Cinco De Mayo

 Cinco de Mayo

Commonly confused as Mexico’s Independence Day (which it is not) the holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla. Whether or not you know the history, check out these Valley locations to join in on the celebration!

Z’Tejas

Are you ready to take on the Habanero Inferno Taco Challenge on Cinco de Mayo? Order a plate of specially made fiery Z’Tejas Street Tacos. One of the four tacos is made with the hottest sauce in the world—but you won’t know which one! If you can eat all four tacos and complete the challenge you will get $5 off the normally $12 meal (excludes any happy hour priced tacos). While there, cool down with $5 Dulce Vida ‘Ritas and $3 Coronas all day on Cinco de Mayo.

Miracle Mile Deli

It’s “Cinco de Mile” at Miracle Mile Deli on May 5^th! The locally owned restaurant is serving up a plate of Chicken Enchiladas covered with red sauce and served with a side of beans. The meal deal is just $9 and available all day. Wash it all down with an ice cold Corona—also available for purchase! Miracle Mile Deli has been a staple in the Valley for 66 years. The locally-owned restaurant recently moved to their new venue at 4433 N. 16th Street in Phoenix. Miracle Mile Deli has been family owned and operated for three generations and continues to provide a unique experience in casual dining. Visit miraclemiledeli.com or like them on Facebook at facebook.com/miraclemiledeli.

Taco Guild

This Cinco de Mayo is all about good tacos! Visit Taco Guild in Phoenix for $1.99 Cochinita Pibil Tacos—infused with Roger cline Tequila. Cochinita is pork shoulder and Pibil is a cooking technique that involves wrapping pork  in banana leaves, marinating it in sour orange and annatto– a sweet, slightly peppery red sauce made from annatto seed, a plant found in the tropics – and baking it in a hand-dug barbecue pit in the ground for several hours. The meat becomes tender and flaky, with a subtly smoky flavor. As if that isn’t enough, $3.00 Negro Modello and $5.50 Roger Cline tequila cocktails will also be available. Make up your own Roger Cline cocktail for a chance to have your drink featured on the menu until next Cinco de Mayo! There will be live entertainment. Walking into this repurposed gastropub/Taqueria, with its handcrafted pews and stained glass windows, is like taking a step back in time. 

SOL Cocina

Since it's Cinco it only makes sense that SOL Cocina is celebrating by offering five caliente deals!

∑        $5 - Taco Vampiro

∑        $5 - Taco Gobernador

∑        $5 - Naked Guacamole

∑        $5 - House Margarita made with El Jimidor Tequila

∑        $5 - Watermelon Margarita made with El Jimidor Tequila

The specials will be happening all day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. There will also be a photo booth from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and live music with Scott Hallock. Located at the Scottsdale Quarter

Fired Pie

Tacos not your thing? Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with pizza! All day on May 5^th, locally owned fast-casual pizza and salad restaurant, Fired Pie, is offering up their Spicy Southwest Pizza for just $5! Enjoy Chipotle ranch sauce, Mozzarella, Grilled chicken, Roasted peppers, onions, black olives, jalapeno topped with mixed greens tossed with cilantro and ranch dressing. No additional toppings permitted on the pizza to score the $5 deal. The locally owned restaurant allows you to take on the role of chef by picking and choosing your own type of dough, sauce and topping. The sophisticated-yet-affordable pizzeria also offers build-your-own salads. Currently they have four locations in Phoenix, one in Chandler, one in Ahwatukee, one in Glendale, one in Tempe, one in Avondale, two in Tucson and four in Scottsdale. You can find out more about them by visiting Firedpie.com.

Karma Juice

Healthy living has not always been on the top of my priority list. But as I get older I realize how important it is to put good things into your diet and lifestyle. So spending some time with David the co-founder of Karma Juice today, I learned how delicious a healthy lifestyle can actually be. 

Karma Juice offers a huge variety of Organic Cold Pressed Juices and Organic Shakes/Smoothies. Each drink is a delicious meal replacement that will keep you filling fuller longer. They also offer packages for Kleanses and Detoxing. 

After sampling most of them I would say my favorite Juice is definitely 

LOVE

 heart health + anti-aging + digestive health 

green apples, basil, spinach, lemon, cayenne

and my favorite smoothies is

Vanilla Sky

hearth healthy + stabilizes mood + digestive health

almond milk, bananas, rolled oats, pea protein, dates, maca

If you have already done a juice cleanse or have always wanted to try, Karma Juice is where to start. You can order online and your juices are delivered the next day fresh and complete with a sell by date. They also have them in Kale & Clover in Scottsdale Each product is specifically designed to help boost target areas including anti-inflammation, increase metabolism, support brain function, muscle strength and even help fight the cold and flu! Not only do I love the mission statement 

Karma (kar-muh) definition: What we put into our bodies is ultimately what we get out of life.

