It's Our Birthday So We are Giving You a Present

Did you know that in September I Heart Mesa turned 3?  We can't believe it either.  It's almost like I Heart Mesa should be my 5th child (this is Kathryn's opinion).  We are happy to say that after 3 years, the work is still worth it.  We enjoy seeing others get excited about events that we post or do a little fist pump for this wonderful valley we live in (it's all in the attitude).  We love it.  Our readership is growing and we feel like we are reaching our goal to help establish a better sense of community here in Mesa and the East Valley.  

We haven't done any formal celebrations for our birthday, we got a little wrapped up in parades and floats.  Which, by the way, if you missed, you missed the best parade in town.  Short, sweet, and to the point :)  Seriously, there haven't been any other parades in Mesa with that many floats and that much candy in years and won't be for some time.  Unless we try to bring back the Mesa Day Parade one of these years.  Who's with us....    

Anyways....since this blog is all about our community anyways, we wanted to celebrate our birthday the same way that we started this blog: with a $50 cash giveaway (well, when we started it was only $25, but now we are going for the big bucks :)  

We will ask one simple thing:  Send us some pictures of how you spent the money (here in Arizona).  Did you go visit a new museum or try out a new restaurant?  Did you blow it all at your favorite thrift store's 1/2 off day?  Did you try out a new day trip?  We want to see the Arizona fun YOU had with your $50.  You don't have to be a writer, you don't have to be a blogger.  You just have to be someone who knows how to have a good time with $50.  So that means anyone can enter (except Marily and I and our husbands).  You DON'T have to live in Mesa.    

Here is how to have a chance at the $50.  There are 2 possible ways to enter:

(All entries must be received by Thursday, October 6th at midnight.  Winner will be announced on Friday!)

- Leave a comment here, on Facebook or through e-mail (tell us what you might do with the $, leave us nice warm fuzzy comment, or send us an event idea...basically just some written communication here.)

- Blog about us, Facebook it and share our page with your local friends, tweet (or all of the above).  Tell the world about us.  Share the Heart.  There's no reason why every home in the East Valley shouldn't know about us.  Just let us know you did either by commenting here or on FB or sending us an e-mail.  We can usually track any Twitter mentions.   

THIS IS NOT A RANDOM GIVEAWAY!  WE WILL CHOOSE THE WINNER BASED ON YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT HOW YOU WILL SPEND THE MONEY AND HOW YOU CHOOSE TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT OUR BLOG.

And if this giveaway goes well, we just might start doing these more regularly.  Maybe we'll have to call it the "I Heart Mesa Scholarship."   

With lots of love and appreciation for sticking with us through the years,

Kathryn and Marily

Auction Empire - Take a Tour of the Valley's Newest Auction Facility

Last night my husband and I were able to go take a tour of the newest auction facility here in Mesa and the Valley:  Auction Empire.  Auction Empire is located at Main and Country Club, close to Downtown Mesa.   Many of you might have been to this facility many years ago when it was a bowling alley.  Now, revamped and installed with the latest technology, this 33,000 square foot facility is quite the site.  Gone are the days of standing in the heat or a swamp cooled building for hours and hours just to get a chance at some fabulous auction deals.  This company has really set out to change the face of how an auction is run.

Mike Shost, the COO, was there to give us a hint and what people can expect from this auction facility.  He stated their goal in all of this is "making auction fun."  And from the looks of it, they are getting it right.  They created a family friendly environment complete with state of the art technology, AC throughout, and a snack bar that actually serves good food.  Because of their advances in auction technology, bidders can bid on the auction floor, from the comfort of their seat or even from home via the internet.  The auction site is divided into 5 sections or "rings" with a ring for vehicles, another for appliances, restaurant equipment and tools, the third for electronics, home entertainment systems, and computers, the fourth for home decor and home furnishings and the fifth ring located in an adjacent room to the main auction floor is for firearms and jewelry.  (Eventually they will be selling real estate as well and will have in house financing.)  Because of the advances in their sound system and technology, all 5 rings can run with auctions simultaneously.  That means, this auction facility can move through a few thousand lots in a matter of a few hours.

Auction Empire will be having auctions the first and third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 PM.  

Their Grand Opening is next Tuesday, October 4th.  

