Favorite Things of 2008

Sorry about no new events. It seems like the only major thing going on this New Years Eve was the Tempe Block Party, but I figured pretty much everyone has heard about that one.

So with the new year I thought I would copy something that my creative sister-in-law did: share my top favorite things of 2008. Now these are things you can buy with money, so obliviously I'm not putting a picture of my family, but I loved the idea because just looking at my sister-in-law's list gave me a few ideas of new products I would like to try out. I'll share mine, then if you would like, do this on your own blog and leave a comment here letting others know to check out your fabulous finds of 2008.

These are in no particular order:

1 - Rubber Floor Mats for My Car: These are wonderful. I got them through the dealership so they are more heavy duty than those that you can purchase at Walmart, but I love how they trap the mud and debris. They are MUCH easier to clean than carpeted ones. I would recommend these for any car that is the "family car" or gets used for off-roading and camping trips.

2 - LG Steam Washer and Dryer: I love how what used to take me 2.5 loads of laundry now only takes 1 load. These save me time and are nicer on our electricity bill. I'm glad we finally upgraded this year.

3 - Express Jeans: I don't love all Express jeans, but I do like the Stella boot cut and the X2 W10 styles. They are the only jeans I have found that fit me. Meaning, they aren't low riders that show my rear when I bend over and they don't come up to my belly button. They don't look like bell-bottoms on me and they don't cost hundreds of dollars.

4 - Redken 09 Hairspray: My hair doesn't stay perfect all day long, but I love the flexible hold of this hairspray. Plus it smooths out my frizzy hair without weighing it down. A little pricey, but a great finishing product.

5- Queen Helene Mint Julep Face Masque: I found a recommendation for this product earlier in the year while I was blog hopping. The blogger said her modeling coach recommended it. Now wouldn't that be a nice phrase to say, "My modeling coach." Oh well, although I'm not a model, I do love this product. It cost me about $3.50 for 2 at Walgreens (buy 1 get 1 free deal) and it's a nice refresher for my dull skin.

6 - Scotch-Brite Kitchen Cloths: These rags don't miraculously clean everything without any effort, but they are my favorite rags. My mother-in-law gave them to me and I find myself always searching for them in the rag drawer. They just make scrubbing grime easier.

7 - Burt's Beeswax: Call me stupid, but I was afraid to try this stuff because I thought it would be waxy. It's not and I like how it makes my lips feel. It has a great mint taste that doesn't make me gag. My sister-in-law has also introduced me to the wonders of the tinted ones.

8 - Family Pictures: Let me introduce you to my beautiful girls Lucy and Elsa. I know, I said I wasn't putting my family on here, but after much thought, I came to the conclusion that paying for good family pictures is a must! This was the first time in 7 years of marriage that my husband and I have paid to get professional family pictures (besides the silly old west ones in Silverton, Colorado). These were taken by my good friend Darby, but remember, we also recommend DM Photo for your photography needs.

9 - The Double Decker Carousel at Superstition Springs Mall: This is mostly for my girlies. I hate things that spin, but this little ride makes them so happy. There is just something special about seeing my little ones take a ride with their dad. The tokens are a little pricey, but we usually spend the $20 up front to get (I think) 8 tokens. We just save the rest for other visits. Adults who are riding with children do not need a token.

10 - The Miso Salad from California Pizza Kitchen: Just read how CPK's website describes it: "Shredded Napa cabbage with fresh avocado, julienne cucumbers, daikon, edamame, carrots, red cabbage, green onions, cilantro, crispy rice noodles and crisp wontons tossed in a Miso dressing and topped with blue crab and shrimp. Also available with chilled-grilled chicken instead of seafood." Oh how I crave this salad.

So there you have some of my favorite products of 2008. Now maybe you have a few new things you would like to try. I got personal and shared my list, now it's your turn.

