Azu - A Plethora of Neat Stuff

September 2009 / Bend, Oregon

2009-09-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a fun Summer with only a couple months left to enjoy the beautiful warm weather. Make the most of it with the ideas we've listed below; Bend's calendar of events, a new web product and a fun recipe.
Enjoy!
Later,
David

Bee and Flower Salt & Pepper Shakers

Are you a secret collector of salt and pepper shakers? It's ok if you are...you're not alone. Originating in the mid-nineteenth century with the development of free-flowing salt crystals, the earliest utilitarian salt (and pepper) shakers have morphed into designs of unimaginable variety. A collector can not only specialize in a particular material (plastic, glass, ceramic, etc.), but also in almost any subject matter, from animals and animation characters to souvenirs, television crossovers, and vegetables. Check out this set of cute bee and flower salt and pepper shakers here at Azu. Only $12.00 a set, they're sure to be a conversation piece at your next get-together. You can visit our website here for more information.

Bend, Oregon Calendar of Events

September 12-Best in Show-Fun dog walk and show-Drake Park

September 13-Duck Race-yes, the plastic ducks race down the Deschutes!-event info

September 13-Xterra National Trail Running Championship-the best from all over the country compete in Bend!

September 17-Third Thursday Ladies Night-come down for Ladies Night-specials at shops and restaurants.

September 25 & 26-Oktoberfest - family celebration of the harvest featuring traditional food, beer & fun-Downtown beautification fundraiser!!!

September 26-I heart Bend-Over 1,000 volunteers serve our community through various public service projects.

Visit the Downtown Bend website for more information.

Blue Cheese Cocktail Crackers Recipe

I recently made these crackers for a progressive dinner and they were a complete success! I chose to increase the cayenne pepper to 3/4 teaspoons for a little more of a "kick".

Prep and Cook Time: about 35 minutes.

Yield: Makes about 4 dozen crackers

Ingredients

1/2 cup cream cheese, at room temperature

1 cup butter, at room temperature

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 1/2 cups crumbled blue cheese

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups crisp rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies

2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°. With a mixer on medium speed, cream together cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add cayenne, blue cheese, flour, rice cereal, and bacon (if using) and beat on medium-low speed until well blended. The dough will be stiff.
2. Roll 1-tablespoon portions into balls and place slightly apart on baking sheets. Flatten each ball with a fork.
3. Bake until crackers are golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.

Interesting Fact - Why Clocks are set at 10:10

Have you ever wondered why clocks that are for sale are set at 10:10? It's nothing as mysterious as the myth of the exact time of death of Lincoln, JFK and Martin Luther King (as rumored). Quite simply... a clock set at 10:10 allows the brand logo of the clock to be seen easily, any pendulum on the bottom will be clearly visible, and psychologically, a clock set at 10:10 looks as though it is smiling.

Take a peek at the clocks Azu has for sale on our website. There are also several new clocks in the store that aren't available online. Come by and look at all the clocks "smiling" at you.

Enjoy your September! If you're Downtown, don't forget to stop by the store and visit with us for a little while. We'll see you soon.

Sincerely,
David White
Manager

Summer in Bend / July 2009

2009-07-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

A Note from Joe

WOW !! 2009 is half over. It's certainly hard to believe. As we head into the second half of the year we should take a couple of minutes and reflect on what's happening out in the world. We started the year with declarations of the coming of the next Great Depression that forced fear into the eyes of people everywhere. As we sit here in August of 2009 we now see glimmers of Light, glimmers of Hope and a feeling of non-dread. We at AZU have spent this time in the 'Great Recession' in trying to steady the boat and keep sailing forward. We would also like to take the time in thanking our great friends and clients in supporting not only us but our neighbors. We in Bend know the value of supporting 'Local' and keeping hard earned dollars within the community - where the 'Boardroom' just happens to be our own living rooms.

We just need to remember that the sky is actually not falling.

As we move toward Fall and Winter, we have some really great stuff coming through the store and our website. Our featured product this month are SteadySticks from Australia. Excellent for those nice Summer Concerts and picnics. With SteadySticks you will never spill that nice bottle of wine into the grass again.

This issue is the first of our new newsletter and each month we will try to bring you info on great products as well as fun stuff going on in Bend and of course an excellent recipe from one of the gourmets that work at AZU.

Have a great rest of the Summer and remember to shop and eat local.

Joe Shrum
Owner & Plethorian

Steady Sticks...What????