Auction Empire is located at:  140 N. Country Club Dr.  Mesa, AZ 85201

For more information, you can go to their website here.  Really, this post is long, but I didn't even get to the part about off site auctions and charity auctions.  You'll just have to check out their website.

And on a personal note, I would like to thank Mike at Auction Empire.  At I Heart Mesa we see the need for more pride in our community.  We want quality businesses, we want a good economy and part of that comes through having people take more pride in where we live and get out to enjoy the variety of events and services here in Mesa.  Mike was very kind in his comments about our work through the years here at I Heart Mesa.  I was happy just to go last night for a personal tour, but Mike wanted to do more for I Heart Mesa, so Auction Empire will be helping us by sponsoring our fall guide.  Mike simply enjoys the work that we do and wants to see us grow as well.  It was refreshing to visit with someone who was so happy to back our hard work.  So if you enjoy our upcoming Fall Guide and like that we will now be able to offer a print version, you can thank Auction Empire.  (And if you are wondering, I was excited about this new auction business and thought they did a great job with their business plan even before Mike let me know they would love to help sponsor us.  We hope after 3 years of work, we have built a trust with our readers.)   

If you would also like to sponsor our Fall Guide, please contact us at iheartmesa@gmail.com.  You have just another week to respond.   

-Kathryn  

Things to Do This Week In and Around Mesa, AZ

Ghost Hunting Presentation 
Visit a Mesa Public Library for a spooky night with the East Valley Paranormal Society.  They will be visiting the Red Mountain branch this Saturday, October 1st from 1:00PM - 2:30PM and the Main Library on October 29th.  Hear how they investigate hauntings, see some of their equipment, and ask questions. For details, go here.

Phoenix Symphony Pops Concert
Visit the symphony this weekend for their Cala Festival, and enjoy the "vibrant musical offerings of our regional Latino community."  This Friday and Saturday, or check out their schedule for future shows.




Start planning now for GAIN
Do you want to get to know your neighbors better?  GAIN (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods) is coming up on Saturday, November 5th.  This is the day the City of Mesa has set apart for neighbors to get together for block parties.  If you register your party with the city you might receive a visit from a city department (police officers, firemen, etc.)  We are excited to plan a neighborhood event for our street this year.  Getting to know your neighbors is a good idea for many reasons, including protecting our neighborhoods from crime by watching out for each other.  Go here for more information about how you can plan your own event. 




Target Three for Free this Sunday
Every first Sunday of the month, Target sponsor a free museum day in Mesa.  This Sunday, October 1st you get free admission to the Arizona Museum of Natural History, the Arizona Museum for Youth, and the Mesa Arts Center museum galleries.  Mesa Arts Center also hosts free music in conjunction with this event.  12:00PM - 5:00PM at all three museums. 

Go see a movie at the Royale for a completely different experience. 

Gilbert Family Movie Series
See a free movie at the McQueen Park Activity Center Gym.  This week's showing is Yogi Bear.

Here's a deal listed on AZ Central for 1/2 price at the Out of Africa Wild Animal Park in Camp Verde.

Get 1/2 off the second session of fall youth classes at the Mesa Arts Center.  Enter code YEWTS at checkout

Also, trash and recycling services are changing pick-up days for about 2/3 of Mesa residents.  If you are not sure if you are affected, or if you need to check your new schedule, go here. 

Have a great week!

Westwood's 50th Anniversary

So building two floats is really time consuming.  Things are taking shape and we hope to make it an awesome parade on Friday.  We know one thing for sure - there will be candy!  There will be several floats (class floats, decade floats, club floats) and the marching band and hopefully a real warrior leading up the parade on his horse.  It should be fun.  Would you attend even if Westwood wasn't your alma mater?  We are hoping to have a big showing from the community.  I figured people everywhere could enjoy a hometown parade even if you don't necessarily back the blue and orange.  

Here is the run down of events:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd

Parade starts at 4:00 and travels west on 6th Street then north on Cherry St. and turns west into the parking lot by Westwood's football field.   

After the Parade (about 5:00 - 7:00 PM) will be the tail gate party/carnival.  There will be a bungee run, inflatables,  a dunk tank, carnival games, food and shirts available for purchase.  

From 5:30 - 6:30 PM will be an alumni reception in the cafeteria for past graduates of Westwood.  Mayor Scott Smith will be there (any guesses on what year he graduated?) as well as great food and music.

