Selling items

I have decided to go back to work outside of the home and am needed to sell off some of my daycare items. I would give them away but I am also needing the money. I have 2 bigger play center toy items, 2 high chairs, 2 car seats, 2 booster seats (no back just the seat), a swing, a double stroller and a pack in play also I have one of those booster seats that strap/sit on a chair at the dinner table it also has a tray, so I guess that could be considered a high chair too. Email me if you are interested jernkel@hotmail.com.

Thanks

Dove Chocolate Tasting Party

I am very excited to be able to invite you all to our first chocolate tasting party. On Tuesday, Novemer 17th from 8 to 9:30 pm at 7345 E Milagro Ave, in Mesa (Power/Guadalupe). Check out my new blog for more information and directions: http://doveinaz.blogspot.com/. It's going to be so much fun!

Chocolate treats, chocolate drinks, chocolate baked goods, lots of friends, what more do you need? Well, a peak at the new line from Dove of course! Come for treats and a look at what Dove has to offer exclusively to you at home, from chocolate covered caramels with sea salt to easy to use mixes to amazing drinks. Door prizes and great deals to be had! We're going to have a fun night! Hope to seee you there.

Fall Boutique

Fall Boutique
Saturday, November 7th
Open House
11:00-3:00pm
Heidi Phelps home
My cousin invited me to particpate in a Fall boutique in her home. There is going to be so much there!! Check it out and let me know if you are interested.
(Leave your e-mail in comment box and I will forward directions or you can e-mail me directly at: lizwhitehorn@cox.net)
Now is the perfect time to start your Christmas shopping and get in the Holiday mood! Check out some of our vendors websites and blogs for a sneak peak of what you will see here on Saturday!American Shirt Company - http://www.americanshirtco.com/ Designer T-shirts for great prices!
A Card Maker - http://www.acardmaker.com/ Custom cards, invitations and announcements for all your special occasions and events.
Barns and Betty - http://www.wagner102000.etsy.com/ Baby Decor/Accessories
Bella Soles - http://www.bellasoles.com/ Shoes/Boots/Handbags. You won't want to miss her first showing here in Arizona!
Clocks by Staci - http://www.clocksbystaci.blogspot.com/ Custom Made Clocks. Check out her blog for her latest designs!
Connie Balluff Photograpy -www.conniebphotography.blogspot.com
Itsy Bitsy Baby - http://www.kiwipinkbaby.blogspot.com/ Baby Decor/Accessories
Kiwi Pink Boutique - http://www.kiwipinkboutique.blogspot.com/
Home Decor/AccessoriesMarba's Baked Goods- Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Orange Rolls, Mini Pumpkin Muffins, Mini Cranberry Muffins, Truffles, Gingerbread Cookies and more. Custom Orders Available.
Rag Doll Clothing - www.ragdollclothing.com Baby and Toddler Clothing
Rocks, Paper, Sugar - Handmade Doll Furniture similar to American Doll CollectionsThrough Liz's Lens - http://www.throughlizslens.blogspot.com/ Photography
Sashay - http://www.sashayjewelry.com/ Fashionable Jewelry and Accessories
Scentsy - http://www.scentsy.com/ Candles/Warmers/Plug-ins
Come enjoy some goodies and treats as you browse around. Hope to see ya there!

I need a good doctor...

Since we moved here we have taken our kids to Gilbert Pediatrics and honestly I really do not like that place for many reasons. With my baby coming soon, I think it is time for me to find a new PCP. Does anybody have any suggestions on a really good Pediatrician or even just a Family Doctor preferably close by?

Playgroup at the Park

Hey anyone up for playgroup at the park since the wather is soo nice!!

What morning of the week works for you?

Please leave a comment so we can set it up if you are interested

Adventure of the Week

So I haven't done this Adventure for the Week in a looong time, and I don't know if anyone has missed them to be quite frank, but I do,, and I mostly do this for myself anyways so they are coming back!

