Wednesday, September 7th, the old AMC Esplanade is showing off it’s new facelift. My husband and I stopped by the almost-open theater and one of the workers gave us the skinny.

They have Fork and Screen rooms where you can watch a movie and eat. But  also a few higher end rooms they call Cinema Suites that include a recliner (see photo above), a small bag of popcorn and get this — a warm towel! She listed off the prices, and frankly, they didn’t seem too bad ($15 for a fancy ticket on weekend nights).

As far as I’m concerned, the warm towel is worth the price of admission.

Photo above is from Phoenix New Times. Check out more photos and their preview.

AMC Esplanade 14
2515 East Camelback Road
View showtimes

“My family would kill me,” she replied.

Her family must have come to terms with the fact that the city needs her. Friday, June 3rd marked the opening of the new accessories and shoe store, Frances Studio — which carries many of the cool, eclectic brands found in Frances Vintage, like Toms and Orla Kiely…and then some. What you’ll find: unique tapestry bags, cool artisan pendants, funky footwear.

Now the piercing shop next door needs to relocate so Bryant can start a stationery store.

Make today a vintage day.

It’s been open for more than a month, but tonight from 4-8 p.m. is the official grand opening of Vintage by Misty. Some things to see: an assortment of statement jewelry, European vintage (which just has to be cooler) and some unique home items. Even better, shop today and get 10% off your purchase.

So put on your “red carpet attire” and check out the new digs off Central, just south of Roosevelt.

Vintage by Misty
818 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Sunday by appointment
(602) 707-6235

“Did you see my post on Bingo night?” I asked my husband last week.
“No — I haven’t looked at your blog in awhile,” he said. “You lost me as a user.”
Doh!

If I can’t keep my husband, who is basically legally bound to read my blog, how, I might ask, can I expect anyone else to read it?!
It’s true. While my new baby Wilson is great on many fronts — he’s been kryptonite for my blog.

But things are changing!

SATURDAY

Building a Lasagna Garden @ Coronado Community Garden
I learned about lasagna gardening a couple of years ago at a Phoenix Permaculture Guild class, which I credit for any garden success (though modest) I’ve had. Learn the basics at this 2 hour class.

Coronado Community Garden
1224 E. Virginia Street
Phoenix, AZ
9 – 11 a.m.
$20

***

Travel Treasure Hunt Entry fees are $50 per person and all proceeds go toward the YMCA Strong Kids and Families campaign.

Starting at Jobot, ending at Lost Leaf
918 N. 5th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004

***
Barre Pilates class @ Sutra Midtown Yoga
Develop your core, strengthen and lengthen all in one class — now through May 7th, all barre classes are $2

Sutra Midtown Yoga
2317 N. 7th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85006
11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
$2

***

Tameka Allen & Pretty in Peace trunkshows @ Frances Vintage

Frances Vintage
10 W. Central
Phoenix, AZ

SUNDAY

Sundays in Paradise @ Sanctuary
Sit on the lawn, sip wine, sample savory snacks and listen to local bands. Sounds like paradise to me.

The Sanctuary
Paradise Views Lawn
2-6 p.m.
No cover

Glow sticks, thumping music, strobe lights: it could be a description of a rave…or BAD Bingo at Lone Butte Casino.

Every Saturday at 11:30 p.m., birthday partiers, bachelorettes and hundreds of others gather for a relatively inexpensive, slightly anxiety-inducing, and very entertaining BINGO event.

This is not grandma’s bingo.

“This is so surreal,” commented more than one friend during a maiden Bingo voyage.

The weekly event combines of the fun of an elementary school card game, with the smoking, drinking and big payoffs of a casino. Throw in a hype man and mid-game dance-offs for good measure — and you’ve got an idea of a BAD Bingo night.

Tip: Arrive early, especially with a big party. Tables fill up fast.

Lone Butte Casino
South of the 202 at Kyrene
11:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
$7 for 11 game cards

FRIDAY

Record Store Day @ Stinkweeds
Support your local record stores by shopping for more than 300 vinyl releases, 180 re-issues and listening to Menomena, along with Kinch, Colorstore, Prime8′s in the Stinkweeds parking lot.

Stinkweeds
12 W. Camelback
Phoenix, Az
Store opening at 9 a.m., music starting at noon
Free

***

Hands-on Herb Potting @ Coronado Community Garden
Learn the right mix of soil for successful herb growing. All you need is a pot.

Coronado Community Garden
1224 E. Virginia Street
Phoenix, AZ
9 – 11 a.m.
$30

***

Coffee, Cookies and Crafts @ Bragg’s Pie Factory
Bring your ideas to this craft event which includes make-and-take crafts and more than 30 local vendors selling their wares, free coffee and cookies, craft demos and more.

Bragg’s Pie Factory
1301 W. Grand Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
noon – 5 p.m.

Yelle @ Rhythm Room
Enjoy a dance-y, pop-y evening listening to French songstress, Yelle. This CD has been in my car for over a year. I hear the live show is amazing.

