New Year Update!

Happy New Year, Ames Community!

I started this blog 7 months ago. It has changed and evolved several times. It will continue to change. With the new year, I want to focus more and more on what makes Ames a great place to live. Events, neighborhoods, attractions, schools, and still of course, homes. I plan to feature a different neighborhood every other week, keep you updated on fun activities and give tips for all things "home." I am excited about this new, more structured direction.

What are changes that you're making this year? Professionally? Personally?

Ames Holiday Activities: December 13th-16th

Take a look at what the Ames community is offering this weekend to add to your holiday spirit!

Special Holiday Events:

Santa Express Train | Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
On board, you will sing Christmas carols, hear the story of "Santa's Scenic Valley Ride," be served hot chocolate & a cookie and meet & receive a silver bell from Santa.
Thursday, December 13th - 6pm
Friday, December 14th - 6pm

Gifts & Decor:

Stocking Stuffer Night | Reiman Gardens Gift Shop
For special pieces to put in your family's stockings, come to Stocking Stuffer Night at Reiman Gardens Gift shop. There will be refreshments served. There is not cost for entry to the gift shop.
Thursday, December 13th - 5pm to 8pm

Floral Design Series: "Garland and Swags" | Reiman Gardens
Learn how to design and make your own Christmas garland and swags. Take home your handmade decor and save the knowledge on how to design them for years to come.
Thursday, December 13th - 2pm or 6:30pm | $30 for CoHorts Members/$38 General Public

Open House | Ciccotti Art Glass Studio
Ciccotti Art Glass will be showcasing new work while having the gift shop open for purchases. There will also be blown glass demonstrations throughout the day.
Saturday, December 15th - 10am to 4pm

Ames Holiday Actvities: November 30-December 2

The city of Ames has several holiday activities planned this month. This weekend is full of family friendly things to do to celebrate the Christmas season. I have compiled a list of the top holiday events to participate in this coming weekend.

Festival of Trees Workshop | The Octagon
The Octagon Center for the Arts is sponsoring an ornament and holiday workshop as part of the Festival of Trees. While you're there making ornaments, make sure you check out their array of beautifully adorned Christmas trees.
Saturday, December 1st - 1:30pm to 3:30pm | Free/Free Will Donations

ISU Forestry Christmas Tree Sale | Reiman Gardens Parking Lot
Haven't picked out a Christmas tree yet? Why not support Iowa State students in Forestry and get the perfect tree?  Conveniently located in the Reiman Gardens parking lot, you can do many of the  events offered at Reimans and take your tree home afterwards.
Friday, November 30th - 3pm to 8pm
Saturday, December 1st - 9am to 5pm
Sunday, December 2nd - 12pm to 5pm

Christmas Cookie Demonstration | Cooks Emporium
The annual Christmas cookie demonstration at Cooks Emporium is this Saturday. Get great recipes, ideas and tips for your holiday baking this season.
Saturday, December 1st - 10am | $5

Central Iowa Symphony Sounds of the Season Concert | Ames City Auditorium
The orchestra will be playing holiday classics all night. This would be a great date night idea to celebrate the Christmas season.
Saturday, December 1st - Doors Open 6:45pm, Performance Starts 7:30pm | $20

Snowball Drop | Tom Evans Park on Main Street
Holiday prizes, coupons, and discounts will be falling from the sky at Tom Evans Park this Saturday during the annual Snowball Drop. Stop here before going holiday shopping.
Saturday, December 1st - 1pm | Free

Altrusa Home Tour | Homes in Ames
Curious about the interior of the most beautiful homes in Ames? Here's a great opportunity to see some of those homes decorated for Christmas in the Altrusa Home Tour. There will be five homes in Ames included the tour: 3002 Sapphire Circle, 5316 Thackeray Drrive, 51552 180th Street, 1919 Polk Drive, 4317 Timber Ridge Drive.
Saturday, December 1st - 1pm to 5pm | $12 Advance/$15 At the Door
Sunday, December 2nd - 1pm to 5pm | $12 Advance/$15 At the Door

Santa Express Train | Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
On board, you will sing Christmas carols, hear the story of "Santa's Scenic Valley Ride," be served hot chocolate and a cookie, meet, and receive a silver bell from, Santa.
Saturday, December 1st - 10:30am, 1pm, 3pm, & 6pm | $16

Holiday Music | Reiman Gardens
Live holiday music will be preformed at Reiman Gardens this weekend. Reiman Gardens has decked the halls and is ready for Christmas. Enjoy the scenory and the music offered at Reiman Gardens this weekend.
Saturday, December 1st - 12pm to 3pm | General Admission Rates
Sunday, December 2nd - 12pm to 3pm | General Admission Rates

Ames Children's Choirs Holiday Concert | Bethesda Lutheran Church
The talented children of Ames Children's Choirs will be performing holiday music at Bethesda Lutheran Church. There will be songs sung in several languages, including Portuguese, Hebrew, Latin & English.
Sunday, December 2nd - 3pm | $8 Adults/$5 Students & Seniors

Do you have events that you traditionally go to in Ames during the holidays? Will you be going to any of these activities listed?

A Great Weekend for Curb Appeal

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It's common knowledge that a well maintained yard increases the value of your home and your neighborhood. This Sunday is Earth Day, but that's not the only reason to work on your yard this weekend in Ames. On Saturday, April 28th, the American Professional Service Group is having a Yard Waste Free Day. All of your clippings, branches, shrubs and brush can be taken to 407 Freel Drive from 8:00am to 4:00pm and you won't have to pay to get rid of your yard waste.

 This weekend is expected to be in the mid-sixties. Let's beautify Ames without having to pay for the branches we trim!

10 Family Friendly Things to do at the VEISHEA Festival

The Iowa State VEISHEA Festival isn't just for students, it also includes several activities for families. The purpose of VEISHEA Festival is to create community between Iowa State University and Ames residents.

On Saturday, April 21, the following family events will be happening on campus:

1. Horse Rides - VEISHEA Village

2. Petting Zoo - VEISHEA Village

3. VEISHEA Parade - Perimeters of campus
4. International Food Fair - Memorial Union

5. Face Painting - VEISHEA Village

6. Smart Home Open House - VEISHEA Village

7. Taste of VEISHEA - Union Drive

8. Chainsaw Wood Sculpture Artist - Central Campus

9. Sugar Cookie Decorating - VEISHEA Village

10. Martial Arts Demonstrations - VEISHEA Village

For more information, check out the VEISHEA Village and the VEISHEA Festival websites.
These are just a few of the events happening this Saturday at VEISHEA.