Juvenile Diabetes Walk

Tomorrow, Saturday, November 1st, is the Juvenile Diabetes Walk at Tempe Town Lake.

Registration for the 5K walk begins at 7:30 AM and the walk starts at 9:00 AM.

After the 5K there will be family-friendly entertainment at Tempe Beach Park. All of the walk activities are completely free and fun for all ages! There will be music, face-painting, clowns, a variety of local radio and T.V personalities, and even Scooby Doo.

So head down to Tempe Town Lake to help support the effort to find a cure. These children need you.

Thanks Burgess for the info on this one.

Information and picture from here.

Dance for Nie

I've never been much of a mover and a shaker (we'll at least not in public, with my children is a different story), but this dance sounds like my chance to branch out.

This Saturday, November 1st from 8:00 - 11:30 PM go support Nie Nie once again and by dancing the night away.

It's at the Red Mountain Multigenerational Center

7550 E. Adobe St.

See the flier for all details

MACFest in Downtown Mesa

Have you heard of MACFest, well it's about time we made sure you did.

EVERY SATURDAY from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in downtown Mesa (on the sidewalks of Main St. from Sirrine St. to Morris St. to be exact) is an art and cultural festival known as MACFest.

"Artists from across the Valley offer everything from paintings, ceramics and fused glass to jewelry, sculpture and wood carvings. It’s a great place to find quality original creations – for yourself or as gifts this holiday season. MACFest also hosts live music and an array of food. It’s fun for the while family!"

Now if you are an artist and want your talent on display as well, you can reserve an exhibition space for $15 per week. Just register a MACFest account through the Mesa Arts Center. Call the Box Office at (480) 644-6500. A valid City of Mesa sales tax license, ID and signed waiver (provided at the box office) are required. And remember, "only quality, original hand made works of Arts and Crafts will be exhibited by the Artists themselves (“Made by Me”)."

Information and picture from here and here.

Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday to honor those that have passed on. To celebrate the holiday, there is a FREE festival in downtown Mesa this weekend.

Mesa Arts Center

1 E. Main St. Mesa, 85211

November 1st, 2008 - November 2nd, 2008

Saturday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

"This celebration features an artist Mercado showcasing an assortment of traditional and contemporary merchandise, jewelry, and arts and crafts from several local artisans. Live artist demonstrations, artist workshops, altar contests, hands- on educational activities, and live traditional music and dance will also be part of the festivities. Participate in the community altar! A variety of food and beverages from featured local restaurants will be available. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind cultural festival!"

Another fun way to celebrate the holiday is by going to see Rosita's Day of the Dead at the Mesa Arts Center Piper Repertory Theater. "Ruby Nelda Perez performs her humorous one-woman show that finds Rosita cooking late into the night for El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), dishing out stories about the living, the dead and those who fall somewhere in the middle."

Ticket prices for Rosita's Day of the Dead show are $15-$27.

Showtimes are: Saturday, November 1st - 7:30 PM and Sunday, November 2nd - 5:30 PM

For Tickets, call 480-644-6500

Information and pictures from here.

Mesa Community Farmer's Market

I've passed this market many times and have not realized what it was. I'm excited to try it out. We love supporting locals and getting our food from local growers sounds like the way to go. Hopefully they have great prices.

Mesa Community Farmer's Market
Year-Round, Every Friday from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

An outdoor event held in front of the Mesa Convention Center, on Center Street just south of University Drive

"The Farmer's Market features fresh produce from local growers, plus a variety handmade arts and crafts such as jewelry, wooden toys and wall hangings."

Information and photo from here.

Fall Out To Lunch Concert Series

FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES at the Mesa Arts Center Every Thursday
12:30 - 1:30 PM


"Mesa Arts Center is bringing back its popular free outdoor concert series in the fall! Bring your lunch and enjoy live music in a serene setting. Concerts will be held on Thursdays on the Wells Fargo Garden from 12:30 - 1:30pm."

Here is a list of concerts that you can enjoy...for FREE

October 30th (TODAY) - Symphony of the Southwest String Quartet

(Symphony of the Southwest is formerly Mesa Symphony)

November 6th - The Arizona Trio: '50s and '60s folk-pop

November 13th - Double Play: Flute and tuba duo

November 20th - Traveler: Exotic world music

November 27th - No performance (Thanksgiving)

December 4th - The Rollands Fiddle: bluegrass and country

December 18th - Desert City Six: Dixieland Jazz

Each concert should be top notch and sure to please. As a mother of 2 year old twins, finding out about these things makes me happy. It's something to grow their little minds without having to make them hold still for an hour. Besides, as the rest of the country is bogging down for winter months ahead, we Arizonans are heading out to enjoy our beautiful weather.

Information and pictures from here.

The Great Pumpkin Race

Here's your opportunity to extend Halloween, burn off the candy and junk food you eat Friday night and/or just have a good time.

Saturday, November 1st, the First Annual Great Pumpkin Race and Festival will be held at Mesa Riverview from 3-8:00pm. Full list of events from the website:

The event and expo will include a 5K Great Pumpkin Run and 1 Mile Mini Pumpkin Family & Pet Fun Run in costume! The event will also feature children’s activities and a safe trick-or-treat, extending the Halloween festivities just one more day.

