Life + Culture

Make Your Gifts Sparkle and Shine

Six inspired themes to elevate every gift this holiday season Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Stephanie Slezak The spirit of giving begins before the paper comes out, but the outside should be as thoughtful as the inside. Use these six creative themes to make every gift a treasure before it’s even unwrapped. Santa Baby!  Break tradition with a feminine twist on Saint Nick, featuring pink watercolor paper that is both charming and playful. Layer pink and red ribbons, and finish...

Style + Beauty

Dressed for the Season

Inspiration for your best looks this holiday - for any event! Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Stephanie Slezak | Model: Sara Hensing | Stylist: Ana Piña of The Posh Revival | Hair: Megan Asman of Verbena, The Salon Fire and Fringe Make a statement at your office holiday party with a bold and bright pop of color in festive red. Add a playful printed coat to keep the evening chill at bay. Paired with a sleek black clutch and the flirty movement of fringe heels, this outfit is...

Arts + Culture

Nostalgic Holiday Traditions

Usher In Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa By Connecting To History, The Generations Article by Julie Brown Patton Holiday traditions build strong bonds between families, a sense of belonging, communities and self-expression.  Vintage Ornaments Historically inspired or antique ornaments create a valued step back in time. Seek authentic vintage balls and bulbs at antique stores, or opt for retro looks with newer versions. Celebrate hidden-away childhood ornaments; pause and enjoy each memory...

Entertainment

ZooLights

The popular annual event at the Phoenix Zoo features new exciting and enchanting displays Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Provided by the Phoenix Zoo Millions of twinkling lights. Beautifully lit trails filled with dazzling displays. Festive music to help put you in the holiday spirit. These are just a few of the many reasons why ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo is one of Arizona’s most beloved holiday traditions. As Linda Hardwick, Vice President of Marketing, Communications &...

Food + Beverage

Iconic Family Tradition

The Honey Baked Ham Company helps Ahwatukee families serve delicious and memorable holiday meals Article by Alison Stanton For many families in Ahwatukee, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without at least one tasty specialty from The Honey Baked Ham Company.  Toni Gilbert opened The Honey Baked Ham Company franchise in Ahwatukee in 2008. “I knew we needed to be in the community, so Ahwatukee was the first place I went when I made the leap to franchisee,” she says.  Since then...

Entertainment

Get Ready for Game Night

Your ultimate guide to the perfect game gathering this holiday season Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Stephanie Slezak ’Tis the season for get-togethers with family and friends. Kids are home from school, friends and family are visiting for the holidays, and neighbors are especially, well, neighborly! In the whirlwind of holiday to-dos and festive planning, it's easy to get lost in the chaos. This year, take a moment to carve out some time for a little fun!   With screens and...

Life + Culture

Captivating Comida

The Mexicano Roars Into Chandler With Bold Latin Flavors, Warm Italian Hospitality Article by Alison Bailin Batz | Photography by The Maggiore Group Every now and then I think you might like to hear something from us Nice and easy. But there's just one thing, you see … We never ever do nothin' Nice and easy.   While the one-and-only Tina Turner famously said these words before launching into one of the greatest renditions of  Proud Mary  ever performed, the iconic quote could...

Food + Beverage

The City Lifestyle Margarita

Enjoy This Beautiful and Delicious Margarita, Created Especially for City Lifestyle by The Mexicano Article and Photography by The Mexicano Ingredients: 1.5 oz Blanco Tequila .75 oz lime juice .5 oz citrus liqueur .5 oz lychee puree .5 oz hibiscus syrup Directions: Step 1: Build ingredients in a shaker tin and add fresh ice.  Step 2: Shake vigorously, and strain over fresh ice in a margarita glass.  Step 3: Garnish with a purple orchid.

Food + Beverage

A Discovery of 'Wiches

Tour around the Valley for some of the most craveable sandwiches Article and Photography by Beth Del Ville Something wicked this way comes. Something wickedly delicious, that is!   The leaves are changing (somewhere) and the weather is cooling (ever so slightly), harbingering the arrival of spooky season. But this year, we’re not hunting for ghouls and goblins - no. This year, we’re hunting for monstrously good sandwiches all across the Valley.    The art of a sandwich lies in its...

Arts + Culture

Gather and Celebrate

The Cellar offers amazing wine, food and ambiance Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Stephanie Slezak As a young girl growing up in Malaysia, Shannon Rush spent a lot of time in restaurants. “I have always been around restaurants, whether it was running around my aunt’s noodle shop, or high school jobs bar backing and changing out ash trays,” Rush says, adding that she continued to work in the industry after moving to the United States in 2007. After landing a job at a popular...