Have you ever had laid out a beautiful spread for a picnic or concert in the park, relaxed with your delicious food and company, then poured yourself a glass of wine in the sunshine...only to try and figure out how to hold your plate, eat your food, sit cross-legged, all while holding your glass of wine in one hand like a balancing act? Solution; Steady Sticks. A simple, weather resistant wine glass holder that sticks in the ground and holds your glass of wine comfortably and allows you to do all the things you need to do while dining or relaxing outside. They're even great in your flower pots for large parties or simply while sitting on your porch in your favorite deck chair. Don't forget to check out its partner...the Steady Stick Wine Bottle Holder! Both are available in-store or on our website. Click here to visit our online store.

Steady Sticks Wine Glass Holder (set of 2) $12.95.
Steady Sticks WIne Bottle Holder $16.95.

What's Up in Bend?

Once again, the 4th of July brought everyone Downtown (with the annual Pet Parade being a huge success). The floating dog was back this year! Summerfest, the Cascade Cycling Classic and the Downtown Sidewalk Sale all filled the streets of Downtown Bend with the fun energy that reminds us why we live in Bend. Listed below is a calendar of events Downtown for August and September:

August 1; Classic Car Show / Flashback Cruz 2009

August 2; USA Cycling Nationals - Downtown Criterium

August 7; First Friday Art Walk Downtown (5p-9p)

August 20; Third Thursday Ladies Night Downtown (5p-9p)

September 12; Best in Show - Drake Park Dog Show

September 13; The Duck Race

September 25 & 26; Oktoberfest Downtown Bend

You can visit the Downtown Bend website here for more information on the events listed above.

Easy Key Lime Pie

Summer heat dictates cool, simple, quick and delicious treats. Here's a fun and yummy Key-Lime Pie recipe. Enjoy!

1 graham cracker crust
1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup lime juice
2 cups Cool Whip

Mix milk and lime juice until combined. Chill until set. Top with Cool Whip, either entire pie or a dollop for each slice.Recipe can easily be doubled for a fuller pie.

Design Trends for 2009

2009-06-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

We all struggle to maintain a cozy home atmosphere that's functional yet stylish at the same time. Keeping up with fashion and design trends can be intimidating and expensive to change and update on a regular basis. However, with a few accent changes along with the courage of spending an afternoon with a paintbrush and a fresh can of paint, you can dramatically change your living spaces to be comfortable and fashion-forward at the same time. According to the Style Estate Blog, here are the some simple and fun design trends for 2009 that anyone can accomplish with minimal effort and funds.

Top Ten Decorating Do's for 2009

1. Taking more risk with interior colors
2. Choose unusual decor
3. Mixing up modern and traditional
4. Interior color trends 2009 - Chocolate with Apple Green
5. Interior color trends 2009 - Red
6. Home decor trends 2009 - Subtle organic materials
7. Painting walls a color
8. Use metal and metallics
9. Straighter lines in furniture
10. Better use of proportions in a room

Click here for the description and photo of each line item listed above.

Of course AzuHome.com can help with some of the trends listed above. How about a handmade lamp (one-of-a-kind and made in Miami), an interesting piece of affordable glass art, a clean-line piece of furniture that can be combined with traditional furniture or a metal scroll candleholder that adds elements of metal with a modern swirl design.

Now...a Yummy Summer Treat! Chocolate covered strawberries. Sweet and refreshing!

INGREDIENTS
16 ounces milk chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening
1 pound fresh strawberries with leaves

DIRECTIONS
1. Insert toothpicks into the tops of the strawberries.
2. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and shortening, stirring occasionally until smooth. Holding them by the toothpicks, dip the strawberries into the chocolate mixture.
3. Turn the strawberries upside down and insert the toothpick into styrofoam for the chocolate to cool.

Now...for those of us that can't seem to find the time to make these strawberries ourselves...check out Shari's Berries. These are the best dipped strawberries I've ever tasted!

Don't Hesitate... Redecorate!

2009-06-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

While we patiently wait for the economy to shift gears, there may be some hesitation to consider changing our home environment when there's always a million other things that a few extra dollars could be saved for. However, simple and inexpensive changes to our existing decor can be enough of a change in our surroundings that it can uplift our mood and allow us to feel like we've spread our wings a little - even during a time that seems mostly restrictive.

According to Andrea Lillo of HFN (Home Furnishings News), "While consumers have backed off of buying new homes for now, they will refresh their current homes and decorative accessories are the easy way to do so... The economy has led people to pick more traditional looks... and colors they already have in their homes. It allows them to update in a small way".

