Thursday, May 31, 2018

June newsletter


"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards"
- Soren Kierkegaard

5 Unique Ideas for a Father’s Day Celebration
On June 17 this year, families across the country will honor the dads in their lives for Father’s Day. As with any holiday, the most meaningful way to celebrate may not be with a card or gift, but rather an experience that the whole family can enjoy together. Still making your Father’s Day plans? Here are a few unique ideas for a day that Dad is sure to remember:
  • Check out a local museum. Whether the special man in your life is into art, science, or history, your city may have a museum to pique his interest. Taking the family for a day at the museum is an educational way to spend time together while escaping the summer heat.
  • Take a cooking class together. If Dad is an aspiring home chef (or you would like him to become one!), enrolling in a cooking class would be a fun and productive bonding activity. Many specialty grocery stores and kitchen retailers offer classes with menus suited for various palettes, and some even feature kid-friendly classes.
  • Take a day trip. Even if it’s not time for your summer vacation yet, a quick getaway can provide a dose of escapism and an exciting opportunity for family bonding time. See if there are any destinations that Dad would enjoy within a two-hour drive of your home, and consider surprising him by not telling him where you are headed.
  • Treat Dad to a day at the spa. Massages and facials are not just for women. If your special guy could use some pampering, consider booking him an appointment for a luxurious day at the spa—or accompany him for a relaxing and romantic couple’s activity!
  • Have a “mandatory” relaxation weekend at home. For many dads, weekends get taken over by household chores—and sometimes, the best gift is to simply shred the to-do list, cancel all plans, and enjoy some leisure time at home. This Father’s Day, consider telling Dad that he is prohibited from working around the house and the weekend is his to just read a book, watch the game, and unwind.
Source: rd.com
Frozen Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:
  • 3 cups crushed Ice
  • 2 cups milk
  • 4 sachets (or 2.5 heaped tbsp) of hot chocolate cocoa powder (the sweetened kind)
  • 4 tbsp chocolate sauce
  • Whipped cream
  • 2 tbsp chocolate shavings
Directions
  1. Place the ice, milk and hot chocolate powder into a blender. Blend for 1 minute until thoroughly combined.
  2. Drizzle 1 tbsp of chocolate sauce around the rim of two large glasses. Pour the frozen hot chocolate into the two glasses.
  3. Top with whipped cream, then drizzle on the remaining chocolate sauce. Sprinkle on the chocolate shavings.
  4. Serve immediately.
Avoid These Common Staging Mistakes When Selling Your Home
In the past several years, home staging—or the process of arranging factors like furniture, lighting, colors, and decorative items to boost a home’s appeal—has emerged as a powerful way to attract buyers. Statistics indicate that staged homes sell more quickly and for up to twenty percent more than their unstaged counterparts. However, staging must be done properly, as there are several common pitfalls that could actually have a negative effect on buyers’ perceptions.
Are you thinking about staging your home for a successful sale? Whether you are doing it on your own or working with a professional, be sure to avoid the following mistakes:
  • Faking it. Fake flowers, bowls of fake fruit, and even fake computer monitors are commonly used in model homes as a way to create the illusion of a functional living space. However, if your goal is to make your home look warm and inviting to buyers, displaying these artificial items could backfire. At best, they will make the home look obviously staged, and at worst, they may appear tacky and impersonal.
  • Not staging appropriately for the size of the room. While keeping your home free of clutter is essential for attracting buyers, it’s a common misconception that adorning rooms with minimal amounts of undersized furniture and décor is the key to making the home appear more spacious. In reality, the most important factor is to decorate proportionately for the size of the room. In a sprawling room with high ceilings, small furnishings would look dwarfed and awkward—and on the other hand, overstuffed couches and other large items would make a smaller room appear cramped. As you choose items to place or keep in your rooms, strive to create spaces that are comfortable and practical, yet open enough to allow “room to grow” in accordance with buyers’ imaginations.
  • Closing doors. While it may seem obvious that you do not want to cordon off important sections of your home to buyers, doors may be closed before showings out of habit. However, this may cause rooms to appear unnecessarily small or could result in buyers missing entire spaces, like impressive closets or basements. Before a scheduled showing, perform a final walk-through to ensure that all doors are open (unless they are hiding an unsightly feature) and that buyers will be able to explore the home seamlessly.
  • Excessive use of neutral colors. It’s true that a neutral color scheme is generally recommended for homes on the market. As opposed to bold and distracting hues, neutral colors—such as variations on beige, gray, and white—will help buyers picture themselves living there. However, too much of a good thing can harm buyers’ perceptions of your home, making it appear bland and unmemorable. Instead, spice up your neutral palette with some vibrant accent walls or boldly colored pieces of furniture.
  • Ignoring the outside. First impressions count, and potential buyers begin to form theirs as soon as they pull up to your home. Therefore, be sure that your staging efforts extend to the yard. Ensure that the landscaping is well-maintained, fences and gates are freshly painted, and the driveway and walkways are in good repair. Consider putting out a new welcome mat or planting some colorful flowers to greet buyers before they even set foot in your home.

