The Lodge on the Desert, a Vacation in Tucson, AZ

Vacations are expensive and staycations can feel like a consolation prize. Solution -- drive to Tucson, AZ, duh. It helps when you have a reason to go. We were attending a friend's play at the Beowolf Theater. More on that later. Here's a summary of our mini-vacation, a macation, if you will.

We booked a mystery hotel on +Hotwire. Pressing the "confirm payment" button is half the fun. It's a lot like playing Russian Roulette, but that's what makes a macation fun, danger. The mystery hotel, The Lodge on the Desert. Hooray!

I would love to tell you more about our room, but it wasn't a room at all. We stayed in a "Hacienda." It was spacious, retro, and had a functioning gas fireplace. The foilage and desert landscaping was delightful. The web of pebblestone walkways added character. The pool was heated. The jacuzzi jets were 757-like. It was a dream come true ... until morning. Around 6AM, the staff decided it was time to wake up the entire village. Laundry carts on the pebble walkways, it was cacophony. Stop the music!

All and all, despite the confusing mash of cultural references (do lodges typically have haciendas?), it was a delightful stay. The price was right, it's near downtown Tucson, and the staff was almost annoyingly pleasant.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

I was putting my favorite taco soup recipe together when I discovered I didn't have a key ingredient on hand: taco seasoning. A little Google search and voila! My life is changed. No more store bought taco seasoning packets for me! How long have I been wasting $1+ per seasoning packet while all the ingredients have been in my cupboards the whole time? I found this concoction on allrecipes.com.

1 T. chili powder
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. paprika
1-1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. black pepper

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container. It's pretty strong, so be sure to put it in a container that's not going to leak the scent. (Here's a recipe for Taco Soup you can use this recipe in).

I didn't have onion powder on hand, so I added real onions to the recipes. And I used regular salt instead of sea salt. The mixture has an awesome flavor with a little bit of kick. This recipe was a great find!

November Birchbox Review

My first Birchbox was AWESOME. Seriously. I loved just about everything in it. This month .... not so much. But that's OK! I'm all about trying new things, and knowledge is power. Especially beauty knowledge ;). My November Birchbox review might seem a little harsh, but I'm confident more great products will be showing up in December.

1. BeeKind Body Lotion. As a lotion made with honey and ogranic chammomile extracts you would think it smells similar to those things. It doesn't. It smells of lemon Pledge, like the dr. Brandt sample from my first Birchbox. And the consistency is way too runny- I prefer more of a cream. The only thing I really like about this product is part of the funds go to support honey bees and pollenation research. My advice: Donate funds to the bees. Skip the lotion.

2. Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil. My favorite product out of the box this month! My first use was a success and my skin was definitely glowing. Birchbox has a tutorial on different ways to use this pencil, which is really quite helpful since contouring is all the rage. My advice: Read the tutorials, try the pencil, become a contouring queen.

3. Joie Purfume. Scents are a powerful memory trigger. On first whiff I was transported to my sister's bedroom in 1988. This scent, in my opinion, is a mix between big hair and Barbie purfume ... both great things, it just comes on a little strong. My advice: Scent is a personal preference. Try a sample. I won't be buying the $100 bottle.

4. Wei Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask. I felt like I was putting whipped chocolate on my face, but without the chocolate scent. The mask had a nice tingle and dried fairly fast. The full size order is packaged like the sample which is the size of a single coffee creamer ... interesting. And also includes an applicator brush which I'd like to try! My advice: If you're looking for a mud mask explore your options. This is worth a try, but not jaw-dropping.

5. Wei Pomegranate Buffing Beads. I wasn't too impressed with the dr. Brandt microderm sample from last time, and the same goes for these buffing beads. I did like how you add the beads to your own cleanser, but the overall result wasn't anything special. It also didn't rinse off as easy as I would have liked. My advice: Pass. I still prefer my St. Ives Apricot Scrub.

Lifestyle Extra: Mighty Leaf Tea Pouches. I'm not much of a tea drinker myself, but my husband enjoys it from time to time. I commissioned him with trying the three different flavors so he took the packs to work. On his way there, they fell out of his pocket. Mighty Leaf will remain a mystery.

Elie's Deli

A co-worker of mine introduced me to an unassuming Greek restaurant a few months ago, Elie's Deli. I do enjoy a good gyro from time to time and was anxious to try a new lunch spot. This family-run biz is clean, quaint, and oh so friendly! It's like Cheers every time we walk in. Our favorite lady at the front counter gives some great suggestions and always has a smile on her face. Of course it's nice to go somewhere friendly, but the real reason we keep returning is the Grilled Chicken Feta Salad. Mmmmm boy!

