Not to mention that I’ve always found buying Valentine’s gifts for the hubby a little difficult. Mostly because I’m not buying him silk boxers, a stuffed bear or flowers. (I do, on the other hand totally get the jewelry thing, but he doesn’t wear jewelry. Oh well, more for me!). Therefore my gift to Peter this year will be a delicious dinner and a movie – in. Home made with love and topped off with cookies lovingly decorated by our daughter.

This recipe is no secret to him, in fact it’s on of his favorites. The best part is not only that it is delicious, it’s manly AND it can be made mostly during nap time, leaving only the final cooking for bed time books. Here’s the menu:

Marinated Flank Steak

A1 Sauteed Mushrooms

Twice Cooked Creamy Potatoes

Steamed Broccoli with Parmesan Cheese

Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles of Love

If you’re thinking this all sounds fabulous, however, like way too much work, skip to the end for the quick and dirty version.

Recipes

Marinated Flank Steak

1 flank steak (Costco almost always has this cut)

A1 Steak Sauce

Teriyaki marinade

Soy Sauce

Grainy mustard (not sure the proper term but look for a mustard where you can see the seeds). I like the Sierra Nevada brand Stout mustard.

Salt and Pepper

At least 2 hours before cooking (the longer the better), put the steak in a dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Pour A1, teriyaki, Soy Sauce onto steak. Enough that there is some liquid in the bottom of the dish – go lighter with the A1 than with the Soy and teriyaki. Flip the steak – same salt and pepper and then spread the grainy mustard on – enough that the steak is covered (about a 1/4 cup). Add a little more liquid to this side. Cover and put in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Grill the steak for approximately 10 minutes on each side – or until desired done-ness. This can also be done in the broiler. Put the steak on a lower rack and then move up towards the end of cooking so that the marinade does not burn.

After the steak is done, let it rest for at least 10 minutes. Slice width wise (against the grain) into long, thin strips. Serve with A1 Sauteed Mushrooms.

A1 Sauteed Mushrooms

1 Package sliced mushrooms – baby bellas are my favorite

A1 Steak Sauce

1/4 cup Soy Sauce

1/2 tablespoon Butter

Place a 1/2 tablespoon of butter into a skillet. Add mushrooms and begin to saute. As the mushrooms begin to cook, add 1/4 cup of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of A1. Stir and continue to cook until liquid has thickened and the mushrooms are small and tender. Add more soy or A1 as needed to keep a “sauce” type texture. You can also add some beef stock if it is too thick.

Twice Cooked Creamy Potatoes

*This recipe is best done to taste and with not a lot of care as to how much butter or sour cream is being used. So use your gut and don’t calculate calories – channel your inner Paula Dean: “It needs more buttah!”*

Baby Red Potatoes – 1 bag

Chives

Minced Garlic – 1 tsp

Sour cream

Butter

Cheddar Cheese

Salt and Pepper

Wash and cut potatoes into equal sizes leaving the skin on. Boil until fork tender. Mash by hand with a spoon or masher (technical term) with a good helping of salt and pepper, sour cream, butter, minced garlic and chives. Stir in a little shredded cheddar cheese. Sample along the way and add more of whatever you like best (important for quality assurance, of course) – the dish tastes best with lots of seasoning so go nuts.

Put the mixture in a baking dish and top with cheddar cheese.  Bake for a few minutes at 350 degrees until the cheese is melted and getting bubbly.

Steamed Broccoli with Parmesan Cheese

1 Head of Broccoli

Grated Parmesan Cheese

Butter

Chop broccoli into small, bite sized pieces. Add them to a steamer basket on the stove and bring water to a boil. Cover and cook for no more than 5 minutes – the broccoli should be bright green.

Remove from steamer and pat dry (if need be). Immediately add a little butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

If you care for a little glass (or big) of wine to go with your dinner, I like Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon. Great flavor and a great price!

Sugar Cookies  

1 Bag Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Dry Mix

Sprinkles, Frosting, Whatever!

