for restless leg syndrome. I wouldn’t mind Santa getting me one.

Smart home

Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip- because why have Alexa turn 1 light on when she can do the whole strip! What we love about this is programing for holidays. For example the Christmas tree and lights are all connected so at night I can say “Alexa, Santa is coming!” and all the lights come on.

FixD- Scan and reader for your car! Turn your car into a smart car- know why your check engine light is on and get maintenance reminders. Everyone can use this! I definitely would have had this for my trips back and forth to college!

Sleep Tracking Pad- Technology tracks everything why not your sleep? I have tried my watch and my phone but nothing is accurate. This pad actually goes on your bed so it monitors how and when you sleep.

Nintendo Entertainment System- Yeah you can get an Play Station or an X box but you won’t keep up with the teenagers and their skills at video games now. So instead, make gaming fun again with an old school Nintendo. We love this deal on Amazon because it also comes with the original games! It is the only gaming system I will allow in the house. Lol.

Robot Vacuum- This was the Cyber Monday I came for. I tested a iRobot model a while back and didn’t love it but after finding a different model and testing it out, I am a true believer. When you have pets and concrete floors you need to sweep everyday it seems in AZ and this saves me so much time and is a little entertainment for the animals too! This model has the mopping mechanism- wow game changer!

Umbrella- We have gotten more rain this year in Phoenix than I can remember and my rain boots are getting a ton of use but it is now time to upgrade the umbrella. We recently went to Mexico City and you can read about our trip and packing list here, but on it was an umbrella. Not a cute one like this, but still necessary. I love this one because it also serves as a great prop for photo shoots plus great price for a Kate Spade product!

5 Minute Journal- Great gift for yourself even to remember to take time in the new year for a fresh start. This is 5 minutes journal prompts and does great to promote mental health. Our mind is a muscle and we must exercise it.

 Flexible Tripod- We have had ours for a year and use it for everything and every device. You don’t have to be a famous YouTuber or Instagram model to need a tripod. This one even has been allowed at amusement parks and sporting events – take that Selfie Stick!

 Power tools- As you become an adult kitchen appliances and power tools become part of the Christmas Present norm. This power hand saw is a NEED for any homeowner and at a great price too!

Mevo- How did we go live on our Facebook for the Finding Arizona Wedding with such a stunning camera? Meet Mevo- stream full HD or Record in 4k!

Book- You can always gift a favorite book. Last year we were gifted Judd Apatow’s book Sick in the Head from our Book Club and recommend it for comedy and or book lovers everywhere.

Music- Vinyl is back! Everyone is getting record machines so make sure you add a classic to their collection! We always look to score at thrift shops but this classic deserves to be in everyone record crate: Al Green Greatest Hits.

LOCAL LOVE

#Sage Squad! You see the Sage Aubrey handbags everywhere. Who wouldn’t want a fantastic high quality bag made from a passionate and inspiring woman? I LOVE MY SAGE BAG! Now she’s adding more to her amazing collection- wallets and scarves and of course gorgeous colors like this red that’s to die for! Yes please Santa! You can order online or if your local you get a special in person delivery.

Manor- This contemporary shoe store in the heart of central phoenix is not only a great place for the latest sneakerheads but a great community supporter for events and run clubs. This place makes great holiday gifts online or instore ranging from shoes to accessories. If you don’t know what to get him- head to Manor.

Indestructible Shoes- I have been in the market for some hiking boots for years now but haven’t found any I love- These shoes are cute and practical PLUS the price point is great. You can get a pair for just about any industry or play! Best part is we have a discount code! You receive 20% OFF using the Code: BRITA67

Simple Jane- We met Simple Jane a few years back on the podcast and fell in love with all their products right off the bat. Not only do these women do great things to support the community but their product is to swear by. Their latest is the CinnaBomb CBD Lip Balm and I cannot get enough of it! Stock your stuffers and everyone you know with it!

Wow! That makes up our 2019 Gift Guide! What were honestly gifting is a new kitchen sink line but that’s another blog post to come and a girl can wish cant she? I hope Santa brings you everything you want this year and more! Merry Christmas from the Finding Arizona Podcast!

