Girls Night At Desert Ridge – Sip & Stroll

The holidays are in full swing with less than 20 days till Christmas. Before family comes to town and you start hosting dinners or events take a girl’s night at Desert Ridge Marketplace!

A couple of friends and I headed up to Desert Ridge Marketplace to try out their new Sip and Stroll plus have a girl’s night. This new feature, Sip, and Stroll is where you can grab a drink and walk around outside. This time of year in Arizona is why we live here, the most perfect weather. Though this is an outside bar they will still ID you and give you a wrist band to make sure you are of age to drink. Desert Ridge is a family-friendly shopping center and I remind everyone to drink responsibly and never drink and drive.

This is great for people who don’t want to do all the shopping or just reward yourself after you get all your shopping done. The bar station is located right outside CB Live and you can order wine, signature cocktails, beer, and even hard seltzers. There is a little bit for everyone. As always I got chardonnay because you all know how much I love my wine. Jess and Jessica got Truly hard seltzers, which taste amazing. Right outside of CB Live there is a big screen that they will put on movies or football games which would be perfect for everyone in the family. Plus if you have kids they can go play on a small playground where they can run and climb on it.

Desert Ridge Marketplace does such a good job of adding new fun murals or interactive art! We got to write on their Before I Die wall, with some of our goals, it was a lot of fun. They provide chalk on the side, plus it’s fun to read everyone else’s goals.

You can walk around within Desert Ridge Marketplace with a drink but you must stay within certain boundaries that are clearly marked throughout the marketplace. If you have any questions there will be security guards to help you. It’s so nice to be able to relax with a drink and walk around outside. After we got a drink we did a little shopping. A brand new H&M just opened up in Desert Ridge and it has all the cutest fall clothes that you need. Plus a brand new VS Pink store right next door. You can get all your holiday shopping done in one spot this year.

If you are looking for a fun girls night or just a relaxing time outdoors head to Desert Ridge Marketplace. The Sip and Stroll is available on Fridays from 4 pm to 12 am, Saturday from 12 pm to 12 am and Sunday from 12 pm to 7 pm with the last call thirty minutes before. Plus Desert Ridge Marketplace has lots of restaurants that you can go enjoy dinner or happy hour at! I just love this new feature they offer, so go check out their new Sip & Stroll and tell me what you think! 🙂

Photography by The Clark Photography

Desert Ridge Marketplace graciously hosted us, but as always, opinions expressed on Hibbs Life & Style are independent and comprehensive. Bella Hibbs is the founder and CEO of Hibbs Life & Style and holds a degree in Hospitality and Tourism with a specialization in hotel management.

Hornblower Champagne Brunch Cruise

Looking for something fun and unique to do in Newport Beach California? Then this blog post is for you! This past weekend I was in California for a wedding and we decided to stay an extra day to explore Newport Beach area. My sister found the Hornblower Cruise and they have a Champagne brunch cruise on Saturdays! First off I love brunch, and champagne so I was already in love with this idea. You do have to get tickets online in advance. Your ticket includes a 2-hour cruise around the harbor, unlimited champagne, live solo jazz player, brunch buffet and amazing views.

You are first greeted onto the ship with your choice of a glass of champagne or apple cider. They then will take your party to your table. Most of the tables are near a window so you get a beautiful view of the bay area. Once boarding is completed and everyone has found their tables brunch is promptly served.

The brunch spread was beautiful and delicious. Hornblower brunch cruise offered a huge selection of freshly cooked food. The breakfast hot entrees were in warming dishes, that ranged from scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, and french toast. They also have some lunch items, like salad, pasta salad, shrimp and carved turkey or ham. Plus they have fresh fruit and lots of delicious treats. I was so impressed with the quality of the food, everything really tasted amazing. During the whole cruise experience, you will listen to live light jazz music that really sets the ambiance.

Go up early to the top deck and enjoy the amazing views while everyone else is still eating, you will get the whole deck to yourself. The Hornblower champagne brunch offers unlimited champagne but if you want to order mixed drinks or wine there is a bar you can order from. Also if you knock on the captions door you can ask to get a photo in the captions seat and chat with the caption. Being on the top desk is so much fun! It’s nice to enjoy the beautiful California weather, sip on champagne and be with family.

A few things you should bring with you on your cruise is sunscreen especially when you’re on the top deck. A light jacket, it can get chilly with the wind, along with sunglasses, even if it’s cloudy it can be very bright. I went in June and even though there is June gloom, around noon the clouds disappear.

