Health + Wellness

Winter Skin Care

Keep Your Skin Happy, Hydrated, and Protected All Season Long Article by Megan Ewing Winter has a way of showing up on your face before it shows up on the calendar. Suddenly, skin feels tighter, lips are chapped, hands are dry, and that summertime glow seems to have disappeared overnight. While Arizona may not bring icy temperatures, the combination of cool, dry air and indoor heating can still leave skin begging for moisture. So, what’s a winter skin care routine actually supposed to look...

Arts + Culture

Celebrating 40 Years of Holiday Magic

For Four Decades, Ballet Etudes Has Brought ‘The Nutcracker’ to Life for Audiences Across the East Valley Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Kellan Meko/Ballet Etudes Over the past 40 years, Ballet Etudes has helped make  The Nutcracker  one of Chandler’s most beloved holiday traditions. Founded in 1986, the nonprofit dance company brings the classic ballet to life each holiday season, captivating audiences with the timeless story of Clara and her magical Christmas Eve adventure. As...

Life + Culture

Stories Worth Preserving

Students in Hamilton High School’s Imprints of Honor Club Interview Veterans and Then Write Their Stories for Publication in the Nonprofit’s Annual Book Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Courtesy Imprints of Honor As a busy senior at Hamilton High School, Zhenrui Gu strives to take part in extracurricular opportunities that help connect her with people whose experiences are different from her own. This goal inspired Gu to participate in the school’s Imprints of Honor club. Students...

Arts + Culture

Introducing Julianna Crespo

A New Leader, A New Chapter at Chandler Center for the Arts Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Courtesy Chandler Center for the Arts Recently, the City of Chandler appointed Julianna Crespo as the new general manager of Chandler Center for the Arts. Crespo took some time to answer our questions, including about her extensive background in the arts and what she’s enjoying about being part of the Chandler community.   Q: Please tell us about your background and how long you’ve worked...

Life + Culture

Where Music Speaks

From Their First Lesson to Their Own Guitar, Veterans Find Healing Through Guitars for Vets Article by Michelle Talsma Everson | Photography by Courtesy Guitars for Vets When Frank and Christina Dugie took over the Phoenix chapter of Guitars for Vets in December 2024, their first problem was finding somewhere to hold a class. Frank called Dave Melka, then commander of American Legion Post 91 in Chandler, and told him about the program. “He immediately said yes,” Frank says. The first class...

Life + Culture

Give the Gift of Holiday Cheer

Looking for a Way to Give Back This Season? These Local Drives Make It Easy to Help Those in Need Article by Michelle Glicksman The holidays are a time for giving, and in Chandler, there are plenty of ways to make a difference. From toy and food drives to gift card collections, local businesses—including many of our magazine's partners—and organizations are coming together to help make the season a little brighter for children and families in need. Here are some ways you can lend a hand this...

Food + Beverage

Menu Debuts

Numerous New Eateries Bringing Global Flavors, Sweet Surprises to Chandler Article by Alison Bailin Batz | Photography by Provided Chandler’s dining scene is having a moment. Across the city, more than a dozen recent restaurant openings have brought everything from scratch-made breakfasts and authentic Greek fare to Indian food served through a drive-thru window, Revolutionary War-themed ice cream, and seafood boils to town. Add several first-to-market concepts and a major Brazilian...

Food + Beverage

Quality, Value, Variety

Southern Steer Butcher Brings a Modern Take on the Traditional Neighborhood Butcher Shop to Chandler Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Lindsay Borg Freshly marinated chicken, beef, and pork. Sausage made by hand. Succulent steak tips in a variety of mouthwatering flavors. These are just a few of the high-quality meats at Southern Steer Butcher, a new Chandler shop offering a modern take on the traditional neighborhood butcher. Owner-operator Vernon Wessel opened Southern Steer...

Home + Design

A Toast to the Desert

Article by Lisa Ryan Whyte | Photography by Holly Wente When the owners of this home traded Virginia for Arizona, they were ready to embrace more than a change in scenery. They wanted their new home to reflect the warmth and ease of desert living, with an aesthetic that felt organic, inviting, and suited to the way they envisioned entertaining in their new surroundings. The home had been remodeled prior to their purchase, but the existing design didn’t fully reflect their style. Rather than...

Food + Beverage

Making Room for Fall

Two Chandler Entrepreneurs Bring the Magic of the Season to the Front Porch Article by Megan Ewing | Photography by Courtesy Porches & Pumpkins Co. For Jennifer Glaab and Sybil Imel, fall doesn’t have to wait for cooler temperatures. This season, the Chandler entrepreneurs are bringing the feeling of autumn to local doorsteps through their new business, Porches & Pumpkins Co., transforming porches with pumpkins, gourds, and seasonal charm. The idea began with Glaab, whose background in...