PRODUCER BRITT GETS A MANE ATTRACTION MOMENT

As the producer of the Finding Arizona Podcast, I recently indulged in some much-needed self-care with a transformation from Man Attraction Salon my hairstyle. We had the pleasure of reconnecting with Chris Knudsen, the owner of Mane Attraction Salon, for our "Rediscovering Arizona: Where Are They Now" series. Chris not only joined me for an insightful podcast episode but also worked his magic on my hair, bringing my Pinterest board vision to life in ways I couldn't have imagined.

During our session, Chris emphasized that at Mane Attraction Salon, they don't teach a one-size-fits-all haircut; instead, they modify techniques based on individual client needs. He explained that my haircut would incorporate four distinct cutting techniques, each tailored to suit my unique hair type and desired look. You can see in the consult photos how excited I get during the entire process.

The transformation was remarkable. Chris's expertise and attention to detail resulted in a haircut that not only met but exceeded my expectations. For those interested in the full experience and to hear more about our conversation, you can listen to the podcast episode linked here. A special thank you to Chris and the team at Mane Attraction Salon for their exceptional service and for making this self-care journey truly unforgettable.

Please Check out Mane Attraction Salon at 3156 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016 and tell the Finding Arizona Sent you!

XoXo

New Hair Britt

P.S. Fun Fact the award winning High School show choir I was in was called Main Attraction, dont click here and watch this old youtube competition video, dont.

FAMILY STAYCATION AT WE-KO-PA RESORT CASINO

Its been a few weeks since our staycation at the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, and Atlas keeps asking if we can go back to “We-Ko-Pa-Pa!” where our family enjoyed an unforgettable experience. Here’s a glimpse into our delightful itinerary and the fantastic time we had and Phoenix’s first Casino and new fam fav and Finding Arizona FIND.

Thursday, Check-in and Property Tour - Our adventure began with a warm welcome and an effortless check-in process. We all arrived as a family, with my parents visiting from San Diego. We thought a suite could accommodate some bomb babysitters for Atlas, making it a perfect setup. After checking in, we were greeted by Gail Manginelli, who took us on a fascinating tour of the property. Gail’s insights made us appreciate the resort's unique charm, and we were especially impressed by the resort's ties to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.

Pool Time! Next, we hit the pool, our favorite spot at the resort. Atlas, our little fish, loves the water just like his mama! The waterfalls were a big hit, and the pool depths were perfect for a casual cool-off or a full swim. It was the ideal way to start our staycation.

7 pm - Dinner at Ember - Jose and I had the pleasure of enjoying a date night dinner at Ember, the resort’s signature restaurant. We were treated to shared bites from the kitchen and a welcome glass of champagne to kick off the night. My favorite part was the piano player who rocked the evening with fantastic tunes. It was a lovely way to wind down and connect with out our extra co host.

Friday am Early Morning Dip - The next morning, the family started our day with a refreshing dip in the pool, being the first ones in to watch the fountains turn on. It was a serene and magical experience.

Breakfast at Ahnala - Before our podcast recording ,Jose and I got to enjoy a nice breakfast at Ahnala. Breakfast is my favorite and the Starbucks coffee was exactly what I needed. We stuffed ourselves again and enjoyed a producer prep conversation before our interivew.

9 am - Podcast with Liz Norton - We then recorded a podcast with Liz Norton, the Acting Marketing Director of We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort. Jose, as the host, led a wonderful conversation where Liz shared fascinating stories about the resort. Her personal anecdotes and genuine passion for her work added a special touch to our conversation. You can watch the full episode HERE.

11 am - Massages - After a busy morning, Jose and I treated ourselves to a relaxing one-hour massage. The skilled therapists worked their magic, melting away our stress and leaving us rejuvenated. It was the perfect way to conclude our staycation while Atlas, Papa and GG got some fun suite time in. You have to SEE the vlog to see what we walked into

Hotel Atlas" was a vibe! Atlas strutted around with a straw in his stuff, danced up and down the elevators, and snacked his way through the days. His joyful energy was contagious and added an extra layer of fun to our stay. The overall family feel of the resort was fantastic. Everyone had a great time, including grandpa, who hit his favorite game and cashed out as a winner. Bingo!