Here's a load of events that are coming in October. I try to do free or nearly free events but as you can see I'm starting off with the ...

Arizona State Fair- October 16th - November 8 2009 closed Mondays
Adults $21, children and seniors $11
go to azstatefair.com/discounts for big bargains!

Fall-festival Activities and Games at Harmony Farm! - Zoo
Saturday and Sunday, October 24-25 9 am- 4 pm
Free with regular paid admission

Greater Phoenix Greek Festival- Fri Oct 9th 5-10pm & Sat 11am-10 pm
$2 for adults, under 12 free
A great learning opportunity check it out at www.holytrinityphx.org

Safety Safari- October 10th 10 am-1 pm
Home, outdoor and water saftey showcase. Music, games, and prizes
Free! go to www.fultonranchshopping.com

Fall Rhythm Festival- Saturday, October 17th 5:30-9:30
Live entertainment, food vendors, children activities, and fireworks
Free at Tumbleweed Park

Family Day- Saturday October 17th 10 am - 4 pm
All ages, gold panning, krock and mineral identification, metal detecting, jewelery making, demonstrations and more.
Free at the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum
www.admmr.state.az.us

Frys Free Weekend- Saturday 24th 10am-5pm
All ages. Explore all the exhibits the Arizona Science Center has to offer
Free

Sports Explosion- Saturday, October 24th All ages 8am-2pm
Free
Professional athlete appearances/autographs and clinics, sports demonstrations, interactive games, information booths and live entertainment.
www.phoenix.gov/parks

There is obviously so much more out there, but here are a few enjoy your October

Free Entertainment

The Phoenix Zoo is proud to announce FREE admission for all Fry’s V.I.P card members every Wednesday in September.

During the month of September, Fry’s Food Stores are celebrating Wild Wednesdays at the Phoenix Zoo, where V.I.P card members will receive up to two free general admission tickets when they show their Fry’s V.I.P card at the admission gate.

“Fry’s Food Stores is proud to sponsor the Phoenix Zoo’s Wild Wednesdays,” said Fry’s President Jon Flora. “It’s a great way to help our customers and families on a budget discover, learn and appreciate the various animals from around the world. And, it’s great exercise, too,”

Jon adds.Fry’s Wild Wednesdays will occur every Wednesday in September. The limit is two free general admissions (either child or adult per card, per customer). For more information call the Phoenix Zoo at 602-273-1341.

Enjoy the Children's Museum FREE on Target Free First Friday Nights!

On the first Friday of every month, from 6pm to10pm, the Children's Museum of Phoenix will be open to the public free of charge thanks to Target Free First Friday Nights! Join us on these Target Free First Friday Nights in 2009:
September 4th
October 2nd
November 6th
December 4th

Take the Free Dash Shuttle or take the Metro Light Rail! If riding the Rail, exit at the 3rd Street/Washington station (westbound) or 3rd Street/Jefferson station (eastbound). It is about a 1/2 mile walk north on 7th Street to the Museum. Get on Board!

Utah Fruit

Tara B emailed this to me and thought I would post it here on the blog like I've done in the past if you are interested give her a call.


Hello all.
I have most of the prices! FINALLY!!!!!
I am taking orders for:
Raspberries-August/September ($29.00 a flat) There are 12 heaping pint baskets in each flat
Blackberries- August/September ($29.00 a flat) There are 12 heaping pint baskets in each flat
Tomatoes-August/September ($20.00 for 24 lbs)
Peaches-September ($26.00 for 35lbs)
Pears-September ($25.00 for 40lbs of large pears and $27.00 for 40lbs of jumbo pears)
Green Bartlett or red Bartlett pears are available
Gala apples- September ($28.00 for 40 lbs)
Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonathon, Jonagold, and Granny Smith apples-October ($28.00 for 40 lbs)
Braeburn and Fuji apples-October or November-I do not have a price for these yet.

