I'm currently en route to my favorite state ever, Arizona! If you've never been or been wanting to go, stop everything and book your trip. Maybe wait to go until November - May, but book it, trust me. If you didn't know I grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. I lived there from age 3 1/2 - 17. My whole family still lives there, my best friends are there and its my most favorite place in the world.

"Where we love is home, home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts." Oliver Wendell Holmes.

Anyways, I'm heading home for my first baby shower! I'm so dang excited. But first, lets chat Arizona. There are so many amazing places to visit, eat, drink, shop, and tour. These are just some of my top favs, to name a few.

Have you been to Arizona? What are your favorite places?


ONE // Le Grande Orange, Phoenix, Arizona. Le Grande Orange is an organic coffee and breakfast bar, cafe, pizzeria and retail grocery. The food is simple and clean with no hidden ingredients.

Le Grande Orange, better known as LGO is one of the best places for coffee, breakfast and pizza in the city. My BFF Coti has made honey lattes at this place famous and their commuter breakfast sandwich will actually knock you socks off. Shop the grocery while you wait for your breakfast for all the cutest knick knacks, cards and things you never knew you needed.

TWO // Sanctuary Resort, Paradise Valley, Arizona. Nestled within the inspiring landscapes of Camelback Mountain, Sanctuary Resort invites you to experience a higher level of luxury, laughter, and glorious renewal. This famed Scottsdale luxury resort will introduce you to a refreshing new spirit of sophistication and relaxed refinements, as you discover 53 acres of your own private paradise where formalities are replaced by fun, and the most luxurious amenity is the art of reconnection.

The Sanctuary sits on the top of Camelback Mountain and is one of the best views in the city. Want a fancy brunch, delicious dinner or a gorgeous pool? Head up the mountain to find your little retreat.

THREE // El Chorro, Paradise Valley, Arizona. Cozily nestled between Scottsdale and Phoenix, Paradise Valley’s historic El Chorro offers an authentic Arizona dining experience. Generations of Valley residents and visitors have travelled to this serene setting at the base of the stunning Camelback and Mummy mountains.

The legendary restaurant has been around forever, plus it's where I got married. It has a gorgeous patio, delicious cocktails and the sticky buns will leave you absolutely begging for takeout. Order the short ribs, thank me later.


FOUR // Phoenix Open, Scottsdale, Arizona. As the most-attended tournament in the world, with an annual attendance at 500,000, it's a weekend you don't want to miss. The legendary 16th hole has a temporary stadium that manifests around it each year, so popular that the city is considering making it permanent.

Adam and I love the Phoenix Open because it's at the end of January and the perfect retreat from those dreary Denver months. Warning, its an absolute shit show. But its the best party in golf and totally worth seeing at least once in your life.

FIVE // Ruze Cake House, Scottsdale, Arizona. Růže was founded on the principle that local and sustainable ingredients make for better, fresher tasting cakes. Ethically-sourced food on a personal level; and an even greater responsibility to source food that’s been produced in a way which doesn’t harm the environment or exploit farmers and producers.

Delicious baked goods, amazing coffee and they make the most gorgeous cakes. Okay, so I'm biased because they made our wedding cakes and macaroons, but trust me. This is a stop worth making. Plus the shop is so cute and instagrammable.



SIX // Spring Training in Old Town. Scottsdale. Scottsdale Stadium takes up 11 acres in the heart of the city's downtown and can rightfully make the claim as spring training's most urban ballpark. It stands on a busy city thoroughfare just three blocks from Old Town Scottsdale.

Is there anything better than sitting in the warm sunshine, drinking beer and watching baseball? The answer is no. The coolest part about this stadium is its in the heart of old town scottsdale, meaning you can walk wherever you want before and after the game.

