It’s a fun game, isn’t it? Imagining you have won a million dollars cash and trying to figure out what you would do with it. Would you go on a much-needed vacation? Splurge on a shopping spree? Donate it to charity? Invest it? However you decide to spend it, your chance to win with the Health & Wealth Raffle, benefiting Barrow and St. Joseph’s, ends this week at midnight, April 18th.

In addition to the grand prize of $1,000,000 cash, you could also win $250,000 cash, a Mercedes CLS550 and more than 2,000 amazing prizes that include extravagant, build-your-own trips, luxury cars and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

It’s a good time to win. Show your support by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter. Purchase your ticket for just $100 before the final deadline at midnight, Thursday, April 18, at www.HealthWealthRaffle.org or by calling 866-658-4066 today!

Everyone has that favorite pair of jeans that go weeks without washing. There are probably multiple days where you wear them back-to-back. Unfortunately, those jeans will wear out and you’ll have to find a new favorite pair. A los Angeles company has a gerat idea on what to do with worn-out jeans. Nudie Jeans Recycled Rugs are awesome. They take recycled jeans and turn them into Scandinavian-style rugs. Sure, they might not be made of your old pair, but chances are someone has loved those jeans as much as you have.

If you said yes, this app is for you, just click here

Lana Del Rey is great. It’s not very often we get this fired up about an artist. There’s just something about Rey that sparks an emotion. Her voice is reminiscent of a simpler time when music really hit you hard. Last month, she released the album Paradise. She doesn’t give a damn and will speak her mind. It really is quite powerful. This song, called Ride, captivates the spirit of being young and doing your own thing. Really, this album is great and we’re surprised we haven’t seen blow up as much as it should.

We’re serious when we say that. You give a little, you get a little. World of Beer in Tempe wants to help out kids in need this holiday season. They also want to give you free beer. Yep, they really want to give you free beer. From December 3 through December 16, WOB will buy you a local draft beer if you bring in a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to kids at the Sunshine Acres Children’s Home. 

You’ll have 58 beers to choose from, all for just helping a kid in need. Let’s face it, if you can afford to go out and grab some drinks, you can afford to buy a child a toy who may not have gotten one otherwise. All of this leads up to the toy drive celebration on the 16th  which starts at 5:00 p.m. You can enjoy some limited release beers and buy a raffle ticket for some one-of-a-kind prizes to benefit kids at the Children’s Home.

Seriously, why not go? It’ll be fun and you can help kids.

The comedic actor known for cult classics like Back To The Future, Teen Wolf, and Spin City, will be returning to the small screen in 2013. As you know, Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the early 90s and left television in 2000 because of his ailment.

Word on the street is that Fox will be making a comeback in 2013 for a new show on NBC. In his new comedy, which is loosely based on his life, Fox will play a father of three who is dealing with the degenerative nervous system disorder. We think it’s awesome that he can write and act in a show that doesn’t attempt to hide his disorder but puts it center stage.

If you happened to catch Fox on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, you can see how he still an extremely funny guy (check out this clip).

NBC ordered 22 episodes of the currently untitled show without even so much as a pilot. This goes to show you how good it will be. We can’t wait.

This is one of the easiest DIYs we’ve seen. You really only need two things: a blank coffee mug and a sharpie. The simplicity of this is beautiful. Moderation is the key to life, right? A perfect gift for your friend, family member, or significant other if you’re on a budget. It’s the thought that counts. Courtesy of A Beautiful Mess.

We know we’ve mentioned World Of Beer a few times already, but we just had to check out the grand opening ourselves. With a line that stretched around the corner of Mill and 6th Street for most of the night, hundreds of people came out to celebrate the opening. And why shouldn’t they? World Of Beer is quite possibly the hottest place in Tempe now.

If you’re in Tempe, on Mill Avenue to be more specific, and are tired of the club scene, WOB is a refreshing change. Awesome beer specials, great atmosphere, excellent service, this bar has it all. A few friends and I checked out the grand opening, it’s safe to say that we were blown away. It was so crowded, we ended up standing in the middle by the front entrance for most of the night. You would think getting a drink would be difficult but we were proven wrong. Waitresses kept coming by and taking our orders, even though we weren’t sitting at the bar or at a table: talk about service.

Any beer connoisseur will tell you this is the place to be. With grand opening celebrations happening all week, we’re sure we’ll find ourselves there multiple times.

Image via World Of Beer

When someone mentions the dog days of summer, we think there is a good chance they might actually be referring to National Dog Day. Each year a variety of celebrations and events take place in honor our four-legged friends and family members and it’s never too early to start planning.

