Style + Beauty

JEWELRY IS EVERYTHING

How bold gemstones, mixed metals and vintage pieces are making statement jewelry part of everyday style and personal expression. Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Emily Albright Photo Delicate, minimalist jewelry is stepping aside as bolder statement pieces reclaim the spotlight. “You're starting to see sculptural pieces, almost like wearable architecture around your neck," says Myranda of Myranda Fine Jewelry. "Bold metals are having a moment, but they aren't meant to be perfect...

Arts + Culture

Phoenix Rising Stars Talk Personal Style

Away from the field, three players embrace fashion as another way to express identity, heritage and personal confidence daily. Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Ashley Orellana Player 1: Ihsan "Nino" Sacko Position: Striker/Winger What does personal style mean to you? To be honest, since I was young, I didn't like to wear the same clothes as the people around me. And I want to put the light on my sister, because she helped me to choose a lot of my clothes in the past. And yeah, if I...

Arts + Culture

One Happy Artist

How a series of unexpected detours—from a Siberian farm to Arizona—led ceramicist Rike Kova to clay, creativity and herself. Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Raquel King Photography Arizona-based ceramicist Rika Kova grew up in a small town in southern Siberia, Russia, where being an artist wasn't considered a profession. It was the 1990s, shortly after the Soviet Union collapsed. Factories closed, jobs disappeared and many families survived by growing food and bartering for...

Style + Beauty

What's Old Is Bag Again

Y2K handbags are back, but Queen Creek's Dusk Boutique says personal style wins over trends. Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Timeless Vision Media Nostalgia has a tight grip on fashion these days as social media thrusts "old-school" trends back into the public eye. Nowhere is that more evident than in handbags, where the coveted "it bags" of the early 2000s have officially earned the label of vintage, a mere two decades later. Whether young people are rummaging through their...

Arts + Culture

Beneath the Finishes

Alex Pevtsova designs homes around the daily rhythms of the people who live in them. Article by Camilla Richardson | Photography by A. Marie Studio, Amy Schaumberg Interior designer Alex Pevtsova of Pif. Design Studio doesn’t create luxury for the sake of luxury — she believes a home must reflect the daily rhythms of those who live in it.    “Everything we do starts from function,” Pevtsova says. “Beauty is really just the byproduct.”   A first-generation American, Pevtsova arrived at...

Life + Culture

Dining With Your Dog

Best Pet Friendly Patios in Queen Creek Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Jayleen York For many Valley pet owners, dining out with their four-legged friends brings them joy. Fortunately, Queen Creek is home to several restaurants and destinations welcoming dogs to their outdoor patios while serving everything from brunch favorites to craft beer and Italian-inspired food. Whatever experience you are looking for, these pet-friendly patio spots are well worth a visit. Uncle Bear’s...

Arts + Culture

Unplugging Through Family Creative Time

For 30 years, the community has gathered here making memories. Photography by Timeless Vision Media Long before Jared Neff became the chief operating officer for As You Wish, he was a young boy painting a picture frame for his father at one of the company's studios. Across the top and bottom, in bold red letters, he wrote: "I Love You Daddy." More than 25 years later, the frame still sits on his father's desk. Michaela "MJ" Jaskowiak, As You Wish's social media and PR director, has a...

Home + Design

Safe Spaces, Fewer Pests

Family-friendly pest control helps protect homes, children and pets throughout the summer season. Article by Michelle Talsma Everson For many Queen Creek families, pest control comes down to a simple question: Can it protect the home without disrupting everyday life? Parents want children to play freely in the backyard. Pet owners want dogs and cats to roam their favorite spaces. And few people want to spend the day wondering what was sprayed around the people and animals they love most. ...

Life + Culture

Raising Children, Not Report Cards

Mother of seven and registered nurse Julie Matheson shares wisdom for parents this school year Article by Camilla Richardson As another academic year looms, parents are feeling the pressure to set their children up for success and pick the perfect school. We spoke with Julie Matheson, co-owner of Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center, mother of seven and a registered nurse, about choosing what’s best for your child’s education. Matheson, who can relate to the strain, says to lift the weight...

Education

The Healing Herd

A Queen Creek sanctuary invites visitors to connect with rescued farm animals. Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Kaylee Chelsea Photography Stepping onto Aimee’s Farm Animal Sanctuary, you might be greeted by a three-legged baby goat. Nearby, you’ll meet founder Aimee Takaha, beaming like a proud mother at the kid’s impressive dexterity and speed. “Would you like to feed her?” she might offer, extending a bottle. “Her name is Clover.” Clover will hungrily (and happily) agree to the...