As we gaze upon some of the most beautifully designed pools around the nation, what is it that makes them so breathtaking? Is it the rare rocks or stones shipped in from a remote beach on a beautiful island in the middle of the Pacific? Could it be the exotic design and features that keep you mesmerized for hours on end? Maybe it’s the very substance that dances on the surface of these great structures with which we become so intrigued. I would like to say it’s a combination of both. The experience wouldn’t be the same without one or the other.
We are all often so mesmerized by these structures that we fail to truly understand what lies within the water itself. Would you think that even for the slightest moment anyone would ever dare to drink their pool water, feed it to their plants, or use it to care for a vegetable garden? Not a chance! It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what will happen.
There are more chemicals in that so-called swimming pool in the backyard than you can shake a stick at. Chlorine, salt, acid, algaecide, clarifiers, metals, stabilizers, and who knows what else! It’s the greatest experience ever until we emerge from the pool on a hot, sunny afternoon, sunburned and smelling like a chlorine tablet. Then, for the next week we watch as our family’s skin peels as we apply layer upon layer of aloe or lotion to aid in the healing process. Days and weeks go by until we have finally finished the process of shedding our skin like some sort of reptile and then... we’re ready to start again!
But what if we didn’t have to deal with many of these issues at all? What if we were able to use our pool to feed our surrounding vegetation safely? What if we used the pool all day on that hot sunny afternoon and didn’t end up with a sunburn or smell like a chlorine tablet upon getting out?
Over the last eight years, Exceptional Water Systems has developed and tested a system that has presented us with truly amazing results and has been able to create some of the greatest water quality we have ever experienced! This system, called Aqua Fuzion, utilizes pure oxygen and ozone and diffuses them into the water to provide one of the strongest natural disinfectants and oxidizers available. The diffused oxygen is capable of staying in the water for days and weeks at a time. With this extra oxygen present in the water, it provides the softest water feeling you’ve ever experienced. Oxygen itself is used in hospitals and medical centers all over the world for healing in many ways. When added to water, it offers a whole new level of quality to many that are sensitive to the normal swimming pool treatment process.
To balance the pH, we utilize carbon dioxide, which is the forth most abundant gas in the world. It is highly efficient and doesn’t leave any harmful byproducts in the water. As an added benefit, it also helps keep the water alkaline. We utilize all of these elements because they are purely natural!
Exceptional Water Systems is dedicated to providing the healthiest swimming environment possible. We seek to provide a clean, safe, and healthy water environment for all. Once you’ve had the opportunity to experience the Exceptional Water difference, you’ll realize that there’s just no comparison. At Exceptional Water Systems, we provide healthy water for humanity.
If you would like to learn more about our systems, please visit our website at www.exwsystems.com or call (480) 694-4709
(Free & Open to the Public)
https://greenlivingmag.com/earth-day-2023-vendor-application
Green Living Magazine and The City of Phoenix will host the Earth Day Extravaganza outside the Arizona Science Center to educate, empower, and inspire local business owners and our loyal readers about protecting our planet.
Event highlights include:
Kids eco-conscious fashion show, bouncy house, face painting, coloring/ art contest, live music, yoga, sound healing, hip hop dance lessons, Native American dance, vegan chef demonstrations, and so much more!
50
16
Aspirational Recycling
The items that don’t belong in your big blue container
18 Wiki Woman
Entrepreneur shares bond with other women in unique franchise opportunity
HEALTH & WELLNESS
22 Pregnancy and Oral Health
What you need to know
STYLE
24 Beyond Skin Deep
Meet two Valley women helping others to look and feel their best
SAVOR
44 Recipes
Dolce Vita’s Caponata Salad + Wildflower’s Avocado Toast
46 Wild Arizona
Sedona’s The Table at Junipine
TRAVEL
50 Beautiful Italy Beyond Green’s Borgo Pignano and Casa di Langa
DESIGN
54 ReFashioned Art
Artist Laura Madden shares her purpose and passion
TECHNOLOGY
58 The Future of FemTech
The empowering products designed to move women’s healthcare forward
Welcome to the March issue! We’re thrilled to be celebrating Women’s History Month along with all of you and are honored to highlight some phenomenal women inside these pages. From money mentors and pioneers in FemTech, to a host of truly fabulous females who dedicate their lives to uplifting other women, their inspiring stories are standouts in our book.
And while we should be so grateful to have incredible women in our lives every day, make sure to take the time to recognize the amazing women in your life on International Women’s Day on March 8. Additionally, I want to thank our loyal readers and advertisers who continue to show support and love for our content each and every month. Your calls into the office and your comments and questions on social media are always appreciated. Thank you for being a part of our Green Living community and supporting the businesses and people that we feature within these pages. We are humbled and grateful for your support and the love you show for our work.
Dr. Lang received her Doctor of Dental Medicine, DMD, in 2010 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She then completed additional training in an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency. After residency, Dr. Lang fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a dentist in California. She moved to San Diego in 2011 for the beautiful beaches and idyllic weather. She is passionate about helping others look and feel their best. Dr Lang’s hobbies include volunteering, working out, yoga, and enjoying sunny San Diego.
Eco-consciously yours,
Dorie Morales PublisherAngela Fairhurst is a non-fiction television producer and travel journalist whose work has been featured in Matador Network, Southern California Life Magazine, Gio Journal, and on her own site, Jaunt TV — which includes a bevy of exciting videos. She has a knack for writing about luxury hotels and luxury hotel bathrooms, but is well-versed in living green, from the jungles of Costa Rica to wine tasting in the land Down Under. Follow her on Instagram @jaunttv.
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CONTRIBUTORS
Jennifer Burkhart
John Burkhart
Michelle Everson
Angela Fairhurst
Dr. Rebecca Lang, DMD
INTERNS
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Green Living magazine is a monthly publication by Traditional Media Group, LLC. Periodical rate postage paid at Scottsdale, AZ. Publisher assumes no responsibility for contributed manuscripts, editorial content, claims, reviews, photographs, artwork or advertisements. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the company or official policies. Entire contents © 2022 Traditional Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of content in any manner without permission by the publisher is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in signed columns and articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Submissions will not be returned unless arranged to do so in writing. One print subscription is $25 per year or digital subscription is $12 per year. Canadian orders please add $13 per year for shipping and handling. International orders add $22 per year for shipping and handling. Bulk and/or corporate rates available. No representation is made as to the accuracy hereof and is printed subject to errors and omissions.
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It’s no secret that we’ve reached a point of urgency in maintaining the health of our environment. If we don’t make significant adjustments to our lifestyles now, future generations will likely suffer as a result of the irreversible effects of climate change. One of the ways you can make a positive impact is to seek out green homes when looking for a new abode.
Recently, you may have seen a large number of news outlets reporting on recent findings that gas stoves are unhealthy. Just this month, the American Public Health Association released a statement calling the stoves “a public health concern.” In Washington D.C., both the Biden Administration and numerous representatives have ruled out the possibility of a nationwide ban.
Nokia announced its Sustainable Finance Framework that symbolizes the company’s commitment to ecofriendly values and development by connecting financial strategy to its updated ESG policies - a move that Pia Tanskanen, head of environment at Nokia in Finland, says means “doing well by doing good.”
Green Living was happy to attend the February PhxArt AfterHours event on February 3. This exciting event happens four times a year at the Phoenix Art Museum and features free admission to galleries and exhibitions, live music, workshops, entertainment, and food and drink experiences.
Green Living attended Concours in the Hills benefitting Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation with the Scottsdale EV Association on February 5.
The Swiss company nanoFlowcell developed this 8-Volt electric car without a battery. The car runs by electrically charging ionic liquid – salt water – to store energy. The decision was made to forego using a lithium-ion starter battery, given the negative effects of lithium mining. Don’t sell your Tesla just yet, though, as the Quantino is a million dollar EV.
Child Crisis Arizona broke ground on a new campus in Mesa, furthering its mission to provide children and youth a safe environment that is free from abuse and neglect. The two-story, 2.4-acre campus will be one of the first for any nonprofit in Arizona to put sustainability at the forefront for future generations.
The Fibonacci House in Nelson, B.C., Canada is available for rent. This 35-square-meter house has enough room for two adults and two children with a sitting area, loft bedroom, fully functional kitchen, and bathroom. All proceeds from rentals will go to World Housing to build housing in developing nations.
Recently, specialties chemical company Albemarle Corporation announced the development of a breakthrough product called MercLok that captures mercury, offering a way to reduce harmful mercury levels in our soil, water, and food chain. MercLok immobilizes mercury, stopping it from traveling through soil and into groundwater.
The new Vipp garbage can is modeled after the original 1939 Danish Wipp15 pedal bin. It’s made with 75% recycled materials. Wood sawdust leftovers from Vipp’s tabletop manufacturing, along with the plastic waste from sofa production, are compressed and shaped to create this sleek design.
In what ways do you feel your business uplifts other women?
I work to uplift other women by building trust, boosting self-esteem, and enhancing wellness from within. I create a safe, warm, and peaceful atmosphere for women to slow down, re-center, and receive self-care in a one-on-one sacred space. I get to know my clients on a personal level over a series of treatments, and that creates a deeper sense of trust and mutual respect that is essential to success in the treatment room.