Overall I would highly recommend doing the Hornblower’s Champagne brunch cruise. I will defiantly be going back to try the dinner cruise. If you are not a local to Newport Beach, CA don’t worry Hornblower Cruises have eight locations ranging from San Diego, San Fransico to New York, check out all eight locations! Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see upcoming events. They offer a lot of fun holiday events that look like a blast. It’s perfect for a group of friends or a romantic couple. I can’t express how much fun this cruise is plus how unique this experience was!

Photography by Jordan Hibbs Photography

The Hornblower Cruises graciously hosted us, but as always, opinions expressed on Hibbs Life & Style are independent and comprehensive. Bella Hibbs is the founder and CEO of Hibbs Life & Style and holds a degree in Hospitality and Tourism with a specialization in hotel management.

Marketplace Smiles, A Dentist for a Busy Lifestyle

Nowadays people are busier than ever and finding time to get a teeth cleaning can be difficult. I’m going to share with you an office that is conveniently located in Desert Ridge Marketplace off Tatum and the 101 and offers exceptional service!

When was the last time you went to the dentist? I get it having someone poke around in your mouth isn’t the most exciting thing but preventative oral care is so important.

One of the biggest reasons I stopped going to the dentist was because my old dentist office was so far (45 mins drive) that I basically had to take an entire day off just to go to the dentist. Luckily I found a new office that is very close to my house, Marketplace Smiles located at Desert Ridge Marketplace. You are more likely to keep or make an appointment if you go somewhere that is centrally located for you.

At Marketplace Smiles you can book all your appointments online which I find so convenient, you can even select your dentist you would like to see. I personally find it very comforting to be able to pick your dentist, you have a face to match the name.

If you are a new patient about 24 hours before your appointment they will send you medical forms that you can fill out online. I highly suggest doing it online, it’s a great time saver!

The office staff is very warm and friendly. Once I checked in I only waited for about 2 minutes till they took me back. Again filling out the new patient medical forms in advance made everything go very quick when checking in.

I went back and did my x-rays then sat down to do my cleaning. I was honest my dental hygienist, Ricardo and said it’s been a while since I have been to the dentist. While I brush, floss and use mouthwash twice a day I have not had a cleaning in a while. My dental hygienist was very nice, explained what they will do today and some options going forward. At no point did I feel like he was trying to upsell me or get me to spend more money. He was very nice and just laid out the options and costs associated with them. Beyond my cleaning, I did add a fluoride treatment. The fluoride treatment was very easy, I took it home then applied to my teeth before bed then washed off in the morning.

I also did a teeth whitening treatment. If you have sensitive teeth I would suggest only doing 1 or 2 sessions, not the full 4 sessions. After my second treatment, I started to get these zingers on my lower teeth. While I’m not sure if zinger is the correct medical term I knew it was time to stop. Marketplace Smiles was so nice, I felt like a baby for stopping but they said it was okay and it varies from person to person on how sensitive your teeth are. Even doing 2 sessions I could tell noticeable whiter teeth!

Happy to say I walked away zero cavities and enjoyable experience at the dentist office. Marketplace Smiles made me feel so comfortable and they have a great deal for new patients, $39 for cleaning, exam, and x-rays! Marketplace Smiles offers cleanings, root canals, crowns, and even emergency visits. Check out their website to see a list of services they offer or to book an appointment online!

Marketplace Smiles graciously hosted me, but as always, opinions expressed on Hibbs Life & Style are independent and comprehensive.

The Most Instagramable Spot in Tempe, Arizona!

If you are looking for the most Instagramable spot in Arizona, I have you covered! The Scene is a photo experience with 11 different rooms that you can explore. The Scene is located in Tempe, Arizona, easy to find and plenty of parking. This enjoyable experience is great for all ages so bring the kidos with you.

This venue is overall a blast but it gets better because most of the rooms, not only are the perfect photo opt but you can actually touch and interact with each room. You can jam out to some hip-hop music or write your resolution down on a giant wall. Also reading what others wrote down was so inspiring, it’s going to be a great 2019 for so many people!

You do have to get tickets in advance, they are open Thursday through Sunday 2 pm to 10 pm. Tickets are $30 per person and will take about an hour to go through. You can take photos, videos, and my favorite boomerangs. I did bring an extra top to change into so I could have extra content. I wouldn’t go overboard on full outfit changes due to time. If you want I would bring an extra shift or a jacket but not a full outfit change.

I won’t spoil all the fun rooms, you will just have to go yourself and check it out. The staff is very helpful and inviting if you have any questions they are there to help. The Scene is the perfect group hangout and something to do in Tempe. You are welcome to take photos and videos but no tripods or selfie sticks. So get all your brunch babes together and head to The Scene!

