The holiday season fills your heart with cheer and fills your mind with a seemingly endless list of all that we need to do in the next few days. One of the most important, yet time consuming, tasks on our to-do lists can be gift shopping. But not this year! Instead of running around all over the Valley, all your holiday needs can be met by shopping in Tempe. Whether you need a gift for your grandma or your boyfriend, Tempe has a gift to offer everyone.

Here’s a list of my favorite Tempe spots where you can find some unique treasures:

1. For your health conscious friend that you just aren’t sure what to get this year, problem solved! Purchase a gift card for Green, a new American vegetarian restaurant that disguises health food as comfort food with their salivating menu.
2. Inspire someone with the performing arts. Purchase tickets to Conder Dance or Childsplay at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Or, buy ticket for STOMP, WICKED or one of the upcoming shows at ASU Gammage.
3. Shop for art at Loft a Go Go, a hip, new store on Mill Avenue that provides the latest prints and accessories.
4. For that special someone, show them you care with roses dipped in 24K gold from Bobbies Flowers & Gift Shop. Be sure to snoop around the gift shop while you’re there too. They have tons of fun items that would fit perfect in a gift basket.
5. Have a friend that you wish you saw more often? Buy a membership for you and them to the Phoenix Rock Gym and experience the thrill and excitement of indoor rock climbing together.
6. Heading to a holiday get-together and need to take a gift? Stop in at Essence Bakery Café and pick up some of their delicious macaroons to take with you. Trust me; you will be the hit of the party!
7. For all your fashionable lady friends, check out Divaz Boutique and Ivy Boutique for designer steals. There is no such thing as having TOO much clothing.

Family Weekend at Arizona State University (ASU) takes place during the first weekend in October when fall has officially arrived, October 1-2. The weather will finally start to cool off a bit, which opens the door for some fun outdoor activities for you and your family to enjoy. Make this Family Weekend memorable by spending the weekend showing your family around Tempe, ensuring them that they indeed sent you to the right school. Here is a list of some unique and fun things to do with your parents that you may not get to do normally.

1. Plan to wake up early one morning and squeeze in a family hike at Papago Park to start off the day right. There’s a great trailhead located at the southwest corner of College and Curry. Your hike will have everyone feeling fresh and ready to take on the day. After, enjoy a delicious breakfast together in the Mill Avenue District. You earned it! NCounter on Mill is close by and has a mouth-watering menu that will leave everyone satisfied.
2. Spend an afternoon strolling in and out of shops around Tempe Marketplace, an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment district. Be sure to grab lunch while you’re there too!
3. Plan a fun night out – whether you see a show at ASU Gammage, catch a movie at the IMAX theatre at Arizona Mills, laugh out loud at Tempe Improv, or have happy hour on Mill Avenue – no matter what you choose, you’ll be sure you have smiles on your faces.  
4. Saturday is game day! Show some school spirit and spend the day sporting gold t-shirts, tailgating, and watching ASU crush Oregon State!
5. Embrace the beautiful weather and head to Tempe Town Lake. Rent a paddle boat, kayak, or even attempt stand-up paddle boarding.
6. Take the opportunity to dine at a restaurant that you normally wouldn’t. Enjoy the beautiful outdoor patio at House of Tricks and savor seasonally inspired dishes, or head to Top of the Rock Restaurant at The Buttes, A Marriott Resort for world-class cuisine and breathtaking views of Tempe.

There are so many different ways to spend this Family Weekend, but which options you choose to is up to you! No matter what you decide to do, you and your family will experience a weekend full of memories and be left glowing with ASU pride. 

1. Shop at Tempe Marketplace – This outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment hub is great for window shopping, listening to live music and strolling under the misters. There are several restaurants that offer outdoor dining such as California Pizza Kitchen, San Felipe’s Cantina, Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ, D’arcy McGee’s and more. I also love going to the free music concerts that take place every Friday and Saturday night at the outdoor Disctrict Stage area – loads of fun and always a seat open!

2. Stroll Through the Mill Avenue District – Funky shops, unique restaurants and located in the heart of downtown Tempe, Mill Avenue is one of my favorite spots to enjoy the Arizona weather. There’s lots to choose from for dining “al fresco.” The House of Tricks, Z’Tejas Southwest Grill, La Bocca Pizzeria  and Rula Bula are just a few of my regular spots to enjoy a delicious meal in an amazing outdoor patio atmosphere.

3. See the Animals at the Phoenix Zoo – The Phoenix Zoo is exciting every time I go. My niece and nephew love this zoo and are entertained from the moment they enter. Exhibits that I can’t miss are the Orangutans, Monkey Village and Sting Ray Bay. If you get to Sting Ray Bay at the right time you can even feed them! For the kids, my niece and nephew love Harmony Farm, Leapin Lagoon and Yakulla Caverns – they can run around and play while you can sit and relax!

