Author: sharondashariee

Things-to-Do, Travel

Dolly Steamboat Cruise

sharondashariee

Who loves a great day-trip?  If it has the word trip in it, I’m in and if it’s near or on the water I’m all the way in.

The Dolly Steamboat has been in operation for 32 years, in Canyon Lake, just outside of Phoenix, Arizona.  It was my sister’s birthday, so my mom, sister and I headed out to experience the timeless Dolly Steamboat Cruise.

Do you live near a lake or ocean or is a body of water accessible where you can hop on the highway for a quick day-trip?  If so, I encourage you to find out what types of activities are available to enjoy the serenity that water brings to one’s soul.

Years ago my mom went on the Dolly Steamboat Cruise (Dolly) with a women’s group and told me about it.  Not too much later, my husband and I went on the Dolly for our anniversary.  I’ve also kept the Dolly Steamboat cruise at the top of the list of things to do when anyone asks for non-typical things-to-do.

The ticket pricing is $25, with a $1.50 on-line convenience charge per ticket.  You can show up to the dock without pre-purchasing a ticket, same cost, but with no convenience charges.  The downside to this is you’re not guaranteed a seat on the boat.  All online pre-purchased tickets are checked-in first, then any remaining seating is sold.  If you’re anything like me, I suggest purchasing your ticket on-line to ensure a seat.

Dolly leaves from Canyon Lake, which is about 1 hour and 15 minutes away from my home, so we set out at around 11 a.m. for a 2 p.m. cruise departure (there are two daily cruise times noon and 2 p.m.)  It is recommended that you arrive 20-45 minutes ahead of your scheduled cruise time to get your pass for boarding.  We arrived 30 minutes before the window opened and were assigned the boarding positions, 51-53.

We already had our seats picked out, based on the view from the dock.  We scoped out the top deck, in the sun, on the back of the boat.  Whoever got there first had the task of ensuring we had three seats and table.  Mission accomplished.

The Scenic Nature Cruise is 1 hour and 30 minutes.  Five other cruises are available, including a Twilight Cruise that includes dinner.  On the Scenic Nature Cruise, we spotted several big horn sheep and two bald eagles.

The boat has a cash-only concessions bar (beer, wine, popcorn, candy, etc.).  We bought a couple of candy bars, $1.50 and a large bucket of popcorn, $5.50.  They have free water on-board, but you can bring your own.

The cruise is kid-friendly, and we plan to take our crew out for a little fun in the sun.  Tickets are $15 for children ages 5-12, $6 for children 1-4 and children under 1 are free.

There is ample graveled parking and a restroom on board, but if you’re smart, use the bathroom prior to boarding.

I would take the Dolly Steamboat Cruise time and time again.  Let me know if you go out, or if you search out a boating daytrip in your area.

Location visited:
Dolly Steamboat Cruise
16802 AZ-88, Tortilla Flat, AZ 85117

Website:
https://dollysteamboat.com/

Things-to-Do

Lux Central Coffee Shop

sharondashariee

I had a meeting to attend and it was up to me to choose the location, so I chose Lux Central.  The meeting started at 9:30am, and the place was packed.  Line out the door.  I was taken aback by that.  It is just a coffee shop after all, is what I thought.  Naturally, I immediately said this place must be GOOD!

We waited in line about 12 minutes, with a Lux Central staff member walking down the line taking orders.  Since I hadn’t been there before, I needed visuals and some direction.  She allowed us to work our way up to the glass case where the pastries were on display.  I made my order.  Blueberry muffin and the pretty coffee drink in a glass mug.  She asked, a latte?  I said, yes, and what does it take to make it sweet?  She said, caramel.  I said yes, a caramel latte and a blueberry muffin, please.

As we waited in line, we noticed that the seating was limited because everyone in Phoenix was at Lux Central that morning.  There were four of us, so we strategically scoped out where we could squeeze in.  Don’t be opposed to sitting with another person or two, everyone seemed friendly enough and knew this may happen at Lux.  There were many pockets of casually clustered seating all over the building and an outdoor seating area as well.  We luckily discovered a space for four and grabbed it.

I’m all about process and order.  I notice this everywhere I go.  When we ordered in the line, we waited in that same line until you get to the register to pay.  Once you pay, you hang out and wait for your name to be called.  As the drinks came out, they were placed on the counter next to the register where there is constant traffic of payees.  If drinks are not picked up timely, it’s a sea of orders all over the counter while you cautiously and others not so cautiously try to determine which drink is theirs.  This process could be a lot better.  The potential landing area for completed drinks should be relocated to allow for a more seamless process between the payees and the pick-up station, but I’m just a patron.

