Monday, December 22, 2008

**Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!**

 

~Happy Hanukkah to all those who celebrate the holiday~

-The word means dedication and begins on the eve of the 25th day of the Hebrew Month of Kislev and last eight days

-Directions on how to play the Dreidel Game http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/hanukkah/dreidel-game.html

-Hanukkah coloring pages for the kiddies

 http://www.apples4theteacher.com/coloring-pages/hanukkah/

 

*Always try and be patience with those who supply advice*

*The only thing to do with good advice is to pass it on.  It is never of any use to oneself.* 

*Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something* - Plato

 

~Join Hotel Indigo in the Divine Lounge for Monday night football and watch the Green Bay Packers take on the Chicago Bears with food specials and $3 beers during the game~

 

Events in the Valley of the Sun

*Maloney’s Tavern with $2 Bud Light Bottles and $2 well drinks along with enjoyable live music

*Happy hour at Teakwoods Tavern and Grill in North Scottsdale featuring food and drink happy hour specials

*TRU Mondays Six Lounge with various DJs and martini, vodka, beer, and champagne specials

*Karoke at El Dorado Bar and Grill in Scottsdale

*Uncorked half-price glasses of wine

*Rogue Bar Happy day with $2.50 wells and domestics

*Battle of the Bull Competition at Scottsdale Ranch Chop House during happy hour from 4-6:30 PM with cash prizes

  

Christmas Dinner Spots

Eve….

~Christmas Eve Dinner at the Arizona Biltmore Resort from 5 – 9 PM with five-course holiday dinner with multiple options from goose to rib eye and a variety of desserts and wine; reservations required $89 for adults and $48 for those under the age of 12 602-381-7632

~Christmas Eve Dinner at the Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley from 4 to 8 PM with multi-course dinner featuring appetizers, turkey, salmon, pumpkin cheesecake, and much more; reservations suggested $65 602-955-7878

~Christmas Eve Dinner at The Estate House in Old Town Scottsdale from 6 – 10 PM featuring many season items such as a gingerbread soufflĂ© with marshmallow mousse and caramel corn; reservations required $65 480-970-4099

Day…

~Christmas Day Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton in phoenix with visits from Santa, omelet station, and a large selection of meats; $75 and $35 for ages 5-12

~The Boulders Resort from 2 – 8 PM with four-course Christmas meal with veal cheek ravioli to dessert; reservations required $80 for adults and $32 for those under 12 480-488-9009

~Christmas Day Dinner at the JW Marriot Desert Ridge from 5:30 – 9:30 PM with everything from turkey to mashed potatoes to a variety of desserts from $25-$38 and reservations required 480-293-3636

~For a list of places throughout the valley http://www.azcentral.com/ent/holiday/articles/2008/12/11/20081211xmasdinner1211.html

~Families love to spend the holidays together, but sometimes certain circumstances keep us apart. Homemade Gift Ideas for Family Members that are Away…

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/christmas/articles/family-homemade-gifts.html

Friday, December 19, 2008

~HAPPY FRIDAY~

 

*Be the best that you can be with the attributes and gifts that you have*

*Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't*

*It is only after a fair portion of one's life that one really knows the people and things that matter, the things that will remain until the end*

 

-Enjoy the weekend!-

  • E4 is hosting Penthouse Release Party featuring Brea Lynn; this nightclub features a variety of different rooms from gothic style to a Las Vegas simulated dance experience
  • Experience Scottsdale’s talked about dive bar The Lodge where there is no VIP or dress code; gives off a lodge feel, but the food and enormous bar remind customers that they are still in Old Town
  • Uncorked Winebar and Bistro featuring hot holiday spiced sangria
  • Roy’s in North Scottsdale - try a hot-buttered rum drink to stay warm on these chilly nights
  • House 7340 at Myst with guest DJs and drink specials
  • Friday Wine Tastings at Epicurean Wine Service from 5:30 to 7:30 PM

 

Holiday Fun

*Go see the movie The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck, featured in only some theaters; inspiring story about a boy who comes out of tragedy to find the true meaning of Christmas

*World’s largest Gingerbread Village in Prescott with more than 100 gingerbread structures

*The Nutcracker by Ballet Arizona at Symphony Hall

*Winter Wonderland Miniature Golf with festive lights, falling snow, and other holiday displays

*Holiday Rides with Santa at The Village at Arrowhead Shopping Center

 

My Customer Service Rant...

