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...

Food + Beverage

French Twist

Carrie Schnepf brings her appreciation for French baking to Queen Creek. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson For their 10th wedding anniversary, Carrie and Mark Schnepf spent two weeks driving around France. By chance, they came across the town of Antibes in southern France and she has been returning every year since. Carrie says the old town is 'so quaint, so French', filled with boulangeries, cobblestone streets, a flower cart, and someone playing the accordion.   ...

Home + Design

A Thanksgiving Table

Ivy and Sage bring you some inspiration this Thanksgiving. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson Visual merchandising manager, Sandy Sylvester, of Ivy and Sage created a Thanksgiving table scape to inspire your own this holiday. Using a color scheme of orange, gold, green, white, and black, the effect is traditional and classic.  She used pumpkins, leaves, pinecones, tapers and a custom floral piece. The look is layered and warm.  Sandy's top tip is 'Go with what you...

Life + Culture

A Queen in Queen Creek

Lincoln Leckwold Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson Lincoln Leckwold is an energetic and funny seven year old. She is also the 2nd runner up in the National American Miss competition which was held over the summer. Her placement has earned her the chance to represent Queen Creek at the 'I Am' Nationals in Orlando in November. It is an impressive start considering it was her first ever beauty pageant.'I thought why not.' her mom, Aftin, said of their first foray into...

Food + Beverage

A Family Recipe

Senor Rio tequila is a recipe passed down the generations. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson Debbie mixes a Paloma, a popular Mexican cocktail, using shots of Senor Rio's Reposado tequila. She muddles the slices of grapefuit, lime, and orange and tops it off with grapefruit soda, while the rim is dipped in Tajin for added spice. The result is a refreshing drink with a pleasantly delicate tequila. The tequila comes from the blue agave plant grown on a single estate in...

Food + Beverage

Caldwell County BBQ

Texan smoked meats with an Arizona twist. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson Travis Taylor slices a beautifully smoked piece of brisket before laying it out on a tray alongside some ribs, turkey, and pulled pork. The method of preparing the meats follows a traditional central Texas style using mesquite firewood smokers. The various meats can cook anywhere between 10-14 hours. Slowly the meat is smoked to perfection until it is so tender and moist it falls right off...

Home + Design

5 Essential Tips for Organizing Your Kitchen

Learn to be a cook of calm and not chaos. Article by Etelka Hendrickson and Suzy Lenander | Photography by Kaeden Peterson Etelka and Suzy shared a common dream, but it took a mutual friend introducing these two ladies in 2018 for their dreams to be realized through the birth of their company, Simply Organized Solutions For You, LLC. SOS4U is a professional organizing business based in the heart of Queen Creek and specializing in helping clients declutter and organize their homes in a way that...