FYI
I need orders for tomatoes ASAP
I need orders for Peaches, pears, raspberries, blackberries, and gala apples by the end of August.
These are the only deadlines I have at this point. Feel free to order everything now if you know what you want.
If you have already given me your order, you do not need to send it again.
Thank you,
Tara

Openings for in home daycare

Hey all its Kelly here. As many of you know I run a daycare out of my home. I have lost all but 2 of my kids and am in desperate need of more kids, or I will have to look outside of the home for a job. I have references and the children can start ASAP. If you hear of anyone needing daycare please pass them my name and number 480-430-2801. I have no pets (except for fish) and my house is very clean. For the children that are 3 and older I do try and do about a 30 minute preschool lesson each day. Thank you in advance for any and all referrals.

SINGING FOR KIDS!!!!

Miss Kristen is back! Yeah!
Singing is a wonderful way to encourage young children to develop their motor skills, build their self-confidence, and increase their oral and memory skills. We have a lot of fun singing old favorites as well as learning new fun songs and marching with some musical instruments. We’ve been singing and performing for over seven years. Check out our website to experience the fun!
www.SingAlongGang.com . Please leave a comment with information how to contact you and I will be happy to get in touch with you and let you know more!

Classes start September 4th! So hurry and sign up!

Have you Heard?

Kids Can Play It Cool at the Phoenix Zoo This SummerFREE daytime admission to kids 12 and under through August 31

PHOENIX – For the first time in its history, the Phoenix Zoo is offering free daytime admission to kids 12 and under for an entire summer. Valley youngsters will be able to enjoy a summer full of wild water play at Yakulla Caverns and Leapin' Lagoon, great experiences at Monkey Village and the Forest of Uco, plus all of the other wild fun at the Zoo – for free.

Zoo guests can also enjoy earlier operating hours to take advantage of cooler morning temperatures. The Zoo is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays.The recent addition of Yakulla (yah-cool-yuh) Caverns to the Zoo's water play offerings makes the Phoenix Zoo a great place to play it cool during the hot summer months.

Celebrating its first official summer, this innovative play area features a large realistic cave with slides, stalagmites and stalactites, cave creatures, a special waterfall, and tons of room to splash around. Since its opening in September of 2008, it has quickly become a favorite spot for Zoo guests. Yakulla is an Incan word that means "water place."

"It's important for us to keep things as cool as possible for our guests during the summer, " Brewer said. "Opening a little earlier, turning on our misting systems throughout the Zoo, adding a great place like Yakulla – it all helps create a fun opportunity for families to get outside a little even while it's hot."

Bread Recipe

Does anyone have a really good bread recipe they are willing to share...preferrably white bread? All the white bread down here really sucks....

Looking for an Excuse to get out of the Heat!

Enjoy a once in a life time attraction where guests of all ages will get a behind the scenes look at the magic, the spectale and cutting edge technology of the all-new motion picture "Disney's A Christmas Carol" starring Jim Carrey and directed by Robert Zemckis-and it all for FREE!!

• See a sneak preciew of the film in our Digial 30D theater!
• Get a behind the scenes look a the making of the movie
• See Charles Dickens Museum artifacts
• morph your face into characters from the movie!
• See concept art, models costumes and maquettes
• Plus carolers, snow and much more!

Fun for the whole Family

May 29-31 *3 Days only

William's Depot in Williams, AZ

9:00am-9:00pm

http://www.christmascaroltraintour.com/

(Double click the picture to see the pictures in fuller detail)

Great Deal

My couponsense instructor sent out an email telling us that a good friend of hers is getting returns from Lord and Taylor and Macys and marking it down 75 to 80%.
I just had to pass on the good info.
Everything from designer jeans, coach handbags, all kinds of shoes, crazy fun jewelry, home product to belts and jackets.
The grand opening is this week 10 to 5 at the old Hawes flower shop on Mesa Drive between Main and Broadway. I talked to the guy and it sounds like they will be there for awhile.
535 Mesa Drive.
You may even get to go through some newly arrived boxes.
I've been and its great stuff.

