As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

Although the feeling of fall won’t reach us until early November, there is no reason why we can’t lacquer our nails with trendy fall colors. With all the dark and drab of last fall, we’re excited to see silvery metallics, “greige,” matte and other fun hues to match the falling leaves that we don’t always get to enjoy in the desert. Our fall picks after the jump.

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On September 17th auditions will be held for the roles of Ralphie and the young gang for an onstage rendition of A Christmas Story. Okay parents, don’t worry just yet, Ralphie doesn’t exactly get his eye shot out, however we can’t promise there won’t be any ridiculous pink bunny costumes, or inoperable one-piece snow suites.

The open casting call will take place at the Phoenix Theatre from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those children auditioning should arrive prepared to sing a holiday song and have a resume and head-shot or photograph. From there, it is up to the young future actors to work their magic. And lets just say, we’re excited to see this big screen favorite comes to life on the local small stage. Good luck to all.

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

Want some body art this summer? For commitment free ink, or if you just want to enjoy a nice glass of wine, then this is one happy hour you must attend. Every Thursday from 6 to 8, Bombay Spice Grill and Wine in Phoenix is hosting what they call, Hanna Happy Hour for just $10. The intricate semi-permanent henna will last up to two-weeks. Not your average happy hour, so stop in and enjoy the fashionable body art that is believed to protect the body from negativity, something we could all use a little of.

This weekend it’s time for that final road trip of the summer so DJ William F-Ing Reed has come up with a playlist full of brand new tracks for your listening pleasure.

Yes folks, crack open a nice cold brew, enjoy the afternoon and raise a pint to International Beer Day. Now that’s a wonderful way to kick of the weekend. For those of you wanting the spread the brewing love around, here are some great local go-to’s. And let’s just say, their are plenty of great places to grab a beer, so good luck choosing after the jump.

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Hope you’re all ready for Hippiefest! Yup, the musical festival of peace and love is hitting Phoenix this Friday. Far out right? Coming to Comerica Theatre (formerly the Dodge Theatre) you can get get your groove on to tunes of Dave Mason, Mark Farner, Rick Derringer, Felix Cavalier’s Rascals and Gary Wright. The time to jam out is 8 p.m. so grab your tie die and your dancing shoes, or maybe no shoes at all, and get your “Hoochie Koo” on, start “Feelin’ Alright” and let the night take whisk you away you little “Dream Weaver” you.

Who said cradles are just for babies?  If you’re jealous of all the babies rocked to sleep night after night, go get one for yourself. An adult size version that is. With this gigantic round “cradle seat” rock yourself to sleep comfortably on plush padding knowing that you will be getting some shut eye on 100% environmentally friendly materials, right down to the glue. The seven person design team behind this genius seating designed the comfortable rocker to provide a sense of security and comfort for all ages. Now that’s one chair you wouldn’t dare get up from, that is if you could even imagine ever leaving it.

Want some body art this summer? For commitment free ink, or if you just want to enjoy a nice glass of wine, then this is one happy hour you must attend. Every Thursday from 6 to 8, Bombay Spice Grill and Wine in Phoenix is hosting what they call, Hanna Happy Hour for just $10. The intricate semi-permanent henna will last up to two-weeks. Not your average happy hour, so stop in and enjoy the fashionable body art that is believed to protect the body from negativity, something we could all use a little of.

It’s no secret, protective eye-wear is an essential item for all of the 365 days of sun here Arizona. So we can’t help but notice a trend with foldable shades. And we can see clearly now, thanks to these easy to use, easy to store, and small in size foldable sunglasses. Don’t be fooled by their small package, they definitely pack a punch of style. Multiple stylish options after the jump.

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Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc.

The Australians are coming to town, and their bringing solar power with them in the form of a tower twice the size of the Empire State building. In other words, 2,600 vertical feet will forever change the skyline within La Paz County. The Australian based firm, EnviroMission, is bringing their eco-conscious magic to our mighty state to build a 200 megawatt solar tower that will provide 150,000 homes with energy. The sky rocketing structure will be virtually maintenance free for the next 80 years as the tower will be built and ready for use in 2012. The $750 million project will work similar to a green house in the sense that the hot valley floor air will rise up into the tower generating power. Although it is well known that we have no shortage of sun here in the desert, the solar contraption will work in any weather, so come rain or shine, well more like shine and even more shine, the genius tower will continue to produce power through any weather changes, night or day.

Ever wanted to  furnish your home with iconic chairs from Frank Gehry, Robert Venturi, George Nelson, and other greats? Well the possibility of that will put a heavy strain on your bank account, but their iconic sculptures serve as precious pedestals for our rumps. Who wouldn’t want these beauties in their home? You can’t exactly rest your hiney on these, but equipped with 80 different iconic designer chairs, these chandeliers are exactly what your home needed. The “Nico Ball” lights by Italian designer Paola Pivi provide a 22″ in diameter light, that projects onto the walls. Although these chairs-on-a-light are far from the real thing, it’s a perfect and more affordable solution for those furniture lovers who can’t decide what chair they want to break the bank on. 