For more information on race times and entrance fees (sign up before Saturday and get a discount), see here. Racers and pets are encouraged to be in costume. Even if you aren't interested in running, there will be other entertainment. Just watching people run in costume would constitute entertainment in my life!

Huffin' Puffin' Halloween Fitness Hike

Hopefully you aren't getting tired of our finds out at Usery Park, but they all sound so interesting and good for the body.

Huffin' Puffin' Halloween Fitness Hike
Usery Mountain Regional Park

Friday, October 31st, 2008
7:00 AM
Cost: Like usual, $6 per car. (So carpool and save a few bucks.)

Don’t get spooked when you stand on the scale! Come take off some weight before you put it back on for Halloween. Join Ranger B for this 4-mile round-trip fitness hike out to scenic Blueberry Point along the Pass Mountain Trail. The geography will impress you with its sheer beauty and rolling terrain. Please bring ample water and appropriate footwear. Meet at the Wind Cave Trailhead.

Another Reason to Vote

Remember us encouraging you all to vote on Tuesday, November 4th? Well, Nikki M. has given everyone another reason to get out and exercise your right to vote. It may be less of a patriotic reason and more of an instant gratification reason, but it's reason nonetheless. Ben and Jerry's is offering a free scoop of ice cream from 5-8:00pm to all voters. The only bad part is there is one lonely Ben & Jerry's here in Arizona and it's located in Scottsdale near 92nd and Shea. But a free scoop of Ben & Jerry's?See more details here.

Mesa Gateway Airport Open House

Image from here.

Airport Open House:

Come visit the airport for food, prizes, aviation and business exhibits, airplane rides (for a fee) and a fun kids zone. Admission is FREE.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

5835 S. Sossaman Road Mesa, 85212

This might be a fun way to burn off some of that post Halloween sugar overload.

Another Halloween Craft: Mr. Mummy

This is such a fun little craft. Plus, it's fairly simple and you need minimal supplies. Here's what you need: small Dixie cup, strips of white cloth (I believe mine are from an old shirt), glue (Elmer's works great), two google eyes and a bow tie (this one is foam).All you do is glue the cloth to the cup. I did mine in an orderly fashion, but it might be fun to do it a little more scattered to give it more of a mummy look. I also thought it'd be fun to do these in different sizes to have a family of mummies. You can use these cups for treats, snacks or just to sit and stare at you on your kitchen table.I got this idea (and the supplies) from Amy. Thanks Amy!

Thank You

Thanks to all who have visited our little blog and have used the information we have shared. We LOVE hearing people comment or e-mail us that they were able to go have a fun filled weekend or date night, etc. because of the information found on our blog. We appreciate those that have let us in on events that we have missed or have given us ideas. Remember, although this is a Mesa loving sight, all events do not have to be in Mesa. That is the beauty of Mesa; we are close to many other cities and towns that have a lot to offer as well. So if you are not a Mesa resident, don't worry, we'll have information for you too.

For those of you who might be new to our sight, make sure you check out our sidebar for a calendar of upcoming events, or use the handy buttons to find things in Mesa that are here to stay (going out), here for a day or two (festivities), or just random and crafty ideas (staying in, etcetera, bargains). You will notice that this weekend is filled with lots of activities. Personally, I think I might hit the Nie Garage Sale, then either the Hall of Flame or the Storytelling Festival before heading out of town. We hope you can also find something fun and entertaining this weekend. Enjoy!

Hall of Flame Open House

Thanks to Melanie Steyskal, we got the heads up on this one:

Hall of Flame Fire Museum Annual Open House

Saturday, October 25th, 2008
9:00 AM - Noon

Located in the Phoenix Papago Park at 6101 East Van Buren Street (across Van Buren from the Phoenix Zoo)
"Admission is free. Kids can get rides on a fire engine, operate a bucket brigade and manual fire engine, play a booster line from a modern engine on a target, meet Smoky Bear, check out modern fire equipment from Valley cities, see a rescue helicopter, and enjoy many other hands on activities. There is plenty of parking in the Salt River Project Lot and the Ball Park lot."

The Hall of Flame Fire Museum and the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes has "over 90 fully restored pieces of fire apparatus on display, dating from 1725 to 1969. The Hall of Flame sponsors the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, which honors firefighters who have died in the line of duty or who have been decorated for heroism. The Hall also includes a gallery dedicated to the history of wildland firefighting in the United States."

Images and information from here. This museum is open year round, but Saturday is the day to get in free and to enjoy extra activities.

Local First Arizona - Fall Festival

Remember us telling you about Local First Arizona? They remind us why it's better to use local businesses and also help local businesses advertise and network. Anyway, their Annual Fall Festival is quickly approaching. It will be Saturday, November 1st at the Duck and Decanter (16th St & Camelback location) from 10am - 4pm. Come check out over 40 locally owned businesses (and yes, our favorite graphic designers will be in attendance selling our favorite handmade letterpress cards). There will also be free food and live music for your enjoyment. Plus, to ensure whole family is entertained, they will also have a raffle, a silent auction, a rock climbing wall and a jumping castle. If nothing else, it's worth the drive for the Duck's unique gourmet sandwiches. My favorite is the Vermont Treat. Go here for more info and the music schedule (which is also where the above image came from).