The Rhythm Room
1019 E. Indian School Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85014
8 p.m.

$22

***

More things to do on New Times >>
More things to do on azcentral.com >>

Wilson has had an insatiable appetite — followed by some disconcerting crying jags. I’ve been spending much time on the couch with a baby latched to my boob, watching old Law & Order SVUs rather than doing anything worth writing about.

If anyone is ready for Spa Week, it’s me.

For those not in the know, spas participating in the week-long event have selected treatments available for $50.

Some of the spas participating: all 3 Dolce Salon & Spas are offering a 45 minute massage, facial or pedicure. Joya Spa at the Montelucia (one of my favorite local spas) has a  45 facial, makeup-application or personal training session available this week. Revive Spa has 50 minutes massages, facials and pedicures.

To find participating spas, visit the Spa Week website and fill out the information (name and email) for a list of local spas and their deals.

Usually you have to wait for the weekend for a cool craft fair.

Celebrate hump day by having a spicy tuna roll or Cubano sandwich at La Grande Orange, then heading to LGO Indie Shop Fest which is featuring more than 30 local artists, crafters, and designers in LGO’s Arcadia Room (formerly Radio Milano).

Arcadia Room
3950 E. Campbell (across from La Grande Orange)
Phoenix, AZ
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

APRIL FOOLS!

There’s so much going on this weekend. Here are a few things I’d like to do.

FRIDAY

Grand Opening @ Cycle
Pop-restaurants have been trendy in big cities around the country — Phoenix finally gets one of its own. This new downtown spot will feature a rotating line of local chefs — this weekend kicks off with Hey Joe Filipino street food (see menu). Visit soon, the whole idea of the pop-up is it goes away.

Cycle
At the Lexington Hotel
1100 N. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004
6 – 10 p.m.

***

Vintage shopping @ Blueberry Deluxe
Start working on your spring wardrobe with 50% off the selection of vintage clothing. Free booze will make all your selections look even better.

Blueberry Deluxe
Phoenix, AZ
7 – 10 p.m.

Growing Potted Tomatoes and Other Edibles @ Rio Salado Audubon Center
Learn how to grow your own tomatoes in a 2 square-foot space. The class will cover what varieties to choose, what kind of containers work best — and other tips for successful groaning.

Rio Salado Audubon Center
3131 South Central Avenue
2 – 3:30 p.m.
$15 suggested donation

***

My Nana’s Salsa Challenge @ Tempe Beach Park
Visit this day-long festival for a sampling of the city’s best salsa from over 80 competitors.

Tempe Beach Park
80 W. Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
$8 before the event, $10 at the door

***

Phoenix Film Festival @ Harkins Scottsdale 101
Check out the schedule of full-length features and shorts at this annual film fest.

Harkins Scottsdale 101
7000 E. Mayo
Phoenix, AZ 85054

SUNDAY

Danny Boyle’s Frankenstein @ Phoenix Art Museum
Oscar winning filmmaker of Slumdog Millionaire and Trainspotting directs a stage production of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein.

Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
2 – 4:15 p.m.
$18

***
Craft with Martha Stewart @ HSN
Martha Stewart’s line of craft and scrapbooking supplies are now available at HSN.

HSN

***

More things to do on New Times >>
More things to do on azcentral.com >>

FRIDAY

Short Leash Hotdogs & longer hours @ Frances Vintage
Do some pre-weekend shopping and get a little food truck dinner tonight at Frances.

Frances Vintage

10 W. Camelback Rd.

Phoenix, AZ 85013

6 – 8 p.m.

***

Movies at the Park @ Biltmore
Pick up one of the To-Go Dining Deals and sit in the Biltmore lawn for 1982′s Tootsie with Dustin Hoffman and Jessica Lange.

Biltmore Fashion Park
24th Street/Camelback
7 p.m.

SATURDAY

The Urban Farm Tour
Looking to start growing but don’t know where to start? Check out a local urban farm and their veggie gardens, chickens and more.

6750 N 13th Place
Phoenix, AZ 85014
8:30, 10:30 and 12:30
$8 donation requested

The Great American Barbecue & Beer Festival @ Chandler Park
Bring a blanket and your family for kids activities, eating contests and, of course, lots and lots of barbecue.

Dr. AJ Chandler Park in downtown Chandler
12 – 8 p.m.
$10 general admission

***

Arizona Barbecue Festival @ Scottsdale Waterfront
Sample BBQ from over 40 professional teams from around the country and up to 30 premium whiskies for an additional $10.

Scottsdale Waterfront
7025 E. Via Soleri Blvd.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$10 for general admission

***

Earth Hour
At 8:30 p.m. — turn off your lights to show your support for the environment.

Two Year Anniversary Party @ Sutra Midtown
Music, sangria, prizes and loads of discounts on memberships and classes at the two-year anniversary of this 7th Street yoga studio.

Sutra Midtown Yoga
2317 N. 7th Street
Phoenix, AZ