Thursday, June 30, 2016

Pasta Salad

Stephanie's Pasta Salad

About 7 or 8 years ago I was introduced to this salad. Now I don't want to over sell it or anything but I would say Perfection best describes it! If you know Stephanie Meadows you already know that she is a great cook so it is no wonder that this salad rocks. Every time I make it everyone raves. And if I hear that she is making it, well you can bet I am there.  Also make sure you make enough to have some for leftovers. Because this bad boy is going to get eaten.
Stephanie's Pasta Salad

1 bag spiral tri- color rotini
add the rest according to your preference-
cheese cubes
summer sausage cubed
thinly sliced red onion
thinly sliced bell pepper
broccoli flowerets 
cauliflower flowerets
baby carrots 
grape tomatoes halved
small jar of artichokes in oil- chopped


Dressing:
1 c. oil 
1 c. sugar
1 c. red wine vinegar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus

It's that time when the Greatest Show On Earth comes to Arizona and it just got EXTREME!!! And lucky you we have a special deal for our followers 

Buy 3 get 1 Free with code FREE1
·         All tickets after are $25% off
·         Valid on all shows
·         No double discounts
·         Not valid on Front Row or VIP seats
So get your tickets ASAP


WHAT: Prepare to be astonished and amazed by artists who redefine the word extreme in everything they do, magnifying traditional elements of the circus and combining these elements with never-before-seen spectacles, original, fast-paced performances and incredibly hilarious moments. Children Of All Ages can let their imaginations go wild in an exhilarating adventure with extreme thrills, exotic animals and extraordinary performers that add up to the ultimate family entertainment experience. High-wire wizards, powerful strongmen, BMX trick riders, trampoline daredevils, inconceivable contortionists, a high-flying human cannonball, a bungee aerial skydiving display and an international assembly of more than 100 world-renowned artists provide 2 ½ hours of thrilling entertainment. Do something extreme today, and get your tickets for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Circus XTREME at Talking Stick Resort Arena, June 23 – 26, 2016.  
Free with your ticket purchase, the party starts an hour before the show in the All Access Pre-show.  You and your family can meet our international cast of performers and get up close to our menagerie of animals.

Ticketholders can purchase an upgrade and go backstage with a VIP Behind the Scenes Tour of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. To take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, just log on to ringlingbros.expapp.com from your iPhone or Android smartphone, and provide your name, e-mail and phone number to become a VIP circus insider.
WHEN: Thursday, June 23 – Sunday, June 26
Thursday, June 23 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Friday, June 24 11:00 AM & 7:00 PM
Saturday, June 25  11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, June 26 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM

WHERE: Talking Stick Resort Arena (formerly US Airways Center), 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

TICKETS: Tickets start at $20.00.  Kids (ages 2-12) tickets available for only $10 each for select seating on weekday shows at participating Chick-Fil-A locations.  Save 50% on Opening Night discount tickets (select seating only; not valid on VIP/Front Row levels)

All seats are reserved; tickets available thru Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or visit the Talking Stick Resort Arena Box Office.  
*Front Row pricing varies between weekday/weekend performances


Sunday, June 5, 2016

Our Westin Kierland Staycation

One of the best things Arizona has to offer in the Summer is the amazing Staycation packages at all the fantastic resorts here in AZ!

The Westin Kierland Resort is not only an Amazing resort with an incredible Pool, Golf Course and Spa but it offers some of the best dining experiences in the Valley. 



Dinner at Deseo was unlike any other dining experience I have ever had. We sat "Rail"
side, which basically means we were sat right in front of the open kitchen. We were able to see, watch and talk to the Chefs while they prepared all the dishes. The only downside to this as that you want to try each thing they make since it all looks so incredible. Deseo is inspired from the tastes and cuisines of South America, with lots of fresh seafood, exotic flavors and ingredients and the best cuts of meat out there. 
I have decided I want to eat my way through their whole Ceviche menu. 

(pictured are the)
Millionaire Tacos- with a yuca shell , lobster, ahi tuna and Japanese Hamachi


Lobster Escabeche- made with sweet, tender northern Lobster, deep fried avacado, chives, garlic chips and sweet ahi
Some of my unexpected favorites were this Virgin Mojito complete with a sugar cane stirrer; the Columbian roll that was a cross between cornbread and a roll ( seriously I am already tracking down a recipe for this one); and the Quinoa soup with toasted quinoa on top ( which I could sprinkle on anything it was so good)!







The special was this Iberico Pork- which is a supreme cut of the pork shoulder from a free roam pig raised on acorns. The meat was sweet, tender and flavorful and was perfectly complemented with the adobo potatoes and chanterelle mushrooms. 



Mahi Mahi with shaved calamari, shrimp and cracked amaranth
 Even down to the dessert, the presentation and quality of food at DESEO is outstanding. This chocolate cigar was divine not to mention the cappuccino gelato that was a perfect match! For more check out their menu here



Not only did we love our dinner but breakfast was a treat as well. With a choice of items like the Panettone Stuffed French Toast with lemon curd and strawberries. 

  or a Breakfast Buffet with all you can drink and eat. Seriously this buffet is first class with made to order omelettes, meats, yogurt bar, pastries, bagels and lox, steel cut oatmeal and so much more.


I know it sounds like the only thing we did was eat but that's not Entirely true! The Westin Kierland has great summer packages and one of them is The Big Chill . Not only do they offer a great deal on the room but also include a dining credit or flow rider experience. During your stay there is so many family fun options, they even had a mini "zoo" for the kids to enjoy. 

The great pool, slide, lazy river, splash pad and flow rider; the O.K. corral which offers ping pong, life size chess, basketball and build your own smores. My kids had a blast even in the scorching Arizona heat. 




We all can't wait to go back and soak up some more fun and food! Thanks so much Westin Kierland we had an amazing time!