Until next time

XoXo

Britt

SPRING TRAINING WITH A TODDLER

Spring Training is not just for die-hard baseball fans; it's also a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy a day out together. Atlas attended his FIRST Spring Training Game along with my bestfriend who flew into town! Saturday, March 9 Chicago Cubs v Colorado Rockies, 1:05 game. We captured the memories, photos and tips and tricks for ya! If you're planning to attend a Saturday Cubs Spring Training game at Sloan Park with your toddler, we've got you covered to make the experience enjoyable for everyone, not just the three year olds!

1. Arrive Early and Claim Your Spot

With lawn seats at Sloan Park, arriving early is key to snagging a good spot for you and your fam. Toddlers love to move around, so pick a spot where they have some space to play and explore while still being able to see the game. Arriving early also gives you time to check out the ballpark amenities before the crowds arrive.

2. Pack Plenty of Snacks and Water

Toddlers are notorious for their bottomless appetites and constant need for hydration, especially in the Arizona sun. Be sure to pack a variety of snacks and plenty of water to keep them fueled and hydrated throughout the game. Portable, mess-free snacks like sliced fruit, crackers, and cheese sticks are ideal for little hands. We, of course, splurged on the commemorative Cubs helmet ice cream and a hotdog for the vibes!

3. Let Them Burn Off Some Energy

Take your toddler to the little baseball field behind the outfield for some during the game playtime. They'll love running around and pretending to be their favorite Cubs players. It's a great way to burn off some energy in between innings or getting through all 9!

4. Get Your Toddler's First Timer's Certificate

Make your toddler's first Cubs Spring Training game extra special by stopping by the Fan Services Booth near the First Base Gate to pick up a personalized First Timer's Certificate. It's a fun keepsake to commemorate their first baseball experience and makes for a great photo op! No age limit, so even if your first game is at 35 you can still get one!

5. Embrace the Cubs Spirit

One of the most exciting things about attending a Cubs game at Sloan Park is the electric atmosphere. Sloan is a mini Wrigley! From the moment you arrive, you'll be surrounded by fellow Cubs fans who share your love for the game. Atlas was in Awe immediately recognizing there are tons of Cubs (+Bears fans out there too). Plus the Cubs WON! When the famous “Go Cubs, Go” song blasted through the speakers it became Atlas’ new jam, on repeat to this day!

There you have it: a fun and friendly guide to enjoying Spring Training games with your toddler. These tips dont just apply to Cubs fans but all sports fans big and little. Cheers to a great season and Go Cubs!

XoXo

Britt

PS. If I missed any others, please feel free to comment bellow!

FEASTING, FOOTBALL & FIRSTS: OUR INAUGURAL THANKSGIVING HOSTING

Oh, the excitement of hosting our very first Thanksgiving bash. We welcomed friends and fam into our home filled with love and a touch of chaos. Grateful doesn't even begin to cover it. Thankful for the belly laughs, the warm embraces, and the simple joy of having everyone we love under one roof.

Cue the kitchen magic! Tried and tested, Sunny's Texas Two-Step Turkey Recipe became our kitchen sidekick, turning our humble turkey into the superstar of the feast. The air buzzed with the scent of success, and let me tell you, it was chef's kiss perfect! We made sure all the sides were covered: Sweet potato skewers, green bean casserole, mac and cheese, cranberry sauce, so much more but let’s not forget my signature cobbler!

Our table was a Pinterest-worthy dream- our long table became the epicenter of joy and laughter. Kiddos had a blast with activities galore. Plus, we took our living room to the patio with the three-game marathon on the screen for our football fanatics!

As we gathered round, it wasn't just about the grub; it was a about the memories. Celebrating in a place we once shared out vows, now passing gravy and coloring turkeys. Here's to many more more laughter-filled, food coma-inducing gatherings!

I also wanted to say thank you; if you are reading this you mean a lot to me. Finding Arizona Podcast has allowed me to share so much about our life + special memories, like this, with you. You are part of our family. Our doors are always open + mics are always on. Drop a message if you want an invite to Thanksgiving 2025!

XoXo

Britt

BEARS BOLTS SOFI EXPERIENCE

Recently, I took a day trip to LA for da Bears versus the Chargers, a televised Sunday Night Football game. The significance ran deeper than touchdowns and tackles; it was a reunion with football, family, and a jersey coming out of the archives. Check out the incredible throwback photos too!

