Home + Design

Elevated Entertaining

Explore how refined touches and treasured family pieces can transform your table into an impeccable dining experience Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Stephanie Slezak Transforming a simple meal into a memorable occasion begins with the art of the tablescape. This season, embrace the captivating allure of feminine heirloom style, curating a table that tells a story and exudes heartfelt intention. Setting the stage for the dishes served, a thoughtfully adorned table acts as a...

Style + Beauty

Vintage Vibes

Incorporating vintage pieces into your wardrobe brings your style game to the next level Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Stephanie Slezak Gone Country Stylish no matter how you slice it, interior designer Lisa Ryan Whyte loves vintage and incorporates heritage pieces into her everyday style. Whyte ups the ante in her denim-on-denim ensemble by pairing these classic-with-a-twist cowboy boots. The teal-tipped vintage footwear nods to the spirit of the Southwest and speaks to the...

Style + Beauty

Chloe Ball, Fashionista & Artist Extraordinaire

Artist Chloe Ball turns her love of vintage fashion into live portraits and illustrations Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Stephanie Slezak Chloe Ball often paints in comfortable, but elaborate, pink dresses and outfits—the mainstay of her wardrobe. “I have always had a love for fashion, especially vintage fashion, primarily from the 50s and 60s,” Ball says. “There is so much charm and character to the styles that were most popular during those decades that I love to incorporate...

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...