*Use code Loveit11 for 11% off your order*

Even our little ones couldn't get enough! 

Ahipoki Bowl

It's always a treat when we experience a new food eating concept. Think Chipotle meets Sushi. When you first walk into Ahipoki Bowl you are greeted by a huge guide on how to order. 

I went with the spicy tuna, tuna and salmon with white and brown rice. Not only was it super fresh but they don't skimp on the servings. With so many delicious toppings I loaded up. I am a huge jicama and fish egg fan and was so excited to see them among the options. Last but certainly not least was the drink, which is now my new favorite drink ever, the Mango Passion Fruit aka the Tropical! Seriously I would go back just for that. 

The place was gorgeous with a modern island vibe and lots of seating. We loved it so much that we had to know more about it. Talking to the owner Jason we learned that the original one is in Temple City, California. He decided to bring one to the Valley of the Sun, and man am I glad he did. Not only that, but he has plans to open up at least 3 more! The soonest one being Chandler in the summer. Yea!!!! Don't worry he is also planning on Tempe and North Scottsdale. I have no doubt this place will be a huge success, after only being open a couple of weeks the place was packed with happy satisfied customers like us. Thanks Ahipoki Bowl we can't wait to come back!

American Way Market

 Last night we hung out at Merchant Square in Chandler where they have opened a new restaurant American Way Market. Jared Allen at Proof Bread is making all their breads fresh in house. In fact everything you will get there is from scratch. Including their smoked meats and hand rolled chocolate croissants! The menu has it all Sandwiches, Salads, Smoked meat meals, Flatbread Pizzas ( roasted corn and goat cheese was a big thumbs up) and Soups. In addition to that they have the largest Vintage Soda Pop list I have ever seen! We of course had to try a bunch, one of our favorites was the cute little bottle of Original New York Seltzer that the owner loved as a child. If you are a fan of vintage soda pop this is your place! 

 The restaurant is made up of vintage decor and furniture from all over, which gives it an old timey feeling.

 

I also sampled my way through their Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Bar. The Fig Balsamic was my top pick.











If you haven't been to Merchant Square yet you are missing out. With over 250 merchants all selling unique antique and vintage finds. It could seriously take me all day to go through it. It doesn't stop there, the Grand Opening of Highland Yard will be opening April 14th. This is a monthly vintage market with everything you can imagine. Each month it will be completely revamped.




So make a day of it. Eat, Shop, Eat again and Shop again. I know I will be going out till I've tried everything on the menu.

My Easy Breezy Guide to Disneyland

My Guide to the Happiest Place on Earth

Where to Stay

There are so many options of places to stay that are close to Disneyland Park. It can be confusing since a lot of places will advertise that they are next door to the park. Technically this is true but what you need to be aware of is that there is only two places to enter the Parks. Through Downtown Disney or on the opposite side of that. So while a Hotel might back up to the park it could still be a 10-15  min. walk to the entrance. So view the map of where your hotel is in relation to the entrances. 

When booking a hotel I would say the site Get Away Today has the best rates. Not only are the rates usually cheaper but they will also offer extras that the hotel doesn't complimentarily give such as: free parking, free breakfast, free shuttle service and so on. The major downside is that there is a cancellation fee, or you can buy the insurance. 

For us the trifecta was a the Clarion hotel that offered a room big enough for 6 people- 2 queens and a pullout, free breakfast, and free parking. Their rates are stay 2 nights get the 3rd free which was just right for us at only $311. Bonus they also had  fridge to keep our sack lunches for the park cold. It took about 10-15 min to walk but it saved us $18+ a day on parking. 

If I had small children who are nap takers the long walks are hard for,  I would try and stay at a hotel right across from the park entrance. 

There is also Disney's Grand Californian Hotel which is literally located inside the park with a private entrance to Grand California. We have stayed here and really enjoyed it, with a beautiful pool, excellent dining and events for the kids, but mind you it is at Least 3-4 times the price most hotels. 

Where to Park 

If you found a hotel that is within walking distance I would highly recommend walking it will give you more freedom and take less time than any of the other options, which all require some walking and can take a while to get you to your car. 

If you need to park somewhere else you have a few choices. Downtown Disney offers parking, where the first 2 hours are free and then additionally it is $12 or $36 for the day. This puts you right at Downtown Disney where you will then walk a few minutes to get to the entrance or you can take the Monorail which takes you right into the park.  

Pumba Parking lot, it right across from the main entrance to Disneyland its $18, it gets filled up pretty fast though. 

Then there is the Toy Story parking lots, $18 get you a day pass where you hop on a bus that takes you as close to the entrance as you can get. The buses run all day and I have never had to wait more than 5 min to board one. But the ride to and from the park is about 5-10 min. These are located off of Harbor Blvd. 