Local bakers of the sweet spot Urban Cookies will take on the “Cupcake Wars” challenge on Food Network, Tuesday, August 2, at 8 p.m. Best known for their delicious organic cupcakes, seasonally made using local ingredients for the brand OllieCake, the Urban Cookies team of Brady Breese and Sal Garcia will bring their baking specialties the small screen and compete in hopes of winning the $10,000 show prize. Although the show has been pre-taped, and the local duo has been sworn to secrecy, we can only wait in cupcake craving anticipation to see how the culinary masters will do as they take on the competition based on looks, speed and taste. Until then, stop in and get some tasty treats and tune in to watch the “dancing dads,” as they called themselves on their audition tape. Let the baking begin!

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

Same favorite fast-food eatery, same delicious, gargantuan burritos. But their look is getting a makeover. Yes, the popular go-to Mexican grill is trading in their old restaurant design for a more refined modern look. We thought they were already modern but…whatever. The Chipotle redesign will be done by Architecture Outfit, who is taking on the challenge of making a big impact without having a multitude of different materials, colors, and furniture, while still creating a lively atmosphere.

The new spaces will contain what the firm describes as “monster-sized banquets, super graphics, living walls, a long thin kitchen, and 14′ ceiling fans.” The new redesigns will emphasize family seating spaces, along with on-the-go seating. You can also expect some scaled-up art work to accent the surrounding plywood walls. No cue as to when the Phoenix and surrounding area locations will be remodeled, although we’ve heard rumors that test-marketed brown rice is at select locations. So it looks like we won’t be waning our Chipotle addiction anytime soon. Darn.

See that stage, it could be yours. Well not exactly that stage, and it wouldn’t exactly be all yours, but you could be on it. Thanks to the first ever Arizona Comedy Festival, you or a someone you know can put their comedic talent to use and enter for a chance to perform live at the festival in April of 2012. So why are we bringing you this event so gosh darn early? Well, this festival of laughs is opening up time slots to certain worthy comics who have yet to be discovered. As the festival is currently taking nationwide submissions, the event was created in hopes of bringing the comedy community together. In addition to that, a portion of the proceeds will benefit KidTix, providing opportunities to children to attend sporting events, concerts, festivals or any other event that they would normally never have the chance to attend.

So, if you think you got what it takes (as you endlessly practice your jokes in the mirror), go ahead and enter, we dare you. And why not as this could truly be your call to fame as the top 10 submissions will be invited to perform at the event. After those lucky 10 take the mic under the bright lights, three finalists will be chosen as the winner will take home $2,000 in cash and personal invites to open for major headliners across the nation. So, as you’re rehearsing your jokes in your head as you read this, picture this, celebrity judges, celebrity hosts, a special guest performer, and your jokes leaving the audience in stitches. Now, all we have to say, is good luck, we hope to see the next Dane Cook be from Arizona.

Design Within Reach in Scottsdale will be hosting a night surrounded by modernism, literally. Special guest, Annette Daniels from Maharam will be giving an interactive presentation about the design and history behind its textiles from designers such as Paul Smith, Ray Eames, Alexander Girard and Hella Jongerious.

Maharam is a fourth-generation family-run business that specializes in unique modern textile patterns. Known to have pioneered the world of commercial fabric designs, Maharam offers stunning patterns for anything from sofas, to curtains and wall coverings. Maharam does it all in true modern style. To get in on this night with modern Maharam, join DWR August 2, at 6 p.m., or show up at 5:30 and browse all the on-sale items marked 15% off until the end of August. Interested in attending the night of modern fun? RSVP here.

With all the last minute fun summer to-do’s before the (school) work piles on, don’t forget to gear up with some trendy school and office supplies. Yes, you’re going to have to stock up on paper, pens, and notebooks, but who said everything you purchase for school has to be as boring as that monotone teacher you fall asleep to every lecture or reading your emails? Well good news, it doesn’t have to be that way. With these fun must-haves, school/work won’t be so bland and boring. Our picks after the jump.

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Same favorite fast-food eatery, same delicious, gargantuan burritos. But their look is getting a makeover.  Yes, the popular go-to Mexican grill is trading in their old restaurant design for a more refined modern look. We thought they were already modern but…whatever. The Chipotle redesign will be done by Architecture Outfit, who is taking on the challenge of making a big impact without having a multitude of different materials, colors, and furniture, while still creating a lively atmosphere.

