Life + Culture

Family-Owned Business Boom

Valley Electric and Solar Company Shines Bright Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Brad Hendron One Valley family-owned company has made it their mission to deliver high-quality electrical and solar options for homeowners Valley-wide. It began in 2009, when Joshua Farley created Redline Electric & Solar, a company that is committed to service, industry, and quality. Kayla Friend, marketing director with Redline Electric & Solar, says their focus is not only on a quality product, but...

Life + Culture

Getting Social

Trying to Increase Social Media Engagement? Expert Megan Ferguson Shares Her Insights Article by Michelle Glicksman | Photography by Provided Megan Ferguson knows social media. She’s the owner of Backcourt Marketing ( BackcourtMarketing.com ), a full-service social media marketing agency, and has been called upon to manage over 100 social media profiles for a variety of brands. Her marketing insights are published in at least three dozen outlets and she is the author of The Complete...

Life + Culture

Ruff and Ready

ALECA Makes an Impact Article and Photography by The Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA) was founded to bring together canine handlers across Arizona for the Desert Dog K9 Trials & Public Safety Expo. Now in its 21st year, this event has evolved into a significant public engagement and entertainment occasion. Through the support of sponsors, ALECA has expanded its mission to include top-tier training for law enforcement and the provision of life-saving medical and safety...

Life + Culture

What Are You Thankful For This Year?

We Asked Members of Our Community for Their Thoughts. Here's What They Had to Say Photography by Provided Mayor Corey D Woods Mayor, City of Tempe “This year and every year, I am incredibly thankful for family and friends. As cliché as it might sound, I’ve found that their support is the most important thing when you live a life of public service. I love my job, and it does require long hours. That’s why I genuinely value my family, friends, and neighbors who have always provided...

Health + Wellness

Acupuncture 101

What to Expect During Your First Acupuncture Appointment Photography by Brad Hendron Acupuncture has been used for over 2,500 years to naturally relieve pain, restore health, and nurture well-being. It is a component of Chinese medicine that uses hair-thin needles into certain points along the body to help with things such as overall wellness, pain, stress, and more. Here, Anna Lunaria, licensed acupuncturist at Yin Rising Acupuncture in Tempe ( YinRising.com ), answers some of the most...

Food + Beverage

Three Tempe Favorites

Wondering Where to Eat Your Next Meal? Here—Your Answer to the 'Where Should We Eat?' Question! Article by Michelle Glicksman | Photography by Provided Picazzo's This Arizona-based, locally-owned, healthy Italian fusion restaurant sources clean, whole foods in which to create its popular dishes. In addition to typically prepared items, Picazzo's has a large selection of gluten-free, vegan, and/or allergen-friendly salads, entrees, pastas, pizzas, and desserts. A daily “healthy hour” offers...

Food + Beverage

The Perfect Appetizer

Ghost Ranch Shares the Recipe for its Popular Coctel de Camaron Photography by Provided Coctel de Camaron (Shrimp Cocktail)   1 lb. large shrimp 1 Tbs. peppercorn 1 each bay leaf 1 ½ cups lemon juice 2 cups lime juice (1 ½ for mix, ½ for sauce) ½ cup clamato ¼ cup Cholula ¼ cup ketchup ½ cup orange juice 1 Tbs. chili powder blend ½ each tomato ¼ each jalapeño ½ each cucumber ¼ each onion ¼ each avocado ¼ bunch cilantro Sea salt (to taste) Tortilla chips   Peel the raw...

Life + Culture

Sip and See

Exploring Four Peaks’ Tempe Brewery Article by Alison Bailin Batz | Photography by Provided Most beers list four primary ingredients on their labels: grains, hops, yeast, and water. “What is not on the label, however, is all of the time, heart, creativity, and ingenuity that brewmasters and their teams pour into each can, bottle, growler, and keg,” says Trevor Needle, marketing director at Tempe’s own Four Peaks Brewing Company. The brewing process is equal parts art and science, and...

Home + Design

Shelf Expression

A Quick Guide to Open Kitchen Shelving Photography by Provided Adding open kitchen shelves to your space not only offers a realm of storage opportunities, but they are a great way to show off your decorating style. Here, Kitchen Tune-Up Tempe Ahwatukee shares a few ways to optimize your open shelves to make the most impact.   1. Plan Your Layout Before installing, thoroughly plan your layout. Balance appliances, windows, and focal points. Open shelving should create visual balance without...

Fitness

Having a Ball

Gergana Slavova on Ballroom Dance, Raising Money—And Of Course—Those Fabulous Costumes Article by By Michelle Glicksman and Wendy Bates | Photography by Provided Gergana Slavova, who grew up in Bulgaria, was just 7 years old when she began dancing. By 11, she was competing along with her partner, Nikolay Kralev. Soon, they were placing in competitions all over Bulgaria and Eastern Europe—and placing in the top three. “Ballroom is one of the best things,” Slavova says. “It teaches you how to...