2018 GRATITUDES

Thanksgiving is tomorrow! Wow, 2018 you are really flying by. This week we planned out our holiday travels and I started to plan out this blog post and find myself going in a million different directions. I am grateful for so many people, places and things so instead of sharing my list gratitudes I wanted to let you know how I recognize and appreciate the “thank you’s” everyday, not just the third thursday of November.

APPRECIATION VS “THANK YOU”

My first gratitude is for my better half. You know that saying “teach a man to fish…” Surrounding myself with him everyday, I know I will never go hungry. He has taught me so many amazing things over the passed few years but in 2018 I appreciate the technical skill set of learning Adobe design work and the mental skill set of dropping things out of my control. But through conversations, we feel the words: “Thank you” get lost. Instead we replace with “I appreciate you.” Its an extra word but it makes so much more of an impact. Try it!

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Recently, listening to the Tim Ferriss podcast I picked up a new gratitude practice I have been obsessing over. The episode featured A.J. Jacobs and you can listen here . If you have a hard time falling asleep at night you might find counting sheep helps, but instead try alphabetically counting your gratitudes. For example, last night, as I was laying in bed, in my head, I started with A- “I am grateful for asking my neighbor about her block wall. B- I am grateful for book clubs and finishing the most recent read for ours. C- I am grateful for my cats and their cuteness.” You get the idea. Yeah it’s cheesy, but honestly I have not been able to make it passed the letter G. I dare you!

SOCIAL MEDIA FRIENDSHIPS

Lastly, I have really felt a sense of gratitude for my tribe, community, friends and family. When we bought our first home in April of this year we had no idea where to start or what to do next. With the continued support of friends and family we are learning how to be adults in a world where millenials don’t want to grow up. I am especially grateful for this strong bond we built in our community even if it is from a social media interaction, we have formed great friendships from a simple “like” and our best friends were once podcast guest. So next time you scroll through Insta, dont just “like” it, appreciate it!

Thanks 2018, I appreciate you, and I appreciate you for reading.

XoXo

Britt

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

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!