4. Explore the Desert at the Desert Botanical Garden – If you ever thought the Sonoran desert was barren, think again! Discover over 5,000 different types of desert plants on display here. The Succulent Galleries and Wildflower Loop Trail are among my favorite exhibits – they take my breath away. The Garden also offers a variety of outdoor events all year long such as live music concerts and a medley of holiday events.

5. Water Fun at Tempe Town Lake – Love the water? Try out one of the many boating options on Tempe Town Lake. Stand-Up Paddleboarding is both exceptionally fun and physically challenging. The pedal boats are a great choice when you want to relax on the water a bit more. For big groups I recommend renting a pontoon boat. They fit about ten people and are a blast! When you’re done on the water you can spread out a picnic at Tempe Beach Park and soak in the sun.

6. Take a Hike at Papago Park – Papago Park offers every level of hiking and bike trails galore. Breathtaking views can be seen from “Hole in the Rock,” just a short climb up the rock. The hiking and biking trails are abundant and offer stunning views of the Sonoran desert landscape. I love that it’s located in the heart of the Valley because it makes it such a convenient spot to meet up with friends and family to enjoy a hike, walk or picnic in a lovely spot!

With a creative tagline: “A home doesn’t need to be big, just smart”, and rumors of authentic meatballs from their Swedish restaurant, I decided to check Ikea out myself and see what they had to offer for 2012. Here are some smart savings that caught my eye:

• Pruta Food Saver, set of 17 for $3.99- Store anything you can imagine in these plastic kitchen set containers that come in variety of all different sizes.  
• Pyra Wok 4.99- Works well on all types of cooktops, Non-stick coating for easy cooking, and two handles make it easy to lift the pan. My recent discovery and love of cooking with a wok makes this bargain a must buy!
• Kolja Mirror $9.99- This chique oval mirror is great for bedrooms, bathrooms, or hallways. You can hang this horizontally or vertically depending on what style you’re looking for and its price beats last years of $14.99.
• Alvine Kvist Duvet cover and pillowcases- $39.99- If you’re looking for an affordable way to make a little change to your bedroom, adding a different color or design with a simple duvet cover can do the trick.

The fun didn’t stop there. After getting lost with amazement in all my good finds, I was getting hungry and determined to taste a few items from their Swedish food market. With so many options to taste I decided to go with the new lower priced traditional meatballs. $2.99- 10pc Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes, cream sauce and lingonberries that will make your mouth water and craving for more! As you exit the checkout there is a cafeteria with warm gooey cinnamon rolls for dessert  that are only $1 and a whole area with a Swedish Market that sells fresh cheeses, jams, pastry’s, cookies and more.

Ikea has great savings with quality product. They care about their people and the environment, make shopping easy and dinning affordable. Don’t forget to bring your kids, who eat FREE August 1-21, and check out their play center as well as many family fun activities that Ikea hosts. One upcoming event is in celebration of a Swedish tradition- All You Can Eat Crayfish Party On August 19^th.

ASU Karsten Golf Course
www.asukarsten.com
Give dad what he really wants this Father’s Day…the gift of golf!  The ASU Karsten Father’s Day Gift Pack includes:
- (2) Rounds of Golf (valid through September 25, 2011)
- PING Karsten golf shirt
- Sleeve of Titleist golf balls
- Breakfast or lunch in the Trophy Room Restaurant

All for $99 plus tax…a savings of over $50.00!

You may purchase the gift through Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19.  Contact a member of ASU Karsten’s professional team at (480) 921.8070, and they will be happy to mail or deliver your gift. 

Monti’s La Casa Vieja
www.montis.com
Join Monti’s in celebrating Father’s Day and try Chef Jimmy’s delicious special! 12 oz. Herb Encrusted Prime Rib served with garlic truffle fries & grilled pancetta wrapped asparagus topped with an aged balsamic vinaigrette $24.95

Four Peaks Brewery
www.fourpeaks.com
Four Peaks Brewery will be offering a special Father’s Day Lunch Buffet at their Tempe location – buy Dad a round of his favorite local beer!

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill
http://tempe.ztejas.com
Z’Tejas is be celebrating “Dads & Grads” with their gift card promotion. For every $25 gift card purchase, guests will receive a $5 bonus card to use for themselves! The offer is valid until June 19^th and bonus cards may be redeemed June 20^th-July 31^st and up to two at a time can be used. 

Naranda Spa at The Buttes, A Marriott Resort
www.ButtesMarriottResort.com
The “Ultimate” Dad Spa Package – available June 1 through June 30 - $249 plus tax

NARANDE CUSTOM MASSAGE – 50 minutes
This customized service allows the therapist to create a personalized therapy just for you. Using different styles of massage and body work creates overall balance and the ultimate in relaxation.

