It’s that time of year again. No, not preseason football. Back-to-school shopping! While it can be a daunting task, why not take this opportunity to give back to agencies that help provide school supplies to kids and classrooms in need? Here are some local donation efforts underway:

Maricopa County Education Service Agency has teamed up with the Maricopa County Home and Garden Show to collect donations Friday through Sunday at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale (1 Cardinal Drive). MCESA will be on hand near Gate 2 collecting backpacks and school supplies. Donate a backpack and receive two free tickets to the Home Show. Donate any of the three following items and receive one free ticket to the Home Show: 4-pack of glue sticks; Pack of ballpoint pens; Box of no. 2 pencils (12/box); Box of colored pencils (12/box); Box of water-based markers (8/box); Box of crayons; 4-pack of dry erase markers; Single subject spiral-bound notebook; package of loose-leaf notebook paper; Pocket folders; or Scotch tape.

Radio Disney is going on tour with it’s annual Back-To-School drive benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of America. They’ll be in Phoenix August 11 with AM 1580 at Macerich Malls’ Superstition Springs Center from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Kids and families are invited to donate school supplies which will then be provided to local clubs in need.

While you’re shopping for your own school supplies or getting the kids immunized at Walgreens this season, don’t forget to donate school supplies now through August 18 in the Kids In Need Foundation collection box at the front of the store. Suggested items include crayons, glue sticks, markers, filler paper, pencils, pens, notebooks, folders and erasers.

Have you heard the news? Barrio Queen has just started offering $2 tacos all day every Tuesday. No, this is not a scam, we just went and experienced the mouthwatering reality for ourselves and let us tell you, it was worth every penny – and far less pennies at that.  The delicious Old Town Mexican restaurant is under the same famed magical chef wand of Silvana Salcido Esparza, head chef of Phoenix’s Best Mexican Restaurant, Barrio Cafe,  and the food is every ounce as delicious with just the right amount of spice…if you like it spicy. The extended happy hour also allows you to drink house margs, beers and select wines for just $3 a pop all while picking and choosing from dozens of different tacos for prices that rival T-Bell.  With excellent service, delicious table-side guacamole and amazing atmosphere, we recommend you make a reservation for all Tuesdays in the foreseeable future. We also recommend that you try the Barrio Pollo and Chorizo taco (pictured). Heck, try two, they’re cheap!

Also, if you happen to own a lowrider vehicle (or know some distant cousin who does), you can drive it in after 7 p.m. to snag the same tacos for just $1. It’s called the Summer Park-N-Shine and we think it’s the greatest idea…ever.

7114 E. Stetson Drive, 105 l Scottsdale, 85251 l 480.656.4197

He holds the title of Iron Chef America, he recently opened two restaurants in Scottsdale and now he is set to release his second cookbook.

Jose Garces has teamed up with Lake Isle Press for the October release of The Latin Road Home: Savoring the Foods of Ecuador, Spain, Cuba, Mexico, and Peru.

The cookbook has been described as “a travelogue and a memoir, offering a fascinating and personal look back at the food traditions that have shaped the life and cooking of Chef Garces, from his family’s ancestral home in Ecuador to his ongoing work as an award-winning chef and restaurateur across the US.”

The Latin Road Home chronologically tells the story of Garces’ food journey and each destination comes to life through more than 100 recipes, food and travel photos and his personal narration.

“This book is a deeply personal project for me: it allows me to trace the cultures and cuisines that have shaped me, both personally and professionally,” Garces said. “Throughout my career, I have built upon what I know and used it to explore new and different places, and this book traces that journey – and with it, my life to this point.”

Garces’ Scottsdale restaurants, Distrito and Old Town Whiskey, are located at The Saguaro Hotel. Pre-order The Latin Road Home here.

Although it’s an entire season away, we have news regarding the Arizona State Fair that will be the topic of conversation for months to come.

The 2012 fair is scheduled set for October 12 through November 4 with the fair’s annual concert series scheduled for various nights of the week.

