Joyce Tawes

Things to Do in Scottsdale: Willow Stream Spa at The Scottsdale Princess Resort

August 29, 2012 By Joyce Tawes

LUXURY AND RELAXATION – Right in my own back yard at the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

When you think of taking a day or more off to pamper yourself, don’t you typically think of getting away to a spa? If you take a look on the internet you’ll find an endless list of places you can go in the United States as well as Mexico that aren’t that far away.

This summer in Scottsdale has been a hot one. As the Scottsdale real estate market has been improving, my business as a real estate broker has been brisk, and I’ve put in a number of very long days out in the elements. As a surprise and thank you, my business partner presented me with a certificate to the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Hotel. I finally had the opportunity to use it this weekend and what a wonderful day I had. Considering it is less than 7 miles from my home made it even better.

My day began with complimentary valet parking at the hotel entrance. I then had the choice of walking across the patio areas to the spa, or they would happily drive me over in one of the hotel’s golf carts. I chose to walk as it was a beautiful day and it gave me the time to absorb the architectural beauty of the Princess Hotel and admire the flowers and many fountains.

Once you pass through this arch – you are in a different world. I was met by a hostess who escorted me to the desk where I was given my “itinerary” for the day. I also ordered my lunch in advance and we agreed to have it delivered to the patio area at 2:15 PM. The hostess then took me throughout the entire spa facility and carefully pointed out all of the different features and activities taking place that day (including a full work-out room). I was given a private locker that contained a robe and slippers.

I had scheduled a “sports” massage for early afternoon, but arrived much earlier to enjoy all of the amenities offered. If you have a treatment in the Spa, you are welcome to stay all day.

As recommended, I started my day with a session in the steam room (my favorite), followed by a ten minute stay in the wonderful Eucalyptus Aroma Room. I then tried out all of the different water experiences (be sure to bring a swimming suit!) including the Jacuzzi, followed by a dip in the cold pool, plus a short stay in the heated waterfall pool (co-ed) that also provides a new and soothing way to relax those head and neck muscles by standing under the powerful waterfall.

My massage therapy was one hour of deep tissue massage that is called a “sport” massage. I’ve been in spas throughout the world and I honestly can say that this is the best massage I’ve received. Following my massage I donned my robe and slippers and went out to the patio area where I was served an elegant, healthy lunch (under 600 calories) and a cold glass of the Spa’s Sangria.

Now that I was completely relaxed, I couldn’t pass up another ten minute session in the dimly lit Eucalyptus Aroma Room. I was now feeling extremely pampered. It was time for me to get back to reality, but I did think long and hard about going to the roof top pool to just sit and read for a little longer.

I cannot believe I’ve lived in Scottsdale for so many years and didn’t realize what a fabulous spa was located just down the street. I think we often forget to check out our own city when thinking of a spa experience. I highly recommend the Willow Stream Spa for local residents or visitors to the area. You do not have to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy the unique experience offered, although I would suggest you make reservations in advance to be able to book the exact services you want. I will definitely be back for more!

More Information:
Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 East Princess Drive
Scottsdale, Arizona 85255
(480) 585-2732
Website

Things to Do in Scottsdale AZ: Another Beautiful Saturday in Old Town Scottsdale

May 7, 2012 By Joyce Tawes

Another beautiful day in Scottsdale and a return visit to the Farmers’ Market in Old Town Scottsdale

Many of the winter visitors to Scottsdale have headed home as witnessed by the thinning crowds on the streets of Old Town. With that said, there was still a huge turnout for the weekly Saturday morning Downtown Scottsdale Farmers’ Market. On this visit, I noted more booths with tantalizing foods for tasting or lunch as well as a larger variety of baked goods.

As we strolled through the market we had several opportunities to stop and chat with the vendors. I enjoy doing this, as I always learn something new. For instance, a local honey maker showed us an article on the demise of honey bees due to a pesticide being used on corn that was developed in Europe. He commented that one of the local growers had lost his entire colony of honey-producing bees due to the pesticide. He’s promised to give me a full tutorial on my next visit down with photos and articles to describe what is going on.

There was also a new booth filled with small containers of succulent plants and cacti. Susan Tyrrel doesn’t have a store and sells her plants out of her home and at Farmers’ Markets. I thought you’d enjoy seeing some of the smaller plants in full bloom. They are great to put on a small table, or transplant into your garden where they will add a little color at this time of the year.

