Food + Beverage

Hot Diggity Dog!

The history, the hype and the Valley spots serving up the best dogs in town Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Stephanie Slezak Hot dogs have become a quintessential American food, but the history of this sausage goes back centuries and overseas. Germany and Austria both lay claim as hot dog predecessors, with Frankfurt inventing the frankfurter in the late 1400s, and the people of Vienna ( Wien , in German) originating the wienerwurst .   So how did it become popular in America...

Life + Culture

A Winning Performance

Athletes and coaches at Desert Vista High School make history one cheer at a time Article by Tianna Morimoto | Photography by Stephanie Slezak Hundreds of people gathered to watch the state’s best high school cheerleaders at the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) Cheerleading competition in January.   This was an especially important day for the Desert Vista High School Cheer team, whose season was filled with triumph, history-making moments and many injuries.    The team waited...

Life + Culture

The Modern-Day Village Found Next Door

From movie nights to backyard gardens, a neighborhood can be a village Article and Photography by Kris Ann Valdez My toddler sits on his knees, his marble run spread out on his plaid rug. “Mama, play with me,” he begs.    But I am furiously typing away at my laptop, buried in work. I feel a prick of guilt.    Then I remember what my next-door 70-year-old neighbor, Mr. Gary, told me: whenever you need help, I’m here, doing nothing . Retired, he’s dubbed it his "sit in the recliner and...

Arts + Culture

Discover Beauty

The visible and veiled art of Ellen Gonzales Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Stephanie Slezak | Artwork images provided by Ellen Gonzales Ellen Gonzales started her career in aviation—a far cry from the fine art world where she’d eventually end up.    But the creative side of her was always there. As a child, she recalls, “I loved all things creative,” which included watercolor, drawing and painting. As a high school student, she took an art class, and her piece was selected for...

Real Estate

Exploring Ahwatukee Luxury

Realtors Mike and Josh Mendoza share their favorite bespoke features Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Desiree Cruzan and Courtesy of the Mendozas In their 60-plus combined years working in real estate, Mike Mendoza and Josh Mendoza have helped countless clients find their dream homes throughout Ahwatukee and the rest of the Valley.    Having such extensive and successful careers as Realtors means the Mendozas, the owners of the renowned Mendoza Team, have spent plenty of time...

Travel

Keep Calm & Carry On

Everything you need to make any flight feel like first class Article by Beth Del Ville Airports can be chaotic, middle seats are torture and the legroom is never enough. But a well-packed carry-on? That part is entirely up to you. Whether you’re headed to a quick weekend getaway or a transatlantic adventure, these curated essentials are sure to keep you comfy for the long haul — or short.   1. BAREFOOT DREAMS COZYCHIC ANKLE SOCKS | $25 | nordstrom.com | The ultimate in warmth and softness...

Entertainment

Wander Mortimer Farms

This iconic family farm offers year-round adventures for all generations Article by Michelle Talsma Everson | Photography by Provided by Mortimer Farms At Mortimer Farms, every season has its own story.   It begins in spring, when fields are planted, flowers open and baby animals arrive. It swells into summer with blackberries, tomatoes, sweet corn and sunflowers. By fall, the farm turns golden, filled with pumpkins, cider and family traditions. Winter brings a slower beauty, with greenhouse...

Style + Beauty

Men’s Jewelry Is Getting a Bold Makeover

From statement watches to custom belt buckles, men’s jewelry is becoming self-expressive Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Stephanie Slezak Until the end of the18th century, men wore as much jewelry, lace, and color as women did to display their wealth, power, and personality. Then came the “Great Male Renunciation” when men’s dress turned dark and somber, and masculine jewelry fell mostly out of fashion. More than two-hundred years later, it was still viewed as gaudy, often...

Home + Design

Built To Last

Hands-on builders shaping our community, one home and relationship at a time Article by Michelle Talsma Everson | Photography by Stephanie Slezak and Megan Duffy In Ahwatukee, homes are more than structures. They hold decades of stories, evolving alongside the families who live in them. For the team behind GBC Homes, that sense of continuity shapes every project, influencing how they build and how they connect with the people they build for.   For co-founders Carl Churchman and Geno Carr...

Food + Beverage

Board Certified Burgers

Get set for the ultimate board meeting. Meet the burger board - the quintessential spread for grilling season. Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Stephanie Slezak Few things in this world are more satisfying than a really great burger. It is primal, it is simple, and when done right, it is absolutely unforgettable. The burger board takes everything you love about a classic cookout and turns it into a spread worthy of a standing ovation. Whether you're hosting the guys, feeding the...