XoXo

Britt

CHRISTMAS FAMILY VACATION

We spent Christmas in San Diego with the Griswolds. First, we made snow angels for two hours, then we went ice skating and then we ate a whole roll of Tollhouse Cookie dough as fast as we we could, and then we snuggled. No, that was the movie Elf, which we did watch for Christmas Eve. And Clark, my dad, Griswold did give us an amazing tour of his light displays. But this post is all about traditions. Something about making traditions new and old that makes this time of year so special. Here are a few traditions we’re upholding.  

 Christmas Eve is when our family gets together. Homemade lasagna from a sauce that cooked the entire day before and all the deserts you can think of fills our belly as we toast to each other. No turkey, no stuffing. Instead- Italian goodness. 

My favorite are the games. Of course the  white elephant game is played. See photos below for some of the treasures. But this year we added a Saran Wrap present challenge to our oven mit crazy wrapped present games. It’s 3 minutes of pure laughter and fun even if you’re just spectating. 

Traditions for a Christmas in San Diego mean spending mornings on the beach. Whether it’s a good sweat or a casual stroll the salty air in the morning is the best way to start the day in California. In the evening we hit Christmas Tree Circle in Chula Vista. Anxious to see what new displays are added this year we had family visiting from North Dakota who has never been before so it was great to see their reaction. 

I was honored this year to receive many amazing, and thoughtful presents, but one that stands out is a tradition I now carry. I was gifted from a like a mother to me a set of her grandmother and great grandmothers wedding rings. Through the tears, I promised to uphold these family traditions with honor. 

Another family tradition we have kept for I want to say 4 years now are making tamales. Mind you the only hispanic we have In The kitchen with us is my best friend Evelina, but between my mom and my 88 year old grandpa, this year we made 175 tamales. Laughing over the craft, and sharing stories from life passed and present it’s moments and traditions like this I will remember forever. 

When we returned to Phoenix we celebrated with the Acevedo Family and welcomed in a new friend, post to come, but being with family and sharing a warm meal and exchanging love and laughs are the best times of the holiday no matter where you spend it or what day you celebrate it as long as you are honoring traditions the spirit of the holidays with always be there.  

Can’t forget to mention the tradition of the matching pajamas. I know its #trending this year, but we’ve been doing it a while! Gotta love the photos from it!

XoXo

Britt

WEDDING COOKIES

I know what you’re thinking- Britt is finally planning and posting about the wedding. Not quite! I am, however, practicing my wifey skills in kitchen and whipping up some Christmas cookies to fill our fun new cookie jar and share containers with friends and families in the area. 

Honored to be invited to my first Christmas Cookie Party, I wanted to bring my favorite: Italian Wedding Cookies. Second requirement was the recipe to share. I practiced my Adobe design skills and created a personalized recipe. Please print and share and let me know your thoughts. 

Third requirement was an ornament for an exchange and by the end of the evening I traded my tree decor for a Santa Cookie Jar! Who got the sweeter deal? 

I knead to keep this blog short so you can go get baked. Happy Holidays!

XoXo

Britt

THE TWELVE QUESTIONS OF CHRISTMAS

The twelve days of Christmas begins on the 25th and showers gifts until the 5th of January, but with 12 days leading up to the big day, I wanted to share a little BTS 12 Q&A about our holiday traditions new and old.

1.What was Christmas like when you were growing up?

J. Christmas time for our family was typical, we woke up super early in the morning to open presents because I woke everyone else up. We had a nice dinner and my parent's friends and families came by throughout the day. 

B. I remember opening up 1 gift, my christmas jammies and tracking santa on his sleigh the night before.  I would wake  up to a big beautiful toy filled tree the next morning. As I got older Black Fridays were our Christmas traditions- waking up early and standing in line for hours with my dad at Fry’s Electronics still brings a smile to my face.

2. Share one vivid Christmas memory, good or bad.

J. My favorite Christmas memory is one with my younger brother and me in the snow, we always enjoyed playing outside. We were very lucky to have an occasional white Christmas. 

B. One Christmas was spent in Northern California with my grandparents. I was single digits in age and took my first limo ride around the trees of mystery and through festive  holiday light neighborhoods.

3. What’s your favorite – or least favorite – Christmas song?

J. My favorite song is "Baby, its cold outside" and my least fav is "Little drummer boy" 

B. I love “Merry Christmas, Darling,” and least favorite are the ones in latin because I don’t have the voice of an angel like Dale from Stepbrothers.