What are some of the ways in which you work to support the environment or be eco-friendly?
My passion is educating others and using sustainable skincare that is good for the environment and also reduces inflammation, irritation, and sensitivities, without harming the protective barrier. I believe in a holistic approach to wellness, and getting results with nontoxic, bio-available, and organic pharmaceutical-grade ingredients that feed the skin with the right nutrients to create permanent change.
Additionally, I carry several eco-friendly, naturally sourced skin care lines including Eminence Organic Skin Care and Osmosis. Both lines use reef safe products and maintain sustainability by using recyclable packaging and sustainable shipping materials, and are also free of parabens propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates,
harmful colorants and fragrances, mineral oils, and other harsh chemicals. Through our use of Eminence Organics and its tree planting program, Luminous Skin Lab has contributed to the planting of 424 trees in the last eight months. Worldwide, 22 million trees have been planted through “Forest for the Future,” which allows Eminence Organics to plant a tree for every retail product sold to support communities in developing countries.
What is most important to you as a woman entrepreneur?
To be in alignment with my soul’s highest purpose and evolution. This has been my greatest lesson as a woman entrepreneur, as I had a pattern of taking on multiple jobs for years, and overworking for others which left me feeling unfulfilled. Starting my own business has been challenging and the most rewarding decision I have made in my career, as it inspires me to constantly grow.
What advice would you give to other women on the verge of starting their own business?
When you have a dream, an optimistic mindset, a plan, and determination to make it happen, anything is possible, and it starts with believing in your vision. Don’t underestimate the power of intention, manifesting, journaling, and doing the hard work.
What is your favorite thing about owning your own business?
The freedom to be creative and expand my thinking every day. There are always new challenges, and every day is different. Starting my own business has challenged me to grow in my personal life, my relationship with my fiancé, and with my family. I love the creative process of taking a client through their customized skincare journey and helping my clients to make their skin goals a reality.
HHelping Arizonans to reset and renew their focus on health and wellness in the new year was the inspiration behind Green Living’s recent Health, Wellness & Water Expo. Held on January 26 at the Avondale Visitor & Conference Center, the event brought together thousands of attendees from across the Valley, along with dozens of local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities. The day’s events focused on education and sharing the latest innovations in health, wellness, and water preservation.
The day kicked off with a special greeting from Green Living Publisher Dorie Morales, followed by a welcome message from Avondale Mayor, Kenn Weise, who spoke about the significance of hosting the event at the city’s new sustainably built center, with elements that reflect Avondale’s rich history of agriculture and farming.
Throughout the expo, attendees had the opportunity to hear and learn from experts via numerous speaker
panels and breakout sessions, and to meet local companies and organizations focused on health and water issues.
Quita Jackson, founder of GreenDesert.org, moderated the health and wellness panel and shared a bit about her journey “off the grid.”
She notes, "I really hope that everyone who attended the expo walked away feeling empowered and
inspired to take control of their health through nutrition and natural remedies. My biggest hope is that what they learned will not just be informative, but life-changing. The best part of it all was seeing attendees leave with a renewed sense of excitement for their own wellness journeys."
Psychologist Stevie May Douglas added to the health & wellness discussion by sharing her expertise and the connection between digestive health and mental health.
"You rely on the good bacteria in your gut for whole health. The good bacteria in your gut rely on you for their health. It's a symbiotic relationship. If you can begin to develop and nurture a relationship with yourself in this way, you will naturally begin to be more protective of what you put into your body, and you will feel more appreciation for its systems," she said.
Shifting gears to focus on water, four experts in the field participated in the State of Water in Arizona panel. Avondale’s Water Resources Manager, Jennifer Davidson, spoke about the city’s water resources, systems, and strategies being used to conserve and reuse.
The day’s discussions wrapped up with a final panel focused on water, agriculture, and technology. Five local experts spoke about today’s challenges with farming and agriculture. Additionally, they discussed innovations being used to conserve water and produce quality soil. Dane Hague, CEO and co-founder of the company MyLand, described the company’s system for "regenerative agriculture," and its purpose of replenishing farm land with healthy soil.
“Water is top of mind for so many people in Arizona right now, as it should be. Without water, life cannot sustain. It was great to be part of an event that brought so many different perspectives to an incredibly nuanced and complex conversation,” he said. “At MyLand, we’re humbled to be in position to meaningfully impact how much water can be saved, whether on a golf course, farm, or even at a public park. It starts with building life in the soil.”
Expo visitors also had the chance to participate in three afternoon breakout sessions, featuring Suzette Smith, founder of Garden Goddess; Lourdes D’Sylva, CEO of Lymph Life; and Marilyn Fitzgerald, president of SpiritMindBody.
Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch catered by Witnessing Nature in Food, and several women received free mammograms thanks to a special
collaboration between local nonprofit Check For a Lump and the Mobile Onsite Mammography (MOM) van.
Green Living thanks the following sponsors and partners for helping to make the event such a success: SRP, Discover Avondale, Green Goddess, E2O Energy Group, Pure Vision Technologies, Exceptional Water Systems, Arizona Sustainability Alliance, Simply CBD, Lymph Life, Water Use It Wisely, Liberty Water, Check For a Lump, Mobile Onsite Mammography, and Witnessing Nature in Food.
Check out our staff’s favorite items that enhance their everyday lives as women, as well as one that we’re excited to keep an eye on for the future.
This handheld facial tool has Hollywood celebs raving. Nurse Jamie’s TriAngle Facial Tool is a perfect fit for your morning wake-up or night-time skin care routines and is best used after you’ve applied your serums and moisturizers. The tool is uniquely contoured on all sides to fit your cheekbones, jawline, neck, brows, eye area, and lips. The sonic massaging motion helps your skin to absorb your products better and even includes an optional heat setting. The tool beeps after one minute, letting you know when to switch sides or move to another area. Reviewers say it smooths fine lines and adds firmness to their skin. www.nursejamie.com
One of the most popular period and ovulation trackers to hit the FemTech scene is Clue. The highly rated app not only tracks your monthly cycle, but its highly targeted algorithms also record and detect patterns in your cycle to offer predictions for the month ahead. There are 30 different tracking options that help figure out how your cycle affects things like your mood, skin, energy levels, and more. It also features Clue Pregnancy Mode to follow progress from conception to six weeks postpartum. The app also comes with over 450 science-based articles for your reading and education enjoyment. So far, 11 million people have used the app. Clue’s co-CEOs are dedicated to protecting the data entered by users. www.helloclue.com
Monthly gift boxes are fun, so why not get one that’s good for you and also great for the planet? The Kinder Beauty Box supplies women with full-sized products from smaller companies that are vegan, clean, and free from animal testing. At just $23 a month, boxes include skin care, hair care, body care, and makeup essentials. The company also aims to be as sustainable as possible, utilizing boxes and packaging that are made from 100% recycled materials and that are also biodegradable and compostable. Kinder Beauty uses a soy-based ink to print the design. A portion of each box’s proceeds goes to various animal rights and environmental causes every month. www.kinderbeauty.com
Looking for a way to track your overall health? Evie Ring by Movano has a solution coming in summer 2023. Although still pending FDA approval, this technology innovation aims to be the first medical grade health tracker designed for women. A wearable ring that adjusts to your ring size, Evie tracks sleep cycles, periods, and activity levels. It starts with a baseline understanding and then identifies patterns in behaviors and health as it’s worn. Any woman at any age can use the ring. Movano, a personal health company, is seeking FDA approval for the product in order to classify it as a medical device, something no similar wearable on the market has achieved. The company has conducted clinical trials with the University of California in San Francisco, though the data has not been published or peer-reviewed yet. Studies did show the ring was equally accurate at measuring heart rate and blood oxygen levels on light and dark skin. Evie Ring also protects its users’ data, and – if it’s granted FDA approval – would be subject to HIPAA standards. www.eviering.com
It’s a product you hope you never need to use, but – since one in three women will experience assault in their lifetime, according to the World Health Organization – this little device is worth the price. The personal safety alarm called Birdie has a mission of keeping women safe. On the market now for a few years, the company has recently debuted Birdie Plus, which has several additional features. These include an on-call 24/7 representative who is available to call clients with an “excuse-toleave call” for a discrete way to exit an awkward or potentially dangerous situation. The rep will stay on the phone until you feel safe or dispatch first responders to your location. Additionally, the service includes location sharing, Bluetooth and GPS settings, and an IOS/Android app (which requires a monthly subscription). The device comes with a brass keychain to allow easy attachment to a purse or jacket. When the top is pulled off, a loud siren sounds at 130 decibels, or equivalent to a jet flying 400 ft. over your head, according to one review. The device is also allowed for travel, whereas other types of personal protection devices are not. Birdie was started by two sisters who were alarmed at the rate of violence against women. From every purchase, a percentage of profits goes to partner organizations that support women’s safety, shelter, and health. www.shesbirdie.com
You’ve made the smart decision to recycle (good for you!), but it’s important to know exactly what is—and isn’t—recyclable. “Aspirational recycling” is a term that refers to feeling like something should be recyclable (even though it may not be) and then tossing it in the recycling bin. Even though you’re coming from the right place, aspirational recycling can cause recycling contamination, and the whole load may need to be thrown out.
