College Nannies + Tutors Giveaway Winners

Hi people!

Thanks to all of you who entered our giveaway and who shared I Heart AZ! We love giving you ideas for things to do and letting you know about awesome local businesses. 

The winner of the $50 VISA date night giveaway with 4 hours of professional child care (including free enrollment) from College Nannies + Tutors is...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kristy, just send us an email at contactus@iheartaz.com and we will get you connected with College Nannies + Tutors as well as get your VISA card out to you. We would absolutely love to hear about your date night if you'd like to share on I Heart AZ. Nanny service must be used before September 30th so get planning!

College Nannies + Tutors could not let you guys down and they are so gracious that they wanted to offer the child care services to 6 more readers! Woot!

These folks will receive:

• Free enrollment with College Nannies + Tutors and a complimentary family meeting to make the best Role Model Nanny match possible for your family.
• 4 free hours of childcare that you can use anytime between now and September 30th.

Winners are: 

Jason Sellers

Angela Forsyth

Jenna Foote

Ty and Andi

I Do Faces

Samantha Sherwood

We will send your email addresses along to College Nannies + Tutors, so wait to receive information about setting up your night out. 

Thanks for playing!

Back To School Traditions

Back to school fever is here.  As a past educator and current mother I have many philosophies about education, but one BIG one is that we need to show Arizona kids that we value education.  For me this starts at home.  Each year before school starts we have a few traditions to show our children  just how much we value the ability to be educated and how great the learning process can be.  Think of how awesomer (I'm allowed to use made up words - even when talking about education) Arizona kids would be if we can get them to love learning more.  Life long learners - yes please!!  

August Events in Arizona

Wow, August is upon us.  School has started or will be soon.  I feel like with school starting, my mind is tricked into thinking fall should be right around the corner, but August is long and hot and definitely not fall.  Many of the summer time events are finishing up and it seems like cities take a break in August with event planning.  But, we have done our best to round up a few things to do here in Arizona to keep you entertained - most of which are up north in cooler territory.  Enjoy!   

August 2, 2014:  Want to taste some food you might not experience everyday?  Check out the First Pinedale Dutch Oven Contest in Pinedale, AZ and/or the Arizona Crawfish Festival at Bison Ranch in Overguard, AZ.  

August 12 - 16, 2014:  Are you an ASU fan?  ASU's football camp called Camp Tontozona in Payson, AZ is back for the first time since 2008.    Their scrimmage is the 16th at 10:00 AM.  You can also sign up for a golf tournament or steak dinner fundraiser.  Check out the links here.

August 14 - 16, 2014:  If you are already in Payson, might as well enjoy "August Doins'," the oldest continuous rodeo that has been held for the last 130 years in Payson, Arizona!  Click on the link for a schedule of events and performances.  

Saturday, August 16, 2014:  Make sure to catch the Payson Rodeo Parade.  The parade starts at 9:00 PM on Payson's Historic Main Street.  

August 29- September 1, 2014:  Coconino County Fair  

August 30 - September 1, 2014:  Taylor, AZ Sweet Corn Festival.  Food, music, entertainment, parade, arts and crafts and more.  Celebrate Taylor's primary crop.  (And trust me, sweet corn from Taylor/Snowflake is divine).

And make sure you check out this post:

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Maybe snag a Culture Pass and check out some of the fun exhibits at the Heard Museum.  Current exhibits include Lego scultpures and art exploring food and Native American history and culture.  There are several great museums and venues to check out for free if you can grab a Culture Pass at your local library.     

Or catch a live show.  This month Footloose is at Hale Theater.  Peter Pan at Arizona Broadway Theater.  Jersey Boys is at Gammage.  

Remember, Snowbowl in Flagstaff, AZ is still having their scenic lift rides.  

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If you have an event you would like us to post about here at I Heart AZ, make sure to e-mail us contactus@iheartaz.com.  Events from our readers gives us the inside scoop we want!  

