Beauty

Living a Thankful Life

Living life, one thankful day at a time Article by Ashleigh Underwood | Photography by Sonja Stafford Local aesthetician extraordinaire DeeDee Green lives a life of gratitude and it shows in everything she does. Her kindness, warmth, and openness make you feel like you’re catching up with a childhood friend instead of meeting someone for the first time. While DeeDee’s passion has always been in skin and beauty (she comes from a family who had Avon businesses) she pursued a medical career...

Life + Culture

Scrapbook Journaling

Remembering the Moments We're Most Thankful For Article by Ashleigh Underwood I’ve always been a journal person. I’ve gone through every trendy journal type and journal method—anybody remember Password Journal? Eventually, I was introduced to scrapbooking in high school. As the girl who cannot draw a stick figure with a ruler, I found scrapbooks to be a great creative outlet.  At some point, I decided to combine the two loves into what I call scrapbook journaling. It’s a great way to remember...

Life + Culture

Their Service, Our Gratitude

Article by Ashleigh Underwood There’s a little coffee shop on the east side of Mesa, right on Power road. It’s called Black Rifle Coffee. It’s more than your average coffee shop, it’s an embassy for local veterans, first responders, and active service members. The coffee is delicious but it’s the atmosphere that catches your eye, the shop is always filled with these brave men and women and their families. Some are coming in to grab something to go on their break and others are picking tables...

Finance + Legal Services

Service in Action

How Rayhons Financial Gives Back to Vets All Year Long Article by Ashleigh Underwood | Photography by Provided Rayhons Financial doesn’t just believe in living a thankful life, they show their gratitude by showing up for their community. Rayhons Financial proudly serves our veterans and first responders through partnerships with the AZ Rattlers and Ridge Riders. Rayhons Financial provide tickets to games and events for veterans and their families. During the game or events, these vets are...

Food + Beverage

More than Catering

The Local Caterer—on a mission for bringing people together and be a part of something bigger Article by Ashleigh Underwood | Photography by Sonja Stafford Josh and Kasandra are the husband and wife duo behind The Local Caterer. The Local Caterer is a family business with their two kids helping with food tastings and menu creation at home as they plan the future for The Local Caterer. They recently started a pop-up restaurant and are working towards making a full restaurant a reality. Josh...

Food + Beverage

Behind the Scenes—Chef Turner

Meet Chef Turner, local chef extraordinaire as he shares about being a chef Article by Ashleigh Underwood | Photography by Sonja Stafford & Provided Q: What brought you to Arizona? Opportunity. I saw Scottsdale’s energy, luxury lifestyle and food scene. I knew it was the perfect place to build my brand. I was tired of life on the road and needed to find my purpose. I started with nothing but a dream and ignorance. Oh, and great food.  Q: How did you decide to pursue being a chef? Born...

Life + Culture

Best Kept Secret

Find the best pairings at Hava Java! Article by Ashleigh Underwood | Photography by Provided Welcome to Hava Java, where there is more than just coffee—with a wine list, crafted beers, and custom energy drinks, there is something for everybody to enjoy. With their large, curated food menu you’re sure to find something for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. We sat down with the owners, got the best pairings from their menu and we are sharing it with you!  Best Pairings at Hava Java #1 The...

Local Services

Amada Senior Care

The Franchise, Which Strives to Allow Seniors to Age in Place in Their Homes, Celebrates its 10th Anniversary Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Lindsay Borg Longtime friends Kimberly Akers and Kris Patmos have always been driven by a desire to enrich the lives of others. “Through extensive research and discovery, we realized that opening an Amada Senior Care franchise would allow us to enrich the lives of seniors and their families while also providing much-needed employment in our...

Style + Beauty

Most Wanted

Article by Ashleigh Underwood | Photography by Katie Levine Competitive It's the one adjective everybody in her life would use to describe her (Sydnee does too). In the Netflix reality show—Million Dollar Secret—Sydnee won the most challenges out of all the contestants. She did wonder if doing poorly would help her in the game but she couldn't follow through with that strategy.  Grateful Very grateful, in fact. Sydnee tries to live by one of her dad’s catchphrases—be happy, hopeful...

Home + Design

Style Your Home

Get to know interior designer Shaunna Cooper as she talks inspiration, her background, and style tips Article by Ashleigh Underwood | Photography by Sonja Stafford When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer? When I moved into my first apartment. I always enjoyed creating a unique space. I enjoyed seeing fully designed spaces with all the intentional details that give a visual impact and wow factor.  What was your childhood like? Were you always redecorating your room or...