I have to say that I am not a huge country fan. I don't choose to listen to it, but I don't moan and cover my ears when I hear it either. When some friends of ours wanted us to join them for an evening of live country music I figured I'd give anything a shot.
So on a Saturday night my husband and I headed to the San Tan Flat in Queen Creek with our toddler and preschooler and some family friends not sure what to expect. Just a short drive from our home in Gilbert, when we arrived we found a great family atmosphere with reasonably priced food and enough excitement for the kids to keep the whole family engaged, entertained and happy.
Although there is an indoor restaurant we chose to sit in the large outdoor eating area. Wooden picnic-style tables are arranged in a horseshoe shape with a round dance floor right in the center. When we arrived it was early enough in the evening that the band hadn't taken the stage yet and children of all ages flocked to the center and turned the dance floor into a playground. The large group of kids proceeded to organize their own game of "duck, duck, goose" which my children thoroughly enjoyed!
The food was reasonably priced and came up quickly despite the crowd. I didn't even mind that food was ordered at the busy counter inside and then had to be picked up and brought back to your own table. I was just so happy to have found a place where we could go out for the night and have everyone be happy!
Although it was 100 degrees we did take advantage of the individual fire pits placed by each section of tables so that the kids could roast marshmallows. I'm looking forward to that enjoying that particular feature again in the cooler months!
When the band did come on the kids continued to rule the dance floor dancing up a storm to the "country fusion" band. Although I had no idea what that was I found myself enjoying the music and joining my kids on the floor.
Overall it was a great experience and as a mom looking for kid-friendly restaurants this rates high on the list. When you're ready for your night out with the kids check out their website at http://www.santanflat.com/.
June saw an increase in Power Ranch home sales of over 50% from this same time last year. Homes sold in June ranged from $160,000 - $625,000 with an average price of $289,874 and 121 days on the market. Although just a slight increase over the previous month, this just goes to show that more and more buyers are ready to come out and play! It's a fun time to buy as there are many choices for every budget.
Not quite ready to buy, but you want to experience the many amenities of Power Ranch? Not to worry, there are plenty of rental homes available ranging from just under $1000 to $3000 or more. This fantastic South Gilbert community offers something for every budget while providing access to some of the area's best pools and parks not to mention an endless supply of walking trails surrounded by lushly landscaped grounds.
Need more information on one of the Phoenix Valley's best loved master-planned communities? Contact me today for a personal tour and assistance finding your perfect place to call home!
In May we saw a total of 27 homes sell in the lovely neighborhood of Power Ranch located in Gilbert, AZ. This is up 44% from this time last year. Home prices ranged from $165,000 - $480,000 showing that there truly is a home out there for every buyer's budget. The average home sold for $256,935 with only 95 days on the market.
This South Gilbert Community provides many amenities for its residents and a fantastic location convenient to shopping, schools, recreation and the 202 San Tan freeway. For a personal tour of homes currently available in your price range or for more information on Power Ranch real estate trends, please contact me today!
Warm weather is here and that means more time in the pool! If you are looking for swimming lessons for your child in the East Valley communities of Gilbert, Chandler, or Mesa use the links below as a starting point for your own research into finding the right facility or instructor for your family.
Aqua Tots provides lessons at their facilities across the valley as well as in the Gilbert community of Power Ranch. http://www.aqua-tots.com/
Aspire Kids Sports Center in Chandler offers year round swim lessons in addition to gymnastics, dance and other children's programs. http://www.aspirekidsports.com/
City of Chandler Aquatics Program registration is ongoing based upon the session start date. Complete information on lessons as well as city water facility can be found at http://www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=301
Evo Swim School offers lessons year - round at their indoor facility where they have viewing rooms with free wi-fi as well as a sibling play area. http://www.evoswimschool.com/
In addition to swim lessons, Swim Kids USA also offers classes in gymnastics and dance. http://www.swimkidsaz.com/
The Gilbert community of Val Vista Lakes offers swim lessons at the community pool for residents. http://www.valvistalakes.org/
Valley of the Sun YMCA offers various programs for members and non-members at both their Chandler/Gilbert and Mesa locations as well as across the valley. http://www.valleyymca.org/
Curious about East Valley Real Estate? I can help! Contact me today for availability of homes for sale or rent in your area or to receive a complimentary market analysis of your home!
