The weather is cool outside, so warm up with this Campfire S’mores Martini from The Melting Pot! So rich and tasty, this wintry martini is a taste of our favorite fireside snack, with an adult twist.

Campfire S’mores Martini Ingredients
2 oz SKYY Vodka
1 oz Monin Toasted Marshmallow (4 pumps)
1 oz Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
1 oz Half & Half

Preparation
Dip rim of glass into Monin Toasted Marshmallow and then into graham cracker crumbs, set aside. Fill mixing tin with ice and Vodka, Monin Toasted Marshmallow, Hersey’s chocolate syrup and Half & Half. Cap and shake. Drizzle Hershey’s chocolate syrup in a spiral from bottom of glass up to the rim. Strain cocktail into the martini glass and garnish with a sprinkle chocolate shavings on top and 3 Oreo coated marshmallow halves speared with a bamboo skewer.

Do you need a little holiday cheer this year?

Then join the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort for their Holiday Festival at The Falls on December 9 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The Holiday Festival will be held at the Pointe Hilton’s Falls Water Village as it will be transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland. Guests will be treated to holiday goodies and some all around family fun. In the spirit of giving, an entrance fee of two cans of food or $5 per person will be required to benefit the St. Mary’s Food Bank.

So come spend a little time with the family and give back to the community this holiday season with The Point Hilton Resort. Sounds like a great time to us!

We don’t know about you, but this is the most adorable DIY holiday idea we’ve seen all year!  We stumbled upon these Pinteresting little Santa Hat Brownies on food blog Erica’s Sweet Tooth, and decided to really amp up the holiday spirit by combining Santa Hat Toppers with this Red Velvet Brownie recipe from How Sweet It Is. How festive are these? Your family and friends will be so wowed with our recipe combo that you’ll definitely make the nice, not naughty, list this year.

Santa Hat Brownie Bites
(Adapted from Erica’s Sweet Tooth and How Sweet It Is) »READ MORE

It’s a tradition to leave cookies and milk out for Santa. The man deserves it for all the hard holiday work, after all. You’d need a re-energizer too if you were only given 12 hours to run around the world with a bunch of reindeer and deliver presents to every child on earth. So why not BYOC – Bake Your Own Cookies for Santa to show him how much you care!

“Baking Cookies for Santa” is an upcoming cooking class offered by Luci’s Healthy Marketplace that will have Master Confectioner Chef Slade Grove teaching you and your family some delicious cookie recipes that Santa is sure to enjoy!

The class will be held on Sunday, December 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The cost is $29.99 for one and ault and one child with an additional $10 for each family family member attending.

So don’t miss this cookie extravaganza because nothing says “Happy Holidays!” like tasty treats and family bonding.

Love Fashion? Love charity?

Then make a point of attending Phoenix Fashion Week’s Third Annual “Fashion Gives Back” holiday charity gala on Thursday, December 8 from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The event will take place at the fabulously chic The Mint Ultra Lounge and Restaurant. Benefiting the Arizona Helping Hands organization, “Fashion Gives” back is sure to be an event you shouldn’t miss.

Make it an extra special holiday season by supporting Arizona Helping Hands by bringing mint-condition clothing, gift cards for stores, or an unwrapped toy to the party.

RSVP to Christina@PhoenixFashionWeek.com.

The Mint | 7373 E Camelback Road | Scottsdale, AZ 85251

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

We know that when the challenges in our lives become too much to endure (the holidays have taken quite a toll) there is nothing like a little retail therapy to put the spring back in our step and the glow back into our perfect skin. But driving to the mall involves putting on clothes, getting done up, and walking-just a whole lot of work that frankly, we just don’t want to go through. And the crowds! Shopping is supposed to be relaxing. That’s why lately we’ve been getting our retail fix through the ‘Net.

It used to be just the big name department stores who offered this service, but lately smaller stores have come to the realization that physically going to the mall can be a real time consuming chore, and have set up places online where you can peruse their best stuff right from the comfort of your favorite sitting spot.