Even at our Azu "bricks and mortar" store in Downtown Bend, simply changing a display can drastically change the feel of our space as well as all the products involved in the shift.

AzuHome.com carries many products online that would be a simple and interesting way to update your home without a lot of thought...or money! listed below are some products by artist Carolyn Kinder that could help spark your creative-redecorative-bone. Here's her biography:

Carolyn Kinder has created a wealth of sophisticated sculptures and cutting edge home furnishing accessories in the last decade. Her unique and farsighted juxtaposition of materials, textures and patinas, has expanded the design vocabulary. Carolyn Kinder continually inspires and delights. Her pieces, whether a graceful gazelle, stately carved horse, dramatic charger or elegant art-glass vase, truly transform and elevate any room or setting.

With roots in the heartland of America, Carolyn travels the globe discovering and developing unique decorative pieces. A consummate visionary, Carolyn’s career started as an artist and blossomed into one of today’s designer success stories. Carolyn’s comprehensive understanding and experience of both the retail and consumer environment worldwide translate to home furnishing accessories that are a pleasure to live with.

Over three decades ago, Carolyn started her career as a painter and teacher of painting in Arkansas. Her entrepreneurial spirit was quickly realized as she sourced frames for these paintings in Europe. Seeing an opportunity in the home furnishings industry, Kinder-Harris Company was founded by Carolyn in 1974 and specialized in innovative design for framed art, accessories, lamps and lighting. Kinder-Harris was acquired by a Fortune 500 Company in 1987 and in 1992 Carolyn Kinder Inc., a design firm was founded by Carolyn. It’s vision is to bring the Carolyn Kinder look to reality in home furnishing. 2002 saw the company expanding with an international division headquartered in the Far East.

An award winning designer in home furnishing, the following are some of Carolyn’s past and present industry contributions and awards:

• Recipient of the ART’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” for outstanding work in the field of customer awareness.

• WITHIT’s WOW Award Nomination for Outstanding Woman in the home furnishings industry and Legacy Award Nomination for 2006.

• Former Chairman of ART Committee for Customer Awareness, former member of the Dallas Trend Panel, and former member of the accessory advisory board for the International Home Furnishings Center in High Point, North Carolina.

• Recognized as a award winning artist, Carolyn Kinder’s paintings and artwork adorn the walls of Governor mansions, Battleships and private collections, including those of Winthrop Rockefeller.

Visit AzuHome.com and use coupon code kinder at checkout and receive 15%off the purchase of any of these five pieces of art by Carolyn Kinder (Volute Candlestick, Volute Floor Candleholder, Volute Table Candleholder, Windsor Fish & Windsor Candleholder Pair; expires July 31, 2009).

Frogs, Frogs and MORE Frogs!

2009-05-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

My sincerest apologies for not maintaining a regular schedule of updates to the Azu Blog. Lots of "adjustments" in the City of Bend since last Summer. However, keeping a positive attitude and optimistic outlook has helped Azu continue to put "one foot in front of the other" as Joe, the Owner, likes to say. Forward motion is the only way to go!

So, this post will appeal to those of you that love frogs. Whether it's Summer decorating, entertaining or simply a guilty addiction of frog "stuff", Azu has it for this season; Frog Chip n' Dip, Frog Garden Seat, Frog Dishtowels and even a Frog Pendulum Clock! "Hop" on over to Azu or onto azuhome.com to check out these fun, entertaining and affordable Frog accents for Summer! Shop online at azuhome.com, use the code SUMMER at check-out and receive 15% off your total order! SUMMER discount code may also be used in-store. Mention this blog and the SUMMER code and receive your discount. SUMMER discount code expires July 01, 2009.

Our blog wouldn't be complete without a fun recipe too. I'm a peanut butter fanatic and I searched the web today for a simple and easy peanut butter pie recipe. This excellent sounding Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Cream Pie recipe was found on Cool Whip's website. Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Cream Pie

Prep Time: 30 min
Total Time: 3 hours 30 min
Makes: 10 servings, one slice each

35 NILLA Wafers, finely crushed
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
2 medium bananas, halved lengthwise, quartered
2 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, divided
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 cups milk
2 pkg (4 serving size each) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, divided
2 Tbsp PLANTERS Salted Peanuts, coarsely chopped

PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees. Mix wafer crumbs and butter until well blended; press firmly onto bottom and up side of 9-inch pie plate. Bake 5 to 8 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely; top with bananas.

