Local: 'Spay Up All Night' Free Services

Are you a pet owner? World Spay Day is today, Feb. 24, and the Arizona Humane Society is hosting its second annual Spay Up All Night event in Phoenix. Get your pet spayed or neutered for FREE at this local event! There are 80 spots available, so arrive early as it is first-come, first served. Check in is at 6 a.m and 6 p.m. See more details and locations here.

Goldstar: St. Patrick's Day Festival Starting at $20!

If you live in Mesa, you can get a great deal on tickets for the St. Patrick's Day Irish Craft Beef Festival on March 17 from noon to 8:00 p.m. Tickets start at $20.00 (reg. $60.00). Here's more:

Satiate all your St. Patrick's Day drinking and feasting needs and then some at Arizona Event Center's Irish Craft Beer Festival. Not only does your admission include 15 tastings of beers from The Emerald Isle, but it includes five Irish whiskey tastings. So much more than just Guinness these days, Ireland's craft beer movement boasts delicious red ales, lagers, stouts and more. To balance out all that booze coursing through your veins, you'll also be treated to a full Irish meal of corn beef, cabbage, potatoes and bread, plus the chance to sweat it out dancing to the jaunty tunes of live Celtic bands.

Local: Free Vaccinations from Phoenix Fire 2/19

If you're local to the North Phoenix area, The Phoenix Fire Department is offering residents who are uninsured or under insured FREE vaccination shots for their children ages six week to 18 years old.

WHEN:
Thursday, Feb. 19 from 3 p.m. through 7 p.m.

WHERE:
Deer Valley Community Center
2001 W. Wahalla Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85027
map

Arizona Science Center: Free Admission with Donation 2/16!

More from Goodwill of Central Arizona! If you have Monday free for President's Day and want something fun and FREE to do, check out this offer from Goodwill and the Arizona Science Center!

We want your used shoes and electronics!

As part of ASU’s Sustainability Solutions Festival, Goodwill of Central Arizona will be collecting donations at the Arizona Science Center, Monday, February 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring us your used shoes or electronics, and receive one free ticket for same-day admission to the Arizona Science Center (while ticket supplies last). With your help, we can keep these products from going directly to the landfill and give them a second chance at life, while supporting programs that put people in our community to work.

Plato's Closet Grab Bag Sale 2/14

Tomorrow only, Plato's Closet in Glendale is having a grab bag sale! All remaining clearance items that fit inside one of these shopping bags will be $15. Plus, everything else is 10% off. Doors open at 10 am.

Plato's Closet Arrowhead
7530 W Bell Rd Suite 105
Glendale, Arizona

Groupon: Big Surf One Day Pass $15!

I know it's early to think about lemonade, sandals and water-parks, but here in Phoenix we have two seasons: summer and "we're getting ready for it again" summer! lol.

If you live locally, head on over to Groupon for a $15 voucher General-Admission Single-Day Pass for Big Surf Waterpark (a $29.95 value)! Valid May 2, 2015 thru Sep 13th, 2015. Limit 20 per person, may buy 20 additional as gifts (HA! They know how we Arizonans like to party :)

*This post my contain affiliate links, please see my disclosure policy. Thank you!

Local: See the Grand Canyon for Free 2/14- 2/16!

Throughout the year, the U.S. National Parks service offers FREE entrance fee days to the public. That means you can access or vacation at 130+ scenic parks, forests and wildlife refuges nation-wide without purchasing an $80 annual pass or paying daily fees. In Arizona, there are 15 parks to choose from including the "Seventh Natural Wonder," the Grand Canyon!

Here's more:

In honor of Presidents' Day, Grand Canyon National Park and other national parks and monuments in Arizona (and elsewhere) are waiving entrance fees this weekend.You can get into the parks for free Saturday, February 14, through Monday, February 16. Head  here for more info.

*Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.

(Thanks, Fran!) 

Yogurtland: Free Frozen Yogurt 2/2 4pm - 7pm

Yogurtland is offering free frozen yogurt on Monday, no coupon required! Plus limited edition, Hershey's spoons. Cool! Check out this post from their Facebook Page:

...on Monday, February 2 from 4PM to 7PM, celebrate National Frozen Yogurt Day with FREE #froyo from yours truly! Don't forget to try out our exclusive #Hersheys Chocolate Milkshake and York Peppermint Pattie flavors. Psst... You can't eat these limited edition spoons, but how cute are they!

 For locations, see the official website.

Local: Arizona Humane Society - Free Spay/Neuter

Here is an awesome event if you're a pet owner! For the third straight year, the Arizona Humane Society is hosting World Spay Day where local pet owners can get one of 500 free spay or neuter vouchers. This event will also have adoptable pets if you're looking for a new family member and the AHS mascot Humane Eddy will be on hand for the kids to interact with. For more information check out the Facebook Event page: World Spay Day Kick Off - 500 Free Spay/Neuter Vouchers! 