The Scene graciously hosted me, but as always, opinions expressed on Hibbs Life & Style are independent and comprehensive.

Family Fun This Holiday Season With The Arizona Coyotes!

If you are looking for a fun family activity this holiday season that isn’t just going to another dinner, then get out to an Arizona Coyotes hockey game. So I must confess before I met my Canadian husband I didn’t know much about hockey or how much fun the games are.

These games are filled with loads of fun. You can arrive a little early to the game and watch both teams warm up or get dinner at one of the many restaurants at Westgate! Don’t worry though, there is lots of food and drinks at the arena. We enjoyed the game with beer, chicken fingers and watched the fun, fast-paced game.

The Arizona Coyotes make this a very family-friendly and fun experience for everyone! During the breaks, they play fun games on the ice, do t-shirt giveaways and host a live hashtag feed on the big screen. Remember to dress warmly for the games since it does get cold. Overall, there is something for everyone at these games. We watched the Arizona Coyotes play against Colorado Avalanche and the Coyotes won 6 to 4!

The next Arizona Coyotes game is December 30th at 6pm. Grab your tickets today and bring your whole family to enjoy an Arizona Coyotes game!

Happy Holidays!!

Arizona Resort Wear

This time of year is why I live in Arizona and truly love it. Even with our super hot and long summers, it is all worth it when it cools down. I’m not the only one with this idea, that’s why Arizona will get so many snowbirds October through March.

This is a great time of year to be able to do a staycation at local resorts. Arizona’s weather is phenomenal, you can relax by the pool but also the evenings are cool enough to go for walks. If you are looking for some outfit inspiration to look like an amazing jetsetter at your next resort, I have you covered. The key is to finding lightweight materials for during the day when the sun is out but also will keep you warm enough in the evening. That’s why I love this flowy dresses because the long sleeves still keep you warm when the sun goes down. You can wear this dress is also awesome because it can go from day to night effortlessly.

Photography by Jordan Hibbs Photography

Velvet is the New Sequin for this Holiday Season

When people say New York City is the city that never sleeps….it’s so true! I had an amazing first time trip to New York City and look forward to go back again. There is still SO much I didn’t get to see. Also, the shopping and fashion in New York are unbelievable.

I found this fabulous velvet emerald green dress that is perfect for the holiday season. I’m currently obsessed with velvet for a few reasons. The biggest reason I love it is because wearing velvet is insanely comfortable. Many people are all about sequin dresses during the holidays, but most of those dresses are uncomfortable especially if the dress doesn’t have sleeves. You know what I’m talking about…those sequins rub against your inner arms all night long! In addition, I have yet to find a sequin dress that doesn’t lose some of the sequins after a night out. And finally, I love the look of velvet because it is elegant, classy, and always pops in photos. Comment below and let me know if you are team velvet or team sequin!

Photography by Jordan Hibbs Photography

Relaxing Staycation Featuring Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa

As temperatures in the valley are finally under triple-digits, I know many of you are looking for a relaxing place to spend your weekends. And I have the perfect spot for you! Last weekend I visited the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa which is located on Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley, conveniently located 8 miles north of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This award-winning resort is a hidden gem in the area. As soon as you step onto the property you can immediately feel the zen vibes through the lush, green landscaping and the private atmosphere.

We started the day with lunch at the Elements restaurant where you can indulge in the farm-fresh American Cuisine and impeccable service. No matter where you sit in the restaurant, you will have a beautiful view of the resort which overlooks the mountainous terrain. The restaurant is stunning and the food is outstanding! Our server Cassandra was very knowledgeable about the menu and provided great recommendations. We started with the old bay poached shrimp and roasted eggplant hummus. As you can see, the shrimp were huge and delicious!

old bay poached shrimp

roasted eggplant hummus

Then for lunch, I had the turkey burger with a side salad. The turkey burger came on a warm pretzel bun. All the food was delicious and so fresh. Even with all these food, we had to get dessert especially after our server Casandra told us about he pb bombe! The pb bombe is very rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. I suggest sharing this dish with others as it is very rich in flavor. If you are not much of a chocolate person I would go with the key lime tart. The key lime tart has a flaky crust, topped with coconut sorbet. This dessert is a light refreshing option.

pb bombe

key lime tart

After lunch, we enjoyed the afternoon by the pool. A pool day was so needed after all my traveling this month. The resort pool is breathtaking. You get to enjoy the gorgeous views of the mountains over the crystal blue infinity pool. One thing I love about this whole resort is that it’s so quiet! You can truly relax and enjoy the moment.

Learn more about the Sanctuary Camelback Resort & Spa and available luxury accommodations here.

Make your reservations at the Elements restaurant here.