Favorite Places: Carolina's Mexican Food in Phoenix

Writing and images by Marily.

You know when you go someplace great and you have to tell your friends about it? It's really the best way to find great new places. We are calling this new series on the blog Favorite Places designed to highlight great places in our state and share our favorites with each other. Keep reading to find out how you can share your favorites with us too.

I am going to kick off the series with one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Phoenix: Carolina's. Driving through this part of Phoenix you might not think of stopping for a bite until you see the white brick building--the parking lot is filled with family vans, cops, and luxury cars owned by business people on their lunch breaks. Still, you might not want to go here in the dark without a bodyguard. It's worth the scary neighborhood though if you are looking for authentic Mexican food that would make you proud to live in the Southwest. 

What I would recommend
Definitely get the machaca. You can get it in tacos like I did or a plate, a burrito, or even machaca and eggs which I hear is great. We also love the enchiladas and the homemade tortillas and chips which are available for sale.

Where is it?
Carolina's is at 1202 E Mohave St in Phoenix, right outside downtown Phoenix. This was the perfect stop for dinner before we headed to the Diamondbacks game last week. They also have a location in North Phoenix. 

Want to share one of your favorite places? Email me at contactus@iheartaz.com.

Girls' Night Out: P.F. Chang's Style (And Win a Trip to Boston!)

Writing by Marily, images by Kathryn.

My husband Mark and I have a thing with P.F. Chang's. You see, it's kind of been "our place" since Mark use to work there as an accountant when we were first married. Did you know their headquarters is in Scottsdale, Arizona? As an employee benefit, Mark got $900 on a "Lucky Cat card" (gift card) every year to use at the restaurant and oh, how we loved (and sorely miss) that card!

That being said, I have tried a lot of things on the P.F. Chang's menu.

This time though, I left my husband and kids behind and headed out with Kathryn for a much-needed girls' night to try some new items on the P.F. Chang's summer menu.

We had a fun time trying out some of their tasty drinks (non-alcoholic for us) and delicious new foods. 

College Nannies + Tutors: Local Business Spotlight and a Great Giveaway!

Written by Marily

If you have children, you can probably relate to how hard it can be to find good child care when you need it; whether it is on a regular basis or more sporadically, like our family. Getting a good, trustworthy person is a top priority for parents.

Recently, I got to work with College Nannies + Tutors and the owner of two of their franchise locations here in the valley. The business employs nannies and tutors to help families make matches that fit their family's specific needs. 

College Nannies + Tutors, Gilbert location

Here are some of the perks of working with College Nannies + Tutors compared with some of your other options:

• Hire a nanny with ease- They do the interviews and background checks for you. They hire the best people around to make sure their customers have the best experiences.
• All nannies and tutors are 18 years and older. They hire role models for your children who are responsible to carry out your wishes. Nannies can have fun with the children but also get them to bed on time.
• Always have a back-up. If you use their on-call service there are several great nannies so it is easier to find someone when you need a sitter. If you have a regular nanny who comes while you work and she gets sick, College Nannies + Tutors can find someone else to fill in and you don't have to scramble.
• Tutoring services can be in-home or at their centers. There is a brand new center just getting ready to open at Dana Park in Mesa. Tutoring services available in all subjects including test prep.

The whole process for us began with a short family meeting. The owner, Nicole, came to my home to meet me and my kids and get to know our family so she could make a good placement with a nanny. After the meeting, my husband Mark and I scheduled some time out away from the kids and we let College Nannies + Tutors know when we needed a nanny. I was given an email once they chose Makenzie for our family with the nanny's name, references, a photo, and lots of information about her. Makenzie even gave me a call the day before she came over to check in with me and run through the kids' bedtime routines. 

We loved Makenzie! (p.s. this is not my daughter :))

Tuesday night came and our nanny showed up prompt and ready to start. Makenzie got a chance to get to know the kids and we ran through important information with her including emergency papers (College Nannies + Tutors includes these for you to fill out.)