5-31-18 Things to do feel free to share

Events

Mesa Encore Theatre: Rock of Ages 
Thu. 05/31 - Sun. 06/03, times vary
Mesa Arts Center
This jukebox musical, built around classic rock songs from the 1980s, features the music of Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Poison and Europe among other well-known rock, glam, and metal bands. $28-$32
more info   map


Bike Night 
Fri. 06/02, 5pm-9pm
Westgate Entertainment District, Glendale
Cose to 1,000-1,500 bikes and attendees will come roaring into Westgate for the biggest bike night in the Valley brought to you by CycleRides.com.
more info   map 

Improv Comedy Show 
Fri. 06/01 & Sat. 06/02, 7:30pm
National Comedy Theatre, Phoenix
Laugh, shout and enjoy as two teams of comedians compete for your laughs in comedy scenes and improv games made up on the spot based on suggestions from the Audience. $12-$14
more info   map


DeRay Davis 
Fri. 06/01 - Sun. 06/03, times vary
Stand Up Live, Phoenix
DeRay Davis is quickly killing Hollywood with his hilarious humor and persona. His film credits include Jumping the Broom, Semi-Pro, Old Dogs, Life as We Know It, and more. $30-$40
more info   map 

Bath Day with the Clydesdales 
Sat. 06/02, 8:30am-11:30am
USA Clydesdale Preservation Foundation, Gilbert
Learn to bathe and care for a Clydesdale. Wear your summer attire and tennis shoes, and enjoy this fun hands on activity for adults and youth over age 6. $25-$45
more info   map


Edible Desert Plants: Walk & Taste at the Arboretum
Sat. 06/02, 8am
Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, Superior
Desert plant enthusiast Jim Shepherd guides a one-hour Saturday walk where you'll see prickly pear cacti, the towering stalks of native Agave chrysantha, and mesquite trees, with a chance to taste a few ‘desert edible’ samples. $5-$12.50 
  
Ballet Etudes: Student Showcase
Sat. 06/02, 7pm
Chandler Center for the Arts
Students of Ballet Etudes School of Dance, ages 3-18, will present an evening of ballet, jazz, and contemporary works as they showcase their training. $10
more info   map

 
A Free Movie & Monthly Food Truck Festival 
Sat. 06/02, 4:30pm
Goodyear Community Park
Enjoy the free big-screen outdoor movie night featuring Moana and a Food Truck Festival. There will be a kids dance party, face painting, balloon twister, music by DJ Jonny, and non-stop entertainment.
more info   FB   map 

Legends of Guitar Featuring Anthony Mazzella 
Sat. 06/02, 7:30pm
Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix
Anthony Mazzella is a professional recording artist, concert guitarist, and producer. Billboard magazine describes him as “the new generation of guitar hero,” and Guitar One magazine voted him “one of the top ten guitarists in the country.” $23.50
more info   map 

Virtuoso Violinist Jonathan Leviim Presents "Violin with Love" 
Sat. 06/02, 2pm
Grace Lutheran Church, Phoenix
Virtuoso Violinist Jonathan Leviim will perform his spectacular program of musical arrangements by such brilliant composers as Bach, Paganini, Dvorak, Massenet, Schubert and Mozart. $20
more info   map