Here, Charles Haverfield, packaging expert at U.S. Packaging & Wrapping, sets the record straight on eight lesser-known materials often mistaken as recyclable and offers tips on proper disposal.
As convenient as it may seem, single-use plastic bags cannot be thrown into the recycling bin.
“Soft plastics get caught in the gears of the sorting machines, leading to broken or damaged facilities,” Haverfield says. “Other culprits include bread wrappers, cereal bags, and sandwich bags.”
The numbers located inside the recycling symbol on packaging materials refer to a plastic’s resin code.
“Numbers 1 and 2 are easily recyclable, [but] anything with numbers 3 through 7 is more difficult,” he says.
“For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has a number 3 resin code due to lack of demand, so it is more difficult to recycle, as fewer facilities accept them.”
Bottles and jars are the only glass materials that can be recycled – and even then, only in some areas. “Anything else, like glass from a broken mirror, cannot be recycled,” Haverfield says. “Instead, you should wrap the broken glass in old newspaper and put it in your general trash.”
Rechargeable batteries or lead-acid batteries cannot
be recycled or thrown in the garbage, as they pose an environmental safety risk. “Instead, take them to a local consumer technology or auto parts store,” Haverfield says.
“Not all snack packaging can be recycled, as it may contain several non-recyclable materials,” he says. “This means they fall into a multi-layer flexible packaging category, and these products are non-recyclable.”
“Recycling wood is complicated as finished surfaces, whether it’s varnish, wax or wood treatment, cannot be recycled,” he says. “Untreated wood may be recyclable, but it does not belong in general recycling. Instead, it should be taken to a wood recycling specialist.”
Additionally, Haverfield says that some metal items are not eligible for recycling, including motor oil cans, paint cans, pots and pans, and some car parts.
While some wrapping paper can be recycled, some varieties (like foil-lined wrapping paper with heavy glitter or other decorations) cannot. “A good indicator of recyclability is the scrunch test,” he says. “If your paper stays scrunched in a ball, it can usually be recycled.”
“In the case of coffee cups, the outside may be paper, but the interior is lined with a fine film of polyethylene,” Haverfield says. “This prevents your cup from leaking, but it means the cups themselves are not recyclable in most areas.”
You’re invited to attend our biggest fundraising event of the year!
The gala that’s always a little less formal and a lot more fun!
Friday, April 21, 2023 6pm - 10pm
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley – Scottsdale
Auctions | Cocktails | Dinner
Attire: Blue Jeans of Course!
habitatcaz.org/events
habitatcaz.org
TThe spirit of aloha is a central part of Wiki-licious, a Hawaii-based business that sells malasadas (yeast-leavened doughnuts) throughout various locations in Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Arizona, and Alaska.
A former resident of Hawaii, Repeka Avegalio of Chandler craved the same donuts she loved from the island and was amazed when she found Wiki-licious. After following the brand’s social media pages, she found that Wiki had franchising opportunities and was quickly sold on the idea. Having previously started her own transcription business in California, she knew what it takes to run a business and opened her own franchise in Chandler.
“It’s a great opportunity to do things on my terms,
learn something new, and grow something on my schedule,” she said. “It became a no-brainer with the cost of entry and the company values.”
Aloha - an extension of warmth and caring without an expectation of returned sentiment - is central to how Avegalio runs her business, while valuing the community around her. She connects regularly with locals at events and at farmers markets, where she sells the company’s famed malasadas.
Through her franchise partnership, Avegalio has had the opportunity to partner with Poly Praise, a Phoenix nonprofit helping foster youth and underprivileged communities. She’s also partnered with a women’s club at Hamilton High School to donate a portion of her profits to its mission to empower young women and raise awareness of sexual harassment, assault, and rape.
Owning multiple businesses has been a learning experience for Avegalio.
“You learn pretty quickly to be resourceful and get through obstacles. I realize if something works or not in real time, and I can adapt,” she said.
She also shares that running the operation by herself has almost forced her to grow and leaves her accountable to herself each day to accomplish the tasks at hand.
Avegalio attributes much of her success to the community of Wiki franchise owners, of which she is a part. Many of her fellow franchisees come from similar backgrounds, hold similar values, and share a love of malasadas and the spirit of aloha.
“When you join the [virtual] leadership meetings, the entire screen is women. You realize that everyone isn’t a threat to you, but there’s room for all of us in the business,” she says. “You start to find a bond of sisterhood and togetherness and help others along the way to your own success.”
Being a woman has helped to open doors for Avegalio, as she has been fortunate to connect with other women who have helped her along the way and provided extra information at nearly every turn. She credits these relationships with helping her to get into Chandler’s Southwest Cajun Festival and the Chandler Farmers Market, where bigger companies with more resources compete with the largely popular malasadas Wiki offers.
Often, Avegalio says, women will wait until they are overqualified to enter a position to feel confident enough to take such risks. She advises women to never to second guess themselves and found that by owning a small business, she’s been forced to push past her own doubts about herself.
“Never be afraid to fail - it’s all part of the process. We would be so surprised at what we can accomplish.”
Find Wiki-licious at the weekly Chandler Farmers Market or www.wiki-licious.com.
Explore her Crystal Bowl Showroom in Scottsdale, Arizona, and purchase your favorite vibrational frequency. Because she believes in her healing practice through Crystal Sound Bowls, she sells only the best to the public. By appointment only.
6 02- 577- 940 8 kimbalzansound@gmail.com
www.KimBalzan.com
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Sound healing allows soothing vibrations to transfix all sensations of being and provides an opportunity for human existence to realign into perfect function.
Kim Balzan SOUND produces endless vibrational frequencies using various instruments and high-quality Crystal Sound Bowls. Kim carries the finest Alchemy Crystal Bowls on the planet, each infused with pure quartz crystals, gemstones, or precious metals.
Her Crystal Singing Bowls send healing vibrations to expand health; introduce peace; provide relaxation; reduce anxiety; increase concentration; assist through grief; bring love; reduce pain; balance the nervous system; and so much more. From playing on television to selling out sound events, you can count on Kim to provide an extraordinary experience with each mallet stroke.
Kim creates experiences with SOUND for all occasions on location or in her extraordinary private space.
AAre you pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant? Congratulations! This is a time to focus on your health and the health of your future baby. Many people don’t realize that the mouth is the gateway to the body’s overall health.
Regular dental checkups can detect problems that often exist with minor or no symptoms. Dental problems worsen over time and require more extensive and costly treatment. It’s best to see the dentist regularly before becoming pregnant to avoid an unexpected dental emergency during pregnancy.
If you are already pregnant and haven’t had a recent exam, don’t worry. The American Dental Association (ADA), the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) all suggest that women seek dental care during pregnancy, and that doing so is considered safe. For expectant mothers who may be concerned about the effects of x-rays and numbing anesthetics, dental x-rays are considered safe when protective shields are used over the abdomen and thyroid, and local anesthetics are also considered to be safe during pregnancy.
Make sure to tell your dentist if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, or are considering becoming pregnant. Advise them of your medications, other medical conditions, and if your pregnancy is considered high-risk. They may coordinate with your physician or postpone treatment until the baby arrives.
When morning sickness leads to vomiting, stomach acid enters the mouth. To reduce enamel loss, avoid brushing your teeth immediately after vomiting. Instead, try rinsing with a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with a cup of water. The first trimester is when nausea is often worst. During the third trimester, you may be more uncomfortable in the chair. Your dentist might aim to schedule treatment in the second trimester.
While eating for two, a nutritious balanced diet
is important. Include leafy greens, whole grains, lean proteins, and sufficient amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and D. When cravings arise, try to limit your sugar intake to avoid cavities. Most importantly, remember that what you consume now can affect your baby’s development, including his or her teeth, as well.
An increase in hormones during pregnancy can create problems in the gums, including tenderness, swelling, and sometimes bleeding. Dentists call this pregnancy gingivitis, and it may begin as early as the first trimester. Left untreated, gingivitis leads to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease that affects the tissues which hold the teeth in place. Untreated periodontitis causes tooth loss over time.
Practicing good oral health habits is especially important during pregnancy. The ADA urges pregnant women to “keep in mind that your baby’s health depends on you” and states that “poor health habits during pregnancy have been linked with premature delivery, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and other concerns.”
The ACOG addresses ongoing research regarding an association between periodontitis and pre-term births and preeclampsia, calling it “conflicting” and suggesting that “more research is needed in these areas.” However, the association does note that “regular dental care is a
key component to good oral and general health” and “oral health care during pregnancy is safe and should be recommended to improve the oral and general health of the woman.” Furthermore, the AAP advises pregnant women to “see a dentist before you deliver” and advises that pregnant women “may be more prone to gum disease and cavities” which “can affect your baby's health.”
In summary, pregnancy is a time to take great care of yourself. This includes your oral health habits that can also affect the health of your baby, so make sure to care for your teeth and gums. Brush the usual twice a day for at least two minutes. Floss each day to clean between your teeth. And see your dentist regularly for a more healthy mouth, body, and pregnancy.