SEVEN // Mii Amo Spa, Sedona, Arizona. A world-class destination spa resort with its own award-winning facilities. Featuring 16 luxurious spa casita guest rooms & suites, Mii amo Spa offers everything from delicious meals at the celebrated Mii amo Café to spectacular spa treatment rooms, a tranquil library, fitness center and movement studio, plus indoor and outdoor pools with dramatic canyon views.

Sedona may be 2 hours from Phoenix, but it's totally worth the drive. Nestled in the most gorgeous red rocks, this spa is a dream come true. My bff Whitney had her bachelorette party here and we spent the day treating ourselves to some spa treatments. This is the perfect getaway for a girls trip, honeymoon or weekend getaway.

Tell me your favorites! What do you love to do in Arizona?

On a tranquil harbour and within walking distance to Seven Mile Beach, this new urbanism community is a must-see corner of Grand Cayman. Camana Bay is the perfect destination for everyone from honeymooners to families on vacation offering visitors everything from luxury brands in interesting boutiques and some of Grand Cayman’s best restaurants to a variety of wellness activities and a weekly farmers and artisans market. 

With spring almost here and summer right around the corner, it’s time to start making plans for your next great getaway. If you’re looking for the perfect destination for your family or a weekend with the girls, consider choosing California’s classic Sonoma County. This part of Northern California is the perfect destination for the weekend or a great addition to a trip to San Francisco. Here are five things you should add to your itinerary if Sonoma County is in your travel plans.

1. Experience the Pacific Coast

Sonoma County’s prime location along the Pacific Ocean makes it a great spot to explore this amazing coast. You can find quiet coves, beautiful bays, and stunning beaches in this region. Check out Bodega Bay if you want to cross off whale watching on your bucket list. Depending on the time of the year, you could also try some surfing lessons and off-shore fishing. The Sonoma Coast State Park is another prime spot along this breathtaking coast.

2. Explore the Redwoods Forest

Another must-see sight everyone should experience at least once in their life is the awe-inspiring Redwoods Forest. Go to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve to see these giants of nature up close. You can drive along the trails or take a hike and be amazed at what you see. Or, you can get even more action by taking a zip-line tour through the forest. Another possibility is to rent a mountain bike and explore the area on two wheels.

3. Sample the Local Food Scene

Sonoma County is also home to a thriving local foodie scene. There are tons of tasty restaurants that have embraced the farm-to-table movement and can give you an incredible dining experience. While you’re here, check out some of the top flavors in town, such as locally-raised duck, fresh caught Dungeness crab, sweet peaches from a nearby orchard, or rich olive oil produced in this region.

4. Savor the Local Wine

Of course, no trip to this region would be complete without a stop at some of the best wineries in the world. Wine tasting is one of the top things to do in Sonoma County. This area is one of the top producers of wine in California and has attracted thousands of visitors because of it. You can create your own wine tour at your own pace by renting a car and following a tasting route map. Enjoy the different varieties of wine that this area offers.

5. Relax at a Peaceful Spa

After you’ve tasted your last glass of wine and toured the region’s outdoor sites, take a break at a luxury spa. There are plenty of options to choose from that offer a variety of services to help you rejuvenate and relax. Here, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for pampering and even more ways to get back into that moment of serenity.

Sonoma County is a great place for visitors to experience and enjoy. Whether you’re looking for adventure along the coast or a culinary delight, this region can help you find it. Make your trip memorable and amazing by choosing these activities for your itinerary.

I love a good girls trip. While most of my girls trips are actually considered bachelortte trips, they are full of girls regardless. I don't live in the same city as my best friends or family so it's super important to me to be intentional with my time with them. If that's planning dinners when I'm home or trips with them, I tryyyy to get together with them.

Last year, two of my girlfriends came to Denver for the most epic girls weekend. We toured the city, ate our way through the restaurants and drank all the wine.

This year, my sisters are coming to visit Denver for another girls weekend. There will be FIVE of us, so the adventures are bound to be incredible.

My best friend and I are currently in the states of planning another girls trip for fall and I cannot wait. What's better than three days with your best friends, bonding over great food, a great city and quality time.