Garage Sale II

Some of you may remember a garage sale in Gilbert a few weeks ago to raise money for Nie. Luckily, if you were like me and didn't want to wake up at 6am and drive to Agritopia, you have another chance to garage sale and help a good cause. Who doesn't love a good garage sale? And do you see a trend here? Fun things to do while helping someone out, now that is pretty cool. All these opportunities to have a good time and help someone out. Ironic, isn't it, that the person (Nie) we're helping out, is helping us be better people.

If you want to be extra helpful, you can also donate items to be sold. Go here to see what they are looking for. Surely you have quality things you've been waiting to drop off at the thrift store that you could drop off at the garage sale site instead.

Mesa Storytelling Festival

(image from here)

The Mesa Storytelling Festival was recognized by Good Morning America and features nationally recognized storytellers. This festival consists of 5 storytelling concerts and workshops with the featured storytellers. The Valley’s largest storytelling event celebrates the art of storytelling, a love of reading, and the power of the imagination! Personally (and as a former teacher), I think this sound fabulous and I wish everyone could embrace the power of a good story. (information from here)

Starting TODAY, October 23rd, 24th, and 25th at

Mesa Arts Center: 1 E. Main St.

Cost: Concert tickets are $11. Workshops are free with a ticket for that evenings concert, otherwise workshops are $5. Daytime events on Saturday, October 25th are FREE.

Saturday events run from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM and will include music, food and vendor booths, and stories from Arizona's own storytellers. Participate in family story and literacy activities.

The paid portion of the festival is outlined as follows:

Thursday:

Workshops

3:15 PM - Rhythm This and Rhyme That

Story Telling for the Wee Ones

4:30 PM - Let's Move to Words, Music, and Song

If You Can Talk...You Can Write

Nighttime Storytelling Concert

7:00 PM - The Best of the West - featuring six of the best storytellers from Arizona and California

Friday

Workshops

4:45 PM- Adult Stories...Where and When

Sing Me a Story

Afternoon Storytelling Concert

3:00 PM - Tried and True - a new concert filled with stories by and for those with life experience

Nighttime Story Telling Concert

7:00 PM - The Teller's Treasure - storytellers tell their favorites

10:00 PM - Stories from the Edge - this ones for the adults

Saturday

Evening Concert

7:00 PM - Humor Us - The festival annual laugh fest.

Do you want to FULL schedule? Go here. Now really, doesn't this sound fabulous?

Soapy Spider

This has to be one of my easiest Halloween crafts: the soapy spider.

- Take one clear soap. I got the cheap equate stuff that's less than $1 at Walmart.

- Remove the label from both sides. You might have to work on getting off any label residue. I used rubbing alcohol to make sure the view was crystal clear.

- Add one scary spider. I did try one with a few spiders but they only clumped together, making it hard to tell what the mass actually was.

- Put next to sink and have fun enjoying your own soapy spider.

New Police Forensic Services Building

Joe Pesci (aka Roccy) tipped us off to this one... On Thursday, the 23rd, is the Grand Opening for the new Police Forensic Services Building in Mesa. The public can tour this new building from 4:00 - 8:00pm.

Directly from the City's website:

The public will be able to tour the facility-- see a mock crime scene, K-9 Unit, Bomb robot, SWAT, PD helicopter, DUI Van and the Command Van. There will also be VIN etching for your vehicle from 2pm to 5 pm. The Forensic Services building (133 N. Morris Street) is located to the west of Police Headquarters and south of the Mesa City Court building.

If your secret wish in life is to become a crime scene photographer or you have little boys that admire those that help prevent and investigate crimes, head on over to downtown Mesa tomorrow night.

Boo! at the Zoo

This weekend (Saturday and Sunday) is the annual 'Bashas' Boo! at the Zoo'. I've never been, but based on the list of activities on the menu, it looks like a lot of fun for the whole family. Among the activities: a maze, a pumpkin patch photo op, a pony parade, various shows and feeding the animals special treats and pumpkins.

When: 9am - 4pm on the 25th and 26th

Where: the Phoenix Zoo (455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix)

Cost: $7-16 (or free if you have a membership)

By the way, sometimes the Zoo seems far away, especially since it's in Phoenix, but if you live in Mesa, it can't take more than 35 minutes or so to get there. Plus, it's on the very East edge of Phoenix. Info and picture from here.

Wildlife Safari at Usery Park

Here's another great event at Usery Park:

Wildlife Safari at Usery Mountain Regional Park
Friday, October 24th, 2008
7:00 AM
no registration required
Cost: The usual Usery Park fee of $6 per car

"We all love to see wild animals, but where are they hiding this time of year? Join Ranger B on this exciting 1.5-mile wildlife safari as we sneak to the secret places where the park's wildlife are often seen. Feel free to bring your camera and binoculars. Please bring ample water and appropriate footwear. Meet at the Trail Staging Area."