Light Rail Grand Opening

I hope each one of you had a wonderful Christmas and celebrated the best that you could. I know I have been MIA the last week or so. Family time took precedence over blogging time. Besides, I did learn one critical lesson this season: if you plan to make homemade gifts, start at Easter.

image from here (I like this picture because it shows the old railroad bridge and the new light rail bridge over Tempe Town Lake . I stood on that old rusty railroad bridge 7 years ago to take engagement pictures, so the change is a little sentimental.)

If you haven't already heard, this weekend will be a historical one. It's the:

Light Rail Grand Opening Celebration

Saturday, December 27th, 2008 and Sunday, December 28th, 2008

All train rides are free until 2009!

On Saturday, trains will run from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM with festivities only lasting until 5:00 PM. Festivities will be unique and family friendly at each light rail station and will include music and give-aways.

Sunday is included in the official Grand Opening Celebration, however, there will not be any station celebrations.

Things to remember:

- If you want to skip the lines for the train to get back to your car faster, you can catch a free shuttle bus on opening weekend that will stop near each light rail station every 3 to 5 minutes.

-No food or drink on trains unless the drink is in a spill-proof container.

-There will be portable toilets at each celebration.

-No pets on the train.

-Bikes are not permitted on the train during the Grand Opening.

This website offers valuable information as to station locations, park and ride areas, and road closures. Make sure you click where is states "Click here to link to our Grand Opening Guide..." for more information. Page 13 of the guide includes a map of the light rail route and a run down of each station's celebration.

Holiday Crafts

Christmas is just days away. I thought I would share some cute crafts I found that would be great to make during this wet and rainy week. Most of these can be done with thing you might already have at home because it's all about simplicity right now.

- Snowman doorstop: My nephew came home with this one from the first grade and I thought it was adorable. It would even be cute with a plain rectangle brick if that's what you have lying around.

- FANtastic snowflakes: I've made paper snowflakes before, but I love these cute polka dotted ones.

- Make your own updated Tiddlywinks game: All it takes is some poster board and some buttons and you've got yourself a fun little game to play.
Cactus card: You probably still need a few cards for all those gifts, why not try out this cute one?

Mervyn's Closing

image from here

I grew up in west Mesa. It seems like these past couple of years I've seen a lot of changes. For example, Matta's on Main Street, the one restaurant that was a constant in my families lives, closed down. The hospital where I spent some of my days closed down. Now Mervyn's is closing. I remember going to Mervyn's with my grandma to buy new clothes for school when I was little. Mervyn's was where my mom took me to buy some cute baby girl outfits when I found out I was having twin girls. I know some of you could care less about Mervyn's, but I'm sad to see it go.

With that said, the last day that Mervyn's will be open is TOMORROW. They will be having 80% off all merchandise and 90% off some holiday items.

Mervyn's Closing Day

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008

Open from 8:00 AM- 10:00 PM

Now just remember, it is 80% off the original price. I went last week when it was 60% off and I got some decent deals, but the prices that are the "original" prices are not what I would call Mervyn's original. However, I'm sure you could still find some deals and say one last goodbye to Mervyn's.

So long my friend.

Kid Yoga

image from here

Mesa schools get out on Friday. My girls are still too young for school, but I did teach 1st grade for a few years, so I know that Christmastime + the idea of no school = ENERGY. If you need an outlet for your kiddos extra energy, try YOGA!

Mesa's Main Library is offering two Yoga classes:

Yoga Fun

(this class is for ages 3-10 yrs.)
Main Library Youth Activity Room

Monday, December 22, 10:30-11:30 AM
Kids have fun stretching and posing like animals, numbers, letters and shapes!

Sunshine Yoga
(this class is for ages 10 and older)
Main Library Saguaro Room

Monday, December 22, 10:30-11:30 AM
Hatha style basic yoga poses and breathing techniques. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a towel or mat, and refrain from eating at least one half hour before class.

Instructors: Michael and Rajeswari Tress

information from here

Thanks Burgess for the heads-up.

Messiah and Christmas Family Sing-a-Long

image from here

Celebrate Christmas with a Messiah and Christmas sing-a-long family concert featuring the Symphony of the Southwest. Also, the Youth Symphony of the Southwest will help to perform an arrangement of Greensleeves. This will sure to be fun for all ages.