Photography by Jordan Hibbs Photography

The Sanctuary Camelback Resort & Spa graciously hosted us, but as always, opinions expressed on Hibbs Life & Style are independent and comprehensive. Bella Hibbs is the founder and CEO of Hibbs Life & Style and holds a degree in Hospitality and Tourism with a specialization in hotel management.

How to Explore and Survive San Francisco

This was my second visit to San Francisco and I was much more prepared for the city this time around! Like many large cities, San Francisco is glamourized online and in movies/TV. And while there are certainly fun things to do in San Francisco, you have to experience it the right way. This is why I have come up with these seven tips to make your next trip fabulous!

Tip 1- San Francisco is typically cold in the mornings and evenings. I’d still suggest you bring a light jacket with you. You will find yourself putting it on and off, but its worth it to have with you.

Tip 2- Be prepared for it to always be busy! No matter the day or time you visit, it will be busy! There is always lots of people and limited parking. It is honestly amazing to see so many people in one spot. Don’t get me wrong, where I live its busy, but San Francisco takes it to a whole new level.

Tip 3- Like I mentioned, it is always busy, so driving will be stressful and parking will be limited. I suggest find a parking lot, pay the fee for all-day parking ($15 to $30). The city is big and you may find your self still using an LYFT (discount code: BELLA695761) to get around. Using LYFT will be a lifesaver. When picking a parking do some preplanning of what spots you defiantly want to see and try to park near those activities.

Tip 4- Wear good walking shoes. Even if you are driving yourself or using LYFT, you will still be doing a ton of walking. While flip flops and sandals are stylish, they will hurt your feet by the end of the day. I suggest wearing a pair of sneakers, keds or anything with good foot support. Since you will be walking a ton don’t forget your Fitbit!

Tip 5- Bring a portable charger! By 4pm all our phones were at less than 15%, and as a blogger that totally stressed me out. You want to enjoy all your adventures by posting Instagram stories and snapchat. Don’t miss a beat just because your phone died.

Tip 6- Sunscreen! Depending on the time of year you go (we went in August) I suggest putting on sunscreen. You will end up doing a lot of walking outside and sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin.

Tip 7- Expect to pay “city prices” when eating out. If you choose to eat in the city just know the prices are high and the food is meh. The few places we ate, the food was overpriced and wasn’t anything special. I would suggest checking out The Buena Vista, they have good food and an amazing Irish coffee. This place is worth the wait!

I hope these tips help make your next trip to San Fransico an amazing experience!

Outfit Details:

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Photography by Jordan Hibbs Photography

Testarossa Winery: A great winery outside of Napa with a rich history

My recent trip to Northern California was the perfect escape from the Arizona heat. While in California, we wanted to explore some wineries but going to Napa Valley was just too far from where we were staying. I was happy to find Testarossa Winery which is truly a hidden treat in downtown Los Gatos, California.

A Little History of the Winery

In 1888, Jesuit Fathers and Brothers of Santa Clara University built the Novitiate Winery to fund their seminary college. And it was interesting to learn that during prohibition, they were one of only a few wineries to stay open because they made altar wine. Flash forward to 1986, they decided to shut down the novitiate winery and would lease the property to winemakers. Then in 1997, Rob and Diana Jenson moved their home production to the Notviaitae. The Jensens started Testarossa in their garage in 1993 with only 25 cases of wine.

The Winery Tour

If you know me at all, you know I love wine! I especially love Chardonnay and 40% of Testarossa’s production is Chardonnay! But I can admit I don’t know a whole lot about the winemaking process. Back in college, I took a bar and beverage class when I was 19 and learned all about wine, beer, and spirits. Since I wasn’t old enough to drink a lot of the information went over my head. Taking this guided tour of Testarossa’s wine cellars brought back so much of what I learned in college and more! The tour takes you from the grapevine, all the way through their on-site bottling center. We even got to enjoy a bottle of chardonnay throughout the tour of the property. The tour takes about an hour from start to finish (maybe a little less since I was taking a lot of photos). Once we finished the tour, we started the wine tasting!

The Wine Tasting

Once we finished the winery tour, we did the wine tasting in the members-only club which was a covered balcony with twinkle lights that overlooked the green scenery. We tried five wines: 2 Chardonnays and 3 Pinot Noirs. We also had the five-cheese plate and the fruit plate which paired nicely with the wines we tasted. The overall experience was outstanding! Like I mentioned before, I don’t know a lot about wine but our server explained each wine to us which made everyone feel comfortable with the tasting. There was also a live band playing downstairs which created a great atmosphere to relax and enjoy great wines. If you are in Northern California, Testarossa is a must see.