MAKE chocolate curls from 1/2 square of the chocolate; reserve for garnish. Microwave remaining chocolate and the peanut butter on HIGH 1 minute; stir until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended. Drizzle over bananas; set aside. Pour milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with a wire whisk 2 minutes or until well blended. Gently stir in 1 cup whipped topping.

REFRIGERATE at least 3 hours overnight. Top with chocolate curls and peanuts just before serving. Store leftover pie refrigerator.

September Ladies Night Gift Card Winner & New Recipe

2008-09-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kristin Larson of Bend who won our September Ladies Night Out drawing for a $25.00 Azu gift card! What would you buy with an Azu gift card? Come back on the "Third Thursday" October 16th for Ladies Night Out and enter your name in our drawing and you just might win! Visit www.downtownbend.org for more details as well as ongoing information on Downtown Bend.

It's been a while since we've posted a favorite recipe. Since football season is here, we thought we'd feature a simple and delicious dip recipe:

Mindy Scanagatta's
5 Layer Bean Dip

1 can refried beans
2 avocados
1 teaspoon garlic powder
16oz sour cream
1 package taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can sliced black olives (4.25oz)

Layer beans in the bottom of a medium sized serving dish or casserole (try Azu's Tropical Garden Chip n' Dip). Mix avocado and garlic powder until guacamole consistency; layer over the refried beans. Mix sour cream and taco seasoning; layer over avocado mixture. Top with cheese and olives. Enjoy!

If you'd like to add some fun to this recipe, serve it in Azu's Tropical Garden Chip n' Dip.
Instead of serving the chips in the large leaf shaped base, make your dip in the base and serve sliced tomatoes or salsa in the small ceramic container. To make the pieces even more appealing, visit www.azuhome.com (or click on the image above) and use the discount code "bean-dip" (without the quotations) at checkout and receive 30% off the purchase of this particular item! Regularly $42.00...now $29.40!

Don't forget that Friday September 26th and Saturday September 27th is Bend's Oktoberfest. Also, Friday October 3rd is Bend's First Friday Art Hop. Join the locals in visiting retail stores that are sponsored by wineries and each store will have a featured artist. Visit www.downtownbend.org for more information.

Summer Fun at Azu and in Bend

2008-08-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

Well, it's a beautiful summer here in Bend and the activities Downtown haven't disappointed either. Since our last post in July, Downtown Bend has experienced the First Friday Gallery Walk on Friday August 1st, the second Ladies Night Out event (congratulations to Tanya Swisher for winning the Ladies Night drawing for a $25.00 Azu gift card), the Chevy Flashback Cruise and the four day Sidewalk Sale. Whew!

Still to come in August:

Munch and Music - Thursday 8/14/08 in Drake Park

Bend Brew Fest - August 15 & 16 at the Les Schwab Ampitheater

Farmers Market in Drake Park - August 13, 20 & 27

Third Ladies Night Out Event Downtown Bend - Thursday evening 8/28/08

You can keep up-to-date on Downtown events by visiting www.downtownbend.org or www.bendnights.com.

On another note, I hate to say that Fall is sneakin' up on us. It's time to squeeze as much "Summer fun" out of the rest of this Summer as we can; and Azu's ready to help. How about inviting your friends over for a little outdoor dining in style with this set of leaf-shaped embroidered placemats with matching round napkins? Originally priced at $36.50 for a set of two. Visit www.azuhome.com and use the discount code "summerfun" (all one word) and receive 30% off the placemat/napkin set for a sale price of $25.55 for the set of two!

Southern Hospitality in Bend, Oregon

2008-07-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

There was recently a little bit of "Southern Charm" here in Bend. Dave's Mom (Lynette) and her fiance (Todd) recently visited Bend from Atlanta, Georgia. One week full of all that Central Oregon has to offer... Downtown Bend, Smith Rock, Lake Billy Chinook, Mt. Bachelor, local breweries, Downtown Bend Restaurants, etc... Mom and Todd had a great time in Bend and Bend is now a little sweeter since their visit.

Some of Lynette's favorite items at Azu are the Tumbled Italian Boticino Marble Coasters,

Rosebud Dishtowels

and Carnivale Wine Glasses.

Don't forget that Thursday July 24th is the second Ladies Night Out in Downtown Bend! Azu and many other Downtown Bend retailers and restaurants will be participating. Visit www.downtownbend.org for more information.