Miniature Caramel Apples

Miniature things are always cuter. And miniature caramel apples are no exception. Not only are these little caramel apples more fun to look at, they are easier to make (in my opinion) and they taste better (in my opinion). I get so stressed out trying to make sure 99% of a "normal" caramel apple is covered in caramel and that it is smooth and flawless. Plus, when you eat a "normal" caramel apple, the ratio of apple:caramel is never quite right. I love this idea and loved it even more after I made and ate them myself. (Idea stolen, without permission, from Marti. But I'm sure she'll forgive me).Here's what you need: melon baller, toothpicks, apple, caramels, 1/2 & 1/2 or cream (I chose cream because that's what I had on hand) and toppings (I did coconut, M&M's and peanuts, because that's what I had (side note to my side note: I discovered my garlic press is a quick, easy and nearly mess-free way to crush small portions of peanuts and M&M's)).And a little helping hand to eat the toppings the entire time.
I cut as many balls from my apple as I could and then stuck a toothpick in each. Then I put 8 unwrapped caramels in a glass dish with about 1 to 1 1/4 Tablespoons of cream (it was a tad too much). 8 caramels was more than enough for one apple. I nuked it for a minute, stirred until smooth, dipped the apples in caramel, dipped the apples in a topping and then set them on wax paper to cool off. Too bad I ate the three biggest ones before they had a chance to cool. Enjoy!

More opinions: the coconut added an extra sweet flavor, the peanuts added a nice contrasting salty flavor and the M&M's added a fun crunch and lovely chocolate flavor. Mmm, all three are my favorite.

Haunted Walk at Usery Park

I have many fond memories of Usery Park. I remember in junior high and high school, loading up in the car with my sisters and driving what seemed like forever to go hike to the Wind Caves. Little did I know that years later I would live only a few miles from Usery Park (I didn't realize Mesa would expand that much). Usery Park has a lot to offer. I've ridden horses there, had picnics, hiked, celebrated birthdays with bonfires, had family reunions, and played with my own kids on the playgrounds. It's a place to make memories.

This Saturday, October 25th 2008, at 7:00 PM:

Usery Park is hosting a Haunted Walk for Ghouly Ghosts. "Ghosts of all ages are invited to kick off the Halloween season with a 1-mile 'haunted walk' on the Merkle Trail. Decorate a white sheet at home, and wear it for this 'ghouly' evening. 'Ghost Rangers' judge the best child and adult sheet costumes. After the walk, enjoy free beverages and cookies while listening to spooky stories around the bonfire. Only costumed ghosts are permitted on this walk. Meet at Area 6."

The entrance to Usery Mountain Regional Park is located at:

3939 N. Usery Pass Road Mesa, 85207

Ellsworth, north of McDowel Road.

The cost to get into this park is $6 per vehicle. For more information, go here.

So get your family out to enjoy this beautiful evening and a fun activity. Did I mention the views at Usery Park are superb?

Any questions? Call: 480-984-0032

Pow Wow Time

(photo courtesy of here)

One great thing about Mesa is our diversity. This weekend, learn about Native American culture at the Mesa Pow Wow. This is an inter-tribal Native American gathering and dance competition, featuring more than 100 arts-and-crafts vendors.

FREE admission

October 24th, 2008 - October 26th, 2008

Friday: 6:00-10:00 PM (Concert)

Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Located at:

Pioneer Park

526 E. Main St. Mesa, 85203

I wasn't able to find a lot of information, but both Saturday and Sunday it lists "Gourd" at 11:00 AM and "Grand Entry" at 1:00 PM. I'm not so sure what that means, but I'm sure it will be fun and interesting to watch. Based on the pictures I found of last years event, it looks like a beautiful place to be.

Pumpkin Decorating

****Don't forget to send in your recipes****

Looking for ideas to decorate those cute pumpkins this year? How about spray paint?

These little pumpkins are $1 at Albertsons. First I had my lovely 2 and 3 year old assistants put stickers all over them. After they were finished, I patted the pumpkins, making sure the stickers were firmly in place and then I covered the stem in masking tape. We then went outside and as the kids played, I spray painted. I had left over white and black, so those were the colors we went with. You don't need the expensive kind, I actually found that the Krylon Plastic Fusion did not bond well. Make sure to only lightly spray the pumpkins as to not create drips. You might even like a 2 toned look. After our pumpkins were dry, I removed the stickers and lightly distressed them. Just make sure that in your distressing, you don't remove the pumpkin skin. This will cause that area of the pumpkin to wilt. Now display your work proudly.

My girls love their little creations and have often had to eat breakfast with their pumpkin sitting right next to them. I love this spray paint idea because our little pumpkins last all season, not just a few days and it won't make a mess when they get carried around the house.

Another variation that I saw in the "Good Housekeeping" magazine is to add ribbons to your pumpkins. The possibilities are endless.

And for those of you who still love to carve pumpkins, there is a way to preserve your artwork a little longer:

1st- Clean pumpkin.

2nd- Spray inside and all cut areas of pumpkin with a bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach to 1 quart water).

3rd- Let is dry and penetrate surfaces for 20 minutes.

4th- Rub any cut or carved surfaces with petroleum jelly.

5th - Keep pumpkin out of sunlight and heat.

Thanks to this website for the info. Now you should enjoy your pumpkin for at least a week.

Concert

Next Saturday, the 25th, there will be a Mindy Gledhill concert at Mountain View High School (NWC Lindsay & Brown in Mesa). The concert begins at 7:00pm and tickets can be purchased from her site (link below) or at Pioneer Books in Mesa for $15.
The great thing is, not only will you get to attend a lovely concert, but proceeds will go to the Christian and Stephanie Nielson Rehab Fund and the family of the late Doug Kinneard. Not to mention Stephanie's daughters will be singing a special song with Mindy. Life may not get sweeter than that, my friends. $15 for entertainment and helping a beautiful cause. Not bad.

