Local Businesses

After reading Kimberly Jarman's post on Documenting Our Kids Lives I knew exactly what I wanted to do - book a photo session!! I've always loved the Kimberly's work (yes - there are two of them at this studio)...

Hello everyone! My name is Kimberly Jarman, the owner of Kimberly Jarman Photography, a boutique studio located in downtown Mesa. We are so excited to be back guest blogging for Scottsdale Mom’s Blog. Last time we blogged you met...

Soon after having Nora I got a copy of The Rookie Mom's Handbook: 250 Activities to do with (and without!) your baby.  It's been a great resource for ideas and information. And a great gift for a new-momma! One of...

This past weekend Steph and I headed over to Moonbeams (at The Shops at Gainey Village) to find out what some of the most popular baby shower gifts are.  Since I have several baby showers coming up this summer (and into...

Five Steps for Giving Back With Your Young Children Unfortunately for many of us, volunteering is like dieting.  You really want to do it, and know you will feel better after you do it, but it is hard to make...

mom·sen·se (mɒm sens) noun 1.  practical motherly intelligence that is sensible or reasonable 2. a mother’s mental discernment, realization, or recognition  – She has momsense. OR She used her momsense to determine that something was amiss. ~~~~ This week's MomSense is channeling the first part...

Just about two months ago, Reagan and I started volunteering together.  You may think that 8 months old is too young to start volunteering, but I say we are never too young to learn "selfforgetfulness." I have dedicated one lunchtime...

Anyone who tries to eat healthy knows the frustration of having to pay more for fresh, good-for-you food. Therefore, I'm always super excited when I find ways to cut costs and still eat healthy. Enter Bountiful Baskets.  Here's how...

I watch both Reagan and Nora on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  I've figured out how to wrangle them for small outings like this one.  I grabbed two dresses, a blanket, a stroller and a camera to get these sweet little...

We're back for the final week of Friday Date Night, Special Occasions edition.  If you didn't get a chance to see the past 2 week's posts Click Here for Week 1 and Click Here for Week 2.  As I...

I want to thank Steph and Joy for allowing me the privilege to be a guest blogger today. Although I would love to talk to you about my favorite places to have lunch, such as Pita Jungle, or places I love...

Every momma likes to get dressed up and be treated to a romantic dinner every once in a while, right? Around our home there is always the "let's go there for our birthdays" or "we'll check ___________ restaurant out...

When I think of "Summer Camp," I think of college-aged counselors, candy, swim-time, free-time, hop-scotch and bunk-beds.  Sure, those camps are still around, but I'm fascinated by the non-traditional camps that expose children to new industries, explore science, language...

I knew the first time I walked through the doors of Sweet Republic that I was in for a real treat.  And obviously Bon Appetit thought the same thing as they voted this little Scottsdale Ice Cream parlor one of...

mom·sen·se (mɒm sens) noun 1.  practical motherly intelligence that is sensible or reasonable 2. a mother’s mental discernment, realization, or recognition  – She has momsense.  OR She used her momsense to determine that something was amiss.   I always wondered why somebody didn't do something about...

Ladies... take note....this could very well be one of my top five valley eateries!!! Seriously... Since opening in 2001, The Herb Box (two locations: DC Ranch and Agua Caliente) is a bit of a local success story.  Everyone likes a...

I have a confession. I have to ask you to not judge me or picture me in too-tight jeans and ropers when I tell you.  And please, pretty please DON'T think of me in a tan Stetson and a pony...

Free on Thursday's for a date night outing rather than a weekend night?  No problem!  Call a sitter, put on a little perfume and kiss the kiddo's goodnight - all mamma's deserve a night out every once in awhile.  If...

Get out your dancing shoes and turn on the radio!  It's time for a DANCE PARTY! What you need: The Internet (check) Reckless Abandon (if you can't find this go outside, take off your shoes and wiggle your toes in the grass...

It's hard to remember just how hot it really is in the summer when the weather is as beautiful at it is today.  March is just about the perfect month for weather.  Sigh. But, we must prepare ourselves like folks...

This is my favorite time of year in Arizona.  The weather is perfect and the flowers are just starting to show their color.  With the wet "winter" we had, I'm hoping that the desert will have colorful flowers. A great way...

Just this past Tuesday, a little girl went home from Phoenix Children's Hospital.  Kate McRae, was diagnosed with brain cancer June 29, 2009.  She was just 5 years old at the time of her diagnosis.  Her recovery is not...

I realize that it is no mystery that Scottsdale has a public library (five in fact) but could you tell me five activities that the library has for children?  Stumped?  Okay name two.  Yeah, I couldn't either. Imagine my surprise and joy (hehe)...

Think of it, a secret world of hidden treasures in all the common locations you frequent: the grocery store parking lot, the flowerbed outside your gym, in the playground equipment your kids play on all the time, in some...

Upon moving to Arizona we were quickly introduced to Delux Burger (why no "e"?  I have no idea).  I was much like you and wondered to myself  "what is so deluxe about their beef"?  However, after our first meeting both...

Scottsdale is full of wonderful parks to explore with our kiddos.  It's so refreshing to retreat to green grass and trees to escape from, well, the desert.  Anytime I come upon a field of grass, my first impulse is to...

One of the things that I love most about Scottsdale is that people here love the outdoors. And to encourage that love (or as a result of it), our great city has created a wonderful maze of trails for us to enjoy.

Before kids I thought surely, date nights will be a HUGE priority.  I'd heard it suggested by so many other veteran moms to get out with your hubby.  Sounds great - I thought - we'll do it! Now as all of you know -...