~Working in customer service can really make me laugh sometimes... the people I meet and the questions that I'm asked are all over place.... they range from making me really mad to making me laugh uncontrollably and it's an experience unlike many other. 

                 I meet a variety of people everyday; those who share everything about themselves in ten minutes and then others who are rather shy or in a hurry to get to their next destination and seem to only say two words, "thank you" as they walk out.  The thing that makes me laugh the most is dealing with coupons...  Customers seem to always want to use a coupon and then keep it for their next visit... its as if they consider a paper coupon some sort of punch card or credit card, when in reality it has a one-time use value.  Then I have the customers who claim that in the computer system, under their name, is an automatic discounted coupon which can be used with every visit, seeing as though this does not exist nor did it ever, I continue to wonder where people get this information from, but it keeps me laughing.  Lastly, are those wanting to combine multiple coupons and discounts, I repeatedly have to kindly explain that most stores or companies do not let this occur because if they did they would be losing a great deal of money!

-After all this people just never cease to amaze me anymore with their actions, questions, and thoughts… I'm almost ready for any and everything!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

*Thirsty Thursday*

~One of the best days of the week!

 

*The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.*

~Traveling makes me laugh… I traveled today back home to Ohio and I realized that it can be a huge hassle, but it can also be a great way to people watch and experience new things by meeting and talking to new people. 

            I watched everyone hustle through the long lengthy holiday ticket lines to then race over and wait again in the time-consuming and drawn out security lines, where workers yell the same statements over and over again and some people still aren’t ready when it’s their turn..  CRAZY! 

            The airport is very dynamic.  There are those who wait to the last minute and then rush to cut everyone because there “plane is leaving in ten minutes,” the others who sit and wait for hours  because they were over prepared, then there is me… I follow the standard hour and a half policy and then get to the gate with a “PHEW I have fifteen minutes to get a snack, magazine, and use the restroom”. 

            A little word of advice… ship holiday gifts because carrying mine on today was no picnic in the park and if it wasn’t for a few kind people I would have never made it!  The airport is following a strict 1 carry-on and 1 personal item policy so make sure to follow otherwise you will be like me and have to ask people behind you to pretend that it is theirs and hope that they are kind enough to agree. 

*Experience, travel-these are as education in themselves*

 

Valley Events

  • Join Hotel Indigo for live music by PHEED and drink specials.  This is a great spot to start the night off just right!  Awesome bar lounge, fire pit, and friendly-prompt service where one can actually get a beverage in a timely manner!
  • Holiday lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park on Indian Bend from 6:30 – 9 PM; train rides, carousel rides, Santa, and a tree lighting ceremony www.TheRailroadPark.com
  • Thursday evening ArtWalk from 7 – 9 PM
  • Dog’s night out at Classy Jazzy from 7 – 9 PM, 7111 5th Avenue
  • The Rusty Spur Saloon has a laid back environment where you can enjoy live music and drinks in a building that was once a bank
  • Suede’s Sky Ladies Night featuring no cover for ladies and half off all drinks in the house
  • Third Thursday Concert Series featuring the musical group Lit http://www.litlounge.com/

 

~Are you looking to volunteer this holiday season or need to volunteer for school credit or community service hours?  There is a variety of ways to help through the city of Scottsdale from picking up roadside litter to helping out at the local libraries…. http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/volunteer/volunteeropportunities.asp

 

FITNESS CORNER

~Trying to burn off the access holiday weight?  Try hiking!  There are a variety of trails throughout the valley and it is a great way to stay in shape and enjoy our wonderful Arizona winters.  I have hiked Pinnacle Peak, Camelback, and South Mountain and I love it.  It’s a different kind of work out than most are use too!

