Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #UltimateHomegating #CollectiveBias When we moved into our new house in the summer, we were thrilled about finally have a large enough space to host friends and family for events like the Big Game. We have yet to host friends for a big occasion, so we would like to ... Read more
Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017
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
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
Free things to do in the Phoenix area
This blog began thanks to my desire to be a tourist in my own city. As a frugal explorer, I always appreciate advice on free or low-cost things to do. This post is an attempt to compile a list of such activities in my area. I hope to add to it regularly. Any more ideas on free things to do? Send them my way!1. Check out the lawn games at the Yard.2. Hike at one of the countless Valley trails.3. ... Read more
Super Weekend: The Roots at Super Bowl Central
It's an exciting time to be a Phoenician. The Super Bowl and the Phoenix Open drew hordes of tourists, and there was no shortage of events for locals to attend as well (if you wanted to shell out the cash).I'm not into spending money to see a celebrity show up to a club past midnight and stay for half an hour (depending on the celebrity), so I opted to attend the free Roots show at Super Bowl ... Read more
New Year’s Eve: Fiesta Bowl and Fun
I'm spending New Year's Eve at the Fiesta Bowl (not rooting for the Wildcats). I'm here for the food and drinks and the experience of attending a bowl game. As for tonight? Probably dinner and more drinks. I'm not going to make a big production out of celebrating; I just want to have a nice night and ring in 2015 on a positive note. Wish you all a safe and fabulous evening!Happy new year! ... Read more
Arizona Cardinals training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium
When Cardinals training camp was in Flagstaff, it offered Phoenicians an opportunity to escape the heat. Sadly, I never made the trek north to see the team practice at NAU before training camp was moved to the West Valley.Now that the practices take place inside the nicely air-conditioned University of Phoenix Stadium under a closed roof, fans can still escape the high temps, at least for a couple ... Read more
2012 Fiesta Bowl Parade
It's hard to believe that I am a Phoenix native yet have never seen the Fiesta Bowl Parade in person. This year, I found a good viewing spot in my neighborhood, which is often on the route for parades. Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation's float Cute dancing salsas accompany the chips. Ballet Folklorico Alegria's colorful costumes. Tempe High School's ... Read more
Arizona Rattlers postseason game
The only suitable word to describe the crowd at my first Rattlers arena-football game is electric. And plenty of pyrotechnics accompany the hollering fans. The first canonlike sound that emanated from the arena had me jumping from my seat. But as the game went on, I got more comfortable and excited about the outcome. Overall it was a fun, exciting experience. I will be back next season. ... Read more