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6.02.2010

busy bee lauren's favorite places in mesa, az (and giveaway!)

Hi! I am Lauren from "Busy Bee Lauren". I am so excited to be guest posting today, because let's face it...I heart me some Mesa. I was born and raised in Mesa and I love it so much. I often hear people claim that Mesa is super boring and that there is nothing fun to do, ever. I will be honest, I have been guilty of claiming the same, but those are just on days when I feel like the heat will fry my brain and feed it to some local scorpions and cockroaches. Anyway, I have compiled a list of MY favorite places in Mesa. I hope you enjoy :)



Dude. If you haven't been to Sweet Cakes on Main Street in Downtown Mesa, get over there before I have you slap you in the face. Cutest little cafe, nicest people, and the yummiest food. I have DREAMS about thier bread bowls full of brocolli cheese soup goodness. And the cinnamon rolls? um. hi. delicious. Go at lunch and get the 1/2 sandwich and soup special!



Located inside a renovated old home, is the best antique store ever. Anyone that knows me knows that I have a slight obsession with owls. And by slight, I mean I should probably seek some sort of owl obsession rehab. But anyway, I have found some of my favorite collectible owls at Cherry Street Antiques. I pretty much love that place a whole lot. Sign up for their mailing list to receive awesome coupons!



3. Goodwill

Ok, so I love to shop. And since I am on a budget, I have turned my love for shopping into a slightly better alternative: thrifting. There are plenty of awesome thrift stores in the valley, but one of my favorites is on Mesa Drive and Brown. Now, this is a HUGE deal that I am telling you this, because anyone that reads my blog knows that I keep my thrifting locations under wraps. But, I am feeling loving today. So go get your thrift on and find vintage clothes, great furniture and awesome decor for dirt cheap. Just ignore the pee smell in the store. Awesomespice.




My mom put me in dance classes basically right out of the womb. Ok...when I was 2. I took all of my dance classes at Jeanne's School of Dance, and I loved it. There are a few studio locations now, but my heart lies with the East Mesa location on Higley and Brown. If you are looking to put your kids in dance, PLEASE go to Jeanne's and make sure to put them in classes with "Miss Jennifer". An awesome way to build confidence is through dance.




Mmm...Mango's. This Main Street eatery is the bomb diggity bombspice. The BEST chips and salsa, and the best Mexican food for very reasonable prices. Sitting outside and people watching is the best. Try it out, and thank me later.




The MECCA of scrapbooking supplies! My mom and I have spent quite a few bones there and have yet to regret any purchases made. The store is huge and is full of scrapbooking inspiration. You can take classes, there is an open lab, and the largest selection of scrapbooking paper I have ever seen. Seriously, I am getting warm fuzzies thinking about that store.




I LOVE Cinemark! It is pretty much the only movie theater we go to now. It is never super crowded, which translates to us being able to always get the seat we want (hello...the row with the bar to put your feet on!). But, the best part about Cinemark is the Monday night deal. If you go with a group of at least 3 people, you can get in for $5.75 a person, and you each get a free popcorn. ARE.YOU.KIDDING.ME?! That is a steal. And it makes me want to marry Cinemark and eat popcorn for the rest of my life.




Basically the coolest 2nd hand bookstore around. It has countless books, records, movies, magazines, video games, etc. The books are so inexpensive, too! Oh! And they have a little cafe now...WITH GELATO. dude.



There are plenty of other places in Mesa that I love with all of my heart, but I figured that list is a good start :) And for those that read that entire post, I am rewarding you with a giveaway! A best seller from my Busy Bee Shoppe, the "We Can Work It Out" headband!

All you have to do is share in the comments what your favorite thing about Mesa or your hometown, is!


