dress gold

Hope everyone’s summer is treating them well!  I just got back from a mini vacation–I was in Arizona for the first time visiting Phoenix and even made an impromptu trip to Sedona (upcoming separate post).  It was definitely one for the books (I’ve never experienced heat like that before).  Well, I won’t bore you anymore, here’s how my days played out…

What We Saw: Desert Botanical Garden

Since the heat was nearly unbearable, the initial plan of doing outdoor activities was quickly dismissed and a majority of the hours were spent relaxing at one of the resort’s pools.  As an alternative, we spent some time walking throughout the Desert Botanical Garden; I realize that it doesn’t amount to a proper hike, but it was 113 degrees during our days in Phoenix.

Had to turn my Dasani water bottle into the ultimate accessory.

Overall Dress: H&M (Similar) | Tank: Forever 21 | Shoes: Nike | Handbag: H&M (Similar) | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Where We Ate: Salty Senorita and Sugar Bowl (pictured), Frank & Albert’s and Urban Cookies (not pictured)

  

Where We Stayed: Arizona Biltmore

  

If you ever get the chance, stay at the Arizona Biltmore while visiting Phoenix–it is such a lovely resort.  The Biltmore is a Frank Lloyd Wright structure and officially opened in 1929; since 1929, the Arizona Biltmore housed various notable guests including Marilyn Monroe and every U.S. President from Herbert  Hoover and beyond.  This hotel is a cross between historic and chic.

      

The main pool was constantly crowded so we decided to spend our time at the Catalina Pool: this was Marilyn Monroe’s favorite pool to relax at when visiting the hotel.  Catalina Pool is lined with tiles from Catalina Island, California; the hotel also claims that Irving Berlin wrote the song “White Christmas” while at the same pool.