Spring Savings at San Tan Village

I picked up a Spring Savings Guide at the San Tan Mall and thought you might be interested in a few of these savings as well.
Enjoy and Happy Savings!

Bath and Body Works - Mark your calendar for the big semi-annual sale! Save up to 75% off select items Offer is valid June 1-July 5

Hot Dog on a Stick- FREE Hog Dog Day!
One free hot dong on a stick per customer. Valid only on Monday June 15 from 5-8 pm

Just Sports- Buy one, get one 50% off equal or lesser value. no slae items, no special offers epires 6/21/09

Leonidas Chocolate and Cafe - Get a FREE piece of chocolate with any beverage purchase. Valid only at Sant Tan Village location (I've been wanting to try thier chocolate too)

Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies - Buy on reg. size drink, get one of equal or lesser value Free! Expires 6/31/09

Panda Express - Buy one two item plate and medium drink and receive FREE chicken eggrolls Valid 5-21-6/21

Wetzels Pretzels - Buy two pretzel items, get the 3rd FREE! Expires 7/31/09

update on the peaches

We went and picked some peaches (for $1/lb) Wed. at Vertuccio's farm. If you choose to go to Vertuccio's on Pwr Rd, I would wait until at least next weekend. The current 'ripe' crop is not very ripe (or as good as Schnepfs was two years ago which could be the trees or the weather?!)

By the way, there was a person there to direct and pay for the peaches in the 'shed' behind-ish the produce market (separately owned).

Peach Festivals (+ apples, onions, and family fun on the farm)

ONE:
"Life is a Peach" Festival hosted by Vertuccio Farms, where there'll be bushels of sweet peaches, family fun, ( farm animals, bounce house, straw bale maze, pedal cars, barrel train ride) baked goods and other peach related items located in the Farmers Market.

Festival Dates... May 23rd, 24th, 30th, 31st and June 6th & 7th. 8 a.m. thru 2p.m.
Admission... kids ages 2-16 $2.00 kids and adults ages 17-107 free!!

Peach picking will be available everyday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting around mid- May
Please call for details 480-650-6611

Today's call said: This week's picking will start this weekend and be 7am-4pm (I believe she said 1$/lb- sorry kids were yelling)


TWO:
Schnepf's Farm U-Pick Orchards Open Peaches: $1.75/lb, Apples beginning of June.
U-Pick Peach Hours: Friday thru Sunday 7:30 to 5pm including Mother's day weekend! More detail on their web page(click on categories on the left).

Call Peachy hotline before driving out on u pick days or for more details: 480.987.3100 press #6

Peach festival is this weekend and is $2/person plus peaches /lb. (Haven't been to the Peach festival, but other events at Schnepf's have been blast) There is additional fee for the rides.

They also have limited amount of apricots (only during festival days) and apples (beginning of June) and vegetable garden crops (all determined by Mother nature's weather and demand)


THREE:
Mother Nature’s Farm
Peach and Onion festival - my guess this weekend, but I don't know.
Their website is rarely up to date. In past years the only peaches available were sold out during the days of the Festival (?) but they do have a small shop or the phone number that interested persons could try for more information or if peaches are available before the Festival weekend.
www.mothernaturesfarm.com
1663 E. Baseline RD. Gilbert, AZ 85233-1542
480-892-5874

P.S.:
If you have too many peaches and don't want to can/freeze, I'll show you how to dehydrate them in your back yard. easy yummy storage!

Free Grilled KFC Meal

Go to www.oprah.com/kfc to download coupons for free two piece Kentucky Grilled Chicken meals, which include two pieces of chicken, two sides and a biscuit. You have to download the coupons by tomorrow night. You are allowed to print coupons for four meals. Coupons valid May 5-19, excluding Mother's Day. Credit for this tip goes to Michelle Monroe! :)

Adventure of the Week

Diamondbacks (May 8) vs. WSH 6:40pm. $5 & up. Chase Field, 401 E Jefferson St.
602-514-8400 or diamondbacks.mlb.com.