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/trails.asp

~Interested in biking?  Scottsdale has been recognized by the league of American Bicyclists for being a bicycle friendly community…here is a list of bikeways for transportation and recreation http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/traffic/alttransmethod/bikeways.asp

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

*We need to remember that models and actresses whose looks we covet are merely people too.  Much of what you see is the air-brushed, computerized version of what appears to be a real person* ~ Dr. Richard Carlson

 

~These rainy cold days make me want to curl up by a fire, order in pizza or chinese, and watch a movie and relax....

New Movie Rentals....

-Mamma Mia

-Dark Knight

-Step Brothers

-Wanted

-Horton Hears a Who

 

Tuesday Spots

-The Divine Lounge at Hotel Indigo with two-for-one Tuesdays on well drinks and domestic beers

-Six Lounge Societe Tuesdays are always a fun time with $4 vodka drinks and $2 Jager shots

-Salsa Night at Club Rain in Scottsdale with salsa classes and live entertainment

-Karokee at El Dorado Bar and Grill

-Happy Day at the Rogue Bar in N. Scottsdale with $2.50 wells and domestics

 

~One of the best songs that I have ever heard that offers words of wisdom is called Wear SunScreen.. it offers some great advice, take a listen.... it's pretty old, but the information still stands http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ7AzBIJoI

Here are a few quotes from it that I really enjoy...


 *Don't waste your time on jealousy.   Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.

*Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future

 

Holiday Events....

-Old Town Scottsdale gets lit up on December 18th with final 'Night Lights' exhibit from 7 to 11PM

-Southbridge, located on the South side of the Arizona Canal, hosts their holiday party which features santa, carolers, holiday cookies, etc.

 

**Edge Radio Station presents the second Third Thursday of the month free concert series in Scottsdale.  Featuring Lit on December 18th from 7 to 10 PM

 

^^Looking for a last minute gift?  Visit the Old Town Farmer's Market on Saturday which features unique gifts, local produce, and food samples by award-winning chefs from local eateries.  This event is from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday, December 15, 2008

~Hope that the weekend brought relaxation and that everyone got to catch up on sleep and other various errands and if not I hope it was because of some much needed and well worth it fun!

 

*Everyone loves to laugh. It releases stress and gives us something to smile about after a rough day at work or school..*

 

*When we are unhappy with ourselves, it is usually because we are preoccupied with comparing ourselves to others*

 

**Join Hotel Indigo on the patio for "Gridiron Grillin" during Monday night football.  This weeks game is Cleveland verse Philadelphia.  All beers are $3 during the game!**

 

Don't make it just another manic Monday.... go have some fun in the valley....

-Suns verse the New York Knicks game 

-Harley Bonham at Eddie V's DC RAnch from 6:30 - 10:30 PM

-Cedric Ceballos & Friends at the W Scottsdale from 8 - 2 AM with music, drinks, and food hosted by Destiny 

-Speed Dating for men and women ages 55-66 at Un-Bacio in Scottsdale; registration required and starts at 6:45 PM

-Toxic Mondays at Zuma on Mill Ave

-TRU Mondays at Six Lounge with DJS Anexx, Shane Jacot, and Vandiver and several drink specials

-Karaoke at El Dorado Bar and Grill 

-Happy hour at Dos Gringos is always a fun time

-Half-price glasses of wine and wine flights at Uncorked in Scottsdale

-Housequake with Bam Bam, Kenny Brown, Junior & David Small at Char's Has the Blues; the band plays R&B and Motown music

 

Family Fun

-Visit the Arizona Science Center and see the Star Trek exhibit.  This has interactive exhibits, simulators, and props and costumes from the films and television series

-A Christmas Carol showing at the Herberger Theater Center, multiple show times and days through Christmas Eve

-AZ on the Rocks rocking climbing; this place is a lot of fun!  I was there on Saturday and it was a fantastic workout.  They have orientation for new climbers

 

Itching to play poker tonight...

