Des Moines Restaurants

I was cleaning out some old files on my computer today and found this list I made while living in Iowa.  Not sure if ANYONE ever checks this blog anymore, but if you do, go eat at one of these places.  Only the best made the list. ;)

Des Moines Restaurants

Pizza:

Gusto’s Pizza

Red Rosa

Italian:

Centro

Lucca- modern Italian, a fixed price every night

French:

La Mie Bakery- amazing breakfasts

Django

German:

Alba: East Village, Exit 8B, fun atmosphere

Thai:

Cool Basil

Thai Flavors

Mexican:

Tasty Tacos

Dos Rios

Sushi:

Miayabi

Other:

Machine Shed

Granite City

Flying Mango

Jethro’s

Woody’s- BBQ

Donut King

Americana

a-MAZE-ing

There was a Groupon recently for half off admission to The Pumpkin Ranch in Winterset. So for $9 buckaroos Todd and I got to enjoy romping around Mitt Romney's face, thanks to the presidentially-themed maze cutout. (The Obama side was just a straight line to the exit with a bunch of free stuff along the way. Hee hee just kidding.) Anyway, it is a great place to take your kids and spend a beautiful fall afternoon trekking through a corn maze, then riding a tractor-pulled wagon to a pumpkin patch to select the gourd of your dreams!

Man of my dreams holding gourd of my dreams... What more could a girl want!

There was a little playground area with swings and an inflated jumping house thing for the kids, and a little food truck with awesome pulled pork sandwiches and other delicious food items. Inside the barn where you pay there was also some yummy cider and popcorn. It was a fun day, definitely worth the money and the drive (~45 min. from West Des Moines/Waukee) So get excited for next year! Here is a link to their website.

It's Chow Time

Who dislikes eating? 

Ok no one better raise their hands because that would be a crime. I would have to report you. :) So the wonderful Ashley Webb that was the blog boss here, before the baton was passed to me, sent me a great list of restaurants in the Des Moines area that get the stamp of approval. I have been to several of them, and I agree!  If anyone has any to add leave a comment!

I give you.......the list:

Pizza:
Gusto’s Pizza
Red Rosa
New York Pizza Cafe

Italian:
Centro
Lucca- modern Italian, a fixed price every night
Tumea and Sons

French:
La Mie Bakery- amazing breakfasts
Django

German:
Alba: East Village, Exit 8B, fun atmosphere

Thai:
Cool Basil
Thai Flavors

Mexican:
Tasty Tacos
Dos Rios
Pancheros

Sushi:
Miayabi 9

Other:
Machine Shed-especially breakfast! Biggest cinnamon rolls you have EVER seen. I mean it!
Granite City
Flying Mango
Jethro’s- BBQ
Woody’s- BBQ
Donut King
Americana

Red Rock Wildlife

Alrighty, as promised here is a post! It only took me about 2 months to write one, not bad! :) Todd and I were out running errands one day and passed by the Merle Hay Mall in Des Moines and decided to stop in and walk around. It is a quiet mall, but nice and we enjoyed walking around it. There is quite a range of stores there, from Old Navy, a store to buy scrubs in every color imaginable, to this place....

The Red Rock Wildlife Education Center! We were just walking past and all of a sudden we saw live animals in there! I've heard of snakes on a plane, but snakes in a mall?? It's true my friends! So we had to investigate further. We went through a row of plastic flaps that reminded me of walking around the Stouffer's warehouse with my mom when I was little.... Anyway there were cages all around the room with different kinds of wolves, coyotes, a cougar!, and we didn't see it that day but they have a bear! It's not a huge location but it's perfect to take your wee ones there for a mini field trip to see some great animals! They have live shows every couple of hours, you can go here for more information and contact info. It's "free" to go but they suggest a $1 donation per person, so it's easy on the wallet and the money goes toward funding the center so it's for a good cause. It's great for kids, even the younger ones, to get up close and personal with some of our animal friends! It was a fun little surprise and we were glad we stumbled upon it.

Everything in Transit

Hey readers!