Saturday, May 9thFree Lacrosse Playday. Grades K-9 (girls only). Learn how to play lacrosse from top Arizona coaches and high school players. 10am-noon (9:30am registration). Free. Scottsdale Sports Complex, 8081 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale. 602-315-4481 or azgl.com.

Great price for strawberries!!!

At the Superstition Farmers Market

on Greenfield and Main

you can get 3 pounds of strawberries for $1.00

You heard right!

I'm not sure how long the sale will last,

but they are ripe ready for freezing or making jam.

Arizona Science Center for FREE- Adventure of the Week

Fry's FREE Weekend. All ages.

Explore all the exhibits the Science Center has to offer.

10am-5pm. Free; fees apply for planetarium and IMAX shows.

Arizona Science Center, 600 E Washington. 602-716-2000 or azscience.org.

Relay for Life

Are you looking for something to do tonight?

Come out to- Canyon State Academy
20061 East Rittenhouse Road
Queen Creek, AZ

Tonight from 6:00pm- 6:00am is the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

How many of us know someone who's life has been touched by cancer, and wished we could do something?
Many of you know Marie Spence who use to be in our ward. A dear friend of hers is currently going through cancer treatments.To support her they have formed a team that will be walking tonight. Their team is walking for Rachelle.
It sounds like a fun evening. There will be lots of booths selling things with all proceeds going to the Cancer Society and a raffle with some really great baskets to win.
If you have sometime tonight come cheer them on!

Gardening Calendar!

This link will open to a pdf chart.
It is a locally created "Planting and Harvest Calendar" for the Phoenix Area (low desert) that comes highly recommended.
We are slightly cooler than Central Phoenix so it is a good general guide.

To summarize, now is planting time for:
Beans (almost past time),
Peppers (will blend their 'hot-ness' if close to each other, so space them out as much as is practical for you if you want sweet peppers to stay sweet),
Squash (all of them: zucchini, pumpkin,..),
Eggplant,
Sweet Potatoes, (wash the kind you like to buy (it has sprouting inhibitor chemicals on it) and leave it on the counter until it sprouts; then cut a big chunk including the sprouted portion and plant it. I hear it grows like a weed here.)
Sunflowers, and
Melons (all of them: cantaloupe, watermelon,..)

If anyone would like to do an herb garden, leave a comment below. I would love to split 6 packs of plants. I am interested in doing Parsley, Cilantro, Basil, Marjoram, and others with very little convincing. :)

Adventure of the Week- Eater Pageant

The Mesa Temple Easter Pageant begins
Apr 1-2 & 7-11 for their English performances
All ages.
"Jesus the Christ," a live performance with a cast of more than 400 reenacting the life and teachings of Jesus Christ through music, dance, and drama.
8pm. Free.
North lawn of the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center, 525 E Main St, Mesa.
480-964-7164 or
easterpageant.org.

Wow! Lots to fit into one week!

Starting on April 1, it’s your ticket to local museums, the Phoenix Zoo, and other must-do attractions (like Desert Botanical Gardens and The Arizona Science Center) FREE. FOR SEVEN DAYS. FOR FOUR PEOPLE.

Here’s how it works - you pick up a Culture Pass at your local library anywhere in Greater Phoenix (that means it includes Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, Mesa). The pass is good for seven days, for four people. Some of the places it gets you in: Arizona Museum of Natural History, Arizona Science Center, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Heard Museum,Phoenix Art Museum and more are all covered by the pass.

There is no catch. Economic times are hard and everyone is looking for something to do that’s free and entertaining. So a bunch of sponsors got together and decided to influence the community with arts and activity.

