Mountain Shadows x Bumble BFF
First things first, have you heard of Bumble BFF?! Here’s a little run down. Bumble– the dating app where the girls make the first move, now has Bumble BFF (Bumble But For Friends) where you can meet GIRLFRANS! How cool and handy is that? I’ve known about Bumble for a while but the BFF feature is a real game changer for me, as you all know I moved to Phoenix 9 months ago with Justin. We knew of a few people when we moved but I really needed girlfriends, especially with Justin’s crazy work schedule. I’ve been using this app for a while now and have actually met some really cool girls! You go Bumble! (Bumble app can be found in the Apple Store)
A couple weekends ago local Phoenix Queen Bee, Collectively Candice, invited a small group of blogger girls for a mini staycation hosted by Bumble BFF at a local resort. I was SO excited for some girl time and all the things she had planned! Below is a full recap of our shenanigans.
Hey Girl Gang! Left to right: Bethany @bethanyaroutunian, Josie @hellosilhouette, QUEEN BEE Candice @collectivelycandice, Melissa @stylistafitness, Neyda @trulyney and ME!
WHERE
Mountain Shadows Resort Paradise Valley, AZ | Instagram HERE
This was my first time at the resort and I honestly can’t rave enough about it. Everything about it is gorgeous and 5 star quality. The valet service, to the check-in, the location, the property, literally EVERYTHING! When we arrived in our room there was a little note and snacks, such a nice welcome treat. The interior of Mountain Shadows is my dream, can I want to move in?! Seriously. Neutrals with pops of grey, navy- everything is so modern. All of the staff is very friendly, no matter what part of the resort you’re at. Our room was spacious with a balcony overlooking the courtyard type area which also had some Camelback Mountain views. They offer a variety of different rooms at the resort which I think is great and there is a golf course on site.
DINING
Heart ’61 | Located inside the Resort | Instagram HERE
We had dinner reservations the night we arrived, Heart ’61 is conveniently located in the resort beside the bar area. Our round table was very private, which was perfect because we were full of laughs and stories! The atmosphere is intimate, very classy. I enjoyed wine, some of the others girls had yummy cocktails. When it came to food, we were served a little bit of everything and let me tell you- SO DELICIOUS! First were the appetizers & small plates then we had our main course. I ordered the niman ranch tenderloin of beef and was so glad I did! The presentation of the plate was beautiful, but the taste was even better. We shared a number of side dishes as well, which was recommended by our server. I have no idea how any of us still had room for dessert, but you better believe we made some room! Everything was so tasteful, I LOVE dessert.
We also had brunch at Hearth ’61 on Saturday morning, I LOVE brunchin’ with girlfriends! The brunch hours are 6:00 am to 2:3opm, just an FYI. They have a wide range of items on the menu, from healthy to sweet treats. We ordered the belgian waffle and banana ricotta pancakes to share before our main meals came out and they were delicious! I’ve always been a pretty basic breakfast girl and typically go for the “classic” (eggs, meat and a side). I found this on the menu under “Organic Eggs” and it filled me right up. Definitely the prettiest plate of eggs I’ve ever seen. Oh! Can’t forget the drinks. A few of us had mimosas, including myself, the others had bloody marys. Yuuuuuum.
AMENITIES
The Citizen’s Club | Fitness Center
Before brunch on Saturday morning we headed over to the fitness center in our Bumble gear for an hour long yoga class. Can you believe this was my FIRST time trying yoga?! I was a little nervous, I even texted Candice earlier that week to let her know lol. The class was great, it was just us girls and our sweet instructor in the room. I was so happy I gave it a try because I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to do some more yoga. I do have to say- I was sore for at least 3 days after the class which means I need to get my butt in shape! The rest of the fitness center is filled with plenty of weights, machines as well as bathroom/locking rooms. There are other classes that they offer in the “class” room such a TRX and pilates, etc. Resort guests pay $20 and locals pay a rate of $25 (this includes pool & fitness center access, visitor parking)
all pricing includes gratuity.
