MAKING MEMORIES AT THE ARIZONA STATE FAIR

SInce 1946 the Arizona State Fair has been held annually, but 2018 was the first time Brose visited! We wanted to give you an insider’s guide to the Arizona State Fair and how to experience it the FInding Arizona Way.

Discalimer: this is not a visitor’s guide of where to park, how to purchase tickets, or what to pack. You can visit the State Fair Webiste for all that info.

It rained all day Friday so by the time we both got off work, the skies were clear and it was a perfect time to experience the Arizona State Fair. We decided to go in the evening to maximize on the sunset views and grab some delicious fair food. Just a few hours is all you need.

We had 3 things on the list and first up was the Ferris Wheel. Well technically its not a Ferris wheel because this architect created one of the largest moveable sky viewers in history. The La Grande Wheel XL is fully enclosed but tested all my fears of heights. In between a mild panic attack we were able to catch some great views. Boy did we get high up there.

Next on the list was fair food! At the beginning of summer we visited the San Diego County Fair (see post) and ate all kinds of fried foods. This Arizona fair we wanted to savor and share a few flavors. We grubbed on philly cheese steaks with strawberry lemonade and shared a warm cinnamon roll dripping in cream cheese frosting as a dessert.

Last on the list of fair adventures is entertainment. We will start from least interesting to most. This year the fair was showcasing velvet paintings featuring famous historical figures like John Mccain and Elvis Presley, But more than half of the collection were various clowns. Very strange.

Next entertainment was a Bee Gees Cover band called The Bee Gees Gold. Their music was spot on to the original sound and had us laughing and grooving over dinner.

The most interesting form of entertainment was called The Turkey Stampede. Again, we are used to obscure fair attractions being fans of the Swift Swine Pig Races, but this was something unlike we have ever seen before. A remote controlled candy apple red truck filled with turkey feed in the bed raced around a track while 5 turkeys chased it for food and ultimately deciding a winner for the crowd. No animals were harmed in the making of this event. You have to see it to believe it! Honestly!

We were the oldest kids on the carousel and the youngest in the art in crafts tent, but we definitely made the fair the experience we wanted. This is something the Arizona State Fair has really captured: no matter what your age or your interest the fair has something for you.

Let me know if you have had a chance to visit the Arizona State Fair and also what your favorite attraction is! Thanks for joining us on another journey.

XoXo Britt

THIS IS US

Everything happens for a reason and the story of us will make even the non-believers subscribe to fate.

I grew up in sunny San Diego, CA as an only child. With the world as my oyster, I opened up a small marketing company in Phoenix AZ. Jose grew up in a small town called Allentown, PA and as a teenager was swept away from 1 streetlight town to none to live on the native reservation in northern Arizona of his families heritage. After earning his masters in Landscape Architecture, Jose began apprenticing at a small firm in Phoenix. Utilizing the millennial trends of co working space my business found his. We would greet each other in passing but it wasn’t until I braved myself to ask for a wifi password that my world would change forever.

As an entrepreneur I am passionate about 2 things: low overhead and community over competition so obtaining the wifi password was great but learning that’s Jose had just started a podcast showcasing the heart hustle of Arizona was when I was hooked! I had been listening podcasts throughout college so to learn about someone creating them I was obsessed. I binged all 4 episodes that night.

We began to tag along with each other: to lunches out of the office, to the gym, and to record the live podcasts. After a few “official” dates we knew we were meant to be. I quickly began using my expertise to assist in producing the podcast from taking photos to reaching out to guests. He used his passion for what he is doing to motivate me to be the best version of myself every day.

After a year of dating, our leases were up on our apartments at the same time so it was fate to move in with each other. I turned this dog lover into a cat lover and he turned this ballerina into a WWE fan! We balance each other so well and push each other to be comfortably uncomfortable.

When it comes time to argue it is because we have failed to communicate. This skill has taken us time to master. We used to just belt out whatever was on our mind, but understanding a relationship is two sided we need to first understand where the other person is at before we try and get them to join us! We have practiced relationship journals, couples massages and mediation times to always give our relationship our best attention.

We got engaged in the winter of 2017 during Jose’s Grandparent’s 50th Wedding Anniversary in Puerto Rico. If that is not fate, again not sure what is! Marriage for us is not about a wedding but about two people becoming one, forever. We bought a house in the spring of 2018 with plans to marry in our backyard in the fall of 2019.

