To Build or Not to Build? ðŸ 

That is the question on the minds of many of our Mama’s these days!

Here’s our 2 cents…

The benefits of purchasing a resale home in AZ:

  1. The neighborhood is established and complete with mature landscaping.
  2. Location, location, location… resale homes tend to be closer to City center.
  3. Most likely, if there is a backyard, the landscaping is complete.
  4. Resales are typically less expensive.
  5. Most new builds are in an HOA but many resale homes in this area are not.  Unless you build custom (and, in some cases, even customs can be in an HOA community) you will likely be in an HOA community.  An HOA is a neighborhood governing body that establishes and enforces specific community rules.
  6. Approximately 30 days until move in.
  7. You can get a “fixer upper” or a distressed / under market sale.

 

The benefits to purchasing a new build home in AZ:

  1. The choice of lot, elevation, floor plan, upgrades and extras.
  2. The latest technology and energy efficiency.
  3. The opportunity to design your backyard landscaping.
  4. Warranty’s on all the big stuff like A/C units, roof, kitchen appliances, etc.
  5. HOA communities insist that a certain level of property maintenance is consistent throughout the community which is desirable.
  6. Most new build communities have quick move in homes or “specs” available…just ask your real estate agent for a list!
  7. In some cases you can negotiate the price or incentives offered on a new build home.  In most cases, if you use the builder’s preferred lender, there are additional incentives offered.

Follow Jen Duncan as she takes us through every step of her CURRENT new build home purchase.  They have just begun the journey and so far it’s been a wild ride!  Here’s her blog #NewBuildNinja

Contact Jennifer@EvoAZ.com for info on new build communities in your area.

Search all greater Phoenix Area resale Homes

We LOVE Farmers Markets! Here are our Faves

The Farmers Market is the perfect place to meet-up with the kiddos, shop the interesting and unique vendors, purchase organic locally grown and locally made foods, admire the art and hear the sounds of some amazing local talent. Here are our favorite Farmers Markets here in the Phoenix area!

#1 FAVE  ❀ Chandler Farmers Market  (Thursday) 
3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Fountain Hills Farmers Market  (Thursday
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Downtown Phoenix Open Air Market (Saturday)
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Gilbert Farmers Market (Saturday)
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Ray’s Farmers Market (Wednesday)
Power Ranch, Gilbert
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Uptown Farmers Market (Wednesday & Saturday)
Phoenix
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Weds) / 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Sat)

Tempe’s (indoor) Farmers Market (everyday)
8 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market (Saturday)
7 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Goodyear Farmers Market (Saturday)
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Roadrunner Park Phoenix Farmers Market (Saturday)
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The Camelback Farmers Market (Saturday)
Phoenix
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Center Point Farmers Market – (Sunday)
Tempe
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Please check the website for each Market for specific schedules and seasonal hours.

VISIT MOMnation and find your LLR “Unicorn” at our MOMnation hosted event at the Chandler Farmers Market next Thursday, February 16th for our GIANT Lularoe fashion show and sale!   The LLR pop-up will feature six different LLR ladies and is on from 3-6pm. Our fashion shows will be happening at 3:30pm and again at 4:30pm!  All ages!

RSVP HERE for the free show!

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Favorite Play Spots! Approved by The Real Toddlers of the East Valley ðŸ‘¶ï»¿

Here are our current favorite toddler-friendly things to do, indoors and out, for your little little’s in the East Valley ❀

Favorite Mall Indoor Play Zone:  Scottsdale Fashion Square 

Favorite Mall Outdoor Play Zone: SanTan Village in Gilbert

Favorite Coffee Shop with Toddler-Friendly Play Area: SoZo Coffeehouse in Chandler

Favorite Toddler-Friendly Trampoline Park: Krazy Air in Mesa

Favorite Indoor Play Place with Cafe: Makutus Island in Chander

Favorite Toddler-Friendly Museum: i.d.e.a Museum in Mesa

Favorite Toddler-Friendly Park: Dobson Ranch Park in Mesa

Favorite Healthy Kids Menu: Pita Jungle

Favorite Restaurant with Toddler-Friendly Play Area: Joe’s Crab Shack in Tempe

Favorite Outdoor Restaurant with Grass Area: Joe’s Farm Grill in Gilbert

Favorite Splash Pad: Riverview Park in Mesa

Favorite Sound Beginnings Classes: Let’s Play Music with Nicci Lovell in Mesa

Favorite Gymnastics Program: Aspire Kids Sports Center in Chandler

Our FAVE East Valley Neighborhoods

We’re sure there are other neighborhoods that’ll do but our Mom’s are head over heels for this line-up currently.