I hopped on the plane for LAX midday, ready to catch up with friends and family at SoFi Stadium The last time I caught the Bears and Chargers live was way back in 2015 at Qualcomm Stadium. I rocked this half Bears, half Chargers jersey — the Velcro edition. Fast forward eight years, and this bad boy was dusted off for another game day- sewn tight.

The highlight? Picture this: Uber dropping you off outside the stadium and as your walking through the parking lot you hear cheers, banter, and that unmistakable team spirit in the air. That was the real touchdown moment reuniting with my fam!

It was near game time so we headed in. SoFi Stadium First-timer alert, and guess what? It's now my favorite! The place exudes a different kind of energy, and that screen… wow! Bestfriend and I, of course, had the VIP experience and one too many margs.

The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Chicago Bears 30-13, but we were the real winners! Born a Bears fan, bred in Bolt country. They will always be my San Diego Super Chargers. So here's to the gridiron, the cheers, and the promise of many more Bears Bolts showdowns.

XoXo

Still a Bears fan, Britt

P.S. Your best game ever is waiting and we have the discount- Use code FINDINGARIZONA on SeatGeek for an exclusive $20 discount in your next event!

FREEZING FAMILY MOMENTS WITH BAYLEY JORDAN PHOTOGRAPHY

I need to share this awesome Arizona Find. We had Bayley Jordan Photography for a family photoshoot at our library. First off, she made us feel super comfortable right from the start. It felt more like a hangout session than a photoshoot! And let me tell you, she's got a knack for bringing out the best in each of us. Our goofy moments turned into pure gold!

The library setting added a unique touch to the whole shoot. With outfits picked from our own closets, roughly ironed, we met before our first cup of coffee for that golden hour; and also before it got too hot for an Arizona July morning.

If you're looking for a photographer who knows how to freeze the moments that define your family, Bayley Jordan is the way to go! She's got that magic touch, and our photo album is now filled with cherished memories.

Go check out the podcast episode we did right after and then book your shoot with Bayley!

XoXo Britt

SOMETHING TO WEAR, SOMETHING TO READ, SOMETHING YOU WANT, SOMETHING YOU NEED

Merry Christmas from the Acevedo Family. We hope your holiday is filled with amazing memories with the one’s you love. Our almost two year old sure keeps us busy, so while we’re able to squeeze in a Christmas nap I wanted to share our Christmas gifting rhyme I followed this year, I mean Santa, and it was all smiles on Christmas morning.

It's called '“Want, Need, Wear, Read” according to Google. “The idea is that you only give four gifts to each child: Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.” I found it searching for gifts one day and my list was set. I also like my rhyme better.

Wear: Instead of matching jammies, I opted for these Project We shirts I scored at Old Navy. Photo shoot to come.

Read: This little guy loves to read so picking out a This Little book was hard because we want them all. Presidents was our choice; learn our history and quiz dada for Jeopardy.

Want: Arts and crafts were on the list to Santa, so to keep it clean we got a waterless coloring page. Elmo and his friends come to color with the stroke of a magic marker.

Need: Atlas also enjoys puzzles so a Target dollar spot Christmas puzzle ended up being the most played with toy, so far, and most rewarding. I love seeing his brain work, practice patience and get excited for a win! Sorry nothing to tag, its now going for 4 times the price on a third party reseller. Maybe we should be careful with this gift, A.J, lol.

Also loving our Melissa and Doug Realistic wooden cleaning toys: broom, mop, etc while I am Dyson -ing my whole home, top to bottom. Its a want and need for a Virgo and Capricorn Christmas.

Enjoy the rest of your holiday with your family- off to decorate some cookies and go Suns, tonight!

XoXo

Santa Britt

HAPPY GRADUATION - SWIMMING INTO LEVEL 3

Our little fish has graduated level 2 before turning 2! After our final swim class of the year we celebrated leveling up.

We started Aqua Tots Swim School beginning of 2022 as a first birthday present. Coming up on a year, we have successfully graduated 2 levels! On to level 3- one on one with the coach. Although I am looking forward to not getting in a highly chlorinated kids pool every week, I am more excited for his independence and trust he will gain with the coach!

You can read our AQUA TOT ATLAS blog sharing why we chose this swim school and some tips and tricks from us here. Mr Atlas Phelps will be practicing all winter and accepting recruits for his summer 23 swim school. Congrats, again, Atlas. Mom and Dad are always so proud of you!

XoXo

Britt

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