Lux Central

Anyhow, Lux Central not only has pastries and coffee, they also have a complete breakfast, juice bar and liquor menu.  Everything our group had (coffee, latte, blueberry muffin, croissant, hot chocolate, blueberry loaf) agreed their items were good and it was worth a return for full breakfast and coffee.

Lux Central is great meeting, study, and hang out space in central Phoenix, and I can see why the line is constantly out the door.  The vibe is legit.  I encourage you to visit a local coffee shop in your area and let me know what you ordered.

Bonus:
Live music tucked in the corner (visited on a Sunday).

Location visited:

4402 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Hours: 6AM – 12AM

Movies, Theater, Things-to-Do

The iPic Theater Experience

sharondashariee

We were chosen to try-out the iPic Theater in Scottsdale, AZ.  To be honest, I had researched iPic before and thought, whoa!  That activity is NOT in our family of six budget. As the mom who takes the kids to the movies before noon so that we only pay $5 for matinee tickets, I was ecstatic that iPic graciously extended an invitation and we were able to experience the luxuries of iPic.  Click the *link in bio* to check out what makes iPic theaters so luxurious. 

iPic provided us with a 4-admission ticket pack, so we bought pizza for the two “Littles” and dropped them off with grandma and the older boys, my husband and I headed to the theater. Upon arrival we were greeted by management and shown to our seating.  We were given menus and were told; everything is on the house.

My boys looked and asked, really?  Yes, we frequent our theater with the reclining seats, popcorn, snacks and drinks on-hand but this was different.  New plush reclining pod-seating for two.  Blankets, pillows, unlimited popcorn, a full menu + a Keto option, brought right to our seats.  I asked my husband to please check on me to make sure I didn’t fall asleep during the movie, that’s how comfortable the space was.  Let me tell you, we were there for ALL. OF. IT.

Photo Courtesy of iPic Theater

Seating was $27 per person, so $108 for the four of us. 

Here’s what we ordered from the menu:

  • Steak Quesadilla
  • Chicken Strips

Fajita Quesadilla $15 (my husband had a steak quesadilla, because he thought you can’t go wrong with steak, cheese and a flour tortilla shell)

Chicken Strips $15 (I had the chicken strips, because I’m simple)

Angus Burger Sliders $17 (both my sons had the sliders, because kids eat burgers)

Truffle Fries $12 (we shared 2 orders)

  • Truffle Fries
  • Ice Cream Sandwich

Drinks $3.50 (3 drinks, I share with my husband because I don’t drink much soda and it was free re-fills)

Toffee Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich $10 x 2 (we shared 2 between the four of us)

We also had popcorn, but remember, the cost is included in the cost of your ticket.

As you can see, the pricing is like real dining. I can say the menu was nicely done.  A little bit for everyone, from lobster rolls, salad bowls, flatbread pizza to Keto steak skewers.  Menu prices are online to view ahead of time, which is a major plus in my book.  All in all, the food was ok.  It lacked overall seasoning of the meats used. My husband ate all his quesadilla, and said he’d get it again.  I hate half of my chicken strips and took the rest home for lunch the following day. The boys didn’t eat all their food and didn’t care to take the rest with them.  We collectively gave the food a 3 ½ out 5 rating.

So, in total, our iPic theater outing was $246.50.  iPic certainly delivered what it set out to do and is worth all of what they provided, which is a luxurious movie going experience.  I’d visit iPic again, for a special occasion but when the whole family is in tow, we’ll stick to the theater up the street.

iPic.com

Location visited:
15257 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Living

20 Question & Answer-style “Get to Know Me”

sharondashariee
sharondashariee.com

It’s been one month since I launched my blog, sharondashariee.com.  I realized I’ve been on social media for quite a few years and I have never spoken on camera, so I’m posting a video for you guys to attach a voice to a face and this fun 20 Question & Answer-style “Get to Know Me.”

1. Where are you from?

I was born in California, but I grew up in Arizona, so I say I’m from Arizona.

2. What is your favorite snack?

Warm chocolate chip cookies with walnuts.  My favorite healthy snack is fruit salad with nectarines, strawberries, grapes, etc. with homemade whipped cream on top. 

3. What is your favorite color?

Black.  My mom says this is not a real favorite color. lol

4. Are you married and do you have kids?

Yes, married for almost 20 years and we have four kids:  3 boys and 1 girl (20, 15, 11, 6).

5. Where are your favorite places to shop for clothing and home décor?

I’m not a fashionista, so I shop for clothing where I can find a deal at that moment.  It must be comfortable first, then cute.  I can usually find something in JCPenney, if not, Rainbow, Burlington, or Ross.

