First, arm freckles. Lots of ’em. Second, We’re moving to Tucson, folks. In a matter of weeks! March 21st if ya wanna get technical. I knew that there were going to be lots of changes in 2015. I hinted a little when I wrote this. And if I’m being honest, I knew that there was a big possibility that we were leaving Denver. But we didn’t know when, and we didn’t know where we’d be heading. And now that we do, we are working like little honey bees (honey bees are the busiest of the bees, right?) to get our ducks in a row and prep for the life swap. Ducks and bees in the same sentence. This is serious. buy levaquin generic
Anywho, I’m feeling a mix of emotions right now. We’ve lived here for almost 7 years and it is definitely our home. It’s my home. And I’m leaving it in less than a month. So excuse me while I wax nostalgic for a minute… (If you want to skip the photos and get right to the details, by all means, scroll down! But who wants to skip the photos?!)
Denver is the birthplace of Eat Drink Create! I’m not going to say it was the first (because I’m sure it wasn’t) offline event for bloggers and creatives, but it totally paved the way to so many other awesome partnerships, collaborations, and parties. We started it at a time when the people were itching to meet the folks they chatted with online everyday and it’s been amazing to watch it grow and turn into a series of workshops! You better believe I’m taking that one to AZ. Who wants to come to a cactus-planting workshop??? buy strattera generic
I had Vita here! My first child! I got all dressed up and had portraits taken by the cutest girl in the world, Adeline of You Look Lovely Photography. I don’t think I’ve gotten “as ready or put together” as I did for these photos. And they were taken in 2013. That’s okay, right? buy zovirax generic
When I think about leaving this area, my heart hurts. It stings to think about how I won’t have all my children in the same hospital with the delicious french toast. That’s important to a new mom, okay?
I’m sad for all sorts of reasons, but I’ll keep those ones bottled up for the plane departure. Where I can really lose it.
The pie is great here. It just is. All the pies. All the pie bakers. They do it up nice, Rocky Mountain style.
Denver was also the place I chose to stand magestically while 7 months pregnant.
It’s not too hot for picnics in Tucson, right? Anyone reading this from there? If so, let’s chat. I need to know about the picnics.
I’m having a tough time thinking about leaving the friends that I’ve made behind. I know I’ll still come out here, but how often? Will they be here? Will there be donuts?! This is an invitation for all to come and visit me. Just bring sugar, okay? Okay.
I think in this photo I’m in the middle of delivering a punchline. That’s my punchline face and those are my punchline hands.
Another thing that I’m a little distraught to leave is my map of the good spots for parties, workshops, and good times in general. It’s been so much fun to find blank canvases and dress ’em up for friends. The location for our pie workshop is at the top of my list. It was a simple warehouse-style venue with white walls and concrete floors. Basically a dream spot.
There’s so much more that I’m having a hard time putting it all into words. I would normally insert a joke here because that’s how I avoid the feelings, but I am – somehow – at a loss for words. I love adventure, but I’m not big on permanent change. And this is a big one. I’m truly excited for this next phase of our life and I am truly excited for the warmth and sun. I’m truly excited for the cost-of-living and I am truly excited that almost every home has a pool. But I’m truly saddened to be saying goodbye to the seasons and the memories that we have made here. I have been so lucky to know and work with the people I have in this crazy town!
Now, before you go and think, “Yeesh! This girl is just a wet blanket!”. Ya gotta know that I’m really REALLY excited. Everyone we’ve talked to that lives in AZ and just gushed! And when someone gushes, they just convince me. So I’m convinced! And I’m really hoping to hit the ground running when we get to Arizona! I like to work and party. I feel like it’s a necessity to mix the two! So PLEASE! If you live in Arizona or you have friends there, send ’em my way! I have a feeling I’m going to need some new friends. We’re heading there this weekend to go house-hunting! Three days. Two adults. One toddler. And a blank map to write all the tasty breakfast spots. Suggest away!
hashtag embrace the cactus…
photography: thank you to all the baller photographers I have worked with over the years. Those whose talents were contributed in these photos — Sally MacNicholas, Michele Hart Photography, Petit Soul, You Look Lovely Photography
Lexy is a prop stylist,party enthusiast, and recent transplant from Colorado to Arizona. Her work has been featured by 100 Layer Cake, Style Me Pretty, Daily Candy, Better Homes & Gardens, Country Living Magazine, BuzzFeed, and more! She is the founder of creative event series, EAT DRINK CREATE. 