MMarch is Women’s History Month, a time each year where we honor and celebrate amazing women. Support and encouragement are key in helping women succeed and feel good about themselves as part of their daily lives; and here in the Valley, there are multitudes of women who have made it their life’s work to help other women. Two of these uplifting and admirable women own and operate businesses that focus on helping others feel their best through the simple practice of helping them to look their best.
Alex Bradberry, owner and founder of The Sparkle Bar, an all-inclusive makeup artistry studio in Old Town Scottsdale, began her entrepreneurial journey in 2015.
She says, “This Sparkle Bar was created out of a necessity for an inclusive welcoming environment where people can come and experience feeling seen – being reminded that what makes them special and unique is their own personal secret sauce.”
For Bradberry, The Sparkle Bar isn’t simply about makeup and beauty products.
“Beauty standards don’t exist here. We don’t believe in a cookiecutter mold because we fully embrace individuality and uniqueness. Creating a space where people define that for themselves without comparison leaves them feeling confident, uplifted, empowered, and ready to take on their mission.”
Bradberry says owning a business that helps to change how a womanor man - feels about her or himself is one of the
“It is all self-expression, so being able to create an environment that invites people to play and love themselves is a gift.” She adds, “So often we’re told or fed images of perfection that are not real and don’t exist. Everyday people fight in a world that wants them to believe they're 'less than.' Our goal is for people to walk out in love with their faces, knowing all we did was simply enhance their already amazing features.”
Bradberry credits much of her success to the wonderful team that works with her to create a beautiful space where each individual contributes their own special talents and vibe to the overall customer experience.
“There’s an African proverb that says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’” She continues, “As a woman of color, I fully recognize how it feels to have experiences where I’ve felt 'less than,' so being able to create an environment where we very intentionally curate all of it - from the products to
representation through our team, and an experience that overserves people - is really special.”
For Bradberry, owning a business means that she not only has the ability to help others; she can also play a small part in creating opportunities. She shares the story of one client who came in for a makeup application ahead of an important interview and the part her team played in giving the woman the boost of confidence she needed to land her dream job.
“Sometimes one swipe of lip color, mascara on your eyes, and blush are enough to bring you back to life. We infuse everything we do with love and intention, knowing that our job is to make you feel like the best version of you - because when that happens, you walk out into the world leaving your own little sparkle wherever you go. Those ripples of impact and shift in energy can change the game and really everything you do from that point forward.”
Scottsdale’s Terri Mazaheri knows a thing or two about helping women feel their best, as well. Owner of Inside Out Aesthetics in Scottsdale, her passion for helping others was first fulfilled through her career as a registered nurse. In 2016, she opened her business to bridge the gap between plastic surgery, skin care, and aesthetics.
“With more than 20 years working in the aesthetics field, I knew that beauty was more than Botox and filler. I was on a mission to create an inviting, warm environment, where we are able to help our clients to feel confident in their own skin. That’s the magic, because when you feel confident, you’re able to achieve your best in all settings.”
Mazaheri has also expanded her practice to incorporate additional wellness tools for her clients.
“A majority of the time, what’s happening on the outside of our body can be a reflection of what’s happening on the inside,” she says. “Our hair, skin, and nails can all be affected from an imbalance of hormones, gut health, or inflammation in our body. Because we want to help our clients truly thrive from the inside out, we recently began offering services to address gut health, hormone imbalances, and even food sensitivity testing through our partners at Vibrant Wellness.”
She shares that over the last seven years, helping her clients feel their best has been one of her life’s truest joys, leading to meaningful connections that she values at the deepest level. Her clients are loyal, many having been with her prior to opening Inside Out Aesthetics, and her practice continues to grow almost exclusively through word of mouth. The industry veteran has outgrown her office space twice since opening in 2016 and has plans to expand again in 2023.
When asked how she feels about the importance of women supporting women, she says, “One of my favorite quotes is from Venus Williams. She said, ‘Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.’ That resonates so profoundly. It starts with truly listening. By taking the time to understand each other, we can better learn from one another and deepen our relationship.” She continues, “The most enjoyable part of owning a business for me has been the team and community I helped cultivate. For me, that is what success looks like.”
Terri and her team also work to carry a variety of product lines that apply to all stages of life and preferences, including all-natural, vegan, and pregnancy-safe skin care products.
For more information, visit The Sparkle Bar online at www.thesparklebar.com and Inside Out Aesthetics at www.insideoutaesthetics.com.
BY SHELBY TUTTLE
WWhen it comes to alleviating anxiety, stress, and depression, many Americans are prescribed a myriad of remedies, some natural and others - not as much. Those seeking the natural route may employ plant-based medicines, while others may look to a therapist, spend more time in nature, implement a regular exercise routine, meditate, or explore alternative therapies like acupuncture or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR).
One such alternative gaining more traction over the last decade is the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), more commonly known as “tapping” - a practice founded by Stanford engineering graduate and certified master practitioner of neuro-linguistic programming, Gary Craig.
A 2004 report from the first large-scale study conducted on “energy psychology” by Joaquin Andrade, M.D. and David Feinstein, Ph.D., found that over the course of five and a half years, of the 5,000 participants seeking treatment for anxiety, 90% of those who received acupoint tapping therapy experienced improvement in symptoms, versus 63% of the patients who received cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
According to the text, “Only three acupoint tapping sessions were needed before an individual’s anxiety was reduced, while an average of 15 were needed for CBT to show results. Complete relief of symptoms was seen in 76% of people in the acupoint tapping group compared with 51% of people in the CBT group.”
The technique is often used in the field of modern psychology as a supplement to cognitive behavioral therapy. To date, more than 100 studies show that tapping can reduce anxiety, alleviate stress, and relieve symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The technique involves tapping on nine key meridian points on the hands, face, and body with your fingertips while focusing on
uncomfortable feelings and using positive statements to defuse those feelings.
Nationally renowned tapping expert Brad Yates began his career as a certified clinical hypnotherapist. After his own experience with the effectiveness of tapping in 2006, he instituted it into his work with his clients right away. Several years later, tapping is his main modality of personal development work to help others.
Yates describes tapping as “a simple mind-body tool for down-regulating stress.” As one of the first of his kind to arrive on the YouTube scene 15 years ago, he has provided a catalog of more than 1,100 videos for his nearly 275,000 subscribers, who have watched his content more than 41 million times. He has coached over 10,000 students, including physicians, professional athletes, and actors. He notes that over 80% of his audience and clientele
“I believe this is because men are generally taught to not ask for help. And even when they are willing to show up, many are more guarded at first, though not all,” he says. “The issue that holds most people back is a feeling of unworthiness. Too many people base their self-worth on what others have said or done to them. Unfortunately, I see this even more with women, who are often told by society that they are less capable and/or deserving than men.”
Orange County-based tapping authority, coach, speaker, and Amazon bestselling author Gala Darling
has built an empire through her ability to uplift and empower women, although not exclusively. Her programs are open to all genders and identities but cater to those who identify as women. Her weekly Zoom calls for a multitude of programs are packed with hundreds of members - mostly women - from all over the globe.
She shares, “The issues that women have are unique, and as a woman, I understand them. I believe if you’ve discovered something that is helpful, it is your responsibility to share it with others.”
Darling discovered tapping at age 23 and used the method to heal a number of challenges she was experiencing personally, including asthma, depression, and an eating disorder.
“At the time, I had a fashion blog and realized that what people really wanted wasn’t the perfect pair of jeans, it was to feel confident and good about themselves. Tapping helped me do that more than anything I’d ever tried, so I started to talk about it.” She continues, “I helped a girl with her asthma attacks, and she messaged me later to tell me she was training for a marathon! That's one of my favorite stories, because the shift is so enormous and is similar to my first experience with tapping.”
Although plenty of research exists, Yates and Darling have both experienced “resistance” from would-be clients wanting proof surrounding the efficacy of tapping. They agree that as a society, we regularly partake in behaviors that are proven to be bad for us yet often don’t engage in those that are proven to be good.
“I usually talk about how the act of tapping brings down the levels of cortisol in the brain,” says Darling. “However, people can tell you a million things that are supposed to be good for you, but until you actually experience it, you won’t understand how it could have an effect on your life. What I love about tapping is that the proof is in the pudding. Once someone tries it, the emotional shift they feel is undeniable.”
Yates adds, “Because humans are change-averse, they
generally have a resistance to anything that might facilitate change. Calling something ‘woo-woo’ feels like a safe way for them to dismiss it and not experience it. Folks will say ‘Where’s the research?’ even though on a daily basis they are engaging in things that research will tell them is unhealthy. Over the years, I've seen some adamant skeptics become big fans of the process.”
For those looking to gain a deeper understanding of how tapping works, it helps to know that – according to traditional Chinese medicine – there are more than 2,000 acupoints on the human body. All of these points are connected by meridians that are responsible for sending energy -- or Qi (pronounced “chee”) – throughout the body in order to keep it in a state of balance and harmony. According to an online article on the benefits of acupuncture from Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health.” The same theory holds true for the principles of acupressure and tapping, where the meridians are stimulated by touch instead of needles.
