Education

Self-Advocacy and Benefits to Your Child

I have observed a generational problem. Children seem to think others are looking out for their best interest; they believe their parents, teachers, or other adults are looking out for them. So, they drown out their inner voices. Self-advocacy is the ability to speak up for yourself and the things necessary to you. The first step is a deep understanding of oneself. Self-advocacy means knowing and choosing what you want for YOU! It does not mean you cannot get help or support. But, you take...

Arts + Culture

Holiday Giving

Looking for Gift Ideas? We Have Plenty! Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Lindsay Borg For The Home If you are looking for a perfect gift for someone who loves to entertain, this is it! Bloomingville Acacia Wood Domed Pedestal Server, $125; TomKat Shoppe, Downtown Ocotillo   Nothing makes a house a home or brightens a day like fresh flowers! UrbanStems, assorted arrangements, subscriptions from $55; UrbanStems.com   Turn a favorite photo into a memorable hand created work...

Style + Beauty

Fashion Forward

d’Vine Gourmet Owner Denise McCreery Brings Style, Pride to Downtown Article by Rebecca L. Rhoades | Photography by Lindsay Borg For the past two years, Denise McCreery, owner of local epicurean institution d’Vine Gourmet, had been subletting half of a storefront, where she held regular wine classes, from a paleta business on Boston Street. When the sweet treat shop closed its doors earlier this year, McCreery saw an unmet opportunity. “We were able to take over the space,” she says. “We just...

Life + Culture

Gifting Love

Pets Can Make Great Holiday Presents—But Only When Given Responsibly Article by Rebecca L. Rhoades | Photography by Provided Picture it—it’s Christmas morning and your family is gathered around the tree. One gift is left. Topped with a giant bow, it has your kids’ names on it. They excitedly open it and scream in joy as a new puppy or kitten jumps out. It’s a moment you will remember for years to come. Yes, this happy holiday moment can happen. But there are a few things to keep in mind to...

Arts + Culture

Pony Puff Beads

Mariah Abeita Was Inspired to Open Her Own Jewelry Business to Honor her Indigenous Heritage and Share Its Hozho—or Beauty—With Others Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Provided 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 creating jewelry inspired by her Indigenous heritage and the stories behind the traditional designs. In 2020, Abeita, who...

Home + Design

Home for the Holidays

Local Design Team Completes This Chandler Renovation Just in Time for the Holidays Article by Kim Stoegbauer | Photography by Elizabeth Lawlor The TomKat design team recently completed this stunning renovation in Chandler. Our clients are excited to embrace the holiday season in their beautifully transformed home, which now boasts a fresh and inviting atmosphere perfect for celebrating with family and friends. Throughout the renovation process, our design team, led by Heather Maddox, focused...

Education

Does your child retain what they study?

Does your child get anxiety before tests, despite studying and acing their homework? This is likely an Executive Functioning issue in the areas of attention, memory recall, and processing speed.For many students, understanding and retaining information can be difficult and test anxiety can exacerbate the issue, leading to an all-too-familiar pre-test nervousness, even after hours of studying and completing homework assignments.Can you help your child improve? Yes!So, how can you help your child...

Life + Culture

Protecting Our Pets

Local Teen Starts Nonprofit to Help Animals in Need Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Provided One local nonprofit is making it their goal to improve animal welfare and well-being across the Valley and the nation. Jordan Sucato is the brains behind the student-run nonprofit Laws For Paws AZ, which has a mission to bring awareness to the malpractice and mistreatment of animals. “We are advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves. While our initial focus was on legislative...

Life + Culture

Home Care for Senior Veterans: Two Key VA Benefits

The Owner of the Local Amada Senior Care Shares What You Need to Know Article by Kimberly Akers This month brings Veteran’s Day, when many active-duty and retired service members will hear, “Thank you for your service.” How many times have you uttered those words to a deserving veteran or heard them directed to you if you’ve served in the Armed Forces? While those protecting their country or home go back for as long as we can remember, there hasn’t always been benefits that provide in-home...

Wellness

Renovate Your Gate

This Business Helps Homeowners Boost Their Safety and Curb Appeal Article by Michelle Talsma Everson | Photography by Provided When someone visits your home, the first thing they see is something we may not often consider—your gate. An updated gate, whether stylish, practical, or both, can be a one-of-a-kind way to make your residence stand out. Luckily, there’s Renovate Your Gate, a locally owned  gate contractor that can take gates of all shapes and sizes from drab to fab. James Lewis...