Exploring Arizona

Fortunately my friends woke up abnormally early for a Saturday too so we were able to get a jump on exploring Scottsdale.

Arizona Mountains

I love the scenery. It’s such a difference from the flat terrain of Florida. Plus, the weather was absolutely perfect. It was in the 80s but with no humidity. This Florida girl was in heaven!

For lunch we drove to Tempe near the Arizona State University campus for lunch at Bison Witches.

Bison Witches

I ordered a big salad that was served in a yummy, doughy bread bowl. I loved the avocado and artichoke hearts and ate the whole thing.

Veggie Bread Bowl Salad

Full Smiles

After lunch we walked around Tempe and even found an adorable store filled with holiday trinkets and crafts. Luckily the guys humored us and ventured inside. They even found some wooden soldiers they thought would look “pretty awesome” by their pool… maybe not. 😉

Guys and Soldiers

Walking around the town was lots of fun and with perfect weather we all had a great time.

We then ran some errands to pick up drinks and food for dinner tonight. Michaela and I are cookin’ dinner for the boys!

The menu: chicken sausage with peppers and onions and fettuccine alfredo. Sounds tasty! Let’s hope it turns out well.

I’m lovin’ Arizona fun!

Great Friends, Great Food, Great Night

I arrived in Phoenix yesterday half an hour early! My flight left Orlando close to 3 p.m. and after Ryan dropped me off, I had a good hour to kill before my plane took off. I explored the airport a little bit and enjoyed a makeshift lunch of a light Starbucks Frappuccino and an Atkins caramel double chocolate crunch protein bar.

Yummm

Chocolatey

Of course the Frappuccino was fantastic as always. I also enjoyed my protein bar. This flavor is my ultimate favorite bar… ever! It is so rich and chocolately and tastes more like a candy bar. Though I’m not crazy about the slew of ingredients, it’s wonderful on occasion.

I flew Southwest which meant I got to pick my own seat when I boarded. Fortunately I got the very last aisle seat. Phew! I get minorly claustrophobic on planes and an aisle seat is a savior for me. The couple I sat next two was very friendly and I enjoyed chatting with them on the flight.

I have never been on a flight where they’ve offered so many different snacks! The flight attendants came around multiple times offering Ritz chips, 100 calorie packs of Chips Ahoy! cookies, crackers with cheese, peanuts and pretzels! I enjoyed a pack of the Ritz chips while reading the lastest issue of Health magazine.

Ritz Chips

The flight was a little bumpy, but I slept for a bit, got through three different magazines and played Sudoko. Not too bad!

My friend Michaela was flying into Phoenix from Arizona and both of our flights were on the ground within 20 minutes of each other. Great timing! Our friend Ryan picked us up and drove us back the house he shares with our other good friend Steve.

We enjoyed a tour of the house, played with Ryan’s super-friendly dog Fiona and sat out in the backyard for a bit before heading off to dinner.

I don’t remember the name of the place we went to for dinner (and everyone’s still sleeping so I can’t ask at the moment), but it was AMAZING. The place was an outdoor restaurant with two bars, multiple fire pits, white Christmas lights, a live band and the most delicious burgers and BBQ sandwiches.

I ordered the BBQ pulled pork sandwich and devoured the entire thing. It was HUGE but so, so tasty and I was very hungry.

BBQ Pulled Pork

(Sorry for the icky picture, but it was dark outside and I had to use my flash.)

We had a great time catching up and laughing over a few beers. I really want to go back to this place! It was so unique.

Michaela and Ryan

Me and Steve

It was so nice to spend quality time with such wonderful friends. I used to live across the street from Michaela and have known her since we were in elementary school and we’ve been friends with Ryan and Steve since junior high. I miss old friends!!

Today I’m not sure what the plan is… since I cannot seem to sleep in, I’m happy I had a chance to blog for a bit! I am missing Ryan and Sadie but it sounds like they’re having fun without me and spent some quality time together at the dog park yesterday.

I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend! 🙂