Community Blog

Near Gray’s Lake Park is Jasper Winery, an estate style facility that sources grapes locally in Iowa.   It all started when avid gardeners, Jean and Paul Groben planted their first vine in 2000.  Since then the business has grown and the new facility was opened in 2008.  In fact, they have built such a reputation for quality, locally produced wine that they have been featured in The New York Times and Wine Spectator.

They offer a full selection of wine tastings daily.  If you prefer to lounge in the cafe over a glass , they offer a selection of cheeses to compliment each wine.  And if you visit on Thursdays, they currently have the Summer Concert Series happening.  It’s a free event so bring your blankets and chairs for an evening of relaxed music, wine and food.   Head South on Interstate 235 for approximately 16 miles and follow the signs.

If you’re interested in a tour here’s a video to get you in the mood:

If you’re having a craving for rich and creamy chocolate you’re not alone.  Did you know Americans consume 3 billion pounds of chocolate a year?  Or that 71% of Americans prefer milk chocolate?  These are just a few facts about chocolate but the good news is eating it in moderation can be beneficial to your health by fighting bad cholesterol.

There are several shops in the Ankeny area that offer home made, delicious chocolates in a variety of flavors and fillings.  The makers are artisans, bringing old world traditions to the Des Moines area.  The closest shop to Ashbrooke is Stam on Delaware Street.  The recipes are Dutch with a light creaminess to each bite.  If you happen to be in Des Moines, visit Suzette Candies on Ingersoll Avenue or Chocolate Storybook on Grand Avenue.

Go ahead, enjoy your chocolate treat and remember, a few pieces of chocolate each month make your life sweeter and longer!

I love farmers markets, especially when they have a hometown/community feel with arts, produce and entertainment.  They really remind me how important it is to support local farmers and artisans.  Plus I enjoy getting great deals on local fruit and vegetables.  The Des Moines Farmers Market in the historic district of the city is open every Saturday 7am – noon until October 30th.  The vendors offer everything from organic, locally grown produce to breakfast and treats to handcrafted jewelry.  Here’s a video of some exciting things you’ll find at the market, including local musicans.

Resume writing is a pain. I’m pretty sure we ALL feel the same way about that. Unless of course, that’s your job. Then, I’m pretty sure you hate writing and editing resumes even more than we do, who don’t write them for a living.

Did you know that you could ruin your resume very easily? (Even more fascinating) You could ruin your resume without even knowing that you have!

For example, using one general or generic resume to apply for several jobs is something I know that I’m definitely guilty of. After reading 7 ways to ruin your resume posted on Yahoo!, it has occurred to me that this is one of the many ways to ruin your resume. Each resume should be a unique and specific offering to the prospective employer for a specified job opportunity.

If you’re currently a student at Drake University and need more hands on help and in-depth information on resume writing and career services, visit nearby Drake University Professional & Career Development Services located within minutes from Ashbrooke-Ankeny IA.

Summer time is filled with outdoor activities such as trail and leisure biking.   In fact, there are several great trails around Des Moines for cycling adventures, including Jordan Creek Trail.     The 15.5 miles of paved trails give you the opportunity to ride through the park, enjoying the beauty around you. There’s a picnic areas, so be sure to pack a hearty lunch to keep you energized.

If you’re interested in joining a bike club, check out Des Moines Cycle Club.   They do events for all levels of riders including an upcoming ride today, July 15th.  It’s a leisurely trip from Ankeny to Slater, where dinner is scheduled before completing the 28 mile adventure.

For more information on the club or the ride schedule, visit Des Moines Cycle Club.  And here’s a video to inspire your trip through Jordan Creek Trail.

Everyone enjoys hot, crispy fried chicken from time but have you ever tried making it with cornmeal instead of flour?  I’d never prepared it any other way than the deep fried, coated in flour mixture I learned from my mother.  However when I stumbled across this recipe in the LA Times, I decided to change things up.

I was pleasantly surprised how the cornmeal, orange zest and maple syrup create a tasty summer time dish.  It’s perfect for a picnic and you can prepare them ahead of time.   If you prefer,  shorten your prep time by using hen pieces rather than a whole hen.   But if you’re interested in picking some fried chicken up instead of preparing it yourself, I suggest Something Good Restaurant on 6th Avenue in Des Moines.   She’s been cooking for over 20 years and has perfected the art of fried chicken.

The Des Moines Art Center is internationally recognized as a top museum in the mid-West.  It features works from such artists as Matisse, O’Keeffe, and Bacon.  They have several special exhibits taking place this summer including photographic work by Danny Lyon, who inspired and immortalized in the film Easy Rider.  The center also holds classes and workshops throughout the year, for those interested in studying artist such as Andy Warhol.

I was at the market the other day and noticed the cherries had arrived.  They were bursting with a sweet, tart flavor perfect for an old fashioned cherry cobbler.  I bought up what I needed, knowing exactly which recipe from 101 Cookbooks I would use for the weekend party dessert.

It has a homemade crust with a juicy filling that everyone loves, especially when it’s served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  I use less sugar in the filling but sprinkle some on the crust for an added sweet, crunchy topping.  Enjoy and let me know what you think!

The Yankee Doodle Pops concert starts early this year on Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. on the west side of the Iowa State Capitol building.

This event is free to the public and will open with the Metro Arts’ Jazz in July featuring Soya Vista starting at 6:45 p.m. This is one of the many events planned for the holiday weekend.

Des Moines is not lacking in events this weekend at its attempt to celebrate the 4th of July celebration! Fireworks, concerts and parades can be found throughout Des Moines and the surrounding areas!

There’s nothing better than a summer day filled with family activities for the ultimate 4th of July celebration! Where do you like to go?

As is tradition, many cities across America will have day or even week-long celebrations filled with parades, food kiosks, bands, games and contests. A little something for everyone!

But did you know there are some really interesting facts surrounding the Fourth of July holiday you may be unaware of?

For instance:

• July 4, 1976 marked America’s bicentennial (that’s 200th birthday) and venues and people all across the United States rang bells at exactly 2:00 P.M., which was the time of the approval of the Declaration of Independence.

• And it has often been suggested that George Washington wanted to be one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence but was busy fighting for our freedom out on the battlefield.

Happy 4th of July everyone!

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