FIVE FAVORITE FOOD FINDS FAST

When it is too late to cook or we are too lazy to get in the kitchen Jose and I like to pull up the latest free delivery code from a reddit thread and order from our favorite fast finds in Phoenix.

Over the weekend, we build a fort with mountains of Jennifer Adams sheets and our new the Dotted Bow Pillows and ordered some late night grub to watch a movie and enjoy a quiet Friday night together. Whether you’re in Phoenix or not hopefully you can find some time to get horizontal with some carbs this weekend and load the Postmates app to get some food your way!

Our Top 5 on Postmates!

1. WTF Express. First, if you have the pleasure of going here it is like an adult cafeteria of your dreams. But not like school cafeteria, like Silicon Valley cafeteria. Any kind of food, seriously ANY! And it is delicious . If you order for delivery like us most of the time, then Jose recommends the Philly Cheese steaks and I always get the Gyro! Dont forget the hushpuppies!

2. Armadillo Grill. This hidden gem has been in business for over 20 years. Once I heard they were famous for their friend pickles, that is all I order. Jose recommends their burger. Great bar food but quality ingredients you can taste! But not a fan of their onion rings, just an FYI.

3. Halal Guys. You have probably noticed I like Greek food so at least 1 time a week I need a pita! The Halal Guys is a chain restaurant with a simple menu - beef or chicken. Of course Jose gets Chicken and I get Beef, but one thing we do agree on are their crinkle cut fries!

4. Panera Bread. Soup and Sammy was one of the first meals I learned to make at home so I am constantly craving this comfort food. I don’t believe in a soup season, even here in Arizona, so even when it is 100 degrees out, even at night, I crave a bread bowl and broccoli cheddar soup from Panera. Jose mixes it up with a Sammy, but always ordering something from their bakery. And It usually is a surprise because what we select is always sold out.

5. ‘Bertos Taco Shop. Anything ending in ‘Bertos. We crave Mexican Food a few times a week and if it has not been planned out we choose any taco shop local. The flavors of a hole in the wall shack remind me of home. No matter what we order its always extra green salsa and spicy carrots!

Comment bellow your fave Postmates orders! We are always open to trying new things!

BRITT'S BIRTHDAY

Okay, August is officially over so that means my Birthday Month is officially over. But, before we start celebrating Jose's Birthday Month lets recap what an amazing 29th Birthday I had and my 3 biggest takeaways before I am THIRTY!

1. Plan for No Plans!

With a no milestone birthday to celebrate I didn't go out of my way to make plans for the day. And after realizing I spend my life planning my life that not planning something is actually more refreshing! I am the first to admit I am a Debbie Downer when plans don't go as followed, but I am not taking this mindset into my thirties! If something isn't planned I should look at it as my opportunity to make it what I want. I still ate, hung out with those I loved and enjoyed this day to its fullest.

2. Have Your Cake and Eat it too!

Surround yourself with good people and good food! Life is too short to not eat what you want to eat. And as I season up I realize I can't drown everything in Tapatio like I am used to, but I never want to say I can't order something or eat something because I don't want to! I will pay the price in my workout later for it, but I wanted my birthday filled with carbs. Going into my thirties I know my metabolism will slow, and my diet is important to consider everyday. I will make a more conscious effort to eat real foods and nourish my body with want it needs and wants! 

Birthday Meal #1 was Fame- a delicious home cooked meal feel restaurant in central phoenix. Known for their breakfast and brunch each ingredient is local and fresh. I can't get passed their quiche!

Birthday Meal #2 was The Sicilian Butcher, a first time try but my 14% South European was loving the salted meats, savory cheeses, and pickled veggies! Cheese and Meat boards for the win! 

3. Appreciation.

There was not a single birthday gift at the top of my list - (well there was, it is a block wall). But I told those around me I have everything I ever need and when I thirst for things I just need to look right in front of me for them. The presents I did receive were more than just 'things" they were actually appreciative gestures from one heart to another. Presents I can't just use once and done, but gifts to wear and use for years to come.