Saturday, December 20th

2:30 PM

at the Mesa Arts Center, Ikeda Theater

Ticket prices range from $10-$27

call 480.644-6500 or go here.

information from here

Natural History Museum Holiday Offer

image from here

Check out this e-mail we got from the Arizona Museum of Natural History:

Holiday membership offer at Arizona Museum of Natural History

It will make a great Christmas gift, benefits the museum and is a potential tax deduction.

The Arizona Museum of Natural History

53 N. Macdonald in Mesa

Renew or purchase one membership by December 31st, 2008 and receive a second membership at half-price. A Basic membership of $70 provides free admission for two adults and two children for one year, invitations to receptions and events, a 10 percent discount in the Museum Store and a subscription to the Museum magazine “Southwest Quest.” You can add children for $5 each and adults for $10 each. A Friend membership of $125 also provides two guest passes to the museum and passes to Arizona Museum for Youth and Mesa Contemporary Arts at Mesa Arts Center.

For more information, contact Arizona Museum of Natural History Curator of Education Kathy Eastman at (480) 644-5662 or visit here.

Last Fall Concert

Remember us telling you about the Fall Out to Lunch Concert Series at the Mesa Arts Center here?

Well, tomorrow, December 18th is the last one.

Remember, the concert will be held on the Wells Fargo Garden from 12:30 - 1:30pm and will be featuring the Desert City Six: Dixieland Jazz. Plus, it's free so take advantage.

Last Minute Decorating

Are you still looking for last minute ways to decorate your home for the holidays? One of the things I love about looking at blogs, is finding great ideas for decorating, especially ideas that are practical and inexpensive. Often I find myself browsing through the list of blogs that look at this site. There really is an array of talent out there.
image from here

One idea that I love, I found on Livin' Life Patino Style. If you go here you can see cute ways to add glitter to various objects to give them a little holiday spirit. For example, add glitter to ugly dollar store candle holders and get some wows. Add glitter to pine cones found at the park. Glitter is really a simple way to change blah to bling.

Nights at the Museum of Natural History

Oops, forgot one

Nights at the Museum
at the Arizona Museum of Natural History
53 N. Macdonald

Tonight, December 12th from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Special admission is $4 for those 18 and under and $6 for everyone else.
Museum members are admitted free

There will be crafts for the kids to do and lots of holiday spirit. You can get started or finish your holiday shopping at the Museum Store, where you will find great prices. “Nights at the Museum” will allow you to enjoy the new Mars! exhibition, also PSI: Poop Scene Investigation, and Hohokam! Ancient Monuments of the Salt River Valley.

So hit the museum, Downtown's 2nd Friday, and the LDS Temple Lights all in one shot.

Dunshies' Train Display

Okay, one more for now...maybe.

Ed and Carole Dunshie have created a miniature train wonderland at their home and are having a community open house (this is separate from the train tour I just told you about).

Viewing runs 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Friday, Saturday, Sunday for the first 3 weekends in December

3326 E. Fairfield St. (Near Val Vista and Brown)
This event is FREE

Believe me when I say, this train display is DETAILED from Mt. Rushmore to a Christmas village. This train display seems to boast it all.

Also featured at the festivities:
Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be there each Saturday evening. Mrs. Claus will hand out candy canes and Santa will be available for photos. The Dunshies have also incorporated a game into their display, for a fun challenge. Guests will have to find 50 figurines incorporated into the display, from Garfield and Strawberry Shortcake to Harry Potter and Jack Sparrow. Figurines are rearranged daily, so it's always a new surprise.

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade

image from here

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade

Saturday, December 13th
4:00 - 9:00 PM


Tempe Town Lake
80 W. Rio Salado Parkway Tempe, 85281

This annual parade down Tempe Town Lake, hosts as many as 50 boats decorated with thousands of lights. Also Saturday evening at Tempe Beach Park will be special exhibits, musical entertainment and kids activities, including 50 tons of snow to play in. Celebration ends with a fireworks display.