Lisa Looney, owner of the fabulous Chandler boutique, KatyBug Faye, just recently opened up an online shop, and so far it’s working out great. We at DLT got to sit down with her and talk about the latest expansion of her boutique. Find out how taking to the internet is working for her local retail shop:

»READ MORE

We know that when the challenges in our lives become too much to endure (the holidays have taken quite a toll) there is nothing like a little retail therapy to put the spring back in our step and the glow back into our perfect skin. But driving to the mall involves putting on clothes, getting done up, and walking-just a whole lot of work that frankly, we just don’t want to go through. And the crowds! Shopping is supposed to be relaxing. That’s why lately we’ve been getting our retail fix through the ‘Net.

It used to be just the big name department stores who offered this service, but lately smaller stores have come to the realization that physically going to the mall can be a real time consuming chore, and have set up places online where you can peruse their best stuff right from the comfort of your favorite sitting spot.

Lisa Looney, owner of the fabulous Chandler boutique, KatyBug Faye, just recently opened up an online shop, and so far it’s working out great. We at DLT got to sit down with her and talk about the latest expansion of her boutique. Find out how taking to the internet is working for her local retail shop:

»READ MORE

The holidays are just around the corner, which means you’re stress level is about to shoot through the chimney. What better way to relieve that stress than a little stress-free party?

20 Lounge Boutique Nail Bar invites you the complimentary Glitz and Glitter Holiday Prep Party. Experience a heavenly massages, Dermalogica eye and lip treatments, bubbly on the house and holiday hors d’oeuvres. Other glittering perks of the evening include 20% off all retail & gift cards and the option to book your pre-hoilday treatments at a discounted price.

The Glitz and Glitter party will be held on December 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. RSVP by clicking here. The event will collect an optional $10 in support of Girls on the Run, a nonprofit aimed at teaching pre-teen girls to build confidence and self-esteem through running.

And look for your chance to win a complimentary mani and pedi from 20 Lounge during next week’s Scoopstakes!

20 Lounge Boutique Nail Bar | 7001 N Scottsdale Road, Suite#166 | Scottsdale, Arizona 85253 | 480.699.8900

Fuzzy Melon. White Gourd. No, these aren’t names of alterna-indie bands. They are actually names for a rare and delicious vegetable, the Winter Melon.

Soi 4 Bangkok Eatery recognizes the awesomeness of the exotic Asian vegetable, and is adding it to their winter menu! Taste the Winter Melon for yourself in the new Pla Rad Kang dish that incorporates the savory, sweeted taste of the fruit or get your Winter Melon Fix by ordering the Winter Melon, Basil and Red Curry. Either way, thai it, you may like it.

Soi 4 Bangkok Eatery was named “Best Thai Restaurant” by the Arizona Republic, so you know they only serve the best stuff. So why wait? Get your winter on with Soi 4 and the winter melon!

SOI 4 | 8787 N. Scottsdale Road, Ste. 104 | Scottsdale, 85253

Fruitcake has a bad rap. Often as heavy as your average paperweight and about as tastey, it is the gift that keeps on getting given away during the holidays. We’re thinkin’ this cake sounds good enough to drink eat.

That’s why Seattle baker Kathy Casey came to the rescue with her delicious “Over 21″ Fruit Cakes. These festively spiced cakes are full of Maker’s Mark soaked dried fuits and loads of nuts-one taste is all you’ll need to banish the negative fruit cake stigma and become a full-on fruit cake fanatic for life.

Although Kathy Casey Food Studios is located in Seattle, don’t worry! You can have your cake and eat it too by ordering the one-pound loaves for just $9.95 online. Shipping is available until December 16 or while supplies last.

So order one for yourself or spread some holiday cheer by giving some to others. Just don’t forget your friends at DLT-we’re all for holiday cheer, but mostly just the Maker’s Mark.

Deck the halls with the Phoenix Symphony at its “Holiday Pops” Sing Along concert with Resident Conductor Joseph Young, featuring holiday classics such as ”Santa Baby,” “Deck the Halls,” “All I Want for Christmas,” “O Holy Night” and many more of your favorite Christmas classics.