Mark and I used our Pogo Passes that night to catch a Diamondbacks game and we stopped at a favorite Mexican restaurant near the ballpark. Date night is so important and I am grateful College Nannies + Tutors made this happen for us this week! More to come later on where we went.

It was so nice to come back home to our kids because Makenzie had taken care of everything.  It really would be hard to find a better sitter for my kids, in fact I don't think I have ever had a better one than her. She brought some modeling clay and bubbles to give the kids some fun activities to do while we were out. She got dinner ready for them and even washed the dishes they all used. After Mark and I got home, I saw a note Makenzie had written for us outlining how the evening went and how she loved hanging out with our kids. I said to my husband, "That is the difference between a babysitter and a nanny."

A note from Makenzie, and the bubbles and modeling clay creations she left for our kids

Really, the experience with College Nannies + Tutors felt much less like working with a business and much more like interacting with some really nice, kind, and dependable people. That is the kind of relationship I want to have with someone who is going to be watching my children. 

And guess what? 

You could win a free date from this great company too! 

Giveaway instructions after the jump.

Arizona Elections 2014: Important Dates You Need to Know

Driving around it's hard to not notice it is election time. Here is a quick shot of info in order to keep you in-in-the-know so you can accomplish your civic duty this fall. If you are not registered to vote or need to change your registration, time is ticking!

Images and writing by Marily

Any other info you need can be found on the Secretary of State's website including:

• Voter registration info
• A kids' page to learn about the state of Arizona
• How to request an early ballot

...and more. 

For me, as a mom of little kids, I like requesting an early ballot, filling it out at home, then walking it in to the polls on election day. I can take my kids to the polls with me to show them the voting process but I don't have to wait in line with them or fill out my ballot while I am there. It's a great option for me.

And as for candidates and issues, I am not going to be helping with that info, good luck!

A Foster Care Journey in Arizona

Writing and images by Kathryn

(Disclosure:  I am not an expert.  This is just my beginning.)

Some of you may have noticed that it seems Marily has been doing all the work this last month at I Heart AZ.  And you are right.  Marily is a friend that has been there through the thick and thin of it all since we were both awkward little girls in 8th grade.  Marily has taken over for me for much of this summer because...

I'm a new mom again!  That means I'm getting up every two or three hours in the night and hoping that this little one doesn't decide to have a party at 3:00 AM (like last night).  I try to fit in my meals when I can.  My arms and voice seem to be the comfort that baby craves, which I don't really mind.  I'm soaking in dreamy smiles and chubby cheeks and that fresh baby smell and trying to forget about all the less important things that still seem to be calling my attention.     

But when I look down at these dark brown eyes and stroke this beautiful downy hair, I know this baby is not mine to keep.  I didn't give birth to him.  I don't even have custody of him.  I'm his foster mom.  I'm here for however long he needs.  Whether it is one month or two years or possibly a lifetime.  He is my Maybe Baby.     

My girls waiting to meet our new little guy.  I had just driven in the garage when my husband snapped this picture.  

Let me tell you, it is crazy adjusting to being the mom without really being the mom.  Crazy!  I've given birth to two sets of twins and tandem nursed them for a year each.  I figured that would be my crowning jewel, the information they could put on my tombstone to prove I did something valuable in life.  But now...now people want to know how fostering feels in comparison.  Obviously I'm not lactating and my body isn't in recovery from a recent twin pregnancy and delivery, but becoming a foster mother is VERY different, and not necessarily easier.  The emotions of it all are new to me and I'm navigating as best I can.  I'm driving to biological visits several times a week.  I learned how to sign up for WIC.  I'm learning what to say to people when this precious newborn looks nothing like me or my husband or our blond haired blue eyed gaggle of girls.  I'm adjusting to the reality of loving someone so much but not knowing how long I'll get to keep him.  I'm adjusting to so many maybe's that sometimes I think my head might explode. 