3rd Annual Tour of Christmas Trains

Are you beginning to see what I meant by I got behind in my blogging of festivities?

The Arizona Big Train Operators are hosting it's annual train tour from 4:00 - 8:00 PM at 15 sites throughout the valley. This is a chance to get out and see many homes that have spend countless hours working on their minature trains sets.

December 13th-14th

December 20th-21st

FREE

Here are the locations: (those from Mesa are in bold)

- Rich & Sharon Hull - 2525 S. Lakeway Dr, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 (*Closed Sunday December 21)
- Ennis & Marcia Thompson - 9636 E. Mossy Rock Dr, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248
- Jack & Dorothy Johnson - 739 E.Prescott Dr, Chandler, AZ 85249
- Bill & Herta Nagle - 1236 N.Longmore Ct, Chandler, AZ 85248
- Thomas & Betty Antonowicz - 1179 E. Baylor Ln, Gilbert, AZ 85296
- Gerry Pfeiffer - 833 N. Thunderbird Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85234 (*Closed Dec 13 & 14, Sat & Sun)
- Don Sorenson & Karen Lenzen - 6130 E. Colby St, Mesa, AZ 85205
- Terry & Adrienne Haas - 1861 E. Fountain St, Mesa, AZ 85203
- Dennis & Lizabeth Sirrine - 1929 N. 24th St, Mesa, AZ 85213
- Roger Crooks - 1708 W. Dixon Circle, Mesa, AZ 85201 (*Saturday December 13 4:00-6:00pm; December 14, 20, & 21 4:00-8:00pm )
- Brian & Rebecca Casull - 7938 E. Las Piedras Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 (*Closed Dec 13 & 14, Sat & Sun)
- Glenn & Katy Sampson - 4222 W. Monte Cristo Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85053
- John & Pat Meyers - 3235 W. State Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85051
- Dan & Patience Hoag - 4007 N. 22nd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015 (*Open December 6, 7, 13 & 14 6:00-9:00pm, Closed December 20 & 21)
- Steve Gurley - 1104 E. Campus Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282 (*Closed Sunday December 21)

Last year my family was able to make it to the Sirrine's house (the owners of Tia Rosa's) and it was neat to see such a vast layout (like half their big backyard) of tracks and tunnels and various train stuff (I guess I don't know all the technical terms). I'm excited to go back again this year to see any improvements because as you can see by my dim picture, some of it was still under construction.

The Nutcracker presented by Cambell's Dance Studio

Okay, here is another opportunity to see the Nutcracker, presented by Campbell's Dance Studio. Thanks Roccy for this info.

Campbell's Dance Studio is putting on their 19th Annual production of the NUTCRACKER BALLET.

Performed at the Mountain View High school Auditorium
NW corner of Brown and Lindsay

There will be 3 shows:

Friday, December 12th at 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 13th at 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 13th at 7:30 PM

You can buy tickets at the door of the show.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $11 for students and seniors, and $10 for children under 12

Go early to get a good seat as it is open seating. It's a great show with all the works, sets, props and costumes. I think you will be pleased. If you have any questions call 480-830-3450 for Campbell's front desk.

The Nutcracker

BALLET ETUDES PRESENTS: THE NUTCRACKER

Starting tonight, December 12th and running through December 21st

Ticket prices: $7-$24

Located in the Piper Repertory Theater at the Mesa Arts Center

Running Time: 2 hours

Click here to purchase tickets and to check availability

"Experience what the Arizona Republic called "...a royally entertaining show..." as Ballet Etudes presents its 22nd annual production of The Nutcracker. Let Clara's magical journey surround you as she encounters life-size mice, swirling snowflakes, dancing confections and the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. A feast for the eyes and ears, Ballet Etudes' The Nutcracker is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with the entire family."

photo and information from here

Mother Nature's Farm Snow Day

Awhile back Roccy let us know about this one.

