Life + Culture

Santa Clause is Coming to Town.

Get in the Christmas Spirit and bring a little cheer to those in need. Article by Breanna Vega | Photography by Kaeden Peterson 'Tis better to give than to receive': is a timeless expression found in the corners of some of our favorite holiday movies, songs, and books. From A Christmas Carol to Cindy Lou Who changed the Grinch’s cold heart, it’s a message that has been around American holiday lore since what feels like, from the beginning of time. It’s easy to get caught up in the restless...

Local Services

Christmas in Bloom

The Cottage Flowers and Gifts will inspire your holiday shopping. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson Susan Johnson fills a vintage inspired red container with branches of Douglas, Silver Fir, Cedar, and Juniper along with deep red roses, alstroemeria blooms, accented by pine cones and a plaid red and green ribbon. Susan is the owner of The Cottage Flowers and Gifts in Queen Creek, a unique shop to find custom floral arrangements for any occasion, as well as gifts...

Life + Culture

Toys for All

The Kiwanis Club makes sure everyone gets something under the tree. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson The Kiwanis Club of Queen Creek was first chartered in 1985 and has made it a focus to help children in need throughout the East Valley. Their signature event is their Kid's Christmas Car Show and Toy Drive that they hold every year to make sure disadvantaged children still get a Christmas to remember. This year the event will be held on December 14th at Desert...

Style + Beauty

The Gift of Good Skin

Golgotha Apothecary feeds your skin what it has been craving. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson Sarena DeBaca was in the pharmaceutical industry for 15 years but found herself increasingly at odds with her career. 'It’s so difficult to be passionate about something when your professional opinion does not align with your personal beliefs.' After careful thought, and the support of her husband, Sarena made the decision to quit her job. Sarena felt a calling that she...

Shopping

As You Wish

A personal touch and some creativity go a long way this holiday season. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson Nothing means more or is as unique than a gift made with your own two hands. That is why at As You Wish Painting and Pottery Place you have the chance to express your own artistic flair to truly personalize a gift this Christmas. For those who have yet to experience As You Wish, you begin with a plain ceramic piece of pottery of your choice. You may select from...

Food + Beverage

Christmas Sugar Cookies

A family recipe just for the holidays. Article by Florence Daniels It's time to set out that tray of milk and cookies for Santa, so why not treat him to something homemade. Here is another Ellsworth family recipe to add to your traditions. Ingredients: 3 1/4 cups of flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 cup butter 1 cup sugar 1 egg 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/2 cup sour cream Directions: Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Step 2: Sift together flour, baking...

Life + Culture

The Keffer Twins

Liam and Kayde are scooting their way to new heights. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson Liam and Kayde Keffer of San Tan Valley are 15 year old twins who share many things, including a passion for scootering, a sport rapidly growing in popularity. Yet they insist they have their differences too, from their hairstyles to their scootering style. Kayde is 'regular' while Liam is what is known as 'goofy'. Originally they followed in their dad's footsteps by pursuing...

Travel

America the Beautiful

Brad Schnepf took a tour of America and found that the American Spirit is alive and well. Article by Florence Daniels Our publisher, Brad Schnepf and his wife, Wendy, had one goal: to see Mount Rushmore. Their plans would involve an RV, a map, and a desire to reintroduce themselves to their country along the way. It wasn't a meticulously planned route, it was more like a 'day by day' strategy, allowing for an open mind and a bit of curiosity to help lead the way. They knew that it would...

Food + Beverage

A Slice of Queen Creek

An apple pie recipe courtesy of an original Queen Creek homesteading family. Article by Florence Daniels Margaret Ellsworth, otherwise known affectionately as 'Nonnie' to her family, really loved cooking. She could be up early baking or preparing breakfast, sometimes for a crowd as big as twenty. At a time when they lived far from the conveniences of shops and restaurants, food came straight from the farm to the kitchen in the 1940's and 50's in Queen Creek. Nonnie was a talented chef whipping...

Fitness

Thankful for Our Military

Showing support for armed forces and first responders is easy. Article by Florence Daniels Jennifer Hilderbrand is the president of the Hope Foundation which helps veterans and first responders pay for their counseling needs. She is also running the Ruck4Freedom , a 5K, 10K, or half marathon that will be held on November 16th at Horseshoe Park. When you register you will be joining a community of active military, veterans, first responders, and their families and friends to show your...