-Fibber Magees Irish Restaurant & Pub in Chandler; for more information call 480-772-9434

-Bunkhouse Saloon in Phoenix 602-200-9154

 

Celebrity Sightings

^Looker Jesse Metcalf from the TV series Desperate Housewives and the movie John Tucker Must Die was seen in Old Town and other various places this past weekend in Scottsdale... not sure if he is still in town, but keep your eyes open

Friday, December 12, 2008

*The real secret of patience is to find something to do in the meantime*

 

*Change brings freshness and what better time to change up the old routine than on the weekend!*

 

~Once again the weekend is here... and I don't know about you, but I have been thinking that its the weekend since hump day Wednesday!~

 

What's going on in the Valley this weekend...??

-Phoenix Sun's vs. Orlando Magic  at US Airways Center.... GO SUNS!!

-Salty Senorita Anniversary Party featuring live music, drink tasting, tequila sampling, and margarita mixing stations.... going to be one crazy party!

-Live music at Desert Ridge Marketplace featuring Destinee Brooke performing covers from Lenny Kravitz to Led Zeppelin

-"The Day the Earth Stood Still" comes out in theaters Friday featuring Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, and Kathy Bates

-"Nothing Like the Holidays" featuring Debra Messing and John Leguizamo

-House 7340 at Myst; Guest DJ's, drink specials, and dance music

-Visit the Coach House and enjoy a blinding light display while drinking with friends in Old Town Scottsdale

 

Places to see Santa

*McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park off Indian Bend Sundays through Saturdays starting Dec 12th

*Dec 13th breakfast with Santa at the Phoenician Resort; cookie decorating and pictures with santa are included with admission 

*Winter Wonderland at University Park; santa, face painting, food, stuffed stockings, and drinks, Dec 17th 4:30 - 7:30 PM

*McCullough-Price House in Chandler on Dec 19th from 4-7; cookies, holiday ornaments, and pictures with santa

*Swimming with Santa at Kiwanis Park Recreation Center Dec 26-27th 1- 3 PM

 

Are you involved in the office secret santa...?  Here are a few gifts that have low-costs 

http://www.azcentral.com/ent/holiday/articles/2008/12/08/20081208secretsanta1209simple.html

 

Dog Parks in Scottsdale have become the newest social event... these days people watch their dogs play and socialize like they once did their kids on the playground...Playgrounds are out and dog parks are in...

-Chaparral Park; off leash area is 4 acres and 3 acres of grass

-Horizon Park and Community Center; off leash area is 2/3 an acre, shade structure, and people and dog drinking fountains

-Vista del Camino Park's; off leash area is 1/2 acre and there are benches and a doggie water fountain

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Tasteful, Thirsty... whatever you want to call it, it's Thursday!

 

**Let's face it, much of life is mundane.  Life is made up of thousands of daily "small stuff" tasks and chores that come and go like the tides of time** Dr. Richard Carlson

 

**Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be**

 

~Hotel Indigo's Tasteful Thursdays are a great place to start the evening with live music in the Divine Lounge from the band PHEED.  Enjoy acoustical renditions of your favorite songs while sipping on $5 martinis ad $5 house wines during the performance.  Comfortable seating, music, drinks, and a bon fire for the chilly nights!  

 

Stuff to do this evening...

-Phoenix Coyotes Vs. Minnesota Wild at Jobing.com Arena 

-Barrett-Jackson 38-Day Countdown at the W Hotel; sneak preview of the 2009 auction

-Free makeup class at Glam Lounge in Scottsdale, one class at 2 and another at 6 p.m. reservations requested 

-"Holiday Hustle" Hike at San Tan Mountain Park, 9:00 A.M. strenuous hike to the top of Goldmine Mountain

-AZ Wine Co. wine pre-sale, wine tasting along with cheese and charcuterie plates 6 - 8 p.m. on Scottsdale Road 

-Noches de las Luminaries has music, spiked hot chocolate, and other various drinking concoctions, which may very well make it one fantastic night; 7000 hand-lit luminaries.  For tickets and information http://www.dbg.org/index.php/lumi

 

Wanting to get your drink on....?

