{FREE} Mommy and Me Dance Class

March 21, 2013 by Leave a Comment
AZDA 2
Does your little one have some extra energy to burn off?  Well, I’ve got the perfect way to make nap time last just a little bit longer.  Arizona Dance Artistry is offering {FREE} Mommy & Me dance classes for kiddos over one-year and up.  They are during the month of April (the 2nd-23rd) from 11:30-12:00 at AZDA (1745 W. Deer Valley Rd., Suite 102, Phoenix, AZ 85027).
The class is an introduction to creative movement, colors, counting, music, social skills and tumbling/stretch.  Parent participation is required per child (1:1 parent/child ratio), so get ready to move!  To enroll, click here.
(Max enrollment is 10 parent/child combo enrollment. Parent must enroll prior to class.)  Parent and child should dress in comfortable play attire. Bare feet or socks only, no street shoes in studio.
Happy dancing!
Filed Under: Community, Deals, family, Saving Money, Things To Do, Things to do with Kids Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium

September 30, 2012 by Leave a Comment

First opened in 1984, the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium features 66 developed acres with hundreds of animal exhibits, 5 ride attractions, 3 retail shops and several dining options.  As home to Arizona’s largest collection of wild animals, Wildlife World displays over 600 different species with more than 6,000 individual specimens.  Popular attractions include: a lory parrot feeding three times a day, a giraffe feeding station, a baby animal nursery, the African Safari Train Ride, Wildlife Encounters educational shows, a stingray touch tank, the Verizon Skyride, a kangaroo walkabout, tide pool touch tanks, a log flume ride, and children’s carousel, play area, and petting zoo.

Notable species include: white tigers, sharks, otters, penguins, flamingos, giraffe, zebras, oryx, lions, ostrich, kangaroos, rhino, jaguar, some 20 varieties of primates, eels, stingrays, tropical fish, rare albino alligators and many more!

New in 2011 – Dragon World.  See giant reptiles like the state of Arizona’s first saltwater crocodile — the largest species of croc in the world.  Plus, there will be monitors, iguanas, a 20-foot long & 200 lbs. python, Aldabra tortoises and more.  New in Feb. 2012 our 4th Aquarium Gallery featuring otters & river monster fish from South America.

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium is located at the intersection of State Route 303 and Northern Avenue in Litchfield Park at 16501 W. Northern Ave.  The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Daytime admission to both the zoo and aquarium is $29.00 for adults and $14.25 for children 3 to 12 (plus state sales tax), children under three are free.  Special reduced admission (after 5 p.m.) to the Aquarium only is $16.99 for adults and $8.99 for children 3 to 12 (plus state sales tax). Save $3 Off of admission to the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium Coupon http://www.phoenixkids.com/coupon.php?bid=154204&id=93

Filed Under: Community, Deals, Family Fun, Things to do with Kids Tagged With: , , , , ,

Baby and Kids Consignment Sale

August 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Mark your calendar, the MOMS Club of Phoenix – Happy Valley is holding another consignment sale in September 7 & 8.  The best thing about this sale is that all proceeds benefit The Butterfly House (SWAN).  Not only will you score some major deals, you will be helping out a wonderful, local charity.  It’s a win-win!

Filed Under: Community, Deals Tagged With: , , , , ,

Fun Find Friday – The Shine Project

June 29, 2012 by Leave a Comment

As I was browsing through Facebook this week I came across a post about a brand new social impact company called THREADS.  They employ at-risk youth in Phoenix to make these amazing bracelets so they can pay their way through college.

“Threads is a cause driven business that changes the future of at risk youth. They come from various backgrounds, but all have one thing in common, they want to break the cycle. By employing them, we instill values of self reliance and hard work. They are paid fair wages for the bracelets they make, and in turn are able to pay their way through school. Many of Threads employees are first generation college students. They dream of becoming nurses, broadcasters, writers and engineers.”

After doing lots research and spending some time on The Shine Project‘s website, I can tell you I have honestly fallen in love with this organization and its mission of spreading hope, positivity and inspiration into the community.  Other than these stunning bracelets, one of my favorite things they offer are Pass It Forward cards.  For $2.50 you get a pack of ten Pass It Forward cards and each card comes with a personalized ID number.  The idea is to do a random act of kindness and add the Pass It Forward card with the act.  The person who receives the card will go to www.spreadtheshine.com and enter the ID # to describe the expereince.  That person is then supposed to “pass it forward” with another random act of kindness.  The new recipient can get on the website and add their story.  I can only imagine where these cards will end up and what stories will be connected to each one.  What an amazing idea!  I don’t know about you, but I’m heading over to The Shine Project to order a bracelet and a packet of cards right now.  We are in no way affiliated with The Shine Project, we just think it is doing amazing things for our community and world and we want you all to know about them.

