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...

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...

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...

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...

Food + Beverage

Perfectly Personal Plates

Effortless meals that are anything but basic Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Stephanie Slezak If you haven't heard of girl dinner, where have you been? The internet-born concept took on a life of its own for good reason; it perfectly captures that specific kind of meal that is equal parts effortless and satisfying—no recipe required. No real cooking, necessarily. Just a beautiful, intentional spread of things you love, arranged with care and enjoyed without apology. We're taking...

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...

Health + Wellness

Build a Better Bedtime

Simple upgrades that turn sleep into an all-day advantage Article by Michelle Talsma Everson Good sleep does not start the moment your head hits the pillow. It begins earlier, with small, intentional choices that signal your body it is time to slow down. A quality sleep routine is not about rigid rules or perfection. It is about creating comfort and consistency in a way that supports how you want to feel all day long: focused, energized, and steady. Most adults need at least seven hours of...

Home + Design

The Power of Petals

Investments in blooms bring big returns in joy Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Qiana Kelsch Walk into a room with fresh flowers, and something shifts immediately. Maybe it's the pop of color that first catches your eye, or the subtle fragrance that greets you before you even notice the arrangement. Flowers transform not just a room, but your entire mood.   Here's the thing about flowers: they're one of the few investments where the return has nothing to do with the price tag. A...

Real Estate

Investing in Renovations That Matter

Local real estate expert shares how to prioritize upgrades Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Stephanie Slezak Cory Whyte started as a contractor flipping houses in San Diego. But six months after meeting his future wife, a Realtor, he moved to her hometown of Chandler, Arizona. There, he obtained his real estate license in 2005, enabling them to go into business together.    Twenty years later, Whyte continues to bring his knowledge as a contractor into every real estate project...