*Barcelona featuring David Hernandez from American Idol; dinner, dancing, and drinks make this place a great spot for a fun night out

*Majerle's Sports Grill in Phoenix presents "Grown and Gorgeous Thursdays" playing old-school, hip-hop, and R & B hits.  Various drink specials.

*The Voodoo Lounge Dance Club in Scottsdale; kitchen, bar, and music from DJ Excell

*Saddle Ranch Chop House in Old Town has it's "Battle of the Bull Competition" for cash prizes.  This is during happy hour, from 4 - 6 p.m. 

 

Thursday Food Specials....

^Thursdays are wing nights at Zipps Sports Grill and boneless wing night at Buffalo Wild Wings

^Sassi in North Scottsdale has specialty pizza and pasta dishes that are paired with wine for a great price on Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

 

~Looking for a holiday cater? Many restaurants offer catering, here is a list of places ranging in price and cuisine....The Painted Horse Cafe, Chompie's, Sportsman's Fine Wines and Spirits, and many more.... http://phoenix.metromix.com/restaurants/roundup/13-spots-for-holiday/827842/content

 

**Star spotting in Old Town Scottsdale as the movie "Middle Men" is being shot around Scottsdale; starring Luke Wilson and Giovanni Ribisi... hopefully you can catch the cast and crew out and about this weekend**

http://www.middlementhemovie.com/

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

**Quotations are something we all love. They make us laugh while passing along a message which is unforgettable.**

 

*Life is like a game of cards.  The hand that is dealt you represents determinism; the way you play it is free will.*

 

Hump Day Wednesday

-AC/DC at US Airways Center

-Speed Dating at The Melting Pot in Scottsdale ages 32-45 $39

-Sip and Spin at Kazimierz World Wine Bar in Scottsdale, music and old-world wines

-Barcelona featuring DJ Rob plays dance favorites 

-Six Lounge Le Femme Wednesdays; $4 vodka drinks and $5 blueberry martinis

-e4's International Party

-Mulligans Illicit Wednesdays featuring DJ Thai-coon and DJ Myth

 

Looking for an adventure...?

~Try horseback riding, various locations throughout the valley

-Fort McDowell Adventures in Fountain Hills 480-816-6465, trails through Verde River and wagon rides

-MacDonald's Ranch in Scottsdale 1300 acres of Sonoran Desert with cookout spots, hayrides, and activities for small or large parties 480-585-0239

-Windwalker Expeditions Inc. in Cave Creek which specializes in private rides that accommodate English and Western disciplines 480-585-3382

 

40 Things to do in Scottsdale, AZ

-Hike the McDowell Sonoran Preserve 

-Hot-Air Ballooning over Sonoran Desert-If you have never been before hot-air ballooning is a great activity to experience, I loved it!

-Night-Vision Desert Tours which will provide night-vision scopes to spot wildlife

-Go back in time at the Pueblo Grande Museum & Archaeological Park

-Handlebar J Restaurant and Saloon which has live Country/Western music seven nights a week- This spot is a blast!

-McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park which has a one-mile track, antique carousel, playgrounds, treats, and more

-Sugar Bowl for ice cream in Old Town Scottsdale which has a great old-fashioned atmosphere and some great shakes if I might say so myself!