Ladies Night Out Winner and Golf Signs from Azu

2008-06-27T15:36:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Janis Casey of Bend, Oregon that won the drawing for a $25.00 Azu gift card on the first Ladies Night Out Downtown Bend last night 6/26/08.

Make sure to come back Thursday 7/24/08 for the next Ladies Night Out. Visit www.downtownbend.org for updates and more information regarding participating retailers and restaurants. It's a fun way to get together with girlfriends, take advantage of great discounts and promotions and end the evening with drinks and a great dinner.

On another note...don't forget the golfer in your life (even if you haven't seen them in the mornings due to peak tee times recently). A vintage wood sign from Azu is just the thing for an office or home. Visit www.azuhome.com now through July 31, 2008 and use the promo code GOLF168 at checkout to receive 20% off this vintage golf sign.

If you haven't subscribed to our newsletter, enter your e-mail address below and sign up! News, recipes, updates...and best of all... the occasional discount offer!

Ladies Night Out Downtown Bend 6/26/08

2008-06-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

It's here! The first Ladies Night Out Downtown Bend! Thursday 6/26/08. Make sure to to get your girlfriends together, put on your fancy jeans, leave the kids with your husband, program Bend Cab Co. in your phone (541-389-8090) and head Downtown Bend from 5pm - ??? to take advantage of discounts, promotions and drawings at participating retailers and restaurants! Azu will be offering a special Ladies Night Out discount in the store as well as holding a drawing for an Azu gift card! You can visit www.downtownbend.org for more information or simply click on the Ladies Night Out image below.
Now... don't let the fun pass after Thursday. Gear up for the next event on July 24th and celebrate at home with your own festive glassware from Azu. Handmade in Romania, a full set of these glasses will make you feel glamorous each time you drink from them. Azu keeps them in stock all year long and they're also available online at www.azuhome.com. Enjoy!

Birds and Bees...and Frogs?

2008-06-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

It's summer... finally... and everyone wants to picnic, eat outside or even spruce up their table with bright colors to celebrate the season. Here at Azu, we've noticed a new trend in salt and pepper shakers. That's right... salt and pepper shakers! The more whimsical, cute and stylized the better. We're featuring birds, bees and frogs. Each time you spice up your meal with these little critters, a smile is guaranteed to appear. Come check them out at our store or visit us online at www.azuhome.com. Happy Summer!

And Ladies... Don't forget Ladies Night Out next weeek!

June 26, 2008 - Ladies Night Out - Downtown Bend
This is the first of its kind for Downtown Bend. Ladies...put your heels on, leave the kids with your husband, grab your "goin' out" purse and call your girlfriends to meet you Downtown. The new event happens the fourth Thursday of each month (through the end of August. After August 2008, the days will more than likely change to the third Thursday of each month that follows). Bring your girlfriends downtown after work and enjoy extended hours at some of your favorite shops with promotions, giveaways, discounts and a drink (or three). Participating retailers will give you a "secret word" that you can take with you to participating Downtown restaurants/bars for special discounts and offers. Make it a tradition to hang out with your girlfriends for Ladies Night Out - Downtown Bend! Visit www.downtownbend.org for more information.

How About an EXCELLENT Pound Cake Recipe?

2008-06-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

Ok... all of us here at Azu have a sweet tooth. We've become addicted to the amazing baking from our co-worker Ava. She spoils all of us with the unbelievable ability to turn the most simple of recipes into a flawless, melt-in-your-mouth, divine experience. We recently tasted Ava's pound cake and we all thought we were going to fall out of our chairs! Moist, buttery, moist, sweet, moist... did I say moist? Anyway, Ava has agreed to share the recipe with all of us. Don't panic when you read the ingredients. Remember, it's a pound cake! Enjoy.

Ava's Southern Pound Cake

3 sticks salted butter

8 ounces cream cheese

3 cups granulated sugar
6 large eggs (separated)
2 teaspoons real vanilla
2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease one bundt pan or tube pan (recipe will fill two regular loaf pans). Separate the eggs. Cream butter, sugar and cream cheese until fluffy (make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before creaming). Add egg yolks one at a time. Add vanilla. Fold in flour. Whip egg whites until fairly stiff and fold them into the batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out dry. Sprinkle with powdered sugar when cooled.

Wouldn't it be great to have some fun, summer plates to serve your pound cake to your friends and family? How about these cute, set of four frog plates from Azu? Four designs, one of each color in the set. Check them out at www.azuhome.com!