Photobucket

Good Luck! And thanks for letting me post over here :)


And here are the rules: 
You do not need to be a Mesa resident to win, but if you live outside the U.S. we expect you to pay your own postage :)
Giveaway ends Sunday night, June 7th, at midnight. 
Winner will be announced Monday, June 8th 
Want an extra entry?  Leave a separate comment letting us know if you do any of the following:
1. Post our button on your blog.  (Look to the right for the info)
2. Tweet about I Heart Mesa (with a link to our blog)

109 comments:

Miranda said...

When visiting Sedona a few weeks ago I fell in love with Schneibly Hill.

Where i love the best part is walking and ridding my bike everywhere!!!
Mirda

yee Haw said...

I live in Fort Smith, Ar. an one of my favy. places there is Designer Again Consignment store. Its a little more than thrifting but I kno any one who loves vintage stuff would heart it big time!

Jenn Milt Art said...

I'm currently in Virginia Beach, VA. I love the beach, shell collecting and there is a huge antique mall right behind the house!

Mesa sounds wonderful!

themrsJRD said...

I'm from Texas City, TX. Honestly, my favorite thing about my hometown is the resilience of the people who live here. We have had a lot of bad things happen to us.. several explosions at the BP refinery, which killed and injured many citizens, & in 1947 a ship blew up in the port and pretty much destroyed the entire city (in fact, I'm almost positive they say the explosion registered on Richter scales in Arizona!). But still, everyone kept on truckin'. We all have a lot invested in our town and we refuse to let things like explosions, fires, & hurricanes kick us out. I'm proud to be surrounded by such great people. :)

And if I were to pick a favorite place in my city, it would probably be... Bahama Bucks! Mmmm I love some smoothies & sno cones!

Everhart Family said...

My favorite things about Mesa...Domestic Bliss in downtown, Blue Adobe Grille & I am super excited about Pool Together opening this summer at Stapley & Main! I ♥ Mesa!

Everhart Family said...

Facebook follower!

Beth's Blog said...

I live in Tipp City Oh.
I love shopping in thrift shops! ;)

Vanessa said...

Mesa sounds like a wonderful place to live! With SO much to do!

My favorite part about the town I live in is the annual fair. It's 10 days long & it's huge. Food, games, ride, people watching. It's the biggest thing that happens around here.

Julie said...

Sweet Cakes is the bestest! Definitely one of my favorite places in Mesa. And as for my hometown, I grew up in Pinedale, AZ...which is a tiny town 30 min out of Show Low, and I loved that my backyard was the forest!

Julie said...

I follow i heart mesa on facebook!

Denise said...

Oh, what I love most about Mesa???? This is seriously hard. Basically, I have lived here my whole life and most likely will. I love sweet cakes also. They were spotlighted on TLC the other day for top 10 bakeries or something I think in the US. That is HUGE!!! I do have to throw out there Krazy sub on Brown and Country club.

The Wizzle said...

Mesa native here, and very familiar with every single thing on your list! The Mesa Drive and Brown Goodwill is my neighborhood one, and it is awesome, and I even forgive you for outing it. :)

One of my favorite things about Mesa? Tia Rosa's, of course! It's in my neck of the woods, it's gorgeous, the food is amazing. Closed on Mondays though, people, so don't try to come then.

The Wizzle said...

I now follow you on Facebook. I think this means I stalk your blog in every possible way. I'll try not to scare you.

Unknown said...

I follow you on facebook! :)

Unknown said...

My favorite thing to do in my SMALL hometown is to go for walks and go down to the local antique shop on Main street. :)

I tooooo... am an ANTIQUE lover. :)

I AM JOE PESCI said...

The Orange Patch Too in Mesa!! Wonderful boutique that sells beautiful and unique house decor as well as other boutique-y things. It also has a food section where they sell their very own FRESHLY SQUEEZED ORANGE JUICE that cannot be beat. Drool!

Oh, and Rosa's! Now I'm hungry.

The Lowarys said...