In the study from Drs. Andrade and Feinstein, they refer to tapping as “energy-based psychotherapy.” Used in clinical settings, the practice can be used similarly to EMDR for the reduction of PTSD symptoms. To begin, a mental health professional will assist the patient in identifying a statement that brings to light a traumatic event or memory to solicit an emotional response. Neural pathways will be activated that carry the distress signals of the negative experience. Tapping on the acupoints while focusing on the traumatic event sends a soothing signal to the brain that will naturally calm the body’s stress response to the traumatic memory. Over time and with repeated frequency, the brain will begin to process this stressful memory in a neutral way.
In other settings where tapping is used to calm anxiety, practitioners may work with clients to implement a simple set-up phrase: “Even though I
have this [fear or problem], I deeply and completely love, accept, and forgive myself.” The key is to focus on the feeling that the problem is bringing to light for you, while providing yourself with a positive affirmation to neutralize any anxiety brought forward by the negative emotion. Simply put, tapping disrupts your limiting beliefs and thought patterns to replace them with new positive thoughts and feelings. And while one-on-one coaching with experts like Darling and Yates may provide extra benefits, the good news is that anyone can do tapping on their own to move energetic blocks and experience the benefits of this growing methodology.
“The great thing about tapping is that it’s simple. All you need to do is tell the truth about how you’re feeling about a certain subject, and then just affirm that you love, accept, and forgive yourself anyway,” says Darling.
Because tapping clears negative thought patterns and establishes new positive ones, it can also be used as a powerful manifestation technique. Darling – whose latest book, Magnetic Mindset, focuses on using tapping techniques to manifest your wildest desires – notes that limiting beliefs are what stand in the way of us being able to receive the things that we want the most.
“When we are hoping to manifest something, the only reason it is slow to happen is because we have a bunch of stories in our head that resist it. We feel we don’t deserve it, we don’t know how it would happen, we don’t feel ready, we are afraid of the change that will happen when it occurs. You can use tapping to alleviate the fear, the resistance, and the secondary benefits so that you can draw your desires to you much faster.”
In a May 2021 blog posted on her website, she tells her readers, “The place where it gets tricky is asking ourselves what beliefs need to be shifted. In other words, what stories are you telling yourself every day that cause you to have the habits that are getting you the results you have now? Once we know what is driving our dysfunction, we can use tapping to face it, own it, even find the humor in it. And then we can reprogram ourselves. Choose new beliefs and new priorities. Create habits that will lead us to what we really want.”
She describes limitations as a war between our conscious and subconscious minds.
“When you desire something - like a partner for example - with your conscious mind, but you are afraid of it and resisting it with your subconscious mind - that piece of you that is dedicated to keeping you safe - you are always going to be at odds. You are not aligned with your desires, because a part of you fears the desire. With tapping, we can get these two ‘minds’ in sync.”
Yates adds that it can even assist individuals who engage in self-sabotage.
“Self-sabotage is simply misguided self-love. When we are behaving in ways that objectively benefit us, such as unhealthy eating or poor financial decisions or procrastination - rather than beating ourselves up, we want to be compassionate with ourselves, and look at why we are doing that. Tapping helps us clear the stress that gets in the way.”
For more information on Gala Darling and Brad Yates, visit www.galadarling.com and www.tapwithbrad.com.
Photo courtesy of Brad Yates
PPhoenix-based journalist Jackie Dishner has always been a creative person. As a respected journalist, she has authored numerous magazine articles and books. She collaborated on a public art project with a local photographer about bicycling — she wrote poetry, he provided images. And in between her work, she would flirt with landscape painting. She even sold a few of her works.
Then came the 2020 pandemic. Both Dishner and her husband came down with severe cases of COVID-19. The heated conflict of presidential elections later that year added to her stress and anxiety. To cope, she began to focus on her artistic passions.
“When Covid hit, I set writing aside and painted my way through the lockdown and beyond,” she says. “It helped me deal with a lot of emotional stuff that was going on at the time. It calmed me. I felt like me with paints and paper.”
Today, Dishner manages a thriving Facebook group, “Creative Coping for Women,” which has almost 500 members from across the country. Participants can share their creative pursuits in a nonjudgmental forum, create themed projects such as holiday greeting cards and collages, and discuss how creativity helps them cope with life’s challenges, big and small.
“The point of the group is to provide a safe place where women can go to reconnect with that childlike mind to play with their innate ability
to create and problem-solve, to creatively work their way out of the stressors of the day, to unblock and maybe to find their way back to the creative pursuits they once enjoyed or would like to try,” Dishner explains. “Creative coping isn’t ignoring the problem. It’s about giving yourself a safe space to resolve it or to find a better path than the one you were on.”
Numerous scientific studies point to the beneficial impact creative expression has on our emotional and mental well-being. It has been embraced throughout history as a healing tool in many cultures. Pictures, stories, dances, and chants have been used as healing rituals. And modern-day research has proven that artistic engagement has a significantly positive effect on health by decreasing anxiety, stress and mood disturbances, and by increasing self-esteem.
“People associate creativity with an action and an output, whether that’s painting or dancing or writing music. But it’s really about
succeeding. I refer to this as ‘masterpiece syndrome,’” Bloomston says. “Trust the process and make mistakes. Play, mess around, approach the moment as it’s unfolding around you.”
Victoria Sylos-Labini is a licensed clinical psychologist in Washington, D.C. She incorporates a variety of creative processes, including journaling and music in her treatment therapies.
“We can use creativity to access our subconscious and express ideas, suppressed emotions, or feelings through various forms of art,” she says. “Many forms of creativity are nonverbal, so they can be particularly helpful for people who have difficulty communicating, expressing themselves, or have experienced trauma. They can express themselves in ways that feel safe to them.”
Like Bloomston, Sylos-Labini praises the meditative effects of adult coloring books, which saw an explosion in demand in the mid-2010s.
“Sometimes just scribbling or playing with colored pencils can help you focus,” she says. “You don’t actually have to create something. You can just be present in the moment while you’re doing it. It can help regulate your nervous system.”
A 2016 study of art therapy for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder found that art therapy allows patients to experience and verbalize difficult emotions, provides a distraction, and can lead to positive emotions through the creation process.
For Brandon Lee, art is a lifesaver.
Lee has never been one to shy away from his past traumas, including abuse and drug addiction. The former Phoenix news anchor had been in recovery for about 13 years when, during the pandemic, he relapsed and became suicidal. He began shamanic therapy, and in early 2021, he started having a recurring dream of
a little boy with a can of paint.
“I kept getting visions of artwork, and it made no sense to me,” he recalls. “I had dabbled in art, but it never connected.” So he went to the store and got some supplies and started to create as a way to address his past trauma and start healing.
Then, on July 8, he awoke to find three words written on a paper towel next to his bed: studio, gallery, and school. “My shaman said, ‘This is where the journey is about to lead you, and it will be life changing.’” Two days later, a voice told him to leave the news and develop an art studio to help trauma survivors.
In November 2021, Lee opened Art of Our Soul, a hands-on therapeutic painting program that works with recovering addicts, patients with brain injuries, and victims of sex trafficking.
“A lot of times in recovery, people will have a clinical art therapist on staff, and they collage, they do clip art, and they talk about their traumas. While there is a purpose in that, it’s not fun, and it doesn’t release dopamine,” Lee explains. “I wanted to create
something that people look forward to in the early stages of their trauma recovery, because when you’re in the early stages, it’s heavy, and it’s really dark at times.”
According to Lee, his program helps to create new neural pathways in the brain, which allows dopamine to be released naturally. Often called the “happy hormone,” dopamine is a neurotransmitter that provides feelings of pleasure.
“If you’ve been on drugs for a long time, all the joy is gone,” he says. “Life gets black or gray; there’s no color. We have to re-create those neural pathways in order to bring color back into your life.”
Art of Our Soul combines music with the art of acrylic pouring. There are no paintbrushes or preconceived designs to replicate. Patients use their hands to create vividly hued one-of-a-kind abstract artworks on canvas. In the background, a playlist of high-energy EDM music keeps the energy flowing.
“When you’re creating something with your hands, you get lost, and your body gets elevated into what science calls an alpha state,” Lee says. Some people refer to this as being in “Zen,” in the flow, or even a light hypnotic state. “It lowers your heart rate; helps with anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation; and brings joy and peace. And that’s exactly what happens here — at every single session.”
While studies have shown the benefits of art therapy in the treatment of clinical patients, both Sylos-Labini and Dishner say the same thing: You don’t need to have experienced trauma to receive the benefits of creativity.
“Creativity can be helpful for everyone,” Sylos-Labini emphasizes. “You don’t have to have trauma to write a poem or color in a coloring book. Everyone can benefit from emotional healing and an increased sense of well-being.”
WWomen are amazing: bad mama jama superheroes who can multitask and manage the day-to-day activities of raising children, working, and maintaining healthy relationships with partners, friends, and family.
And although we can essentially do it all, a recent study from Bank of America shows that only 48% of us are confident about our finances, and only 28% of us feel empowered to take action. That same study shows that not saving and investing sooner in life is the chief financial regret among women.
For those of us who are rocking their finances and truly have it all together, we say bravo! But for those of us who need a little push, we say it’s time to turn
to the experts for a little advice to guide us on a more secure path. Now is not the time to let fear, ego, or pride keep us from seeking out the help and advice we so deserve.
