Finance + Legal Services

Investing in Future Generations

Equitable Investments offers valuable advice to families Article by Gretchen Pahia Financial literacy is one of the most powerful gifts we can give children. Teaching kids about investing lays the foundation for a lifetime of wise decision-making and financial freedom.   Nicholas Chavez, Jakob Krygier and Lucy Niskanen, a team from the Valley full-service financial firm Equitable Investments, are sharing their expertise on teaching kids important financial skills.   Q: What are some of...

Life + Culture

Daily Pep Talks with a Pooch

“Mama Sue” Higgins shares wisdom online with her beloved dog, Norbert Barkah, which in turn has helped thousands of people Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Faith Hamberg | Heartsake Photography Last fall, Sue Higgins was feeling blue. Higgins, who goes by “Mama Sue,” was disheartened by the division in the country, and the negativity that was appearing daily on social media. “I felt my own heart grow heavy,” Mama Sue says. One morning, while preparing to go out with Norbert...

Food + Beverage

A True Fairytale

Childhood friends met on the kindergarten playground and went on to build a successful gourmet business Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Stephanie Slezak and Fairytale Brownies Eileen Spitalny and David Kravetz met as kindergartners on their elementary school playground at Madison Heights in Phoenix. Unbeknownst to them, it was the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Growing up, their play dates often involved Kravetz’s mom’s delectable brownies. They affectionately joked she was...

Food + Beverage

Dining With Your Dog

Once the weather (finally!) cools it's time to sit, stay and nosh at these pet-friendly patios Article by Beth Del Ville Biscuits Start your morning bright with your canine pal at the Foothills outpost of this country-style breakfast and lunch spot. The charming eatery serves breakfast and brunch classics with an accommodating outdoor area for Fido to lounge beside you.   Wren Südhalle  Your pup is truly welcome at Wren Südhalle! The lively beer hall serves a variety of beer and wine...

Event Planning + Services

Milestones Made Memorable

Meet Emily Marioni of Ahwatukee’s Beloved Balloons, the artist who is bringing joy to all of life’s special celebrations Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Stephanie Slezak When six-year old Jeter walked into his baseball-themed birthday party and saw the ten-foot balloon decor snaking up the side of a Yankee-inspired backdrop, his eyes lit up. He couldn’t believe his name was plastered on a giant baseball balloon.  Nowadays, balloon decor and backdrops are a popular fixture at...

Arts + Culture

The Phoenix Symphony's Journey from Ragtag to Renowned

Celebrating over 75 years of bringing world-class music to Arizona Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Photography Provided by The Phoenix Symphony In the 1940s, Phoenix’s population was less than 100,000. The occasional saguaro served as a lamppost, whiskey and wine sold for a whopping 10 cents, and the Phoenix Street Railway operated streetcars for 33 miles. But times were changing fast. World War II turned agricultural Phoenix into an industrial hub, expanding the population by 63...

Travel

An Oregon Adventure

Photographer Shannon Liebrock fulfilled her dream of visiting Multnomah Falls and the Oregon coast Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Shannon Liebrock For as long as she can remember, Shannon Liebrock has loved to collect photographs of waterfalls. Liebrock, who has worked as a professional photographer for over 30 years, has always dreamed of traveling to Oregon to see some of the state’s many incredible waterfalls. “I specialize in taking photos of college and high school sports...

Wellness

Your Health, Rediscovered

Mindy Zonts of Prime IV Hydration helps patients chart a new course for well-being Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Stephanie Slezak In a time when healthcare is too often a matter of disease treatment, Family Nurse Practitioner Mindy Zonts is putting her clinical experience, compassion for people, and dedication to integrative wellness at the forefront, helping patients explore a growing and innovative model for health. Zonts has a well of experience from years working in acute...

Food + Beverage

A Patriotic Parfait

Layered with fresh fruit, airy cake and whipped cream, these parfaits are a pure delight Article by Beth Del Ville Light up your 4th of July celebration with a dessert that's as patriotic as it is delicious! This easy-to-make treat comes together in a (firework’s) flash using fresh berries, pillowy pound cake and creamy whipped cream. Assembling this show-stopping dessert is a breeze. We've used strawberries and blueberries for that classic look, but don't hesitate to toss in raspberries or...

Life + Culture

The Master Craftsman's Pour

James Lewis's passion for community and artisanry shapes both business and pleasure Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Stephanie Slezak Gates and bourbon. It might seem like an unlikely pairing, but for James Lewis, owner of Renovate Your Gate, they're both expressions of his passion for craftsmanship and excellence. He creates custom gates by day, and by night, explores the rich world of fine bourbon. His collection, largely amassed mostly in the first of his four years collecting...