You can’t go to the Farmers Market without a stroll through the courtyard of Bischoff’s Shades of the West located across the street. Their gardens are lush and shaded and I couldn’t resist sharing photos of some of their wonderful sculptures. We finished off with a quick tour of the Old Scottsdale Schoolhouse and headed home. Another great day!

More Information: Susan Tyrrel – Decorating the Desert – Everything Plants -(480) 797-8952

Where to Shop in Scottsdale AZ: The Potato Barn – Unique Home Furnishings

April 16, 2012 By Joyce Tawes

Potato Barn Scottsdale AZ Furnishings — The Original Potato Barn Location in Gilbert, AZ

UPDATE: The Scottsdale store has relocated a little further north. The new location is 7000 E. Mayo Boulevard in Scottsdale at the 101 and Scottsdale Road.

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For those of you who drive the 101 on the east side in Scottsdale , I’m sure you’ve all seen the new store at Indian Bend with “Potato Barn” painted building that used to house a large electronics store. I was taken aback when I first saw “Potato Barn” painted in huge letters on the side the building facing the freeway and wondered, what in the world is the Potato Barn??

Last week I had a few extra minutes before an appointment and stopped in to see what was going on. This was on a Tuesday, a day they are typically closed. However, Lindsey was there to catch up on paperwork and left the front doors open for those of us who couldn’t resist checking out the store.

I must admit it was rather daunting to enter a huge open warehouse with furniture of all shapes and sizes, accent pieces, oversized mirrors …. all totally unique. But, once I got over the initial size of the place, I had a great time walking around. As you can see by the attached photos the items are diverse in style and many are one-of-a-kind.

I asked Lindsey to give me a little history of the store, and specifically the unusual name. She said the Potato Barn is family owned and operated and they have brought over 30 years experience in the furniture business to this endeavor. They opened their first store in Gilbert on Power Road in 2002 in an old farm’s potato barn – thus the unique and unusual name. Them about four months ago they opened their second store here on Indian Bend in Scottsdale.

The family imports items from all over the world and specialize in a wide array of styles – from “olde world” and rustic to shabby chic and industrial. I saw some pieces that I’ve heard described as “French warehouse” style. My favorite pieces were the industrial styling, and especially a bench with a “tin roof” for the back and distressed wood for the seating.

Potato Barn offers a large variety of items for the the home – sofas, sideboards, dining tables, beds, tables, unique benches and a huge assortment of pillows, art and accessories. Their inventory is eclectic with touches of heavily distressed finishes and reclaimed wood.

Since their items are one of a kind, they have everything displayed in the huge warehouse setting. If you like it – buy it and take home. Or, you can have it delivered.

More Information:
Potato Barn – 2 Locations
– 9190 E Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, AZ (480) 745-3240 – LOCATION CLOSED –
– New Location: 7000 E. Mayo Boulevard, Scottsdale AZ (480) 745-3240
– 4900 S Power Road, Gilbert, AZ (480) 279-5500
https://www.potato-barn.com/

Hours:
They are open Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm.

Things to Do in Scottsdale AZ: Scottsdale Farmer’s Market – Bigger and Better

March 14, 2012 By Joyce Tawes

IT’S BACK – THE SCOTTSDALE FARMER’S MARKET IS BIGGER AND BETTER

The balmy weather in Scottsdale provided a beautiful background for the bigger and better Farmers Market held in Old Town Scottsdale on the corner of Brown and 1^st Street.

Visiting the Farmers Market early on Saturday mornings has become a ritual. My first stop is always at McClendon’s Select section. One of the largest booths at the market, it is filled with a huge selection of fresh organic vegetables from their local farm. I’ve never been disappointed in any produce I’ve purchased here.

This trip I bought a new (to me) vegetable called the golden beet that was recommended to me by a fellow shopper. I parboiled them, then sliced up and tossed them in my new bacon flavored olive oil I purchased at the Queen Creek Olive Mill booth. Fifteen minutes in the oven and they were delicious! It was a milder flavor than the traditional red beet and my next dish will be to prepare them in a beet salad along with red beets and a little goat cheese.

I was thrilled to see the Queen Creek Olive Mill booth this year. I had read about their new “bacon” flavored olive oil and was planning to drive down to their store to do some tasting. Having the booth at the Farmer’s Market was great as it saved me a 75 mile round trip from my home in North Scottsdale.

The Scottsdale Farmer’s Market has added an entire new section of booths and expanded into another part of the municipal parking lot they use. Also coming back this year to the market was entertainment – a lovely young woman strumming her guitar and singing ballads. Quite a hit!