1. San Diego, California: The best weather, sunny days, the beach and cool ocean air? Deal. San Diego is the perfect spot to take all your girlfriends, spend the day on a boat and then go dancing at night.


2. Austin, Texas: Did you know Austin has wine country? Truth be told, it's pretty dang good too! Book a VRBO, grab some friends and go wine tasting, boating on the lakes or out on the town. Austin has great food plus a great vibe. The city is packed full of things to do and places to see.


3. Napa Valley, California: Is there a better location than wine country for a girls trip? It's an easy flight to SF, a quick drive to wine country and before you know it, you're enjoying some of the best wine in the world. Plus the views are perfect for photo-opps.


4. Grand Cayman: I know what you're thinking, isn't Grand Cayman for couples? Hear me out. It's easy to get too, beautiful, has great food, shopping and a night life. Sure, it can be a couples local, but grab your girlfriends, rent a VRBO and hang out all week drinking pina coladas. Sounds like an excellent girls trip to me!


5. Denver, Colorado: Yeah, yeah, I'm totally biased. But, mountains, city life, hiking, drinking, eating. You can literally do it all. Hour and a half drive gets you into the mountains and on the ski lifts. Denver is known for having the best craft beer selections in the country and don't even get me started on the food scene. We've been here three years and have barely touched on half of the food Denver has. Plus, our weather is the best.


6. Charlottesville, Virginia: Charlottesville has been in the news for not the best reasons, which is so sad. I went to Charlottesville for the first time last summer and I cannot wait to go back. I was so surprised at this darling quaint little town. Plus, if you are a history buff there is so much to see and do. The main drag is so darling. It's an open walking mall with shops, restaurants and bars. Another great place for wine tours :) Are you seeing a pattern here?

7. Scottsdale, Arizona: Yes, yes, again, I am bias, I grew up here. But, Scottsdale is the best. It's full of amazing hotels, restaurants and is the perfect spot for a girls trip. Grab your girls and hit the spa. After that you can hike and then head to old town for dinner, dancing and drinks. Hint, go anytime after September and before June. You'll thank me later. And, if you need more tips, message me, I've got all the goods.

Your wedding day is bound to be wonderful. With all the hustle bustle and planning that surrounds it, you and your partner deserve a beautiful break! Your new beginning should be filled with romance, love, and happiness. What better way than to invest in a beautiful honeymoon to start your life together!

If you’re trying to figure out which are the best spots around the world to go to, we’ve got you covered. Katie from Orla James prefers a variety of choice when selecting beautiful honeymoon spots. We decided to assist them with a few gorgeous, yet romantic spots around the globe. Whether it's adventure, culture, or romance you crave, we’ve got options for you to choose from.
Let’s look at some of them.

BALI, INDONESIA: Bali is popularly known as the ‘Isle of the Gods’. With gorgeous mist-shrouded temples, pristine beaches, and warm welcoming people, Bali is the perfect honeymoon destination spot. The beautiful mountains and cultural hub made it a popular location for the hit movie ‘Eat, Pray, Love’. Take a trip to the famed Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple that stands 200 ft. above sea level. The sunset from this point is one from your dreams! You should head to Bali to experience romance that lasts a lifetime.


CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Cape Town has everything you could imagine! From gorgeous landscapes, wild party scenes, exquisite beaches, and a bustling city, Cape Town has something for everyone. You can also visit the plethora of wineries and indulge in a safari or two. Ideally, you should take the 90-minute drive from Cape Town to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Agulhas and stop off at Boulders Beach to meet the famous warm-weather penguins! If you’re unsure of what sort of honeymoon to invest in, Cape Town is the perfect location for privacy, romance, and fun!