Arizona. A-R-I-Z-o-N-A….West Virginia… W-E-S-T-V-I-R-G-I-N-A.
I say that ALL THE TIME to Logan now. At least once a day. 😉
You’re so sweet, Lexy. Why would anyone think you’re being a wet blanket!? Change is great but it’s ok to also be sad and hold Denver close to your heart. And cry even, if you need to. You seem like someone who can succeed and grow anywhere. I’m looking forward to ALL the things, all the AZ adventures you share with us, the food, the parties, the fun. Safe travels! #embracethecactus Yep, I just did that. xo
Julia! I felt so happy to read your comment! Thank you so much for your words of encouragement! I’m sure I’ll be more excited about the move once we find a place to live!!! #embracethecactus FOR LIFE!
That’s a big change! I must say that you are handling it well. We moved from Austin to Seattle and that was a challenge for our family. It’s hard to handle the change in seasons, but just think about the vacations and reasons you have to go back to Denver! Good luck! I’m sure you will love Arizona and will be happy there!
Thanks, Stacey! I only seem like I’m put together on the outside!! 😉 I’m sure we’ll be happy there too!
Big news! We made the decision to move to Seattle almost exactly a year ago. It is everything you described – scary, sad, exciting, overwhelming, and so much is uncertain. One thing my husband reminded me of when we were in the thick of the transition is that it is a good thing to feel sadness and grief when you leave something that’s been important to you – it means you’re doing something right! Denver and its party scene will miss you, I know it. And if you cry every day for awhile, that’s totally acceptable. 🙂
Jenny! That is so true! I am just beside myself when I think about us leaving. I’m hoping we return! And that this is only temporary for a few years! Do you feel like you’re not as emotional as you were in the beginning?! I’ve always been such a happy and positive person! Trying to maintain that!
Lexy I moved to AZ 4 years ago and never went back to Utah. There is one thing you will quickly learn and once you have it you will love AZ. In places like Utah and Colorado people kind of hibernate during the winter and play the rest of the year. In AZ we kind of hybernate from June to September and the rest of the year is like an amazing sunshine filled slight cool breeze, park playing kind of weather. You are coming house hunting at the perfect time of year. The weather is perfect right now. Find a place to pick your own citrus fruit it’s seriously the most amazing sunshine filled deliciousness. By end of March it will just be starting to get hot so get out as often as possible before it gets too hot and you hybernate. Pack away your sweaters and scarves and grab your flip flops and cropped pants cause you will be able to wear them year round. We love AZ welcome to the sunshine state!
Jess! You’re a lifesaver! I do love the summer, but I am just so sad thinking about leaving Autumn behind! I guess it’s not too big of an issue considering both our families live in areas that have winter! So we’ll just go visit them when we want to get our fix! Where in AZ are you?! Email me!
I live in Tucson and you can picnic most of the year, although it’s probably too hot in the summer. During the summer you can picnic up on Mt Lemmon where the temperatures are 20 degrees cooler. Good luck with your move!
Oh, Beth! Thank you! It’s so nice to hear from someone that lives there! I’ve heard really great things about Mr. Lemmon. And I read that Tucson is like 15 degrees cooler than Phoenix, is that right? I hope so! Either way, looking forward to it!
WOW! this is big news and it will be great for you. I know it’s going to be hard to leave all the things you love and make you feel at home, but there are new adventures, people, memories, picnics and parties waiting for you! It’s that initial step that’s probably the hardest. And hey, at least you are moving somewhere cool, right? It could probably be worse if you had to move somewhere totally uncool.
xoxo
Thanks, Dianna! I’m definitely looking forward to the adventures ahead. We are house-hunting this weekend and a few of the homes have really gorgeous backyards! So I am envisioning lots of parties out back!!! 🙂
I know I already commented on your Insta with suggestions, but just wanted to gush a little more! I moved to Arizona blind two years ago, I had never even stepped foot here. I was apprehensive but now I love it! So much good food, so much great weather (you know except for those 3–4 devil months, but still), so much great hiking. I definitely need to spend more time in Tucson and I’m pretty pumped for Eat, Drink, Create to be moving to AZ. You will definitely see me there!
