Event Planning + Services

Thanksgiving Hosting Hacks

Tips on meal prepping for less stress Article by Alison Stanton Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful. Between grocery shopping, house cleaning, cooking and baking, it’s no wonder the day devoted to giving thanks can feel a tad daunting. Here’s some very welcome good news: whether this is your first holiday hosting rodeo or you’ve stuffed many a turkey over the years, you can knock out most of the Thanksgiving meal prep work in advance – some of it two weeks before the...

October 2024

Home + Design

Gila Floor Coverings

Investing in new flooring transforms a house into a home Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Provided Beautiful stone flooring made from materials including travertine, marble or granite. Eye-catching tile floors, in a wide range of colors. Durable hardwood, offering a timeless and elegant look. These are just a few of the types of flooring that are available at Gila Floor Coverings, a family-owned business in the East Valley. No matter what type of materials people select, sales...

March 2024

Travel

The ROI of Adventure

Carol Rice, Founder and Owner of Ahwatukee Travel, shares her passions and insights about travel Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Guillaume Van Wyk As the founder and owner of Ahwatukee Travel, a full-service travel agency that specializes in luxury vacations, cruises, destination wedding planning and honeymoons, Carol Rice truly understands how beneficial it is to devote time and money to traveling.   “Travel is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make in your life,”...

March 2024

Life + Culture

Nuturing Family

Six ways to invest time in your family, foster strong connections and create lasting memories Article by Beth Del Ville Plan a Weekly Board Game Night Unplug from screens and gather the family for a board game night. Board games provide entertainment and promote healthy competition, communication and teamwork. Choose a variety of games that cater to different ages and interests within the family. Whether it's the strategic twists of chess or the laughter-inducing rounds of Pictionary, board...

March 2024

Fitness

The Wealth of Wellbeing

Self-investment in self-care Article by Beth Del Ville It’s always a good time to invest in you time.   Tony Ziolko, licensed therapist, clinical supervisor, cofounder and co-owner of Stories Counseling, has spent his career helping people help themselves. He says investing in self-care is crucial to our wellbeing.   “It all comes down to this idea of nourishment,” Ziolko says. “We invest in self-care to keep ourselves from becoming emotionally malnourished. If we neglect our emotional...

March 2024

Style + Beauty

Signature Style

Pieces to purchase that last a lifetime Article by Beth Del Ville Fast fashion can be fun, but spending a little more for foundational pieces that last is what truly creates a wardrobe that transcends trends. Think crisp white blouses with a twist, classically tailored handbags and exquisite jewelry that you never take off. These enduring items exude sophistication and promise lasting quality. Certain garments and accessories, well-crafted and well cared-for, can transform from cherished...

March 2024

Arts + Culture

Objets d'Art

Curated coffee table books for every interior and interest Article by Beth Del Ville For the one with wanderlust | Capri Dolce Vita Tour the ancient island of Capri in this bright and gorgeously oversized book. It features more than 270 glittering pages with glamorous photos of life on the sun-soaked island. Written by Cesare Cunaccia, a writer, lecturer, curator and journalist who served as editor at large for Vogue Italia and L’Uomo Vogue, as well as the antiques consultant for...

February 2024

Home + Design

Desert Gardening for Beginners

An East Valley garden educator shares tips and advice Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Provided by Angela Judd As a Master Gardener, Angela Judd wants everyone interested in cultivating their green thumbs to know one important point. “Gardening in the desert is different, but not impossible,” she says. Judd, an East Valley resident and gardener behind the Growing in the Garden blog, YouTube channel, and social media pages, is devoted to helping teach others to garden and has been...

February 2024

Home + Design

The Closing Shift

Tidying up before turning in Article by Beth Del Ville If you’ve ever worked in retail or the food industry, you may be familiar with the concept of the closing shift – putting everything back in order at the end of the day and preparing for a smooth morning. This concept is now finding its way into our homes. The closing shift aims to help tidy your home, and your mind, by completing small tasks before bed that can help make a big difference in the morning.   So skip the evening social...

February 2024

Home + Design

Staircase Chic

Take your home to new heights with a staircase transformation Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by B&A Stairs and Metal Gates, LLC The staircase - sometimes considered a mere connector between levels - has the potential to be so much more than just a working element. By combining thoughtful design with innovative functionality, a staircase can evolve into a dynamic and integral component of your home's living space; a versatile and purposeful centerpiece that adds style and value.   ...

February 2024