You can try to duplicate it at home, but I'm sure it won't be as tasty. Elie sure has a way with that grilled chicken. I think it's the combo of the chilled lettuce with the warm chicken that makes it melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Here's what it includes:

Iceburg Lettuce
Feta Cheese
Tomato
Cucumber
Black Olives
Red Onion
Fresh off the the grill seasoned chicken
Greek dressing
Served with a side of pita bread

More Shoes, Please

I would venture to guess that I own fewer pairs of shoes than the average female. Since I live in Phoenix, I have sandals o-plenty, but those don't count as shoes. Of all the places to buy footwear, I have found that DSW has the widest variety. It also has an awesome rewards program. You accumulate points from your purchases, plus get an additional certificate to use for your birthday. It's dangerous to walk into this store. I rarely come out empty handed, but I found these online:

Crown Vintage Cherilyn Oxford Pump

I am really into these retro-styled shoes! Grandma Merle was a fashionista and enjoyed the finer things in life, so maybe it's in my blood. The thicker heel is a nice touch and is more sturdy than traditional pumps. I usually wear these with a shorter skirt or skinny jeans. I also own a pair of tan penny loafers in the same brand. Me and Grandma Merle are diggin the Crown Vintage style!

I used my $10 rewards coupon, plus found additional savings from the Retail-Me-Not app, including free shipping. Score! More shoes, please.

AZ Golf Course Review: Coldwater Creek

Golf is great in Arizona, but when the weather cools down, the prices heat up. Here's how I afford it: +GolfNow -- discounts, golf course reviews, and online tee time booking. In the 100 degree plus summer, it's affordable to play the best courses around, but fall through spring, playing a top course is almost out of the question. Enter Coldwater Creek Golf Club.

Technically, Coldwater Creek is in Avondale, just west of Phoenix. True, tee times can be as high as $80, but if you're diligent in your search and willing to play in the afternoon, rates can be as low as $15. 

While the course itself doesn't compare to TPC Scottsdale or Lookout Mountain, the price is right, the pace of play is faster than most, and the condition of the course is above average (especially the greens).

WARNING: Be on the lookout for coyotes. Animal remains on the fairway are not uncommon.

Grade: A

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

My friend Jillian introduced me to this recipe years ago. I think it started as a Weight Watchers recipe? I can't confirm that, but it's a nice fall flavor and super easy to make. The husband doesn't eat chocolate so I substitute the Reese's Peanut Butter chips in his cookies. Those taste amazing, too!

Here's what you need:

1 box Spice Cake mix (I use Duncan Hines, but any brand will work. Carrot Cake is yummy, too)
1-15 oz. can of pumpkin
chocolate or peanut butter chips
chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions: Preheat the over to 350 degrees. Mix the can of pumpkin into the cake mix. Add chips and walnuts to the mixture. Drop spoonfuls of the mix onto a cookie sheet. Bake about 12 minutes.

I like to enjoy the cookies while they are still warm with a glass of milk. This recipe is easy, festive, and satisfies the sweet tooth. Enjoy!

Christmas Gift Ideas for Men

It's hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner. And with that comes the stress of shopping for the man in your life: boyfriend, brother, father, husband, son, etc. Guys are just tough to shop for! Here's a list of Christmas gift ideas for men to get the ball rolling and help you find just the right present.

1. Birchbox. You need to act fast to get this one in time for the holidays. I get the Birchbox for women, which is $10/month, and the men's subscription is $20/month. This will give your guy something to look forward to for 12 months (or however many months you choose) during the calendar year. The box ships on the 25th and if you live in the west like me, it can take up to 2 weeks to reach your door.

2. Sporting goods. For the athletic guy, you can never go wrong with golf or tennis balls, new basketball shorts, or hiking equipment. Pick your poison.
3. Minimalist Wallet. The days of bulky wallets are gone, people! Is your guy still carrying a wallet in his back pocket? Tell him the front pocket is where it's at. I found this gem while browsing on Etsy. The color is great, and you don't need to carry around much more than this ... if you're male. P.S. Etsy is a great place to browse and get gift inspiration.

4. Magazine subscription. Perhaps Sports Illustrated? Cars? Cooking? Whatever your guy's interest, I'm sure there's a magazine for it. And it's nice to get something in the mail that you don't need to look at the computer to engage with.
5. Socks. Who knew specialty socks were such big biz? Stance Socks has quite the array to choose from, and Nordstrom carries that brand along with others to help the man in your life show a little personality whether in his business suit or swimming trunks. Give your guy a little spice in his life! Who doesn't smile when they see someone wearing fun socks? Someone who doesn't have a soul. That's who.