But I don't regret becoming a foster mom.  I know this is what I was supposed to do and I knew it wouldn't be easy.  I knew there would be days where I would lose sight of why my husband and I made this decision, but the right idea is not always the easy idea.

In 2012 there were 14,111 children in Arizona who were placed in out-of-home care due to neglect, abandonment or abuse.  14,111!

In 2012, seventy children died in Arizona from "maltreatment."  In 2011 it was 71.  In 2010 is was 70.  That is roughly three whole classrooms full of children who vanish each year due to abuse.  

I've heard, "I could never do that.  It would break my heart," so. many. times.  First statement is false.  Second statement is true.  Your heart will be stretched, broken, filled with so much love you can't stand it and crushed...but you could do it.  You can handle that.  Most of us were raised in such a way that we can handle the battle, but these children, no matter what you think your heart can handle or not, still need homes.  There will still be drunken rage, children born addicted to drugs, too young of children left to fend for themselves, sexual abuse, emotional and physical abuses, children needing stability, and the list goes on and on. 

I'm not saying foster care is for everyone, but, if you stop lying to yourself that your heart could never handle it, would you find a heart actually willing?

(And just to clarify - you do not need to be married to be a foster parent)

Why are you doing foster care?

Exploring Arizona: Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive

Recently we took a day trip to Show Low and drove through the Salt River Canyon. If you enjoy scenic drives, this is a must see and definitely a highlight of my summer. 

My husband Mark talks about driving through the Salt River Canyon numerous times growing up on the way to and from Show Low to see family.  Many people describe it as a mini Grand Canyon. The cool part though is that you get to drive through the canyon.  I am not sure how I missed seeing this place, having lived in Arizona nearly all my life. 

The rode takes you through the the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian reservations so you may get a chance to stop and buy items from Native Americans if you'd like.  We would have stopped for that and to take some pictures too, but we had two kids sleeping in the back seat who needed a good nap before we stopped for dinner in Miami.  We drove straight through this time so  this is the only photo I got:

Written by Marily, photos are credited to their original sources

Fortunately, there are some much better photographers out there. Check these out: 

20 Plus Back to School Ideas (Link Roundup)

Maybe you are not yet in the back to school mode, but we are just about ready for school to start at my house. Many kids still have a couple of weeks of summer break, but we are counting down our last couple of days. Meet the Teacher is on Monday and school begins next Wednesday.

Yikes!

Here are several ideas I've found for back to school including food, shopping, schedules, and much more.

50 Things to Do With Kids for the Last Stretch of Summer Break

If you have kids in school, then summer is likely on the home stretch. Some kids in Arizona are heading back this week! And some of you have a few more weeks to squeeze in some summer fun before classes start again. Here are our summer posts all gathered together in one easy spot for one long list of over 50 things to do to keep you and your family entertained til you get back to your school-day routines.

Air-Conditioned Fun: A list of indoor activities like museums, malls, etc around AZ

Water Fun and Splash Pads: Read this list for some new ideas for splash pads. Take a little drive and try out a new one. Or, try splash pad hopping by visiting more than one spot in a day.

Classes and Activities: There are still several things on this list that are going on at local businesses for kids. It's likely the activities are less busy now since it is towards the end of the season.

Where to Buy 3-Gallon Tubs of Ice Cream

Writing and Images by Marily

This is how we are celebrating National Ice Cream Month at our house. A couple big tubs of Thrifty ice cream, some cones, and some friends. What could be sweeter than that? 

Want to know our secret? The big 3-gallon tubs of Thrifty Ice Cream are from Restaurant Depot. These are so fun to pull out for a party or event. Restaurant Depot has over 30 flavors--all of your favorites and some really fun ones too like coconut-pineapple, cotton candy, strawberry cheesecake, and chocolate malted crunch. Ice cream and sherbet is priced at around $14 - $19 per tub depending on the flavor which ends up being about $2.50 - $3.25 per half gallon (not 1.75 like most containers of ice cream.) If you are looking for a dairy-free option Restaurant Depot carries a brand of Italian ice in 3-gallon tubs as well.