MARRAKECH, MOROCCO: Indulge your senses in this colorful city! Brimming with sights, sounds, scents, and people, Morocco has you covered. If you’re up to it, you can go surfing, binge on delicious seafood and kebabs, drink coffee at roadside cafes, do some street shopping, get your fortune told, and visit the never ending mosques and museums. You can also head to the ancient city of Fez and trade your car for donkey carts and walk old, narrow alleys. Whatever your preference, you are bound to have a memorable honeymoon in Marrakech.



PROVENCE, FRANCE: If it’s an uber romantic location you want, you must head to Provence. Known for rolling lavender fields, wine, art, and history, Provence in France is a beautiful getaway for honeymoon couples. Explore the rugged landscapes that Provence has to offer and the wonderful outdoor sports that are available there. You could also go horseback riding, take a picnic in lavender fields, explore quaint villages, and take French cooking classes. If you and your partner want a peaceful, yet romantic honeymoon, you could consider Provence to be your ultimate honeymoon destination!


LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA: Langkawi Island in Malaysia is an unforgettable destination! Crystal clear waters, dense jungles, and virgin beaches are some of the things that you can expect to see in Langkawi. Experience the famous Malaysian well-being spas, fresh seafood, and juicy local fruits, and go bird watching. Asia’s first UNESCO Geopark is located in Langkawi, so you simply must take a wildlife tour! Some wild animals you can look forward to are otters, snakes, the famous walking fish, monkeys, and eagles. You can also visit neighboring islands by taking a boat and island hop!



MUSCAT, OMAN: Oman is a hidden jewel in the Middle East. This beautiful Arabian oasis is rich in culture and beauty. A favorite holiday destination for many Europeans, it is filled with charming beaches, gold souks, bustling markets intermingled with shopping malls, theatres, cultural centers, and world famous food chains. In Muscat, you can visit the Grand Mosque, Muttrah Souk, and Al-Bustan Beach. If you and your partner would like a road trip, you can also drive down to the beautiful fishing village of Sur while taking stops at the historic Nizwa Fort, and the silversmith and handicrafts markets in Sohar. Oman makes for a beautiful sandy playground and is a wonderful place to spend your honeymoon!


After months of planning your wedding and finally tying the knot, you should spend quality time with your new spouse and leave all your worries behind. Invest in a beautiful unforgettable honeymoon to start your life together in bliss and harmony. Whether it’s a tropical retreat or an adventurous one, make the most of this time together and start your new life with happiness.

This travel guide has been a long time coming, but it's finally here! Please excuse my delay, we did so many activities and putting them to paper took me forever. But, I promise, this post is worth the wait.

I've been to Austin before, but it was ages ago and I didn't really know what to expect. I've been to Texas maybe 3 times in my life, so I went in eyes wide open. This bachelorette party was for my girlfriend, Kate. We met in college when we were both working for Pepperdine's magazine. She's one of the best people I know and I felt honored to be invited to spend the weekend celebrating her.

One of my favorite moments with Kate was one road-trip back to Arizona from CA. First, we stuff our faces with sushi in Laguna and then headed back to AZ to surprise my family. We stopped at every tourist trap on 1-10 between LA and Phoenix. We took way too many stupid pictures, ate beef jerky that was the most random meats (like ostrich? gross), and a trip that should take about 6 hours, took 10. It was so much fun.

Our weekend in Austin was so full of laughs, delicious cocktails, old school beer pong and great meals. Plus, thousands of photos and a group text that is still active today. Shout-out to Kate's sis, Jessica for planning such an incredible weekend. It was one I will not forget.

Oh hey. Jess, when are you planning the next girls weekend?!

I cannot wait to see Kate marry her love this summer. It's going to be one for the record books. PS. That one is back in Sonoma too - so much wine country, I can't wait to show you!

But, before we watch her get married, we got the chance to celebrate her last big weekend as a single lady. Austin, you were weird and I loved you. Let's get to it.


WHAT YOU NEED: 
If you've never been to Texas, be prepared for the humidity. It was way hotter than I thought it would be. But, the best part, you are not too far away from some pretty amazing bodies of water.

