Have you ever visited somewhere new with little expectations that you turn out to really love? I never would have thought to visit the Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona area and that was probably based on my own ignorance because I really enjoyed our trip there. I had never been to the southwest so it was all new to me, and the landscape was so drastically different than anywhere I’d ever been before. I think I always thought, what exactly do you do in the desert? Well it turns out a lot. And I could have done for another day or so there but was happy and eager to get back to our little guy at home!

We stayed at the beautiful Arizona Biltmore and got to spend a lot of our evenings at the hotel since we were there on a work function for my husband. This property was gorgeous (and surprisingly lush) and the resort was in a great location. During our stay we made the decision to take the 2 hour trip to Sedona and I’m so glad we did, it was definitely worth it! Not just because of the unbelievable scenery, but the town itself was great and worth the time to do a bit of exploring. We took a Pink Jeep Tour once we got there, (the Broken Arrow route) and my husband and I had such a great time, it was definitely like nothing we’d ever experienced and was a highlight of the trip. The next day I visited the Desert Botanical Garden in the morning, then met up with my husband at SumoMaya in Scottsdale for some Mexican/Asian fusion (I recommend the rollo chignon sumo roll). We then Ubered to nearby “Old Town” Scottsdale and did the typical touristy things, visiting shops and just taking in the surroundings of the southwest. I had no intentions of eating dessert BUT when you walk past a place as cute and inviting as the Sugar Bowl, well you end up saying heck with it and splitting an ice cream sundae.

And that pretty much sums it up! If you’re planning on visiting and have a little more time on your hands,  there are a lot of hiking options nearby that would be ideal. One other thing I really wanted to do on the recommendation of a local was watch the sunset at “Hole in the Rock”, so if you have time, definitely check it out! I have to say, coming back to snowstorms and temperatures in the teens after being somewhere with literally no clouds and mid 70 degree weather is a little rough. Until next time.

Outfit Details from the Trip:

Pink Sweater: Madewell (currently on sale) | Pink Sneakers: Adidas Flashbacks in Mauvey Pink | Camera Case: Amazon; I love the vintage look of this case for my camera! (This is the camera I use and it’s perfect for travel).

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Ruffled Tiered Dress: Madewell; See even more ruffle dresses here. | White Pumps: Asos; I loved the ones I wore here but since they are from the fall there are only a few sizes left (also they are reduced!), however I’ve found lots more options here, and check these taupe ones out that are a similar style. | Purse: Sezane Hope Bag (sold out in all colors except leopard) See more drawstring bags here.

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Bandana: Madewell; I mean, how could I not wear a bandana in the southwest? Madewell always has great options, and check out even more bandana trends here! | Amour T Shirt: Topshop; sold out in white and limited in gray and black, but here is another similar “Amour” style one. You can find lots more cute graphic tees here | Denim: Madewell; Mine are (almost) sold out, and that’s probably because I grabbed them on sale. I love Madewell denim but try to get them discounted if I’m lucky enough to grab my size in time. | Black Chelsea Boots: Sezane Low Arthur Boots

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I have really been wanting some hard case luggage and love the look of this brand, the rose gold color is calling my name (plus the reviews are really good!): Calpak Luggage

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