For more check out http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/scottsdalecvb/experiencescottsdale/index.php?startpage=2

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

**So many people spend so much of their life energy "sweating the small stuff" that they completely lose touch with the magic and beauty of life**

 

~Join Hotel Indigo for two-for-one Tuesdays!  Two for one drink specials on well drinks and domestic beers~

 

Tuesday Events

-ZooLights 2.5 million lights, 400 light sculptures, giraffe rides, and the "Music in Motion" Show

-Six Lounge Societe Tuesdays with DJDavid Christian and $4 vodka drinks and $ Jager Shots

-Eddie's House Happy Hour with tarot readings and drink and food specials

-Buffalo Wild Wings .40 cent wing night with great happy hour beer prices and trivia

-Snow Patrol at Clubhouse Music Venue at 8 p.m.

-Unofficial Myspace Party at Q-Lounge with DJ Flattop 

-Salsa Night at Club Rain in North Scottsdale with DJ, salsa classes, and dancing

 

Not too early to think about New Years Eve......

*Scottsdale's Ultimate Block Party

-Live music

-Fireworks

-VIP ticket opportunities

-Access to Acme Bar & Grill, Dos Gringos, and Upper Deck

-Over 10,000 people

*Mill Avenue and Tempe Beach Park Fiesta Bowl Block Party with more than 100,000 attendees last year. 5 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

-Fireworks

-Countdown Ball Drop

-Rock band Styx

-More than 40 local bands

-Beer gardens

-Piano Players

-Motocross Jumpers 

Discounted tickets are available for $15.00 at Fry's 

*Dave and Buster's New Year's Eve Bash

-Entry is $48 which includes buffet dinner and $20 game card

-Dancing, DJ, and champagne toast at midnight

-Benefits Children's Hospital 

-7 p..m. for dinner and 9 p.m. for dancing 

*Farrelli's Cinema Supper Club

-Variety of movies

-Last movie 9:45 p.m.

-Prime rib, champagne, and dessert special

*Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass

-Party on Mission Patio

-$45 for adults and $25 for children

-Buffet dinner starts at 8:30 p.m.

-Marshmallow roast

-Dancing, live music, fireworks, games, and party favors

-Reservations preferred 

*Westgate Rocks New Year's Eve Party

-8 p..m. to 2 a.m.

-Music

-Fashion

-Entertainment from DJ Soulman

-Go-go dancers

-Live roving camera broadcasting the crowd 

-$20 in advance and $30 the day of the event

 

*38th Annual Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on January 5th in Glendale brings Ohio State verse Texas Longhorns...this should be a great game!*

Monday, December 8, 2008

~Hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend.... full of fun, family and friends, and of course catching up on some sleep~

 

*Being part of a family is a privilege and certainly rewarding, but it can also be a little difficult, even when things are going well, learn to be patient and to not let the little things drive you crazy*

 

-Catch a little Monday night football, Tampa Bay at Carolina, at Hotel Indigo's Divine lounge and enjoy grilled food specials and $3 dollar beers during the game!

 

Sports Corner

*Suns break their losing streak by beating the Utah Jazz 106-104!  GO SUNS!  Great game and fantastic job to Amare Stoudemire who had 22 points and 20 rebounds.

*Arizona State VS University of Arizona game ended in a win for Arizona...ending ASU's chance at a bowl game for the 5th time... sad for us ASU fans, but congrats to Arizona fans 31-10.

 

Popular Scottsdale Bars on Mondays....

-The Rogue Bar; dance floor is always packed featuring rock/indie/retro tunes

-TT Roadhouse; causal neighborhood bar in Scottsdale, happy hour M-F until 7

-Sugar Daddy's; New Orleans style and check it out on Mondays for Battle of the Bands

-Mickey's Hangover; restaurant, bar, and lounge has a great happy hour offering half-off all food, well drinks, wine, and beer

-Drift is a combination of hip and causal with a Polynesian/Tiki bar style offering happy hour from 4-7 Monday - Friday great price on cocktails, beers, wine, and appetizers

 

My favorite spots.....