Stick around for the football game afterwards at 7:00 PM.  Westwood is playing Mountain View.  Hum, what side to sit on, I married a Toro.  (We all know my blood runs deep orange though and I have caught my husband wearing my old Westwood shirts a few times).  Tickets are $5.    

We hope to have lots of support from the community.  This year is Westwood's 50th year.  It was a big deal that after a few decades, Mesa was going from a one high school city to two.  We hope this isn't just about if you can claim to be a warrior or not, this is about celebrating a piece of Mesa history too.

-Kathryn    

Things To Do in Mesa, Arizona for September 19th - 25th

This week we have lots of exciting things to tell you about.  You know it is getting closer to fall when our events guide gets bigger each week.

- This week is Restaurant Week, running now through the 25th.  YUM!  This is a great opportunity to try a new fancy restaurant in Arizona without the usual large price-tag.  Participating restaurants offer a 3 course meal for $20, $30 or $40 a person.  I must say, it has been a few years since I have been able to participate in restaurant week, but when we did, we loved it.  (My husband has turned me into a foodie.)

- Saturday, September 24th is Museum Day.  Smithsonian Magazine sponsors one day each year to encourage museums to open their doors for free.  This year, you must go to their website here to print off a free ticket for you and your guest.   Check out participating museums, including the Arizona Museum of Natural History and the Arizona Youth Museum in downtown Mesa.

- Ballet Under the Stars, September 22nd - 25th.  This is a wonderful opportunity to see the ballet in a more casual and FREE setting.  Each evening at 7:00 PM Ballet Arizona performs at a different park around the valley.  The closest performance to us is either the Tempe location on Friday night or the Fountain Hills location on Sunday.  I took my girls last year and had an enjoyable evening watching the ballet while eating our picnic dinner.

- September 24th is National Public Lands Day and Worldwide Day of Play.  Not to be left out of this FREE weekend, National Parks will be open fee-free.  What a great weekend to check out Montezuma Castle or Sunset Crater or even the Grand Canyon.  Personally, I think it would be great to head up north, meandering my way to Flagstaff and check out all the National Parks and sites close to there.  I haven't been to Wupatki National Monument in many years.  Go here for more information and other National Parks to visit.  

- Friday, September 23rd:  Westwood High School's 50th Anniversary Celebration.   We have been talking about this for awhile now.  Marily and I felt it was important to work on this community project and are working on 2 floats for the parade on Friday at 4:00 PM!  We have gotten different e-mails asking about parades in Mesa.  So, even if you weren't part of Westwood, come out and enjoy a fun parade with actual floats.  That doesn't happen much in Mesa.  After the parade stick around for a carnival at Westwood put on by Student Council.  Fun for everyone.  We will be posting more on this later as we feel that taking pride in our community schools and our community in general has a direct correlation to the economy, level of achievement at our schools, safety, and so much more.  Do you agree?  

Craigslist Finds in Mesa and Yard Sales

I consider myself a thrifty person.  I prefer a thrift store to Macy's and love to think creatively when it comes to re-purposing an item.  I've made a side table out of two nightstands. I've made Easter dresses out of a beautiful sheet.  Just yesterday I was dumpster diving at a construction site (don't worry, I asked first, and yes, my husband's reaction was "What??") and was able to get some great wood and materials to use while constructing 2 floats for Westwood's 50th Anniversary next Friday (have you marked your calendars for the parade and festivities?).  I was happy as a lark to get free materials that would have otherwise just gone to waste.  So, I figured, it was time to get back on our Craigslist posts.  It seems as though everyone is looking for a good deal these days, and we like to do our part to get the inspiration flowing.

1.  Matching Nightstands:  $35 each or $60 for both - West Mesa.  I took nightstands such as these, added an mdf shelf in between to attach the two stands, added a new top to cover both the nightstands and the new shelf, painted it all one color and suddenly had a custom entry table.

2.  Solid Wood Vintage Dresser:  $80 - Mesa.  Seems like a great deal if it really is in great condition.

3.  Navy Blue Shelf:  $100 - Mesa.  Navy seems to be a very classic color choice.  Wouldn't this be great in a child's room with your picture book collection?

4.  Navy Office Chairs:  Set of 4 is $50 - Mesa.  Maybe I can't get enough navy?  I love the clean lines on these chairs.  Pair it up with a great wood table for a softer modern.      