6. Specialty TV channel. There are some great shows on HBO and Showtime, but unless you've subscribed to that channel, you won't be watching them. You could wait until they come to Netflix, but do you really want to? Also look into NFL Red Zone or NBA TV.

7. Cuff links. This goes along with the fun socks. Cuff links are a simple way to add some pizazz to your guy's ensemble. Obviously they are for a guy who wears proper dress shirts on a regular basis. Think Superman, bullets, dice, etc. The possibilities are endless for the cuff link designs you can find!

8. The Art of Shaving. This store takes the daily task to the next level. It's a way to pamper your man. This kind of gift isn't for every male out there, but those who care about their skin and appearance should appreciate the quality found in the different kits they offer. Everything at this store is a little expensive- be warned.

9. eBooks. Does your guy have a Nook or Kindle? If not, that's another idea. If he does do some research on books that might be up his alley and purchase them for his eReader. It shows you took some initiative and time to choose something just for him. Plus, a guy who reads is super attractive.
10. Bacon of the Month club. For the manliest of men out there, what says "Happy Holidays" like bacon? We purchased this gift for my brother's 40th and it was a smashing hit. Viva la bacon!

Honorable Mention: Stocking Stuffers ideas ....

Chapstick Hydration Lock

Beef Jerky

Ear buds

Favorite POP Sugar Workout Videos

POP Sugar Fitness is my go-to website when I'm working out indoors. They have great videos from celebrity trainers and they're pretty short, usually about 10 minutes. I'll choose three different videos, targeting different areas, so I keep moving for my 30-minute burn session. Here are links to some of my favorite POP Sugar workout videos.

1. THIGHS. They call this the Victoria's Secret Model Workout. Holy moly, your legs will be burning and your booty will hurt for days ... until you get used to do it.

2. ALL-OVER. "Blast Away Belly Fat" is the title of this video. Me-oh-my, it works me over! CAN'T.BREATHE.

3. ARMS. This one is a killer 10 minute arm toning session from Kelly Rippa's personal trainer. Have you seen Kelly's arms? Um, yes please!

4. ABS. I get tired of doing sit-ups for my ab workout, so this changes things up. It's not too intense, but still gets the job done.

5. CARDIO. This last link is for 10-minute cardio. It's fairly simple, but you do still sweat a little. Use this one for your easy or short days when you're running low on time.

October Birchbox Review

I was very pleased with my first Birchbox! The packaging is simple, functional, and fun to open. I was surprised with the quality of what was included and the actual value which was in the little box that I paid only $10 for. I've tried all the items that were included and found some new favorites.

1. dr. brandt- Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant. This was probably the most expensive sample, but it was my least favorite. I didn't notice much of a difference after using it on my face. Plus, it smells a little like lemon Pledge. I'm devoted to my St. Ives Apricot Scrub. My advice: Skip the dr. brandt.

2. Ruffian- Nail Lacquer. Color: Hedge Fund. I loved this great green shade with a little sparkle for fall. I used it in conjunction with my OPI Top Coat and it lasted for days! The brush is easy to hold onto with it's unique design. My advice: Paint those nails $.

3. SARAPOTEMPA- The Half-Up. After a little practice, I got my hair into this bendy little tool. I prefer the low bun look -- I'm not into the up-do or half up look it pictured on the packaging. I've already used this three times since I got my Birchbox last week. I'll probably be trying some of their other products. My advice: Try it ... if you have longer hair.

4. theBalm- Stainiac. Color: Beauty Queen. I've used lip stain before and wasn't really sold, but this stuff is great! It's in a gel form, so it's easier to apply and didn't dry my lips like others I've tried. You can use it as a cheek stain, but I haven't been brave enough to try that yet. The color lasts most of the day and I really did like the bright hue. My advice: You NEED to try this one.

Birchbox Find: ChapStick- Hydration Lock. Flavor: Vanilla Creme. I was skeptical, but this chapstick is pretty great. I'm a bit of a lip balm connoisseur and this has been added to my list. Love it! Plus, low risk to try it out. My advice: Stocking stuffer!

Super Easy Dessert Idea

There's really not much to say here. This is a super easy dessert idea! Follow the directions on the Pillsbury Crescents package, but roll chocolate chips or Reese's Peanut Butter Chips (my favorite) into the crescents. What comes out of the oven will be a delightful surprise. I had my doubts at first, too. Just try it -- with milk, of course.