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...

Travel

Keep Calm & Carry On

Everything you need to make any flight feel like first class Article by Beth Del Ville Airports can be chaotic, middle seats are torture and the legroom is never enough. But a well-packed carry-on? That part is entirely up to you. Whether you’re headed to a quick weekend getaway or a transatlantic adventure, these curated essentials are sure to keep you comfy for the long haul — or short.   1. BAREFOOT DREAMS COZYCHIC ANKLE SOCKS | $25 | nordstrom.com | The ultimate in warmth and softness...

Entertainment

Wander Mortimer Farms

This iconic family farm offers year-round adventures for all generations Article by Michelle Talsma Everson | Photography by Provided by Mortimer Farms At Mortimer Farms, every season has its own story.   It begins in spring, when fields are planted, flowers open and baby animals arrive. It swells into summer with blackberries, tomatoes, sweet corn and sunflowers. By fall, the farm turns golden, filled with pumpkins, cider and family traditions. Winter brings a slower beauty, with greenhouse...

Food + Beverage

Board Certified Burgers

Get set for the ultimate board meeting. Meet the burger board - the quintessential spread for grilling season. Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Stephanie Slezak Few things in this world are more satisfying than a really great burger. It is primal, it is simple, and when done right, it is absolutely unforgettable. The burger board takes everything you love about a classic cookout and turns it into a spread worthy of a standing ovation. Whether you're hosting the guys, feeding the...

Style + Beauty

Men’s Jewelry Is Getting a Bold Makeover

From statement watches to custom belt buckles, men’s jewelry is becoming self-expressive Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Stephanie Slezak Until the end of the18th century, men wore as much jewelry, lace, and color as women did to display their wealth, power, and personality. Then came the “Great Male Renunciation” when men’s dress turned dark and somber, and masculine jewelry fell mostly out of fashion. More than two-hundred years later, it was still viewed as gaudy, often...

Home + Design

Built To Last

Hands-on builders shaping our community, one home and relationship at a time Article by Michelle Talsma Everson | Photography by Stephanie Slezak and Megan Duffy In Ahwatukee, homes are more than structures. They hold decades of stories, evolving alongside the families who live in them. For the team behind GBC Homes, that sense of continuity shapes every project, influencing how they build and how they connect with the people they build for.   For co-founders Carl Churchman and Geno Carr...

Entertainment

Shared Moments, Stronger Connections

Women are redefining how they spend time together Article by Michelle Talsma Everson Calendars fill quickly, and somewhere between work, family and daily life, friendships can quietly slip to the margins. Dinner and drinks remain the default, but many women are finding routine alone does not always sustain connection. What makes the difference is intention. Doing something together, rather than simply catching up across a table, is reshaping how friendships grow.   The shift is subtle but...

Life + Culture

Easing Peoples’ Burdens

As CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona, Leslie McReynolds is devoted to helping Arizonans living with, or at risk for kidney disease Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Provided by Leslie McReynold In April, Leslie McReynolds celebrated her 16 year anniversary working with the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona (NKF AZ). McReynolds, who has been CEO of the nonprofit organization for 6 years, took some time to answer questions about her life in – and love of – Ahwatukee...

Style + Beauty

Radiation, Resilience, Revival

Cancer survivor Ana Piña turned her fashion dreams into a reality Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Stephanie Slezak Ana Piña didn’t grow up with much, but her grandma and mom lived by the mindset that, no matter the circumstances, you always had to look your best. So, they thrifted, spending a good deal of time inside Goodwill and Salvation Army.   Once, her mom, Esthela Gniot, even answered an ad in the newspaper that a woman in Paradise Valley was selling off her daughter...