4nomenal Life: July 2013

We just got back from our annual family getaway to hot, but beautiful Arizona! This is a trip we have been doing for the last 5 years and enjoy every moment! We can't get enough of the Four Seasons Scottsdale hotel! The Four Seasons is hands-down one of the best hotel's out there! As soon as you pull up, you feel right at home! They go out of their way to greet you and make you feel welcomed! Of course, there is a price tag with that attention, but in July it's a bargain!

The main reason for this awaited getaway is the sun, pooooool and relaxation! It really is a place we unwind, enjoy each other and eat! The kids also, always look forward to Kids Club, which is included in your stay!

We got to celebrate our birthdays there this year. Sophia, turned 9 and I turned, well I'll keep that to myself!

We ventured out and tried some amazing restaurants this year! We always like trying different places and will for sure keep a few of these on our list for next year!

Here is a review of 3 of our favorites:

Oregano's - A staple in Arizona, and to think this was our first time there makes me wonder why. Salads, pasta, pizza need I say more! The food was sooooo good, a little overwhelming. I swear, it looked like I had not even touched my food!! The prices for the amount of food you get is VERY reasonable. Our favorite dish - dessert! It kind of reminded me of a Pizzokie from BJ's, but so much better! I would highly recommend stopping by any of their 13 locations! We will keep Oregano's on our list for next year!

Pinnacle Peak Patio - Such a great atmosphere, the kids really enjoyed it! As soon as you pull up to the dirt parking lot you feel like your in the Wild Wild West! You walk up to this western looking entry and as you walk in all you see is cowboy hats, cowboy boots and country music playing! My country girl Sophia, couldn't get enough! There are half cut-off ties that cover the entire ceiling! The joke is, if you walk into this place with a tie, expect that it will be cut-off! NO TIES ALLOWED! Just cowboy boots! Needless-to-say, the food consists of good old BBQ dishes! I had the ribs, which were very tasty. Lawrence had the rib-eye and devoured every bite! The kids had your basic kids menu, mac & cheese, chicken fingers, grilled cheese, etc. Be warned, if you order your meat well-done they bring out a cowboy boot on a dish for you! So don't bring up the WD word! Great place, full of fun memories!

Spotted Donkey Cantina - Of course, being in the Southwest we couldn't not go to a Southwest Mexican cuisine restaurant. I am such a fan of Mexican food (my favorite) so I enjoyed this restaurant very much! We started with the Guacamole, at $11.00 it better have been great, and it was! My food of choice was the chicken enchiladas and yum, highly recommended! Unfortunately, I didn't have room left for dessert, because I ate everything on my plate! It was delicious! The food portions were made for Hulk Hogan! The Margarita's were a perfect way to end my day of lounging at the pool!

Let's not forget Last Chance! This is something I look forward to every year!! My hubby and kids could do without it, but it's a HUGE/BIG/ENORMOUS to-do on my list! If you are not familiar with Last Chance, let me fill you in on a little secret! It's where all the stuff you return to Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack goes to! I actually lucked out this year because they were having their Christmas in July sale! I got UGG boots for myself and Sophia at $35 each!!! CRAZYYYYYY!! I found some amazing things, and look forward to walking in all of them! Be warned, you need lots of patience and time when you walk through those doors!

This sums up yet another amazing trip to sunny Scottsdale! Looking forward to next year!