I'm from Eugene, OR and I LOVE that everyone there sports Oregon Duck gear all the time and I gotta say the Saturday Market is pretty awesome! During the summer, every Saturday it's basically a hippie fest with tie-dye EVERYWHERE and cool homemade things to buy and they always have the BEST cheesecake!

Steph said...

I live outside of D.C. but my hometown is Boise, ID, which I adore. Favorite place: Ann Morrison Park! Hugest prettiest park with all my good memories. :)

jen said...

What about Tia Rosa's? Lovin' Tia Rosa's. And what about summer swim team at the public pools? Lovin' that too!

Ellie said...

I guess i would have to say that my favorite thing about my hometown: Clearwater, FL is the beautiful scenery to take pictures of.

Jennifer Babbitt said...

I own a busines in Mesa so..... I Heart Babbitt Motor Werks. I'm not your typical BMW repair shop owner!!

I also LOVE Pastis on Val Vista N of Baseline (still Mesa). Super food!! I love Inside the Bungalow. Great Yoga, smoothies, and sandwiches!! The BreadSmith (Power and McDowell) AMAZING bread. I can't tell you how great the bread is!! The Domestic BLiss people just opened a new store called FOUND and it is AWESOME!!

kelzone said...

in my hometown (north salt lake, ut) there is this video store called "top hat video". the last hour they're open everyday all rentals (including new arrivals) are .65. ya, that's 65 cents. and they have every movie you can imagine. all the classics, independent films, pretty much any movie you can imagine.

Audra Roberts said...

I would say laying by the pool, Some of the Public Pools here have some nice water features too. I also would say the smell of Oranges and Picking them.

Internet Browser said...

Well, even if I no longer live there, Flagstaff (my hometown) is pretty much amazing. I love to browse downtown Flag, and it's ever so close to Jerome and Sedona. :D

Internet Browser said...

I am a fan on facebook. :D

Erin said...

I <3 Sweet Cakes. Having gone to Heritage Academy... EVERYONE went to sweet cakes!!!

TeresaD said...

I'm from Rockford, IL, and my favorite thing about my town is the fact that Jodi Benson is from here too!
Jodi Benson is the voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid, and dude, how cool is that? I love that movie so much. She's such an incredible singer. She's also an inspiring and devoted Christian, and (say those who've met her) the nicest person.
She's a huge role model for me, because I'm an aspiring singer and a Christian, and to see someone like me come out of my hometown and make it big like she did (a DISNEY movie!!) is really encouraging.

Erin said...

i tweet! http://twitter.com/ryleezmom

Kacie said...

i live in Long Beach, CA and my most favorite thing about it is 2nd street. from crepe restaurants to middle eastern restaurants. from high end boutiques to Buffalo Exchange. spending an afternoon there isn't hard to do.

Joanna said...

I love all the hiking in the valley!

TheMoncurs said...

My absolute favorite thing about Mesa is the nights. Summer nights driving around with the windows down. Monsoons that come at night and light up the sky and make it hard to sleep. The days may get hellish but the nights are always wonderful!

TheMoncurs said...

I have the button on my blog!

Kacie said...

i follow on facebooooook!!

Nik said...

There are a ton of good things about my city of origin, but I have to say my absolute favorite thing is that I don't have to pay a city property tax. As far as I'm concerned, county property tax is more than enough. I am so grateful we haven't caved and adopted an additional property tax like so many other cities.
Not a romantic thing to like about my city, but definitely practical. :)

Mishawn said...

I love MESA! GOODWILL is totally the place to go! Especially on 50% off days! I also love Crackers & Co.'s baked potato soup:)

Jeanette said...

I'm so glad that I found this blog through BBL because I definitely LOVE Mesa. I'm a Mesa girl born and raised. My ancestors, on both sides, are the early settlers of Mesa (my grandpa built the Landmark restaurant and other chapels throughout Mesa) we are Mesa. I love the shops and museums in downtown Mesa, but my favorite thing to do in Mesa is to drive past the house where I grew up and reminisce. It really was the perfect place to grow up.