I have tried a couple of sugar cookie recipes that vary from completely from scratch to rolling out pre-made dough. I think this is the best of both worlds; easy to make and tastes great.

Follow directions on the back of the bag for mixing and baking- my only addition is to let the dough rest in the refrigerator for at least half an hour and then take it out in chunks to work with.

Once your cookies have cooled, lay out lots of tin foil. Pull up a chair, hand over the sprinkles and let your munchkins go to work! This is also a fun outside activity – just to save the vacuuming time.

Serve as is  or in a martini glass full of vanilla ice cream. Everything is better when it’s in a martini glass.

The quick and I should say sneaky version is to hit up AJ’s Fine Foods. Their tenderloin steaks and twice baked potatoes are stuff of legends. Pick up, hide all wrappings and bags, dirty a few pots and pans for good measure and serve!

Happy Valentine’s Day! What is your favorite way to celebrate?

If you are looking for something super fun this weekend to enjoy this beautiful weather we have going on, I have to suggest the Glendale Chocolate Affair. This is a free event located in the heart of downtown Glendale. It is guaranteed to be a total hit with the kids and adults alike.

I love a good festival and, seriously, what could be better than a festival of all things chocolate? You will find tons of booths with so many great choices, chocolate drinks, flavored chocolates, chocolate pizza, and chocolate-covered strawberries, basically chocolate-covered everything. Cerreta’s, a locally-owned and operated chocolatier, offers free tours and samples during the festival at its factory off the main square. Plus there is live music and other fun activities for the whole family. So fun!

The only hard part would be choosing what chocolate to indulge in. But there is guaranteed to be something for everyone.

Event Details
February 3, 4, 5 2012
Friday 5 – 10 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday Noon – 5 p.m.

My youngest turned one last week!

This means I can no longer use the excuse “I just had a baby!” to explain those last few pregnancy pounds I’m still trying to loose…well, at least not with a straight face. Like many moms, I’ve held on to a couple of, what I lovingly call, “Souvenier Pounds!” from each pregnancy.

I’ve tried to shake them, but they still greet me every morning as I step on the scale. “Hello! Good morning! You’ve had 2 children! I’m the evidence! Why don’t you just accept it and toss those college jeans?”

So now I’m trying to find the hidden causes of my inability to loose those extra lb’s. But, rather than look too hard, I’m blaming Costco.

I love Costco; but this hasn’t always been the case. In fact, a few years ago I wasn’t even a member of Costco. I know what you’re thinking: A stay at home Scottsdale Mom who isn’t a Costco member! I guess in theory it’s possible that she could exist, but, like a potty-trained 18-month-old, or siblings who like to share, or unicorns; no one has ever actually seen such a thing!

It wasn’t like I was anti-Costco. It just didn’t seem to make sense for me. They didn’t have the diapers I liked, I didn’t think I had enough storage in my kitchen, and, the big one, there wasn’t a Costco close by. Then, everything changed. They put a Costco in PV Mall and before I knew it, I was in the club! It started innocently enough. I was meeting a friend at the library across the street for toddler-time and she casually mentioned that she was going to Costco afterwards. I needed milk and decided to join her. It turned out I could store 3 half-gallons of organic low-fat milk in my fridge after all! A few weeks later we were back, allowing our kids to ride the PV Mall carousel and play in their nice soft playground when another mom suggested we get the kids Costco pizza for lunch…. And that my friends, is how it began…

Why Costco is making it impossible for me to loose weight:

Pizza: If you’ve had pizza from Costco, then you know exactly what I’m talking about! If you haven’t, don’t say I didn’t warn you! I stumbled into my love for this pizza quite by accident. Pizza is my son’s favorite food so I ordered one slice, just enough for him. (I was, of course, planning to eat organic celery and purified water with lemon slices when I got home) I paid whatever ridiculously low price they were asking, (maybe 65 cents?) and they handed me the plate. I then learned that at Costco, one slice of pizza is really TWO slices of pizza! They may as well have called it the “Mommy & Me Pizza Package” There was no way my then 2-and-a-half-year-old was going to eat all that pizza himself! And I couldn’t just throw the other slice away. I would have been wasting something like 17 cents. So, we split it, and thus began a dangerous little lunchtime tradition.

