Health + Wellness

Crafting Smiles with Heart

The Story of Dr. Kamal Alfakiani and Surprise Orthodontics Article by Kylie Strawn-Badger | Photography by Nichole Eckman From an early age, Dr. Kamal Alfakiani, known to his patients simply as Dr. Kamal, felt a deep calling toward healthcare. What began as a childhood dream evolved into a purpose-driven career built on a unique blend of science, artistry, and human connection. Today, Dr. Kamal is the heart behind Surprise Orthodontics, a place where over 5,000 patients have found confidence...

Home Services

From Barn to Backyard: Training Tails and Wagging Tales

Helping pets and people thrive with heart, humor, and skill Article by Kylie Strawn-Badger | Photography by Nichole Eckman Kristi Kay May is the owner and visionary behind Legend Acres Dog and Horse Solutions and the nationally recognized Legend’s Heroes Service Dog Training Program. Her journey into the world of animal care and training began at an early age and was inspired by a lifelong love of animals, a deep sense of community, and a desire to serve others in meaningful ways. Originally...

Arts + Culture

Where Theater Meets Transformation

The Story of Actors PLAYground Article by Kylie Strawn-Badger | Photography by Nichole Eckman Actors PLAYground was born from a lifelong love of theater and a desire to create something meaningful for the next generation. Founder and Artistic Director Amber Ryan has always felt at home on stage. That passion took root when her mother brought her to her first play as a young girl. From that moment on, she was captivated, not just by the show, but by the magic theater could spark within people. ...

Arts + Culture

Publishers Letter

Article and Photography by Happy Back to School! As a mom of four, the end of summer is always bittersweet. I will miss the amazing time we got spent together, the adventures we took and the memories we made throughout the summer. But I am also excited for their upcoming school year, new achievements, exciting milestones and the friendships they will continue and new ones they create. Now we get to share in the excitement and dread of school clothes shopping, newest trends, school supplies...

Entertainment

Hope Takes Flight

A young artist’s vision soars as Rainbow Ryders and ACFC team up to bring joy, healing, and inspiration skyward. Article by Kylie Strawn-Badger | Photography by Rainbow Ryders Rainbow Ryders, the premier hot air balloon company in the Southwest, has been creating unforgettable experiences in the sky since 1983. With locations in Phoenix, Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, and Park City, Rainbow Ryders operates a fleet of 40 balloons and employs FAA-certified pilots with more than 50,000 hours of...

Travel

Legacy and Luxury at The Wigwam

Discovering a living monument to Arizona’s rich, historic past. Article by Ashley Hathaway Nestled in the heart of Litchfield Park, Arizona, The Wigwam Resort is more than just a luxury getaway—it’s a living piece of American history. With roots that trace back over a century, The Wigwam has evolved from a simple corporate retreat into one of the most iconic and historically rich resorts in the United States. Its story is a compelling blend of industrial innovation, wartime legacy, Hollywood...

Travel

Making a Splash in the Sonoran Desert

Scottsdale’s Indoor Water Park Redefines Family Entertainment in the Valley Article by Ashley Hathaway Looking for a family getaway right in your own backyard? Arizona, renowned for its stunning desert landscapes, world-class golf, and luxurious spas, has added an exciting new attraction to its tourism scene: Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale. Opened in September 2019, this indoor water park resort is the first of its kind in the state—and it's making waves in more ways than one. Its debut...

Local Services

Is Your Dog’s Enrichment Actually Enriching?

Let’s Set the Record Straight on What Your Dog Really NeedsWe all want the best for our pets—but when it comes to enrichment, even the most well-intentioned dog parents can fall into some common traps. At Legend Acres, a nationally recognized training and behavior center based in Surprise, Arizona, we’re busting the myths and giving dog owners expert-backed strategies that truly support your dog’s mental and emotional well-being.Myth #1: “If it involves food, it’s just feeding—not...

Local Services

Sedona State of Mind

A Soulful Escape Amid Sedona’s Red Rock Majesty Article by Ashley Hathaway Tucked among Arizona’s crimson cliffs and winding canyons, Sedona offers the perfect balance of natural wonder, refined comfort, and quiet romance. It’s a place where time slows down—where you wake to desert stillness and end the day under a canopy of stars. Sedona’s iconic red rock landscape is a stunning display of nature’s artistry. The vivid reds, oranges, and pinks come from iron oxide in the sandstone, which...

Life + Culture

Publisher's Letter

Article by Faith Morello With July, our summer is in full swing. Kids are out of school, the pools are splashing, and adventures are just beginning. Our July issue is packed with opportunities for exploration. In Arizona, there is so much to discover—from the Grand Canyon and beautiful mountain landscapes to amazing resorts perfect for a memorable staycation. Every summer, my family loves to explore. Sometimes it’s a short day trip to a small town, sometimes it’s a road trip out of state, and...