Summer Spaaah Series returns!

I love the AZ Spa Girls.

Their mission is to make everything spa more accessible for peeps like you and me…and this summer they are doing it again.

For the 6th(!) year in a row, they are putting on the Summer Spaaah Series at 5 local spas — and one Sedona spa.

Here’s how it goes — each event is $125 (except the Sedona spa, which is $295) and includes cocktails, tastings, a gift bag FULL of great discounts and products (valued at over $200), mini spa services AND a donation to Fresh Start Women’s Foundation.

Here’s the schedule:

May 6, 2011: Agave, The Arizona Spa at Westin Kierland Resort, Scottsdale
June 3, 2011: Spa Avania at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch
June 17, 2011: Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa at Wigwam Golf Resort, Litchfield Park
July 8, 2011: Revive Spa at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, Phoenix
July 30-July 31, 2011: Mii amo, a destination spa at Enchantment Resort, Sedona
August 12, 2011: Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort

Tickets are on sale NOW! So make your reservations — space is limited.

Phoenix things to do: March 11-13

It’s potentially my last weekend as a non-parent, thank goodness there are a lot of events going on this weekend to make it good. Now it’s choosing one (or more).

FRIDAY

Carmelpalooza @ Smeeks
Several local chefs like Eugenia Theodosopoulos (of Essence Bakery), Tammie Coe (Tammie Coe Bakery) and Charlie Blonkenfeld (of now defunct Chaka Chaka) are making caramels for you to enjoy and judge. Arrive early for this tooth-sticking extravaganza — last year the line wrapped around the parking lot.

Smeeks
14 W. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ
7 p.m.

SATURDAY

Real Gardens for Real People Garden Tour
View the home gardens of certified Master Gardeners.

Throughout the West Valley
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$20

2 garden classes @ The Urban Farm
Join in 2 garden classes: Jump Start Your Spring Garden and How to Build and Instant Garden (a hands-on class). Learn how to build a new 5 x 10 garden from the ground up right next to this one.

26254 N 43rd Place
Phoenix, AZ, 85050
9 – 11 a.m. – Jump Start Your Spring Garden
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Build an Instant Garden
$15 donation

***

Devoured @ Phoenix Art Museum
Sample dishes from some of the most celebrated chefs and restaurants like LGO, St. Francis, Kai, Green, Hana and a host of others in town.

Phoenix Art Museum
Saturday & Sunday
One-day pass is $49 in advance, $59 at the door
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

***

Howard the Duck @ Madcap Theaters
I have never seen the 1986 cult classic — Howard the Duck. But I hear there are duck boobs.

Madcap Theaters
www.madcaptheaters.com/
730 South Mill Avenue
Tempe, AZ 85281
8 p.m.
$8

***

Obscura @ Rips Ales & Cocktails
It’s the second annual Love is a Battlefield dance-off at Obscura this weekend. If you’re not into shaking it like Pat Benatar, dance to Britpop, indie, new wave with  DJs Roya & Funkfinger (my husband). All this and $2 house pints, $3 wells, $5 calls all night. Go! Dance!
Rips Ales & Cocktails
3045 N. 16th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
$5

Arizona Aloha Festival @ Tempe Town Lake
Gotta love a good cultural festival. Artwork, shopping and a slew of Hawaiian-inspired eats (curry stew, mango/banana smoothies, LauLau plates, etc.)

Tempe Town Lake
80 W. Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85281
Saturday and Sunday
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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

Phoenix things to do: March 4 – 6

I fear my days of event-filled weekends might be on hiatus fairly soon…so I’m looking to LIVE UP the next few. Here are a few local events that are looking good to me.

FRIDAY

Mobile food court @ Phoenix Public Market
Go early for food truck Fridays at Phoenix Public Market. Sample gourmet hot dogs from Short Leash Dogs or an array of creme brulee from Torched Goodness. Last week I tried a catfish burrito at one of the trucks and my husband got a peanut butter, jelly, chicken sandwich (see right). Mmmmm.