I love birthdays and I can understand how some don't appreciate them as much, I mean who likes getting older? But the wiser part is what I am excited to grow up and celebrate more birthdays for. Thirty-year-old Britt, wow I cant wait till you see what you've learned with these lessons you're carrying on.

Jose-you're next old man! 

THIS OLD HOUSE

When Jose and I chose to buy a historic home we wanted it to be a place we could spend our immediate time enjoying, but also have some projects we can tackle thoughout the years. Our 1949 Roma gem is just that. We can spend our mornings working on the landscaping and jumping in the pool to cool down before our afternoon activities. Over the passed weekend we got dirty in the yard preparing for some big plans! 

Summer in AZ in not the ideal time to plant plants or regrow grass but when we get a warning letter from the city about our Palm fronds we spend at lease 1 day of the weekend keeping up neighborhood appearances. The city monitors our front yard, but Jose and I are keeping an eye one the back yard everyday. 

I read somewhere that letting your palm tree overgrow not only keeps it cool but it also protects native wildlife. Take that City of Phoenix.  

As much as we envision going in, it all has to start from a clean slate. We had to say good bye to an oleander, a sage and a eucalyptus this week to clear our yard for grass to grow. With the monsoon season so rough this year, we also had to troubleshoot a green pool. After shocking and vacuuming it, we started to see crystal blue water again. 

The eyesore of the chainlink fence is what bothers me the most. Our biggest priority but also a financial responsibility is changing our chain link fence to a block-wall. It is not something I can youtube (I can, but Im not qualified to perform the duties.) Two hundred and fity linear feet need to be converted into a pool height friendly block wall and as much as I want it to happen overnight, it will take time. 

While we continue to gather quotes and cushion our block wall fund we enjoy approaching the homeownership life and all the obstacles it throws at us. And believe us its a daily chore. 

Amazing photos by @amaesphotography

HOMETOWNS

Last week we took another trip to my hometown of San Diego, CA. Escaping the triple degree heat to Diego is norm in July for us Zonies, but what some might not know is we were headed to a Summer tradition- OTL! 

OTL - Over The Line - Is a three man baseball game and the World Championship takes place on Fiesta Island in Mission Bay and has been for 65 years. I have been attending for 12 years and Jose has joined for 2. One side the Pacific Ocean, One side Mission Bay, and water all around.  

As much as we enjoy the sport and follow certain teams each year we primarily go for the camping or glamping. We claim 2 RV spots 100 yards from the shoreline and sacrifice showers for sand and sun.  Once a year we spend 3 days tanning and playing yard games and 2 nights entertaining everyone with light up boccee ball and campfire. When were too tired to stand we blow up an air matress and sleep under the stars. 

The sport itself is simple and over 50 games go on at once but after 3 innings theres a winner and loser and between the jello shots and clever team names everyone is there to have a good time. 3 rules - No Babies No bottles No Bowsers. We rep our favorite team - IB scoreboard and are there to cheer them on, but back at our campsite we are know for our late night shennanigans.  

With about 12 of us on the site we make sure we always have good food and drinks on hand at all times. This year's hit was Philly Cheese steaks and Mexican Candy Shots!  For entertainment we kept the party alive with washers and an adult tricylce. But the big hit, as mentioned above, was the light up bocce ball!     

During the most recent episode of The Bachelor Becca visited her top guys' hometowns and met the fam bam. And although this was not Jose's first OTL or first time in the Hometown or first time meeting the fambam this event is something raw and after this he is saying "Lets do the damn thing." 

WARM RAYS AND LAZY DAYS

I once heard a saying "weekends are for waffles" and I could not agree more! I have never been the type to live for the weekend; in fact every weekend I am catching up on something work related because when you love what you do it never feels like work. But for us the weekend means being together and recharging!