Jeanette said...

I'm grabbing a button for my blog right now. Because as I said before, I LOVE MESA.

Burgess said...

First of all -- Boo that this is open to readers outside of Mesa (I'm competetive, what can I say).

I love Mesa, AZ because of the people! I've met some pretty darn spunky, creative, lovely people in our little part of Arizona.

And I love Bookmans more than words can say.
Thanks for the giveaway!

Burgess said...

And, I follow you on FB already -- and I'm trying to get a new button, but Blogger is being lame right now.

Unknown said...

I live in a tiny tiny town in Sweden. My favorite thing about it is the fact that it's basically like living on the countryside, but with just a short trainride I'm in the capital. And I love the library!

Manda said...

I'm from a very small town in Kansas, and my favorite place is our deli on Main Street. It has the best sandwiches I've ever had and it's decorated so cute.

Manda said...

Also following on facebook :)

Kelly said...

my hometown is caldwell, idaho, and i love the wide open spaces in the countryside! city life can't beat that in my book!

Kathy said...

Growing up we would always go to Pioneer Park in downtown Mesa. It was so awesome because they had a real train you could go inside and it was one of the few parks with a tire swing. : )

Jill said...

I like the Junior High Pools at Mesa Public Schools. They re-did all of them, so they have cool things for my kids like water fountains and slides and stuff. I always buy a summer pass (to support the city that I love) and take them all summer long!

Jill said...

I'm also a follower on Facebook!

Kate said...

I live in Mesa... and I'm sort of wondering why there are so many people following this blog that live all over the world. I mean, we all know that Mesa is awesome... but why do they care about what is going on here? Confused...
So one of my favorites that hasn't been mentioned is Yodipity. Yum.

Kate said...

Added your button!

Kate said...

Following of fb!

Irene said...

I live in Southern Spain and one of my favourite places in my neighborhood is the pine park in the centre, we have nice paths to walk, swing for the kids, some sport machines for the elder, lots of greenery and sport grounds. In summer you can see families and groups of friends having fun in the evening.

Irene said...

also following you in FB from right now!!!!! :)

Busy Bee Lauren said...

I think a lot of non-Mesa residents are commenting because I linked the post from my blog. They wanna win the headband :)

Megan said...

My favorite thing about my hometown is that small-town feeling where everyone knows everyone. :)

Julie said...

The favorite thing that I lvoe about my home town is that although it has greatly grown since I was born, it still feels small to me. I know where everything is and I can travel 20 minutes from end to end. :)

Ann Marie said...

If I am ever in Mesa.. I will be sure to check out your favorites!

People really don't know how lucky they are to have been told about your favorite thrift store.. :)

Autumn Fauver said...

I heart Red mountain as I'm driving on the 2o2 on a beautiful clear arizona day. I love flancers and Tia Rosas. I love Good will thrifting and name brand exchange! I love The orange trees and the orange tree blossoms in the spring! I heart 'Lehi' and lehi days and just everything about that neighborhood! Barros pizza for lunch! & Dobson Ranch because my first apartment was there!

KatOfDiamonds said...

It is so cool that BBL loves her some Cinemark as that is where I work atm!

But as far as my favorite thing in my hometown...
I love Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.
http://twitpic.com/1tcg8d
I grew up round the corner from this beauty... It is breath-taking there year round and never gets old.

Sara said...

I live in Knoxville TN, and I love Repeat Boutique on Kingston Pike. This is my "secret" thrift store.

brightonislove said...

I am from Las Vegas and the thing I seem to miss the most about it now is actually the heat! Weird I know. But I am currently going to school in Rexburg which doesn't know the meaning of warmth. It is June and it is still cold....

Kayla said...