New - Featured Handmade Lamp

2008-06-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than a beautiful piece of art that also happens to be functional! This Bardot lamp is a new addition to our existing family of handmade lamps. Made in Miami by a husband and wife artist team, this luminary is sure to spark conversation at your next gathering. Don't be afraid to showcase this beautiful, handblown glass and metal lamp with pride. The lamp is available for sale either in our bricks and mortar location or online at azuhome.com.

Just a reminder too about the upcoming events in Downtown Bend:

June 21 & 22, 2008 - Bite of Bend / Downtown Bend
The mission of The Bite of Bend is to celebrate our local culture and create an event that accurately reflects the food of our region. This event is free to the public and includes a wide array of activities such as a children’s area, performance stage, beer garden, fine food and wine as well as a live Iron Chef competition; not to mention local food booths offering “bites” of their locally created provisions. www.thebiteofbend.com

June 26, 2008 - Ladies Night Out - Downtown Bend
This is the first of its kind for Downtown Bend. Ladies...put your heels on, leave the kids with your husband, grab your "goin' out" purse and call your girlfriends to meet you Downtown. The new event happens the fourth Thursday of each month (through the end of August. After August 2008, the days will more than likely change to the third Thursday of each month that follows). Bring your girlfriends downtown after work and enjoy extended hours at some of your favorite shops with promotions, giveaways, discounts and a drink (or three). Participating retailers will give you a "secret word" that you can take with you to participating Downtown restaurants/bars for special discounts and offers. Make it a tradition to hang out with your girlfriends for Ladies Night Out - Downtown Bend! Visit www.downtownbend.org for more information.

July 4, 2008 - Old Fashioned July 4th Festival & Pet Parade
It's a Downtown Bend tradition! Come early to get a good seat on the sidewalk and watch the pets and their owners march through Downtown. The parade begins at 10am. The West Coast Bank July 4th festival goes from 11am-4pm in Drake Park. Food, fun and lots of sunshine! Stick around Downtown Bend for the First Friday Art Walk (5pm-9pm). Retailers will be open later than usual with drinks, music and good old fashioned socializing with locals. The fireworks for the 4th are scheduled to begin at 10pm from Pilot Butte.

July 10, 17, 24, 31, 2008 - Munch and Music in Drake Park

July 24, 2008 - Ladies Night Out - Downtown Bend
Grab your girlfriends after work and head Downtown for the second month of "Bend Ladies Gone Wild". Well, not really wild, more like...having fun! Come find out what the deals are for participating retailers and restaurants/bars. Don't forget the "secret word" that gives you fun and exciting specials at participating restaurants/bars too!

Hi to Everyone from Azu

2008-06-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

Well...this is new for us... and we're taking the leap! We recently launched our online store azuhome.com and are learning all kinds of new things related to internet capabilities and communication. We thought a blog would be a great way to keep customers updated with the happenings at Azu and Downtown Bend. So, we'll keep this short and sweet and list some of the upcoming events for the end of June through July:

June 26, 2008 - Ladies Night Out - Downtown Bend
This is the first of its kind for Downtown Bend. Ladies...put your heels on, leave the kids with your husband, grab your "goin' out" purse and call your girlfriends to meet you Downtown. The new event happens the fourth Thursday of each month. Bring your girlfriends downtown after work and enjoy extended hours at some of your favorite shops with promotions, giveaways, discounts and a drink (or three). Participating retailers will give you a "secret word" that you can take with you to participating Downtown restaurants/bars for special discounts and offers. Make it a tradition to hang out with your girlfriends each fourth Thursday for Ladies Night Out - Downtown Bend!

July 4, 2008 - Old Fashioned July 4th Festival & Pet Parade
It's a Downtown Bend tradition! Come early to get a good seat on the sidewalk and watch the pets and their owners march through Downtown. The parade begins at 10am. The West Coast Bank July 4th festival goes from 11am-4pm in Drake Park. Food, fun and lots of sunshine! Stick around Downtown Bend for the First Friday Art Walk (5pm-9pm). Retailers will be open later than usual with drinks, music and good old fashioned socializing with locals. The fireworks for the 4th are scheduled to begin at 10pm from Pilot Butte.

July 10, 17, 24, 31, 2008 - Munch and Music in Drake Park

July 24, 2008 - Ladies Night Out - Downtown Bend
Grab your girlfriends after work and head Downtown for the second month of "Bend Ladies Gone Wild". Well, not really wild, more like...having fun! Come find out what the deals are for participating retailers and restaurants/bars. Don't forget the "secret word" that gives you fun and exciting specials at participating restaurants/bars too!