Where to Shop:
There are three locations in Arizona, in Mesa, Phoenix, and Tucson. If you don't have a membership to Restaurant Depot you can also get 3-gallon containers of ice cream at Smart and Final. The store by me has Thrifty vanilla ice cream and about four or five Smart and Final brand flavors. Another perk with Smart and Final is you don't need a membership card.

Membership Info:
You must have a membership card to shop at Restaurant Depot.  Memberships are free for business owners (you need to provide a business license or tax-exempt certificate.) The nice thing about these memberships is the cardholder does not have to be present. This is not a store for kids, actually you have to sign a waiver every time you bring a child into the store. 

This is how we are celebrating National Ice Cream Month. How about you?

Your Favorite Ice Cream and Treat Shops in Arizona

Writing and images by Marily

In celebration of National Ice Cream Month, we asked what your favorite ice cream and treat places were. You answered! We got such a great list of ice cream spots to check out that I am feeling both excited and disappointed. The disappointment is because in my whole life I might not be able to get to all of these places. 

Yesterday, for "research purposes," I took my boys to Sweet Republic.  This little ice cream shop has been featured on Food Networks' "Best Thing I Ever Ate" as well as received several other accolades like a Top 10 spot in Bon Appetite Magazine. I thought we would see what all the hype is about. 

We went simple this time. The boys got ice cream cones and I got a cup of their coconut sorbet. It really was some of the very best ice cream I have ever had. The ingredients are locally sourced and the flavors are amazing. Even the waffle cone was better than any waffle cone I'd ever had. It is a great spot for foodies and also a great place to take a group of rowdy little boys (ask me how I know.) We will definitely be back--next time I plan on sharing a sundae with my honey on a date night.

And here are your suggestions! I couldn't include them all, so if you want to be a part of the dialogue and see the rest of the list, like us on facebook! And please, if this info is helpful to you, we'd really appreciate you sharing with your friends. 

Okay, on to the ice cream!

Nami (Phoenix)
Nami is the dessert-loving vegan's dream come true. The shop serves soy ice cream treats as well as donuts, pastries, cookies, and more. Their sister-restaurant Green serves a full menu as well as soy soft serve.

Autumn: "I am not able to have dairy and there is a wonderful vegan dessert place in downtown phoenix called Nami. They have these amazing blizzard type desserts made with your choice of mix-ins and soy vanilla soft serve. They are called Tsoynami's. They are amazing!!"

Churn (Phoenix)
This adorable ice cream and candy shop is pretty much the cutest place in Phoenix. 

Kim: "We tried Churn in Phoenix for the first time last month---WONDERFUL!"

Kelly: "Churn is AMAZING. They have dairy free choices."

 Rita's (several locations Valley-wide)

Jesse: "Rita's!! Ice. Custard. Happiness!!!"

Sugar Bowl (Scottsdale) 
Take a trip back in time. Head to Old Town Scottsdale to try Sugar Bowl's ice cream and 50's-style fountain drinks.

Lenny's (Mesa, Phoenix, Glendale)

Carolyn: "If you are looking for a good deal for the family Lenny's on the SE corner of Southern and Stapley in Mesa has either root beer floats or ice cream Sundays for a dollar. They also have awesome fries with fry sauce!"

Gelato Spot (Phoenix, Scottsdale)
The Scottsdale location serves wood-fired pizza and gelato. If all of that goodness sounds like too much for just one stop, head to either of the two Phoenix locations for gelato only.

Yogurt Jungle (Maricopa, Queen Creek)
Local business in the outer edges of the Phoenix area for great frozen yogurt

Udder Delights (Gilbert)
Support this great local spot which is owned by Superstition Farms. They milk the cows in Arizona and turn it into ice cream. That is something worth putting your money (and your mouth) into. You can now also buy other local dairy items like butter, cheese, and buttermilk at Udder Delights.

