Style + Beauty

Rooted in Tradition

Mariah Abeita was inspired to open her own jewelry business to honor her Indigenous heritage Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Stephanie Slezak For as long as she can remember, Mariah Abeita has loved anything to do with creativity and craftsmanship. When she was about 8 years old, Abeita, who is from the Navajo Tribe Diné, began making jewelry that was inspired by her Indigenous heritage and the stories behind the traditional designs. In 2020, Abeita, who teaches fifth grade at...

Wellness

From Passion to Practice

The journey of Dr. Kristen Mayorga Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Stephanie Slezak From the beginning, Dr. Kristen Mayorga knew that she was interested in a career in medicine, and it was early on in her life where dentistry caught her attention. This was all thanks to her neighbor who was a dentist.   “He invited me to his office, allowing me to observe, assist and experience firsthand the intricacies of the profession. Through him, I was also introduced to many of his...

Health + Wellness

A Most Delightful Day

Four women share a personal portrait of the perfect way to spend a day Article and Photography by There’s a certain magic in the everyday, isn't there? A quiet beauty woven into easy moments. We’ve gathered four stories, four unique visions, from women who understand that magic intimately. Join us as we explore the art of a perfect day, shared through personal visions of some of the women who bring this magazine to you each month.    Stephanie Slezak Photographer A perfect day would...

Life + Culture

The Power of Pedals and a Purpose

One woman's unstoppable spirit and dedication to improving the lives of others Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Stephanie Slezak When you walk into locally owned Curbside Cyclery – a bike store staple in Ahwatukee for more than 16 years – you’re greeted with, of course, bikes galore, all manner of accessories for everything from street rides to mountain bike adventures, and the affable shop owner herself, Stephanie Cox. Cox and her husband Mike own and operate the retail and repair...

Life + Culture

Diversify Your Portfolio of Knowledge

How lifelong learning can improve your happiness, health and career Article by Emily Schlorf Do you remember the feeling from elementary school when the fog of a difficult concept finally began to lift? What about the wave of accomplishment experienced after mastering a new recipe, figuring out how to strum the chords to your favorite song or constructing an IKEA shelf sans leftover screws?   As unrelated as those experiences may seem, they share a commonality: it feels good to learn. The...

Home + Design

Crafted for a Lifetime: The Value of Quality Cookware

Your guide to choosing the best quality tools for your kitchen Article by Beth Del Ville If the kitchen is the heart of the home, a space where memories are made and culinary creations come to life, then it stands to reason that investing wisely in your cookware is a smart move. It can significantly enhance your cooking experience and elevate your meals. While Instagram-worthy and budget-friendly options may seem appealing, investing in high-quality cookware offers numerous long-term...

Arts + Culture

Hidden Treasures

Appraising and preserving your family heirlooms Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Stephanie Slezak An oil painting that once graced a great-grandparent’s wall, an antiquated diamond ring passed down from a great aunt, a rare coin from a father’s private collection—these heirlooms and treasures are often symbols of a family’s stories, traditions and values. But, as generations pass, the sentimental significance of these objects often becomes lost or forgotten.  This potential loss of...

Life + Culture

Investing in People Pays Positive Dividends

Solari Crisis & Human Services Has an Employee-First Work Culture Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Christine Johnson Solari Crisis & Human Services, a (501c3) nonprofit that provides community-based crisis intervention services and a wide range of mental health services, opened its doors in 2007 with one key mission in mind: Inspiring hope. As Manager of Marketing Laboraex Abeita notes, the East Valley nonprofit, which also answers all calls made in Arizona to 988, the National...

Home + Design

Splurge vs. Save

Design finds to elevate your home at any price point Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by RocketLister Let's be honest, creating a home that truly reflects your style can feel like an endless pursuit. But fear not, fellow design enthusiasts! You don't need to break the bank to achieve a sophisticated and stylish space. The key lies in a clever combination of high-end splurges and budget-friendly finds. Lisa Ryan Whyte of Whyte House Real Estate and Interior Design loves to incorporate...

Arts + Culture

Uncorked and Unforgettable

An in-home wine experience with a personal sommelier is a toast to friendship for girls’ night in Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Stephanie Slezak Forget crowded restaurants and noisy bars. The ultimate girls’ night out is actually a girls’ night in. This season, host a small group of friends for an intimate in-home wine experience featuring a local sommelier, sure to be a sophisticated and indulgent event. Ahwatukee resident Maria Reyes-Smith is an engineer by day and shares her...