February 3rd

7 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Tempe Marketplace (next to the Dave & Busters)

2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway

Tempe, AZ 85281

Making the Most: Citrus Trees and Recipes

A few days ago I got a call from my mom; she asked if I wanted to go pick citrus with a friend. You see our dear (and sweet) Mrs. C has this beautiful mini orchard in her yard and she had an over abundance this year. It's a common site in Arizona. In fact, many charities will collect your extra citrus and donate it to the hungry if you have too much. Even the Boy Scouts of America will harvest your fruit for you as a service project. It helps them earn hours toward merit badges and reach goals. Citrus is a way of life here in Phoenix.

Isn't that stunning? The trees were just thriving and the aroma was absolutely amazing. It carried all the way to the street! I was more than happy to set a little time aside and "pluck" away. Fresh from the tree is nothing like purchasing from the store.

Arizona State Fair: Doing it Freestyle!

My family just adores the Arizona State fair. It's our tradition to go every year, to see the exhibits, vendors, concerts, enjoy some rides, games and have a good time. But going to the fair can become pretty expensive, pretty fast.

Did you know Sundays have free admission hours? Yup, I was so excited when I saw this! Get free admission from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the fair. Also, save even more by parking at the AZ state Capitol parking lots and catch the free shuttle to the fairgrounds (parking at the fairgrounds will run around $5.00 - $10.00).

Every year, my first stop is the exhibits. The art and displays are tons of fun, and don't cost a thing to view. Same goes for the vendor building. There is lots to see, great deals and tons of freebies they giveaway. I love just browsing, maybe spending a little change on a treat and enjoying all the demonstrations.

Concerts are also free with admission tickets throughout the fair. It's on a first come first serve basis (reserved seating is $15 - $20). Sunday concerts include The Script (10/17), Selena Gomez (10/24) and Miranda Cosgrove (11/7). If concerts aren't your thing, the Arizona Derby Damesall girl roller derby will be free on 10/31.

Rides and games have specials on Sundays too: get an Unlimited Ride Wristband for $30.00. Games are just $1.00 each.

There will be tons of giveaways as well, like the Harlequin booth. Look for it as their "brand ambassadors and models give away free books" at the 'A Fair to Remember' tent every day of the Fair.

As for food, the AZ fair still allows sack lunches and unopened drinks to come inside the fairgrounds. This is great considering bottled water can run $2.00 - $3.00. Ouch! So if you see a curly hair brunette with a clunky backpack on Sunday, that's me!

For more information, see the Arizona State Fair website.

Local Sites: A Musical Experience at The MIM

Even the name sounds enchanting. The MIM, or Musical Instrument Museum here in Phoenix offers a shared experience of the history of musical instruments from all over the world. It features wireless "smart" tours that make each person's experience unique and a grand music theater with must-see concerts almost every night. The MIM showcases the artistry, diversity, and movement of musical instruments. Doesn't it sound fun?

Located just off the 51 and 101 juncture, the MIM is a high tech, brand new facility that beautifully educates and interacts with guests of all ages. There is much to see and do at the MIM.

One upcoming event: the MIM will honor the life of the legendary John Lennon on the occasion of what would have been his 70th birthday. Enjoy a special day of events and music celebrating Lennon's legacy of peace and love on Saturday, October 9 from 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m. There will be a free concert of Lennon/Beatles' songs in the MIM Music Theater plus complimentary cupcakes for guests while they last.

Many more free events and free with admission can be seen here (choose public events).

What: The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
Where: 4725 East Mayo Boulevard | Phoenix, AZ 85050
Phone: 480-478-6000
Admissions: $10 - $15

Adults' (Free) Night Out at the AZ Science Center 10/1

Once a month the Arizona Science Center holds a free Adults' Night Out where you can go and see the exhibit galleries and a special presentation for free! This Friday, 10/1 guest speaker Dr. Mike McBeath from Arizona State University will being giving a unique look at "Balls, Dogs and Robots: The Art of Catching Things". The night's festivities are from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. The lecture presentation begins at 7:00pm. This is a free night of adult fun, however regular admission fees apply for film and planetarium presentations and entrance to featured exhibitions.

When:  Tomorrow, Friday, October 1, 2010
Time: 5:30pm to 9:00pm (Lecture at 7:00pm)
Where: 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix
Phone: 602-716-2000

Not into science? Check out the Home and Landscape Show for free on 10/1.

Arts and Crafts Fair by Briar Patch (AZ)

Starting Saturday, September 11th, the Briar Patch will be hosting a number of fundraisers benefiting local schools and their programs. This is a great time to go check out the art, enjoy some window shopping and support your local schools.