Filed Under: Charity, Community, Fun Finds, Youth Programs Tagged With: , , ,

Alice Cooper’s The Rock at 32nd Street

April 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Living in the Valley of the Sun definitely has its perks.  Lucky for us, we share this city with a number of celebrities who love to give back to the community.  Alice Cooper is one of my favorite local celebrities because of his love for this city and the children who grow up here.  As a former teacher in the Paradise Valley Unified School District, Alice Cooper holds a special place in my heart.  He recently donated a large sum of money to the PVUSD Arts Program.  Not only did he donate funds to continue the program that is always on the chopping block with public education budget cuts, he personally attended a board meeting, giving parents, students, educators and administrators the chance to meet him face-to-face.  Alice Cooper and his wife Sheryl are opening a local children’s and teen center on 32nd Street this spring called The Rock.   This new center will be located near 32nd Street and Thunderbird — my old stomping grounds.  Way to go Alice Cooper!

Go to www.alicecoopersolidrock.com for more information or read below to see what this facility will offer.

Opening Spring 2012, The Rock at 32nd Street Teen Center has been the dream and passion for Alice and Sheryl Cooper and the entire Solid Rock team for the past 12 years. The time has finally come to make that dream a reality. A collaboration of Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock and Genesis Church, The Rock will minister to teens through the music, dance, art, vocational training in sound, lighting, and staging, and fellowship in a new, safe facility. With so many public schools forced to cut vital programs like music and dance due to lack of school funding, The Rock will cultivate a love of the arts to inspire and challenge teens to choose artistic excellence instead of drugs, guns, or gangs. Who knows what amazing performers, choreographers and producers might come from The Rock?
 
PHASE ONE
Music Instruction – teens learn to play guitar, bass, drums, form a band or practice with their existing band
Dance Expression – teens will express themselves through dance, and learn various forms of dance
Open Mic – an opportunity for teens to showcase their singing and musical talent and other forms of creative expression
Coffee House – a small coffee/snack shop for gathering and fellowship
After School Programs – mentorship with homework, projects, activities
Vocational Training/Education – hands on training for sound, lighting, staging, and production
Game Room – provides a place for fun and fellowship featuring video and other interactive games
 
PHASE TWO
Recording and Sound Room – teens will learn how to mix and record music and rehearse
Computer Lab – access the Internet (monitored), complete homework projects, enhance computer skills and learn
Filed Under: Charity, Community, Uncategorized, Youth Programs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Rhea Lana Consignment Sale

March 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Before I had a child (and realized just how expensive kids really are) I never considered shopping consignment.  I’m a bit of  germaphobe and the word “used” gave me the eeby-jeebies.  Well, Rhea Lana changed my mind.  I discovered this amazing sale last fall and fell in love.  These sales are held throughout the country, so be on the lookout for one near you.  The one here in the Phoenix area is held twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring.  Lucky for me, the owner of the NW Phoenix store is also a member of my local MOMS Club, therefore I struck gold and was given an early bird shopping pass.  I was a bit nervous it would a drop-down drag-out fight to get any of the “good” stuff, but boy was I wrong.  Everything is well organized, clean and I even scored some brand NEW merchandise.  Check out all of these goodies I got for a mere $58.00!

It’s a bit hard to tell from the picture, but I got a wheelbarrow filled with blocks, a Fisher Price Learn-with-Me Lawnmower, a shopping cart (which will be perfect for all of the play food I bought at Costco last season), a portable booster seat, a brand new pair of Robeez (valued at $25), a pair of little boy’s Crocs (valued at $30), an adorable pair of khaki shoes and a brand new Melissa & Doug puzzle.  I can only imagine what the value of all of this is, but all I know is I feel like I got a steal.  Click here to see when a Rhea Lana sale is being held in your area.  If you are in the Phoenix area, be sure to stop by the sale going on right NOW, details are listed on the picture at the top of this post or click here for more information.