Phoenix Public Market
14 E. Pierce St.
Phoenix, AZ
Fridays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

***

Mutant Pinata Show @ Bragg’s Pie Factory
Artists and crafters around the Valley answered the call for crazy pinatas. This First Friday kicks off the the month-long display of crazy creativity (see some samples).

Bragg’s Pie Factory
1301 W. Grand Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004

---

SATURDAY

Melrose on 7th Street Fair & Car Show @ 7th Avenue between Indian School & Campbell
It’s the 10th anniversary of Melrose’s annual street fair. What to expect this year: LOADS of vendors (see some of the goodies), food trucks (along with other usual street fair fare, music by Stinkweeds, and LOTS of people.

***

Grand re-opening @ Red Hot Robot
Visit the toy, gift and fun stores new digs and maybe get some giveaways and treats.

6042 N. 16th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85014
noon – 7 p.m.

---

SUNDAY

Kathy Cano-Murillo book-signing @ Changing Hands Bookstore
The Crafty Chica herself is going to be signing copies of her new fiction book, “Miss Scarlet’s School of Patternless Sewing.”

Changing Hands Bookstore
6428 S McClintock Dr
Tempe, AZ 85283
4 p.m.
Free when you buy her book

***

Indian Fair & Market @ Heard Museum
Work by over 700 artists plus demonstrations, performances and more. Plus a food court featuring fry bread and other Mexican/American faves.

Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Tickets $15 for adults
Children under 16 free.

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

Phoenix things to do: February 18-20

It’s a long weekend, and there’s a lot to do. Get planning people!

FRIDAY

Vintage clothing pop-up sidewalk sale @ Fashion by Robert Black
The Scottsdale Vintage store is having is doing some spring cleaning and clearing out old merchandise — one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories — for $5 to $50.

Fashion by Robert Black
7144 E. 1st Ave.
Scottsdale, AZ
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

***

Todd P Goes to Austin @ FilmBar
I haven’t been yet, but I hear nothing but good things about FilmBar — the downtown indie movie destination with a bar. Todd P Goes to Austin follows music promoter Todd Patrick as he shows what it’s like for indie musicians.

FilmBar
815 N. 2nd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
11 p.m. Friday & Saturday

***

Nocando, Open Mike Eagle, 5 o’clock Shadowboxers @ Hidden House
My good friend from So Much Silence is putting on this hip-hop show featuring some of his new favorite artists from across the country.

Hidden House
607 West Osborn Road
Phoenix, AZ 85013
$7

50% off moving sale @ Red Hot Robot
Before Red Hot Robot moves to their new location on 16th Street and Bethany Home, they need to clear out the old. Save on nearly everything in the store (except Kid Robot blind boxes, select artwork and “Only Locals” art pieces).

Red Hot Robot

14 W. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85013

***

Shake 6 Year Anniversary Party @ Rogue Bar
William F*cking Reed and a few of the other former-residents (including my husband, Funkfinger), will be reuniting at the Rogue for a night of rock & roll, indie, Brit pop and more.

Rogue Bar
423 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ
9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
$5

Tomatopalooza @ Southwest Gardener
Start growing your own fresh tomatoes…featuring some interesting varieties at this all-tomato plant sale.

Southwest Gardiner
2809 N. 15th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
noon – 3 p.m.

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

Check out The Bobcats by The Oatmeal — if you have cats, it’s funny. It could be funny even if you don’t.

Phoenix things to do: February 11 – 13

Prepare yourself for a busy weekend. There are loads of things going on this weekend, but here are a few of my favorites.