Home shopping is a different story.  My home shopping rotation of stores consists of Hobby Lobby, HomeGoods, Kirkland’s, Ross, and Amazon.  I like to browse Pier1, World Market, and ZGallerie for inspiration.

6. What is one of your favorite smells?  

LOVE the smell of rain and Worcestershire sauce.

7. What is your favorite food?

Depends on my mood, but primarily my 3 Go-tos are Mexican, BBQ, and pizza.  I’m a pizza fanatic.

8. Toilet paper: Over or Under?

Under, of course.

9. What do people think is weird about you?  

I’m sure there are many things, but to name a few, I cannot look at certain things with a certain texture/pattern.  I do not touch whole chickens, turkeys, Cornish game hens, etc.  I also do not eat the flats of party chicken wings, EVER. 

10. What animal do you think would be the most terrifying if it could speak?

I don’t have a dog in the home, but I’m sure if dogs could talk it would be borderline fascinating and terrifying.  They are always around, witnessing everything.

11. What shows do you watch?

I watch mostly any show on HGTV, Travel Channel, or life documentaries pertaining to real crime.  I listen to podcasts far more than I watch television.

I will binge watch shows that my friends and family recommend to me.  Just binge watched all three seasons of The Handmaid’s Tale that was recommended by my mom.

12. What TV show or movie do you refuse to watch?  

Pretty much anything where there’s yelling and fighting, especially if it’s categorized as reality TV.  I do not watch horror movies, and even if I do watch a movie I like, I RARELY watch the same movie twice so I can’t recite movie lines with you.

13. Do you have pets?

No.  The proper care of a pet is a lot of work.  My kids have brought several negotiation talks to the table, but none have been accepted.

14. What’s something you’ve been meaning to try but just haven’t gotten around to?  

Parasailing is at the very top of my bucketlist.

15. What is the most annoying question that people ask you?  

Is my hair real.  I’m sure my fellow naturalistas can relate, especially when you straighten your natural hair.

16. What was the best book or series that you’ve ever read?  

Best non-fiction, The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle
Best fiction, the book series, The Syndicate, by Brick & Storm

17. Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?  

Any city that is close to the ocean or any body of water.

18. What amazing thing have you done in your life?  

Given birth to children.  Second most amazing, given birth to children with no pain medicine or epidural.

19. When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?

Finding something, someone, or my perspective on certain situations.

20. What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives? 

We love cruising. Go on a cruise.  Some people love them, some people hate them.  You should go at least once to determine which group you’re in.  It’s a cost-effective way to see more than one place in one trip.

Your turn: 

Pick one of the questions from the list,
answer below or over on Instagram, so I can get to know you!

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Self-Care

Mielle’s Pomegranate & Honey Face Mask

sharondashariee
Mielle’s Pomegranate & Honey Hydrating Face Mask

The Mielle face mask has been sitting on my vanity for a long time, but honestly, I haven’t stopped long enough to even think about applying a mask, let alone remembering to wash it off if I did apply it.  Well, my daughter wandered into my room and asked if we could do a mask together, so I said yes. Have you seen the pouches with the face mask sheets in them? I normally buy her those so that she can apply them by herself and they don’t need rinsing afterwards

Before the Mask is Applied

So, this took a little more time, because of the mask being in a jar, needing rinsing afterward and my mask partner being my 6-year-old.  She got the necessary tools: wash cloths to dry our faces, hair ties to tie our hair back and the mask. We went into the bathroom and started to apply the mask.  It was cold to the touch, which felt good. Nice and creamy. The consistency was smooth, and not too thick. She applied it easily on her own. The directions said to leave it on for 5-7 minutes.  In that time, we did a practice spelling test that filled our waiting time.

While the Mask Is On

We headed back to the bathroom and rinsed the mask off.  My daughter went first. As she rinsed the mask off, she said she could feel it coming off easily.  She needed a little help to get the left-over residue off the sides of her face. I then rinsed mine off. I could tell what she meant that the mask rinsed off easy.  It didn’t peel off but slid off. She coached me as to where I had leftover mask on the sides of my face as well.

After the Mask has been removed

Her final review was, the mask made her face feel clean but not soft like her other masks that come in the pouches.  She wished her face felt “clean and soft together.”

I thought the mask did the job in making our faces clean and more hydrated.  I liked the clean feeling over softness. I also liked the ease of getting it off. I now know I can apply it quickly and rinse it off with no problems.

We both agreed we’d use the mask again until the jar is gone.  The 3.5 oz. jar retails for $19.99. For us, we can get about 10 masks each out of each jar. You can find the mask here, http://www.mielleorganics.com