Food + Beverage

Women in Hospitality

Some of the Incredible Women Leading the West Valley Culinary Scene Article by Susan Lanier-Graham The food scene in the West Valley is rapidly changing, and some incredible women are leading that evolution, thriving in the demanding hospitality industry.  As Jennifer Garrett, General Manager of North Italia in Peoria, says, “It’s an industry that expects you to care deeply and give your all, whether a guest is celebrating a milestone or finding solace after a loss.”  Each of these six...

Arts + Culture

Shari Rowe's Homecoming

The Country Music Artist Returns Home to Arizona and Embraces the West Valley Article by Sydnee Wilson | Photography by Shari Rowe Southwestern songstress Shari Rowe has always been drawn to wide open spaces and the feeling of freedom in her life and music. The Arizona native has traveled the world with her magnetic melodies and vibrant storytelling, but the Wild West always ropes her back in, no matter how far she's gone. Rowe recently traded the wild nights and city lights in Nashville...

Auto + Marine

Lux, Smart SUV

2025 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD is a Sleek Ride Ideal for Every West Valley Gal Article by Angel Fuchs | Photography by Nissan Motor Corporation Nissan has given the 2025 Murano a sharp new design that stands out. It is sleek, edgy, and modern, with a luxurious aesthetic and plenty of bells and whistles.  Sleek Styling This mid-size SUV blends comfort, performance, and advanced technology into one stylish package. As the top-tier offering in the Murano lineup, the Platinum AWD has premium...

Food + Beverage

Pistachio Chocolate Chunk

Go Ahead and Indulge in These Delicious Gluten-Free Cookies Article and Photography by Rebecca Taig Wet Ingredients 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, browned (140g weighed before browning and 115g after browning) ¾ cup (150g) dark brown sugar ¼ cup (50g) cane sugar 1 large egg 1 large egg yolk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon almond extract Dry Ingredients 1¼ cups (170g) Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour ¼ cup (25g) almond flour ¾ teaspoon baking...

Health + Wellness

Putting Loved Ones First

Investing in Quality Senior Care for Your Loved Ones Article and Photography by Ashley Hathaway Finding the proper care for an aging loved one can be daunting. The search for appropriate senior living often involves navigating complex emotional, logistical, and financial challenges. After years of working in IT, finance, and management, Nick Ratiu noticed a significant gap in how families search for senior living options. Families often struggle to navigate a fragmented, outdated system...

Life + Culture

Investing in Those Who Serve

First-Page Organization Offers a New Beginning to Veterans, First Responders, and Children Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Christopher Oshana There are countless ways people invest in their local community. Amanda Tallman founded First Page ( First-Page.org ) to invest in veterans, first responders, and children. Creating First Page was near and dear to Tallman’s heart. “The name First Page was inspired by a profound personal loss,” shares Tallman, a US Army veteran. “In the...

Travel

Live the SLO Life

Invest Time Away to Discover a Slower Pace of Life in San Luis Obispo Article and Photography by Susan Lanier-Graham San Luis Obispo ( VisitSLO.com )—SLO to the locals—is on California’s scenic Central Coast in a valley at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. While SLO is a playful acronym, I discovered it also embodies this charming city’s laid-back vibe, which allowed me to slow down and relax. SLO offers year-round sunshine and a warm Mediterranean marine climate. Best of all, you...

Auto + Marine

Rugged, Stylish SUV

2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV AWD is a Smart Family Investment Article by Angel Fuchs | Photography by Chevrolet The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV AWD compact SUV is a showstopper on the road. With its exclusive redesigned front grille, all-terrain tires, and slightly lifted suspension, it is designed for adventurous drivers who desire luxury, class, and practicality.  As a long-time Chevrolet owner, I was impressed with the aesthetics and upgrades offered in the 2025 Equinox. I drove a Reef...

Home + Design

Home Show

Local Businesses Showcase Everything For Your Home Article by Susan Lanier-Graham | Photography by Nichole Eckman More than 1200 people turned out in mid-January for the 2nd Annual North Peoria Home Show, created by co-founders Julie LaCroix, publisher of North Peoria Lifestyle, and Tyler Croft, owner of Croft & Co. Lending ( CroftLending.com ). This year, the founders were joined by the Peoria Chamber of Commerce ( PeoriaChamber.com ) as a strategic partner to create an exciting day at...

Home + Design

The Heart of Your Home

Styling Tips for Designing a Living Room That Feels Like Home Article by Susan Lanier-Graham | Photography by Nichole Eckman Living rooms are a central feature of most homes. They are often the first thing people see when they enter your front door and the place where everyone hangs out. We recently sat down with Travy Williams, co-owner with her husband Tyler, of Nest Home & Co. ( NestHomeCo.com ), to discuss styling essentials for your living room.  Q: So why living rooms? A:  The...