Arts + Culture

Finding Beauty in the Familiar

For artist Danielle Conti, inspiration often begins with a place she once overlooked. Article by Jett Arredondo | Photography by Provided Born and raised in Arizona, Conti admits she spent much of her life taking the desert for granted. The sunsets, glowing mountains, and dramatic skies simply felt normal. It wasn't until she began traveling that she realized how unique those landscapes truly were. "I just thought it was dry and boring," she says. "It wasn't until I started traveling to other...

Travel

Pacific Northwest Wonders

Coastal Breezes & Forest Canopies: An Oregon Escape Article by Wendy Bates | Photography by Provided Shortly after our daughter went to the University of Arizona, John and I scheduled our first “empty nester” vacation in July of last year. Our journey into the heart of the Pacific Northwest began in Portland, a city that perfectly balances urban energy with breathtaking natural beauty. As nature lovers, our first stop was Washington Park, the city’s crown jewel. Exploring it was a sensory...

Travel

Where the Pines Meet the City

An easygoing girls' getaway revealed Spokane's blend of natural beauty, local character, and unexpected charm. Article by Jett Arredondo | Photography by Provided Some trips are packed with must-see attractions and carefully planned itineraries. Our girls' getaway to Spokane was something different. It was less about checking boxes and more about finding ourselves pleasantly surprised by a city that felt welcoming, unpretentious, and full of character. From the moment we arrived, Spokane...

Auto + Marine

Catch A Wave

A Tempe car show driven by legacy, community, and giving back to the next generation Article and Photography by Jett Arredondo Before it became a staple on Tempe’s event calendar, Catch A Wave Car Show started with a simple idea and a “no.” When a local Chevrolet club proposed shutting down Mill Avenue for a car show, the request was denied. Instead of letting the idea fade, the Kiwanis Club of Tempe Nuevo stepped in, securing Kiwanis Park and creating something entirely their own. What began...

Health + Wellness

In Good Hands

An orthodontist, a father, and the quiet work of shaping confidence for the next generation. Article by Jett Arredondo | Photography by Annaliza Izydorczyk There is a certain kind of care that doesn’t come from training. It’s not learned in school or refined over time. It’s shaped in quieter ways through presence, patience, and the perspective that comes with fatherhood.     For Dr. Frost, that perspective was shaped long before he had kids of his own. “One thing I cherished about my own...

Home + Design

Desert Living, By Design

How intention, climate, and lifestyle are shaping a more thoughtful way to live outdoors in Phoenix. Article by Wendy Bates | Photography by Provided In Phoenix, landscape design is no longer just about aesthetics. It is about intention. As the city continues to evolve, so does the way people think about their outdoor spaces. Water conservation, climate resilience, and lifestyle-driven design are shaping a new kind of desert living, one that feels both elevated and deeply connected to its...

Style + Beauty

Red Carpet Classroom

Joe Zee brings industry insight and real-world fashion into the next generation of creatives Article and Photography by Provided Joe Zee has a hard time defining an “average” week. Last March, he was on the Oscars red carpet offering live commentary on celebrities like Zendaya, Michael B. Jordan, and Demi Moore. In April, he hosted the Canadian Fashion and Arts Design Awards. And in between, he’s preparing for his next semester teaching fashion styling at ASU FIDM. A longtime force in the...

Style + Beauty

Style Your Spring with Scarves

Effortless ways to refresh your wardrobe with one simple accessory Article by Wendy Bates | Photography by Provided Scarves are having a major moment this season, and there’s never been a better time to experiment with this versatile accessory. At Clothes Mentor, Stephanie and her team are embracing the trend with fresh ideas for wearing them in ways you might not have tried before. Gone are the days of saving your scarf strictly for cold weather. Tie one onto your handbag for an instant...

Life + Culture

Trailblazers of Tempe: Nine Women Making a Difference

The Local Leaders, Innovators, and Advocates Whose Stories Inspire Our City Article and Photography by Jett Arredondo   Carol Royse The Carol Royse Team  I’ve always been a volunteer, from a young age at church and in Girl Scouts to later serving on multiple boards as an adult. As a stay-at-home mom, I quickly realized I wanted to be more involved in my community, which led me to organizations like United Way, Tempe St. Luke’s, and the Boys & Girls Club, where I served as chair for many...

Food + Beverage

Together, They Create Magic

A mother-daughter duo creating a whimsical escape for gathering, conversation, and a little everyday magic. Article and Photography by Jett Arredondo   There’s a certain kind of closeness that only exists between a mother and daughter. It’s layered. Evolving. At times unspoken, but always understood. For Melissa and Haley, that connection has always been there. They share the same sense of humor, the same attention to detail, the same instinct for what feels right. They describe themselves...