GENTLEMEN’S FACIAL – 50 minutes
Specifically formulated for the special skin care needs of men, this deep cleansing, therapeutic and relaxing treatment leaves your skin toned and revived. Please avoid shaving altogether – if necessary, shave at least two hours prior to your treatment.

NARANDE PEDICURE – 50 minutes
With a warm paraffin treatment, mud mask and exfoliating foot treatment.
*Dad will be served a light lunch included with package.

The Center Bistro
www.thecenterbistro.com 
On Friday, June 17, The Center Bistro is offering dads a 10% discount and one $2 beer (FYI – The Center Bistro is closed on weekends).

Stratum Laser Tag Headquarters
www.stratumhq.com
This Father’s Day, June 19, enjoy “Dad plays ONE FREE GAME OF LASER TAG when you buy a multi game special or Dad gets $5 off unlimited laser tag play from 1-6 PM when you purchase an unlimited play pass.” 

Coupon is available at www.stratumhq.com/holidayhours.html. Reservations always recommended. Call 480-545-5500 for more information. 

Tempe Marketplace
www.tempemarketplace.com
Tempe Marketplace is offering a Vestar Visa Gift Card for Father’s Day - give dad the gift of whatever his heart desires! 

Arizona Mills
www.arizonamills.com
Now through Father’s Day, June 19, anyone who purchases a $100 or more American Express Gift Card at Guest Services, will receive one FREE round of golf at The Arizona Grand Golf Resort (200 of these to be given away, while supplies last).

When it comes to Tempe, Arizona, I’m about as local as you can get. I’ve lived here my entire life. So, here are a few suggestions for things to do in Tempe, as told by someone who calls this great city home.

First thing in the morning, I’d go for a hike in Papago Park. The trailhead off of College, just south of Curry by the park is the perfect place to start. It’s not a difficult trail, but be sure and wear sunscreen and bring water. You’ll be able to see a model of a prehistoric Hohokam dwelling, created by ASU students years ago. And, if you continue past the summit on the east side of the park, you can see the real thing – the Loma del Rio Hohokam ruin.

It doesn’t take much for me to work up an appetite, so after the hike, I’d definitely want a good breakfast. One of my favorite Tempe restaurants is US Egg at Mill and Baseline. The friendly, efficient staff always delivers delicious food so fast that my stomach doesn’t even have time to rumble. Everything on their breakfast menu is great, but my favorite item is the protein pancakes. It’s a whole grain batter with slivers of almonds and a generous amount of blueberries. I wish I could eat them every day.

Next, I might browse through the racks at Changing Hands Bookstore, one of the best independent bookstores in the country. They have a terrific children’s section, a ton of fiction and non-fiction selections and always, many items on sale. You might even be lucky enough to catch one of their author events or children’s story times – they have a full calendar that will satisfy readers of all ages.

After that, I’d head to Tempe Marketplace for more shopping. From Target to Pier 1 to Stein Mart to Gap, I can always find a few things that I can’t live without. There are lots of excellent restaurants to choose from on site, but for lunch, I can’t pass up Spinato’s Pizza. It’s located across Rio Salado Parkway from Tempe Marketplace, on Smith Road. This family owned restaurant has what I think is the best pizza in town. Once you’ve tasted the sauce, you’ll have a hard time getting pizza anywhere else.

With a full stomach and new books and clothing in my possession, next I’d head to Zia Record Exchange for the best selection in music. I love iTunes as much as the next person, but nothing beats browsing through the vast collection at Zia, including CDs, DVDs and vinyl. I usually pick up something new in addition to getting a CD from one of my favorite 80’s alt rock bands.

For a little pick me up after all of the music searching, I’d stop in to Cartel Coffee Lab for a tasty chai latte in one of the coolest atmospheres around town. The crowd is always a great mix of creative types and I always feel like I’m in the know just because I’m there.

After resting for a bit, dinner would be next on my agenda. There are so many restaurants in Tempe that I love…Canteen Modern Tequila Bar, Oregano’s, Cornish Pasty Co. and Mucho Gusto to name a few. But, on this day, I would have to go with Four Peaks Brewing Company. This world-famous (at least it should be!) microbrewery is an excellent choice for Tempe dining and of course, beer too. It’s a little off the beaten path, located at 8^th Street and Dorsey, but that’s part of its charm. It’s located in a historic creamery building that thankfully has a new life as a community gathering place. Try anything made with beer bread, or check out their daily specials. You’ll be glad that you did.

And, if I still had energy left, I would head to Mill Avenue to listen to live music or relax on an outdoor patio. You can’t go wrong with Mill Avenue restaurants and bars like Rula Bula Irish Pub, the Tavern on Mill or La Bocca Pizzeria & Wine Bar.

Sounds like the perfect day in Tempe to me!