FRIDAY

SMoCA Spring Opening Celebration @ Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
SMoCA kicks off the spring season with the opening of 3 new exhibitions. Go for the music , dancing and a bit of culture.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale.
6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Free

VNSA Used Book Sale @ Arizona State Fairgrounds
I have friends who hit this annual book sale every year without fail — it’s supposedly THAT good. Find all kinds of books (rare, children’s, classics, biographies, etc), DVDs, records. Get there early and check out the sale layout to get a jump on the best titles.

Arizona State Fairgrounds
1825 W. McDowell Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday (half price books)

***

Coffee, Cookies and Crafts @ Bragg’s Pie Factory
This Valentine’s Day-themed craft event includes make-and-take crafts, 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.

***

Valentine’s Day Shop @ Frances & Smeeks
Calling romantic procrastinators! Frances Vintage will be open late (8 p.m.) Saturday night so you can go shop for something sweet for your own sweet. If your loved one’s face isn’t catalyst enough to visit, the Short Leash hot dog truck will also be open for business and Stinkweeds will have live music.

Frances Vintage & Smeeks
10 W. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85013
6 – 8 p.m.

***

Obscura @ Rips Ales & Cocktails
Valentine’s Day haters unite for the Die! Cupid! Die! party at this month’s Obscura. Dance to Britpop, indie, new wave with  DJs Roya & Funkfinger (my husband). CD giveaways from The Dears, Ebsen & The Witch, Asobi Seksu, Cage The Elephant and Shugo Tokumaru. Ticket giveaways for upcoming shows including Pete Yorn, Civil Twilight, Sebadoh. All this and $2 house pints, $3 wells, $5 calls all night. Go! Dance!

Rips Ales & Cocktails
3045 N. 16th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
$5

Hands On Chicken Class @ The Urban Farm
Learn everything you need to know about housing, feeding and taking care of backyard chickens. There might even be a few laying chickens to buy if you’re ready.

6750 N 13th Place, Phoenix, 85014
Donation Requested $15
2 p.m.

More things to do on New Times >>
More things to do on azcentral.com >>
Valentine’s gift ideas (food & local) >>

Thanks to Julia Segal’s Tumblr for pointing me to this great pic.

Phoenix things to do: February 4 – 6

It’s the Phoenix Open and Super Bowl — two events I care next to nothing about. If you’re partaking in either — ENJOY! If not, here are a few other options to consider.

FRIDAY

Calexico with Sergio Mendoza Y La Orkesta @ Corona Ranch
Tucson band Calexico is always fun to watch — even better at a new local venue.
A portion of the proceeds benefits Valle Del Sol youth services. Even more reason to go.

Corona Ranch
7611 S. 29th Ave.
Laveen AZ 85339
7:30 p.m.
$22

***

Only Locals Art Show opening party @ Red Hot Robot
Red Hot Robot is having one last hurrah in it’s current location. More than 20 local artists are taking over the space and showing paintings, drawings, toys and more. Visit for the opening party and be one of the first to learn about the location of their new store.

Red Hot Robot
14 W. Camelback Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85013
7-10 p.m.

***

First Anniversary Party @ Blueberry Deluxe
Celebrate the local vintage/gift shop’s birthday with drinks, gifts, raffles and more.

Blueberry Deluxe
702 W. Montecito Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85013
6 p.m.

***

Frenzy Collective Art Opening @ Sutra Midtown Yoga
Chat with local artists, sip sangria, listen to tunes and peruse a diverse collection of art.

Sutra Midtown
2317 N. 7th Street
Phoenix, AZ
7-10 p.m.

Joy Li Sample Sale @ Studio Joy Li
Save up to 50% on end of season styles. Prices start at $20 for her modern basics.

Studio Joy Li
8100 E. Camelback Rd. #52
Scottsdale AZ 85251
Thursday from 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Friday and Saturday 11:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday 11:00am – 4:00pm

Glendale Chocolate Festival @ Historic Downtown Glendale
Everything chocolate from truffles and chocolate-covered strawberries to chocolate molé barbecue,  deep-fried chocolate ice cream, and chocolate bacon candy bars. In addition to sweets, there’s also author workshops and signing, music and more.

