I thought I wanted to sell our Phoenix condo, but visiting for the holidays reminded me how great the neighborhood is and how much I love it. One reason it's so fun: It's in the middle of the action, including pretty much all the major parade routes. We took in the Fiesta Bowl Parade the weekend after Christmas and were reminded about things that make Arizona so great. First, it ... Read more
My Ancestry DNA Experience and Results
** This is not a sponsored post; however, this post contains a referral link for Ancestry that is rewarded with Amazon gift cards. Thank you for supporting Floradise! I've always been curious about my heritage and where specifically my ancestors are from. Often when Graham and I travel we get questions about my ethnicity and I've accidentally been given local discounts because some ... Read more
Phoenix Travel: Camby Hotel
Last week was yet another whirlwind. In my life, weeks are either super slow or an avalanche — there is no in between. On Wednesday night Graham and I went to his work holiday party. At 4 a.m. the next morning I was on my way to Midway Airport to travel to Phoenix for work and for my holiday party. I landed in Phoenix about 9 a.m., changed into Phoenix-weather appropriate clothing and ... Read more
Phoenix Eats: Reyes de la Torta, Flower Child, Stock & Stable
Besides seeing my friends and family, the best part about being back in Phoenix for a few days was eating at places I love. I wasn't able to visit all of my favorites, but I did have some excellent meals last weekend. Here's what I ate at three great local Phoenix restaurants: Reyes de la Torta: It's a no-frills mom-and-pop Mexican food location. Most (if not all) the servers speak Spanish and ... Read more
A Wedding at the Farm at South Mountain
Cousins are your first best friends. Growing up, my cousin Paulette, my sister Angie and I were inseparable. So when Paulette's wedding came up this month, I was thrilled to be able to fly back to Phoenix from Chicago. I was also excited to attend a wedding at the Farm at South Mountain. It's the perfect venue. The ceremony was in the Stone Grove, followed by the dinner reception at Quiessence. ... Read more
Phoenix Must-Try: Ocotillo PHX
One of the best things I've been able to do while visiting Phoenix for Christmas was try brunch at Ocotillo PHX on Third Street south of Osborn Road. I hadn't heard of this new restaurant (it opened in September), but a quick glance at the menu convinced me this place could be great. The restaurant had a Yard-like atmosphere. It has a separate little coffee house, and the patio had ample ... Read more
Football at a Baseball Stadium?
When I found out I could go to the Cactus Bowl game featuring my alma mater Arizona State and West Virginia, I was pumped. Then I found out it was at Chase Field, and I was intrigued. A bowl game at a ballpark? A little unusual, but cool! I am used to going to Arizona Diamondbacks games at the stadium, which I sometimes mistakenly call Bank One Ballpark, its former name. We picked our tickets up ... Read more
Christmastime at Camelback Mountain
If you live in Phoenix, or know anyone who does, you've probably heard of the Christmas tree atop Camelback Mountain. It seems to be what everyone's talking about nowadays, besides the weather. You've probably also heard about the guy who dresses as Santa and poses for photos with hikers on weekends leading up to Christmas. While I didn't get a photo with the big guy, I saw the Christmas tree for ... Read more
Arizona Storytellers Holiday Spectacular 2015
I laughed hysterically one minute and held back tears the next.I wanted to attend the Arizona Storytellers Holiday Spectacular for years, and I finally made it this week. Storytellers events are nights when people share tales from their lives, often with a particular theme. The audience is encouraged to actively participate by taking the story in and being engaged listeners. It's my second ... Read more
Where to Hike in Phoenix (Besides Camelback Mountain)
One of the best things to do in Phoenix during the winter months is hike. If you're not hiking, what are you doing with your life? Highs of 60 degrees mean that you'll still feel cool even after you've worked up a sweat, which you'll do on the inclines. My favorite time to hike is after a storm when the clouds are clearing. The most gorgeous sunsets happen on partly cloudy days, after the rain ... Read more