Mother Nature’s Farm Snow Day!
Saturday, December 13th

From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

$5 per child, $2 per adult

Located on Baseline, between Stapley and Gilbert

Bring your mittens and a snow tube, grab your friends and neighbors and come join the fun at Mother Nature's Farm. If you still need a Christmas tree, they also have cut Douglas firs and Noble Firs for sale and Elderica Pines that you can cut down or have dug up. All holiday crafts are 50% off. Photos with Santa $7.00 or 2 for $10.00.

information and picture from here

Fit City

Do you remember wayyyy back when iheartmesa first started and we told you about Mesa's Fit City challenge. Well, we did, and there is one more for the year.

Saturday, December 13th
at Mesa Riverview Shopping Center

Jingle Bell Walk
5K walk/run around the Riverview complex, starting in the Theatre District.
Registration begins at 9:30 am • Walk at 10:00 am

- Inflatable rides for the kids
- Pet friendly walk
- Canned Food drive sponsored by FOX 10

So come, exercise, then go visit Santa at Bass Pro. Thanks Kayla for the reminder.

Downtown 2nd Friday

My head has been in a fog lately and I'm trying to get over a cold (the same as half of Mesa) so I got a little behind on updates for festivities this weekend. Hopefully you don't mind a few last minute, quick blogs on the goings on here in town.

This poster pretty much sums up this activity.

2nd Friday

Downtown

6:00-10:00 PM

Enjoy:

Out with the Old

Are you looking for a way to get rid of old cans of paint, batteries, pesticides, electronics, appliances or tires? If you are, bring these and other household hazardous waste materials to the City of Mesa sponsored collection events.

Saturday, December 13 from 8:00 AM to Noon

at the Center Street Facility, 2412 N. Center (Center St., north of McKellips)

There is no cost to take advantage of this service, but Mesa residents are asked to show their most recent trash bill upon arrival. Hazardous household waste will only be accepted during the event dates and times and residents are asked to remain in their vehicles at all times while at the collection site. Waste should be sealed in its original container if possible, and unmarked containers should be labeled if the contents are known. Acceptable items: Paint, polishes & varnishes, pool chemicals, turpentine, adhesives, antifreeze, gasoline, mercury, electronics, fuel additives, paint-related materials, aerosol cans, motor oil, appliances (limit 2), batteries, pesticides, transmission fluid, fluorescent light bulbs, automotive tires (limit 5), and rims are accepted if the tire has been removed.

Helping

When most of us plan vacations, it's to get away and to relax. When Burgess, a delightful iheartmesa fan, plans a vacation, it's to serve. Burgess is trying to raise money so that she and her friend can go to Africa and serve at an orphanage with the non-profit organization Heart for Africa. While there Burgess will be put to work building dorms, planting gardens, and loving the children who need the hugs and comfort of a mother figure. As I read through her blog devoted to her adventure here, I was touched. Burgess, a mother herself, knows that these orphans need love, service, and work.

I think we can help her cause. This Saturday, December 13th, stop by her bake sale.

Located at 660 W.McLellan (right in between Alma School and Country Club)

The sale starts at 10:00 AM and last until the goodies are gone. So come buy all kinds of goodies -- cookies, brownies, peanut brittle, fudge, pumpkin and banana bread, etc. -- all homemade.

And it you can't make it on Saturday, check out other ways you can donate or other things for purchase on this blog. (Like cute hair clips that would look darling on my girls and $50 photo shoots - yea, check it out.)

Supporting Locals In All Things FOOD

We've told you about the Farmer's Market in Downtown Mesa every Friday, but Amber provided us with a resource to find out more about locally grown food products and organic produce. If you go here, you can search your zip code to see what's nearby you. You can also use their interactive map to find out what farms, farmer's markets, grocery stores and restaurants are close by. Now you know that you can get grass-fed beef from OX Ranch or go to Cafe Boa for a meal that contains all organic produce from Maya's Farm and even where to buy farm fresh eggs (Crosby's Country Eggs in Queen Creek). There's plenty more information on the Local Harvest website, so check it out.

Thanks Amber!

Choo! Choo!