I, of course, had to visit two of my favorite vendors – Decio pasta and Pickled Perfection’s home-made pickles of all sizes and shapes. They have been at the Scottsdale Farmer’s Market for a number of years and are always a favorite of the crowd.

There are also some smaller booths from family-owned organic farms. I always visit their booths as they continue to surprise me with vegetables I’ve never seen before. In particular was a carrot called “Paramek.” It has an unusual shape and I’m told it is delicious and sweet to the taste. Next trip, I am getting some to try.

One of the most fun parts of my Saturday morning visits is to enjoy the crowd filled with babies, strollers, lots of dogs of different breeds, local residents and visitors to Scottsdale. I always finish off my trip to the market by dropping my purchases off at my car and then strolling down the promenade leading to the Scottsdale Performing Arts Center, where I can enjoy the flowers and artwork that dot the landscape.

Where to Shop in Scottsdale AZ: Scottsdale Marketplace

February 11, 2012 By Joyce Tawes

I had the opportunity today to stop in and revisit the Scottsdale Marketplace. I often drive by the store which is located on the southwest corner of Lincoln Drive and Scottsdale Road. Happily, this was the day I took the time to stop. I am always amazed at how different each visit to the Marketplace is due to the changing items and displays and always look forward to a visit.

The Scottsdale Marketplace is based on a co-op concept of small booths owned by individuals. There are currently 35 booths, and items for sale range from original art to elegant linens, tableware and jewelry. The variety and depth of the items for sale at the Marketplace blend beautifully, consisting of old, new and vintage items. I’ve been a collector of silver, glass and china for quite some time and always enjoy visiting antique stores and comparing the quality and price of items similar to those I own. However, I can also find items from post-World War II that are very “art deco” and exude a contemporary flair.

I am always amazed at how beautifully displayed the items are – a true compliment to the owners of the various booths. I was especially taken with some fabulous Asian items that ranged from small items for the table top to large pieces of furniture. The owners gather furniture and items from many regions of Asia, but I was told most come from remote provinces of China. You will find one-of-a-kind items here that will blend beautifully into your interior design plan.

I was extremely intrigued by one area that is filled with nothing but pillows of all shapes and sizes. I was especially taken with the nautical and “Americana” theme they had put together.

My reason for revisiting the Marketplace was to visit the booth called “Reflections of Silver”. In addition to a beautiful display of old and contemporary silver and silver-plate, they offer the service of restoration of silver items. I’ve attached a photo of some of their work and am looking forward to the finished product on the item I brought in to be replated.

Scattered throughout the Marketplace are vendors of new and vintage jewelry, plus one section of items for babies and children. All in all, it’s a wonderful place to visit anytime when you want to be surrounded by beautiful and eclectic items. It is staffed by the various owners and I have always felt extremely welcome during each of my visits. I highly recommend you stop in and enjoy the experience.

What is Desert Landscaping in a Scottsdale AZ Home Listing?

December 1, 2011 By Joyce Tawes

– Desert Landscaping –

When you are looking at home listings in the Scottsdale area you will often see the description “Desert Landscaping.” What exactly does that mean?

Scottsdale is typically desert terrain complete with saguaros, other forms of cactus and a number of distinctive trees and bushes. Homes are built upon parcels of land carved out of this unique desert setting and are scattered among areas known as “NAOS,” or Natural Area Open Space. Almost two thirds of Scottsdale, north of the Central Arizona Canal, is affected by the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance (ESLO) which dictates how much land must be left in its natural condition. (Here is a link to the Scottsdale Government website relating to this subject.)

Many homeowners choose to have a more natural looking front yard by using desert landscaping rather than importing other plant material. Desert landscaping is achieved by using plants and trees indigenous to the area. The ground is typically a fine gravel or just dirt. Many homeowners also elect to have dirt/gravel driveways rather than pave them to further enhance the desert setting of their home.

To help you get a better idea of what desert landscaping looks like, I will use some photos I took at a home I have listed in Carefree, Arizona, just north of Scottsdale. The home in this post is an elegantly-designed Santa Fe style home and is a great example of the beauty one can have surrounding their home while maintaining a natural desert look.

Natural Desert Landscaping

This first photo is a shot of the side of the home’s lot which is natural and untouched. This will give you an idea of the true “natural” desert setting.

Desert Landscaping at Entryway to Home

The utilization of the natural terrain and plants of the desert enhance the appeal of this wonderful Santa Fe designed home. The garden is beautifully maintained while still blending in with the surroundings in a very natural manner.