This is your chance to see artists from all genres live at the Veteran’s Memorial Colosseum for free (general admission section) with the purchase of fair admission. Upgraded tickets are also available.

This year’s artists have just been released, here’s the lineup:

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The Wiley One, an Arizona-based Hip-Hop, Reggae, Blues (and more) band, released a new music video for their latest single, UFO Man. UFO Man is a track off the band’s lastest album, Kill It With Love, which was released earlier this year.

We found their latest spin on the music video concept unique to say the least. Be sure to let us know what you think below. For more The Wiley One music videos, click here and for concert dates, click here.

Pets are best kept inside on the 4th of July holiday. Photo by Kara Philp.

We love our pets as much as you do, and because we refer to them as family members, we’ve complied a list of our top seven tips (and sprinkled in some common sense) for keeping them safe and happy this 4th of July holiday and throughout the rest of the Summer.

1. Make your pet identifiable –  keep their identification tags, microchip and your contact information all up to date. This is the single most important preventative measure you can take in advance. The tools are there, use them.

2. Leave them behind – as much as tomorrow is a family holiday, pets are better left where they are most secure and comfortable. This will save you and your pet unneeded stress, even if you plan to attend a dog-friendly function. They wont take it personally, trust us.

3. Get plenty of exercise – spend the early part of the day at the park or on an extra long walk with your pet. The more tired out your dog is, the easier it will be for them to relax once the sun sets.

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When it comes to a fireworks display only one thing matters: location, location, location. In order for you to plan accordingly and get the most out of your Independence Day, here is our 4th of July fireworks guide.

July 3:

The Anthem Independence Day Celebration begins at 6 p.m. at the Anthem Community Park. Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Water slides and other attractions available at an additional cost.

Harold’s Corral Fireworks Extravaganza in Cave Creek will take place from 5 to 11:30 p.m. and will include a barbecue, live music with fireworks scheduled for sunset. Reservations required and a cover charge applied for tables inside Harold’s. Admission is free outside for open seating on a first-come, first serve basis.

July 4:

Chandler’s Fireworks Spectacular begins at 4 p.m. with fireworks scheduled for 9:30 p.m. The event will feature live music, kids carnival, dunk tank, water games

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Looking for a patriotic way to spend the 4th? Here’s our top five classically American ideas for the entire family to celebrate Independence Day in the Valley next week:

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Diego Padres - Watch these two teams face off Wednesday at 6:40 p.m. at Chase Field. The first 20,000 fans get a free stars and stripes T-shirt courtesy of Ram Trucks. Tickets start at $12.

Independence Day Music Festival - See country music performances by Miranda Lambert and Darius Rucker followed by a fireworks display Tuesday at the Salt River Fields. The event’s pre-party begins at 3 p.m., followed by the concert at 5:30 p.m. and fireworks display at 10:30 p.m. Admission ranges from $22 to $89 and firework viewing is free with $10 parking.

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Photo courtesy of Marlen Adams Photography and Tagg Ryan Media Studios.

The weekend is only a day away and that means it’s time for another installment of Free Foto Fridays at the Tagg Ryan Media Studio in Tempe.

All models, actors, musicians, Arizona State University students and everyone else is welcome today from 5 to 9 p.m. for a free professional photo shoot courtesy of photographer Marlen Adams. Choose from a variety of themes and props. Last week the studio brought in celebrities and a Maserati from San Diego, so come see what this week’s photo shoot has in store.

For more information, visit Marlen Adams Photography or Tagg Ryan Media.

In 2011, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer declared Social Media Day an official holiday. This year ABC15 has teamed up with Pink Media, Mashable and Meetup to host this year’s celebration and observance of Social Media Day Phoenix.

Join 40 local businesses who use social media and networking on a daily basis from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m this Friday at the Ritz-Carlton. The event, themed “Connect. Engage. Support Local.,” will include workshops, games and a social media-inspired fashion show.

To RSVP for the event, visit Mashable or Facebook; join the conversation on Twitter @SMDayPhx; or text SMDayPHX to 72727 for exclusive offers from event sponsors.

