On The Blog

This is where the stories begin. EatLoveTravelPlay™ isn’t just about places on a map — it’s about the people, flavors, and adventures that bring them to life. From small business owners pouring their hearts into every detail, to luxe stays that inspire a little wanderlust, to the hidden corners you never knew you needed — you’ll find it all here. Think of this space as your travel companion, foodie guide, and storyteller rolled into one.

We eat with heart, love with intention, travel with curiosity, and play with joy—inviting our readers to experience the world, one story at a time.

All Posts

Self-Care on Auto-Pilot: Are Memberships the Secret to Your Glow?

Tired of putting yourself last? This EatLoveTravelPlay™ guide breaks down how self-care memberships work, what to look for, and Arizona medspa spots, from Gilbert to Scottsdale, where you can turn glow into a monthly habit.

Krista Carpenter-Beasley

4 days ago6 min read

Sniff This, Sip That Vol. 2: Durant’s Black Walnut Old Fashioned + Lattafa Khamrah Qahwa

Durant’s vintage steakhouse vibe meets a Black Walnut Old Fashioned and Lattafa Khamrah Qahwa—boozy, spicy warmth for cooler Arizona nights. Includes a home Old Fashioned riff (coconut sugar syrup + black walnut bitters) and Ella on vinyl.

Krista Carpenter-Beasley

Jan 185 min read

From Milk to Magic: A Parmigiano Reggiano Tour Near Modena

There are food experiences in Italy that feel like a lovely meal, and then there are the ones that quietly rewire how you taste everything after. Caseificio Bio Reggiani is the second kind. This is where Parmigiano Reggiano stops being “parmesan” and becomes a living thing. A craft. A culture. A daily ritual that starts early, smells like warm milk and work ethic, and ends exactly the way it should. With a tasting that makes you grin. I was fortunate enough to experience it

Krista Carpenter-Beasley

Jan 143 min read

Sniff This, Sip That Vol. 1: Xerjoff Casamorati Lira + The Nightcapper

Episode one pairs Lira, my lemon kissed gateway scent, with The Nightcapper vibes at Heritage Kitchen and Cocktails.

Krista Carpenter-Beasley

Jan 104 min read

Welcome to Sniff This, Sip That

I’ll be your Scent Somm, but let me say this up front: I’m not a fragrance pro. I’m firmly Team Consumer. I won’t be rating atomizers or dissecting performance like a lab report. What I will do is translate scent into something we already know how to savor, the way notes and mood line up with a cocktail, a spirit, or a glass of wine, and the kind of place you’d want to wear it.

Krista Carpenter-Beasley

Jan 72 min read

2025 Holiday Guide: Your EatLoveTravelPlay™ Guide to Celebrate December in the Desert

December in the Desert is your EatLoveTravelPlay™ guide to ending the year with sparkles and joy. From family-friendly adventures and twinkle-lit festivities to seasonal sips, Christmas Day dinners, and New Year’s celebrations, this guide gathers the very best of Arizona’s holiday magic. Explore where to eat, sip, play, and savor every moment of the season.

Krista Carpenter-Beasley

Nov 19, 202520 min read

Red Rocks kissed by light snow are just one of the incredible views at Ambiente

Ambiente Sedona: The Luxury of Escape, Wrapped in Nature

Where red rocks glow, stars shimmer, and every window feels like art. Ambiente isn’t just a stay—it’s a soul reset.

Krista Carpenter-Beasley

Nov 11, 20255 min read

Best Southern Thai in Phoenix: LeDu Thai’s New 7th Street Home Serving Southern Thai Soul

LeDu Thai on 7th Street delivers Southern Thai dishes, balanced cocktails, and hospitality that feels like home. See why it ranks among the

Krista Carpenter-Beasley

Nov 10, 20253 min read

Hidden Travel Gems You Must Visit

Skip the crowds and find magic in Hallstatt, Isla Mujeres, and Oban—three unforgettable, lesser-known destinations with soul, scenery, and incredible local food.

Krista Carpenter-Beasley

Nov 1, 20254 min read

Anhelo, Elevated: A Symphony of Taste and Elegance in Scottsdale

Anhelo: A Culinary Evolution in Scottsdale

Where service, wine, and artistry meet in Chef Ivan Jacobo’s newest fine dining chapter.

Krista Carpenter-Beasley

Oct 14, 20253 min read

Embrace the Journey of Food, Love, and Travel

There’s something magical about the way food, love, and travel intertwine. It’s like a dance where every step leads you to new flavors, heartfelt connections, and breathtaking places. Have you ever felt your heart race as you bite into a dish that tells a story? Or found yourself lost in a city that feels like it was made just for you? That’s the beauty of embracing the journey of food, love, and travel. It’s not just about ticking destinations off a list; it’s about savoring

Krista Carpenter-Beasley

Oct 8, 20254 min read

Discovering the Magic of Catch Scottsdale: A Culinary Journey

Discover Catch Scottsdale at Fashion Square—moody vibes, A5 Wagyu, crispy rice, crudo, and the “Hit Me” chocolate cake you won’t forget.

Krista Carpenter-Beasley

Sep 28, 20252 min read

Arial View of the New Pool at Rancho de los Caballeros

Rancho de los Caballeros: Where Trail Rides Meet Poolside Autumn

While much of the country is busy pulling out boots and blankets, the desert offers a different kind of autumn—sun-soaked afternoons, crisp mornings, and skies that set themselves ablaze in shades of tangerine and rose. And if there’s one place that captures the soul of this season, it’s Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg.

Krista Carpenter-Beasley

Sep 23, 20254 min read