5.  Table with 4 Chairs:  $99 - Mesa.  Apparently this and other items are available at an estate sale this weekend at 854 S. Revolta Cir, Mesa 85208.

Also, if you want to hit up more garage/estate sales, here are some others that I've heard about this weekend:

- Estate Sale via "My Dear Trash" at 2222 E. Hackamore St. Mesa 85213.  Open from 7:00 AM - Noon.

- Gated Community Garage Sale near Val Vista and University.  Opens at 7:00.

If you know of anymore sales, please let us know.

-Kathryn

Greater Arizona: Willow Springs

This past weekend we left the heat behind and headed up for cooler weather and fishing.  Maybe you should thank me because I am wondering if we brought some of it back with us.   

We decided to fish at Willow Springs, located on the Mogollon Rim, about 45 minutes past Payson.  Willow Springs Lake is right next to Woods Canyon Lake, but usually isn't as crowded.  That is a big bonus in my book.  We saw people, but we still had our space to spread out and enjoy nature.  Here are my top reasons for taking a little day fishing trip:

- young children can be entertained for hours by just throwing rocks into the lake

- beautiful scenery

- only a 2 hour drive away

- quality time away from it all (I did get one bar on my cell phone if I held it just the right way - but that was only when I needed to call family)

And here is my fishing tip:  Rainbow PowerBait and patience.  Also, don't forget your jackets, snacks, camping chairs to sit on, and maybe a change of clothes for little ones.  They tend to get up close and personal with the lake.  

If you are planning to head up to Willow Springs Lake, take US 260 past Payson.  Once on top of the rim there will be a visitor's center on your right.  Just after that you should see a sign for "Willow Springs" or Forest Road 149 on your left.  Take that turn and follow the paved road.  After a few minutes, take the first road on your right.  That opens up into a parking lot with a clean outhouse.  This is where we usually park and walk down to the lake.  If you don't turn right, you will eventually reach the dock.

I could go on and on about what a wonderful and relaxing day it was, but I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

After a day up in the mountains, my family usually likes to eat before coming all the way home.  We find our kids are happier with full stomachs.  We have been trying to find a place in Payson that is still fast, but not completely on the fast food level.  Someone recommended Bashas' to us.  So we gave it a try.  We had them cook us a custom wood fire pizza for $8 and picked up some produce for $7 and ate in the deli area.  We found we preferred this set up over others.  I can't say that the tables were perfectly clean, but the workers were very kind and accommodating.  For a family with 4 small children, I think this is our new go to eating location.  We are putting the Bashas' number in our cell phones so that we can call our pizza order in while driving into Payson so we don't have to wait the 20 minutes in the store.  The Payson Bashas' number is: 928-474-4495.

Enjoy,
Kathryn 

Dinner With the Diving Lady

You have probably noticed that we have promoted the preservation of the Diving Lady.  We were one of the first to tell you about her demise last October and ironically already had shirts in production when she fell down.  Now, almost a year later, the Diving Lady is making her comeback.

Last night Marily and I had a wonderful evening dining with the Diving Lady.  We were happy to be part of the fundraiser and enjoyed meeting some very impressive Mesa residents.  We loved meeting Larry and Ken who have painstakingly worked to restore the Diving Lady to her former glory (and quite possibly beyond).  We met City of Mesa council members and had time to chat again with Peter Sterling, the President of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce and his wife Megan who is the editor of Gateway to the East Valley Magazine.  They have followed our blog since moving here and they always seem to make us feel so good about the work we have done.  It was a great night to be surrounded by people who truly want to see Mesa thrive and survive.

Speaking of work, the reason Marily and I were at the fundraiser was to first, present the Mesa Preservation Foundation with a check and second, to sell more Diving Lady shirts.  We were pleased to present the foundation with 2 checks, totaling $350.  We wish we could have added some zeros to that figure, but we worked hard, dedicated many many many hours to it, and are happy that we played our part in preserving a piece of Mesa history.  Hopefully our kids will be proud of us.  