Devon!!! Haha I’m so glad you came back here to gush!!! I have honestly never been outside the Phoenix airport! I keep hearing about the devil summer. Not really looking forward to that one! And I am so glad to hear that you’ll be at EDC! You might be the only one! 😉 Bring friends.
Girl!!!! Moving isn’t easy but I have no doubt you, out of all people, can make a beautiful fun life for yourself and your family no matter where you go! I lived in Tucson for fours years during my college years, hit me up and we’ll chat about it, but a few things to start: The desert takes a bit of time to grow on you, but you’ll learn to love it and lots of simply beautiful places. I used to salsa dance in Tucson and there’s a great/super friendly salsa community if that’s something you might be interested i n getting into 🙂 big hugs and enjoy your last few weeks in Denver. xxxx
Audrey! Thank you! I didn’t know you were there for school! I know we will like it, I’m just a little nervous to be moving there right as the summer heats up!!! I would definitely be interested in the salsa!!!!
whoa dude! Congrats!!!! That’s a big change but I hear Arizona is RAD!
Thanks, Brittany!!! WE liked it a lot when we went to visit!
YAY! I live in Tucson! And I’m totally in for Eat Drink Create and impromptu Diet Coke runs.
I’m a long-time reader that never comments, but today I will. HOORAY! You will LOVE Tucson… I’m pretty sure your trip this weekend will make you feel a lot better about coming here. While ever else is complaining about the snow these days, it’s been a gorgeous 65-70 degrees this week.
It’s seriously gorgeous for a good chunk of the year. Yes, it will be screaming hot in the summer, but no one just “hangs out” in that weather unless they are in the pool. For the most part you go from your air conditioned house to your air conditioned car to the air conditioned store, etc. And the winter completely redeems the summer… we usually eat Thanksgiving dinner out on the pool deck!
Hooray for Cacti and some seriously good Mexican food… I’m emailing you right now!
Meg! I am replying to your email this afternoon! We are slowly making a dent! I am so in for Diet Coke runs. It’s happening!! xo!
I went to the University of Arizona and lived in Tucson for four years and LOVED IT! It’s gorgeous and with such beautiful surroundings it’s really inspirational. There are so many good brunch places that we used to go to near the campus, as well as little hidden gems all around the city.
It’s a beautiful city and you will never be able to beat the weather! Enjoy :)!
Ashley! Yes! This is so great to hear! Can you recommend any good little boutique shops?! I’m trying to map out all my new favorite places!
Arizona is not Colorado, but it has its charm and plenty of options for sweets! I went to the U of A in Tucson and currently live a couple hours away in Gilbert. Since my fam lives in Tucson I am there often, including this weekend! I’m doing some photo work for my friends’ new brunch spot downtown, nook, which is a MUST stop (1 east congress). Grab some eggs Benny there then head to sugar sweet bakery for the best cookies (18 south eastbourne ave). I sure do hope you host some workshops once you get settled in because I will be first in line to sign up!
Welcome to Arizona!
Gah! We weren’t able t hit up Nook last weekend, but I will definitely get there once we are moved and settled! I did make it over to Sugar Sweet Bakery though! Such a cute spot!!!
And we will definitely be doing some workshops! Just planning out the rest of the year! I’m actually hosting one in Scottsdale in May with Anthropologie so I hope you can make it to that one! I’d love to meet! 🙂
Excited you’re moving to Tucson Lexy!! I sent you an email a couple days ago cause I live in Tucson. Did you get it?!
Marcelle! Just wanted to reply to you even though you saw the email. Thanks again for all the tips! Looking forward to getting together when we get there!
Welcome to AZ! You have a new brunch going, lip gloss shopping, Finger Rock trail hiking, dinner party enthusiast, diet coke drinking friend. My photo studio is located at 650 N. 6th Ave 85705. Stop by & say hi & we’ll walk to lunch at Time Market, my favorite!
All the best to you and your family!
Britta! Can I take you up on that?! I am in need of someone to drink cokes with! And party with! xo! email me !