On Saturday, December 4th the fabulous and talented Carrie Underwood will perform at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.   This American Idol star from Oklahoma won the title and hasn’t looked back.  Her success has spanned country and pop music.  Her popularity has garnered her numerous awards.

Residents of Ashbrooke apartments are conveniently located less than 20 minutes to the arena.  Tickets are available through StubHub.  However if you’re anxious to see a concert this Labor Day weekend, get tickets to see Adam Lambert or Eddie Money.  Both singers are performing on Friday, September 3rd in Des Moines.  To see all events happening around the city, check out Des Moines Register.

Happy Labor Day weekend!  Relax, celebrate you the American worker and enjoy this video of Carrie Underwood.

The show ‘Dancing with the Stars‘ still causes water cooler conversation and today is no exception.  Everyone is buzzing over the announcement of the new contestants and the season premiere September 20th.   This morning on the radio and at the gas station people were debating who will win, who will go first and who they can’t wait to see dance.

If you missed the announcement, the full line up includes David Hasselhoff, Michael Bolton, Bristol Palin, Audrina Patridge, Mike “The Situation” and Florence Henderson.  In the athletic department, Rick Fox and Kurt Warner will both compete for the title.  Other contestants include Brandy, Margaret Cho, Jennifer Grey and Kyle Massey.  Who’s your favorite based on the list?

Well, if you’re excited for the show to begin, then consider throwing a weekly viewing party with friends or other residents of Ashbrooke apartments.  You could put together a competition prize pact for your friend who chooses the right dancer to win or get a group together for weekly dance classes together.  How ever you choose to celebrate the dancing sensation just takes a little creativity.  Visit Party City on Southeast Delaware Avenue for inspiration.  It’s located less than 15 minutes from the community.  Design your event and let me know what inspires your viewing party.

Are you watching Dancing with the Stars this season?

The Iowa Cubs are out of town this weekend playing the Omaha Royals but don’t worry, Principal Park will be hosting the exciting Summerfest event, Battle of the Bands.   Residents of Ashbrooke apartments can head over to the park on Friday and Saturday, August 27th & 28th, from 4pm – midnight where several great bands will take the stage.  Each band will perform a set, letting the fans decide who wins the battle of the bands.  Admission is $5. per adult and parking is free.

Performing Friday is Decoy, Gimikk, Sonny Humbucker Band and Toaster, each taking the stage respectively.  On Saturday Katch 22, Heath Alan Band, 17 Candle and Faculty Lounge perform.  Katch 22 is a local Iowa band who’s sound reminds me of 3 Doors Down acoustic version.    If you’ve never heard them play before check out this video of them singing one of their original songs.

Earlier this morning I read an article that concerned me regarding pork and the future of bacon.  Supposedly a company in Australia has patented a chemically engineered soybean loaded with omega-3 to feed pigs.  According to their research, they can feed them the altered soybean, there by making our bacon healthier and packed with Omega-3 that’s found in salmon.

I personally love bacon but I’m not sure I want to get my daily dose of Omega-3 from it.  Another reason why I’m a big believer in purchasing local meat from farmers who raise meat that’s chemical and additive free.  Residents of Ashbrooke Apartments have a variety of butcher shops in the local area, as well as a few outstanding markets in Des Moines.  One butcher shop I highly recommend is South American Beef on Linden Street in Des Moines.   In Ankeny check the butcher shops at Dahls Foods, Hy-Vee Foods and Casey’s General Store for quality bacon.

Residents of Des Moines and Ankeny have so many options so if you know of local farmers who provide chemical free bacon let me know.  Leave me a comment and tell me what you think about getting your Omega-3 from bacon.  Do you prefer traditional or modern healthier bacon?

How do you like your bacon?

I’m sure you’re all thinking of calories and fat like me, especially when it comes to fast food.  More and more restaurants are producing healthier food compared to their regular menu items but sometimes they miss the mark.  Quiznos has done an excellent job of creating tasty, enticing sandwiches all under 500 calories.