Variety packs: Kids are fickle. They like what they like and that’s all they like. So, when I buy a giant box of granola bars at Costco, there’s a good chance that it will be a variety pack and that my son will only like 2 out of the 3 varieties. This leaves us with the predictable scene of me, standing in front of my stuffed-to-the-brim pantry with 12 peanut butter granola bars taking up too much precious space in the small bin devoted to snack food. The baby can’t eat peanut butter and the little boy doesn’t like it. So yes, I step up and I take one for the team. I eat a peanut butter granola bar and do my little part to help return order to the pantry!

Portion Control: I have read scientific studies proving that switching to smaller plates  makes you loose weight because you automatically serve yourself a smaller potion, thereby reducing your caloric intake. Using this logic and the very unscientific experiment I am currently running with my bathroom scale and a pair of pink pants that I looked so cute wearing in my 20’s, I can only assume that having food in large quantities might convince some part of the brain that these larger portions are actually the appropriate serving size. Could this theory of mine be right? Yes. Unfortunately science has spoken and the verdict is clear: my pink pants are too tight.

Samples: Ahh… the hidden danger in “sampling” How many calories have I consumed out of tiny white paper cups? Foods that I NEVER eat, foods that don’t even tempt me, like bacon and fried wontons, those are the sorts of things I sample while shopping at Costco. I rarely buy them, which helps keep their damage to a minimum. But, every once in a while, my son will try them too. He’ll scarf down whatever the generous Costco samplers are peddling, ask for seconds, then beg me to buy more. Since he’s usually such a picky eater and I’m always sorta-desperate for new lunch ideas, it’s tempting to put the food in the cart. But, I’ve been burned by him before, “You REALLY like these? Are you absolutely SURE if I buy this 75-pack of corndogs, you will REALLY eat them?” He enthusiastically assures me and into our deep freeze they go. Of course, he will never again eat a corn dog. He will come to hate the word “corndog” and suddenly have no recollection whatsoever of the “alleged” Costco trip where we purchased the corndogs in question. He’ll give me a confused and frustrated look, the kind of expression I can only imagine on the face of someone struggling with amnesia, all the while insisting he never said such a thing. By, this point, you should know how the story ends. You know who ends up eating the corndogs. Her name starts with “M” and rhymes with “Tommy” Ugh… I still can’t believe I ate a corndog. That was really gross.

So that’s where I am now. I’m probably going to keep shopping at Costco because it actually is one of my favorite stores. But I am learning that with this great opportunity to shop for bulk groceries at reduced prices comes great responsibility. It’s a responsibility I have clearly taken too lightly.

As I really examine the situation, I think in the end, the thing that initially won me over may just be the same thing that eventually does me in. I just can’t say “no” to a slice of Costco Pizza.

We are thrilled to introduce you to one of our event sponsors for last Thursday’s AZ Mom’s Night Out– Hand and Stone Spa Scottsdale. 

Look out momma’s – we have two AWESOME giveaways!!!  Scottsdale Moms Blog and Hand and Stone Spa Scottsdale are partnering together to bring two of our lucky mom’s some well deserved pampering. And we all could use some pampering, right?!!! (See below for giveaway rules.)

Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa provides first-class spa experiences at affordable prices with same day walk in convenience. Your spa experience at Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa will leave you relaxed, restored, and refreshed.

Too eager to wait and see if you’ve won? Book your appointment today!