Friday Jose is out of work by noon so we try and schedule a podcast when the light is perfect and the energy is high. Friday nights are for keeping it local. We have either a night out at a local restaurant like Farm & Craft or Halal Guys or check out a local event or completely veg out with a Postmates order and catching up on a binge worthy show  like Handmaid's Tale or Suits.

Saturday mornings we divide and conquer. I spend a few hours in Tempe for work and Jose gets in front of the Mac to post this week's podcast episode. By noon we are catching a yoga class and hitting up a thrift shop for a good find. Every other Saturday Goodwill's 50% sale (see previous post: THRIFTING) has us hunting for treasures for our forever home. But when the sun is high and temps are tripled we are in our pool cooling off: Jose diving for leaves and me reading and tanning. We find the quiet time of being together so relaxing. 

We also like to get in the kitchen together on Saturday. Jose will get on the grill and we will meet up in the kitchen for a taco bar for dinner or we will work together dissecting a recipe and jamming out to the latest Hospital Records Podcast. Alexa is part of our weekend fun too! We catch up on Jeopardy questions from the week and can just spend hours in the kitchen cooking and quizing. 

Lazy Sunday mornings are for us to sleep in. With a Diva like @Cat_linjenner that means 7:30 am if we are lucky. Once we are up we ease into a morning workout. (Um... you thought I said 'Lazy Sunday' LOL) Jose likes to run the cannal while I do a yoga flow in the den. But brunch is a must! Sunday Brunch means multiple courses, fresh drinks, warm waffles, and flavorful meats! Jose can make a mean breakfast but with our powers combined on Sunday's I am sure we are making the neighbors jealous. 

If you follow along our BTS InstaStories @FindingArizonaPodcast you'll know we sometimes hold meetings on Sundays for the podcast. Laptops, planners, notebooks, cell phones, everything scattered everywhere- organized chaos. That is when we map out what we are working on and any wild and crazy ideas we want to get out in the universe and see how they can be incorporated into what we do. 

Sunday evenings I usually have to meet on the other side of town for work so sometimes I bribe Jose with a Bosa Donut to join me for the ride. What I love about our relationship is sometimes just being next to him is all my heart and soul need. 

I remember to cherish these moments- weekend or not, waffles on the menu or not. Its days like this that keep our love growing and give life meaning. Make sure you give youself a recharge day soon. You deserve it! 

Check out these beautiful photos from Emily of Sahuaro Media  taken on a Sunday morning!

INDEPENDENCE DAY

America's Birthday was celebrated at our new house this year! We think it might be a new tradition. It started off with swimming in the pool and finished with a perfect view of the fireworks from the rooftop.  By the end of the night we were full to our eye balls and feeling more confident about our next home projects. 

This post we want to share a few receipts: one for food / drinks and the other for love. 

1) American Burger with Watermelon Margarita!

- Costco pre made 1/3lb burgers are the best go to BBQ food! Will some extra sharp cheddar melted on top and all the fixins Jose's BBQ skills were on point grilling up some perfect burgers for the holiday!

-Costco (this is not a paid advertisement we just live there) pre made margarita mix is heaven sent as well. Add an extra shot of 1800 with some fresh squeezed lime and finally blend with ice and fresh watermelon and you will have the most refreshing summer beverage! Cheers! 

2) Love 

If you haven't heard already we bought a house and are planning a wedding. HAHA I know we are crazy! To add to it only some of our close friends and family know we are also breaking a lease on our apartment with some fiery hoops the property management wants us to jump through! Every day the stress wears on us. From trying to put on a brave face for the 9-5 or the podcast sometimes we just want to look at eachother and say "AHHHHH!"  

But yesterday on America's Day we received some great advice: "Put money into what's yours and what you love."