Read more about the details leading up to this special event here. (Warning, you might cry).

Purchase tickets and read more about Mindy Gledhill here.

PS Don't forget to e-mail us your recipes by end of day tomorrow. Our e-mail address is iheartmesa@gmail.com

Saguaro Lake

Up the hill and around the corner is Saguaro Lake. I've never really considered going there without a boat, but my husband goes nearly every week to fish. One week we accompanied him and I was quite impressed with the dock at Butcher Jones. It is about a five minute walk to get there from the parking lot. There's a trail, but you should still watch out for snakes, tarantulas and other desert creatures. Even if you don't fish, it's a nice play with the kids, enjoy the lake, go on nature walks and just hang out. You can go swimming in the lake from the shore, but I prefer seeing the water from a distance. The great thing about the dock is it's partially covered and completely surrounded by railings, so you can let the kids run free. My little one likes to run, but with a pile of rocks, she'll sit forever and throw the rocks in the water, one by one.

Here's a map of directions to the lake and a map of the lake. Butcher Jone's is the northern most point of the lake. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic there or go in the evening to watch a beautiful sunset on the lake.

Moki's

Forget the trip to Hawaii, save some money and just go to Moki's Hawaiian Grill this Friday night.

Moki's is hosting their all you can eat festivities again this Friday.

Cost: $10 for adults, $6 for those 8 and younger.

6:30-7:30 pm at their East Mesa location

Located on the NE corner of Southern and Val Vista (behind the Jack in the Box)

This event is held every 2nd Friday at their Dobson and Baseline location. Every 3rd Friday, the event is held at their Val Vista and Southern location. Go here for a map.

For this price you get: all you can eat yummy food, a drink, and live entertainment including a fire dancer and hula dancers. Doesn't it sound pretty awesome?

Moki's Hawaiian Grill is a place to go for good food, a great environment, and wonderful service. When I go, I usually get the combo plate with Katsu Chicken and Kalua Pork, yum. Too bad I didn't have my SavvyShopper (one of those coupon magazines you get in the mail) coupon for a buy one get one free combo plate when I went on Monday. But if you plan on going sometime, look for the coupon. (The coupon will not work for all you can eat Friday night events).

So this Friday, go to be entertained or go to enjoy good food, but either way, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Farms a Plenty

If you don't have the time to travel all the way out to the famed Schnepf Farms, don't fret, there are a few farms that are located in or closer to Mesa.

Marily Smith so kindly reminded us of Mother Nature's Farm. I've gone to this one in past years to get cute pictures of my kiddos. It's a great little farm. It is located on the south side of Baseline between Stapley and Gilbert.

It is free to use their pumpkin patch as a cute backdrop for pictures, but if you would like to do a little more, the cost is $7 for youth and $3 for parents who tag along. $7 "includes an OZ pumpkin, decorating your pumpkin, the air bounce, a hayride, straw bounce, feeding the animals and Alexander's Adventure Maze." To save $3 on an adult entrance, go here to get a free coupon.

And if Schnepf Farms and Mother Nature's Farm aren't working out for you either, try

Vertuccio Farms: 4011 S. Power Road

The cost of this one is $7, however, 4 and younger are free. Cost includes: 10 acre corn maze, straw maze, bounce house, play area, farm animals, educational "Pizza Farm", and access to the pumpkin patch. Pay an additional $2 to ride the barrel train or the pedal cars. Go here for a $1 off coupon. Or if you want, you can organize a group of 20 or more and get a group rate.

Hopefully you can find a farm that fits your needs. Nothing like a little country time to enhance our city life.

Yoga

Ma Maneesha offers 'The Essence of Yoga'

Wednesday, October 15th
7:30 - 9:30 pm
Inside the Bungalow: 48 N Robson, Mesa AZ 85201

A Free Workshop! - For beginners to advanced students and yoga teachers from all styles and backgrounds.
Come and Experience and Understand Yoga (Union-Uniting) like never before!
RSVP: (480) 844-2353

I am not a Yoga person, but after reading how impressive Ma Maneesha is, this looks like my chance to start. Ma Maneesha is traveling here from India and has over 30 years of Yoga teaching experience. She studied the purest forms of Yoga and has learned directly from those that helped to popularize Yoga outside of India.

Thanks to Amber Smith for passing on this information: "Please don't miss this jewel of a woman! She will express beautifully the essence of yoga and how it can touch your very Being and how every moment of your life can be Blissful. Perfect for beginners! This is the place to start! or the place to come back to...in case you're missing something along your yoga path."

Fall BlissFest

If one flyer wasn't enough to get you excited about this event, we decided to put up two. Carnival games, shopping, raffles, food...wow, I'm hooked already. Come and have a good time while supporting a great cause.

Saturday, October 18th from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

in Downtown Mesa: 166 West Main St.

Our favorite graphic designers will be there with a booth, along with many other talented locals. You won't want to miss out. Besides, you practically have all day to make time to get down there.

You can also hit 2 events in one trip downtown. Remember Old West Days are on Saturday as well. And, don't forget to keep submitting your recipes.

Recipes = Giveaway

It's your lucky day because you now have another opportunity to win something lovely.

Here's the story...