To see a full listing of FREE attractions, as well as more details, visit: http://www.theculturepass.org/. And be sure to tell your friends - there are enough passes to go around!

St Patricks Day Celebration - Adventure of the Week

The Town of Fountain Hills Present the St. Patrick's Day Celebrtion on

March 17th, 2009

11:00 am to 7:00 pm

Fountain Park

A few of us will be meeting at 11:30 near the plagyground at Fountain Hills Park. Come join us for a picnic.

Watch as the Fountain turns emerald green...TWICE! The Fountain will be dyed emerald green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day at the traditional 12:00 noon and again at 6:00 p.m. Come out to see the World’s Tallest GREEN Fountain! A special thank you to Loving Family Dental for their ongoing sponsorship of this tradition that dates back to the early 1980s.

Entertainment
The performance pad will be the place to be to see and hear some great music on St. Paddy’s Day. Enjoy the Irish music as it echoes throughout the park during the celebration.
The Phoenix Scottish Pipe Band 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Brid Dower Band 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Oceans Apart 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
BOOYA 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Kids Activities
Enjoy Irish arts and crafts being coordinated by the Four Peaks Branch of the Boys and Girls Club, along with bouncers for all ages, a climbing wall, and a petting zoo. Watch for the "Loving Leprechaun" to give away lots of "lucky charms" to the wee folk from her pot o’ gold.

Food
Phil’s Filling Station will be serving up traditional corned beef, cabbage and green potatoes. For those that aren’t into Irish fare, Pink Pepper Thai Cuisine will offer Thai food, fries, and dipped chocolate fruit; and Orange Place will offer fruit drinks, hamburgers and fries.

Ostrich Festival Parade- Adventure of the Week

Ostrich Festival Parade -All ages.
More than 100 entries including antique cars, horses, high school marching bands and floats. 10am. Free.
Parade starts at Ray Rd & Arizona Ave, then proceeds south on Arizona Ave to Chicago St, Chandler. 866-993-2477 or ostrichfestival.com.


Here are some of the attractions coming to the 2009 Ostrich Festival.
There is something for everyone.
Whether your a kid or just a kid at heart, the 2009 Ostrich festival has something to keep you entertained. For a great family outing, visit us this year and have a blast!

Live Ostrich display
Muscle Car Show
Petting Zoo
Kids Zone
Pg Races
Firetruck Display
Ostrich Races
Medieval Jousting
Jest in Time Circus
Sea Lion Show
Stunt and Thrill Show
Amateur/professional boxing
Demoliton Derby


Adult
$9 Available at Food City & Bashas' & the festival!
Seniors
$8
Youth
(5 to 12 years of age) $7
Children
(4 and under) Free

Anyone need a job?

I got an email from a friend in high school and she wanted me to spread the word...

My brother's fiancee lives in Gilbert and manages a Shade clothing store. She just got the job, but had to start hiring for her store from scratch, so she needs a couple more people to work there. She said she still has a lot of different schedule options available. It doesn't pay great (like up to 9 an hour), but it would be a good part-time job for someone who just wanted/needed an entry level job to bring in extra money. Her main concern is just that the people she hires are mature and reliable. I think she could even work with 2 stay at home moms who wanted to tag-team babysitting and split a full-time position. Like I said, she just wants people who would be dependable. And, it would help if they're down with Shade and what people need it for:) So, I figure I'd help her w/ all my lds connections there.

It's at the Chandler Fashion Mall.

Emily's work email is emerrithew@shadeclothing.com. They can contact her that way, or call the store at (480) 899-1779. She for sure needs someone on Saturday at least 3 or 4 hours, more if you want. And, possibly a few closes. Still needs day help. Lots of help, basically right now.

P.S. I think someone could get all the hours they wanted right now, or pretty much name their schedule, if they were willing to work some closes and at least 4 hours on Saturday. I wasn't very clear in the last message. Part or full time.