Summer is a great and crazy and sad time all at once.... Great because schools are out and for some that have spouses in school remember what it's like to have a husband again! It's full of bbq's, swimming, day trips, and many other adventures. Crazy because living in the situation many of us here do, people leave for weeks at a time to visit family in other states leaving our number far and few between. And sad because since school did end another group of beloved friends graduates, spreads their wings and sails off into the next exciting phase of their lives and we are forced to say good-bye for a while. One of those that has flown the coop is one of the main brains of this blog, Ashley Webb. Ashley, those of us here mourn your leaving and you will be so missed! But we wish you the best of luck with your new adventure with your sweet family.

So Ashley has passed the baton on to me, and I will try my darndest to maintain her wit, creativity, and all-over greatness as I assume the throne of thig blog-dom. My husband and I just finished his first year here, and we are having our first baby next month, so you may get a different perspective from me not having kids and taking them out and about. But I promise to do my homework and find out from other moms what great kid-friendly activities are in the great Des Moines area.

So for today I wanted to just give a little update to let you all know the blog is alive and well, and that the show will go on! It is hard to have good friends leave and to have one chapter close, but another one opens and new friends come into our lives and just expand our circle of people we love!

- Michelle

One Little Thing I Forgot to Mention...

The Kansas City Temple Open House is going on now until this Saturday.  Mapquest claims that it's a 2hr. and 50 min. drive from West Des Moines to Kansas City, but we usually find that Mapquest is a little on the conservative side.  

I know several people who have gone to this, and they all had the BEST things to say about it.   It's a wonderful opportunity to show your kids the temple while they are young, since they won't get many chances like this.

You do have to make a reservation (although, I doubt they would turn you away at the doors).  

Click here for more info.

This Is What Happens When You Take 2 Months Off

Oh my.  

For future reference, when you take 2 months off of keeping up on the blog, you suddenly wake up one morning and have 13 things to share.

Soooooo.... let's just jump right in, shall we?

#1: Pella Tulip Festival

May 3rd - 5th is the Pella Tulip Festival.  Here's what I've learned from experience about it: 

-It's probably best if you don't go on Saturday.  

-Do NOT, under any circumstances, park out of the city and take a bus in.  DON'T DO IT!!  

-It's fun, but don't have your hopes too high.  

-Bring your camera. 

-Eat at the bakery. 

-The parade may be 2 hours later than it's scheduled for.

-Pack a lunch unless you like paying $8 for a sandwich. 

-Do it at least once while you live in Iowa.

#2: Garage Sale

We're having a garage sale on Sat. May 5th at 8:00am at the Maple Grove Townhomes out on the street (Westown Pkwy.)  If you want in, let me know.

#3: Monkey Joe's 

I think everyone is aware that we have Monkey Joe's and that Monkey Joe's is awesome.  You may not know, however, that Money Joe's is only $5 after 5:00 Monday thru Thursday.  

Um, yes please.

    #4: Family Night at the Valley West Mall

This Tuesday, the 24th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm you can enjoy inflatable rides, do a free craft, get free balloons, temporary tattoos, join the coloring contest for FREE prizes, and meet some special friends from the Blank Park Zoo at the Valley West Mall.  

For best results, get there early to avoid the crowds. 

#5: Spring Cleaning

If you are new to the WDM area, you will probably think this is crazy.  

And you'd be right. 

Every summer, they have Spring Cleaning.  It's basically a city-wide garage-sale-free-for-all.  People put their junk out on their lawns and other people (you) drive around and pick it up (for FREE!).  This sounds disturbing, but one year we got: a darling sand box, a playset, a BBQ that we still use, a huge canvas that I redid and is currently hanging in my bedroom, and other stuff.  

It's awesome.  Just trust me. 

#6: Farmer's Markets

The Downton Farmer's Market starts May 5th!  (Info. is here.)

The Valley Junction Farmer's Market  starts May 3rd!  (Info. is here.)

The West Glen Farmer's Market starts May 21st!  

 

#7: Cinco De Mayo Festival at Valley Junction

May 5th from noon to 10pm in Valley Junction there will be Mexican food, artwork, live music, dancing, and family activities.  

Info. here.

#8: Red Rosa Pizza

I ate here.  And I totally regret it.  