Last is the Mickey and Friends parking structure, also $18. This was my Least favorite, after we parked we walked quite a ways to get to the tram that took a while, where it lets you out in Downtown Disney so then you have to walk to the entrance. I wasn't happy with it, it didn't help that it was raining so it didn't keep us very dry. It also seemed that this option may be a little more difficult with strollers. 

What to Eat

Ahh my favorite part. When I take my family to Disneyland it usually breaks the bank, I do wish that Disney offered some type of multi child discount, sadly they do not. So my 5 kids and I, are left to find savings elsewhere. Something I do love is that Disneyland DOES let you bring food and drinks into the park ( but not Selfie Sticks!!) 

For breakfast we always eat at the hotel ( hopefully free) if not some type of granola bar or cold cereal if you have a fridge. Then we LOAD our backpacks up with filling snacks and water bottles for the day. Trust me when I say overpack, it's amazing how hungry kids get in the park while waiting in endless lines. We also stop at the Walmart on Katella about a mile from the park, and load up on lunch stuff such as; uncrustables, lunchables. Then if we leave the park fairly early we head out to one of the restaurants nearby. 

But this is DISNEYLAND and they have some Great food, so you need to let yourself splurge a little bit and try some of it. Since I Don't do grocery store lunches I buy something yummy for myself and let my kids try a little of it, chances are if your kids are like mine they like the store bought stuff above all else anyway. While Disney food Is expensive there are ways to stretch a buck,  and places that make it a little easier. 

For dinner one night my son and I each got a bread bowl with soup, while the soup won't feed more than one person the bread bowl was huge and super filling so I got my 3 young kids a Huge Turkey Leg to share ( seriously it was Heavy). I let them go to town on that and the bread from our bowl. Amazingly that filled up all 5 of us and it was only $35 not bad for dinner at Disneyland. At California Adventure I bought all my kids hot dogs at Award Wieners, they came with a bag of chips or apples and were only about $7 so not too bad either. The sit down restaurants can get kind of pricy and will suck up your time at the park so be aware of that. 

Park Time 

Disneyland is Crowded that is a FACT, but in my experience when you go can make a difference. Obviously going on the weekdays of non holidays is best but clearly that isn't always an option. Friday, Saturday & Sunday are crazy packed so if you must go on those days your best best is to go EARLY! Some hotels and multi day tickets can offer you Magic Morning which allows you to enter the park an hour earlier than it officially opens ( the two parks alternate Magic Morning) . This is key, you can end up getting more done in that hour than you could in 6 hours during peak time. If you don't have Magic Morning entrance, be there when the doors open, have a plan and hit the most busy rides first. At around noon the park starts really getting busy and it just keeps getting busier. Also start getting Fast Passes, for those rides that have at least a 45-90 minute wait on a regular basis. This allows you to come back at the appropriate time to ride the ride with minimal wait. Another must it the disney rides app that has lots of information including dining, hours, maps and my favorite Wait Times. I am constantly checking the app for the wait times and then planning our next spot accordingly. The app is called Magic Guide and it's a necessity! 

And last but not least the most important piece of wisdom I can share with you is , Take A Fanny Pack- seriously best theme park accessory you can have. Keep everything you need up front and right on hand. You will need to get to your passes, money & phone constantly and having to take off your backpack and dig it out will start getting OLD trust me, plus its Super stylish. 

Going to Disneyland can be Magical it can also be stressful and confusing so hopefully this can help the trip more smooth and enjoyable please feel free to share and check out our hashtag #seeittryitloveitdisney to see all the great food we have tried. 

Valentines Pogo Pass Deal

Click on the picture or link below to get you 60% off for your very own Pogo Pass. Use code LOVEIT!

https://www.pogopass.com/?tracking=55ad36588151d&subid=LOVEIT

Texas Caviar

A few years ago my SIL Sarah introduced me to this great "dip" called Texas Caviar- it is like a Pimped out Black Bean Salsa. When I decided to make it I got her recipe and then combined it with another one from a blog I saw, and well it's the Bomb Diggity! 

Every time I bring it somewhere I have at least 2 people tell me it is the best thing EVER, and that they want the recipe. 

It also has Many uses. 

The first one obviously being a "chip dip"

I have put it in tacos and even made some Killer Enchiladas with the leftovers. 

To sum it up this dish ROCKS!!!!!!!

Sorry about the pic, I forgot to take one before it got gobbled up so this is the scrapings of the bowl!

Texas Caviar

1 can black beans ( rinsed and drained) 

1 can white corn (drained)

1 can black eyed peas ( drained) 

6- 8 roma tomatoes chopped small 

6 avocados dices

chopped cilantro

finely chopped green onions

1 small can of green chilies

Put it all together ( add the avocados right before you are ready to take it) and pour on some Italian dressing to your liking . For me less is more. I also use Good Seasons Italian packets and make my own and then pour most of it in. Then refrigerate.

So next time you are asked to bring something to the Partay- I would bring this and you will be a Hit!