It'Sugar is SWEET!

If you haven't visited the new candy store located at Scottsdale Quarter put it on your Must-Do list.  More than a candy store, It'Sugar is an experience.  Whether you have a sweet tooth or a craving, or you just need a little fun in your day there is something here for you!

It'Sugar is an open, airy whole lotta space filled with sweet, scrumptious treats, and hard to find candies of yesteryear, and more.

Bop around to the lively music as you meander around the bins of assorted bulk candies for $2.99 1/4 lb, or create your own giant powdered candy stick from a variety of sweet and sour flavors for $3.99 for a 12" tube, $5.49 for an 18" tube, and $6.99 for a 36" tube.

More than just lollipops, Pez, designer candy tins, and old school candy like Clark Bars, Necco Wafers, Pop Rocks, and Turkish Taffy.....they offer quirky confections like Gummy Bacon, Meatball Bubble Gum, Zombie Blood, Pickle Gumballs, and so much more.  The most popular delectable delights right now are the 5 lb. Gummy Bear, and the Giant Nerd Box, according to manager Paul Smith.  Coming soon are the 1/2 lb. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups that come in a package of two.

Even if you just pop in to browse the novelty toys including a monstrous display of Hello Kitty, or the old-time lunch boxes like Star Trek or Batman, and get groovy with the tunes it makes for a fun afternoon.  They also have baby "onesies" with cute sayings, t-shirts, lip gloss and candy scented soaps.  If you're lucky, the ever-so talented manager Paul Smith will be there belting out the tunes right along with the party music and making sure that your visit is a fun experience.
Visit them at the Scottsdale Quarter, 15147 N. Scottsdale Road or at www.itsugar.com.

Pringles New Multigrain Crisps Are a Winner!

Another new snack I've discovered and really like is the Pringles Multigrain Original flavor Crisp. Calories are 140 for about 16 crisps, 8 grams of fat, 1 gram of protein, and zero cholesterol.  The chips taste a little bit like regular Pringles chips but you can definitely taste the multigrain flavor.  I prefer them over the regular Pringles. It also comes in two other flavors:  Creamy Ranch, and Cheesy Cheddar.  I bought a canister at Fry's Marketplace last week at a price of 3 for $5.  I should've bought more than one can as it disappears fast!

Gotta Blab about the new "Skinny Pop" Popcorn

Popcorn lovers will absolutely LOVE this new popcorn I found at AJ's.  It is only 39 calories per cup and has no cholesterol and no artificial anything. It is all natural, trans fat-free, dairy-free, peanut-free, gluten-free but not cost-free.  It is on the pricey side for a bag of pre-popped corn at $3.99 but I have picked it up on sale for a buck less at times.  Not all grocery stores carry it yet including my Fry's Marketplace but hopefully they will soon. Pick it up at AJ's and give it a try.  You can also visit the website at www.skinnypop.com.

AZ's Best Wedding Planner Jennifer Thye, Imoni Events, LLC

Even though my daughter Christy's wedding was May 7th, over a month ago, I still feel the need to brag about the BEST wedding planner in Arizona.  If you or anyone you know will be getting married or engaged in the next year or so you need to contact and meet with Jennifer Thye.  We actually stumbled upon Jen at the Royal Palms while she was setting up for a wedding in the Allegra Garden and we were scoping the place out as a possible venue for Christy's wedding.   We didn't talk long as she was working but in the short amount of time we spent with her we really liked her and the idea of handing the work of planning a wedding over to someone else.  A few months later Christy and I made an appointment with her to discuss the upcoming wedding and get to know her and her work.  We loved her!  She asked questions, listened, gave suggestions, and summarized everything so we all knew we were on the same page.  She was confident, patient, professional....and affordable!  We contracted with her for the Day of Coordination but she did so much more. Jen puts her heart into her work and you can tell this is her passion. I can't tell you the feeling of relief knowing that such a competent, smart and compassionate professional is in charge.  She did everything she could to ensure that it would be a stress-free day and succeeded.  She made both me and Christy feel special, but more importantly she truly captured my little girl's vision of her wedding day.  Jen works with many different vendors that she can recommend and helps you stay within your budget.  Just a few more adjectives to describe Jen: hard-worker, prompt, organized, calm, fun, and beautiful.  Jennifer owns Imoni Events, LLC and can be reached through her website at www.imonievents.com.