Photo courtesy of tliciousaz.com.

As you know, food truck culture (aka gourmet mobile dining) is alive and well in Phoenix. What you may not realize is that a food truck lunch does not mean barbecue and hot dogs. In fact, when it comes to the wide range of food truck specialty offerings throughout the Valley it’s quite the opposite.

The next time you find yourself at a food-truck-worthy event, look out for our favorite local, vegetarian-friendly food trucks:

T-Licious Teazy Tacos – choose between the no meat in me taco and the Diablo Cheese Nachos

Sunshine and Spice - you’ll find a variety of options including a soy shrooms burrito, guacamole rangoons with sauce and a good old veggie burger.

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Photo by Kara Philp

Call it romantic, call it family fun, but whatever you do save yourself the sunburn by taking advantage of these local attractions once the sun has set thanks to their evening events and summer hours.

Take a sensory adventure and see, hear and feel the desert night. The Desert Botanical Gardens host summer flashlight tours from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays through September 1. This self-paced stroll along the main trail and 10 discovery stations is perfect for dates, families and children of all ages. Please bring your own flashlight. Member and nonmember garden admission rates apply. For more information call (480) 941-1225

It’s that time of year where venturing outside requires wearing as little fabric as possible without offending small children. But with the high costs of personal training being slightly out of reach and your typical gym routine just not ‘trimming the fat’ as they say, how can you achieve the kind of body that permits so little coverage? Well friends, you’re in luck because one of the hottest new fitness methods is opening another location in the Valley.

Orangetheory Fitness, an unprecedented group personal training workout will be opening in Ahwatukee on Thursday, June 28. Combining cardiovascular and stength training, Orangetheory will open its doors for a VIP party on the 28th, from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

The group training is limited to 24 people where you get the perfect combination of personal and group attention. So what makes Orangetheory different? You can’t cheat! That’s right. Everyone is hooked up to heart rate monitor throughout the workout that is broadcast on a screen so everyone can see how hard you really are working (talk about incentive). »READ MORE

You recognize her in Gatorade and Nike commercials, you remember her defense during the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup and you watched her strut her stuff on Dancing With The Stars. Now see Hope Solo in Phoenix before she heads to London with the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team for the 2012 Olympics.

The Phoenix Mercury will recognize Solo as the team’s 2012 Inspiring Woman during Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks. According to the Phoenix Mercury, the evening will be dedicated to recognizing Solo’s accomplishments on the field as well as in the community and will also mark the Mercury’s celebration of the 40th anniversary of Title IX.

Submit a story here about how Title IX has benefitted you, a friend or family member and you will automatically receive a free ticket to the game and take part in an on-court recognition and group photo with Solo at halftime. To find out how your soccer team can meet Solo, call (602) 379-7521 or email [email protected].

Tipoff is at 6 p.m. at the U.S. Airways Center. Tickets start at $10.

Now that we’ve convinced you to view this urban property, don’t miss Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails where executive chef Stephen Jones and master mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout have complimented the already innovative “gastro-lounge” concept with their decadent menu items and lavish cocktail creations.

As you well know, no piece of real estate is compete without landscaping (i.e. the the hotel’s pool deck). This third floor “pool by day, lounge by night” features a 180-degree view of downtown as well as the Lustre Bar which is open daily from noon to midnight. »READ MORE

Shopping and dining are among the attractions of Bisbee's historic main street. Courtesy photo.

‘Tis the season for family vacations, amusements parks and long hours in the car where the proverbial “are we there yet?” can be heard if not by children, then by the voice in your own head. If you’re thinking of keeping it local and enjoying the low-fuss adventure of a (shorter) road trip getaway, here are some Arizona destinations for your consideration.

Bisbee – Just 200 miles southeast, the combination of Bisbee’s mining past and modern attractions make this town unique. While it’s Ideal for the history lover, Bisbee is not a bad choice for the foodie or the shopper either. Visit the historic main street; choose from a variety of tours and museums, or catch a Copper Kings game at Warren Ballpark.

