My Arizona Trip

Hi There!

I’m sitting in bed writing this blog post and wishing that I was back in Arizona. It is 47 degrees here. I just looked and it’s 72 degrees in Phoenix.

I think I’d rather be in Phoenix. It is also going to be cold and rainy here in North Carolina tomorrow. Ugggg!! I am such a warm weather girl. I don’t like winter. I hibernated all weekend. LOL! I mean I stayed in the house all weekend. I went out once to get gas and to go to the grocery store because I was missing some of the ingredients that I needed for the unstuffed cabbage that I was going to prepare for dinner. 

So, why all this talk about Arizona? Let me tell you about my trip!

I went to the Phoenix/Scottsdale area in September and I had a fantastic time! I have to admit that I had no desire to go to the desert and experience all that hot weather, but I was pleasantly surprised. I really had a great time and enjoyed every moment.

I went to Arizona for a business conference, but the conference was structured very nicely this time and they gave us plenty of time to explore.

I work as an office manager for a periodontal practice and I am a member of AADOM (American Association of Dental Office Managers). It is a wonderful association that I am proud to be part of. I really had the best of both worlds, I learned so much and I was able to explore a new place! What could be better than that!?

Now, back to the trip. I landed in Arizona and got a ride to the resort. I had the pleasure of staying in the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa. It is located in Scottsdale AZ. I checked in and immediately went outside to explore.

It was HOT!! A different kind of hot though, it was not humid like it is in North Carolina. But hot is hot and it was hot! I was so fascinated with the plant life. And, there was no soil! Lol, I know, it’s the desert, but it was my first time! I’m a beach kind of girl. 

The succulents were beautiful. If you have read my other blog post, I really have taken a liking to succulents and I have planted a few succulent gardens in pots. The succulents and cacti were huge and so beautiful! You can read about the succulent arrangement that I made here. 

I was starving so I made my way to the Brittlebush Bar and Grill. It was on the golf course. They had a nice golf apparel store and a beautiful view of the golf course and a pond. There was a patio with mist sprayers also. I sat inside.

The service was awesome! My waitress brought me a Prickly Pear Margarita on the house and it was so good! I ordered the cheesesteak sliders that she recommended. I had sweet potato fries with my sliders. They were sooooo good! When I finished my meal, my waitress brought me a complimentary dessert, bread pudding with mascarpone cheese and caramel toffee on top. Oh my!!

That lunch started my trip off right! I left relaxed and happy. I made my way back to my room but, not without stopping to take more pictures of the beautiful plants. 

The resort was beautiful. I have never been so relaxed. There is something about going out of town and getting away that just totally relaxes you. It’s such a nice feeling.

I had dinner with my colleague Cyndi and I met one of her colleagues, Rhonda. We all went to dinner one night and we had the best time. We ate at an Italian restaurant called Marcellino Ristorante in Scottsdale. They had live music and we really enjoyed listening. Oh my goodness!

Our food was delicious! Beyond delicious! I had shiitake infused pasta with shiitake mushrooms, lobster, lemon white wine sauce, and white truffle oil. I know – sounds divine, doesn’t it?! It was divine.

Rhonda and Cyndi enjoyed their meals as well and we left happy. The service was very good. I would love to go back. We walked around and shopped after we ate. We laughed and had a great time. 

I wanted to go to the pool, but I had forgotten my bathing suit cover-up. When we had a lunch break, I took the hotel shuttle across the street to shop for one. I went to a lovely store called Everything But Water.

I met Erica and Beth and they were so helpful and nice. I had such a nice experience and we laughed and had great conversation. They helped me pick out a cover-up and I love it! I actually didn’t have time to go to the pool during my trip, so I didn’t get to wear my cover-up.

I went to the beach later in September with my hubby and I wore it. I got three compliments! It’s very soft and flattering. I love the color! Here is a picture of me on the beach (Pawley’s Island, SC) wearing my cover-up. Once again, I’m so relaxed and happy. Vacations and trips do that to me. 

While in Arizona, I did not get to see the Grand Canyon – it was about three hours away from where I was staying and there just wasn’t time. But, I did get to go on a desert tour!

Once again have to be honest. I didn’t want to go on a tour of the desert. I am really afraid of snakes. I was content to stay at the resort but my friend and colleague Cindy kept harassing me ☺ I finally agreed to go on the next to the last day and I am very happy that I did. It was really the best experience.

Our wonderful tour guide was named Jake. He was just the nicest man and he had so much knowledge. We took some beautiful sunset pictures in the Sonoran Desert and I’ll never forget it.

I love making memories and there were some very good memories made in Arizona. I would definitely go back. That just proves that you really don’t know what to expect until you try something. I really wasn’t excited about going to the conference in Arizona and I ended up making new friends, meeting new colleagues, making wonderful memories, and experiencing something new. I can’t wait to do it again!

Until next time, y’all. Go make some memories!

Xoxo,