Arizona Agricuture Day- Adventure of the Week

March 7th

Saturday 9am-3pm

Head on over to Superstition Farm to celebrate Arizona AG day's 29t year!

Meet your local famers, discover technique use in modern agriculture and play learning games a Arizona AG Day!

• Tractor display
• Agriculture Education
• Farm Petting Zoo
• Live Entertainment
• $1 Farmer's Share lunch
• Hayrides and Hay maze
• Dairy tour ad More!

Admission:

$2.00 per person or donate 3 cans of food

Kid 12 and under are FREE

3440 S. Hawes Rd. Mesa A 85212

www.superstitionfarm.com
www.azagday.com

Free Lemons!!

I have two boxes full of lemons for the taking.

Take all or some but they need to be juiced fairly soon.

Juice them, freeze them and make lemonade for the summer.

Let me know or stop on by.

Does anyone have??

Does anyone have a fruit juicer I can borrow?
My brother and sister in-law gave me boxes of lemons and I want to make lemonade and freeze it in my new freezer.

Please let me know if you can help! thanks :)

Pick your Adventure

Zachary Z Packrat Exhibit (through Mar 28).

Original art, sketches and inspiration from the children's picture book Zachary Z Packrat and His Amazing Collections.
9am-9pm Mon-Thur, 9am-6pm Fri-Sat, noon-6pm Sun. Free.
Burton Barr Library, 1221 N Central Ave.
602-262-4636 or phxlib.org.


Rummage Sale. All ages.

The state's largest garage sale including furniture, sporting goods, electronics, clothing, art, jewelry, housewares, books and baby items.
Presented by the Junior League of Phoenix.
8am-noon and 1-4pm. 8am-noon ($4, ages 12 & under free)
and 1-4pm (free).
Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W McDowell Rd.
602-234-3388 or jlp.org.



Matsuri: A Festival of Japan. All ages.
Japanese exhibits, demonstrations, arts & crafts, children's activities, food and live entertainment.
10:30am-4:30pm. Free.
Heritage & Science Park, 115 N 6th St.
602-262-5071 or azmatsuri.org.

Native Trails. All ages.

Music, dance, art and traditional Native American foods. Noon-1:30pm.
Free. Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 2nd St & Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale.
480-421-1004 or scottsdalenativetrails.com.



Great Fair. All ages.

More than 450 artists, food booths, live entertainment and a hot air balloon rally on Sunday morning. 10am-5pm. Free.
Avenue of the Fountains and Fountain Park, 12925 N Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills.
480-837-1654 or fountainhillschamber.com

New idea for Family Home Evening this week

As we are all on the lookout for a good deal nowadays, I thought I would share an idea that saves money, gives the kids something fun to do, and saves mom from having to find something for dinner. The Chick-Fil-A at Gilbert and Germann has family night on Mondays from 5pm-7:30pm and for each combo meal purchased you get a 4 piece kids meal free. Here's the kicker Monday the 16th they are having pony and draft horse rides. My kids did this the last time they had it and it was sooo much fun, great picture opportunity too. Hopefully we will see you there. If it by chance rains their phone number is 480-812-1717 so you can call and check to make sure they are still having the horses.

Cupid's Night Out

• Thursday Feb 12th only!
  at 3-8 pm are fun
  Family Events at Fry's grocery store!
  on Pecos and Higley
  
  Free picture for your Valentine
  
• Cookie Decoration
• Create a card for Mom and Dad
• Sampling throughout the store...and more!

Plus for 8 hours only between the hours of 3-11pm there will be great deals on food such as Ben and Jerry's or Haagen Dazs ice cream for $1.88, Hershey's Valentine Kisses or miniatures for $1.00, Mott's apple juice for 97 cents, 3 lb bag of Fuji apples for 99 cents and a whole more grat deals.

Going Green - Adventure of the Week

Saturday, February 21, 2009
10 AM – 2 PM
Gilbert Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

Meet Curious George!

Play & learn with water, wind, and soil
And More!