Sub Zero (Mesa, Paradise Valley)

Kristy: "SubZero ice cream on The SW corner of Baseline and Stapley. They make it in front of you. They turn a liquid into ice cream by using liquid nitrogen. Kids love watching it. Lots of different favors to try and anything from custard to sugar free. We drive all the way from queen creek to go there."

Casa Manana (Safford)
This is a Mexican restaurant, but their fried ice cream is so incredible I had to include it on this list. This thing is greasy and delicious, and rich enough that you might want to share with someone. 

Frost (Gilbert, Phoenix, Tucson)
Artisan gelato, gelato cakes, and other delicious treats.

BTO (Flagstaff)
Locals rave about this place. 

Megan: "Really good yogurt and great customer service."

Lelia: "My 1 year old can't have dairy and they always have the best non dairy flavors for him!"

Catherine: "It's super healthy we are the only yogurt place that makes our yogurt!"

Black Cow Cafe (Sedona)
This is a great place to check out if you are in Sedona and looking for a sweet little stop.

Twisters (Williams)
If you are headed to the Grand Canyon, stop by Twister's for ice cream and their old fashioned drink fountain.

Anyone else feeling hungry? 

Are there any other places not on our list? What are your favorites?

If you liked this post, please share--See those little buttons below? 

And join us on Facebook here!

10 Ways to Celebrate National Ice Cream Month

A little factoid for you: In 1984 President Reagan proclaimed July to be National Ice Cream Month and July 15th to be National Ice Cream Day. Since then, National Ice Cream Day has been delegated to the 3rd Sunday of July, making it July 20th this year. You can read the official proclamation here. It's so legit it's a bit hilarious. If you do need a reason to celebrate ice cream you have the rest of the month to do it!  We're here with a few ideas to help you party ice cream style, starting with this list of ways to celebrate.

Head out! There are tons of options of great ice cream and dessert places around the state. Here are a couple of lists to check out:

Your Ultimate Guide to Tasty Treats in Tucson

Top 10 Shops for Ice Cream, Gelato, and Treats in Metro Phoenix

Here are a couple of deals going on for National Ice Cream Month:

Carvel
BOGO sundaes every Wednesday. Use this coupon on July 20th for 80 cent cup or cone.

Baskin Robbins Buy two scoops get a free waffle cone throughout July.

Udder Delights (Gilbert) BOGO milkshakes on Mondays

Enter this contest on Instagram for free ice cream.

Make homemade ice cream. There is nothing like homemade.

If you don't have an ice cream maker, try these ideas:

The base of this cake is made from ice cream sandwiches, yum!

How fun would it be to invite some friends over to devour this thing?

Ice Cream in a Bag

Head outside, let the heat engulf you and dream about ice cream. Check back tomorrow for a list of YOUR favorite ice cream places. Or, join us on Facebook to add to the conversation!

Arizona Monsoon Prep Checklist

The ridge is shifting which means an increase in heat before the humidity starts to rise and monsoons are ushered in.  And although we hate temperatures that hover around 110 degrees, we hope this heat signals monsoons are right around the corner.  I think most of us are praying for lots and lots of rain, but, we do need to be prepared.  Here are a few things you may want to consider with the upcoming monsoons:

- Check seals around your house.  Faulty door and window seals will become quite obvious with the first downpour.  And don't let a roof leak get away from you.  Get names and numbers of honest and trustworthy roofers now.  Then in a pinch, you already have the information you need.      

- Pick up your yard.  Secure outdoor toys and furniture.  Winds can get quite gusty during these storms.  I know I'm not the only one who has had to retrieve chairs from the bottom of my pool.

- Get out the flashlights and restock batteries.  I LOVED when the power went out on summer nights as a kid.  Busting out flashlights and candles was the best.  You'll want to make sure those kiddos that are afraid of the dark have their own personal flashlight in their room.  Thankfully my kids are all stocked up because great-grandma has a flashlight Easter egg hunt each year.    