The top pick of the East Valley is Adora Trails.  Several of our members have shared that there are many little kids and it’s a very family friendly area.  The pool is nice with a kiddie section and beach entry.  There’s a splash pad and toddler friendly parks.  The community organizes Easter egg hunts, weekly food trucks, movie nights, play dates for the toddlers and morning stroller walks.   There is even Sunday morning football.  The fun walking paths, parks and green grassy areas are gorgeous. Most of the neighbors get in the holiday spirit and there are Halloween and Christmas decoration contests. The community has a gym as well as a beautiful club house and a lake for fishing.

Eastmark was a close second!!  Our Moms LOVE the plans for this awesome “city within a city”.  There is a school being built along with a Diner and the retail area and grocery store is right there too.  Eastmark has a great community feel with a splash pad and lots of parks.  The community building with the indoor play center, study center and work center is unbelievable.  It’s a great place to hang out with the neighbors or get a little work done while the kids play in the game room.  The homes are beautiful and there is a wide selection!

Dobson Ranch was recommended for the awesome parks, walking/bike trails and lakes. The community plans tons of very popular family friendly activities and  amenities for reasonable HOA fees.  Can’t beat the location!!  Dobson Ranch is close to Sky Harbor Airport, the zoo, art venues, restaurants, shopping, freeways, etc.

Several say that Agritopia is just beautiful!  In fact, it might even be the “dream” neighborhood of many!   Most love the look of the homes  with garages in the back, white picket fences and large front porches along with the garden, orchards and close proximity  to Joe’s Farm Grill and The Coffee Shop.  Great for bike rides!

Villages of Eastridge was mentioned a few times and noted for the HOA that puts on fall festivals and its close proximity to the 202.  There are larger homes with multiple garages and a school in this area.

We have a few Moms in Lehi Crossing.  It’s so quiet and the view is incredible.  Plus it’s just on the outskirts of everything so it doesn’t feel crowded and there is little traffic, but you’re still only 10-20 min from anywhere in the East Valley and easily accessible to Tempe, Phoenix or Scottsdale.

Power Ranch made the list for all the parks, pools and large pretty trees.  The neighborhood is HUGE with some gated areas, TONS to do and TWO clubhouses.  You can rent the clubhouse as a resident and throw the most epic birthday party right by the little lake.  There are many different floor plans and homes ranging from starter homes to zero lot line to mid-range.

Many like The Gardens because of the tree-lined streets and style of homes.  It doesn’t feel like Arizona at all.   The location is great and it’s in Gilbert off the 202 and Recker.  There are many young families with a few parks and a pool in the community.

Layton Lakes made the list!!  It is full of young families that can’t say enough how great the neighborhood is.  There are so many beautiful homes in this area that are new and full of style…the grey’s we are gaga for!

Historic Downtown Mesa is Mesa’s best kept secret and we love the artistic feel!  Evergreen Historic District and West 2nd Street Historic District are not only FULL of history and cute and eclectic homes, they are also walking distance to 3 museum’s, a world–renowned Art Center (Mesa Arts Center), award-winning restaurants and the light rail.  Americans are starting to make the move to smaller homes and walkable communities…our Moms included!  Visit the Official Mesa Historic District Homes FB page for area info and tons of historic photos!  This is where the famous and ever popular Movies on Main takes place each month.  Our historic Moms always walk to the show!

Ironwood Crossing made the cut because our Moms love the amenities!!!  The pool and splash pad are incredible and there’s nothing like it in the STV/QC area. Our Moms feel that Ironwood Crossing is by far the cleanest and nicest neighborhood around and its location is super convenient!

Indigo Trails was also mentioned.  There are tons of kids and friendly neighbors.  The pool, two parks and splash pad are super close and we love the tree lined streets.  Also very close to shopping and restaurants.

Val Vista Lakes is a fave because of the amazing location and beauty of the lakes.  There are all ranges of homes found in this community from starter homes to move up to gated, luxury lake front.  It’s picture perfect and very established.

Morrison Ranch is SO worth mentioning per our Moms!  It’s HUGE!  There are many phases.  Our Moms love the styles of the houses (there are so many to choose from), all the greenery and the amenities.  The location is perfect as it’s close to the freeway and our local hangout, Downtown Gilbert.

The Bridges in Gilbert is popular community too with fresh new homes and lots of pretty common areas.  It’s such a treat to drive through!  Plus, it’s super close to everything that Power Ranch is close to which is excellent.

