SUMMER STAYCATIONS IN PHOENIX

Travel can be tricky with two kids under the age of 3, and navigating an airport with little ones is often more of a headache than a vacation. That's why I love taking advantage of the beauty of our own backyard and embracing staycations. Arizona is known for it's beautiful resorts, and you can score MAJOR discounts on rooms during the summer months. Yes, it's mostly because no one is crazy enough to travel here in this heat... but considering we're already here regardless, we might as well take advantage of the deals. Ha! No matter what kind of staycation you're in the market for, you'll find it below.

If you're wanting...

A great pool for the kids: Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak from $103

A trendy girl's weekend: Hotel Valley Ho from $79 (20% off) 

A swanky Scottsdale getaway: Fairmont Princess from $119 (61% off) 

A romantic experience: Royal Palms from $169 (15% off) 

To be pampered: Sanctuary on Camelback from $167 (20% off)

To golf: Scottsdale Links Resort from $79 (60% off)

To explore downtown: Hotel Palomar from $132

Photo by Michelle Herrick

TOP 10 SWIMSUITS FOR SUMMER

Swimsuits are like jeans. Both items are wardrobe essentials and fit is key. This also means that shopping for them is not always easy. However, swimsuit shopping doesn't always have to be a dreaded task. Be realistic with your standards and your body. Know what kind of swimsuit you're in the market for. (A.K.A. Will you be sipping mojitos in a lounge chair or chasing the kids around the backyard in the sprinklers?) What I love about swimsuits this season is the wide range of cute one pieces available. The designs are anything but plain and there's a great assortment of fun cutouts and funky patterns to choose from. 

Below you'll find my top swimsuit picks. Get a head start on your swimsuit search by clicking on the small boxes at the bottom to start shopping. It's never too early to start dreaming of summer vacation.

Photos by Jaci Marie. Model: Summer Bellessa. 

Travel Style

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Call me crazy, but I just flew across country 32 weeks pregnant and I made it safely to the east coast to celebrate my cousin's wedding and to enjoy some r & r with my family. This is our last trip as a family of three (tear).

I mentioned on Instagram last week that I've lived in maxi dresses throughout most of my second and third trimester. I can't imagine wearing anything else in this summer heat. I'm loving this white lace one I found at Target. It's lightweight and airy - perfect for the summer.

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My new favorite travel accessory is this weekender bag from ModCloth. It was my birthday gift my from  hubby, and it embodies my love for east coast preppy style completely. I love that it comes with a cross-body strap for carrying convenience.

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I'll still post some updates while I'm on vacation, so stay tuned! For now, enjoy your weekend!

Get the look: Maxi dress from Target; Weekender from ModCloth

Photos by Gina Meola.

Pinterest & Styling

Hello! Hello! You may or may not have notice a long absence from blogging. I know I certainly have. Over the last month or two I've been working on a site/blog redesign. I can't wait to share it with you. Above you'll find a sneak peek. Waterfall Creative has been so awesome in helping me with this process. I'm hoping the launch will happen by next month. EEK!

But in other news, I'm still pin, pin, pinning away and styling. I had another appearance on channel 3 not too long ago sharing some quick beauty tips for jet setters and women on the go (click here to see the video and read the article). I brought along Stephanie Neiheisel for some makeup artist expertise. I adore that girl!

I'm still styling away too! I have some projects that will be coming out in due time. If you follow me on Instagram you'll get some behind the scenes looks into my styling and personal world. I really want to stress that I'm still meeting with clients too. Personal styling is the heart and soul of AVE Styles. Even though my success on Pinterest seems to get the most attention via social media I want you all to know that my heart is still devoted to making the sometimes complicated world of fashion simple for men and women.

Ryan, Elle and I also had a chance to take our first family vacation to the east coast. It was so great to take Elle on her first plane ride, show her the ocean for the first time and have her meet all of my extended family. Motherhood is so sweet, and I am so thankful to spend my days raising a daughter and being the wife of an incredible man.

Stay tuned for fashion related posts. =)

*all photos from my Instagram feed.

-Alex