Because it was the best pizza I've ever had and for the next 4 years when we're not living in Iowa I know I will crave it every single day.

I had the BBQ Chicken Pizza and the Wedge Salad. 

Di.vine.

#9: Pool Passes

Pretty sure pool passes are here.  If you live in West Des Moines then you need to get one.  I'm not going to type out all the info., so if you don't know about this, talk to me.  You'll be glad you did.

#10: Sky Zone

Sky Zone in Grimes is now open.  Someone please go here with me!! 

It's a little pricy, but I think a 30 min. session would be more than sufficient.  

#11: YESS Duck Derby

May 5th at the Jordan Creek Town Center, they're having the annual Duck Derby.   

Basically, you buy a plastic duck, write your name on it, float it down a river, and try to win.  

True Story. 

They also have live music, inflatables, balloons, scavenger hunts, face painting, games, crafts, and food sampling.

Supposedly it's FREE.  We shall see...

In the not-too-distant-future: 

#12: The Indianola Hot Air Balloon Festival

It's a Hot Air Balloon Festival.  

That's pretty much all you need to know. 

 July 27th - Aug. 1st

Go there.

#13: The Iowa State Fair

The Fair is Aug. 9 -19

I've never been, but if you like fried butter, this is your place.  

And, the Band Perry will be there this year.  

(Of course they would come on the year I leave.  Of. Course.)

THIS IS PRETZEL DAY!!

 In honor of Stanley Hudson, I would like to present to you...

FREE PRETZEL DAY!!

(Say what?!?!!)

Free Pretzels at the mall from 10 to 3 this Saturday. 

Oh. Dear.

Well, girls.  Here's what happened.  

I had a baby.  

Then I left for 2 months.  

Then there was Christmas.  

Then there was New Years. 

And that is why this blog has been neglected for 4 months.  

So sorry. 

But the good news is that I've found some fun new stuff, so here goes...

#1: The Orange Leaf

Stop what you're doing right now and go here.  Now.  Seriously; GO! 

It is delicious times a million.

All the frozen yogurt is self-serve, so you can get as little or as MUCH as you want.  And, they have tons of toppings, and they give you cool little spoons that look like miniature snow shovels.  What more could you ask for? It's a teeny bit pricey (but we're med school wives - what isn't!?!).

#2: Sky Zone

Need a fun date night idea?  Look no further.  In February, Sky Zone is coming to Grimes.  

Sky Zone looks like this:

Wall to wall to wall to wall to ceiling trampolines.  Fun?  I think yes.

They have a foam pit and dodgeball games and I'm already peeing my pants with excitement.

Info. here.

#3: Let's Caucus!!

I have tried for the life of me to figure out what this whole Iowa Caucus thing is.  

And here is what I know: 

I know nothing.

If you want to know something, click here.

Here's what I can gather (which may be so completely incorrect, it's laughable...):

-Show up at your precinct at 7 pm. (*Yay - I just found this link. Go HERE to find out where you should go.)

-They'll say the pledge.  Some people will talk.  

-You'll get a piece of paper.  You write down who you want to be President.  (In your own handwriting - like it's 1826.)

-That's all.

#4: Do you like this guy?

Well, if you want to see his rugged good looks in person, you can!  

He'll be in Clive tomorrow (Monday, Jan. 2nd) at Competitive Edge at 8:30pm.  

Info here.
(You should know that it is my goal in life to get a picture with this man and if I see you there, I will not hesitate to push you out of the way if you interfere with my plan.  You've been warned.)

#5: Do you like food?

That was a trick question.  If you answered "no," then you need to leave.  

Well, The Machine Shed Restaurant has FREE kids cooking classes the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30-6:30.  

(If you don't have a kid, I'll rent you one of mine.)

Oh, and while you're there, buy yourself a cinnamon roll.  You can thank me later.

#6: Bang Bang.

This semi-new restaurant on Jordan Creek (by Wal-Mart) has intrigued me for months.
And here's the skinny:
It's... eh.
The concept is nice - you pick your own meat, veggies, sauces, spices, extras - and they cook it right in front of you.  And it was pretty good.  It's $14 for an all-you-can-eat dinner.

