Category Archives: Local Phoenix

Nov 15
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Hissyfits Hullabaloo Review

By | Local Events, Local Phoenix | No Comments

I attended the Hissyfits Hullabalo a week ago Sunday and have been trying to finish my post about it all week. Unfortunately, I had major camera issues – again – proving that it’s time for a new camera. My camera tanked and then I couldn’t even get the pics off the SD card for several days. Grrrr….Well, thanks to my sweet husband, I got a few off the disk.

So, here are the pics I took of the great things available to buy at the Hullabaloo. Best of all, if you missed it, you can still get in touch with these awesome local artisans! As with the Sunnyslope Art Fair, I’ll split my finds into two different posts. There were so many awesome local businesses there – I could possibly cover them all so here is a small sampling.

Lululand Designs –www.lululanddesigns.com or Lululand on Facebook 
Being a mom of girls, I was immediately drawn to the bright colors and frilliness available at the Lululand Table. These are just so cute – and they come in all different colors. If you have a little princess who needs a tutu, this is a great place to get one. They even have colors for you ASU alumni!
Andrea Blanchard creates these awesome puffs of fluff.

Daily Scrubs – Email: jillysmith@msn.com
For those of you who are getting nervous about the gi-normous amount of sweets that will soon be staring you in the face this holiday season, I have a solution for you!!! Next time you’re craving something sweet, instead of reaching for an edible treat, make some time for yourself and take a bath.
The creator of this business has a solution for those who would love a giant ice cream sandwich, sugar cookie, cinnamon roll or cupcake but don’t actually want to use up two days of calories on one food item. She makes these delightful delicacies out of soap! These soaps look exactly like their intended sugary treat and smell like them too. They would make great stocking stuffers!!
Frilly Butts – www.frillybutts.etsy.com
Are you a hip mama disillusioned by the boring-ness of typical baby onesies? Never fear! I’ve found the answer to your problem. Frilly Butts. For real. And, as their name implies, their motto is, “Business in the front, party in the back” (just like a mullet). Holly Trueblood’s creations feature cool designs and – for girls – frilly booties.
Also, if you’re having a hard time getting your toddler interested in potty training, Holly can hook you up with some pretty cute little training pants.
You can see more of Holly’s great art on her Frilly Butts Etsy page. Frilly Butts! Frilly Butts! (Sorry, I think my four year old is rubbing off on me. I can’t stop saying their name!) Seriously, check out their page. She even has a sale section!! Woohoo!!
Sew Cute in AZ – www.sewcuteinaz.etsy.com
Sew Cute in AZ solves the problem of ugly car seat covers. Her car seat covers are just darling and she offers several different fabric offerings, including one with guitars – which you know would go over big at our house! Not only were the fabrics and designs super cute, the quality of her work seemed really high as well. If you’re looking for an extra car seat cover or boppy cover, this is the place to look.
Here are a few pics of her work.
That’s all for today folks. Tune in tomorrow to see some more fabulous local artists!!

As usual, show these local businesses some love by sharing this post on Twitter, Facebook or your own blog. YOU can make a difference in our economy by shopping local!!

Nov 12
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Why Buy Local? And – What’s Going on in Phoenix This Weekend!

By | Local Phoenix | One Comment

I love buying local. You probably already know this because I talk about it in this blog all the time. If you talk to me in person, you might have to ask me to change the subject because I’ll definitely go on and on about the great businesses we have here in Phoenix. But why is this so important to me? I’m SO glad you asked.  Obviously, I have a lot to say on this subject.

I grew up here in Phoenix. And, while the beaches of Cali and the rainy ways of Colorado or Oregon call to me for vacation, I really just love the Valley of the Sun. The huge expanse of blue sky filled with puffy white clouds, the hiking trails, the sunsets, the great weather (Come on! It’s incredible 9 months out of the year!) and the casual lifestyle all fit me perfectly. In addition, I have roots here and have friends from all over Arizona and thanks to Facebook, I get to see how they intersect with each other in the most amazing ways. I love staying in touch with all of them and knowing they’re still here, making a life for themselves and their families in my hometown.

There are a lot of reasons I could site for my choice to buy local, from environment to quality to economy.

First, I get to meet new people and learn about their lives/history/goals/dreams all the time (which I LOVE!)

Second, I know that what I buy is usually going to be better quality because that business will only see me again and get my vote of confidence if what I’ve purchased works and lasts.

Third, I genuinely love the creative talents exhibited everywhere in Phoenix. I hate when people say Phoenix has no culture. It’s just not true. There are so many amazingly gifted artists, performers, boutique owners, chefs and various business owners in Phoenix, I’ll literally NEVER be able to list them all. For the most part, if you can dream it, you can probably buy it here.

Fourth, I am financially supporting my neighbors (and myself) when I spend my money at a local business. Spending local makes a HUGE difference in how much money stays in the local economy. According to Local First, $73 of every $100 spent locally stays in our community – in wages, taxes, local business services etc. Spending that same $100 at a non-locally owned business will only put $43 back into our community. My little contribution makes a huge difference to my neighbors! For more about how our individual purchases can help our own community, check out ShiftArizona, Shift the Way You Shop.

My biggest reason is Community. Buying local connects me to my neighbors in an amazing way.

 Are you tired of hearing about local business yet? I hope not because I’m getting ready to post a lot more about it.

Here are a few exciting things going on in Phoenix this weekend!