Our cousin is in the process of adopting another child from Russia. Her and her husband did this with their first child several years ago and to assist with the costs (you think maternity insurance is expensive...), they gathered recipes and compiled them into a cookbook to print and sell. They have started the adoption process again and have decided to produce a second cookbook.

Here's what you do...

E-mail us any and all of your favorite recipes. The sections will include:

Appetizers & Dips, Soups, Salads, Breads, Breakfasts & Beverages, Casseroles, Main Dishes, Grilling, Vegetarian, Vegetable Dishes, Crockpot Meals, Freezer Meals, and always last, but rarely least, Desserts.

Don't forget your name and city to be included with the recipe. If you prefer your information remain anonymous, please specify. Your name will be entered once for each recipe you submit.

Here's what you win...

A copy of the cookbook, of course! The cookbook is expected to be completed sometime mid-November and will probably be $20. The last cookbook was 216 pages, so it's nice and thick. Plus, you're doing a good deed by sharing your recipes with us. These are my favorite type of cookbooks because they are "real" recipes. They are practical and the ingredients can be easily found in your typical grocery store. Don't get me wrong. I love Martha Stewart, but I don't always have the time to gather 40 ingredients from five different stores for a meal that takes 3 hours to prepare.

Parent University

Have you ever heard of Parent University from Mesa Public Schools? I taught a few years for MPS and I had forgotten that these classes were offered, but I'm glad that I stumbled across them again. Classes range in cost from free to $25 and are offered on a variety of subjects from growth and development to behavior. For a complete list of classes and information on registration, go here.

Some of the classes have already come and gone, but an Introduction to Baby Signs class will be held on Thursday, October 16th and 23rd from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

This class is held at the MPS Curriculum Service Center, Rm. 142.

549 N. Stapley, Mesa 85203-7203

"Week 1: Parent Workshop: (Adults only) Parents will learn HOW and WHEN to start signing at home, as well as over 20 signs to incorporate into daily activities and routines.

Week 2: Sign, Say & Play. Babies come to this class! Parents and their children, 6 mos.—3 yrs. will enjoy this class of games, songs and activities that will teach more than 10 signs. Children 6 mos. -3 yrs. come for free. This class is designed to stimulate growth in your baby's motor, intellectual, language and social skills."

PRICE: $10

Pay by phone: 480-472-7278 or on the web.

MCC Planetarium

Friday, October 10th, 2008: "Mesa Community College invites you to view the night sky and explore the amazing Universe in our new Planetarium."

Shows run every half hour starting at 6:00 pm. The last show starts at 9:30 pm. Telescope Viewing on the roof from 8:00-10:00 pm.

Admission is FREE and no reservations are required. If you plan to bring a group of 20 or more, please contact MCC.

Location:

The new Physical Science Building on the Southern and Dobson campus of MCC, 1833 W. Southern. The Physical Science Building (#15) is located next to Dobson Road, 2 traffic lights south of Southern Ave. Free parking is available in the lot to the south of the Physical Science Building.

For more information, go here.

Train Park Event

Image from here.

Because the Mesa kiddos are out of school for Fall Break, take them and do something a little extra special this weekend. Saturday and Sunday is the Annual Railfair at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale. They will have displays, exhibits and children's activities.

From the park's website:

"Saturday & Sunday October 11th & 12th, 10:00am to 5:00pm. Railfair will feature model train displays and exhibits, moonwalks and other entertainment from 10am-5pm each day. The park’s railroad exhibit featuring the Roald Amundsen Pullman car, a former presidential car, will be offering free tours. Many of the park’s seldom seen railroad equipment will also be on display. Admission to Railfair is FREE. Train rides are available for $2.00 each and carousel $1.00 each with children under three riding free with a paying adult."

The park is located at 7301 E. Indian Bend in Scottsdale. If you've never been, you should check it out. It's fun for kids, and probably everyone, no matter the age. I'm not going to lie, I loved my little train ride last time I visited the park!

If you don't get to go this weekend, be prepared to visit the park in December, as they have great Holiday festivities. But more on that later when our high temperature isn't 97*.

P.F. Chang's Marathon/ Half Marathon Training Kick - Off Party

(image from here)

Thursday, October 9th, 2008 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm (sorry it's last minute notice)

Come down to Arizona Falls / G.R. Herberger Park at Indian School Road and 56th Street for this free community event. Kick off your training for the big run with a bang.

Events for the evening include:

- 3.5-mile training run / walk with Olympic gold medalist Frank Shorter and the reigning USA Masters Marathon champion, Susan Loken
- Music, raffles, games and free food and reusable gift bags.

- P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona registration discounts – the first 100 people who sign up also get a free T-shirt

- Valley charities will be on-site with info on training programs

So if you are looking for a little jump start to get you excited about running a race, this should do the trick.

The Arizona State Fair

(Photo from here)

The state fair is here again. Whether you are going for the fried food on a stick or to see a huge pig, the state fair has a lot to offer. Plus, as one article I read points out, you can do some of the best people watching there. You surely won't be disappointed with the varied selection. This same article points out some ways to do the fair a little more cost effective. Check it out if you plan on attending.

Fair dates are October 10th - November 2nd, 2008

Fair Hours:

Closed Mondays

Tuesday - Friday – Open at 12:00 noon

Saturday and Sunday – Open at 10:00 am

Fair Admission:

Adult - $12

Child (ages 5 - 13) - $6

Senior (ages 55 and up) - $6

Children under 5 - FREE

Make sure you check out that article for ideas on how to get in for cheaper.

