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Des Moines Halloween Events 2014

There are so many Halloween events that go on this time of year, in the Des Moines area! It’s so hard to pick and choose a few to do and see. We did some more fun activities this past week and none of them disappointed!

The Great Pumpkin Party was a three day event held by Valley Church in West Des Moines. We were not able to make it out until the final night, Thursday. Tuesday night was was specifically for families with special needs, which I thought was awesome! This event was so large, it was held at the Valley Church and the Valley Community Center across the street.

We were there right at 6 pm when the doors opened!

They had pony rides, right outside. Monte was soooo close to ride, but he got very nervous once he sat down on the pony.

The worship area was full of inflatables and right when you walked in,there was a huge Lightning McQueen inflatable slide. You should have seen the look on Monte’s face!

This event also consisted of live music, an illusionist, face painting, photo booth pictures, games, a petting zoo, ice cream, popcorn, lemonade, and MORE! All of this was FREE!

Monte’s favorite part of the evening (besides the large inflatables) was taking his picture with the super heroes!

Saturday evening we made it to the Annual Grimes Halloween Fest at the Grimes Community Center.

The whole building was filled with fun activities. As you walked through the building there were people dressed up, handing out candy. There were two different bake sales going on! Inflatables to play on (one of Monte’s favorite), a haunted house (we did not go in), a soft-play area for the little kids to run and jump, AND free tours of an ambulance and fire truck!

Monte though the fire truck and ambulance were way cool!

Sunday after carving and painting our pumpkins …

We went to the Valley Junction Pumpkin Walk. The event was 2-6 pm and we went a bit late, around 4ish. A lot of the things were just finishing up when we got there, but we still enjoyed ourselves.

The highlight of the event was, of course, getting candy.

A lot of the stores participated and as you walked through the junction you could stop and get candy! One store, gave away fancy, collectible rocks! Monte thought that was pretty neat!

Green Grounds Cafe hosted children’s activities and you could get a balloon animal! Monte got a GIANT sword! There was also a chance to get a FREE pumpkin.

What fun Halloween activities have you been checking out?! 

Friday Randoms

It’s Friday and I just have to share with you some random things, I’ve discovered this week, and have fallen in love with!

1. Crane Humidifiers

Sunday night into Monday was a tough night for Monte. He was very congested and he slept like crap. I heard about these Crane humidifiers last year, but never brought myself to purchase one. We had a basic Vicks one, that I thought, did the job just fine. Boy was I wrong! Monday I went out and purchased this adorable owl humidifier and Monte slept so much better that night. It uses cool mist and increases moisture in the air for easier breathing. Monte also enjoyed that it was an owl 🙂 I bought mine at Babies R Us and it was 20% off. Great buy!

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2. Green Grounds Cafe

I finally checked out this little gem in Valley Junction. I have heard lots of people talk about this small coffee shop, but never made a stop. I am so happy I finally did! They have awesome lattes (I tried the White Chocolate Raspberry) and delicious, not so good for you scones (I tried the apple cinnamon). They also offer wraps, sandwiches, salads, muffins, and breakfast. They have unique gifts from local artists and also carry Young Living products and I love Young Living Essential Oils. It’s a very large cafe where you could meet others for a meeting or just to hang out. Definitely check it out and support a local business!

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3. “Disconnect to Connect”

I updated my vision board this week and came across this quote. I will admit, I have an addiction to Facebook, Instagram, checking my e-mail, etc. I have an iPhone and all of these things are easily at my finger tips and so easy to look at. I’ve decided I need to limit my time on the phone. Each day will be a bit different, depending on what is going on. Monday night was my first night. I put my phone down, left it in another room from 5 pm – 9:45 pm (I checked it right before bed). Since I did this I enjoyed some quality time with my family and actually focused on them. I also read almost half a book! And I’ve been complaining I don’t have time to read? REALLY?!? 

I challenge you all to do the same. You don’t even realize how much time you spend on your phone. I always said to my self “I will just check my e-mail quick” “Did someone post something on Facebook? I will check real quick”, etc. Those “quick” checks add up to many minutes you are missing out on your family and/or reading a great book!

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4. The Body Book

Above I mentioned I read half a book in one night … it was The Body Book by Cameron Diaz. I’ve heard good things about this book and decided to pick it up. I absolutely love it! This is a not a diet book and not a workout regimen. It doesn’t tell you, you need to do this and this; to look amazing. It basically explains how YOUR own body works and how to LOVE the body you have been given. Right now, I am in the section on nutrition. It’s amazing how much I have learned, about the food I put in my body and what my body NEEDS to survive and work at its best. Of course, I know too much sugar is bad for you and you need to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, but this book explains WHY. I think it’s easier if you understand WHY and how things work, it’s easier to follow through. When I finish this book I will definitely share my thoughts and favorite things I gained from reading The Body Book.

