Confession time: I think I’m going to take up tennis.  Running and weight lifting are already hobbies of mine, but tennis has always intrigued me! It’s fantastic cardio exercise and an awesome opportunity to play outdoors on beautiful crisp fall afternoons.  I’d also like to get involved in a local tennis league where I could meet new people. Though before I do that I’m going to take one-on-one lessons so that I can hit the court with more know-how and heightened skill level than my current skill level (or the lack there of).

There’s just one thing missing…a tennis racquet that is NOT made of heavy aluminum.  Technology and racquets have evolved since I received my first tennis racket.  Older tennis racquets are commonly made of aluminum, while more modern racquets are often made of lighter materials like graphite.  Therefore, a new graphite racquet is on my ‘list of wants’ but definitely NOT in my budget.

Save money and go 'green'...buy used sports equipment!

I’ve concluded that a used graphite racquet will be as efficient as a brand new one considering my amateur skill level.  Plus there is plenty of used tennis equipment out there just waiting to be brought out of retirement. Maybe someone out there bought some great tennis equipment and only used it a few times before deciding tennis wasn’t the right fit for them. (fingers crossed) So my mission this week is to visit local thrift stores and maybe even a nearby Play It Again Sports in hopes of acquiring a gently used racquet for a way lower cost than a new one.

Have you considered trying a new sport?  Do you plan to purchase used equipment?

Groupon and Fandango have partnered together to save you some cash on your next visit to a movie theater around the Maryland Heights!

Join in on the Groupon!

For the next 3 days only, you head over to Groupon and purchase a $12 movie ticket for ONLY $4 through Fandango!  Prices haven’t been that low since the 80s!  This deal won’t last forever, so take advantage it while the deal last!

How to get your voucher:

1.) Sign up or login to your Groupon Account

2) Click here to purchase the Fandango movie ticket deal

You have until February 28th, 2011 to use the voucher.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Groupon: *HOT!* $4 Fandango Movie Ticket! (hip2save.com)

Donate blood September 1

The City of Maryland Heights will host a blood drive on Wednesday, September 1st from 10am – 2:30 pm in the Municipal Courtroom at the Government Center.

The city will partner with Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, which supplies blood to  hospitals in the area, including Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, DePaul and St. Mary’s.

Mark your calendars now and schedule an appointment to donate blood.  You can make your appointment by either contact Sara Berry at sberry@marylandheights.com or online (be sure to enter Sponsor Code 9407).

Donate bloods and save lives in our community!

Catch the world’s largest nighttime bike ride as it meanders through the streets of St. Louis. That’s right, the 47th Annual Moonlight Ramble is this weekend! The event starts at Soldiers’ Memorial at 12:01am on Sunday, August 22.

Moonlight Ramble this weekend!

Grab your bike on Saturday evening and head to downtown St. Louis for on-site registration which begins at 9pm.  The event includes pre-ride activities, a leisurely 9 or 18 mile bike ride and finishes off with an after-party back at Soldier’s Memorial Plaza.

Mark your calendar!

photo by: D Sharon Pruitt

Hitting theaters Friday August 13^th, Eat, Pray, Love has been the talk of the summer!  Saying I’m a huge Julia Roberts fan would be an understatement.  I’m also a sucker for ‘chick-flicks’, so I knew I was going to see this movie in theaters from the first time I watched the trailer. (Confession: I couldn’t wait until tonight to secure my tickets. I just purchased my tickets online for this evenings showing…just in case it was sold out!)

Here’s the trailer for the much-talked-about Eat, Pray, Love…

Check out showtimes around our area. What’s the best movie you’ve watched this summer?  Or are you still waiting for the release of a movie?

The best skaters from St. Louis, Kansas City, Detroit and Philadelphia meet in the rink at the ARRGageddon Invitational  Derby!

This two-day battle is set to take place at the All American Sports Mall in St. Louis on August 14^th from 6pm -10:30pm and August 15^th from 10:30am – 3pm.  Cheer on your home team, Arch Rival Roller Girls as they battle the for the title of the ‘MOST dangerous city on 4 wheels’.

Snag your tickets online and learn more about the Arch Rival Roller Girls!

Check out these highlights from the Arch Rival Roller Girls season…

I have to admit, I’m sad that this is Brooks and Dunn’s last tour!  What a legendary country music duo!  Some of their first number one hits remind me of my childhood!  There are still tickets available for online for Saturday’s Brooks and Dunn “Last Rodeo Tour” stop in Maryland Heights at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

In honor of their last performance in Maryland Heights, here’s a old classic Brooks and Dunn video for you!