 
Felix Sainz Quintet 
Sun. 06/03, 3pm
The Nash, Phoenix
Felix steps out from behind the bass and up to the microphone to pay homage to the great baritones of the golden era by singing his renditions of the songs made famous by Nat King Cole, Johnny Hartman, and Billy Eckstine. $10-$20
more info   map

  
Keys to the Classics - Russian Extravaganza 
Sun. 06/03, 2pm
First Christian Church, Scottsdale
Pianist Tavit Tashjian will perform and discuss masterpieces by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, and Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. $15
more info   map 

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                              More To Do               
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Movies
 
959744d9-7a9a-47ff-a83d-dcf1eb19a0ce.jpgIn Theaters     Rated
Adrift     PG-13

Upgrade
 
         R
On Chesil Beach         R

New DVD Release
 
 Rated

  Critics Say
The Party     R 3_Stars3bf232.jpg
Wonderstruck    PG 3_Stars3bf232.jpg
Annihilation     R 3_Stars3bf232.jpg
  
  
Pro Sports
 
PHOENIX MERCURY

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@ Minnesota Lynx
06/01 
@ 5:00pm
@ Atlanta Dream
06/03 
@ 12:00pm
Schedule
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
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vs Marlins 
06/01 @ 6:40pm
06/02 @ 7:10pm
06/03 @ 1:10m
Schedule
ARIZONA RATTLERS
 
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@ Iowa Barnstormers 
06/02 @ 5:05pm
Schedule
PHOENIX RISING FC
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Next Week 
Schedule
2017 SPRINT CUP SERIES

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Pocono 400
06/03
 @ 12:00pm

Pocono Raceway
FOX Sports
Schedule
GOLF TOUR

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The Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide  
05/31-06/03
, times vary
Dublin, OH
Golf Network
Schedule
SENIOR GOLF
   
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Schedule

  

Weather     (Extended Forecast)
 
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        Friday
        Sunny
       101º/71º

  
      Saturday
     Sunny/Wind
        104º73º

  
        Sunday
         Sunny
        106º/76º                 

  

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Thursday, May 24, 2018

Have a Safe and Happy Memorial Day Weekend,. Here are some things to do, enjoy!

Events

Mesa Encore Theatre: Rock of Ages
Thu. 05/24 - Sun. 05/27, times vary
Mesa Arts Center
This jukebox musical, built around classic rock songs from the 1980s, features the music of Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Poison and Europe among other well-known rock, glam, and metal bands. $28-$32
more info   map

Little Shop of Horrors
Thu. 05/24 - Sun. 05/26, times vary
Phoenix Theatre
One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows of all time, this affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has become a household name. $36-$86
more info   map


Star Spangled Celebration
Fri. 05/25, 5-9pm
Cesar Chavez Park, Phoenix
Honor our fallen police officers, firefighters, and veterans. There will be a water play area, bounce houses, live music, police and fire demonstrations, fireworks, and more. 
James Sallis and the 
Three Legged Dog Band
Fri. 05/25, 7pm
Poisoned Pen, Scottsdale
Three-Legged Dog is today’s version of the string bands that existed all about the country in the Thirties and Forties, groups that played everything – oldtime mountain music, blues, ballads, devotional and dance music, jazz, pop tunes of the day – on acoustic instruments.
more info   map


Phoenix Amplified Jazz Experience
Fri. 05/25, 8pm
Tempe Center for the Arts
A great evening of smooth jazz, soul and funk music. Featuring nationally acclaimed recording artist and Urban/Contemporary Jazz Trumpeter Willie Bradley. $32
more info   map

Phoenix Symphony: Music of John Williams
Fri. 05/25 - Sun. 05/27, times vary
Phoenix Symphony Hall
Hear The Phoenix Symphony perform highlights from over 60 years of John Williams scores, including Star Wars, Harry Potter, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Indiana Jones, Jaws, Schindler’s List, Born on the Fourth of July and many more. $38-$115
more info   map