Historic Downtown Glendale
Catlin Court at 58th & Glendale Ave.
Feb. 4 & 5th, 5 – 10 p.m., Sunday, noon-10 p.m.

More things to do on New Times >>
More things to do on azcentral.com >>
Cenpho’s top 5 things to do this week >>

This is one of my favorites from the Hipster puppies blog.

If the cup fits…

Arizona ladies, your foundation (garment) is about to be rocked.

Intimacy, a new lingerie boutique by “bra whisperer” Susan Nethero (as seen on Oprah), is opening today (Monday, January 31) at Scottsdale Fashion Square.

The aim of this store: a better bra fit, which equals a better looking bust…and body all around.

Go in for your 30 minute bra consultation. I’m headed down right after my body stops inflating (I’m pregnant)– and I’ll need some guidance and support (in all meanings of the word).

Intimacy
Scottsdale Fashion Square
7014 E. Camelback Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ
On the lower level between Dillard’s and Macy’s across from Kate Spade

Phoenix things to do: January 28 – 30

FRIDAY

Liquidation sale @ Olive in Paris
Olive in Paris is saying “au reviour” to their store — which means at least 50% off everything (clothing, handbags, accessories) until it’s all gone.

Olive in Paris
4624 N 7th Ave
Phoenix, Az 85013
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

***

Record Swap Meet @ Arizona American Italian Club
Where record collectors go to find vinyl treasures.

Arizona American Italian Club
7509 North 12th Street
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. $5; after 9:30 a.m. $2

***

Phoenix Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival
Discover crafty products, learn new techniques, and get inspired to sew, quilt and craft.

Arizona State Fairgrounds
$10

Shop the 75% off sale @ Frances Vintage

Make room for new spring merchandise. Screaming deals on cool winter products at one of our favorite gift destinations in town.

Frances Vintage
10 W. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85013

Phoenix festival season is afoot

What’s Cracking Good — Culture by festival

Every year I attend the Matsuri Festival in Heritage Square.

I stand in long lines for a bento box, sit on the grass outside the Science Museum and watch the years artistic offerings…dancers, singers and one banner year — some guy who punctuated every sentence with a resounding “SU-PAH.”

Yeah, that was a good year.

After eating, my husband and I will peruse the bonsais, shiba dogs, kimono materials, fancy papers and koi, followed by some oogling of kids dressed in animee-wear. Then I’ll get a snowcone topped with milk — and head back to the car.

Every year it’s pretty similar — and every year, I love it.

It’s festival season time, and Matsuri — along a host of other cultural and food festivals are coming up in the next few months. Check out a list of what’s happening February – April (and let me know if I missed any!)

Food festivals >>

Arts festivals >>

Phoenix things to do: January 14-16

January 14 – 16

It’s a long weekend for most. If you’re not planning on getting out of town, here are a few things to do.

SATURDAY

Grand Opening party @ Mercantile
My speakeasy salon is now a salon AND a cool vintage and retail shop featuring local brands like Seesaw, Hailey’s Handmedowns and more. Visit the cool digs, partake in some snacks from Green, and be one of the first 50 and get a gift bag.

Mercantile
828 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004

P.F. Chang’s Rock & Roll Marathon or 1/2 Marathon
It’s hard to believe that more than 30,000 runners want to put themselves through the pain of a lengthy run. Join them, or just watch from the sidelines and listen to one of the many bands that line the route.

Start line is at Wesley Bolin Plaza, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix. Finish line is in the parking lot between Sun Angel and Sun Devil stadiums, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe.
$145 for runners. Free to watch.

See Blue Valentine @ Camelview
Wind down the weekend with a late showing of what looks to be a well-acted, yet depressing romance flick. Need more than that? It was originally rated NC-17.

Harkins Camelview 5
7001 E. HIghland
Scottsdale, AZ 85251