Shopping

Rent It, Rock It, Return It

Use a clothing subscription service to build an elevated, budget-friendly vacation capsule wardrobe. Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Provided by Kris Ann Valdez Packing for a vacation or work trip can feel like a monumental undertaking, especially when your wardrobe could use a refresh. For busy travelers with limited time, money and closet space, traditional shopping marathons can be overwhelming and unrealistic. The smart solution? Try renting standout pieces specifically for...

Home + Design

Where Design Begins

Lisa Ryan Whyte and her team set the mood with boards that elevate your home design Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Qiana Kelsch The team at Whyte House Interior Design is known for its ability to tell a story through thoughtful, intentional design, and it all starts with a mood board. The process begins with lead designer and owner Lisa Ryan Whyte's creative direction and selection of anchor materials, while her team gathers the finishes, fabrics, paint colors and hardware that fit...

Travel

Stay in Style

The Valley’s Chicest Stays of the Season Article by Alison Bailin Batz | Photography by Provided Staycations have become as much a part of an Arizona summer as escaping to the high country or heading west to the California coast, offering the relaxation of a vacation without the hassle of travel.   Then Labor Day arrives, and despite it still being triple digits, many assume staycation season is over.    Not so fast!   September occupies a unique place on the local hospitality calendar...

Style + Beauty

Everyday Curls, Elevated

Mateo Wood of Verbena, The Salon, gives us a step-by-step guide to effortless curls — plus a quick half-up look to try next. Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Stephanie Slezak Curl It Right Section the hair into three parts: one above the crown, one from ear to ear, and the remaining hair as the third section. The sections don't need to be perfect. Wood says the less precise, the better, so you avoid visible lines in the finished style. Spray each section with a light-hold...

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...

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...

Travel

A Doggone Good Getaway

One charming California coastal town where your dog isn't just welcome, he's celebrated Article by Sherry York | Photography by Sherry York and provided A social media reel of top dog-friendly hotels instantly intrigued me by the idea of a road trip with my furry best friend, Hammy. I soon realized that instead of bouncing from place to place, we could visit one incredibly dog-friendly town and have a great adventure there. Introducing Cambria, California, a charming small town full of...

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...