Small Garden Utilizing Desert Landscaping

This photo is of a private garden off the family room that has desert plantings and a very “rustic” fence designed to keep out the “varmints” and invite in the feathered friends from the desert for some food and water. Windows in the home overlook this charming area.

Desert Plant Grouping

As you can see by this grouping of desert plants, the Mexican bird of paradise definitely provides a brilliant pop of color. The tall plant in the center is an ocotillo and will soon have green leaves and vivid red/orange flowers.

Palo Verde Tree and Cacti

This is a wonderful older palo verde tree that has been pruned into a wonderful, airy shape. The two different types of cactus planted nearby enhance the gravel desert setting against the low wall.

Using Desert Landscaping for Privacy

This is a wonderful example of how the desert trees and plants are used as privacy “fences” in the front area between the road and the driveway. Note the little “fence” built around the young succulent cactus – this is to keep desert animals from nibbling on it.

Where to Eat in Scottsdale AZ: Revo Burrito

October 6, 2011 By Joyce Tawes

Revo Burrito is now Mexx 32 Tacos and Tequileria.

I was between appointments in the Biltmore area of Phoenix last week and needed a little “snack.” I pulled into the shopping center at 32^nd and Camelback and saw a sign for Revo Burrito. Since I am a fan of burritos, I was out of the car and in the restaurant in a snap!

I was impressed with the exterior of the restaurant as it featured a takeout window and there was a real person standing there to serve me. They also have a five minute parking spot in front and take phone takeout orders.

I decided to go in as I wanted to see more of the restaurant. I was surprised and pleased as the décor is absolutely delightful. They have stools at a bar for quick dining and a few tables set up for four people. All the food is prepared fresh to your taste. And, for those looking for some fun, they serve special Margaritas and Mexican beers. It doesn’t get any better than this!

I was greeted warmly by the staff and they went over the menu to point out the wide variety of choices. Since I only wanted a small snack, they obliged by serving me a half order of a chicken taco that was one of the best I’ve had. The chicken is obviously freshly cooked; the tortilla was so soft and tasty. I enjoyed every bite.

Oh, did I mention they have gluten free and vegetarian options? More and more people are finally waking up to the fact that “gluten free” can be quite tasty. But, it takes a great chef to blend the flavors, and I’m willing to bet that Revo’s can handle it.

In addition to Revo Burrito, the owner also runs Delux Burger, in the same shopping complex. I haven’t tried Delux as of yet, but look forward to it based on my experience at Revo.

Two cuisines – all in the same shopping mall – I am looking forward to going back and trying something new.

More Information:
Revo Burrito|
3154 E Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ
602 522 6255

– Open Daily, Take-out available

The Forest Highlands Flagstaff Fire Department – Fighting Fires and Helping Homeowners

July 16, 2011 By Joyce Tawes

With all the stories of the massive fires we’ve encountered in Arizona this year, it certainly has brought the profession of fireman to everyone’s attention. Fighting a forest fire ranks right up there with one of the toughest jobs, and certainly shows that a fireman has to be extremely skilled to be able to perform at that level.

However, not every day in the life of a fireman is filled with putting out fires. They are called upon frequently to respond to calls from homeowners for much smaller items.

In the community of Forest Highlands in Flagstaff, Arizona, the Fire Department is located on property near the mail room and main road into the golfing community.

I’m embarrassed to say that a fire truck and crew was called to my home a year ago when “someone” changed the setting on the toaster oven. The smoke from burning toast immediately surrounded the smoke detector connected to our alarm system, and the call went out. Even though I tried to cancel the call, they are required to respond anyway. So, I met a nice gentleman, completely dressed for the occasion, and had to explain what happened. Whoops!

This past week, I was on our deck and smelled a very strong gas odor. Since our home is electric and does not have natural gas, I called our Security Department for guidance. They came over, but also asked the Fire Department to respond.

This trip I met the whole Forest Highlands fire crew. They arrived with gas detector devices and checked out the entire back area of our house. The culprit was finally found – a defective valve on the propane tank connected to our BBQ. Needless to say, this time I absolutely required their assistance as they were able to shut the valve off and stop the flow of a flammable gas.

This trip out from the firehouse might not have been as exciting for the fireman as a real fire, but from my perspective, they provided a huge service and took care of a very dangerous situation.

We consider the firemen to be an integral part of our community and we all look forward to the annual 4th of July parade, led by a fire truck with sirens and red lights. The fire truck parade is a great tradition at Forest Highlands.

In talking with the group, I was told that anyone who gets their picture in the media has to buy ice cream for the crew. To be fair to all of them, I tried to get a picture of all of them. So here they are….