Arizona Vacay

This year after all of Phil's work (fun) travels I said enough was enough and I was escaping to somewhere warm. I booked a trip and headed off to the Valley of the Sun. Andrea and I planned and schemed to make the most out of our four days together and we did not disappoint. 

I arrived on Friday morning and we changed into our hiking gear and went to breakfast (:)). Daily Dose and the breakfast nachos! did not disappoint. 

We hiked our way around Gateway - my favorite AZ hike! The weather was perfect!

Friday night we got dressed up and went to Old Town and had a ladies night. Mama Mee joined us at Olive and Ivy & Kazimierz. The atmosphere was great and the wine was better. Olive & Ivy had the most amazing apps; bacon wrapped dates, apple cinnamon bruschetta, etc, etc, etc. 

Olive & Ivy

Kazimerz speakeasy entrance sign

Saturday morning I woke up to 70 degrees and enjoyed my morning coffee by the pool - not too shabby. When Andrea woke up we went on another hike - this time to Sunrise. I knew that Sunrise was a little more steep than Gateway but was not prepared for how difficult this hike would be. 

Halfway through the hike I felt like Katniss Everdeen looking for my next tribute. It was desolate (besides the other people hiking!) and beautiful. There was no sign of city life. Below is a screenshot of my health app - 101 floors to the top of the mountain. Andrea said, "we're almost there" to me at least 27 times .. clearly she was lying the first 26! 

The view from the top was stunning!

After our hike, we had to get home (quick) because the AZ Wildcats were playing in the NCAA tournament. We threw on suits, mixed up some margs & guac and laid out by the pool watching the Cats advance to the next round.

And let me tell you about these margaritas that we mixed up: fresh squeezed juice from the trees in the backyard + tequila = happy Mada. 

Saturday night we made a delicious dinner and home and drank too much wine by the fire. It was the perfect way to catch up with friends!

Sunday morning we woke up and went to the most adorable coffee shop; Sip. And did yoga. In the parking lot. It was so perfect. We were outside, listening to good music, doing yoga and drinking coffee. What more could a girl ask for?

yoga in the parking lot

After yoga we sampled some amazing Cartel Coffee (ON TAP - IT'S THE DREAM!) and soaked up the beautiful morning. 

Sunday afternoon we tried to go to a spring training game but settled for margaritas instead and did what any good Minnesotan visiting Arizona does - went to Oreganos. If you have never been - go. Get the "original pizza cookie" (pizzookie) and enjoy. This place never, ever, ever disappoints. 

 Monday was the perfect way to wrap up the trip; I had a quiet day by the pool reading and hanging with Marley (the puppy). Before I headed on back to Minny we enjoyed Orange Blossom beer (andrea's favorite) and laughed until our stomachs hurt (like we always do). 

love this girl!

I'm already planning my trip for next year!