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What are some new or different things you have come across this week?

2014 Fall & Halloween Activities

Here are some 2014 Fall & Halloween Activities to mark on the calendar for this year!

1. Deals Orchard Fall Festival

Saturday & Sunday October 11th & 12th

This is one event we are for sure checking out this fall! Located in Jefferson, Iowa this apple orchard will not only have apples to offer! They will have a jumping pillow, horse-drawn hayrides, giant slides, sand art, corn pool, corn maze, petting zoo, yummy goodies and much more! Check out Deals Orchard’s website for more details!

2. Night Eyes at Blank Park Zoo

October 16th – 19th & 23rd – 26th

Even though we went to Night Eyes last year, we WILL be attending again! Night Eyes is a wonderful, kid-friendly event where your kiddos dress up in their costumes and trick or treat their way through the zoo. Some of the animals are out, train rides are available, and there are always some kid friendly characters making an appearance.

3. Great Pumpkin Party at Valley Church

October 21st – 23rd

I have always heard great things about this event and I am excited to take Monte this year! There are inflatables, pony rides, petting zoo, carnival games, food, and more! Tuesday, the 21st, is specifically for families with special needs to enjoy. For more information and to keep track of the event, “like” their Facebook page.

4. Spooky Science at the Science Center of Iowa

October 25th

Dress up in your costume and come out to the Science Center! Enjoy spooky flashlight tours of the dinosaur exhibit, participate in the costume contest, meet creepy crawly critters, experience live science experiments such as a pumpkin explosion, and get candy of course! Check out the Science Center of Iowa website for more details!

5. Pumpkin Walk at Valley Junction

October 26th

Trick or treat through Valley Junction in your costumes, enjoy fun children’s activities at Green Grounds Cafe, and get a free pumpkin at the Swander Gazebo. Chillin’ in the Junction will also be going on where you can sample great chili’s and play Bingo! Check out their website for more details and times.

6. Valley West Mall Trick or Treating

October 28th, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Who knows how cold it will be the week of beggars night? This is a great opportunity to trick or treat, indoors and get lots of candy! Not only is there candy, but free inflatables to bounce on, crafts, balloon animals, and more! This is the last family fun night of the season, so make sure not to miss it!

7. Living History Farms Family Halloween

October 18th – 19th, 23rd – 26th, & 30th – 31st

We attended this event last year and had so much fun! Trick or treat through the old town, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, storytellers, pumpkin bowling, roast marshmallows (Monte’s favorite part), and more! Check out the Living History Farms website for more details.

What fun events will you be attending this Halloween?

Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is fast approaching and I love that this day has become so well-known and supported. American Express designated that the first Saturday, after Thanksgiving, would be Small Business Saturday a few years ago. They did this as the United States was experiencing a recession. The goal of Small Business Saturday is to well … shop local and support small businesses.

One thing to remember when you are shopping local, you may be paying a bit more, but you are supporting your community. You also cannot find the creativity, you may find from local businesses, in big brand names such as Toys R Us, Target, Walmart, etc.

I will admit that I tend to fall for the GREAT deals that big brand names offer and turn to that route, instead of buying locally. This holiday season, I am setting a goal for myself … I will purchase 1-2 items locally or even MORE! I think that everyone else should set themselves a goal, to help support small businesses and the local community!

Here is a list, I created, of some small business and areas to shop at this holiday season. If you have more ideas you want to share or own a small business yourself, please share!

 

1. East Village 

The East Village is a great place to start! Not only are there several shops such as Allspice for the culinary person, East Village Spa for the one that needs some pampering, Founds Things for the creative individual, but there are also great places to eat while you shop! 🙂 There is also Jett and Monkey’s Dog Shoppe for your furry critter on your list! Check out the link above for the complete list of shops, places to eats, and events that may be going on this holiday season.

2. Historic Valley Junction 

Valley Junction is full of antiques, gifts & collectibles, jewelry, services, and specialty stores. You can purchase a bottle of wine from Wines of Iowa, or some unique gifts at Wicker & the Works. Not only are there several shops to shop at, but there are also great places to wine and dine 🙂 Check out the link above for a complete list!

3. Shops at Roosevelt

The Shops on Roosevelt are located right off of 42nd Street near Roosevelt High School. There are several local, specialty shops including The Cheese Shop, the WORN Store, Bella Salon & Day Spa, The Juice Company, La Mie, and more. A lot of these places you can purchase gift certificates or make your own little gift basket using items from one or several of these stores!

4.  Etsy

Are you not really in the mood to get off your couch and get caught up in all of the people shopping? Well, you can still support small businesses online! I absolutely LOVE Etsy! I have purchased several things off their for my son, our wedding, and gifts for others. You can find about anything on Etsy and you can also have things customized if you like. Check out the link above and look around.

 

Where do YOU plan to shop local this holiday season?