2026 Food Trends Forecast

I’ve been seeing people forecast their trends for next year—protein will be supplanted by fiber, lab-grown meat, etc. Just for fun (and bragging rights if I get some of these right), here’s my predictions. Hojicha, matcha’s nutty, toasted sister, will grow in popularity. It’s already being offered more places in Phoenix, and that will increase in the next year. Cold foam on coffee and tea … Continue reading 2026 Food Trends Forecast

One Weekend in Phoenix

After having family come and go in the holidays, I was inspired to collect my favorite activities for out-of-towners around this time last year. This sat in my post drafts for too long, but as the weather’s cooling down, I felt I had to polish it up and share. Here’s what I would recommend to experience Phoenix if you’re here just for a weekend. You’re … Continue reading One Weekend in Phoenix

Where to Halloween in Phoenix

There are many spots to get a little spooky this October, but these are my favorites. Scottsdale offers a lot of additional options, but I think Phoenix businesses outshine anything there in terms of balanced drinks and reasonable prices. Bitter & Twisted Their menu doesn’t have too many seasonal changes, but it doesn’t need it. Their creative options and great presentation are consistent. This year, … Continue reading Where to Halloween in Phoenix

Where to sing karaoke in the valley

There are a bunch of places that do karaoke in Phoenix and the surrounding suburbs. With this list, you can fully go out every night of the week and hit up somewhere different. Everything on this list is an open environment, for karaoke in a bar setting. I’ve listed a couple private room rental karaoke places at the end, but that’s not the focus of this … Continue reading Where to sing karaoke in the valley

Supporting Socially Conscious Businesses

You may or may not be familiar with the concept of “voting with your dollar,” but it’s something I believe in. The valley provides plenty of opportunities to do this— to support not just local businesses, but specific causes they align with. This is a list of a couple ways I like to do that. For instance, the only thing that makes a cupcake from … Continue reading Supporting Socially Conscious Businesses

Grace’s gift giving guide 2024

If you’re looking to shop for last-minute Christmas gifts, here are my (admittedly last-minute) recommendations. Local shopping Changing Hands is an independent bookstore with Mesa and midtown Phoenix locations. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, they can order it in, and they have other cute products besides just books. Their loyalty card and the First Draft coffee shop/bar inside the Phoenix store are … Continue reading Grace’s gift giving guide 2024

Weekend trip inspiration: Cottonwood & Sedona

Compared to Phoenix and Flagstaff, Sedona and nearby Cottonwood are for an older, more established crowd. Sedona is also especially beautiful just to drive through, even if you aren’t planning to stop for much. If you’re looking to feel like you’re in the movie Cars, this is the place. Food While these places can be on the pricier end, the area is a unique dining … Continue reading Weekend trip inspiration: Cottonwood & Sedona

Phoenix local cultural event roundup

There are many great museums and cultural spots in Phoenix, but for those trying to find the best value on a budget, these are my can’t miss events and activities in the museum and theater space. Phoenix Zoo: Roars and Pours This once a month event is a can’t miss for me because of the discounted ticket, taking the price of admission from $45 for … Continue reading Phoenix local cultural event roundup

My Mexico City Favorites

After collecting many recommendations from friends and locals and road testing them myself, these are my favorite Mexico City stops. Bars Handshake If you only go to one cocktail bar in the city, let this be it. It’s popular, so making a reservation in advance is the way to go. Their whole vibe is classy and speakeasy, but I particularly loved sitting at the bar … Continue reading My Mexico City Favorites