For our weekend, we needed boat clothes, going out clothes, wine tasting outfits and big hats for all the sunshine.Imagine your cutest sundresses and your comfiest sandals, that is what you need for a weekend in Austin. Throw in a cute dress to go out to dinner and drinks and you are all set. Swimsuit, cover-up and your iPhone. Pictures are a must.

Might I also suggest a great group a girls, the best bachelorette (like Kate) and a camera with a timer (or a Polaroid!). (See below!)

WHAT TO DO: First, there is so much to do in Austin, I wish I could have stayed there for two weeks. We were there for three nights and 3 1/2 days and boy did we cram a ton in. 

• Rent a house, not a hotel: Kate and Jess, our amazing hostesses found the BEST house in Austin. It slept all 12 of us, had the biggest backyard ever and was the perfect location for 12 girls to get to know each other, have dinners and most importantly, have fun. It was the cutest house I've ever stayed in. I'll be back ya little dream bungalow. 
• Day on Lake Austin or Lake Travis: We spent the day at Lake Austin and it was incredible. We tethered up in the party cove, listened to jams, drank cold beer, took thousands of pictures and floated. There are tons of people tethered in this part of the lake, so heads up, be careful but have the best time ever. Oh, and at the end of the lake on the hill is Matthew McConaughey's house, wave hello!
• Wine Tasting: Did you know there's wine tasting in Austin? I had NO idea. We jumped on a big bus and found ourselves in the mountains of wine county. We went to three different vineyards throughout the day. There are tons to hit up, My recommendation is Hawk's Shadow Winery. It's the best. Or you can go to Duchman Family Wines - it has the prettiest vineyard and the best spots to sit and relax. You seriously feel like your in the hills of Tuscany when you walk in their building, it's stunning.
• Go to Rainey Street: Rainey Street is the cutest block of old homes turned into bars. All the bars have the great decks in the front and back, packed full of people and great music. We grabbed cocktails and sat on the back deck and just chilled. It was the best. 
• South Congress: Great shopping and the famous "I love you so much" wall!
• Great food: See below! 
• Have face masks made of the groom: See below! 

WHERE TO STAY:  

• VRBO or AirBnB:  This is my ultimate recommendation for a group of girls. It was awesome because we really had the opportunity to get to know each other. We were able to sleep 12 girls, eat dinner together, play games, have a fire-pit, play yard games and enjoy each other. It was nice to not have to split up and divide into separate rooms. Since I didn't stay at a hotel, I don't have much to recommend but, here are some other cute hotels! 
• The Driskill: The Driskill (now a Hilton!) was opened in 1886 and has been deemed a historic site since 1969. Not only is it historic, but it has a reputation for being “haunted”. At check-in they even gave us a list of their “ghost stories” upon request.
• Four Seasons (always a reliable choice!): The hotel is perched on the banks of Lady Bird Lake which is outlined by a famous trail regarded as one of the best places in in the city (some might say the entire country) to exercise and enjoy the outdoors—something that the state capital’s residents frequently do. 
• Hotel Saint Cecilia: Named after the patron saint of music, the Saint Cecilia — which features turntables in every room and has an extensive library of vinyl records — is already a favorite of big-name musicians who swing into town to play on the city’s countless stages. Rock-star style and Southern hospitality make a rare and beguiling combination. Everything about this hotel is thought out and well considered, from the plate of locally made sweets that greet you in your room to the handwritten note nearby.
• The W: Cocktails such as the cucumber and jalapeno lemonade, made with local Deep Eddy Vodka, or the green bee, which uses honey sourced from the hotel’s rooftop hives.

WHERE TO EAT: Our first night at the house, we ate in because girls were sort of trickling in throughout the night. We ordered tons and pizza and just hung around getting to know each other. I totally suggest this, especially in a group where not everyone knows each other. It's the perfect bonding time. Plus, who doesn't like pizza. Our last night, Jess got mexican food catered in. I wish I would have gotten a picture. We had enough food to feed 75 people and if I'm being honest, we made a pretty damn good dent. 