The Holiday Lights event at the McCormick Train Park begins this Friday, December 12th. It will continue nightly until January 3rd (excluding December 24th, 25th and 31st) from 6:30 - 9:00pm. At 6:30pm, they have a tree lighting ceremony and Santa makes a visit (his visits stop on December 23rd, although you can still enjoy the lights until the event concludes).

Enjoy over 100,00 lights as you ride the train through the park. The cost to get into the park is free. Carousel rides are $1.00 and train rides are $2.00. Children under 3 ride the train free with a paying adult.

Last year the line to get on the train was a little long and it was quite nippy outside, but it was still worth it and the kids love it. The train ride isn't a short 2 minute ride either. If you get there close to 6:30pm, you might have a better chance of missing the long line.

The park is located at 7301 E. Indian Bend Road in Scottsdale. For more information, check out their website or call 480.312.2312.

Another Winner

Okay, I had a hard time deciding the winner of our calendar giveaway. I laughed much and I tried to decide, but after reading about regifts from grandma and man gloves and the ever so thoughtful Game-Cube, I just could not decide upon one winner. So I did the only reasonable thing and left it up to a random generator. And our lucky winner is....

Amy

Congratulations Amy. I am glad that your knitted rain hood thing finally got some use and won a one of a kind 2009 calendar for you. Enjoy a beautiful new year with a beautiful new calendar from our friends at See Saw Designs. Just e-mail us your address. Our contact info is to the right.

And if you are feeling a little blue that the random generator did not pick you, don't worry, you can buy the fabulous calendar here. Can I just say LETTER. PRESS.

Bonfires

image from here

Here's a question posed by a reader:

"I am a resident of Mesa and was curious to know if there are any places for bonfires. With the change of weather it would be awesome. Any help would be great."

Well Reader, here is my answer:

When I was little, it seemed like we had bonfires all the time in our side yard. Times have changed and now the family usually has smaller fires for roasting hot-dogs and making smores. But if you desire a real BONFIRE, here is what the Mesa Fire Department had to say:

Any household can have a bonfire or open pit fire at their home as long as they have a permit from the fire department. In order to receive a permit you must call 480.644.2101. You must allow at least 48 hours notice. And although you may be given a permit you must still follow the Maricopa County no burn days. Even if you have a permit for a specific day and the county deems it a no burn day, you cannot burn. Check here for pollution restrictions.

For fires in the desert, if the area is in Mesa city limits and is not private property, you can get a permit to burn in the desert. For areas outside Mesa, you would need to contact that county or that city for a permit and their codes.

You can only burn wood. You cannot burn trash or grass clippings. They also said to not start your fire using newspaper as kindling as it will create embers that can easily fly to your neighbors yard and house.

If you would like to have a bonfire in an already cleared, safe location, try Usery Park.

So readers, I hope that helps and if you have anymore wonderful questions, just ask.

Crafe-what?

Tonight from 6 - 10pm near Camelback and Central in Phoenix (at Frances Vintage) is Crafeteria. Have you ever heard of a cooler name for an event? I can't say it enough. I think I'll go just for the name. The bounteous homemade goods will just be a bonus. And getting some unique gifts for the holidays will be an additional bonus. Before you go, you should try to win a free calendar. If you're not into free stuff, come buy one at Crafeteria tonight. Perhaps I'll see you there.

APS Electric Light Parade and More in Phoenix

Don't forget to comment for the calendar!

Photo from here

Lately my daughters have been asking to go to a parade. Every time we pass where the Veteran's Day parade was, they inform me of this. We missed the parade in Tempe last week, but it looks like I'm in luck.

The APS Electric Light Parade

Saturday, December 6th, 2008
at 7:00 PM
FREE

Route: The APS Electric Light Parade travels along Central Avenue from Montebello to Camelback, east on Camelback to 7th Street, 7th Street south Indian School.

Viewing and parking spots along the parade route are on a first come first serve basis, so pack your lawn chairs, cozy blankets, some snacks and hot chocolate and head down to Phoenix for this spectacular event.