Stephanie Fullerton is one such expert here in the Valley that has been on the forefront of financial investing for nearly two decades. She is the president and co-founder of Fullerton Financial Planning along with her husband, Steve Fullerton.
Stephanie notes that the motivation for her work lies in “seeing people enter their retirement with confidence, knowing that they will be ok, and watching them check off their bucket lists and live out their retirement dreams.”
But for some, that can be a challenge. And unfortunately, it can be even more difficult for us women. Historically, women have been subject to a variety of financial setbacks, including the ability to invest less due to wage gaps and taking time off work to raise children. Fullerton believes that over the last decade, she has seen her female clients become more in tune with money but has historically seen a need for women to be proactive and protect themselves financially.
She says, “I encourage women, especially those that are staying home as a career, to be very active in the management of investments, to know what they have, know who with, be involved in the meetings, help make investment decisions, make sure that they are protected by having investments of their ownperhaps insurance products that have contractual guarantees as protection, and life insurance in their name, as well.”
Financial literacy expert and international best-selling author Sharon Lechter (releases include Rich Dad Poor Dad, Outwitting the Devil and Think and Grow Rich for Women) is also in agreement.
“Far too many women are fearful around money. They didn’t learn good money habits when they were young and don’t know how to be proactive in their own financial management. In addition, far too many abdicate
the role of financial management to a husband or partner,” she says. “This causes a crisis when they lose their husband or partner through death, divorce, or separation, and they have the cold realization that they have no clue how much money they have, where it is, and how to access it. When it comes to money, you are either in control of [it], or it is in control of you!”
For women looking to evaluate their financial situation, she lists reviewing your credit score at the top of the list. If your credit score is low or nonexistent, work to begin raising or establishing your score now.
For young women, Fullerton recommends educational opportunities about investing.
“First, enroll in some classes that will help you understand the basics of investing, join a financial club, and meet with an investment advisor,” she notes. With the daily barrage of investment advice in the news and social media, many women often feel confused or perhaps even intimidated by investing. They’re often left questioning what things should be considered, and how they should invest their money.
According to Fullerton, “Investing is about diversification, and you should focus on achieving up to five different income streams in retirement. In addition, every plan should address four essential things: health care, inflation, taxes, and income.”
For women over 55 who may be starting over financially later in life, she offers this advice.
“First, ensure that you sit down with a licensed investment advisor who will work as a fiduciary - it is never too late to start,” she says. “Be diversified,
be tax efficient, and understand the options that are available to you in the investment world.”
Lechter notes that our financial habits and relationship with money is often influenced by the messages we were subconsciously taught as children.
“As a child we heard our parents say things like: ‘Money doesn’t grow on trees!,’ ‘Save for a rainy day,’ ‘Pinch your pennies,’ or ‘We can’t afford it!’ All of these comments are negative so we grow up hearing, ‘money, negative, money, negative, money, negative!’ This is why we develop a scarcity mindset. Once you recognize it, you can release that scarcity, and open your mind to a mindset of abundance.”
To challenge this mindset, she suggests spending time analyzing the money conversations we heard when we were children to identify whether or not we employ a scarcity mindset. If you do, Lechter notes that you may hear yourself saying “We can’t afford it!” to your children. She suggests an alternative to prevent a scarcity mindset from being passed down to another generation.
“Instead, say ‘How can you afford it?’ The question
triggers your child’s entrepreneurial spirit and his or her subconscious goes to work finding ways to afford what he or she wants. Allow them to set the goal, work toward it, purchase what they want, and celebrate with them. You will see their self-confidence grow throughout the process.”
Lechter also suggests looking into money games, programs, and apps that can teach your kids about money while also helping you to take control of your financial life.
Finally, she suggests that rather than trying to do it all on your own, consider finding an investment group to work with.
“Not only will you have more brain power to learn about investing, you will probably have a lot more fun. Taking action will help you build financial confidence,” she says. “We are taught to do everything ourselves. To grow our financial wealth, we need to surround ourselves with a team of people who are strong where we are weak. Learn to buy, build, or create income-producing assets. When the income from your assets exceeds your monthly expenses, you are financially free.”
BY BETH WEITZMAN
II immersed myself in the newly introduced wellness retreat at the AAA Five Diamond Four Seasons Westlake Village and its on-site Center for Health & Wellbeing, and left feeling nourished and reenergized in mind, body, and soul.
In need of a wellness reset, I headed to the Four Seasons Westlake Village, a AAA Five Diamond hotel located just off Highway 101, about 50 minutes north of Los Angeles International Airport. The 12-acre property, nestled at the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, underwent a $50 million renovation in 2020 that included modernizing guest rooms, meeting spaces, and food and beverage concepts. The hotel's Coastal California-meets-Old Hollywood Glam aesthetic blends luxury with a relaxed vibe, creating a comfortable environment that complements its wellness and mindfulness offerings. It's no surprise that the hotel was recognized in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2022 as one of the top Southern California hotels.
I'm warmly greeted back to this special place as I return to take part in the resort’s new fourday, three-night wellness retreat, and the timing couldn't be more perfect. Upon handing my car keys to the valet and checking in, my everyday life comes to a temporary pause, and a sense of calm takes over.
My Waterfall View room is luxurious and cozy, spanning 450 square feet and decorated in natural hues of cream, gold, gray, and touches of blue. The large picture window looks out onto a majestic 12-foot waterfall, wellmanicured grounds, and the serene Santa Monica Mountains—it truly feels like I’m worlds away. The chaise lounge in front of the window is perfect for relaxing, reading, and taking in the views, while the legendary Four Seasons signature mattress, dressed in luxurious 100% cotton linens, sets the stage for a sound slumber. The stylish marble bathroom creates a spa-like experience, featuring a large tub, glass-enclosed shower, plush terry robes, and Natura Bissé amenities. A small round table with chairs provides a convenient dining area or workspace. Although my plan is to limit digital distractions
during my stay, it's still nice to have complimentary Wi-Fi included with the room.
Since opening in 2006, the Four Seasons Westlake Village and its on-site Center for Health & Wellbeing (formerly known as California Health and Longevity Institute) has catered to a diverse group of guests, including business executives, celebrities, socialites, and those who are passionate about wellness and travel. The hotel even has a production studio where none other than Oprah filmed her show.
The newly relaunched Center for Health & Wellbeing takes a holistic approach to wellness, combining five key pillars of health: nutrition, life balance, medically sound data, fitness, and healing spa therapies. The property also prioritizes sustainability and has implemented various environmental initiatives. These include electric vehicle charging stations, low-flow shower heads, energy-efficient building systems, and a recycling program that uses 100% recycled water for landscape irrigation and laundry. Additionally, the property has an organic waste diversion program and donates recycled toiletries to Clean the World. Sustainable food and beverage options are available on all menus, and a food waste reduction program is also in place.
After booking the retreat, I completed an online intake questionnaire that covered my health goals, nutrition and exercise habits, stress management, and preferred focus for my stay: Sustainable Weight Loss, Optimum Performance, or Spa & Beauty. A member of the wellness team called me a few days thereafter to discuss my responses and what I hoped to achieve through the retreat. Prior to my departure, I received a personalized program and packing tips, which I found very helpful.
Upon my arrival, I was excited to begin my customized Optimum Performance program, which involved a VO2 and Target Heart Rate Assessment, as well as a fitness consultation. Along with these individualized services, the retreat also included (for all retreat participants) body composition analysis; daily yoga; workshops and consultations on nutrition, fitness, health, and mindfulness; Wellness Kitchen cooking classes; hiking; sound bath meditation; spa treatment(s); and meals and snacks. The program’s approach is inspired by the Japanese practice of kaizen, a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of making small, incremental changes in order to achieve lasting results. The retreat is not a boot camp nor an overly strenuous fitness program; rather it serves to equip guests with the necessary tools to make lasting changes in their lifestyle to promote long-term health and well-being.
to nutrition, I found Rasmussen’s talk engaging and informative. She provided a helpful refresher on topics like the hidden sources of sugar, the importance of increasing fiber while reducing sodium, and the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, I gained new insights into optimal fasting times (at least 12 hours) and the significance of dietary diversity in promoting good gut health. She recommends 7-10 servings of fruit and vegetables per day and 4-5 plant-based, vegetarian meals per week. When it comes to animal protein, her advice: Limit red meat to 1-2 times a week, eat fish 2-4 times, choose clean proteins such as plants and pasture-raised and/or organic poultry, and eliminate processed meats. The ideal, she says, is to aim for 30 different plants per week. Rasmussen also shared some eye-opening statistics on the impact of disease prevention. Proper nutrition, exercise, and weight management can reduce the risk of cancer by 65%, Type 2 diabetes by 90%, heart disease by 80%, and Alzheimer's/ dementia by 76%.
Once I settled in and unpacked, I headed to the Living Room where our small group and wellness team hosts were gathering for a welcome circle and refreshments. Retreat groups are kept relatively small, typically ranging in size from 6 to 24 participants. After our warm welcome, we headed into the adjacent yoga studio for an intention-setting and restorative yoga practice led by Jenny Mosely, CPT, RYT.
