Jerome; Willcox; Mormon Lake

There once was a time when having a tattoo would make a person an outsider. Now in this day and age, it seems like everyone and their mother has a tattoo somewhere on their body.

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business is the proud host of Red, White and Beautiful and this year it is booming! Red, White and Beautiful is a unique girls’ night out of pampering and shopping just in time for Mother’s Day. Red, White and Beautiful began in June of 2010 as a fundraiser to support the community Red, White and Boom fireworks.

The city of Phoenix is celebrating Valley Bike Month throughout April with a variety of activities intended to get residents out on their bikes to share in the experience of cycling throughout the city. In partnership with Valley Metro, the city is encouraging seasoned cyclists and those new to biking to give it a try at one of these events:

Weekends are made for moving a little slower, taking time to enjoy oneself and reconnect with whatever’s been put on the back burner during a hectic work week.

The real estate market is improving dramatically according to real estate professionals, and those looking to get involved in the market can learn all about their options at the Arizona Homebuyers Expo this Saturday, April 13.

Wander the scenic Scottsdale Civic Center Mall while nibbling on treats from more than 50 local eateries, enjoying live entertainment or watching cooking demonstrations from the Valley’s best chefs. You can also browse the Epicurean Expo, experience the Tiki Hideaway or become an educated cocktail drinker at “Cocktail Culture.” All-inclusive VIP passes are available. A portion of the proceeds go toward Arizona arts and education.

With April being Water Awareness Month, March turned out to be a pretty good time to start focusing on saving water when Salt River Project hosted its sixth annual Water Conservation Expo at the SRP PERA Club in Tempe.

Wondering what became of that New Year’s Resolution? Or just need a little motivation to stay on track?

Eating right and healthy, and happy living are all a matter of mindful thinking, said local mindful eating expert and author Dr. Michelle May.

Wells Fargo, the third largest corporate employer in Arizona, announced it will be participating in a job fair hosted by Arizona Department of Economic Security and Arizona Workforce Connections Expo at the Arizona State Fairgrounds on March 20.

Dean Starbuck can spin pizza dough above his head for one minute and thirty seconds. He and his co-workers from local restaurant chain Barro’s Pizza are hoping to beat that record at this year’s International Pizza Expo and World Pizza Games in Las Vegas.

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce is looking for vendors to participate in the Mind, Body, Spirit Expo planned for March 26 at the Arizona Grand Resort, 8000 Arizona Grand Parkway. Vendors related to the health and wellness industry are invited to take part in this trade show featuring local resources for health and wellness.

Jackson Dupps lived up to his nickname of “Action Jackson” last week as he chased his older brother, threw toy balls around his living room, connected about 12 Expo markers together and used them as a walking stick, and shot out a few coy smiles as he contentedly played during Wednesday’s stormy weather.

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce is looking for vendors to participate in the Mind, Body, Spirit Expo planned for March 26 at the Arizona Grand Resort. Vendors related to the health and wellness industry are invited to take part in this trade show featuring local resources for health and wellness.

Let’s face it, we live in uncertain times. With many large, iconic companies calling it quits and leaving the area, its left many consumers confused and disappointed with their actions and created a general lack of trust. But if we take a closer look around, we realize all we need is right here in our own community. Being a part of a community builds trust and character which we cannot sell or buy — it is earned. And it is earned by being involved; making our community a better place to live, play and shop.

The Phoenix Pet Expo comes to the University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive in Glendale, Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy tons of exhibitors, prize giveaways, live entertainment, obedience demonstrations, author readings, book signings, discounted vaccinations, dozens of rescue groups, a mega-adoption event and so much fun for the two-legged and four-legged. Meet Shorty Rossi and Hercules from Animal Planets’ “Pit Boss.”

The Valley of the Sun YMCA, the state’s oldest nonprofit, is celebrating 120 years serving the people of Arizona throughout the month of October. Capping off the celebration month is the 44th running of the Y Race Phoenix at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27 at South Mountain Park.

London • Bubbling with excitement, devotees of Harry Potter enter Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, The Making of Harry Potter with a sharp warning: You’ll never look at quidditch the same way.

Nintendo is relying on a famous plumber, zombies and a virtual theme park to build buzz for the Wii U.

The first Arizona Homebuyers Expo will take place Saturday, April 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Phoenix Convention Center, 2nd and Adams streets, west building, third floor, west ballroom 301A. Homebuyers can learn about the HUD Neighborhood Stabilization Program and how it can help put them in a home today.

Pet lovers in the Phoenix area should get their four-legged friends ready for the 2012 Phoenix Pet Expo, Saturday, April 28, at the University of Phoenix Stadium. This free indoor event attracts thousands of pet lovers looking to enjoy a day out with their furry, feathered or reptilian pals.

Tempe is hosting a green business expo Wednesday to showcase green products, services and research in the city.

Tempe is looking for environmentally friendly businesses to participate in a green business expo on April 11. The event will highlight green products, services and research in the community. It’s a prelude to Earth Day and the city’s zero waste day scheduled for later in April. During the event, Tempe will share details about its green programs, including a grease recycling program with restaurants, compost bins for residents and multifamily housing.

When most people think of fly fishing they likely would not associate the sport with breast cancer recovery.