Reservations and Inquiries.  Call 480.991.5100

***And don’t forget to print off THIS COUPON to save $10 on your next treatment***

Now for the GIVEAWAY details.  SMB has partnered with Hand and Stone Spa Scottsdale to give away 1 Hour Hot Stone Massage with Peppermint Scalp Massage and another lucky winner a 1 Hour Signature Facial.  Yes… that’s TWO WINNERS!

Like all of our giveaways, you have to do a little ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

In it to WIN IT:

*One entry per person per method of entry. Be sure to enter a separate comment for each method of entry (one comment for Facebook, etc.). This way you have a higher chance of winning.

1. COMMENT: Leave a comment below telling us about the last time you pampered yourself.

2. FACEBOOK:  ”Like” Hand and Stone Spa Scottsdale on Facebook.

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Giveaway ends Friday, February 3rd, 2012. Winner is chosen randomly and will be announced here as soon as they’ve accepted the prize. Good luck, everyone!

A huge thanks goes to all of the moms who came out for AZ Moms Night Out and to our incredible SMB Contributor team who volunteered pre and post event!!!  Our planning and preparation for this event would have never happened had these ladies not stepped up to the plate!

We had nearly 200 people in attendance – woot woot!!

We MUST start with another shout out to our incredible hosts for the evening –  Raising Arizona Kids Magazine (be sure to Like RAK on Facebook). THANK  YOU for helping make our event such a success.  Everything they did to prepare and execute the event was awesome!

Movie Poster Design by Tiny Acorns (http://www.etsy.com/shop/tinyacorns)

A HUGE thanks goes out to our wonderful partners that sent us such great stuff to give to you! Please check out our sponsors websites and follow them on twitter. Without them, none of this would have been possible! Here is a taste of what we gave away:

• A two night stay (food and childcare included) from The Westin Kierland (@WestinKierland)
• 2 J.J. Cole Diaper Bags and an Organic Baby Bjorn from Bébé EcoPosh (@BebeEcoPosh)
• 2 Massage Gift Certificates from  Hand and Stone Massage Scottsdale (@HandandStoneAZ)
• A Private Viewing Room Party for 33 and 4 – Family 4 packs at  UltraStar Cinemas UltraLuxe Scottsdale (@UltraStarMovies)
• A Fire Department themed birthday party from  Fantastic Fire Department
• 2 month membership for winner + a friend to Cactus Crossfit(@CactusCrossfit)
• A super cute bag and gift certificate from Thirty-One Bags (Melanie Miriovsky)
• A Gift Certificate to an upcoming Lov’n the Kitchen class
• A number of fun products from Boon Inc (@booninc)
• A Gift Card from Drybar Scottsdale (@thedrybar)
• A 2 month membership (+childcare) to  Guru Momma Yoga (@GuruMommaYoga)
• A gift certificate to K1 Speed (@K1_speed)
• A gift basket with a workshop certificate for an upcoming seminar with Wurth Organizing (@wurthorganizing)
• A gift basket full of popchips (@popchips) newest flavor of chips – sweet potato.
• A gift basket from Susan Brown’s Baby (@susanbrownsbaby)
• 2 tickets to the  Shameless Conference at City of Grace
• A certificate to attend a cake decorating class from Simply Sweets (@simplysweets)
• A family photography session from Sally Manlove Photography
• A gift basket with 6 guest passes to the The Children’s Museum of Phoenix (@childmuse)
• 2 gift certificates to The Doll House & Toy Store
• A 4 week membership for Bootcamp for Babes (@BootcampBabesAZ)

It was so much more intimate than I had pictured! I guess everything you remember from your childhood is larger than life, right? The big top tent seats about 1,200 people but it feels really cozy and not overwhelmingly large. The arena section is open seating and we arrived early enough to get fantastic seats right up front.

Speaking of arriving early, about a half hour before the official start time, all kids are invited to the center of the ring to learn circus tricks! Our kids (collectively ages 2-9) all had so much fun hula-hooping and juggling with the pros! This also let my daughter, who is sometimes unsure of new experiences, get comfortable in the space before the show began.