Couldn't be more simply said yet so hard to want to swallow! On America's Independence Day I realized how independent we are! We are about to turn 30 years old we have careers we have studied for we have a beautiful home we bought we have an amazing podcast community and all the love and support from friends and family. We have each-other and thats love! That is the recipe that matters the most!

Love is the best receipe! If you love what you are doing it doesnt feel like work. You dont regret to blood sweat or tears  once you see what your love created. And you appreciate the value of your dollar when it is something you love!  

So we are using our love to build a wall! A block wall! So tweet @realDonaldTrump and tell him #lovetrumpshate #letsbuildawall!

WEEKEND GET AWAY - SAN DIEGO

Happy first day of Summer. Living in AZ it has felt like summer for a least 6 weeks now. With the temperatures only rising travel plans are also on the rise. We have a few trips to San Diego planned this summer, because why not! 

Mid June in San Diego is perfect. You get the coastal cloudy morning that quickly burns off to a beautiful clear sky and by the evening time a light breeze is perfect for a jacket, bonfire, or snuggling. Having lived in AZ for 7 years now, any time I go back home I have to bring longs pants and sweaters. 

Our last trip was for my cousin's wedding (see previous post), but we also spent some time taking in a few San Diego sights to share! 

The San Diego County Fair, or the Del Mar Fair as I remember it was in full affect. It was not hard to convince Jose to get some fried food and watch some pig races. After calling up my best-friend of 25 years we loaded up the Santa Fe and drove up the I5. After stuffing our faces with Australian Beer Battered Potatoes, Fried Zucchini, Chicken and Waffles, Giant Pickles, Fudge, and Donuts we hit the promotional tents and got suckered into a garlic shredder. Finally the pig races! Swifty Swine International Race Way is the setting for the fastest pigs in the west. They race the track for an Oreo cookie! So would I! The state fair never gets old and always a favorite when visiting Cali in the Summer. 

Imperial Beach is the most Southwesterly city in the continental United States. It was my home for 21 years and still feels like home every-time I visit. A lot has changed, ask anyone, hotels and breweries, murals and landscaping, but its still my small little hometown tucked in America's Finest City. 

When the ocean is only 1 mile away from the parent's house the beach is constantly calling your name. Usually Jose and I wake up early and hit the sand for a beach run, but this trip we were ultimate vacationers and walked the beach in search for treasures. The water was freezing, as usual, but the the swells were hitting up to 10 feet so I can see why there were a few brave souls out there.

July in Diego is for Over the Line and if you dont know you need to Google this! We have been partying on the island for 10+ years upgrading from a Radio Flyer wagon to an RV. From 1 hungover day to 3 thought out prep planned days. From a party of 4 to party of 14. Mark your calendars for July 14 -1 5, and look forward to that blog post! 

QUICK Q & A

Maybe you have known us for 18+ years, maybe heard 18 episodes of the podcast, maybe you're on blog post #18, or maybe you've discovered us for all of 18 seconds. Whatever the case we are appreciative to have you a part of our journey. We want to share a quick Q & A for our #findingazengagement journey with all of you!

1. Where and when did we first meet?

J: We met at the office where we both worked at. Summer of 2015.

B: A co-working space on the West Side of Phoenix. I gave Jose a gift with the exact coordinates as anniversary gift one year. 

2. Where was our first date? 

J: My birthday that year was our date.

B: We celebrated his birthday at The Yard (in Tempe, so I must have really liked him), then we went back to my apartment to watch Anchorman.

3. What was your first impression of me?

J: I always thought you were bubbly and cute. But I also thought you were so much more of established professional than I was.

B: Tall, dark, and handsome. I also thought I was wrong in thinking your name was Jose and second guessed myself everytime we talked. 

4. Weird habit of each other?

J: Even though I think it's a little weird I understand it. You are not a fan of sea food. But I definitely sing about everything I do which is a little weird.

B: I am a perfectionist so I weirdly organize and clean things. Jose sings and I ask myself is that an actual song? 