The new spaces will contain what the firm describes as “monster-sized banquets, super graphics, living walls, a long thin kitchen, and 14′ ceiling fans.”  The new redesigns will emphasize family seating spaces, along with on-the-go seating.  You can also expect some scaled-up art work to accent the surrounding plywood walls. No cue as to when the Phoenix and surrounding area locations will be remodeled, although we’ve heard rumors that test-marketed brown rice is at select locations. So it looks like we won’t be waning our Chipotle addiction anytime soon. Darn.

When it’s hot outside, we all reach for something cold to consume. And the childlike appeal of grabbing a popsicle is just too delicious to ignore. But before you run for store bought icy treats, try thinking healthy homemade popsicles. With the help of cookbook Ice Pop Joy, you’ll be making healthy icy treats for these endless hot summer days. Offering the best of both worlds, this is a great way to get nutritious treats in the hands of your kids, but are awesome enough for all ages. With fresh fruit, juice, sugar, and a freezer, you’ll be well on your way to making healthy homemade popsicle magic.

As if a weekly trip to Swedish store IKEA weren’t already hard enough to resist, the trendy home furnishing store will host a trial of Blink electric vehicle charging stations in partnerships with ECOtality. Only 10 U.S. stores will offer such outlets, including AZ’s own Tempe location. No word on when exactly the charging stations will be up and running, but it is said the outlets can be seen at the select IKEA locations as early as this Fall. As the project is only set to be a limited time trial, the project will run through December of 2012.

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

Arizona State University is doing what it does best; expanding. The ASU Downtown Phoenix campus has selected local firm, Gabor Lorant Architecture firm to design and build a new student recreation center. The project is coming with great student support as more majors have been moved to the the downtown Phoenix location and those students need and want a place for recreation. The proposed $13.3 million project will include a large gym, a weight room, an indoor track, locker rooms and a leisure pool, directly next to the already existing YMCA. The proposed student recreation center is scheduled to be completed by summer of 2013.

Sunday, July 24th is no other then National Tequila Day. Warning, please adjust your nutritional intake accordingly. Despite the imminent headache, we suggest taking full advantage of this ‘holiday’ at a few go-to locations in the valley. For a few great margarita recipes click here, but if you’re heading out to enjoy the day of tequila, read on.

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As if the 3.25 million cubic yards of concrete used to construct the mighty Hoover Dam wasn’t enough, the first ever concrete-steel composite arch bridge built in the United States was completed just South of the Dam. As the Hoover heroically impounds Lake Mead and the new Bypass bridge takes vehicles and their passengers on a joy ride soaring 840 feet in the air above the Colorado River, it leaves us to wonder, what triumphant project is next for this canyon? Well, an architecture grad student at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna actually designed a conceptual project, entitles Vertical Strip, to be sandwiched between the two gigantic wonders. Despite the adjacent structure to either side of the conceived project, this thought out casino and luxury resort puts up a valiant fight that would leave aw-struck impressions on everyone. »READ MORE

Want to add a little color to your golf gear without going Caddyshack? These rainbow colored golf gloves are a great start. These G/fore golf gloves come in 15 different colors and are sure to help out with that perfect swing and who knows, maybe a hole-in-one. With a multitude of color choices, made of the finest Cabretta, are said to get you through two rounds of golf in 90 degree heat without leaving your hands gooey or sticky. Sounds pretty good to us.

Although the feeling of fall won’t reach us until early November, there is no reason why we can’t lacquer our nails with trendy fall colors. With all the dark and drab of last fall, we’re excited to see silvery metallics, “greige,” matte and other fun hues to match the falling leaves that we don’t always get to enjoy in the desert. Our fall picks after the jump.

»READ MORE

With unpredictable haboobs and bounce houses flying away, its no wonder parents are looking for safe fun for the kids. Luckily, there are a safe refuges full of bounce-around fun to tire out any kid, without possibilities of flying away children. Currently two locations for trampoline fun, better known as Jump Street, in Gilbert and Chandler, offer a warehouse of trampoline and arcade fun. The two locations have become increasingly popular fro parents and kids to escape the heat and get some exercise in a fun way.  Taking notice of these two valley favorites, another trampoline infused play area has recently opened.

Now open in Scottsdale, AZ Airtime Trampoline Park has provided another gigantic bounce house of trampolines in its 25,000 square feet of safe, air-conditioned fun. The newly built trampoline park includes dodgeball courts, foam pits, separate age appropriate trampolines, private party rooms, a 5,000 square foot main trampoline, snack bars, and for the parent in the house, free WiFi. While the kids exhaust themselves, parent can take a break and enjoy the day, or even get work done on via laptop or iPad, knowing that the specially trained staff will keep the kiddos safe all day. Bounce away youngins, bounce away.