Hot temps outside, cool happenings inside

Shake Your Groove Thing at Family Fun & Fitness Nights this summer. Every Thursday night during the long, hot days of summer, Sparkles has an offer you can’t afford to refuse: Admission is free from 6 to 9 p.m. and skate rental is just $3. What other incentive do you need to get out there on wheels and re-live the days of your own youth? Skating is terrific exercise and just imagine how much your kids would love getting you out there on the floor. A soft indoor playground, video games, and a groovy snack bar complete the generously air-conditioned atmosphere. The music may have changed, but the fun remains the same. And who knows, if you ask nicely, the DJ just might be amenable to playing some old school tunes from back in the day when you were the kid.

Local nonprofit Books For Africa will throw open its doors for a big Warehouse Bash/Open House on Saturday from 1:30 to 4 p.m. All bibliophiles, their friends and families are invited to come join the fun as celebrates their Atlanta volunteers, donors, and community members who help make Books For Africa a smashing success. This impressive outfit ships more than three million books a year to developing African countries to help spread literacy as a bridge out of poverty. The friendly staff would love to share what they do and show you around on Saturday. Enjoy light food, beer, wine and rockin' live entertainment from the talented BFA Warehouse Band. Pssst…rumor has it that perhaps a little “live karaoke” will occur if audience members are willing participants.

Feeling democratic? Come network and meet some other like-minded ladies at The Cobb County Democratic Women’s second annual Daylily Tea at the beautiful on Saturday.  Former chair of the Cobb County Democratic Committee Bill Waldrop, will be the guest speaker. Waldrop will also present slides and speak about the stunningly gorgeous Kennesaw Mountain Daylily Gardens. Sip tea, nibble scones and other pastries, and enjoy rubbing elbows with past and current Democratic women leaders being honored for their achievements. Cobb County women include Pat Dooley, Pam Flournoy, Betty Gray, Deane Bonner, Dr. Beth Farokhi, Alisha Thomas Morgan, Shelia Hones, Alison Barlett, Stacey Evans, Mellissa Pike, Pat Chapman and others. The Daylily Tea is from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person and help benefit The Cobb County Democratic Women. For information or to RSVP, call Ruthe Levy 770 650-1106 or Candace Spencer 678 361-0167.

Everyone has had an experience where they felt like they were being followed. People who work late at night or find themselves in parking lots or other secluded areas may be especially familiar with feeling unsafe. Now is the time to be assertive and get some peace of mind by learning about real self-defense. Moore’s Chinese Martial Arts has a deal for you on Saturday with their Kubotan self-defense class. For the curious, a Kubotan is a keychain with a deceptively small but extremely effective non-lethal weapon attached. Common defenses include attacking vulnerable parts of an assailant’s body using pressure points related to martial arts maneuvers. Kubotan techniques are similar to 'empty handed' martial arts techniques. , who was a victim of a violent attack years ago before he discovered martial arts, will demonstrate the most effective ways to defend yourself against a would-be assailant. Kubotan Class is Saturday, June from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Arm yourself with knowledge and power for just $25 plus $5 for the Kubotan.

in the West Village is the uber-cool destination. The reason? Moms' Night Out. Extra bonus? Sponsored by Smyrna Vinings Marietta Macaroni Kid, The Macaroni Moms' Night Out at Crepe Revolution with Be Mom Couture includes shopping a trunk show. Technically, you may be a mother, but we all know that doesn't have to mean wearing "Mom jeans.’’ The fabulous BMC, a.k.a. Be Mom Couture, knows better, and has all the fashion and adorable accessories you crave. On Tuesday from 7 p.m. until “whenever,” Be Mom Couture invites all you ladies to a laid-back leisurely evening of $5 Sangria, Crepe Revolution’s delicious appetizers, chilling out with friends, and perusing the couture collection. It's Ladies' Night with an added twist!