But here's my dilemna:
If I pay $14 for dinner, I want to eat a lot.  And if I eat a lot, I feel sick.  And if I feel sick, I'm not happy.  And if I'm not happy, I won't go back.
BUT... if I pay $14 for dinner and I don't eat a lot, then I'm bitter that I wasted money and I won't go back.
And that's my story.
Do with it what you will.
Moving on...

#7: Backyard Adventures

For cabin fever (which we all know WILL inevitably come very soon), you could take your kids to Backyard Adventures.  

It has tons of playsets and swings and well... that's about it.  

But it's fun if you're really, REALLY bored.  

It's $5 per kid, and you can get all the info. here.

#8: Heating Assistance is Available Now!

If you need info. on this, call me. 

Now go have some fun! 

{Fall Present Party}

It's time for another present party!!!! It's a fun way to get a gift and chat with other girls. This party has been a tradition for at least 7 years now and is still going strong! Last year we had a great turnout of over 20 girls. So please come and join the fun again!!

When: Saturday October 8th @12:30pm
Where: Maple Grove Villas Lounge
Theme: Fall/Halloween/Thanksgiving

Please bring a fall themed gift that is 10-15$ and be sure to wrap it. Some examples from previous years include: Fall decor, Halloween decor, Thanksgiving decor, purses, scarves, etc. It can be handmade or bought. Just make sure it is something you yourself would like to receive. We will then do a gift exchange and go home with something cute or fun.

Also please bring a small treat to share with everyone (doesn't have to be a dessert). Just remember NO kiddos, unless they are tiny babies. I hope everyone can come. I tried to send an email to everyone, but it is very likely I missed someone so If you know of anyone who didn't get this email let them know. The more people the better!! If you have any questions please feel free to email me (Danna Pettit) or Emily Crofts !! We hope to see you all there!

♥ Danna & Emily
danna_pettit@hotmail.com, emilyjmayo@yahoo.com

The Berry Patch

Girls. 
Remember back when we had Fun Friday every Friday and it was really, really fun?  Let's do it again.  Um, K? 
So...

FUN FRIDAY
will be this Friday, Aug. 19th
we will be heading to
THE BERRY PATCH
to pick us some berries!! 

They currently have: raspberries, blueberries, apples, elderberries (don't know - but they sound yummy), and tomatoes.
It is free to get in, you just have to pay for the food that you pick (and they accept EBT!!!)
The are open from 7 am - noon, so let's plan on meeting there around 10:00.  
It's about a 30 minute drive (map here) and there's a Dairy Queen nearby that we'll probably head to for lunch when we're all done picking (or you can bring your own and just come join us!).

If you can make it, please let me know.
Also, please let all the new girls and anyone not on this list know about it too!

Hope to see you there!

Thanks!!
Ashley
(208)705-4986

Library Time!!

In an attempt to stop my children's brains from turning to complete mush, we've been spending lots of time at the library.  

And then we got super bored of our (still pretty awesome - just getting a little boring) library.  

And we needed something new.  

Enter the Clive Library.

It's AWESOME!!  

They are currently doing a summer reading program that is way better than all the others (and the prizes are great - Zoo passes, water park passes, Iowa Cubs tickets, a free book, etc.)

And they have the BEST kids area.  I may or may not have fallen asleep on their huge couch-ish-y-thing.

Other awesome things: 

-They have birds

-They have shelves of toys for the kids to play with

-They have a 3 week check-out time for movies - and NO LIMIT on how many you can get

-They have 2 separate rooms for kids to play in

-They are located directly across the street from the Clive Aquatic Center (so you can make a day out of it!)

-They have lots of books.

-All you need to get a library card is 2 forms of ID. (We just used a driver's license and a debit card.)

Their kids reading program ends at the end of the month though, so hurry in!

SUMMERTIME!!

If you're one of the luckies that gets to stick around West Des Moines this summer, here's some stuff you should know about!!

#1: JUNE 6-10th - SPRING CLEANING!!! 

-All week starting at 6:00am

-Basically people put stuff they want to get rid of out on their front lawns, and it is free for the taking!! 