Everyone was SO friendly. I guess I expected employees of a traveling circus to be, well, more like your state fair ‘carnies’. Not so; the staff was friendly, helpful and great with the kids – from the concession stand vendors to the ushers and everyone we came in contact with.

There were no animals. Personally, this is my preference because circus animals have been historically kept in not the best conditions, and the amazing talent was NOT lacking for four-legged friends. But I do think it’s worth mentioning just so you don’t get a preschooler’s hopes up that he or she is going see elephants, when in fact, there are none.

All in all, Circus Vargas proved a fun family outing and comes highly recommended by the SMB team (also? how great is a 4pm showtime when you have little ones who still nap and go to bed early?). If you’re planning on going, this list of frequently asked questions was really helpful to me (and a little hard to find on their site so I’ll save you the work)

And the best part is, Circus Vargas is giving away a Family Four Pack right here on the blog! The tickets can be used at any of the remaining shows (Arizona Mills in Temp through 2/6; Metro Center Mall in Phoenix 2/9-2/13).

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

In it to WIN IT:

*One entry per person per method of entry. Be sure to enter a separate comment for each method of entry (one comment for Facebook, one comment for Twitter, etc.). This way you have a higher chance of winning.

1. COMMENT: Leave a comment below telling us which Circus Vargas show you’re dying to see with your family

2. TWITTER: Follow Circus Vargas on Twitter (@circusvargas) – just copy and paste this message into your tweet - Hey! @circusvargas is in town & @ScottsdaleMoms is giving away a family four-pack! http://wp.me/p1nIcu-2Ag - then leave a comment here saying you did so.

3. FACEBOOK: Like Circus Vargas on Facebook, then leave a comment here on the blog letting us know you did.

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Giveaway ends Friday, February 3, 2012 THURSDAY FEBRUARY 2 at 11:59PM! Winner is chosen randomly and will be announced here as soon as they’ve accepted the prize. Good luck, everyone!

*Update: We’re going to draw the winner one day earlier to give the lucky family time to plan if they want to go to this weekend’s shows. Be sure to enter by Thursday night!*

This time last year I started the Great Scottsdale Preschool Search of 2010.

The two things I really valued during my search were: mom-to-mom input from the few women I know whose kids are a little older than my own and had some preschool experience, AND the fact that most local preschools put out big banners this time of year announcing their enrollment and a phone number or website to call (at least that way I knew what school to Google when I got home!).

What I really could have used, though, was some firsthand information on a variety of schools from a variety of local moms. So this year we thought that Scottsdale Moms Blog could start that conversation and YOU, our readers, could help continue it.

Here’s how it works. If you’re a local mom who has experience with one or more preschools in the area, we’d love you to comment below. Just imagine you’re at the playground and a sweet mama with a 2.5 year old has just asked you where your kids go to school – tell us what you’d tell her. If you’re a mom on the hunt for local preschools, feel free to add your specific questions in the comments.

This year, when your average Scottsdale mom sits down and starts Googling, maybe this post will show up and actually be of some help!

Oh! Another thing I wish I’d known last year: Raising Arizona Kids magazine puts out THE definitive schools guide each year. Schools, Etc. is available now and has a good section on preschools. I’d highly recommend using it to accompany the mom-to-mom insight you gain here on the blog.

Ready… Set… Discuss!

This is how mommies and babies are made to interact and is often referred to as “instinct.”  Like many things, however, we only learn about it when something has gone wrong or has broken.  I’ve had to learn as much as I can possibly about the attachment cycle.  Due to my daughter’s history before coming home through adoption, completing this cycle in our every day life is one of the most challenging things ever.  Knowing all I can about what it is, what it should be and how to improve it once it’s broken, has been imperative.  This simple, instinctual cycle can be nearly impossible once it has been repeatedly broken in a little life.  If you are struggling with this or interested in Reactive Attachment Disorder, can read more about my journey HERE.