If you're looking for something different to do this summer check out the new Artistic Motion Dance Studio in Gilbert, AZ. Located at the corner of Queen Creek and Higley in Gilbert, Artistic Motion has a full summer program to keep boys and girls of all ages active and out of the sun! The dance studio is conveniently located to the Gilbert communities of Power Ranch, San Tan Ranch, Cortina, Coronado Ranch, Seville and Shamrock Estates.
Owner and Artistic Director Mandi Lutz has created a warm, nurturing environment for all her students. Her knowledgeable and caring staff of instructors encourages interest and excitement in dance and has students looking forward to their next class. Dancers as young as 12 months to adults can choose from various styles ranging from ballet and jazz to hip hop and tumbling.
For the complete summer schedule and list of available classes visit http://www.artisticmotiondanceaz.com/. Registration for the summer session began April 1st and classes will fill quickly. Call 480-284-7300 for summer tuition rates or for details on having tuition prorated for your summer vacation!
Interested in Gilbert Real Estate information? I specialize in Gilbert new and existing homes sales and leasing. Visit http://www.yvonnebrownrealtor.com/ to search the valley for your next home to purchase or lease.
Sometimes it can be hard to find a truly family or kid friendly restaurant. One of our favorite places to go as a family is Barro's Pizza. The closest location to us is on the corner of Power and Queen Creek in the Safeway shopping center. With a toddler and preschooler it's hard for our family to go out for a peaceful dinner together. Barro's takes all the stress out of a night out and is fun for us all!
The casual pizza joint has fantastic pizza and a super friendly staff. On a Friday or Saturday night you might have to keep your eye open for a table (as you do seat yourself), but even if there is a wait it's worth it. The back portion of the restaurant features a children's play area with a play kitchen with all the accessories, a play house and child sized tables and chairs. While the other wall-mounted tv's are turned to sports, there is a tv in this area just for the kids. There are quite a few tables and booths in this section so you have a clear view of your children playing from your table.
The last time we were in on a Saturday night we easily got a table by the play area and our two children played happily while my husband and I sat and actually got to have a conversation together. Our pizza took about 45 minutes to arrive but for once we actually enjoyed the wait since everyone was happy and having fun! It was nice to have a leisurely evening and not feel rushed or worry about the kids being ticking time bombs!
Next time you are looking for family fun on a Saturday night check out Barro's - you just might see me there!
Interested in Gilbert AZ Real Estate? Give me a call for personal service whether you are buying, selling or renting!
I have never had so much technology in the "Palm" of my hand! I have always had a standard cell phone and depended upon my trusty paper planner. Now that my 2 years are up and I can finally upgrade my Motorola Razr (which I can't stand) I took the leap to the next level - the Smartphone.
I have to admit my number one reason for choosing the Centro over the more advanced Palm 750 was price. Considering this is my first Smartphone I also didn't think I could justify the extra costs for features I wouldn't know I was missing.
As I'm on AT&T my only color choice was the Glacier White which at first was enough to make me want to wait a few months until the black comes out. Surprisingly the white/green color scheme has grown on me and I'm so in love with the phone that I'm not longer bothered by the color. The touch screen is extremely responsive and the colors crisp and brilliant.
Having my task list and calendar on my phone ensures that I am reminded several times a day as I am always on my phone. The contact feature is amazing because not only do I always have my address book with me, but I can add detailed notes such as birthdays, anniversaries, directions, or where and how we met.
Also a great feature is the memo pad. I keep grocery lists so if I happen to have an extra moment I can swing through the store and don't have to try to remember what I needed. I have yet to play with the voice memo feature or many of the other fun features this little phone has to offer.
The coolest feature of all is my ability to use the phone to receive professional ekey service through my MLS. I no longer have to carry a bulky display key "just in case" and better yet I have push button access to preselected sections of my MLS without accessing the internet! I specify the areas and price range and those homes are searchable on my phone. I think my memory allows up to 18,000 listings!
My husband went ahead and purchased the exact same phone and I can now sync both of our phones to the computer so he always has a copy of my calendar and knows where I am. I can also add tasks and alarms so I am no longer the nagging wife - I can blame it on the phone!