There are other neighborhoods besides these in the East Valley area of Phoenix that are beautiful and family friendly.  Need info on them all including all the new build communities?  Team Evolution Real Estate has it.  Call/text 480.250.0023 or visit EvoAZ.com.

Photo Credit to Photos by Jessica Nelson and Nicci Lovell!

Our Fave Local Date Night Spots!

Need a plan for Valentine’s Day or random date night?  Quick!  Call the babysitter!  We got you covered.  Here are suggestions from our local Moms ❀

Hot Air Balloon Rides – Pack a picnic basket with some wine and cheese and get your fill of Phoenix from a birds eye view.  Check out Adrenaline and Rainbow Riders.

Gondola Boat Rides at the Hyatt – Just like Venice.  Enough Said.

Escape Rooms – You’ll work as a team to solve puzzles and find clues to escape a room together.  How romantic!!  Check out Phoenix Escape Room – Gilbert and Escape Room Mesa.

Saguaro Lake – Pack a picnic basket with your favorite fixin’s and take the very scenic drive to Saguaro Lake Marina.  There are plenty of spots there and on the way to throw down a blanket with your sweetie and relax in awe of the incredible view…the lake is nice too 😉  There is also a restaurant right on the water!

Top Golf – We love golf and good food!  They have a Gilbert and a Scottsdale location.

Filmbar in Downtown Phoenix – A hip little wine bar with craft beer at a true indie film theatre.  Voted “super cool” by our moms!

iPic Theatre – When a new flick is your pick but you still want the full bar and menu, we highly recommend iPic.  ***Warning*** Moms have been known to fall asleep in those comfy seats!

The Sanctuary Camelback Resort – If you haven’t done it yet, a spa weekend staycation should be on every couples bucket list!

Tempe Improv – Who doesn’t like a great comedy act plus food!  Winning!

Desert Botanical Garden – Take a stroll through the gardens.  Hold hands.  Sneak kisses.  It’s fun ❀

480 Bar in Chandler – Rack ’em up!  Shoot some pool with your sweetie at our favorite local bar.  There’s even karaoke!

From AZ to Disneyland 🏰 Vacation tips for Moms, by Moms!

Disneyland is so close for us Arizonans!   Many of our Mama’s make it an annual (and sometimes more frequent) road trip.  Here are some tips and tricks from our Disneyland visiting veteran Mama’s!

Where to get tickets:  Our Moms have been lucky with good ticket prices at AAA, Costco, Park Savers and grocery store tickets.  Since the parks are pretty close together, Moms of older kids recommend getting the park hopper pass which allows you to “hop” between parks throughout the day.  It tends to be a little much for the little ones so, if you are with children 6 and under, you may be better off sticking to one park for the day.

What to bring with you:  Get your pins and lanyards ahead of time to save yourself some time and money.  You’ll need them once you arrive at the park. Make sure you get the official pins as those are the only ones that the cast members will trade.

Get your autograph books and costumes ahead of time as well.  You’ll be glad you did when your little one is joining in on all the fun without you having to brave the lines and squeeze the wallet for these items.  Age 14 and under are permitted to wear costumes to the park!

Head to Walmart, at 440 N Euclid St, Anaheim, CA 92801, for the rest of your Disneyland gear for a fraction of the cost and the wait at the park.  You’ll find hats, t-shirts, headbands, water bottles and a small cooler that you can throw in a locker at the park.  It can be expensive to eat all meals at the park so we recommend at least bringing a lunch.

Grab sunscreen, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.  We HIGHLY recommend grabbing a disposable poncho, for rain and for the water rides, a water proof pouch for your phone and a light toy…one of those toys that light up at night. You’ll see those start to come out at night and there’s nothing worse than getting close to bedtime at the end of a long day and enduring  your toddler’s sudden temper tantrum as he vehemently demands that he have one immediately.

Where to stay within walking distance to the park:  The Grand Californian, Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier,  Best Western Anaheim, Howard Johnson Anaheim, Castle Inn and Suites, Candy Cane Inn, Anaheim Desert Inn and Suites and  Grand Legacy at the Park.

Enjoy! ❀

School’s Out, Let’s Play! MOM nation Approved Fun Spots for Holiday Break ðŸŽ…🏻

School’s out for the next two weeks!  Here is your MOM nation approved list of fun places to visit around the Valley.

Butterfly Wonderland at 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale — Discover the amazing lives of butterflies!  Children 2 and under are free.

Chandler Farmers Market at 3 S. Arizona Ave, Chandler — A weekly market from 3pm to 7pm each Thursday.  Live music and kid friendly activities!

Children’s Museum of Phoenix at 215 N. 7th St, Phoenix — HUGE Museum with exhibits and experiences for all ages.  Children under 1 yr are free!

