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The Frozen Yogurt Craze

By: Mom Index
 
Have you noticed the influx of frozen yogurt businesses around the Valley?  Mom Index was curious about the recent fascination with this delicious frozen treat so we visited a few of these hot spots to sample their products.   We were amazed by the range of flavors, toppings and décor of these sweet shops and felt compelled to share our reviews with you. 
 
Click here to share your favorite yogurt shop with us.
 
Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt
The Golden Spoon® brand is becoming popular in states such as California and Arizona because it is simple and delicious.  Stores are small and practical in that options are limited to yogurt in a cup or cone.  Unlike some of its competitors, Golden Spoon is not a self-service model.  However, this means you will always know what you will pay.  Beware that enhanced treats can be expensive at $1.00 per topping.  Golden Spoon franchise owners advertise in local mailers. Look for buy one get one free or half-off coupons before you toss your junk mail.  In addition, request a punch card after your purchase as it entitles you to a free yogurt after you purchase eight yogurts.
 
Mojo Yogurt
Mojo Yogurt strives to make people happy and we feel it meets its objective.  These self-serve shops are fun for kids and adults because they offer yogurt and personalized shakes.  Stores offer a changing group of Mojo’s twenty-eight flavors with a wide selection of toppings from fruit and cereal to sprinkles and candy.  Prices are comparable to its competitors at $0.39 per ounce.  Mojo also supports its local communities by donating 2% of all sales to charitable causes.   Similar to its competitors, Mojo shops do not accommodate a lot of patrons.  Plan to take your frozen treats to go or you might be waiting a while for a table.  We recommend visiting the company website before your next visit.  You can learn about the weekly flavors and answer a few simple questions in exchange for a buy one get one free printable coupon.
 
Red Mango
Compared to its competitors, Red Mango is a great fit for a sophisticated palate.  The Red Mango business is a counter service model and it offers authentic yogurt, probiotic iced teas and frozen blenders.  Although yogurt flavors are unique, tasty and tangy, they may not appeal to a wide range of consumers.  During our visit, the health conscious adults ate more than the chocolate loving children.   Toppings are healthy and include a variety of fruits and cereals.  However, chocolate and vanilla chip toppings are also available.   
 
Yogurt Builderz
Yogurt Builderz is similar to Mojo Yogurt and Yogurtology in that it is a self-serve business with a range of flavors and kid-friendly toppings.  The shop can become quite busy after school.  However, the shop is fairly large and can accommodate several families at once.  Although Yogurt Builderz only offers self-serve cups, it is certainly worth the trip.  Everything is designed for small yogurt builders and children can easily serve their yogurt and toppings.  The flavors were varied and ranged from tart to fruity to indulgent.  The Yogurt Builderz experience was a definite thumbs-up from all young eaters.
 
Yogurtology
Yogurtology prides itself in simplicity and cleanliness and it does not disappoint.  The ambiance is similar to Mojo Yogurt in that is exudes a contemporary vibe and is comfortable and refreshing.  However, like Mojo Yogurt, it is a small space and is not ideal for large families who want to sit and relax in the air conditioning.   Yogurtology staff members are available to offer suggestions and to provide samples as each customer designs his or her own yogurt treat.  Toppings are plentiful and the yogurt is creamy and delicious.  Finally, it is worth noting that Yogurtology offers a Fun-raisers program, which is ideal for schools or moms groups who want to host a delicious and fruitful event.


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Drowning Prevention Month

By: Mom Index
 
Many local businesses and entities including Water Watchers at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Arizona Fire departments have declared the month of August Drowning Impact Awareness Month.  The purpose of this initiative is to raise awareness of the potential for drowning and to recognize the impact of each drowning on all members of the community.
 
Mom Index encourages parents and children to participate in the prevention effort and to impact the number of people who drown in the Valley each year.  Given that many families are around water during the hot summer months, it is imperative that parents and children prioritize water safety and take steps to get involved in drowning prevention.  The following is a list of Mom Index recommendations as well as ideas and suggestions provided by Drowning Impact Awareness Month sponsors:
 
  • Visit a local library and pick-up a purple ribbon to wear for drowning awareness
  • Promote water safety in marketing communications for your business, school, organization, club or other organized entity
  • Discuss water safety with children and caregivers
  • Ensure pools are fenced and locked
  • Remove patio furniture or toys that can be used to gain access to pool areas
  • Never leave fences unlocked, open or unsupervised
  • Maintain fences and learn about city pool barrier codes
  • Supervise children around any body of water at all times (no exceptions)
  • Assign a swim buddy for all swimmers
  • Teach family members about life saving activities and water safety techniques
  • Never let your guard down around water
  • Hire a lifeguard to monitor children’s swim parties
  • Do not rely on floatation devices to keep children safe
  • Enroll in a CPR class and be prepared for water related emergencies
  • Keep a phone in sight to contact first responders in the event of an emergency
  • Remove toys from pool area after each use
  • Pick-up a “Tubby Tag” at a La-Z-Boy Furniture Gallery in Arizona
 
 
 
 
*Please note that list is provided as a means to raise awareness about drowning prevention.  This is not a comprehensive list and it is not a substitute for medical and professional advice.  Mom Index cannot be held accountable for any events or activities resulting from this information.  To learn more about water safety and drowning prevention, access the links in this list and consult with appropriate certified professionals.


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