4. What’s the best gift you’ve ever given someone?

J. Best gift I ever gave someone is an engagement ring. Best surprise too. 

B. My homemade gifts stand out to me the most. One year I photoshopped my dad and uncle so it looked like they were at the same baseball game in the same photo with their favorite team. Now my home is the gift that stand out to me the most because I gifted it to myself and I can now create all these wonderful gifts and memories inside.

5. What’s the best gift you've ever received?

J. Best gift I have ever received is the home I live in today. 

B. My engagement ring because it means I get the best gift of all- someone to love unconditionally for the rest of my life.

6. When you hate a present, are you honest or do you pretend to love it?

J. I try my best to always look and see the silver lining of a present because gifts sometimes surprise you on their usefulness.

B. Pretend to love it for sure, but find another use for it. I am pro Regifting.

7. Which family tradition do you want to pass down to our children?

J. It's funny because my family doesn't really have one but I have adopted one from Britt. I would like to give each year a pair of matching pjs to my family.

B. We started decorating for Christmas after Thanksgiving DInner and I love the thought of carrying this into our third year. Christmas pajamas for the family and of course photos for those cheesy Christmas Cards (check your mail for ours this year).

8. Real tree or artificial?

J. I have only ever owned a handful of "real" trees, they don't work well in Phoenix either so fake tree for me. 

B. I love the smell but hate the mess so artificial and all the candles!

9. What is your all-time favorite holiday food/sweet treat?

J. My favorite holiday food is probably mac & cheese. My favorite holiday treat is peanut butter cookies. 

B. I love all the home cooked meals from my mom, but recently we started making tamales and they last in my freezer the entire year! This time of year I try and stick to the 4 main food groups: candy, candy cane, candy corn, and syrup. 

10. Favorite holiday movie? 

J. An all-time holiday favorite is Home Alone 2: Lost in New York! 

B. All of the Christmas Claymation movies are amazing for their time, but Rudolf and the Island of Misfit Toys is my favorite to watch.

11. White Christmas memory? 

J. White Christmas memory is being at home, warm, with a blanket and hot chocolate.

B. One Christmas we were in North Dakota visiting family and it was 40 degrees below so we had to stay inside.

12. The true meaning of Christmas is _________

J. providing joyful memories to friends and families. 

B. showing and sharing all the love everyone deserves.

These amazing photo sneak peaks are of a night shoot we did with Jasmine Lea Photography, more to come!

FINDING AZ ONLINE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

There is no other way to say it: I love the holidays! My love language is gifts so I like to shop for them, give them and receive them. I love the houses that light up the neighborhoods and visions of a “White Christmas” in the Southwest. It can create a stressful time for hearts and wallets, so we wanted to create a Finding Arizona Online Gift Guide and if you order today, like we did you have plenty of time to wrap it and address it from “Santa.”

Although this isn’t a local gift buying guide (blog post to follow) we linked our Amazon Page where you can not only shop our current favorite products, but also our gift guide. Not just for the other Jose and Britts in your lives; but the moms, dads and kids too!

SHOP HERE

1. Know before you go

Sometimes we just go in to a store or on a site expecting things to find us, but the key to a perfect gift is planning it out. This year I made a bullet journal mapping out who were are seeing for the holidays and who we cant forget to celebrate with. Throughout the year I have saved and bought ahead presents or wrote down ideas to gift so when it is game time, I am ready.

2. Set a budget

Our gift guide this year doesn’t feature a product over $100! It is important not only to be conscious of your wallet, but also understand the best presents don’t always have to cost the most. Shop smart, use coupons, don’t put anything on a credit card and bulk your gifts. For example, we’re getting families and couples presents instead of each individual person.

Jose and I share hats all the time (hint hint).

3. Want vs Need

During the month of November I participated in “No Spend November.” It was a personal challenge where I only purchased things I needed i.e. groceries, gas, bills. We are using this same mindset when making christmas gift purchases and creating our holiday gift guide. Do you need a rose quartz face roller? Yes! Do you need 20 cardboard scenes for a backdrop for you insta famous pet? Of Course! When considering your recipients, do they need it?

Do you need a waterproof speaker? (duh)!

Not sure where to start this holday? Check out our Gift Guide on Amazon and gain some inspiration through our Pinterest page.

Happy Holidays

XoXo

Britt