The Tempe version of the fluffy white stuff lasts about 10 minutes or so. For an Arizona native like me, it’s cool sight to see. And the bonus…no bundling up is required.

The District is full of shops like The Gap, American Eagle Outfitters, Bath and Body Works and lots of other great places to finish your shopping list. For more info, go to www.tempemarketplace.com.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Tempe Festival of the Arts

One of my favorite Tempe holiday experiences, the Tempe Festival of the Arts, is this weekend, December 3-5. For three solid days, Mill Avenue and the surrounding streets, between 3^rd Street and University are closed to traffic and lined with booths displaying beautiful works of art. I get all excited just thinking about the fantastic selection of  shimmering silver, gold, glass and gem stone jewelry, photography, some bold, some subtle, beautiful blown glass vessels, delicate, but sturdy ceramics, paintings, ornaments and much more.  I love to shop for those one-of-a-kind gifts for my special peeps.  And, it’s fun to actually meet and mingle with the artists.

For my foodies, I enjoy browsing  for gifts  in the cottage foods and crafts section where there are yummy hand-crafted treats like salsas, olives, cheeses and other tantalizing delicacies.

I can also find the gift of spirits for the imbibers on my shopping list in an area devoted to the art and craft of wine and beer. The Arizona Wine Growers Association will again showcase wines for connoisseurs at the Arizona Wine Festival. More than a dozen Arizona wineries will be highlighted. New this year is the Art of Beer featuring three beer meisters who will be on hand for tastings, serving and selling their craft beers by the bottle or case.

The entertainment, from musicians to magicians, caricature artists, jugglers, stilt walkers, face painters and psychics adds a special touch to the festivities. Plus some of the Valley’s preeminent jazz musicians perform every day on the Festival Jazz Stage.

All the browsing and shopping really makes me hungry, especially for my favorite festival treat, kettle corn. The ever present and always irresistible aroma of that golden, crispie, sweet confection drives me strait to a vendor for a big bag of the stuff to munch. If I crave something more substantial there are plenty of other food vendors as well as the numerous great restaurants in the Mill Avenue District.

Parents note: the festival is extremely kid friendly.  In addition to all the roaming magicians, caricature artists, jugglers, stilt walkers and face painters, kids have their own area in which to experience a little art and culture. They can make their own works of art at the Kids Innovation section where they’ll find an array of interactive art activities.

The Tempe Festival of the Arts is one of those wonderfully, complete sensory experiences that just puts me in my happy zone.  The ambiance created by the combination of beautiful art, entertainment, food, friendly folks, great weather all coming together in the Mill Avenue District is another reason why I love Tempe.

Do you love the Tempe Festival of the Arts as much as I do?  Please share your impressions with me.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

•Tempe Marketplace has 1.3 million square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment options. Shoppers will love stores such as Barnes & Noble, Gap, Guess, Cost Plus World Market and one-of-a-kind retailers like Urban Angles, Divaz Boutique and Tea Infusion.

•Arizona Mills is Arizona’s largest value-oriented mall. Find impressive savings at 175 manufacturer brand name stores, including: Last Call from Neiman Marcus, Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger and Kenneth Cole.

•Shop at one of the best independent bookstores in the country – Changing Hands Bookstore. Besides the impressive collection of new and gently-used books, the store  also carries a full line of holiday cards and gifts, including hand-crafted items by local artists.

•Next door to Changing Hands, Hoodlums Music & Movies has an impressive collection of new and used CDs, DVDs and records.  Zia Record Exchange is also a local favorite for discovering new music.

•Find that perfectly unique gift for the person who has everything at the 42^nd Annual Fall Festival of the Arts, December 3-5. Held in Tempe’s entertaining Mill Avenue District, this award-winning three-day festival showcases original art by more than 400 juried artists.  Works representing 18 visual art categories, ranging from digital photography to woodworking to jewelry to painting may be purchased directly from the artists. 

•The largest IKEA on the West Coast, IKEA Home Furnishings in Tempe will insure that your place is the prettiest on the block, all decked out in the festive regalia you’ll find in the colorful selection of holiday decorations and accessories. 

•Mill Avenue District is the original walkable urban downtown district and it’s a perfect change of pace if you’re feeling dazed and frazzled. Take a leisurely stroll down the brick-lined side walks and you might find exactly what you’re looking for in one of the hip stores such as Urban Outfitters, American Apparel or Brand X Custom T-Shirts. Tired of driving? The light rail will take you right to Mill Avenue.

•Find that perfectly unique gift for the person who has everything at the 42^nd Annual Fall Festival of the Arts, December 3-5. Held in Tempe’s entertaining Mill Avenue District, this award-winning three-day festival showcases original art by more than 400 juried artists. Works representing 18 visual art categories, ranging from digital photography to woodworking to jewelry to painting may be purchased directly from the artists.