Afterward, Emmaline Rasmussen, M.S., RD, RYT led the group’s first nutrition talk. As someone who considers herself pretty savvy when it comes
After feeling mentally nourished and getting hungry with all the talk about food, we joined Rasmussen and Chefs Nhia Yang and Andrew Yeh at the adjacent Wellness Kitchen for our first cooking class and demonstration. The menu included an array of nutritious and delicious dishes such as roasted tomato soup, white bean and bruschetta crostini, Thai grilled shrimp and pan roasted halibut with snap peas and mushrooms. We each selected a cooking station based on our preferred recipe; I opted for the chicken with chimichurri sauce and was elated to learn new cooking techniques. The modern demo kitchen and Feel Good Dining Room (which opens onto the patio), enhanced the experience. The dishes were easy to make and incredibly tasty, including a berry crisp with dairy-free ice cream for dessert. We each received a copy of The Wellness Kitchen cookbook as a gift, which is already a staple in my kitchen.
The group usually eats together at set times, with menus predetermined to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. Communal dining is a great way to connect with others over shared experiences and stories. The supportive environment
and camaraderie among guests and the intuitive, super friendly wellness team make the retreat at Four Seasons Westlake Village a truly special experience.
Capping off a wonderful first day and providing the perfect segue to retiring for the night, we experienced a memorable sound bath meditation led by sound healer Stephanie Lekkos. We started by selecting a couple of crystals and setting an intention. Lekkos and her partner Robert Bruce used therapeutic singing bowls and tuning forks to create specific tones and vibrations, which she likened to an inner massage that helps settle the central nervous system and release blocked energy channels. The relaxation I felt afterward undoubtedly helped me sleep blissfully that night.
The following morning began with an invigorating yoga and meditation session on the Wellness Patio, led by Camille Coss, RYT, who adapted the poses and flow to suit everyone's skill level. After class, Erika Wong, M.N.S., RD, and Chefs Yang and Yeh hosted a “Healthy Habits Breakfast” in the Feel Good Dining Room, where we discussed the significance of a balanced morning meal and learned how to make delicious and nutritious dishes like oatmeal pancakes and egg frittatas.
After a satisfying breakfast, we joined Exercise Physiologist Jesse Nelson M.S, B.S. from the Four Seasons Wellness Team and naturalist Andrew Bearer for a guided hike in the nearby Charmlee Wilderness Park. As we trekked through the park, stunning
views and insightful information about the ecological and cultural history of the area kept us intrigued and inspired. Following the hike, we enjoyed a refreshing poolside lunch in a luxurious cabana enjoying the relaxing atmosphere. We shared hummus, guacamole, pico de gallo, and salsa with veggies and chips. For my main course, I enjoyed the fresh and flavorful Farmers Salad with gem lettuce, red cabbage, asparagus, carrots, edamame, radish, avocado, and salmon, dressed with a zesty citrus ginger vinaigrette.
From lunch, I headed to the fitness center to meet with Lead Exercise Physiologist Jake Miller, M.S. for a body composition analysis, VO2 and target heart rate assessment, and fitness consultation. Through the collected data, we discovered that my cardio fitness was strong, but I needed to focus on increasing my lean body mass to improve my strength and metabolism. Miller was extremely knowledgeable and
provided me with a detailed workout plan to follow at home. The wellness team and fitness instructors are exceptional here, taking the time to understand each guest's distinct goals.
During some free time in the afternoon, I took a meditative stroll through the stunningly landscaped grounds, appreciating the vibrant colors and fragrances of the native plants, flowers, and herbs. I also admired the hotel's art gallery, which houses a diverse collection of contemporary art from artist and resident curator MegZany, among others.
As evening approached, I looked forward to dining at the hotel's signature restaurant, Coin & Candor. The name pays homage to the hotel’s owner, David Murdock, and his inspiring journey from a homeless veteran with just a nickel and a penny to his name, to an extremely successful entrepreneur. Having dined here before, I knew we were in for a treat thanks to Executive Chef Jesus Medina, Executive Pastry Chef Patrick Fahy, and their talented teams.
The California brasserie-style restaurant and bar is very popular among guests and locals alike. A "come as you are" attitude prevails, encouraging guests to dress as they please. Expansive vistas from the spacious outdoor patio and the bustling bar area add to its allure.
Chef Medina's global culinary experiences, passion, and upbringing are reflected in the menu at Coin
& Candor, with woodfire-grilled seafood, meat, poultry, and vegetables comprising about 80% of his offerings. Seasonal produce and ingredients are sourced from within a 100-mile radius, while Swiss chard, a variety of herbs, butternut squash, tomatoes, corn, and carrots are harvested from the hotel's on-site garden and greenhouse. Signature dishes include the Baja California Red Snapper with adobo and chimichurri (which was my choice and absolutely sublime). Chef Fahy, who honed his skills at The French Laundry, oversees the pastry program and creates extraordinary house-milled red-fife sourdough bread and gluten-free pan de bono with Oaxaca cheese and queso fresco (the best gluten-free bread I have tasted), among other indulgences.
Additional culinary options at the hotel include ONYX Restaurant (modern Japanese and sushi), Prosperous Penny (serving up artisanal cocktails and small bites in a speakeasy atmosphere that’s open late), The Stir lobby coffee bar (a great grab and go spot featuring Stumptown Coffee), and in-room dining.
On Saturday, I started the day with a group circuit training session led by Jesse Nelson and Scott Silveira, RCEP, in the updated fitness center. The 16,000-square-foot facility is equipped with state-of-theart Hoist strength training equipment, Keiser resistance training, Woodway treadmills, Peloton bikes, and more. Designated studios for spin and yoga/Pilates, an indoor pool, and various group fitness classes round out the offerings, which also include personal training services. Later, during breakfast in the Feel Good Dining Room, Silveira presented his "Secrets to Metabolism" talk, highlighting the importance of resistance training. He shared his recommended workout plan, called "F.I.T.T.," which involves targeting each muscle group 1-2 times a week with 8-15 repetitions, 3-4 sets, and 1-4 exercises per group, and using eccentric loading for a minimum of three seconds.
The afternoon included a revitalizing yoga session guided by Mosely, followed by another nutrient-
packed, flavor-forward lunch at the Wellness Kitchen, which we had the opportunity to enjoy in the garden, surrounded by fresh air. We then reconvened in the Living Room to join Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Julie Frumin's “Life Balance Workshop,” which seemed to strike a chord with all of us. One of the core principles was prioritizing the things that truly matter to us and limiting activities that drain our time and energy without adding value.
After the workshop, I had the opportunity to sit down with Rasmussen for a one-on-one nutrition consultation. We delved into my current eating habits and explored ways to improve them in relation to my goals. We also went deeper into some of the topics covered with the group that particularly piqued my interest. She’s very approachable with vast knowledge and on-point advice, which I appreciated.
After a busy few days, it was time to unwind and relax. I made my way to the 40,000-square-foot spa for a well-deserved massage. Designed with relaxation and tranquility in mind, the spa boasts a beautifully renovated environment and an array of amenities such as relaxation rooms, eucalyptus steam room, a dry sauna, whirlpool, and outdoor heated pool — all of which make it easy to lose track of time. Self-care experiences on offer include a variety of massages, body treatments, facials, and nail services, all by highly skilled and experienced therapists. I was impressed by my massage therapist's ability to listen to my areas of concern and effectively target them and send me into a state of Zen.
To conclude another fulfilling day, dinner was hosted in the Tasting Room by the wellness team, including Executive Wellness Director Akram Alkawasmeh. The meal was an unforgettable experience with scrumptious cuisine (I’m still dreaming about the scallops and the Otta Cotta dessert) and engaging conversation that left a lasting impression.
Sunday arrived too soon, as the retreat would officially come to a close after lunch. In-room dining was a great choice before embarking on another trail adventure with Miller and Bearer, this
time through the stunning Sycamore Canyon. The hike offered breathtaking views and fascinating insights into the incredible nature surrounding the mountain range. A picturesque beach picnic lunch on the sand was the perfect finale. I departed from retreat feeling reinvigorated, with my batteries recharged and goals refocused.
Rates start at $3,900 per person for the four-day, three-night retreat. In addition to the retreats, guests can book flexible stays, day passes, a wide array of à la carte experiences, memberships, or as a corporate retreat. For retreat dates, what’s included, rates, and more, visit www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage.
Waterfall guest room. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village
Ingredients
4½ pounds of eggplant
1 cup onions, chopped
2 cups celery, diced
½ cup capers
1 cup olives
⅓ cup sugar
Olive oil, salt, and red wine vinegar measured with your heart
Directions
Clean the eggplants and dice them. In a pan, fry all the eggplant and move them to a strainer for one hour. Add celery and onions to a pan and cook until brown. Then, add capers and olives and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Move everything to one bowl and add the eggplant and your desired amount of salt. Add the sugar, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Stir everything together and refrigerate for one hour.