~Olive and Ivy offering a casual and beautiful atmosphere with drop lights and a lush green patio that offers a view of the canal; great for dinner, but my favorite spot for drinks and dessert

~The Estate House upstairs lounge; roof-top lounge offering a fantastic view of downtown Scottsdale and a comfortable environment along with a piano bar inside.  This is a casual/dressy environment, but perfect for drinks before or after dinner and dinner downstairs if you are in the mood to splurge.  

                -Great happy hour on drinks and appetizers 

~Zipps Sports Grill, many valley locations, offers appreciable drink and food specials every night and has a casual sporty scene

 

^^Stressing about what to get your loved ones for the holiday?  Check out Amazon.com, I have found some really great deals on there lately, but then we all have to worry about getting someone the wrong present... here is an article about the 15 worst holiday gift ideas... made me laugh 

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/Advice/15worstHolidayGiftIdeas.aspx

Friday, December 5, 2008

*The weekend is FINALLY here and there is a lot going on throughout the valley*

 

-There aren't enough days in the weekend so enjoy it while its here!

 

-Most of the time the only reason why we ask other people how their weekend was is so we can tell them about our own weekend, so have some weekend fun and have something to brag about Monday!

 

Weekend Fun...

*Start Friday night off in The Divine Lounge, one of the only places offering Friday night specials... $3 Domestics and $4 Well cocktails!

*Chelsea Handler of E TV will be in the valley this weekend performing stand-up at the Dodge Theater tonight

*Polar Express is back at the IMAX in 3D 

*Gingerbread nights in Glendale; make a gingerbread house, inflatable rides, rock climbing, and 1.5 million lights

*JW Marriott's Santa's Gingerbread Village

*Phooson music festival tonight brings a lot of famous people to the valley featuring Rihanna, Katy Perry, Fall Out Boys, Pussycat Dolls, Secondhand Serenade, and Jess McCartney at Cricket Wireless Pavilion starting at 5:00 PM

*Celine Dion also in town for her concert tomorrow night at Jobing.com

*Check out Kazimierz Wine Bar; this is a great spot with a wine-cellar setting, wine, food, and a cool atmosphere this is a great place to take a date or meet with friends.... one of my favorite hidden secrets!

 

Looking to go dancing this weekend?  Here are some of the valley's best dance clubs...

-Six Lounge is bumping on the weekend with people and popular DJ's  

-Zuma Grill on Mill Avenue

-Dirty Pretty is a high-energy dance club featuring D-JR

-Sangria Luxe Lounge in Glendale opened by the owners of Scottsdale hot spot e4

-e4 off Drinkwater Blvd. in Scottsdale with four different themed rooms and a Las Vegas type design

-Myst in Scottsdale with a 18,000 square foot dance floor

-Axis/Radius, two-clubs in one spot featuring loud music and go-go dancers

-Barcelona in North Scottsdale starring singer from American Idol

-Sky Lounge in Phoenix is a two-story popular downtown spot

 

The weather is perfect this time of year in the valley and now we are all starting to remember why we live here after the long hot summer... so enjoy the weekend and the weather while it lasts!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

*The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same* -Carlos Castaneda 

 

Thursday Events in Scottsdale...

*Tasteful Thursdays at Hotel Indigo's Divine Lounge; Live music from PHEED featuring the former drummer from Gin Blossoms with $5 martinis and $5 house wines

*The first Thursday of every month Furio in Old Town features wine tastings from boutiqiue wineries 

*Giligin's karaoke Thursdays

*Maloney's Tavern is a low-key bar that features $1 Bud Lights, $1Jagger shots, and DJ's after 9 p.m. on Thursdays, I love this bar!  It plays great music and funny movie clips that will keep you laughing all night long!

*Six Lounge has a hot party on Thursdays; world-class DJS and drink specials

*Canal's happy hour from 4-7 p.m. called Liquid Fashion; half priced wine and martinis along with great deals on appetizers 

*Suede has Sky Ladies nights with happy hour from 7 to 10 p.m. which includes no cover for ladies all night and half off all drinks in the house

 

This Weeks Holiday Events

-APS Electric Light Parade December 6th at 5 p.m. 602-262-4627 for more info

-A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Mesa Arts Center Dec 5th at 8 p.m.

