A Side of Sweet

5 Pools In Scottsdale & Phoenix You Have to Check Out

Spending time poolside is essential in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Here are the best pools Scottsdale and Phoenix have to offer and some even have day passes available. I’m also sharing a hotel with FREE entry even if you’re not a guest! Read on for my exclusive guide.

It’s hard to imagine a trip to Phoenix and Scottsdale without some serious time poolside. Even though we weren’t there in swimsuit weather, it was still warm enough to relax on a lounge chair and sip a cocktail. Luckily there are dozens of pools to choose from and for many of them you don’t need to be a hotel guest to get a day pass.

Of note, while I was researching visiting policies for this article, one of the hotels pointed me toward the website Resort Pass which sells day passes for many of the hotel pools in Phoenix and Scottsdale. This is definitely worth checking out if you’re staying at a hotel without a pool or renting an AirBnB on your trip.

Read on for a few of our favorite hotels in Scottsdale and Phoenix!… Read More »

6 Things to Do in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona

No matter what you’re into, here are some awesome things to do in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Take a hiking, take a hot air balloon ride, visit Frank Loyd Wright’s Taliesin West and even take a gondola ride!

As you may guess, Cynthia and I spent as much time as possible in Phoenix and Scottsdale eating our hearts out. The found scene in these two cities is seriously blowing up! You can read more about that in my Food Guide to Phoenix. But even when you’re eating a solid four meals a day (and snacks!), there’s still a little time left over to explore! There’s really something for everyone whether your idea of a good time is shopping until you drop or taking a hike among the cacti.

Read on for what to do during your visit…
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7 Things You Can Do To Find Your Photography Style (Guest Post)

Trying to find your photography style in photography? Here are 7 things you can do to find your photography style and take images you love in this guest post by Rachel Korinek from Two Loves Studio!

Hey friends, my name is Rachel Korinek (from Two Loves Studio) and I have been shooting for over 6 years now, but back when I started, Pinterest and Instagram had only just come out and they weren’t the social giants they are today. Our time wasn’t completely being invaded by social media and so I was lucky in a sense that comparison wasn’t so in your face as it is today…. Read More »

Food Guide to Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is a foodie paradise. Check out this Phoenix food guide for where to eat, what to drink and where to go for the tastiest, most Instagrammable dishes on the Phoenix, AZ food scene!

Excuse the terrible pun, but the food scene in Phoenix, Arizona is heating up faster than the weather! While Cynthia and I were visiting last month we were totally blown away by how many amazing restaurants and bars they have. They have cool coffee shops, fine dining, comfort food and even a speakeasy or two! There’s truly something for any palate whether you’re on a health food kick or you want to overindulge.

Headed to Phoenix? Here is where you have to eat next time you’re in town…

Make a Homemade Matcha Latte

Gluten Free Dairy Free Nut Free Egg Free Vegetarian

Everything you need to know about making a homemade matcha latte with green tea powder. Learn what equipment you need, how to pick a high-quality matcha tea, and get the recipe for my favorite matcha green tea lattes!

Even though I’ve been enjoying matcha for years, I’m relatively new to using it at home. Luckily it’s been surprisingly easy to learn!

There’s no better way to achieve a moment of zen then by preparing your own matcha. It’s such a beautiful and satisfying task to gently whisk it until it has that frothy top. And that beautiful grassy green color – I just can’t get enough! These homemade matcha green tea lattes are so beautiful and cozy, and they have a surprising twist – they are lactose-free!

Curious? Read on for the recipe and more about lactose-free milk, picking the right matcha, and how to prepare your matcha green tea powder and more!

Jump to Recipe

Cappuccino Chocolate Chip Muffins with Coffee Cake Streusel

Vegetarian

Cappuccino Chocolate Chip Muffins topped with coffee cake streusel and a drizzle of glaze make the perfect breakfast recipe! They are incredibly flavorful and moist.

Whether you’re on the go or have the entire morning to savor a cup of coffee, muffins are the perfect breakfast food. One of my favorite recipes actually puts the coffee right in the muffin! As if cappuccino chocolate chip muffins weren’t enough, I’ve upped the ante and added a coffee cake streusel topping and just a touch of glaze. So good.