Some of you may wonder about the finances behind I Heart Mesa.  (Or is that just me that is always a curious person?)  Marily and I have not made any personal financial gains through our work on I Heart Mesa.  Any money from ads or shirt sales has gone directly back into our goal of building a better community through blogging.  I guess I say this because I would not want anyone to think that we are excited to share events, businesses and places to go because we are paid to say those things.  We love Mesa, we love Arizona and we have a goal to get people to have that same love.  I once said that it would be fun to make enough money from I Heart Mesa to pay for myself to get a pedicure.  Well, three years into this work and I am yet to get my pedicure, but, hopefully with our donation to the Diving Lady fund, it helped pay for hers.

This is Larry Graham who is rebuilding the Diving Lady in his shop and his co-worker Ken.  We were chatting for a little bit before I realized who he was.  It was almost like meeting a celebrity.  He is such a nice guy and I think we just might need to stop by his shop and give our readers a little photo tour.

This September is our 3rd birthday at I Heart Mesa.  We appreciate all our readers from the last 3 years.  We love any comments, e-mails sharing events, or just the random hello at the store, even if I don't have any make-up on.  The people who enjoy our work is our payment.  We hope we can continue to grow and reach new heights and our goals for the next 3 years.  And most importantly, we hope we can continue to inspire more people to live here with a little more heart.

Cooler Morning Air and a Few Links

On this Monday morning, here are a few quick links to check out.  And what?  Is that cooler air I feel out there this morning?

- Tomorrow, September 13th, Marily and I will be going to the Diving Lady fundraising dinner.  Are you?  We'll be enjoying Waldos with the lady herself.  More information and ways to purchase tickets found here.

- Sign up for a Mud Run.  What is a Mud Run?  What is sounds like.  Run 3 miles through and over and under obstacles all with the added bonus of mud.  I've heard from runners of last months Mud Run that it is awesome!  But, don't waste anytime.  This run is September 17th in Claysprings, Arizona.  Claysprings is located between the turn off from Heber and Snowflake.  (My dad taught school there for a few years back in the day.)  For more Mud Run info, go here.

- Speaking of special runs.  How about checking out the Great Arizona Grape Stomp in beautiful Arizona wine country.  Go here for more information.

- Name Mesa's next great community.  Talk about a claim to fame.  Find out how here.

We are still working on our Fall Guide and would love any ideas and or sponsors.  Please contact us at iheartmesa@gmail.com.

Last Minute Events for September 9th, 10th and 11th.

Just a few last minute events that we wanted to share.

- Sunsplash is offering an $18 ticket deal for all day waterpark, miniature golf, and race cars.  Sounds fun so check out their Facebook page here to get your deal (this deal is only through Facebook).

- If you are going to check out the Mesa Farmer's Market on Friday, why not print out these coupons found here?  Maybe it'll entice you to try a new product this week.

- For those of you yearning for something uplifting and spiritual this weekend, check out Rob Gardner's "Lamb of God" at ASU Gammage Auditorium in Tempe.  Tickets start at just $10 and shows are Friday, September 9th and Saturday, September 10th at 7:30 PM.  For tickets and more information, go here.

Did we miss anything?  If you ever come across something exciting you want us to post about, please share.  Thanks.  

Things To Do In Mesa, AZ for September 9th, 10th and 11th.

This weekend it is all about hitting up the downtown Mesa scene.  To kick off the weekend, don't forget about 2nd Friday THIS Friday, September 9th from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM.  This month's 2nd Friday is a conglomeration of fire equipment exhibits, art exhibits, contests and a 9-11 tribute.  

This is also held in conjunction with the kick off to the Fall Mesa Contemporary Arts Exhibitions.  Entitled "Guitars and Handlebars," this event will feature music, motorcycles, cars, and fabulous art.  This event is FREE and you are more than welcome to tour the MAC, watch demos, visit the galleries, and view live performances.  That night only, in memory of the 10th anniversary of September 11th, visit the Ikeda theater at the MAC for a free concert "featuring musicians, dancers and singers in an effort to spread a message of hope."  For more info on this special concert, visit here.

The opening reception at the MAC is Friday, September 9th from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM, with most festivities continuing Saturday from 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM with a special Saturday evening rockers concert and Sunday from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

information and picture from here

Also on Saturday, to kick off a new season of MAC Fest, check out the one and only evening MAC Fest this season.  From 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM enjoy artists on both sides of Main St., starting at center and going West.

If you are also wondering about other 9-11 memorials, the 8th annual Healing Field of 3,000 U.S. Flags will be at Tempe Town Lake Beach Park this Saturday, September 10th and Sunday, September 11th.