Knowing about the attachment cycle and why it’s important is one of the most encouraging parts of being a mother.  It is a little golden nugget of information that should be a part of all prenatal and parenting classes.  It places value on things that tempt you to feel worthless.  Helping your child regulate when they are overwhelmed by hunger or thirst or a messy diaper or exhaustion or loneliness is a gift.  You are giving your baby the sense that their world is safe and parents are trust worthy.  It is also establishing an emotional foundation for your child’s heart that will have lifelong impact.  It is like a dance.  Your baby cries, you come quickly, and meet her need.  As she is comforted, her little body regulates.  She is calm until the next need arises.  You repeat this all day long, every day.  It sets an internal rhythm for her heart.  So in other words, changing those poopy diapers will impact how she will be as a friend, mom, wife and functional adult.  Don’t laugh.  I am totally serious.  I’ve seen the adverse effects of not having those needs met as a baby. It is heartbreaking.

Don’t be intimidated by that impact.  Be encouraged.  You respond to your baby’s cries.  You lovingly come and comfort and meet those needs.  You do it with excellence.  You are an awesome mom that has no mundane task when it comes to her children.  Each little moment matters.  In a simple, easy beautiful gift we are given as moms to know how to comfort our babies.  It whispers to our hearts YOU are meant for this and you are equipped for this. It is incredibly challenging, but it will be worth it one day.

As wonderful as it is, it doesn’t mean it is all of who we are as moms or that we don’t need refreshing from that fantastic, emotional-foundation-building attachment cycle.  So go take a shower and put on a cute dress.  I’ll see all of you fabulous mommas tonight!!!

**If you can’t make it to our Mom’s Night Out tonight, be sure to join us at the zoo tomorrow morning for more fun!!  Check out our Facebook events page HERE.

Photo Credit

I am so excited to be able to share with you something that I am very passionate about: Scottsdale Parks and Recreation!  We are very fortunate to have an award winning recreation department contributing to Scottsdale being named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People. It is no surprise there is a lot to do in the 41 parks and 900 acres of green space.

I feel privileged to share my knowledge with you about ways you can recreate with your children this spring! I’ve summarized them into my top 5 (in no particular order):

1. Sign up for tot classes and workshops!

A unique range of classes are available for both you and your tot to participate in. Leisure classes not only nurture and develop your child as an individual, but also provide the opportunity to develop coordination, build self-esteem and confidence, sportsmanship, teamwork and listening skills in an enriching environment. We have offerings for you to take with your little one, or as an independent adventure for your child as they grow. All together 80+ tot classes are being offered this spring in a wide range of subjects including Art, Dance, Movement and Sports. For a complete listing of tot classes and workshops click here.

2. Scottsdale’s got a new way to learn to swim this spring!

Developing swimming skills is especially crucial here in the Valley of the Sun. For that reason it is important to start them young in our Starfish Swim program. The Sea Babies course (appropriate for 6 months to 3 years) is an acclimation course fostering high comfort level in the water. Parents are simultaneously being trained in water safety and drowning prevention. Lessons are available to meet your needs.  Private, semi-private and class style lessons are available. For a complete listing of swim classes click here.

3. Special Events are the best!

One of my personal favorites (next to leisure classes of course!) of Scottsdale Parks and Recreation. Have you ever heard of Mighty Mud Mania? It all started here in Scottsdale in 1976 as a promotional pre-wash gimmick, growing to a nationally recognized event! In addition to Mighty Mud Mania, several special events providing family friendly environments are held annually!  These events are educational, recreational, and often provide a health and wellness component. Here are some that are currently in the works for this spring:

• Fit City Scottsdale and 5K Run – Saturday, February 18 from 8 a. m. to 1 p.m. at Scottsdale Community College, 9000 E. Chaparral Road. For more information click here.
• Exclusively Little, just for the Tots and Toddlers! – Saturday, March 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road. For more information click here.
• No fooling at April Pools Day – Scottsdale’s free “April Pools Day” – Saturday, April 28 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Eldorado Aquatic and Fitness Center, 2301 N. Miller Road. For more information click here.