According to the National Dog Day website, August 26 was dubbed a holiday by pet lifestyle expert, Colleen Paige, and is a way to pay homage to our companions for their unconditional love and unquestioning loyalty. The website goes on to acknowledge that dogs play a huge role in our lives. In addition to making ideal best friends, they also work as service and therapy animals and serve alongside law enforcement and military members.

Here are just some of the events taking place in honor of our beloved canines as well as the rescue programs and shelters that work tirelessly on their behalf: »READ MORE

This mash up of the audio from The Dark Knight Rises trailer and footage from The Lion King is truly epic. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

In honor of the London 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony this evening, we couldn’t help but share this royally appropriate cocktail. Summer Gold, originally created by Basil Hayden, is the literal embodiment of Olympic spirit. This summer games-inspired cocktail, courtesy of Guys Gab, mixes classic British tea with America’s favorite spirit, Bourbon.

Ingredients
1 1/2 parts Basil Hayden’s Bourbon
1/2 parts Pimm’s® No.1
1/2 part Cold Black Tea
1/2 part Simple Syrup
Mint Leaves
Ribbon of Orange Peel

Preparation
1. In a metal tumbler, muddle mint into the simple syrup until mint becomes aromatic.
2. Add remaining ingredients and ice.
3. Stir together until tumbler gets cold.
4. Top off with more ice and garnish with fresh mint and an orange peel twist.

It’s muggy. It smells like rain. It must be July. Because we miss those double-digit temperatures like the deserts miss the rain, we’re celebrating our favorite summer storm’s namesake, the Monsoon, courtesy of FoodNetwork.com this week.

Ingredients

4 ounces unsweetened ice tea

4 ounces tangerine vodka (recommended: Grey Goose)

4 ounces sugar cane juice

1/2 key lime, juiced

Several mint leaves

1/3 cup brown sugar, for rimming glass

Preparation

We all know that summer is home to American holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, but we mustn’t forget about our French friends. Without their help over two hundred years ago, the United States probably would have never existed. That’s why on Saturday, July 14, the Musical Instrument Museum wants to help celebrate Bastille Day.

Formally known as La Fete Nationale (The National Celebration), Bastille Day commemorates the brave French men and woman that stormed Bastille fortress-prison. That event singlehandedly started the French Revolution. This Saturday, the MIM will be honoring all things French with a day of live music, culture, and food. This event is hosted in conjunction with the Alliance Française of Greater Phoenix.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy the French culture with French-themed food in the Café, live entertainment, an educational talk, and a highlight of the French music exhibit. Bon appetit.

The MIM | 4725 East Mayo Boulevard  |  Phoenix, AZ 85050   

Good Taste is the free daily email magazine from Tasting Table that covers the latest in healthful eating and drinking, for the epicurean who seeks a delicious life that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Each morning’s short recommendation from our editors covers one gourmet idea that you can incorporate into a balanced lifestyle, including healthful recipes from top chefs, biodynamic and organic wine picks from rising sommeliers and conscientious growers, discussions about the newest cookbooks that prioritize wellness, information on sustainable products and staples, and more.

Start getting today, sign up HERE.

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.

»READ MORE

Photo courtesy of Sam Hjelle.

They don’t call them the dog days of summer for nothing, so before you hit the road for a chilly three-day weekend up north or you pack the cooler and head west for the ocean, check out BringFido.com and see what kind of dog-friendly itinerary these destinations can accommodate.

BringFido.com is worldwide database of dog-friendly hotels, beaches, trails, restaurants and more in almost any city. Not to mention veterinary services and discussion forums.

After your trip be sure to share your dog-friendly experience upon your return so other travelers and their canine companions can enjoy the same attractions and adventures in the future.

Local dog parks provide our four-legged friends with much-needed exercise, so if you are staying in town this summer be sure to visit a dog park in Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix or Cosmo Dog Park in Gilbert in the mornings or evenings to avoid peak temperatures. Happy tails trails.

Preparation

1. Cut 12 thin slices of cucumber for garnish.

2. Peel and chop the rest of the cucumber; transfer to a food processor, add rosemary and puree.

3. Pour the puree through a fine-mesh strainer (press on the solids to extract all juice).

4. Add water, gin, lemon juice and agave syrup to the cucumber juice; stir until the agave is dissolved.

5. Divide among 4 ice-filled glasses and garnish with cucumber slices and rosemary sprigs.

Photo courtesy of K.I.S.S. Pizza.