Jerome – 115 miles north. In a town once known for mining, prostitution, gambling and – unofficially – ghosts, you’ll now find bed and breakfasts and more than 30 galleries and studios. During your visit, don’t miss the Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum for the history buffs, the Jerome State Historic Park for the outdoorsy types, the First Saturday Art Walk for the art lovers and The Jerome Winery for the … (well, you get the idea).

Sedona – 100 miles north. Whether it’s hiking or mountain biking trails, yoga and the healing effect of the vortexes or booking a relaxing resort experience, Sedona’s stunning Red Rocks provide a perfect back drop. Catch the The 17th Annual Sedona Taste or the The 4th Annual Sedona Dine & Wine Fest this summer, but while you’re there, you gotta visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Slide Rock State Park.

Other noteworthy landmarks (think Chevy Chase in National Lampoon’s Vacation): The Titan Missile Museum, The Meteor Crater and The Four Corners Monument. Pack up the car and escape the heat of the Valley some weekend soon. It’s cheap, educational and good for the local economy.

In what was dubbed the “Katy Perry Challenge,” eight guys from Gilbert, Ariz., collectively known as The Elektrolytes, took the stage as they have been doing for several years. The only difference with this performance was that it earned them the title of America’s Best Dance Crew. Literally.

In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past seven seasons, Randy Jackson Presents: America’s Best Dance Crew is a reality show dance competition featuring crews from across the United States and beyond.

Watch The Elektrolytes perform to ”Part of Me” with the season 5 champions of Poreotix:

Watch the final episode here. For more information or to support these local champions, visit their Facebook page.

Photo courtesy of Cabana On McClintock.

Who doesn’t love an extreme makeover? Be it a person, a salon or a yard, we’re suckers for a before and after side-by-side and there’s no shame in that. After months major renovations and some vibrant aesthetic touches, Cabana on McClintock is ready for it’s “after photo” so be sure to have a looksie on Facebook or at the Cabana On McClintock website. Warning: even if you’re not in the market for a ultra chic vacation home apartment, you may find yourself wishing you were. Newly opened bungalows are available now at 1701 E Don Carlos Ave. in Tempe.

Sports? Father's Day? Why not celebrate with a locally brewed beer. Here are some recommendations. Photo courtesy of Yumsugar.

With the NBA Finals underway, Diamondbacks’ season in full swing and the Stanley Cup just wrapping up (great run, Coyotes) it is no surprise that we’re seeing an influx of beer news, beer consumption and beer recommendations. In order to remain relevant and keep our buzz going, here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

Let’s hope by now you’ve at least decided on a Father’s Day gift for dad (even if you haven’t crossed it off the shopping list yet), but for those of you procrastinators out there here are six brilliant beer suggestions based on your dad’s personality, thanks to Chow Bella.

If you’ve had your gifts for pop bought and wrapped for weeks now (and we’re boring you at this point), we turn to Mouth By Southwest for five fruit-flavored Arizona beer profiles. Don’t simply judge a beer by it’s cover fruit, be sure to try some of this frosty-cold, sweet summery bliss.

In other beer news, Mouth By Southwest is reporting that the opening of World of Beer in Tempe has been pushed back from July 2 to July 23. Construction permitting, you should be able to watch your favorite teams compete at the London 2012 Summer Olympics while sipping an international brew (since it is all about sports after all).

Civic Space Park's summer concert series (and yoga) take place every Thursday through August. Photo courtesy of the City of Phoenix.

Hot summer evenings mix well with dinner out, shopping and, of course, music (not to mention cocktails). So, when the unforgiving sun begins to set and talk of dinner ensues, remember this season provides a unique opportunity to catch live music in a variety of unique venues. Behold the local concert series list:

Civic Space Park: Enjoy yoga and live music for free every Thursday through August. Yoga for all ages takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and live music from 7:30 to 9 p.m. June dates feature reggae, jazz and R&B.

Desert Ridge Marketplace: Artists perform Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m. on the District Stage or from 7 to 9 p.m. at the AMC Fountain. With genres ranging from Irish celtic to alternative (and instruments including the accordion and keyboard) the variety here will suit even the most eclectic tastes.