Each sandwich is loaded with nutritious vegetables and sauces.  Plus they serve lighter cuts of meat, reducing the fat content.  One of my favorites is the Cantina Chicken Sammie.  It’s packed with chicken, tomatoes, grilled onions and sauteed mushrooms.  This 245 calorie sandwich only has 5 grams of fat and 36 carbs.  Now I know I’ll have to do an hour run to work off the carbs but that’s lower than other fast food sandwiches.

Luckily, we have a Quiznos on Northeast Delaware Avenue that’s close to home at Ashbrooke Apartments.   It’s just a question of which one of the 20+ sandwiches to choose!

What's your favorite Quizno sandwich?

I’m so excited for the line up at the Iowa State Fair this year.  However one concert I’m really looking forward to is Sheryl Crow and Colbie Caillat.  Both women are outstanding singer songwriters who give energetic performances.  Sheryl Crow, who’s been on the music scene for a while, seems to connect with her audience each and every time.

Come Saturday, August 22nd at 8pm, both women will take the stage in Des Moines.  It’s a must see show so head down to the Iowa State Fair for food, fun and some amazing music!  To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster before they sell out.

Here’s one of my favorite songs by Sheryl, “Everyday is a Winding Road”.  Enjoy the concert and let me know how much fun you had at the fair!

Everyone enjoys a relaxing night out away from the stress of life, especially if includes someone special.   If you’re looking for somewhere to go then consider the area of Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines.  It’s approximately 20-30 minutes south of Ashbrooke Apartments off the 235.

To start the evening with a memorable dinner, head to El Patio Mexican Restaurant on 37th Street.  The patio seating is decked out with flowers, colorful umbrellas and a friendly environment.   You can find a spot surrounded by plants while sipping flavorful sangria.  Afterward plan to walk off all that delicious Mexican food with a stroll around Sherman Hill, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Planning a romantic evening in Des Moines is simple with so many great dining choices and things to do.  What’s your favorite date night restaurant in the local Des Moines area?

Have a date night at El Patio Mexican Restaurant

Near downtown Des Moines is the Iowa State Fairgrounds, host for the 2010 Iowa State Fair.   The annual event begins August 12th and runs through August 22nd.  Local residents of Ashbrooke Apartments can enjoy good food, great music and lots of competitions.  Opening day will honor the Armed Forces with a concert from Lee Greenwood, as well as a live Skype with Iowa military members based around the world.

The list of contest is extensive, offering entertainment for everyone.  Scheduled are a hog calling contest, spelling bee and monster arm wrestling competition.  You can get to the fair down the 35 or if you prefer, park and ride one of the DART shuttles.  Parking is free at the locations with a $2. RT fee.   Enjoy the fair and don’t forget some food on a stick,  like a deep fried Milky Way bar!

One of the coolest events is coming to Des Moines August 22nd, 2010.  The Urban Assault  Bike Ride is sponsored by New Belgium Brewing and features cyclists coming together for an exciting ‘Amazing Race’ style competition.  You and your cycling partner race through a scavenger hunt with check points, foot race obstacle courses and finally finish it off with street racing cycling.

The courses are approximately 20-25 miles and anyone can register.  You can partner with friends or family; anyone 7 or over can participate in the bike ride/obstacle course.  So bring your family and have an adventurous time in downtown Des Moines!  Here’s a video to give you an idea of what happens during the bike ride/ obstacle course.

If you enjoy the art of hand-crafted beer then make plans on Friday night for a weekly beer tasting.   Every week, Court Avenue Brewing Company in downtown Des Moines offers patrons a sample of three house beers for $5.   They’re located on Court Avenue and hand craft beer on site.   Their brews range from a light and refreshing white beer to an oatmeal stout with coffee and chocolate infused flavors.   If you work downtown or feel like heading out with friends then check out Court Avenue for some great brew and food!  If you’re interested in learning proper techniques for beer tasting, listen to what the founder of Sam Adams Brewery has to say.