Cave Creek Balloon Festival
Sat. 05/26, 5:30pm-10pm
Rancho Mañana Golf Course, Cave Creek
Cave Creek's biggest single day event continues to be streamlined for a carefree experience of great live bands, massive glowing balloons, everyone's favorite fireworks show and a celebration of a red, white and blue Memorial Day weekend. $10-$15
more info   map

Wish Upon a Star
Sat. 05/26, 2pm & 6pm
AZ Ice Peoria
An ice skating show for the whole family with special guest skater, Olympian Adam Rippon. $20-$25
more info   map


Butterfly Walk with Laura Miller
Sat. 05/26, 9am
Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, Superior
A walking tour to see, photograph and learn about colorful species ranging from Empress Leilia to Queen, Spring Azure and more. $5-$12.50
more info   map

Moonlight Walks
Sat. 05/26, 7:30pm
South Mountain Environmental Education Center, Phoenix
Enjoy a family-friendly stroll along our half-mile Judith Tunell Trail by the light of the full moon, featuring our South Mountain Storytellers and fun facts about the desert night. $3
more info   map

Plein Air Painting Festival
Sat. 05/26, 11am
Desert Ridge Marketplace, Phoenix
Twenty artists will produce artworks live in the open air that are inspired by Desert Ridge Marketplace. Plus, guests can enjoy additional art activities and classes throughout the afternoon.
more info   map

Butterfly Wonderland’s Birthday Celebration
Sat. 05/26 - Mon. 05/28, 9am-5pm

Butterfly Wonderland, Scottsdale
Guests will enjoy complimentary face painting, life sized reptile and butterfly characters onsite, a caricature artist, live musical entertainment and more.
more info   map

Mermaid Magic
Sat. 05/26 - Mon. 05/28, 8am-6pm
OdySea Aquarium, Scottsdale
Mermaid themed activities will include: SeaTREK’s Stingray Bay mermaids will be speaking and interacting with guests while in the water or while perched on the ledge. $24.95-$34.95
more info   map


Avondale Sunset Memorial Day Service 
Mon. 05/28, 6:30pm
City Hall Amphitheater
The evening commemorative program will include musical performances, speeches, tributes, and a candlelight vigil. Free admission. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.

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                             More To Do               

Movies

959744d9-7a9a-47ff-a83d-dcf1eb19a0ce.jpgIn Theaters     Rated
Solo: A Star Wars
Story
     PG-13

Champion

        NR

Beast         R

New DVD Release

 Rated

  Critics Say
Game Night      R 3_Stars3bf232.jpg
Early Man    PG 3_Stars3bf232.jpg
I Kill Giants    NR 3_Stars3bf232.jpg
Pro Sports

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
    93250d9d-b244-4a84-8d00-9e89994f223b.jpg
@ Athletics
05/25 @ 6:35pm
05/26 @ 1:05pm
05/27 @ 1:05m
Schedule
ARIZONA RATTLERS
 
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vs Nebraska Danger
05/27 @ 3:05pm
Schedule
PHOENIX RISING FC
  1f3cfc02-74b7-4737-96a4-005beda176bd.jpg
@ Swope Park Rangers
05/26 
@ 2:00pm
Schedule
2017 SPRINT CUP SERIES

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Coca-Cola 600
05/27
 @ 3:00pm

Charlotte Motor Speedway
FOX Sports
Schedule
GOLF TOUR

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Fort Worth Invitational
05/24-05/27
, times vary
Fort Worth, TX
Golf Network
Schedule
SENIOR GOLF
 
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College Sports
ARIZONA WILDCATS

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Baseball
@ Oregon
05/25
 @ 7:00pm
05/26 @ 3:00pm

Track & Field
vs NCAA West Preliminary Round
05/25
 @ 10:00am
05/26 @ 11:00am
ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS

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Baseball
vs California
05/25
 @ 7:00pm
05/26 @ 6:00pm
Softball
vs NCAA Super Regionals
05/24-05/27 
  

Track & Field
vs NCAA West Preliminary Round
05/24-05/26

Weather     (Extended Forecast)

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        Friday
        Sunny
       100º/70º

      Saturday
     Sunny/Wind
         98º71º

        Sunday
         Sunny
         98º/70º                 


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                              Monday, May 28
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               Memorial Day Events Near You!