-The Nutcracker at Chandler Center for the Arts on Dec 5th at 7:30 p.m.

-Las Noches de las Luminaries at Desert Botanical Garden tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

-ZooLights now through January 11th 

 

Holiday Promotions 

-Westcor Shopping malls, when you spend $350 in one day you get a free $50.00 gift certificate 

-Fox Concept Restaurants and Neiman Marcus have teamed up; when you spend $100.00 at Neiman you receive $15.00 to use at FCR Restaurants 

 

If there is one thing that I've noticed it's that even with a rough economy some great movies are still coming out this month...

Already Released...

-Four Christmases starring Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon, I saw this one and it was hysterical!  

-Twilight starring Kristen Stewart and based off the best-selling book series, heard that this movie was a must see for all ages

Coming in the next few weeks...

-Nothing Like the Holidays starting on December 12th starring Debra Messing, Freddy Rodriguez, and a handful of other famous actors and actresses 

-The Day the Earth Stood Still also beginning on the 12th featuring Keanu Reeves, Kathy Bates, and others, saw this movie as a kid and can't believe they are making a new one!

-Will Smith's new movie Seven Pounds and Jim Carey's new movie Yes Man both start Dec 19th

And a list of movies starting on Christmas Day from all the famous ones; Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Jennifer Anniston, Etc!

*I don't know about you, but I think i'll be filling up my movie quota this month for the year

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

*Nothing cures insomnia like the realization that it's time to get up*

 

You know your from Arizona when...

*You no longer associate bridges or rivers with water

*The best parking is determined by shade...not distance

*You can actually burn your hand opening the car door

*Sunscreen is sold year round and kept right at the checkout counter

*You hear people say "but it's a dry heat!"

*You think a red light is merely a suggestion

*When a rainy day puts you in a good mood

*The temperature drops below 90 and you feel a bit chilly

-For more witty jokes about Arizona or various other states follow this link http://www.legendsofamerica.com/AZ-ArizonaWhen.html

 

Now I have a few of my own.... You know your from Scottsdale when...

*You can at a stop light and be surrounded by a Hummer, Mercedes, BMW, and Lamborghini all at the same time

*Every night is a contest to see what girl can wear the shortest dress or skirt 

*Everyone knows someone and can get VIP at any given moment

*The people look like models straight out of a catalog 

*Tan skin is an understatement 

*The hair color brown is going extinct 

*You find go-go dancers in the local bars

*There is a cougar casting call for a new reality TV series 

 

Places to go for Hump Day Wednesday...

*Drinx; hold's a guitar hero tournament at 11 p.m. that is open-to-all and $3 vodka drinks

*Pussycat Lounge hosts DJ Tranzit's party Switch; doors open at 8 p.m. and first 100 people get a free shot of Midori

*Six Lounge hosts "La Femme Wednesdays" starting at 10 p.m. with half off bottles of champagne and $4 Smirnoff drinks

*Cherry Lounge hosts "a Red Carpet Affair" which serves free drinks from 9-11 p..m.

*Wednesdays at Myst nightclub hosting Midweek Chic; starts at 10 p.m. I would say the biggest party place on Wednesday nights if your looking to get a little crazy!

*e4 hosts Rumba International on Wednesday nights; four rooms and dances from latin and reggae to salsa.  Show up at 9 p.m. for free salsa lessons.  This event attracts an ethnically diverse crowd

 

Are you interested in getting a softball team together or in playing another sport from volleyball to flag football... then check out the website below.  Sign ups are being held now and throughout December for the spring so take a look...

 http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/sports.asp

 

Safety Information...Scottsdale is voted the 69th safest community out of 385 cities and Gilbert was voted the 23rd safest community which is a plus, but Phoenix on the other hand was voted the 100 most dangerous cities... don't be scared just be aware of these statistics.