For Free when you ....

RSVP and download your free Generation Eight exploration kit at azpbs.org/family.

Here's a New Adventure for you, Divas!

This week, your incredible adventure destination is

Peru!

Just kidding.

It's really

The Renaissance Festival.

(Or, as I lovingly renamed it, The Cleavage Festival... as much of the costumery is quite... er... bountifully, bustierfully filled. Thought you should be warned.)

The friendly, wandering RenFaire Staff, often had free wit for the adults, and free little goodies for the kidlins.

There seemed to be a theme with the talent.

Even though there was a lot of juggling, each performer doubled as a hilarious comedian.

It wouldn't be a true Festival de Renaissance without a bit of

a chainsaw-cutting, apple-eating, tight-rope-unicycling acrobat,

a giant rocking horse,

a double flute playing faerie,

elephant, llama (no, we didn't really go to Peru), and camel rides,

and, of course, the

The food was pretty good, and pretty reasonably priced (not Disneylandesque, by any means), but no outside food or drink is allowed inside, so budget accordingly.

What's not to love about a place where

and people juggling flaming torches atop ladders are commonplace?

If you plan to go, know that it isn't the type of event that you pay admission and then just worry about the food...

every ride costs additional cash. Pack some greenbacks, you'll need them.

Another thing to know is that most rides have a minimum height or weight requisite. But for the little ones, there is a free backyard-size playground, and the butterfly ride (the only free-of-charge ride there).

All of the shows are free and include much juggling, belly dancing, comedy, bird of prey education, and jousting to name a few. There is also a free petting zoo where you might meet this fellow.

The hit of the day for me, was watching my kids on the bungee trampolines.

I got a kick out of it, but I'm not so sure about the kids... they seemed a little shaken up when they were back on the ground.

Have the kids bring their piggy banks if you they want to bring home souvenirs. Our kids each took $10 and only brought home these

and this.

Overall, we had a wonderful time, albeit we were a little surprised at the spendiness of this venture. It was definitely fun and, without a doubt, we'll be going again next year.

The Renaissance Festival is only here weekends through March 29, so

Make Haste,

Make Plans,

Make Medieval Merriment!

Free Baking Classes tomorrow.

I was just thumbing through today's paper and saw this. 

Friday January 30

Mesa, AZ

Holiday Inn & Suites

1600 South Country Club Drive

12:00pm class

sweet & savory yeast breads

7:00pm class

festive cookies & pies

No registration required.

Attend one or both classes.

New and experienced bakers welcome!

Good Doctor

Does anyone have a good family doctor or OBGYN they would recommend?

I am looking for one and would rather find one that has a good referral.

Thank you!

Chipotle for Free

Chipotle wants to help you get into the Super Bowl mood.

All Arizona Chipotle restaurants will offer a free burrito, taco, bowl or salad with no strings attached the day before the big game.

All you have to do is go to any Chipotle between 2 p.m. and 4 p..m. on Saturday January 31st wearing red.

Chipotle calls it the "Big Red Pep Rally."



Article Link:
http://www.abc15.com/content/entertainment/diningout/story/Free-burritos-to-celebrate-Cardinals-trip-to-the/4RcpYFabBEmJkpm9zo1wzg.cspx

Pick your Adventure- Adventure of the Week

World Champion Blacksmiths Competition
(Thur-Sat Jan 29-31).
Competitors show off their skills in metalworking. 8
am-noon clinics, 1pm competitions.
Free.
Quail Park Rodeo Grounds, Wilcox.
worldchampionshipblacksmiths.com.


Native Trails
All ages.
Music, dance, art and traditional Native American foods. Noon-1:30pm.
Free.
Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 2nd St & Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale. 480-421-1004 or scottsdalenativetrails.com.


MACFest
All ages.
Festival with local artists, food and activities.
10am-4pm.
Free.
Downtown Mesa, Main & Center Sts.
480-644-6500 or macfestmesa.com.