Filed Under: Community, Deals, Saving Money Tagged With: , , ,

The Scottsdale Street Fair

March 22, 2012 by 1 Comment

Looking for something to do this weekend with the amazing weather?  Get out this Sunday between 10:00am and 4:00pm to the Scottsdale Street Fair at the Pavillions.  Each Sunday there is oodles to do with or without the kiddos!  There are live bands, plenty of food, arts and crafts for sale and a huge farmer and flower market to look through.  In addition to all that there are bounce houses and slides for the kids to enjoy!  Admission is completely free – so this a must if you are looking for some free family fun this weekend! Check out their website by clicking here for more detailed information as well as an event calendar for all of the upcoming fairs!

Filed Under: Community, Things to do with Kids Tagged With: , , ,

Ties & Tutus Now on Pinterest!

February 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment

We are huge, I mean HUGE, fans of Pinterest!  It eats away much of our nap time “free time.”  If you haven’t already signed up for this addicting new social medium, don’t wait a moment longer!  What makes Pinterest better than ever is that Ties & Tutus has on official account!  Make sure to follow all our boards for more info on things we love, things to do and so much more! Click here to view our boards, or if you aren’t a member, make sure and sign up at www.pinterest.com.  Happy Pinning!

Filed Under: Community, Party Planning, Websites Tagged With: ,

Baby and Kid Sale

February 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Spring is right around the corner and you know what that means…SPRING CLEANING!  Yeah, it’s not all that exciting, but if you need a little incentive to clean out those closets, here it is.   The MOMS Club of Phoenix – Happy Valley is hosting a fundraising sale benefiting “The Real Gift Foundation,” which helps Arizona’s homeless children.  If you are looking to make a little bit of cash, help a charity or just find some great deals, check it out!

Calling All Moms!

Bargain Shop at Our Baby and Kid Sale!

The MOMS Club of Phoenix-Happy Valley is excited to announce the dates for our Spring Baby and Kid Sale!

When: Friday, March 9th     6pm-9pm
Saturday, March 10th     7am-Noon

Where: Foothills Christian Church – 3951 West Happy Valley Road, Glendale
Our moms look forward to this time of year. They get to clean out the closets and make a little cash, but also give to a wonderful charity. For this sale, proceeds benefit “The Real Gift Foundation” which helps Arizona’s homeless children.

Many families participate in our sale, so you’ll find thousands of gently used children’s items at bargain prices… everything from clothes to shoes, baby furniture and décor, and toys, both large and small.

Now, if you have closets full of clothes your children have outgrown or a garage full of unused toys, consider selling them at our sale. We’d love to have you! Check out www.hvmomskidsale.blogspot.com for more information. We’re also on Facebook. See you at the Baby and Kid Sale!

Filed Under: Charity, Community, family Tagged With: , , ,

MOMS Club

January 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Are you looking to get out and meet other moms in your area?  If so, I know the feeling.  Shortly before the arrival of my son, my husband and I decided I would start my new job as a stay-at-home-mom.  It was the job of my dreams and I was ecstatic.  However, reality quickly set in.  I don’t know about you, but I can’t just stay at home all day or the walls start creeping in and I go stir crazy.  On top of that, I knew that our decision to have my stay at home would also mean we would be on a much tighter budget, so no, I would not be out shopping the day away or lunching with friends at the country club (wait, I’ve never lunched at the country club, dreaming again…).  Most, if not all of my friends work, so I knew I needed to get out there and meet some new stay-at-home-moms, but YIKES, that’s scary.

I sat down at the computer one night and was determined to find inexpensive activities in the area where I could meet other moms and get.out.of.the.house.  Lo and behold I found this wonderful organization, the MOMS Club.  It is an international club, separated into chapters according to neighborhoods.  Could this really be true?  Was this the answer to all of my prayers?  Yes, yes it was.  Here are a few of the benefits of joining your local MOMS Club:

The MOMS Clubsm offers the following, free of charge to its registered chapters on an on-going basis:

* We organize and conduct support groups for all at-home mothers;

* We offer educational services, classes, on-line programs, seminars and workshops for support groups for at-home mothers, and we develop formats for monthly meetings, casual get-togethers, outings, family parties, playgroups, babysitting co-ops, activity groups and service projects for at-home mothers and their children;

* We offer extensive on-going management consulting services for support groups for at-home mothers, and we develop formats for monthly meetings, casual get-togethers, outings, family parties, playgroups, babysitting co-ops, activity groups and service projects for mothers and their children.
I have met some amazing women through this group.  We get together for weekly playdates, meet-ups, book clubs, organize fundraisers, family events, mom’s night out, set up babysitting co-ops and more than anything bond with other moms.  It’s wonderful to know such amazing women within my community.  Click here to search for your local chapter!

Filed Under: Community, Playgroups, Things to do with Kids Tagged With: , , , ,
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