POOL | 6am-10pm + Food & Beverage hours 10am-5pm
We ended our stay by soaking up some sun at the gorgeous pool area. We were treated to a cabana, champagne and fruit plates- talk about luxury! A dj was spinning tunes and everyone was having a great time. We filled our space up with Bumble goodies, which included huge floats and letter balloons. The 75-foot pools are amazing, they overlook the mountains, have a waterfall feature and are surrounded by plush chaise lounges. The 8 cabanas are available by rent and are great for special events or a little more privacy. There’s also a hot tub, but it was way too hot to check that out on a Saturday afternoon. I could’ve hung by this pool all day if my schedule would’ve allowed it! I will be back for sure.
I also mentioned earlier that there’s a golf course on site. We did not golf but here’s a little info: Enjoy a fun and relatively quick round on our par-3, 18-hole course, recently named “Renovation of the Year” by Golf Inc. The original golf course at Mountain Shadows was designed and built in 1961 by architect Arthur Jack Snyder. It quickly became a favorite among Hollywood celebrities and socialites, known for its seclusion and incredible desert setting. Course architect Forrest Richardson, who was mentored by Snyder, completely redesigned the course by combining its storied heritage with modern features. (info from www.mountainshadows.com) I told Justin about this and he definitely wants to come stay now. I’m all for that- little pool action for me and a day of golf for him! 😉
Located at the Citizen’s club is also a Juice Bar! I told you-this place has it all. The girls went down early Saturday morning to fuel up before yoga. I unfortunately, was washing my mane of hair because I forgot my dry shampoo-such a rookie mistake. The juice bar offers healthy plates such a wraps, salads, hummus etc and of course fresh fruit smoothies and fresh-squeezed juice options.
Before wrapping this up, I wanted to give you a little information about this outfit + hair/makeup that I wore to dinner. I’m in love with this dress and earring combo! Before the event I reached out to Ruby Boutique ,which used to be located at Scottsdale Quarter, but is now online based with the option for personal styling appointments. I made an appointment with Lisa for a styling session in hopes to find the perfect look for our Bumble BFF dinner at Mountain Shadows. Lisa is GREAT! So friendly, trendy and helpful. I tried on a few different items that we picked out and actually tried this dress on first. As soon as I tried it on I knew it would be my choice. Lisa picked out this earring style to go with this dress and I picked the color. I’ve been wanting fringe earrings for a while now and I love the color of these with the gold! My experience with Lisa of Ruby Boutique and her partner Shannon, was one to remember. I left feeling super confident and definitely will be shopping with them again! Click here to visit their Instagram page. If you are in the market for the perfect outfit for a special occasion, wardrobe refresh, whatever it may be- Check out Ruby! They carry the latest trends and the 1 on 1 styling experience is wonderful.
My hair and makeup was done by Denise Tanigawa, owner of Vidogi Salon. When I came in for my appointment I told Denise I wanted my hair out of my face and off the back, something messy, but cute. She suggested this loose fishtail braid and I loved it! Effortless and easy. She also did my makeup- just lightly. I’m super picky about other people doing my makeup so I did adjust a little when I go to the hotel. Denise was fabulous to work with, she’s super sweet and her salon is beautiful! Vidogi is located in Old Town Scottsdale- Instagram HERE
That wraps it up! I truly had such a great time with the girls, and couldn’t of asked for a better group of strong, supportive ladies to spend my weekend with. If you’re looking to build your hive, download Bumble (BFF)! Thank you to our Queen Bee, Candice Mathis Tseng, for putting together this event. You’re such a great host and bad ass girl boss!
Photography by: Alyssa Ryan Photography (she was my roomie during this stay!) | Website HERE | Instagram HERE
Photography of me in my green dress: Jacqueline’s Wonderland | Instagram HERE