Local First Fall Festival –
Local First Arizona is a non-profit organization focused on strengthening local economy by supporting, promoting and celebrating local businesses. Tomorrow Local First is hosting a local fall fest featuring free food, live music, fun stuff for kids, shopping and lots of local businesses. The fun starts at 10 and lasts till 3 pm at Duck and Decanter – 16th Street and Camelback.

Chow Bella & Roosevelt Row’s Pie Social
Now this sounds like something right up my alley! Entry fee is $10 or two homemade pies. Event is in the Roosevelt Row Arts District and lasts from 2-6 pm. Proceeds benefit Kenilworth Elementary Schools after school programs. Good will and good pie – all in one event. Yum.

Phoenix Annual Parade of the Arts 2010
In this event – YOU are the art at a parade supporting the “arts and culture that are a vital part of Downtown” Phoenix. Be part of supporting the downtown community and dress up, ride a bike, make a little float. Whatever. Meet some new people and have fun with your kids. This event will be right next to the pie social – so eat some pie and then walk in the parade! Even Mayor Phil Gordon is supposed to be at this event. I wonder if he’ll wear a costume?

As usual, support local events and businesses by posting this on Facebook or Twitter and feel free to send me information about upcoming local events. I’ll do my best to post them. 

Nov 04
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Great Phoenix Fall Events – Hissyfits Hullabaloo, ASU Art Event and Believe – a Chandler Boutique Event

By | Local Events, Local Phoenix | One Comment

This is such a fun time of year in Arizona as the we start to enjoy the reason we all live here – Perfect Weather! This weekend, enjoy the blue skies and cool temperatures by attending one of the many awesome local events going on around here and – support local businesses! Here are a few events to consider – and, admission is FREE.

Hissyfits Hullabaloo is a fabulous, fun craft fair at a great local kids resale store – Hissyfits. Thanks to Hissyfits’ hip mama owner, Nikki, the store is known for providing Phoenix’s coolest kids with feisty, affordable style. I expect no less from their outdoor vendor show. Hissyfits has been posting previews of their vendors – and the talents represented there will range from handmade items to photographers to teas. Among the 84 vendors attending are – Fleur De Tea, Forever Photography by Valisa, Cakegirl, Purdy Things, Dolce Vita Mia, Unravel Me, Night Owl, and Finley and Me.   For more info, check out their link and then just come! Hissyfits Hullabaloo – this Sunday from 10 am – 3 pm.
You can also find Hissyfits on Facebook if you want to keep up with their latest sales and events.
Not only can you buy awesome, cool kids clothing, maternity, kid furniture and toys
in great condition at this great little spot – you can consign yours too!
Located on the west side of 7th Street just north of Glendale.
I’ll be at this one!
 
The 6th Annual Believe – A Holiday Boutique looks like a lot of fun. Two great local business owners I know personally will be at this Chandler hosted event – Zaaina Skincare and Blings Unlimited. You can reach both of these businesses through Facebook or click on their names to go straight to their sites. Although you can always find them online, there’s nothing like spending a day meeting new people and checking out some great local businesses!
If you want to go Downtown – ASU 411 Gallery Exhibition
The ASU 411 Gallery Exhibition includes over 100 new, diverse pieces from community and student artists. The Fall 2010 exhibition artwork focuses on pressing social issues related to Social Justice and Human Rights.  Peer Allies Youth Leader Mannyy Aguirre will have three pieces from his series, Lady Parts,
on view in this exhibition!
The event is part of Artlink’s First Fridays, and a shuttle stop will be located at AE England Building/Civic Space Park. The Gallery 411 Exhibition is presented in partnership with the Civic Space Park Collaboration’s First Friday Event, where live music and interactive art will take place.
The exhibit will be open from 6-8 p.m. Friday, November 5 at the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus – University Center, 411 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix.
Get out and meet your neighbors this weekend!!
Support these local events by sharing this link via FB or Twitter. And, if you know of any great upcoming events, send them my way.
Nov 01
0

The Baker’s Daughter – Grand Opening

By | Local Phoenix | No Comments

We had the best time this weekend at the opening of The Baker’s Daughter!! Most of you saw my review of The Baker’s Daughter last week. If you didn’t, check it out here…

If you didn’t make it to her grand opening celebration this weekend, here are a few pictures of the festivities. We ate free brats (and they were the good kind!), sauerkraut and dessert and visited with new friends. Of course, the camera I was using had technical issues that night. Thank goodness my husband had his phone!

 

Stefanie passing out the amazing brats
Some Halloween fun

And CHOCOLATE, of course!
 People enjoying their neighbors

 More chocolate. Shimmering, glimmering chocolate…

 A friend who gave me some good advice on homemade sauerkraut.
 Me with Christine – we were trying to get the chocolate 
in the background of our self portrait. Hahaha!

Fall petit fours

People filtered in and out during the hour that we were there and it was packed the whole time. The Baker’s Daughter & Karl’s Bakery are both places where you’re likely to experience a wonderful smattering of different cultures as you hear English, French, German and Spanish spoken – all in one visit. And their customers all have favorites for which they come – the apple dumplings, Challah, petit fours, linzer cookies, pumpkin donuts and of course, the chocolate. Everything is made fresh daily with high quality ingredients.

But the people who visit year after year really come because when they walk into the stores, they know that the Boerner family – who own both shops – will remember who they are and welcome them with genuine friendship. You really can’t ask for more in a local shop. If you didn’t stop by this weekend, check them out in the next few months and try their holiday treats. They are located on 7th Street and Dunlap. You’ll be glad you did!