5. What I often do in my free times?

J: In my free time I YouTube search, but Brittany definitely reads a book along with tan.

B: He is always on his phone and loves the Youtubes. I just wants to be in the sunshine, getting tan!

6. What I’m not good at?

J: Britt is not good with technology. All technology. 

B: I am not good with being patient- technology included. Jose is not good at baking. He can make great scrambled eggs, but otherwise keep it to heat-n-eat for him. 

7. What I’m good at?

J: She is definitely good at a lot of things. But my favorite thing she is good at is design and layout. She has a beautiful design "eye".

B: He is good at everything and if he is not great he strives everyday to get better. He is great at bettering himself and those around him everyday. He can have a conversation with a snail, he is so easy to talk to.

8. Favorite feature about each other?

J: One favorite feature about her is her butt ️. But I do love her smile along her laugh most of all. 

B: His calves, more specifically his tattoo. Also he is so smart, funny and encouraging and that is so sexy!

9 Nicknames for each other?

J: BrittBritt aka B-love aka DJ BJ aka Lil shygirl aka beautiful.

B: Joe, Hosay, love, boo

10 What is my favorite restaurant?

J: For Britt: Breakfast- Norteno; Brunch- Famé ; Lunch- In&Out ; Dinner- Chilis.

B: For Jose: Breakfast- Bosa Donuts ; Brunch- Chicken & Waffles ; Lunch- Lenny's ; Dinner-Cheesecake Factory.

These are amazing photos shot by Brooklyn Photo! 

HAPPILY EVER LASS

Over the weekend we visited America's Finest City, San Diego, CA. We left late Thursday evening to make the 5.5 hour drive for a beautiful Friday morning wedding.  

My cousin Calle was marrying the love of her life Jonathan at my parent's house in Imperial Beach, CA. A ceremony commenced by my uncle and a reception held in the new patio set the stage for the beach style wedding.

It was casual. From the attire: khaki shorts and beach dresses to the schedule. The couple shared their first dance, smashed cake in eachother's faces and wiped the tears as riends and family shared their speeches, but my favorite part was how everything came together with love.

Patio tables draped with fine linens and a friend connected to blue tooth speakers playing all the party favorites felt like home. An adobado taco bar and the tequila shots from a water bottle tasted like home. And finally the intimacy of the close friends and family on the guest lists looked like home. 

Congrats Calle for a beautiful day, and I wish you and Jonahthan nothing but the best.  I thank you for the decor and inspo but most importantly reminding me that a wedding should be all about what matter most.... the love! 

RELATIONSHIP JOURNAL

Im not here to say we are perfect. We have our entire lives together to work everyday at being the best versions of ourselves for each other. Hopefully I can get real for a second and share with you what is working for us! 

The best parts of a relationship  are the easy times: when you and your partner are communicating and expressing your passions but it is  not always sunshine. You might not be on the same wave length all the time. What we have learned how to do well is effectively communicate when things get cloudy. 

Amazing photos from Brookklyn Photo

There is a time and a place for everything. Understanding timing is key. There are so many times (and I definitely learn the hard way) I want to just say what is on my mind. But ask yourself a few things? Is NOW a good time? Can it WAIT? 

Next be aware of your word choices. Pre-empt what you're about to say "this might come off as ... I don't know how else to say this ... this could be just me ..." This is key to separate emotion from facts. Perception is reality but is how you are perceiveing things differnt from others? 

Lastly write it out. It is always good to get things on paper. I used to write myself letters (to my intuition) and re-read to find answers or separate emotions from facts. Jose and I discovered a template for a relationship journal that helped us overcome a few obstacles in our relationship. Simple questions that don't require you to overthink any answers. We would each write our answer in private and read what the other wrote to really "hear" each other. Often times we didn't have to "talk" to be heard.         

Our story is one we learn lessons from everyday and we would love to hear about any lessons you have learned too. Comment them bellow and share this if it helps!