We continue our podcast journey and are now on episode #150! Together we have grown our listenership, added a newsletter and started to blog about our engagement journey. This is just the first chapter of our love story, but one that can be written about for many moons to come!

STAYCATION- POINTE HILTON SQUAW PEAK

The more I explore Arizona, the more I fall in love with it. Sometimes exploring is only 16 minutes from your house, but it feels like hundreds of miles away. Staycationing has become a popular trend and I understand why all the hype! Over the weekend Jose and I had the pleasure of staying at the Hilton Pointe Squaw Peak with endless amenities and all the chances to relax.

The Pointe Hilton was an older resort, with Spanish charm and filled with lush vegetation. It is tucked away in the Squaw Peak Valley and surrounded by mountain peaks. Throughout the property you can find several water features leading you to various pools, restaurants, and activities. We lost track of how many great photo ops were around with the perfect lighting and the perfect backdrops.

We stayed in a pool suite and took advantage of the views and the size of the room. It had the comfiest king bed dressed in clean white down linen, a private patio, and a separate living room with a queen sofa bed. Central air throughout the suite allowed us to also escape the triple degree heat outside and snuggle in the big comfy bed!

Room service was what I was most looking forward too. What’s more romantic than breakfast in bed? After sharing buttermilk pancakes and building our own omelets we rested a few more hours before the fun! The food was warm and tased just like home. Plus the coffee was strong and the pot seemed bottomless. I felt bad leaving my dishes at the door but it was encouraged..

We couldn't wait to visit the water park and the mini golf course and we were thrilled to find that our room had four passes, so my parents, visiting from San Diego became our plus 2!

It reminded me of my childhood vacations in Palm Springs or Arizona when we could only complete a few holes before needed to take a dip in the pool to cool off. It is amazing to think that these favorite memories are ones I am still looking to relive as an adult: sunshine and swimming!

Time went too quickly and soon it was time to turn in our towels and keys and check out and head back to reality, Escaping 16 minutes away overnight was much more than it sounds. We appreciate the Hilton Pointe for letting us escape our minds for 24 hours.

BOOK CLUB

I am a book worm. Before I could read, my dad read to me every night at bed. Then once I was able to start my own library collection my favorite school events were the overnight reading and sleepover parties. In middles school I read all the books to take all the tests to score all the points. In high school, one of the few classes I managed to attend had a mandatory 30 minute reading time. Once I got to college I became obsessed with non-fiction and actually applying what I was reading in my every day life. But, as an adult it became last on the list of things to do, but I still manage to keep a running reading list.

Jose and I like to read before bed, separate books, but share what we are learning from them. From Malcom Gladwell to Gretchen Rubin. But one day, after recording a podcast with Proof Bread, our new friends said they were headed to a book club and both our eyes got wide. We want to join!

I started a few book clubs through my business, but I was the one picking the titles, formulating the discussions and never getting out of my reading comfort zone. But this book club was different.

The books are fiction and we started with Devil in the White City. The members are adults, some professors, some new parents, some entrepreneurs. We were finally part of a secret book society of intellectuals in our community. We arrived!

Reading the book turned into listening to the book. When all the copies are check out from the library you hit up the 12 disc collection and grab a 750 piece puzzle and spend a few hours over the course of a few weekends listening.

This blog is not meant to be a book review, there are plenty out there for this book, but I will say its a great read! We first learned about HH Holmes through the Lore Podcast, but actually getting into a historic fiction with him involved was a treat!

Speaking of treats, the book club meeting arrived on a perfect night! We had plans to attend a 1920’s themed birthday party after so our attire was appropriate. With our top hats and suspenders on we we ready for the World’s Fair too! At the book club the food was themed: beef sandwiches, crackers jack, and PBR to drink!

The discussion was prescribed as “the best english class discussion you’ve ever been apart of,” and that couldnt be more accurate. Sixty minutes flew by starting with trivia from the book to open ended questions leading heated discussions. In the end Devi'l’s Food in a White City Buttercream cake was served; perfect icing on the cake.

We are committed- on to the next read and then off to the next discussion. Let me know what other books you recommend and Ill be sure to do a future blog on books on our list.

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!