- Prepare a 72 hour kit.  Of course I've never had to use mine in the 12 years I've had one, but preparedness never hurt anyone.  A 72 hour kit is a collection of basic items you may need during an emergency.  72 is the number of hours the kit will sustain you and ideally it is small enough that you can grab in case of needing to evacuate.  Things I include in my 72 hour kit are water, simple non perishable foods (peanut butter, canned fruit, gum, jerky...), cash, extra clothes, soap, matches, toothbrush, duct tape (cause I'm convinced duct tape will always help save the day), first aid kit...you can check out site like this one here to help you create your own 72 hour kit.  If anything, having a 72 hour kit will give you peace of mind.

- Have a plan.  If the power goes out for too long and heat gets too bad, where are you going to go?  Where is your meeting point if your lines of communication are down?  What is the plan for your pets?  Do your pets have proper identification?  No one wants their pets to run away because they are scared of all the thunder, rain and wind.
    
And finally for the FUN preparation....

- Head to the thrift store and pick up a few extra umbrellas.  At our house we use them mostly for fort building, but kids love any chance they get to play outside in the rain with umbrellas.  With cheapy umbrellas I'm not as upset if they go flying across the yard with a five year old chasing after it.  (Of course we do not play in the monsoon rain if lightning is close by.)

- Have your camera ready.  Beautiful pictures are just one click away.  My husband has been known to chase a storm or two for just the right shot, but always use caution.  Washes flood quickly.  Never think your car will be the one to make it through a flooded wash.  It won't.

- Plan a celebration!  Start some traditions now!  It doesn't have to be big or Pinterest perfect, but if you have kids, think of a way to celebrate the arrival of the first storm (okay, even if you don't have kids).  This will help ease worried minds and help teach the importance of monsoons to our dry desert.  You could possibly celebrate the first monsoon rain by making a special treat (examples:  make an edible mud pie, smores, or homemade popsicles.)  Do a special activity (examples:  set out rain buckets to measure rain, use washable paint to color on your body and let the rain rinse it off, have a fun book on the desert that you read, paint in the rain.  Check out this blog for fun rain painting ideas.)  You can always watch an Indian Rain Dance to celebrate as well.  

We hope everyone is safe this monsoon season and we hope it is a great one!  How did you fare on this checklist?  What additional things do you do to prepare for the monsoons?     

20 Last-Minute Ideas for the Fourth of July

Even if you haven't planned ahead for Independence Day, there are still some very do-able ideas to make your holiday a little more festive and fun. Here are some easy ideas for decorating, eating, and playing this Fourth of July.

Treats
Super simple. Super sweet.

Written by Marily. Images from original sources, as sited.

1. Fourth of July Rice Krispy Treats

2. Last-Minute Fourth of July Cupcakes

3. Easy Patriotic Oreo Pops

4. 4th of July Berry Trifle

Free printable banners
A printer, scissors, tape, and some string and wallah! Instant cuteness.

1. Stars, Stripes, USA

2. USA with Music background 

3. 1776

4. America

BBQ Food
Nothing says Fourth of July like a backyard barbecue or a picnic at the park. Or, you can still have all the right foods and eat inside, under a fan.

1. Magical Fruit wands for Fourth of July

2. Grilled Island Chicken (One of our family's favorites.)

3. The Best Baked Beans Ever

4. Martha Stewart's Thin Burgers

Decorate

Some super simple ideas you can whip up in no-time.

1. Free printable America sign

2. Stars and Stripes Mason Jars

3. A Star-Spangled Yard

4. 4th of July Printable Placemats

For Kids

A few fun and easy ideas to do with the little guys.

1. July 4th Painted Flag Shirt

2. Printable Decorations for your bike from Martha

3. Tin Can Toss Game

4. Ribbon Dancers (As an alternative to sparklers)

Make sure to check this post and this post for 2 great lists of fireworks shows going on around the state. What are YOU doing for Fourth of July? Let us know in the comments, or visit us on our facebook page.

Keep checking back for more ideas of fun things to do in AZ.