Dave and Busters at 2000 East Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe — An enormous arcade AND you can get dinner at the same time.  Brilliant!

Dobson Ranch Park at 2359 S. Dobson Rd, Mesa — This park is AWESOME, new and great for all ages.

idea Museum at 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa — Great for older kids that love art. There is a room that is specifically designed for toddlers and an area that is safe and fun for babies too!

Krazy Air at 4310 E McDowell Rd, Mesa — Trampoline Park that has something for all ages.

LegoLand at Arizona Mills at 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe — It’s an indoor Lego play land!  Children under 3 are free.

Makutus Island at 6919 W. Ray Rd, Chandler — It’s an indoor fantasy and adventure play place that will please all ages!

OdySea Aquarium at 9500 East Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale — The Aquarium!  Great for all ages.

Pump it Up at 1325 West Auto Dr. #101, Tempe — Indoor playground with huge inflatables!  Perfect for the older kids.

Sea Life Aquarium at Arizona Mills at 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe — Another aquarium!

Schnepf Farms at 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek — Family fun at the farm and AMAZING food too!

The ZOO! at 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix — Fun for days at the Zoo!

We LOVE Pogo Pass! Buy one Pogo Pass and get into several fun family venues for free throughout the Valley.  The idea Museum, The Zoo, and Makutus Island are a few that are included on the list!  Use offer code: MOMNATION for 60% off!

Go Take a Hike, Mama! MOM nation Approved Kid Friendly AZ Hiking Trails

It can really ruin a well planned day when the spot you chose is more difficult than you expected especially with a little one.  Our Moms suggest these local AZ hiking spots:

A Mountain

Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Hieroglyphic Trail

Lost Dutchman State Park

McDowell Mountain Regional Park

Mormon Loop Trail

Papago Park

Pima Canyon Trail

Riparian Preserve

Saguaro Lake

San Tan Mountain Regional Park

Silly Mountain Park

Spook Hill Mountain Preserve

Usery Mountain Regional Park

Veterans Oasis Park

Wind Cave Trail

 

Photo Credit to EvoAZ.com

 

 

Want to Start a Holiday Tradition this year? Here are our AZ Faves!

Holiday traditions make the moments so much more memorable!  Our AZ Moms love these:

“Every year we watch movies in our christmas pajamas around the Christmas Tree on Christmas Eve.  Some of our favorites are White Christmas, Christmas Vacation, Miracle on 34th Street, The Grinch (1960’s version), and Elf.”

“We go to Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo.”

“Our Christmas PJ and Smores Party is a  Christmas movie on the lawn with hot chocolate and smores.  Everyone that attends brings a toy or a canned food item to donate to a local charity.”

“We do Elf on the shelf.  The weather is so amazing in Phoenix that sometimes the Elf appears out on the patio.”

“We pick a family that we know is struggling and we leave gifts on their doorstep “ding-dong-ditch” style.  It’s fun and rewarding.”

“I do a cookie baking marathon a week before Christmas. I love making cookie trays for our friends!”

“We make dinner and then we grab the stroller and the baby and find neighborhoods with awesome christmas lights to walk through.” (Some MOM nation recommended locations here: Tour of Christmas Lights)

“For Christmas we go to the Mesa LDS Temple on Main just East of Mesa Dr. to see their spectacular Christmas lights! We usually get hot coco or chocolate milk to drink as we walk around!”

“The weather is always perfect so we eat outside and play backyard games every year.”

“We always make more food than we know we will eat and pack up the leftovers to pass out to those in need in our area of Mesa.”

“We LOVE the Mesa Arts Center and the entire family always gets together there for a holiday show.”

“We sing christmas carols and deliver homemade cookies to our neighbors!”

“We have an ugly sweater party every year and make it an outdoor chili cook-off.”

 

Photo donated by Nicole – Visit Nicole’s Website

Family Photo Locations in the Phoenix Area – A List of our Favorites!

Looking for a great location for family photos?  Here’s a list of our favorites!

Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction

Prospector Park in Apache Junction

Canyon Lake (just outside of Apache Junction)

Freestone Park in Gilbert

Riparian Preserve in Gilbert

Val Vista Lakes in Gilbert

Las Sendas in Mesa

The Mesa Arts Center in Mesa

Boojum Tree in Phoenix

Papago Park in Phoenix

South Mountain in Phoenix

Pecan Groves in Queen Creek

Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior

Hayden Flour Mill in Tempe

#PhoenixAZ #LocalAZ

 

Photo credit: Jessica Nelson