Arts + Culture

Investing in Local Art

Local Peoria Project Turns the Mundane into Works of Art Article by Angel Fuchs | Photography by City of Peoria The streets of Peoria are vibrant with creativity and color. “Art plays a role in defining and enhancing our community,” says Joey Herring, Public Arts Manager for the City of Peoria. Peoria proudly boasts permanent art installations throughout town, including sculptures and murals, adding character to the city's streets. One unique program even adds beauty to the cityscape's most...

March 2024

Travel

Weekend Escapes

Investing in Time Away with Friends and Family Enriches Our Lives Article by Susan Lanier-Graham | Photography by CRR Hospitality My husband and I sold our home a year ago and moved full-time into a 37-foot-long fifth-wheel trailer. Over the past year, we've stayed at some great RV parks, but two of my favorites are a short drive from North Peoria: River Sands RV Resort in Ehrenberg, AZ, and Coachella Lakes RV Resort in Coachella, CA. Both RV resorts allow you to get close to nature and offer...

March 2024

Professional Services

Investing in Growth

Next Level Steel Helps Fuel Growth in the West Valley Article by Susan Lanier-Graham | Photography by Next Level Steel A second-generation steel fabricator, Brandon Bell was born and raised in Yuma to a single mother who taught him the value of hard work and education. After graduating from ASU, Bell reconnected with his father. Together, they grew a small ornamental fence company into the state’s second-largest structural steel fabricator. Branching off on his own, Bell founded Next Level...

March 2024

Food + Beverage

Family and Community

Kelly Yu of Kawaii Sushi Turned a Family Investment into a Community Gem Article by Angel Fuchs | Photography by Nichole Eckman In 2004, 18-year-old Kelly Yu packed up her young daughter and moved from Hong Kong to the United States in hopes of building a better future. As a teenager in Hong Kong, Yu's first job was working at a McDonald's restaurant. She says she honed her customer service skills, which helped her land her first job as a server at a local Chinese restaurant in the Phoenix...

March 2024

Finance + Legal Services

6 Best Investment Books for 2024

These investment books can help you stay up-to-date on the latest financial trends Article by Susan Lanier-Graham | Photography by Simon and Schuster This month's issue discusses investing in our families, homes, communities, businesses, and retirement. Investing in your future is critical yet complicated. While reaching out to qualified professionals is vital—whether you're building your business, investing in your financial security, or planning for retirement—doing some of your own research...

March 2024

Home + Design

Love Your Home

January's North Peoria Home Show Highlighted the Best Professionals to Help You Love Your Home Article by Susan Lanier-Graham | Photography by Nichole Eckman Tyler Croft, owner of Croft & Co. Lending ( CroftLending.com ), and Julie LaCroix, publisher of North Peoria Lifestyle, organized the North Peoria Home Show in January, featuring more than 90 vendors, all waiting to help you love your home.  Whether you're looking to buy or build a home, remodel, update windows and doors, create an...

February 2024

Home + Design

Peach Fuzz

Incorporating the Pantone Color of the Year into Your Home Article by Susan Lanier-Graham 1. Embrace the Warmth For 2024, Pantone named PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz as the color of the year. Peach Fuzz is a warm color that is less pink and more orange. In fact, it has been described as a pastel version of orange. 2. Pairing Peach Fuzz Peach Fuzz pairs nicely with neutrals and natural materials like wicker and bamboo or sisal rugs. Use that color wheel! 3. Warm and Bold Pantone describes...

February 2024

Food + Beverage

Chocolate Goodness

Show Some Love with these Gluten-Free Chocolate Lava Cakes Article and Photography by Rebecca Taig There is something decadent about molten chocolate lava cakes—that dark chocolate cake on the outside with warm, gooey chocolate ganache inside. Restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten created the first chocolate lava cakes. Even today, decades after the introduction of the delightful little cakes, they almost seem magical when we cut into the warm cake and watch that chocolatey goodness ooze...

January 2024

Food + Beverage

A Family Affair

Family Catering Business Fat Freddy's Focuses on Putting Best Food Forward Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Christine Andert—Picture Lady Photography LLC Not everyone has the inclination, know-how, or time to cook a big feast for a party or event. That’s where caters come in. There are plenty of catering options in the Valley, but not all can tout being family-owned and operated. Freddy and Eric Renstrom are the proud team behind Fat Freddy’s Catering. The father-and-son duo...

January 2024

Food + Beverage

Love Language of Food

Local Chefs Add a Pinch of Love to These North Peoria and Arrowhead Eateries Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Nichole Eckman Speaking the love language of food is one that many people understand, and when it comes to dining at locally owned restaurants, there are many delicious options. Here in North Peoria and Arrowhead, several local chefs put in a real-life labor of love to ensure we all enjoy our dining experiences. Here are some of our suggestions for must-check-out hot spots. ...

January 2024