Happy Thursday friends! By the time Thursday rolls around, I can always smell the weekend and am automatically in a better mood. This weekend we have very few plans and I am pumped. A birthday dinner with my girlfriends is the only thing on my agenda and the rest of the weekend will be spent doing nothing.

What are your weekend plans?

Recently, I had the opportunity to work with West Elm on their local love campaign. The campaign was geared towards certain cities and the people (bloggers who live in them). Being a huge lover of all things West Elm, I was pumped to be asked. #ad #sponsored.

It gave me the opportunity to really think about why I love Denver, the things, the places and the people. I ventured out last week on a little mini-blog shoot all around Denver with one of my best girls (who also happens to be my photog). We went to some great spots, views, took pictures and ended the day with wine. This has hands down been one of my favorite campaigns to be a part of.


We've been living in Denver for a little over three years. It's crazy to say that out loud because whoa, three years. That means it's been 4 years since I graduated law school. 2 years since marriage. 2 years since I tore my ACL. Time is flying people, make sure you're enjoying the ride. I'm learning that time really does go too fast and I'm trying my damnest to make sure I'm enjoying it (more on that later).

It's safe to say, Denver has my heart. I've written numerous posts on my favorite places, locations, restaurants, dog friendly locations and more. This post will be a little more personal. All the reasons I love living in Denver.

1. WEATHER: I grew up in Arizona so the heat doesn't bother me as much, but Adam is not a fan. While Adam doesn't love the heat, I don't love the blizzard Omaha weather. Denver is the perfect middle ground. Warm in the summer, cold in the winter but sunshine all the time. Plus, cocktails on the patio is almost always a possibility.

2. UNION STATION: You can read all about Union in my post. But this place is a dream. Every single person who has visited us has been taken to Union. Whether you want coffee, cocktails, pretty flowers, a good book or a delicious meal, Union has it all. Plus, if you need to take a train, you can do that too. We love going to Union for drinks at the Terminal Bar, complete with delicious appetizers. Plus, the people watching is absolutely worth all the tourists.



3. THE PEOPLE: Making adult friends is so hard. By 30, everyone has their group of friends, their circles, their own lives. Trying to come in the middle of that is so hard. When we first moved here we knew one other couple and that's it. Through jobs, pure barre, junior league, we have met some of the most amazing people ever. They've welcomed us into their homes, their churches, their friend groups and their families. We are so blessed by the people we know here. Plus, strangers are usually damn nice too. I'm looking at you Starbucks lady who told me I had nice shoes on.

4. MOUNTAINS: On most people's list, this would be the top reason they love living in Denver. I love the mountains, I actually prefer them in the summer. That's probably due to my ACL, but the mountains are the most amazing small towns, great food and for Adam, amazing skiing. I love the access we have. We have friends come visit a lot requesting time in the mountains. Hey friends, come visit! It's only an hour and 30 minutes door to Breckenridge door! Lets go the mountains.

5. THE FOOD: Linger, Osterio Marco & Rioja just to name a few.

ALE HOUSE @ AMATOS: Great beer, great food and one of the best views of the Denver skyline. Craft beer is a must in Denver and this place does not disappoint. Plus, the patio on the roof is pretty awesome.  



6. JOBS: The main reason we moved here three years ago was because Adam had an amazing job opportunity. He wanted to apply, I said do it, and before he knew it, we were moving to Denver. The work load has been a lot at times, but loving what you do makes it easier to do the work. Same goes for me, sure, I'd love to be a blogger full-time, but my attorney gig is pretty damn awesome.

7. OUR HOUSE: Yes, the structure of my house is great, but I feel so lucky that everyday I get to go home to my house, with my hubs and my pups. I don't take that for granted for one minute and it's the very best reason for why I love Denver so much.


Where are you from? What are your favorite things about your city?