(Sounds "iffy," but last year, we came home with a BBQ, a boat-sand box, a carpet steam cleaner, a huge canvas to paint on, some childrens toys, and so much more stuff that we didn't even have room for!)  You should seriously consider driving around and taking a look...

-Here is a website if you don't believe me.

-Here is the map of what areas will be doing it on specific days. 

#2: THE WATER PARKS ARE OPEN!!  

-Yay!!!

#3: FARMER'S MARKETS! 

-The Valley Junction Farmer Markets are Thursday nights from 4-8pm.  This one is pretty small, but I heard they have home-made Amish ice-cream, and I think that would be worth it.

-The West Glen Farmers Market is every Saturday from 9am-1pm and located in West Glen (by Target).  P.S. They have fountains that kids can play in and it is pretty darn fun.

-The Des Moines Farmers Market is every Saturday from 7am - 1pm on Court Ave. in Downtown Des Moines.  This is a must-do.  

#4 ADVENTURE DAYS AT THE ZOO!

-June 11th from 10am - 5pm is Dinosaur Day!  Sure to be a blast.

- August 1-5th is Safari Splash!  We go every year and it is a party.

#5: JULY 19th - ALL CITY PLAY DAY!

-5:30pm on the WDM City Hall lawn

-FREE activities including canoeing, kayaking, races, delicious food, Jazz Concert, etc. 

#6: HERITAGE CAROUSEL!

-Did you know Des Moines has a 50 cent carousel (that is darling!).

-Go here for hours and info.

-There is also a splash pad at the park for free. 

-(Take your husband with you...)

#7: MOVIE TIME!!

-Jordan Creek Town Center is doing a special kid's movie summer program!
-The movies are 50 cents each (if purchased in advance) or $1 at the door.  They start at 10am and here are the movies/dates:
vJune 7 Charlotte’s Web (G)
June 14 Planet 51 (PG)
June 21 Despicable me (PG)
June 28 How to Train Your Dragon (PG)
July 5 Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything (G)
July 12 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (PG)
July 19 Megamind (PG)
July 26 Tale of Despereaux (G)
August 2 Kung Fu Panda (PG)
August 9 Monsters Vs. Aliens (PG) 

#8: JUNE 28TH -FAMILY NIGHT AT THE VALLEY WEST MALL!!
-5:30 - 8:00. Inflatable rides  crafts, balloons, temporary tattoos, star 102.5 will broadcast live and have a coloring contest for a free prizes.  All activities are located on the lower level and are free to Valley West Mall customers. Each Family Night will feature a new and different theme and craft. They do this every month.  

#9: FREE STUFF!!!!

-This website has tons of FREE stuff to do and FREE places for kids to eat.  Check.it.out.

$14 Haircut!!

Hey ladies! I get my haircut at Salon Bliss! It's a great salon and super close! The gal (Jen Miller) who cuts my hair has an amazing deal going on. Normally haircuts there cost $36 dollars, but she is passing out referral cards for $20 off! So a haircut will only cost $14! Along with the haircut, you get:

• a neck and head massage
• an amazing shampoo and conditioner treatment
• hand massage
• an optional wax treatment for your hands (it makes them SO SOFT!)
• Free beverages
• coupons for a free eyebrow or facial wax
• 20% off any salon products
• Plus referral cards for you to pass out! Which means you can get consecutive $14 dollar haircuts! So you would be helping me out too by taking these referral cards! I only have 3 so e-mail me if you want one! Also, I would like to make sure whoever wants them will really use them! It's a very valuable coupon! First come, first serve! You won't regret it!

Amy Evans- amylwevans@gmail.com
Thanks girls!
P.S. Oh and I am leaving Thursday night for 2 weeks so if you need them before do it fast!!

It's located by the Kum and Go gas station across from the mall!
Salon Bliss
7450 Bridgewood Boulevard #235
West Des Moines, IA

{Sewing Machine}

Hey gals! I have a sewing machine I am giving away for free. If you are interested and would like more details click here. Thanks!

Tulip Time

Iowa is special.  

I think if you've lived here for more than a week, you have that figured out.  

This is one of those things that makes Iowa special.

The Pella Tulip Festival 

is May 5th,6th & 7th

If you've never been, you absolutely must.  