Also in Downtown Phoenix this weekend:

Friday, December 5th

All of Heritage Square (where the AZ Science center is located)

will celebrate Holiday Open House

from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Heritage Square will be lit with luminaries and holiday lights and The Rosson House, dressed in the holiday extravagance of the Gilded Age, will host tours that give a glimpse of holiday life in 1895. Admission to The Rosson House is $5 per person, with refreshments for sale. Tour tickets will be available at the Gift Shop.

Then,
Saturday, December 6th, 2008

from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa

A photo of you and Santa in an historic carriage, cookies, cocoa or coffee and crafts. $10 per person. The Rosson House, dressed in its holiday finery, will have the Step Back in Time Players to entertain and inform you. Admission for the Rosson House tours is still $5 per person.

information from here

Holiday Happenings at Riverview

****don't forget to leave a comment for your chance at this calendar****

image from here

Holiday Happenings at Mesa Riverview

Saturdays, December 6th, December 13th and December 20th
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The Theatre District (Dobson Rd & the Loop 202)

Come out and have some FREE FAMILY FUN! Join Mesa Riverview Saturday evenings in December for tons of fun with Santa, carolers, sleigh rides, and a children's snow park! Mesa Riverview will get everyone into the holiday spirit with their FREE event, Holiday Happenings. Santa and his carolers will bring the spirit of the season to Mesa Riverview. Santa will meet with the children and take into consideration each and every one of their gift requests, creating a magical photo opportunity for families. And while snow is a rare occurrence in the Valley, Mesa Riverview will have plenty in their children's snow park! Also, be sure to take a free horse drawn carriage ride around Mesa Riverview to check out the holiday lights around the shopping center as it will be an attraction in itself. The shopping center will be decked out from top to bottom with twinkling holiday lights and a giant holiday tree!

information from here

letterpress calendar giveaway!

Our friends from SeeSaw Designs are selling this playful letterpress calendar - perfect for yourself or a gift for the holidays.

And right now they're giving one away to one of our readers! So leave a comment telling us the worst (or funniest) Christmas gift you've ever received, along with your name & a way to contact you. We'll choose the best story and send you a free calendar, just in time for the new year.

Hurry...go! You have until midnight on Sunday, December 7th.

Tempe Marketplace Snow

image from here

Apparently it has been snowing in Tempe! Okay, not real stuff, but probably as close as we'll get here in the valley unless we have another crazy winter like we had 2 years ago. So if you want to see snow falling from the sky go to:

LET IT SNOW SHOW!

Tempe Marketplace

runs every night now through December 24th

The District at Tempe Marketplace at 7:00 PM

Come enjoy a free snow show every night during the Holidays. Fun for the whole family!

Family Fun Snow Day

This is one of those posts where the information we pass along is information given to us by a reader. How else would we find out about little wonders like this one? Thanks Nikki.

Family Fun Snow Day

Saturday, Dec 6th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

at the Gilbert True Value

601 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234

"They're shipping in 12 TONS of snow (that's 12 huge truckfuls!) and bringing in a snow slide. Sleds and tubes will be provided. There will be bouncers for the kids, raffles and giveaways, and live entertainment. Santa will be there. ALL FREE! They'll be selling Arby's sandwiches for $1.50 to benefit a great charity. I'm assuming there will be other food and drinks, too. I guess a couple radio stations and TV stations will also be there. Doesn't that sound AWESOME?! Their number is 480. 892. 0111 if you want to ask questions."

So thanks to Nikki who had her eye on entertainment, we now have something awesome to attend Saturday.

Gilbert's Nights of Lights

image and information from here

Gilbert’s Holiday Nights of Lights
Thursday, December 4th, 2008
6:00 - 8:30 PM

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 6:30 PM
Gilbert Civic Center North Campus, 50 E Civic Center Drive

Get in the holiday spirit and join Gilbert for Nights of Lights. Be there for the lighting of the Town’s first 28 foot tree and experience ground displays, community entertainment, sweet treats and a visit from Santa. The tree and light displays will remain lit through January 4th. Bring your family and friends and be a part of this inaugural event.