I am from a lot of places. But I was born in Provo, Utah. I love the mountains, it is so freaking gorgeous in my beloved Provo. I love the BYU Creamery. Brigham Young University is where I want to go to college and the icecream at the Creamery is divine!

ahlin said...

i love the dry heat of st g. mmmmhhmmmm

Kaitlin Graff said...

I am from Mission Viejo, CA down in orange county. And my favorite thing is the BEAACCCHH!!! I am stuck in Utah for school right now and I miss the sun and the sand dearly.

Alyssa said...

I'm from Southington, CT and my favorite place to go is Uptown Consignments! I get a lot of great stuff there :D

Laura Dunford said...

I'm from Halifax NS and my favorite part of living here is going to the ocean because its so darn close!!

witticism here said...

I had to comment because as a Mesa native I 100% agree with your list. Each time a new point came up I thought, "OOOH good one." I remember taking ballet in a tiny studio in the building that is now Kerby furniture on Mesa and Broadway. Gah, makes me feel old and I am not even 30!

Grazing The Hurds said...

Don't forget about Ribbons and Lace and Mesa Frozen Yogurt. Just thinking about it makes me want to go there and get a yummy treat.

dthurd@cox.net

elliecay said...

I'm from Columbia, Maryland and its pretty much awesome due to its convenient location between Baltimore and Washington DC and its planned-ness. But Mesa still beats it because there is no humidity in Arizona. One time, I went to Mesa (well actually I stayed in Scottsdale and I drove through Mesa, but who's counting?) and I could wear my hair straightened ALL DAY without it going all frizz-wild. It was wonderful.

The Waits said...

My favorite thrift store is Deseret Industries..tons of great finds!

I also Love to eat at Crackers & Co. The one in Gilbert Az, behind Home depot! our family is a regular..they know what we drink, and what day of the week to expect us! <3

Julie Manning said...

I am a born and raised Mesa-ite and although the hot weather and I have our qualms, I can't help but forgive this old city. Some reasons why I love Mesa include and are not limited to: the breath-taking sunsets, creosote bushes after it rains, tanning practically year round :)and so much more.

Lauren said...

Blossom Salon & Boutique on main street- cuuuuuutest little boutique around, with adorable charm!

Brittany Bishop said...

i live in a tiny town in Tennessee, and my favorite thing about it is the open space. it's out in the country, and i just love going outside and feeling nature. :)

Brittany Bishop said...

i'm a facebook follower!

Allison said...

Ooh, I live in a tiny city called Saratoga in California, and I have to say, its downtown is the cutest little place to walk around, with lights hanging everywhere and little cafes. Too bad the actual city closes down around 9. We're not real night-owls! :D

Elysie Piecie said...

I live in a medium sized town that used to be super small in Georgia. I love that my town has a mix of the city (i.e. having a movie theatre, target, and yummy food) and mix of the rural (farms, llamas, cute town squares, awesome local legends). I'm going to miss it so much when I go to grad school.

Megan and Molly said...

I live in Seattle Washington and one thing that I really love doing is goig to the Crest Cinema. It still has an oldtime feel, an is very cheap to boot. Yay Washington!

boomshakalaka said...

My favorite thing about chandler is this little bridal shop in downtown chandler called uptown bridal! It's the cutest little shop and I love to go in there and look around even though Im nowhere close to being married!

-Diandra

lindsay said...

"the orange patch too" store on McKellips ESPECIALLY at christmas time...oh heavens, that place plus me, is just plain dangerous.

Jonathan and Sarah said...

I used to live in Mesa but now live in a small town in Arizona. I love that when I visit Mesa I have all the stores and restraunts I'm craving right at my fingertips. I also love visiting with family. Oh, and I love the temple there.. but now we have our own here!

jaymee sirrine said...

I live in Mesa and love it as well! You mentioned a lot of my favorite places including Sweetcakes, Bookmans and the Mesa Dr. & Brown Goodwill! (I walk there on Saturdays since its right down the street from my house!)

I follow I Heart Mesa on Facebook!