Holiday Pops will take place at Symphony Hall, December 2-4. Tickets start at $11 and can be purchased by calling the Phoenix Symphony Box Office at 602-495-1999 or by visiting clicking here. 

Friday, December 2, showtime 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 3, showtime 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 4, showtime 2:00 p.m.

Have you been naughty or nice this year?

Don’t worry, no one’s telling Santa. Whether you’ve been an angel or entertaining your devilish side, Stuart Weitzman and Swarovski Elements have something for you!

Enter the “Naughty or Nice” Holiday Twitter contest to win a naughty “Brillag” crystal evening sand or good girl “Cinderella” crystalized pump.

Two lucky winners will receive these perfect holiday shoes and rock them all season long. How to win after the jump: »READ MORE

Any restaurant would benefit from winning $10,000. So we bet Chow Locally is feeling pretty good right now.

National Bank of Arizona will be awarding the Tempe-based company the grand prize of  the Arizona’s Next Great Business; a contest that required businesses in Arizona to make a 90-second video telling how they strive to make a difference in the Arizona local economy.

Chow Locally.com brings the farm from keyboard to cupboard, helping consumers find the best local produce in the Valley, supporting Arizona farmers and making sure you eat only the healthiest and freshest food available.

The award ceremony will be held at Phoenix Public Market Tuesday, November 22 at 1:30 p.pm. Along with being awarded the grand prize of $10,000 and an award statue, the founders of Chow Locally will be speaking about the importance of investing in local businesses.

So come out and support your community, and Chow Locally tomorrow!

Mmmm, ice cream. One of nature’s more delectable treats. Blue Bell  knows how much you like ice cream, and to ring in some holiday cheer is creating a new tradition with Blue Bell Ice Cream and its Holiday Favorites.

The Holiday Favorites will feature two new flavors Banana Bread and Christmas Cookies Ice Cream. Enjoy roasted walnuts, delicious banana bread pieces, and smooth cream cheese frosting swirl in Banana Nut Bread Ice Cream or try Christmas Cookies Ice Cream, a tasty sugar cookie ice cream blended with red candy cane shaped sprinkles and green icing

The Holiday Favorites will also bring back Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Ice cream and a holiday classic, Peppermint Ice Cream.

These flavors will be specially packaged with a festive red bow on the carton in the freezer section of your favorite local grocery store.

Attention all Sun Devils! Calling all Wildcats!

Are you attending the big ASU vs. U of A rivalry game on November 19? Then Sprinkles Cupcakes has a treat for you! Every fan wearing their favorite team’s swag (jersey, shirt, hat) will receive one complimentary Sun Devil or Wildcat red velvet cupcake at the Sprinkles Scottsdale store from 9:00 a.m. to store close at 8:00 p.m.

In the spririt of friendly competition, Sprinkles will also tally how many of each team’s cupcakes are enjoyed on game day. Sprinkles Scottsdale Facebook page will post the results at the end of the day.

So come out on game day and get a cupcake for supporting your team, no matter who wins the actual game! (Go Devils!)

Sprinkles Cupcakes | 4501 North Scottsdale Road | Scottsdale, AZ 85251 | 480-970-4321

Holiday season ’tis upon us, and what are the holidays without a little magic?

Enter The North Pole Experience.

This magical winter wonderland provides a chance for families to build toys alongside Santa and his elves in Santa’s workshop located in the quaint little town of Greer, Arizona. The experience kicks off on on the Candy Cane Express, a magical train that takes a special portal to Santa’s workshop where the real fun begins! Families are whisked off to build toys, munch on cookies and cocoa (courtesy of Mrs. Claus), and a private photo session with the big jolly man himself.

The North Pole Experience opens Today, November 18 and runs through December 27. It is located in Greer, Arizona at 109 Main Street. You can also find NPX on facebook or twitter at @npxsanta.

Image via North Pole Experience

Yup, it’s that time again. The holidays are right around the corner, and to ring in the season Los Sombreros are bringing back their delicious Holiday Tamales.