One big reason people go the the state fair is for the concerts. All shows are free with paid admission to the fair or you can reserve seats for a fee through Ticketmaster and the Coliseum Box Office. Separate fair admission is still required.

Here is a list of scheduled shows - all of them. Even the ones I haven't heard of:

Oct. 11th @ 7:00 pm: Larry the Cable Guy (Reserved seating $20)
Oct. 16th @ 7:00 pm: Goo Goo (Reserved seating $20)
Oct. 17th @ 7:00 pm: Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert (Reserved seating $20)
Oct. 18th @ 6:00 pm: Weezer (Reserved seating $20)
Oct. 21st @ 7:00 pm: Sheryl CrowOct. 21 (Reserved seating $20)
Oct. 22nd @ 7:00 pm: Mary J. Blige (Reserved Seating $20)
Oct. 24th @ 8:00 pm: Old School Jam Oct. 24 • 8:00 pm (Reserved seating $15)
Featuring:Naughty By Nature, Ton Loc, Coolio, Young MC, Klymaxx, Club Nouveau, Timex Social Club

Oct. 16th @ 5:00 pm: AB Quintanilla IIIand the Kumbia All Starz (Reserved Seating $15)
Oct. 30th @ 7:00 pm: Meat Loaf (Reserved seating $15)
Nov. 1st @ 7:00 pm: LL Cool (Reserved seating $15)

And if concerts aren't your thing, then check out the fair's list of attractions. My girls would love being able to meet their beloved Dora.

The Spider

Today we made a spider. It's the first Halloween decoration I've made in quite some time. It is fairly inexpensive, easy and rather cute.

Here's everything you need to know to make your very own spider(s).

1. Gather materials: 4 black pipe cleaners, black paint (I used cheap acrylic paint), brush (I used foam brushes, probably not great for styrofoam balls, but they work), one styrofoam ball, 2 wiggly eyes, black paper clips, black ribbon and adhesive (I used E6000 because it smells good).

2. Paint ball black.

3. Glue on eyes.

4. Cut pipe cleaners in half and stick into ball. Crimp near "feet" end. If you'd like, your spider can be done at this point. You can just let it sit on something. But if you have young kids and you don't want them ripping the legs off, I'd recommend proceeding to the next step.

5. Shape paper clip into a "U" and stick into ball, but not completely just yet.

6. Thread ribbon under portion of paper clip sticking out, press paper clip all the way down and tie the loose ends. I suggest hanging it from a light that's never been dusted. It will feel right at home with all of the real spider webs. :)
Idea from here.

October Traditions

One of the reasons we wanted to get this blog started is so people can exchange ideas, especially fun ideas and traditions you may have for the holidays.  Halloween is just weeks away (wow, that came fast).  I have been trying out a few Halloween art projects, but they seem to go a lot better for those publishing magazines than they do for the 1st timer.  With that being said, what traditions or fun ideas to you have for this season that are tried and tested, that someone doesn't have to be a Martha Stewart to do?

Now since we want you to share your ideas, I will share one of mine:

My cousins and my family grew up doing everything together, but we found that as we have grown and now have families of our own, it is difficult to see each other very often.  So last year we started having our own Halloween Carnival.  We have this carnival before Halloween, giving us time to stretch out our festivities without having everything crammed onto Halloween night.  This year our family carnival will be on Saturday, the 18th.  The kids dress up and we go to a cousin's house for a night of home-made carnival games, face painting,  cookie decorating, and nacho, cotton-candy, corn-dog, snow-cone, and homemade rootbeer eating.  We even rent one of those jumpy bouncer things.  

I am looking forward to this year with much anticipation.  I love that my kids get to have a night of fun and festivities and it's a chance for me to share with them something that was a major part of my childhood: my cousins.  It is also nice that my girls get to see their grandparents and great-grandma in their Halloween costumes.  They get to go trick-or-treating to the grandparents so that way it leaves one less thing that we try to fit in on Halloween night.

Now although some of my family members have experience with concessions (those were fun teenage summers), this carnival is simple and is one that many families could add to their list of traditions.  It's the family time and being together that makes it so special.

Schnepf Farms

With fall upon us now, it's time to celebrate the season.  One way to do this is by going to Schnepf Farm's Pumpkin and Chili Party.  It was voted "Arizona's BEST Family Fall Experience," by Phoenix Magazine.  

This event is every Thursday thru Sunday, October 2nd - November 2nd

Thursdays & Sundays: 10am to 9pm

Fridays and Saturdays: 10am to 10pm

Admission is $14, unless you get tickets through Fry's then it is $12.  Children 2 and under are free.  Every Thursday, Seniors, Queen Creek residents (with proof of utility bill or on driver's license), and all other costumers with a printed coupon from their website, can get in for 1/2 price.  

Now check out everything admission includes:  (does this sound fun or what?)

