7 Things Our Phoenix & Scottsdale Editor Is Loving Right Now

Photography by Fully Alive Photography.

As advocates for small businesses, The Scout Guide editors are continually scouting their communities for local finds to share and celebrate. With their fingers on the pulse, they are also excellent sources of unique recommendations. Recently, we caught up with The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale editor Sasha Clements to find out what she’s really excited about these days. Here, she shares her current obsessions, from the prickly pear mixer enhancing her summer cocktails to her glamping destination of choice.

1. WHAT I’M DRINKING

Iconic Prickly Pear Sour Mix from urbAna //I was introduced to Phoenix-based Iconic Cocktail Co. by Ana and Brian at urbAna. Their small batch handcrafted mixers are made with fresh ingredients and come in a variety of seasonal flavors that taste like Arizona in a bottle. My summer favorite is the Prickly Pear Sour Mix, made with local prickly pear nectar and fresh lemon, which pays tribute to when cacti are in full bloom.”

2. WHERE I’M GOING

Glamping in the Grand Canyon with Under the Canvas // “The inspiration for a Grand Canyon trip came earlier this year when my family and I created a bucket list of meaningful experiences to have together.  With so many different ways to experience the grandeur of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, I began searching for ways to create special moments suited for the range of ages and preferences in our family. Under the Canvas’s safari-inspired glamping accommodations was my pick to weave the beauty of the natural world into our visit without foregoing the comforts of home.  To help plan our activities, I’ve been working with their adventure team to arrange a guided hiking tour customized for kids and adults and a Jeep safari tour through Kaibab National Forest around the rim of the canyon to take in the amazing vistas at sunset. I’m looking forward to the adventure of an immersive experience exploring this extraordinary place.”

3. WHAT I’M DECORATING WITH


Saguaro World by Gary Ernest Smith from Bonner David Galleries // Like many others, we spent time last year reimagining spaces in our home and how we live in them.  One of my takeaways from that experience is the renewed value I place on incorporating items of significance into our everyday life. Part of that has been curating a collection of art and photography that in some way connects me to the places, experiences, and people that mean the most to me. The expansive skyline and towering saguaros in front of a majestic mountain range in this landscape by Gary Ernest Smith reflect the unique sense of space and light found throughout the Sonoran Desert, but it reminds me of a view that, for many years, guided me home.”

4. WHAT I’M LISTENING TO

SmartLess Podcast //  “The SmartLess podcast was launched last summer and the banter between Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett kept me company during quarantine, yet it’s the chemistry between the three comedians that’s kept me listening to almost all of their nearly 50 episodes. The show is essentially an uncut chat between the three friends with a fun twist—in each episode one of the hosts reveals his mystery guest to the other two.” 

5. WHAT I’M USING

Joëlle Martine Organic Liquid Gold from Stephanie’s // “My skin tends to run dry living in the desert, so I’m always on the lookout for a magic potion to add to my skincare regime to stay hydrated. When I spotted the skin oils from Joelle Martine modern apothecary at Stephanie’s, I knew I had to try them. Sure enough, their ultra-fine, six-times refined, cold-pressed emu oil is the best carrier oil to carry the products to the deepest layer of your skin. This extravagant magical natural ingredient maximizes the penetration of any product it’s teamed with, so I add a drop or two of oil into my skincare products to help fortify their benefits. I now carry a bottle with me at all times to give my skin an extra glow boost throughout the day.”

6. WHAT I’M WEARING

Alexandria Sheath from Amy Atelier // “I turn to Amy and her staff for their help styling a range of occasions. On a recent visit, Amy pointed out this lovely floral dress that I will be stepping out in as we reemerge from over a year of lockdown. I’m looking forward to nights on the town!”

7. WHAT I’M GIFTING

Signature Box from Camelback Flowershop // “Camelback Flowershop is known for their signature seasonal floral designs, but after receiving one of their handmade wooden gift boxes filled with small-batch goodies, locally sourced gifts, and handcrafted items for the home, their thoughtfully curated gift box line has become another favorite way to let someone know I am thinking about them. Their themed boxes include Staycation, Essentials, Man, Welcome Baby, Gardener and Spiritual; however, I’ll often call the shop and their staff is always happy to help pick out the perfect gift for any occasion.”

To keep up with Sasha’s current loves, follow The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale on Instagram.