Tempe Marketplace: Artists perform Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m. on the District Stage or from 7 to 9 p.m. at the B&N Fountain. Whether it’s jazz, funk or acoustic guitar you’re after, you will find it here (and possibly discover a new favorite). »READ MORE

Valley Youth Theatre presents The 14th Annual Fundraiser, "The Most VYTal Event Of The Season" Aug. 18, 2012.

Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) will host its 14th Annual Fundraiser at Aug. 18 at the Herberger Theater Center.

VYT’s 14th Annual Fundraiser, “The Most VYTal Event of the Season,” will include a hosted cocktail hour featuring hors d’oeuvres from Valley restaurants and caterers, a wide variety of items available for both silent and live auction and the presentation of the 2011 VYTALITY Award (Valley Youth Theatre Applauds Leadership Impacting Today’s Youth). The evening will also include a performance of Legally Blonde which will be followed by dessert, champagne and coffee.

All event proceeds will help fund education and outreach programs and six mainstage productions for the 2012-2013 season. With community support, VYT has been dedicated to helping young people learn and grow as performers and creators while instilling an appreciation for the performing arts since 1989.

Individual seat tickets are $250 and premium seats are $500.  A $1,500 package includes two premium seats and a full-page ad in the program. Additional sponsorships begin at $2,500. For more information or to purchase tickets or sponsorships, contact Debbie Paine at (602) 253-8188 x304 or [email protected].

Image courtesy of the Dairy Council of Arizona

In case you’ve missed the skinny thus far, June has been declared Arizona Dairy Month courtesy of the state’s Dairy Council (how fitting) and valley chefs are milking it for all it’s worth. With that in mind, here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

The “Moo-ving Milkshake Shop” is a cross between the modern delight of a food truck and the nostalgia of an ice cream parlor in years gone by. Five local gourmet chefs will showcase their own take on milkshake concepts at a different valley restaurant each week of June. With flavors like “Schnepf Farms Peach Cobbler” or “Mexican chocolate with oaxacan chile” you will not want to miss out on this udderly unique summer tour. For a list of chefs and participating locations, click here.

Another, albeit quirkier, way to pay homage to Arizona’s dairy industry is a cheesemaking class at The Fossil Creek Creamery in Strawberry, Ariz. This edible adventure made Chow Bella’s “Ten Favorite Arizona Summer Festivals and Adventures” list. Classes fill up fast, call (928) 476-5178 for reservations.

Pen and Fork has also boarded the milkshake moovement and devised a do-it-yourself milkshake in honor of the state’s beloved bovine. So, why not support our local dairy farms by grabbing some yogurt, ice cream or milk  (and some Kahlúa or Bailey’s, no judgement) for a completely customizable summer treat. Happy Blending.

Calling all single men and women your time has come to step up to the plate and meet your match.   Desert Living is here to help you make that connection with How About We.   So how about you sign up and get started.   DESERT LIVING DATING click here

Our very own Scottsdale original P.F. Chang’s has been sold and will be back to operating privately.

“We are confident that being a private company will provide us with greater flexibility to focus on our long-term strategic plan of elevating our guest experience, enhancing our value proposition, growing traffic and improving the performance of our brands,” Richard L. Federico, the chief executive of P.F. Chang’s, said in a statement.

1.1 billion is a lot of Lemon Chicken.

Read full story HERE

With 200+ exhibitors, an appearance by Shorty Rossi, star of Pit Boss on Animal Planet; DockDogs, agility demos, all-day entertainment and a mega-adoption event with more than 250 pets available for adoption, the Phoenix Pet Expo from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 28 is an important event for you and your pet. However, things can get a little hot and overcrowded. Since we still think it’s a perfect day of information and fun for you and pets of all shapes, sizes, coats and breeds, DLT has a few tips to help you navigate the day safely. Follow the jump, make sure you have a sturdy leash and write down these tips to make you and your pet’s experience a memorable one.

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