For those of you already on a PDA or Smartphone this might not have enough features to be comparable. But for my first venture into the Smartphone arena this is great! If you are considering upgrading technology consider the Palm Centro. I have yet to have a complaint but I'll let you know!
Looking for a fun activity for your 3 - 5 year old? Little Kicks Soccer in cooperation with Power Ranch will start it's Spring Season March 11. Your littlest soccer star will have the opportunity to run and kick right in their own backyard! The program will run from March 11 - May 6. Weekly practice will be held Tuesdays at Ranch House Community Park located at the corner of Haven Crest and Ranch House Parkway in Power Ranch. For complete program details and registration information, please visit http://www.kickskids.com/. Happy Kicking!
Mother's Day is just around the corner! Are you still looking for the perfect gift for that special mom, sister, aunt or grandma? Check out these local mom-owned businesses for unique gifts that are sure to please!
"Got Junk? Need Ca$h?" is the perfect way to help mom eliminate the clutter! This great service will assist you with the local sale of your household items and clothing without the hassle! Misty Cox gotjunkneedcash@yahoo.com 360-896-5454
Mary Kay Cosmetics offers a variety of products to help your special woman look and feel her best! Visit Jeannie on the web to place an order, do a virtual makeover or find more information! Jeannie Cropsey, Independent Beauty Consultant www.marykay.com/jcropsey 360-606-8830
JSKimages provide quality portraits in the studio or will come to you! Gift certificates are available for those priceless family portraits! Kristen & Jesse Kamerickjskimages@yahoo.comhttp://www.jskimages.com 888-575-4624
Visit www.huggabears.comfor unique gift ideas! Owner Michelle Tourtillott is offering a Mother's Day special on personalized tote bags which include three to five pictures and an inspirational quote of your choice for only $15 each - a great deal! Michelle Tourtillott www.huggabears.com
Wine Shop at Home is offering a special Mother's Day gift basket with a bottle of champagne, spa products, cookies and other treats for only $99! Other gifts include guided wine tastings and a monthly wine club! Visit Monique on the web for complete details. Monique Shearerwww.tasteourwine.com
What woman doesn't love a little pampering? Give mom a gift certificate for a mother/daughter spa appointment with makeovers, lunch or dinner and a complimentary picture afterwards. Terri EngleRelaxing Moments Mobile Day Spawww.relaxingmomentsspa.com 866-636-2789
Elevate the Desperate Housewife in your life to "Woman of the Year" with the Desperate Housewives Spa Package for only $130! Gift certificates are also available for 30, 60 and 90 minute sessions of body and energy work. Amy Bean, LPTA, LMT, Reiki Master BodyWise Massage and Healingwww.body-wise.net 503-780-1478
Tastefully Simple offers a wide selection of convenient, easy-to-prepare gourmet foods designed to help people spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the rest of their lives! Great gift packages start at only $17.99! Katie Holley ID #0064780 katie_holley@msn.comwww.tastefullysimple.com 360-773-6100
These unique custom gifts and jewelry are sure to be a hit! Bracelets are available in baby, child and adult sizes and are made with sterling silver, fine glass beads and pearls! Kristina McElroy Quality Northwestwww.qualitynorthwest.com
Sarah Cooper put up an awesome postabout how sharing her interests helps her connect with others through localism.
I thought I'd take a moment to share with all of you Localism fans how I incorporate my interests into my local posts!
The mother of two young children, I spend much of my free time running to this activity, playgroup or event. I am constantly looking for the newest kids activities or classes, family friendly hotspot or that fun, unique family event. I thought, why not make this work for me?!?!
My Localism posts have been focused on great local kids activities. I also write about local seasonal events and more recently about charitable events. I also include seasonal themes in my writing. To date, the blog with the greatest views on Localism was about where to find local Easter egg hunts!
My newest adventure in blogging is a topic that is close to my heart - supporting locally based mom-owned businesses. I recently wrote a brief profile on a local "momprenuer" who is using her business to reach out to other moms. I am currently working on a post that features local mom-owned businesses who are offering great gifts for Mother's Day.
I hope this gets some of your creative juices flowing. Thanks again Sarah for inspiring me!
Yvonne Brown
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