A Weekend Well Spent

Stars, Soul Searching & Saturday Mornings in Scottsdale

Four experiences, one weekend, and another reminder that you don't need a special occasion to make your life feel special.

ROCKS, TALKS & WALKS | THE LIFESTYLE EDIT

October 9–10, 2026 | Gilbert & Scottsdale, Arizona

Romanticizing My Life, One Weekend at a Time

If there's one thing I've learned since moving to Arizona, it's that you can live somewhere for months, even years, and still have absolutely no idea how much there is to experience right outside your front door.

One of the reasons I started Rocks, Talks & Walks was because I wanted to change that. Not just for myself, but for other women who might be looking for a reason to get out of the house, meet new people, explore a new interest, or simply enjoy the life they're building.

And this weekend was a perfect example of what that can look like.

Between looking at the stars on Friday night, getting outside on Saturday morning, exploring a local farmers market, and spending an afternoon surrounded by all things spiritual and holistic, I managed to squeeze four completely different experiences into one weekend.

And the best part? None of them required an elaborate plan, an expensive vacation, or waiting around for someone else to join me.

Here's a little recap of my weekend around the Valley.

Friday Night: Stargazing at the Riparian Preserve

East Valley Astronomy Club Public Star Party | Gilbert, AZ

There's something about looking up at the night sky that makes everything else feel a little smaller.

Friday evening, I headed to the Riparian Preserve in Gilbert for the East Valley Astronomy Club's monthly Public Star Party.

If you've never heard of it, members of the astronomy club bring their own telescopes and invite the public to explore the night sky through equipment most of us probably don't have sitting in our apartments.

I love the concept of this event because it's something completely different from the typical Friday night plans.

Instead of another dinner reservation or scrolling through Netflix trying to decide what to watch, you can spend an evening outside learning about the universe.

It's also the kind of experience that reminds me how much there is to learn about the world around us.

Why it's worth adding to your calendar: It's an approachable way to try something new, spend time outdoors, and experience a side of the Valley that doesn't involve shopping, dining, or spending a ton of money.

And really, how often do we give ourselves permission to spend an evening doing something simply because we're curious?

Saturday Morning: Girls Walk & Talk

A Little Movement, Fresh Air & Female Friendship

Saturday morning started with a girls walk and talk, which might be one of my favorite concepts for meeting new people.

There's something so much more comfortable about getting to know someone while you're walking side by side rather than sitting across from each other trying to make conversation.

No elaborate plans. No pressure to dress up. Just a group of women getting outside, moving their bodies, and making space for connection.

One of the things I've noticed about making friends as an adult is that it takes intentional effort.

When we're younger, friendships seem to happen naturally. We meet people at school, through roommates, or simply because we happen to be in the same places every day.

As adults, that changes.

We have careers, routines, responsibilities, and lives that can become surprisingly repetitive if we aren't careful.

That's why I love events like this.

Sometimes making friends starts with something as simple as showing up for a walk.

You don't need to have everything in common with someone to enjoy a conversation. You just need to be willing to put yourself in a position where connection can happen.

And if you've been wanting to make more female friends in Scottsdale or Phoenix, a walking group is such an approachable place to start.

Saturday Morning, Part Two: Scottsdale Farmers Market

Fresh Flowers, Local Finds & a Slow Saturday Morning

Next up was the Scottsdale Farmers Market.

I have such a soft spot for farmers markets because they make an ordinary Saturday morning feel like a little occasion.

There's something about wandering through local vendors, looking at fresh produce, discovering handmade products, and taking your time that feels so much more intentional than rushing through another weekend errand.

And that's really what romanticizing your life means to me.

It doesn't have to involve luxury hotels, expensive shopping trips, or picture-perfect vacations.

Sometimes it's getting yourself dressed, grabbing a coffee, and spending an hour walking around your own city.

One of the things I want Rocks, Talks & Walks to encourage is supporting local businesses while discovering experiences that are accessible to different budgets.

Farmers markets are wonderful for that.

You can make a whole morning out of exploring without needing to purchase anything at all.

My favorite reminder: You don't have to spend money to make a memory.

Saturday Afternoon: A Little Soul Searching

SoulSearch Scottsdale Enlightenment Expo & Psychic & Healing Fair | Scottsdale, AZ

Now, if you've spent any time reading my blog, you probably know that I have a genuine interest in spirituality, astrology, energy, and personal growth.

So naturally, the SoulSearch Scottsdale Enlightenment Expo was right up my alley.

Hosted at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort, this two-day event brought together different aspects of the spiritual and holistic wellness community.

From psychic readings and astrology to energy healing, workshops, and speakers, the expo offered opportunities to explore practices and perspectives that aren't necessarily part of everyone's everyday routine.

And that's something I really appreciate.

I don't believe you have to agree with every spiritual practice or believe in every concept to find value in learning about it.

Sometimes curiosity is enough.

One of my favorite things about exploring spirituality is that it encourages us to ask questions about ourselves, our intentions, and the ways we move through the world.

Even if you aren't particularly spiritual, events like this can be an interesting opportunity to learn about different beliefs, meet people with unique perspectives, and step outside your normal routine.

Why I included it in my weekend: Rocks, Talks & Walks isn't just about finding fun things to do. It's also about discovering opportunities for self-reflection, personal growth, and experiences that make us think a little differently.

And sometimes, a little soul searching is exactly what a Saturday afternoon calls for.

Four Events, Four Completely Different Experiences

What I loved most about planning this weekend was how different each activity was.

Friday was about curiosity and exploring the universe.

Saturday morning was about movement, connection, and community.

The farmers market was about slowing down and appreciating the little things.

And Saturday afternoon was about spirituality, self-discovery, and exploring new perspectives.

Four experiences that had almost nothing in common, other than the fact that they were all opportunities to get out and enjoy life.

And I think that's something worth remembering.

You don't have to fit yourself into one category of interests.

You can be the girl who loves astrology and science.

The girl who enjoys a peaceful morning walk and a beautiful farmers market.

The girl who wants to meet new people but also genuinely enjoys doing things alone.

You can be all of those things.

In fact, I think life gets a lot more interesting when you give yourself permission to be.

The Bigger Picture: Building a Life You Love

When I moved to Arizona, I made a conscious decision that I wanted to build a life I genuinely enjoyed living.

Not a life I was waiting for someone else to complete.

Not a life that would finally begin when I reached a certain milestone, found the perfect relationship, or had more money in my bank account.

A life I could enjoy right now.

And that's really the heart behind Rocks, Talks & Walks.

I want women to know that they can take themselves on dates, join groups where they don't know anyone, explore unfamiliar interests, and create beautiful little routines for themselves.

You don't need to wait for a friend to be available.

You don't need to be in a relationship.

You don't need to have everything figured out.

Sometimes you just need to look at what's happening around you, pick something that sounds interesting, and go.

Because the life you're dreaming about might already be waiting for you to participate in it.

Your Turn: What's on Your Calendar?

If you've been looking for a sign to try something new, consider this your invitation.

Find a walking group. Visit a farmers market. Go to a lecture. Take an art class. Explore a spiritual workshop. Spend an evening looking at the stars.

It doesn't have to be extravagant.

It just has to be something that makes you excited to experience your own life.

And if you're in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, or anywhere around the Valley, I've already done some of the research for you.

Head over to the Rocks, Talks & Walks Events Calendar to discover free and affordable experiences happening throughout the area.

You might be surprised by what you find.

Find your people. Explore your city. Romanticize your life.

All my love,

Rocks, Talks & Walks

The Lifestyle Edit | Phoenix & the East Valley