Be sure to check the City event site often for a complete up to date listing of events, or like Scottsdale Parks & Recreation on Facebook.

4. Get out and get active for free at Recreation Days!

Okay, well this one really fits into special events, but I feel like it deserves its own heading! This spring several introductory workshops, demonstrations and classes are offered for FREE! You can meet the instructors and participate to see if this is an activity you or your child would enjoy. Offerings will include a sampling of classes and programs regularly available throughout the year for all ages. There is something for everyone so spread the word! Be sure to check back often for updates and potentially added classes! For a complete listing of free offerings click here.

5. What a better place than a birthday at the park?! 

Make your child’s birthday fabulous this year by renting one of our facilities! Amenities include indoor multi use rooms, outdoor ramadas, fields and even pool locations. All are affordably priced and provide a wide range of amenities to meet your needs! McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park provides a Birthday Party Package (awarded New Times Best of Phoenix “No Frill’s Kid Birthday Party”) where you can relax while two recreation leaders lead your children through games, train and carousel rides, and more.  Complete listing of parks and amenities visit http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks

Parks and recreation departments provide an entry point and first introduction to activities and interests that instill positive behavior and lifelong values and interests in our youth. Scottsdale recreation classes, programs and amenities provide affordable prices, experience instructors and a safe space for creative and enriching play opportunities. We love providing the quality classes you (and I!) grew up with!

**********************

Jessica Miller is Assistant Recreation Coordinator for the City of Scottsdale. During her 9 years with the Recreation office she has worked providing family friendly activities through various roles within the Afterschool Programs, Special Events, and now Leisure Education.  Her love and appreciation for Scottsdale Parks and Recreation dates back to the late 1980’s. Jessica was enrolled in a leisure class where she performed at the Civic Center Senior Center and annual Fall Festival as a ‘Scottsdale Sizzler’ cheer leader. She still has her red and white shirt, skirt, and photos to in her memory book 20 years later.  Jessica finds it ironic that she is now still cheering on Scottsdale Parks and Recreation!

We can’t wait to see all you awesome mamas at Arizona Mom’s Night Out TOMORROW NIGHT!  Here are some details and a few important kudos…

First of all, a HUGE thank you to Raising Arizona Kids Magazine (@RAKmagazine) for hosting the event at UltraStar Cinemas UltraLuxe Scottsdale (@UltraStarMovies). If you blog and are in support of our event, please take a moment to give props to both Raising Arizona Kids and UltraStar Cinemas.

Secondly…our sponsors for the evening. Because let’s be honest – we couldn’t do this event without them!  A HUGE thank you to Bébé EcoPosh (@BebeEcoPosh), Hand and Stone Massage Scottsdale (@HandandStoneAZ), Artistic Impressions by Mara (@marabschantz), Wurth Organizing (@wurthorganizing) and Fantastic Fire Department.

Thank you also to:  The Westin Kierland (@WestinKierland) :: Cactus Crossfit (@CactusCrossfit) :: Guru Momma Yoga (@GuruMommaYoga) :: K1 Speed (@K1_speed) :: Susan Brown’s Baby (@susanbrownsbaby) :: (popchips (@popchips) ::  Boon Inc (@booninc) :: Lov’n the Kitchen :: Raising Arizona Kids (@rakmagazine) :: B. Belle Couture :: Wurth Organizing (@wurthorganizing) ::  Shameless Conference at City of Grace :: The Drybar AZ (@thedrybar) ::  Simply Sweets (@simplysweets) :: Sally Manlove Photography :: (The Children’s Museum of Phoenix (@childmuse) :: The Doll House & Toy Store ::  Circus Vargas (@circusvargas) :: Thirty-One Bags :: Bootcamp for Babes (@BootcampBabesAZ) :: and finally our photographers for the evening, Session Nine Photography (@Session_Nine)