The Phoenix area has so many incredible places to visit and things to do. There really is something for everyone to do here. One of my top favorites is the Desert Botanical Gardens. We have been members for the last few years, and every time we go, we learn something new. When people think of the desert, they think of dirt, rocks, and cacti. Boy, is there so much more. The desert in bloom is incredible. Cacti blooming as far as the eye can see is really quite a sight to see. The gardens are set up with different paths and different desert lifestyles. At the top, you can see the Phoenix area and mountains for miles.
How cute is this little heart shape?Dale Chihuly’s work is amazing
At the time we went, Dale Chihuly had an installation. I saw his installation when it was here last time, but wow, so many new amazing pieces. He works in glass and each piece is incredible. How does he do it, and how do they transport this around the country? The exhibit looks so beautiful with all of the glass glistening in the sun. I would love to see it at night too. Here are a few of the pictures I took from our day at the gardens. Enjoy!
Looks like part of the landscapeAlmost ready to bloom
Until next week,
Carrie
Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Theorem Independent Hair Specialist helping everyone have the best hair day ever and Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.
Can you believe April is already here? It seems like just yesterday we were decorating for the holidays. We have had a nice Winter/Spring in Arizona. Finally, baseball is back and we have been able to enjoy a few games. Friends from home came to visit and we enjoyed showing them a few of our favorite places to visit in AZ. I have a friend arriving today for a few days, and I am looking forward to a little girl time. We are going to shop, enjoy tea, and catch up. It’s going to be a fun week. We will be heading home in the next few weeks too. But, it’s the first of the month so that means that it is time to share 5 of my favorites for April. There is a little fashion, beauty, scents, and more. Enjoy!
I was so excited about the Lilly Pulitzer/Disney collaboration. How cute is this print with Mickey and Minnie in it? I picked up a few pieces from the collection, a pair of shorts, a popover, a backpack, and this adorable dress. On my next trip to Disney, I will be all set with my Lilly!
Since we are on the topic of fashion, this hello weekend tote from Initial Outfitters was a piece that I could not resist. The design of the bag is perfect for summer and who doesn’t love the weekend? I am sure this bag will get a ton of use and will be perfect for travel. It’s roomy and functional.
If you know me, you know that I am always looking for the best in makeup and skincare. Seint beauty has been my go-to for the last few months. The skincare routine is simple (some lines have sooo many products, it takes forever to get ready), a few products complete the line. I do sometimes add a serum from Estee Lauder, and I use a daytime moisturizer too. The cream is too heavy for me during the day, but at night, it’s incredible. The makeup concept is right up my alley. You customize your own palette with your favorite products. It is so nice not to be wasting colors out of a premade palette. There is even a solid perfume too. These are going to be fabulous for travel. I try to pack as little product as possible. This is a palette I customized for Spring/Summer. What do you think of the colors?
It wouldn’t be a favorites if I did not have a favorite scent to share. Voluspa Casa Pacifica is a new fragrance to me. I found it an Anthropologie and it was such a unique scent, I knew that I had to add it to my collection. Voluspa jars are also so beautiful and are perfect to reuse for makeup brushes or to store hair ties. Casa Pacifica has notes of California driftwood, sea salt, and shore brush. It is probably more of a summer scent, but I plan on burning it all Spring too. Very fresh.
Last, but certainly not least, the Desert Botanical Gardens. If you are ever in the Phoenix area, it is one place that I suggest you don’t miss. The desert is so much more than cacti, dirt, and rocks. I think you would be very surprised. My friends really enjoyed it. Dale Chihuly also had an installation at the time we visited. If you are familiar with his work, it is breathtaking, and seeing it in a garden setting is incredible. Stay tuned for a blog full of fabulous pictures from the gardens.
And that’s it, another month of favorites. Is there anything new that you are loving? Wishing you and your family a Happy Easter or Passover, and I hope you get to spend time with your loved ones.
Until next week,
Carrie
Shop my favorites here:
Lilly & Disney (hopefully more pieces will be released, it is sold out right now)
Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Theorem Independent Hair Specialist helping everyone have the best hair day ever and Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.
I love the desert and the Valley of the Sun. We have had a home here for quite a few years, and it is certainly always a nice break from the long and cold Midwest winters. White Sox Spring Training is what originally brought us here, and I also have family in the area. They all escaped the cold years ago. There is so much to do in the valley, and I put together a top 5 of my favorites.
Afternoon tea at The Phoenician. I wrote a blog on this a couple of weeks ago. Out of all the teas I have been to, this continues to be my favorite. The Phoenician is a beautiful resort. You can easily spend the entire day there, which is what I usually do. The tea service is perfect. Enjoy a glass of champagne outside afterward or treat yourself to a spa treatment at their beautiful spa.
Afternoon Tea at The PhoenicianAfternoon Tea at The Phoenician
The Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Gardens. These are right across the street from each other. You may think all zoos are the same, but the Phoenix Zoo is incredible. I have easily spent an entire day there. It is large and beautiful. The Desert Botanical Gardens is a fabulous place to explore. See plants native to AZ and beyond. The butterfly exhibit is an experience when it is in season. Thousands of butterflies all around you. The gardens show you that AZ isn’t all dust and dirt. Cacti in bloom are stunning.
The Phoenix Zoo
Fiesta Mexicana is by far my favorite Mexican restaurant. They have locations throughout the valley and other states. I go there so much they know my order. The margaritas are fabulous as well. Authentic Mexican food in a fun atmosphere. It can’t be beaten.
Fiesta Mexicana
Kierland Commons and Biltmore Fashion Park are my favorites to shop at. They are both outdoor shopping areas full of great restaurants and shopping. The Biltmore Fashion Square is the large mall in Scottdale, but it is indoors. I prefer a quaint outdoor shopping experience. I recommend Tommy Bahama or The Mission at Kierland Commons for lunch.
Kierland Commons
The Wigwam in Litchfield Park is an old-world western resort that was built in the ’20s for the Goodyear Tire Company executives. It always housed airmen during the war. Luke Air Force Base is nearby. When you think of old Arizona, the Wigwam is it. Three golf courses, an Aveda spa, restaurants, and a lounge are all at the resort. You really don’t even need to leave. Across the street are many other restaurants too. I love that there are always fresh oranges in the lobby for you to take.
Wigwam Arizona
Arizona is really so much more than just mountains and dust. Although there can be a lot of dust at times. I love to explore new places and there are so many, it’s always an adventure. I hope you try one of these on your next trip to The Valley of the Sun.
Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesigner Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Senior Outfitter with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.
Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Theorem Independent Hair Specialist helping everyone have the best hair day ever and Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.