You won’t even have to time to think about eggnog once you try these delicious tamales. Come to Los Sombreros from today – December 23 to get your fix of 12 different Holiday tamales. Pick up one of each flavor for $29.95 or 12 of one flavor for $27.95.

There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned tamale, so get down to Los Sombreros before the holidays are over!

Calling all win-os! That’s you. That’s us.

The Arizona Wine Festival is up on us! Come celebrate AZ’s finest wine at the Festival At The Farm on November 18-19. Presented by the Arizona Wine Growers Association, the Festival will feature a wine tasting, a tasty picnic lunch and an awesome live auction at the historic Farm at South Mountain.

AWGA President Peggy Fiandaca invites you to “come sip the juice from our state’s beautiful wine regions all in one place, in one of the most wonderful settings Phoenix has to offer.”

Don’t wait. The festival is limited to 1000 guests and tickets are $75. Purchase tickets here.

 Image via WineGrowersDaily.com.

Mmmm fondue! What could be better than dipping delicious fruit or cake inmelted chocolate? And with Thanksgiving just around the corner, how about adding a little pumpkin pie to the mix to really ring in the season?! Enjoy The Melting Pot's recipe for Pumpkin Pie Chocolate Fondue after the jump: 

 »READ MORE

We’re on a wacky ways to lose weight kick today. So this fits right in.

When you think of juggling, what comes to mind? Circuses, carnivals, scary clowns? Well, guess what?! Juggling isn’t just for clowns anymore.

Introducing JuggleFit, the latest calorie burning craze, so you can burn calories like a carnie! The website says it increase your coordination and it’s fun while learning an impressive new skill! Kidding aside, increasing hand-eye coordination is a proven way to increase your brain power.

So go ahead. Give it a juggle!

Thanksgiving is getting so close, we can almost taste it! We’ve got a week’s worth of falliday recipes to keep you satisfied until that turkey coma kicks in. Check back daily for a new recipe sure to spice up your Thanksgiving. Pre-turkey, try these Pumpkin Waffles, courtesy of U.S Egg, with warm maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream. Get the details after the jump:

»READ MORE

T.G.I.F. What’s the best way to unwind and escape after the work week? Happy hour, of course!

The CityScape restaurants have the happy hour hook-up in one sleek downtown locale. Here’s the list for a happy hour city-escape after the jump:

»READ MORE

When we think Ted Baker London, we think James Bond. Smooth, suave, sophisticated, and British based-what’s not to love?

Now the British brand is making us love them even more by joining forces with Quintessentially Travel to launch a competition to win a complimentary trip to New York City and a Ted Baker shopping spree! The grand prize entails a round trip flight for two people, three nights in a five star hotel, plus an $800 Ted Baker shopping spree.

Enter to win by scanning the QR code with your Smartphone in the Scottsdale Ted Baker store, or enter at www.tedbaker.com, blog, Facebook or Twitter.

Have you seen the brand’s fall collection for men?! Trust us, you WANT that shopping spree.

And if you don’t win, don’t worry! Your chance for a $200 gift certificate to Ted Baker Scottsdale is coming in our 3rd Annual Scoop Factory Scoopstakes, December 5-16. Details coming soon!

There’s sugar and spice and everything nice at the Desert Botanical Garden’s Chiles & Chocolate Festival this weekend.

November 11 – November 13, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day, revel in the delicious flavors of gourmet chocolate, salsas, and other southwestern delicacies at the garden. Enjoy music courtesy of DJ Miguel Ivory and different spicy-hot dance performances each day of the festival as you taste your way through various combos of spicy and sweet.

For more information on the festival, click here.

Desert Botanical Garden | 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008 | 480 941.1225

We love us some beef jerky. There’s no manlier snack around, plus have you seen the Messin’ With Sasquatch commercials? So you know we were just beside ourselves when we found out about this Jerky Gun. Make your own beef jerky without having to make an exhausting trip to the store or fight a Sasquatch? Buy us eight.