"Hay rides, miniature golf, 4 acre and 10 acre "Celebrity" maze, country road rally, honeybee adventure, carousel rides, petting barn, Hillbilly Bob's Pig Races, Swinging Lady Bugz ride (must be 36" tall), Flying Farmers ride (under 32" tall), Pumpkin Launch, Witch Mountain, Arizona's only gravity roller coaster (32" tall), SRP Earthwise energy Maze, Rock climbing wall, "live" entertainment, (last three weekends two stages), bon fires & marshmallow roasting (6:30pm), lil' farmers play yard, Friday and Saturday nights outdoor Movie Feature (bring your blankets and chairs) begins at 8:30pm (movie may be cancelled due to unforseen circumstances). Schnepf Family Museum, sweet shop, Country Store, Gift shops, and a spectacular fireworks show every night as we celebrate over 65 years of farming!" 

Krispy Kreme

I'm a little fan of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (okay, a big fan). I was sad that they were closed for a few years, but very much excited when the only one in Arizona opened back up in Mesa. Well, Krispy Kreme is expanding again and this time their having a little celebration. It's a good thing I belong to the Krispy Kreme fan club so I could find out about this one.

Thursday, October 9th, 2008 Krispy Kreme is opening up three additional locations.  Here is the info from the e-mail I received,

"Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game in which participants use a GPS system to hide and seek valuable items (called caches). For Krispy Kreme's Glazed Treasure Hunt 2008, 20 hidden caches will be placed across the Phoenix metro area, and participants who find a cache will be rewarded with a “glazed treasure,” such as a coffee mug filled with a coupon good for a lifetime supply of FREE doughnuts or coffee.  If you want get in the hunt, be one of the first 20 customers or teams to arrive at one of the new neighborhood Krispy Kreme stores (addresses below) on Oct. 9 and get a head start on the game! You will receive a free GPS unit, the first glimpse at GPS coordinates for cache locations and a road trip care package. ALL customers will receive the coordinates throughout opening day for an opportunity to participate in the Glazed Treasure Hunt 2008.Can't make the hunt? You still have a chance to join in the fun! Drop by one of the new stores on opening day and you'll receive FREE giveaways."

For more information about Krispy Kreme’s Glazed Treasure Hunt 2008, call 480-325-6789.

New store locations include:

620 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 
2747 E Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ  85016 
12629 N Paradise Village Parkway West, Phoenix, AZ  85032

Now, these stores aren't exactly in our neighborhood, but some of you might be in the mood for a little treasure hunting come Thursday.

And the Winner is...

Beka from:  iwillsaveyourday.blogspot.com

Beka, we hope you enjoy spending your $25, just send us an email with your address included and we'll get that shipped out soon.  We are excited to have met Beka and other local bloggers through our little contest.  We appreciate all of the comments, so keep them coming.  

If you want to check out a new blog and make a new blogging friend, go check out Beka's.  I have enjoyed getting to "know" her since she left us a comment and am excited that she has won.  It was through her blog that I found out about a blog similar to ours in Utah (and I thought I was original).  

Last Minute

In case you don't have plans for tonight but are looking for something to do, we suggest trying out Palatte's First Friday event.

Picture borrowed from here.

It sounds like it will be a relaxing evening to enjoy drinks and live music. And think of the treasures you might find from the local vendors that will be attending. It lasts from 6:00 - 11:00pm. To top it all off, our favorite graphic designers, SeeSaw Designs, will be there with their lovely handmade letterpress cards.

Oh, and since the event ends at 11:00pm, you'll have plenty of time to return home and find one more way to enter to win our giveaway before Midnight.

October and Still HOT - What do YOU do to cope?

Can you believe it's October?  Welcome to fall in Arizona.  Hot, hot, and more hot.  When the summer seems to never end, you need ways to cope.  One way my family copes is with a trip up north to Sunrise Ski Resort.  Anyone who goes skiing or snowboarding probably knows there are 2 main parks here in Arizona:  Sunrise and Snowbowl.  In our family, it's all about Sunrise.  I'm not a skier, but my husband is and eagerly awaits the day that he and his little girls can hit the slopes together.  

On October 11th and 12th, Sunrise is hosting their annual fall colors and pass promotion.  This is when (see flyer below) you can take your kids, 12 and under, to get a "free" season pass for Sunrise.    They do have to complete the little checklist on the flyer and pay a $25 printing fee (I didn't find the cost of the printing fee on the website for Sunrise, but my husband said to trust him because he, "knows everything about Sunrise.").  So the total cost to get the "free" pass would be $30 + gas to get to Sunrise.  It is probably not worth it if you will only go to Sunrise once this winter, but if you will be taking your kids multiple times, this is a good deal.  

My little family will be going up north for the weekend of the 11th.  My girls are still too young to ski, but we are going to enjoy the fall colors and the lift rides.  One thing I love about Arizona is that you can drive a few hours and be in a totally different environment.  Here, in the valley, it's desert.  However, a few hours away, the White Mountains offer such beautiful forests.  The colors are changing and the cool weather is always a nice way to make it actually feel more like fall. The cost of the lift tickets for adults are around $8 and are $5 for youth.  (I tried to reach Sunrise by phone to confirm the price, but have been unable to.)  The weather should be much cooler, so remember to pack some warm clothes and enjoy all the beauties of Arizona.  I can't wait!  Beautiful trees, here we come.

Photo from here.

What do you do to cope with a hot fall?  Let us know your suggestions, and remember, every comment gets you closer to that $25 that we are giving away.  Maybe you can use it to help pay the cost of your own little northern Arizona get away.  Remember, the giveaway ends Friday at midnight.  So, ready, set, comment.