There's a festival with beautiful photo-ops, parades, stage performances, a Dutch market, and different shows.

It is so much awesomer than it sounds.

For times and directions, check the website.

See you there!!

Swimming Pool Pass!

Hey Ladies---

Just thought I'd sent out a quick note. Low income swimming passes are available now! I believe (I haven't purchased mine yet) they are $10 for the whole summer to a few aquatic places. Anyway, the information you need to bring to obtain one is the last 3 months proof of income and a letter/mail sent to your home with your name on it for proof of residency. You must also live in West Des Moines. . .

They are open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8am - 3 pm and the number to call for an address is 515-222-3660. They are located in the Historic Valley Junction area.

Happy Swimming!! (Whenever it starts to warm up again. . . )

It's Beginning to look a lot like...

EASTER!!

(And isn't it awesome!?)

Here's what you can do to celebrate Easter in the great West des Moines area.  

FIRST:

Go to the mall.  I know, I know.  You went to the mall every day all winter.  (Or was that just me...?)  But this time, the Easter Bunny will be there!

Valley West Mall has the Easter Bunny and the Easter train currently running all day from 10 to 5.  

The train costs $1 per child and parents can ride free with little ones.  This mall also has a little play area, Gymboree, Children's Place, and Baby Gap (right by the train area.)  And there is a toy store that you should stop by if your children like toys.  We spent 50 minutes there yesterday playing with plastic animals.

SECOND: 

Go to the school.  DMU will have the Easter bunny, arts and crafts, egg dying and an Egg hunt.  

Can I get a "heck yea?"  

Thursday from 4-5:30.  

Be there.

THIRD:

The 3rd Annual Maple Grove/Everyone Else Easter Egg Hunt is this Saturday at 11 am at Wildwood Park in Clive.  Bring 10 filled eggs for each child you have that will be participating in the Egg Hunt and come for a good time with friends!

Did I forget anything!? 

If you know of something fun that I missed, please post it!

Free

There are several things I am trying to get rid of before we move. If you are interested come and get them, everything posted below is free.

 I have two of these, the other is rectangle shaped. These work great for protecting your carpet under your table.

Never been used spice rack.

Size 6 1/2 women's boots, I wore them twice I think.

I am also selling some of my toys on craigslist (Parents choice Bristol Blocks, toy dinosaurs, Talking Buzz Lightyear, and a Car Mat) if you are interested in knowing how much they cost let me know or you can tell me how you can pay and that is great too.

Easter is Around the Corner!!!

Waukee Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 23rd Waukee Parks & Recreation Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held this year on Saturday, April 23 in Centennial Park at 10 a.m. Rain or shine. Age groups are as follows: under 4; 5-7; & 8-10.

United Methodist West Des Moines Easter Egg Hunt: Join us on Saturday, April 16th from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Valley United Methodist Church, 42nd and Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265 for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt with snacks and crafts to follow. Don't miss this! For all ages but especially toddlers through 4th grade! Outside on the church grounds if weather permitting/inside if inclement weather! Address: Valley United Methodist Church 4201 Ashworth RdWest Des Moines, IA 50265

Living History Farms: Family Easter PartySaturday, April 23, 9am – 1pmFun for the entire family including: toy hunts, preschool Bunnyland, live rabbit exhibits, barnyard animal walk, horse and wagon rides, traditional games and egg decorating. Townsfolk will open their doors for spring visitors in the town of Walnut Hill. Free pop and popcorn for all, free steak and egg wrap for the first 1,000 visitors.Price: $5.50/person, $5.00 LHF members and pre-sold groups of 10 or more.

West Des Moines Easter Egg Hunt: The Waveland Park Neighborhood Association is planning its Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. April 23, at the Hubbell Elementary School playground, 800 42nd St., and in the Roosevelt High School baseball field. The event is for children 10 and younger. Volunteers will direct kids to one of three areas based on their ages. Prizes will include candy and donations from local businesses and attractions. Participants will be limited to 10 eggs, and they should bring a bag or basket. The Easter Bunny also will be available to greet participants. Volunteers are needed for planning as well as during the hunt. There are probably even more, but we usually just go to the Waukee one. We've always had fun!!