Just tweeted about the blog & the awesome giveaway!

I have the I Heart Mesa Button!!

*Crossing my fingers!* :)

meeshw said...

I live in S. Orange County...definitely the beach...I know boring but awesome.

the "L" spot said...

Mesa thrift store! on main love it. i oddly find the best shoes there. oh and el charro best mexican food ever!

and i've said mesa is boring manymany times too!

the "L" spot said...

Mesa thrift store! on main love it. i oddly find the best shoes there. oh and el charro best mexican food ever!

and i've said mesa is boring manymany times too!

Elyce said...

Eagle River AK - Its not a big city, just a quaint community with amazing summers and not so great winters. I love our hippie/granola 'district' in Anchorage with all the fun shops and organic options.

Kayde said...

My home town is Vegas and I love love love Savers the thrift store and Fresh and Easy a completely fresh grocery store everything is amazing there!

Anonymous said...

I live in Jericho, VT. really, nothing ever happens here. i lied.... it does snow a ton. and that is what i love most about my town. the snow. you arent a are skier/snowboarder unless you have gone up to the mountain at 7 in the morning and get the first trail through the fresh powder. it is amazing.

King Lady said...

Just to the south of Mesa lies CHANDLER. Love it here because it used to be a farming community. If you look closely you'll still find those little quiet spots of goodness.

windee said...

I love Mesa because even though it's a big city it seems like everyone knows everyone. I still like how you can hear someone's last name and can ask.. are you related to?? I love mango's, sweetcakes and Tia Rosa's.

Julie said...

i follow this blog

Julie said...

I have the button on my blog

Audra Roberts said...

I am a follower on facebook.

emjemm said...

I love my hometown, San Diego because it is so beautiful all the time!! The weather is awesome and it's a real great place for tourists to go. There are so many awesome beaches and landmarks! I really love living here. I'm a total west coast girl!

Megan and Molly said...

my fav thing about Seattle is the coffee!! :)

Grazing The Hurds said...

I could not add the button but did leave a link on the side to I Heart Mesa. Does this still count.

dthurd@cox.net

Jen said...

My fave thing about Mesa is probably the little downtown area, it's so cute. Cinemark is pretty cool too.

Norah Parker said...

I love that all of my family lives nearby

Norah Parker said...

I follow on fb

Norah Parker said...

I have a button

amattiee said...

one of my all time favorite places to antique, are the basements of the antique shops on main street. they feel like they're a secret place no one ever goes to. and you can find AWESOME vintage hats there.

also I LOVE LOVE the superstition ranch market. great produce for dirt cheap. yay for healthy!

The Photo Beginnings said...

I've never been to Mesa but my favorite part about Glendale is the Americana.

amattiee said...

i tried to post the button to my blog, but am (apparently) blogger retarded.

Anonymous said...

I live in a small town with not a lot of places to go, but there is this really amazing Antique shop called Antique Rose. I love it!

Katie | FashionFrugality.com said...

My favorite thing about my hometown is it's fantastic fruit market. It's just a tiny old building but it has the best local vegetables/fruits!
kkondek at gmail.com

Jane said...

i love orange blossoms and friendly people.

Sara said...

My favorite thing about my hometown is that there are fields and farms everywhere. It's a nice reprieve from the city and they're fabulous places to take photos!

Lara said...

Oh I love Busy Bee :) I live in Ogden UT, But I go visit my Grandparents in Mesa every year! My favorite place would be... the bike route along the canal by their house. It rocks.

Melissa said...

i love jeannes dance too!

Melissa said...

I follow

Melissa said...

I blogged (can't get the button to work so I blogged about it)

Jessica said...

I love Mesa! But all my answers have been used.
1)I love Goodwill, (from which I just got a 10 buck gamecube with Luigi;s Mansion and two memory card. and it worked!)
2)I love Joe's Barbeque
3)I love the Pheonix zoo!!!!
4)Plato's Closet