The Venue of Scottsdale has announced plans to open a new “back East pizza and beef joint” in the space next door.

Keep It Simple Stupid (K.I.S.S.), a fast-casual concept eatery boasting simple ingredients and classic big city food, is expected to open by late July.

Under the command of chef Anthony Crocenzi, a native of Chicago, the restaurant will feature Chicago and New York style pizzas (whole or by the slice), Italian beef, Italian sausage and New York Italian grinder sandwiches, Chicago dogs and antipasto salads.

Also projected to open in the two-story space adjacent to the venue is V2 Lounge (pronounced “V squared”). Stay tuned for details or visit the K.I.S.S. Facebook page for more information.

The 11-ounce Piedmontese All-Natural Bone-In Strip Steak as featured on the new summer menu. Photo courtesy of Seasons 52.

There’s something about summer that has Arizonans craving change. It could be the temperatures, it could be allure of an ocean (however far away) or it could just be the exceptional measures Valley restaurants take to accommodate that summer state of mind.

Like many Valley restaurants, Seasons 52 has introduced a new summer menu that features seasonal offerings in celebration of those of us who stick around for the not-so-tourist season.

Known for its fresh grill and wine bar, Seasons 52 changes its menu four times a year to capture the flavors of the season.

“… the summer menu features a variety of grilled vegetables, seafood and poultry that depict the essence of the season,”  said Cliff Pleau, Senior Director of Culinary at Seasons 52.

»READ MORE

Courtesy photo.

Eating foreign foods and bumbling over the basics of another language may sound like components of an unforgettable trip abroad, but we’re actually referring to international dining around the Valley. Much like traveling, food is best when shared with loved ones and good friends. Here are four international suggestions guaranteed to please the vegetarians and the carnivores in every group.

Mijana in Scottsdale is a Lebanese restaurant that has it all; flavor and class, more vegetarian options than you could possibly consume and live music and entertainment. Catch the buffet Wednesday through Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m. After 2 a.m. the place transforms into Hoookahmania lounge and offers a wide variety of Hookah flavors. »READ MORE

Photo courtesy of Mastro's Restaurants.

Because June is about dads and grads, we’ve pulled out all the stops and brought back a sophisticated classic this week. The Boulevardier, courtesy of Mastro’s Restaurants, is not only a super manly cocktail with an interesting history, but also is defined as a wealthy and fashionable socialite (no joke, check Google). But hey, if the shoe fits.

Ingredients

3 count Bulliet Straight Rye Whiskey

2½ count Vya Sweet Vermouth

1 count Campari

This customizable frozen treat recipe will delight your furry friends all summer. Photo by Kara Philp

Nothing compares to an ice-cold treat on a hot day, be it a frosty beverage, an old-fashioned ice cream cone or maybe even dip in the pool. The same can be said for your furry friends. Admit it, you love your pup(s) and you’re already thinking of creative ways to cool them off, especially once the temperatures hit the triple digits. So here is another idea for your arsenal.

There is a wide range of recipes for dog ice cream/popsicles/treats, so here is a relatively generic and totally customizable version that will have your BFFs going bananas (don’t just take our word for it).

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas

24 – 32 oz. plain yogurt

1 cup peanut butter

2 tablespoons honey

1/4 cup water

Preparation

1. Blend or mix all ingredients together until you have a consistent texture throughout.

2. Pour into ice cube trays, cupcake tins or any small container that will yield a treat appropriately sized for your dog.

3. Garnish (optional). Dog bones, grated cheese, fruits or veggies work great and look cute too.

4. Freeze over night and serve.

Since variety is the spice of life, here are some alternate suggestions: Add more or less water depending on the consistency you dog likes (soft vs. crunchy), substitute the water with chicken broth, substitute the yogurt with baby food (sweet potatoes and pumpkin are big hits) or use all organic ingredients if that’s your thing. Remember, the combination of ingredients doesn’t have to sound appealing for our four-legged children to love and appreciate the gesture. Enjoy.

Play like Tiger — or hell, maybe even better — in these new Nike TW 13 Golf Shoes ($220). Based on Nike’s natural motion engineered outsole — which itself is inspired by the Uncrate-favorite Nike Free system — the TW 13 lets your foot move naturally as you swing and walk the course and thanks to the Nike Dynamic Fit support system — Flywire-infused straps that extend from the footbed to the lacing system — your feet will stay in place during your most ferocious swings. Available June 8.  [Uncrate]