It's been so long since I've been to a Briar Patch Market Place, but they are so much fun. BP is a unique arts and crafts fair with one of a kind gifts, home and patio décor, jewelry, hand crafted clothing, specialty foods and so much more. This isn't your run of the mill crafts fair; this is high quality, well made, beautiful items. It even fun to just go and look at all the great things they have!

September 11th, 12th - Peoria High School
11200 North 83rd Avenue
Peoria (map)
Sat., Sept. 11th 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun., Sept. 12th 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

September 18th, 19th – North Canyon High School
1700 East Union Hills Drive
Phoenix (map)
Sat., Sept. 18th 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun., Sept. 19th 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

October 2nd, 3rd – Hamilton High School
3700 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler (map)
Sat., Oct. 2nd 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun., Oct. 3rd 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

October 9th, 10th – Sequoya Elementary School
11808 North 64th Street
Scottsdale (map)
Sat., Oct. 9th 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun., Oct. 10th 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

October 16th, 17th – Sandra Day O’Connor High School
25250 North 35th Avenue
Phoenix (map)
Sat., Oct. 16th 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun., Oct. 17th 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

October 23rd, 24th – Ironwood High School
6051 West Sweetwater Avenue
Glendale (map)
Sat., Oct. 23rd 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun., Oct. 24th 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

November 20th, 21st – DC Ranch Market at Marketplace
20715 North Pima Road
Scottsdale (map)
Sat., Nov. 20th 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun., Nov. 21st 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 

November 26th, 27th, 28th – Sequoya Elementary School

11808 North 64th Street

Scottsdale (map)

Fri., Nov. 26th 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Sat., Nov. 27th 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sun., Nov. 28th 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

December 11th, 12th – Mesquite High School

500 South McQueen Road

Gilbert (map)

Sat., Dec.11th 9:00AM  – 5:00PM

Sun., Dec. 12th 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Have You Been to 'Last Chance' Yet?

If you live in Arizona and you're a big bargain shopper, chances are someone has told you about Nordstrom's clearance store 'Last Chance' located in Phoenix. I love this store! Last Chance is the last stop for all returned and overstocked merchandise cut to deep discounts as low as 85% - 95% off.

The Pros:

1. When you're browsing, you'll quickly notice the designer names everywhere. Marc Jacobs, Michael Cors, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Ugg and more. 
2. There is a lot more variety than a usual thrift store. The shoe section alone can wear me out!
3. Since Last Chance isn't a second-hand store, you don't have the same wear-and-tear and color fading. There are some Nordstrom returns mixed in, but the new merchandise is far greater than you'll see at your local Goodwill.

The Cons:

1. You really have to look for a good deal. Not every deal is great, and not every item is up to par. Everything is sold as is, so be sure you check before you charge it.
2. There is always a crowd and sometimes you have to squeeze your way through to get to that $1 bin. It's the "bees to honey" effect. If there's a crowd swarming, you'll want to get in there too!
3. Every day is black Friday at Last Chance. The deals are always good and sometimes the shoppers go a little batty when they find the holy grail of the perfect black stiletto heels. Word to the wise, take your time shopping and don't stress yourself out looking for the deal.
4. All sales are final. No returns, no exchanges.

Today I took a little trip (to just browse of course) and I walked out of the store as giddy as could be with my $7 purchase. I was even more ecstatic when I totaled up the original prices to share what kind of discounts you could get. Here's the breakdown.

	Last Chance	Nordstrom
Caslon T-Shirt	$1	$22
Caslon Cami (2)	$1 each	$20
Felina Bra	$2	$40
Natori Bra	$2	$60
Total	$7	$162

Now I've heard a few people say to me that they've had no luck with Last Chance, and if you go in with the department store shopper state of mind, you'll probably over look some great stuff. LC is a unique shopping experience and it's taken me a while to know where the best deals are. Here are my suggestions:

Where to look:

1. Shop before you enter. I know it sounds crazy, but the best deals are usually right outside the Last Chance doors. There are always tables and racks of product just itching to go home with you and they're priced to move.
2. Look for $ bins or racks. Often you'll see a display marked $1 or $2 and this is where you can find the best discounts. These are usually overstock items, often with a good selection of colors / sizes and less likely torn or stained.
3. Check the dress department (Men and Women) for Prom. They have the best discounts on formal wear including tuxedos I've seen anywhere. You can even outfit a bridal party. My sister did it and it was only $7.50 a bridesmaid!
4. The best deals on my list are on plain fitted tees, camis, necklaces, earrings, socks, spanx and the nick-knack table.
5. The good deals on my list (depending on the week) are purses, shoes (especially men's large), prom attire, jeans and undergarments.

What's your go-to store when you're feeling that frugal itch? Do you have a local boutique you can't go without?

(Photo Credit: Rosalie M. via Yelp.com)