FABRIZIO CALI IS THE OWNER AND CHEF OF DOLCE VITA ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN MESA. CALI WAS BORN AND RAISED IN PALERMO, SICILY.RECIPE AND PHOTO COURTESY OF WILDFLOWER
Ingredients
½ avocado
1 pinch crushed red pepper
1 pinch salt
1 slice Wildflower nine-grain bread, sliced ¾ to 1 inch thick (offered fresh in-store daily)
Olive oil to taste
Directions
Slice through avocado vertically, then rotate the avocado, keeping the knife steady until you have cut around the entire pit. Twist the two halves apart and use a knife to pry the pit gently away from the avocado. Make three shallow vertical cuts and four shallow horizontal cuts in one half.
Toast bread slice, then scoop diced avocado onto the bread and spread evenly. Lightly sprinkle red pepper flakes and salt on top, followed by a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy!
For more recipes and food-related articles, visit www.greenlivingmag.com/savor
BY REBECCA L. RHOADES
“We always tell people that you have to know the rules in order to break the rules,” says Brett Vibber.
As co-owners of one of Arizona’s most highly anticipated, most celebrated, and most innovative restaurants of the past year, Vibber and his partner, Jaren Bates - both formally trained chefs - have tossed out the rulebook on classic comfort cuisine and are applying their own idiosyncratic blend of techniques and flavors.
Whether they’re serving up little-known products from local purveyors, experimenting with new ways to use heritage foods, or foraging for wild ingredients in the high desert, the duo takes a hyper-local approach that showcases indigenous foodways and spotlights the Grand Canyon State’s native bounty. It’s a culinary bricolage. And it’s at the heart of every
dish served at The Table at Junipine.
The Table is the on-site eatery at Junipine Resort, a secluded, idyllic condo complex on the shores of Oak Creek, about 10 miles north of downtown Sedona. While the restaurant itself has been around for a number of years, it had undergone numerous management changes and never really found its footing in the mystical destination’s vibrant culinary scene.
In August 2022, Vibber and Bates took over the property, keeping the name but bringing their distinctive freewheeling touch to the menu.
The two chefs have been working together since 2007. Arizona foodies will recognize their names from longtime Cave Creek staple Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine, which closed in December 2019. The pair had hoped to open a new brick-and-mortar restaurant by fall 2020, but then the pandemic hit. So they pivoted and formed WILD Arizona Cuisine, a private chef business that offered everything from intimate highend catering to large-scale humanitarian relief. But the desire to have their own establishment remained.
“When Grace Hospitality approached us and said they had this spot, it was sort of like a dream come true,” Vibber says. “We never even looked in Oak Creek because it would have taken millions to buy or build something. So we were able to put in this concept that we had been talking about — and other people had been waiting for — for years.”
From the menu to the style of service to the cocktails, the restaurant is the culmination of decades of ideas, many of which were incubated at WILD. “We’re taking our experiences and foundations learned and applying them with things that are in our hearts and souls and from our families,” Vibber notes.
The dishes are deeply rooted in time and place. “A few years ago, [a local newspaper] did an article on a few different chefs who were embracing what Arizona actually is through local purveyors or local growers,” Vibber says. “They called it ‘new Arizona cuisine.’ I just call it ‘Arizona cuisine.’”
There are chickens from Mountain Sky Farms in Scottsdale and Iberico pork from Terra Farm in Prescott. Onions, watercress, mushrooms, crab apples, acorns and spruce tips are foraged from the surrounding landscape. Indigenous heritage crops are
transformed into gourmet fare. Tepary beans become hummus, cassoulet and miso; steam corn is blended into custard and cake icing.
“We don’t have to go out of our region to find everything we need for the restaurant,” Vibber says. “Someone makes dishware in Arizona. Someone grows flowers in Arizona. Someone makes candles in Arizona. It’s not necessarily always about the food. But we do know everyone who grows anything that’s put on our plates. They are relationships that we’ve built over the course of time.”
Bates’ appreciation for the Southwest’s native ingredients and the stories they tell is ingrained in his ancestry. The chef, who is Diné, grew up on a farm in the Four Corners region of the Navajo Nation. After a knee injury ended a promising football career, he moved to Phoenix to attend culinary school.
“As far as being Native American, I still keep with the traditions when it comes to cooking food and developing the flavors I grew up with,” Bates says. “But I want to put my own touch on it. And I want to make it more palatable to the masses.”
He points to the restaurant’s Mesquite Honey Cake, which comes with steam corn ice cream. “I grew up with steam corn, but it was normally used just in stews and soups,” he says. Steam corn is a Navajo white corn that is steamed in underground pits. It has a rich, smokysweet flavor with deep earthy notes. “Family and friends who know the flavor and try the dessert tell me that never in a thousand years would they have thought about turning our traditional ingredient into ice cream. But I managed to do that in a way that still
keeps our story and customs alive.”
Then there are tepary beans. These nutritious legumes are native to the Sonoran Desert and have been a staple of Native American cuisine for thousands of years. Drawing on his training in Asian cooking, Bates transforms teparies into a puree similar to Japanese red bean paste. “I found a way to actually imitate the flavor of chocolate, but there’s no chocolate in it,” he says. The tepary bean paste is served on sweet corn biscuits.
Bates is one of a growing nationwide coterie of Native chefs who have left the reservation, received formal culinary training, and are now combining their modern-day skills with centuries of cultural tradition to create leading-edge, award-winning cuisine.
“Being able to tell not just my story but also my family’s story through our food is very empowering,” he says. “When you try tepary beans or steam corn, you’re tasting a story that has been dormant for a while and is now being disseminated across the nation. These ingredients have been passed down from generation to generation.
While many of the staple food items used by Vibber and Bates come from local farmers and gardeners, they’re elevated by the chefs’ addition of foraged wild ingredients. This not only reflects an indigenous way of eating, but also fosters an appreciation of the bold flavors and diverse abundance of Mother Nature.
“No matter where you are in the world, you should eat things that are grown or are growing close to you,” Vibber says. “Before we cultivated foods, people ate the plants that were growing in the areas in which they lived. So it’s not some crazy trend. It’s the way it’s always been.”
Whenever they’re not in the kitchen, Vibber and Bates can be found gathering fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other vegetation in areas across the state. Saguaro and barrel cactus fruit are used to make gastriques for cocktails, syrups, and caramels. The seeds of the fruit are added to
baked goods for a nutritious crunch.
“We honor the whole plant,” Vibber notes. “Sometimes we harvest things for their buds. Sometimes we harvest them for their leaves. And sometimes we harvest them for their fruits or vegetables.”
When the weather begins to warm up, the chefs gather wild rapini, London rocket, and hedge mustard. Soon it will be the season for morel and lobster mushrooms, wild onions, watercress, palo verde seeds, and ocotillo flowers. Excess harvest is preserved for year-round use through a variety of methods, including dehydrating, powdering, canning, smoking, and salting.
A new spring favorite is spruce tips, the tender new growth that appears at the end of branches. When harvested just after emerging from their protective sheaths, the tips are sweet with floral and citrus notes. In the last couple of years, Vibber and Bates have used the tips to make vinegar, fried them, and used them as a topping on tartares. The first potsticker dish at The Table was filled with wild mushrooms and sat on a wild spruce emulsion. “We found it to be a very versatile wild food and highly accessible,” Vibber says. “You’re not going to over-harvest spruce tips.”
When collecting wild ingredients, the duo follows a specific rule of thumb: “We forage by threes. Take a
third for ourselves, leave a third for nature to eat, and leave a third to propagate,” Vibber explains.
Bates elucidates, “Respecting the land also means taking care of it. Because at the end of the day, if you don’t treat it the way it needs to be treated, there aren’t going to be any more fruits for us to eat or animals for us to hunt — and we’re not going to have a place to live anymore. Take a little here and there, and then move on to another spot.”
The Table at Junipine has been open only eight months, but it’s already receiving nationwide recognition. In January, Vibber and Bates were named as semifinalists for the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest.
“Good food doesn’t have to be high-end with 17 wine glasses on the table and having to know which fork you’re going to pick up first. If it’s good food, then it’s good food,” Vibber concludes. “We’re driven by a passion for sharing something with people, and our platform just happens to be food. We’re just one part of the story.”
For more, visit www.junipine.com/sedona-dining.
BY ANGELA FAIRHURST
BBeyond Green is a curation of the world’s most sustainable hotels. Founded in April 2021 by Lindsey Ueberroth and Costas Chris, the company’s mission is to set a new standard for global travel and tourism, with sustainability as a top priority.
At the heart of Beyond Green are the three key pillars of sustainable tourism best practices, along with a set of more than 50 sustainability indicators that align with global sustainable tourism standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The pillars include: environmentally friendly practices, protection of natural and cultural heritage, and social and economic well-being of local people.
Two of Beyond Green’s most impressive locations are located within the beautiful rolling hills of Italy’s most magnificent regions. www.staybeyondgreen.com
There is beautiful, and then there is stunningly beautiful. Borgo Pignano is just that, remarkable in every way. It’s not just because it’s located in the historic Tuscan countryside — one of the most scenic places in the world — or because its luxury rooms, suites, farmhouses, apartments, and villas have all been restored and decorated with luxury Tuscan style interiors and original 18th century architectural details, or because its food, people, and service are top notch. It’s stunning because 100% of the 750acre resort is doing everything with a sustainable
infrastructure in mind to protect, preserve, and support the environment and the local community. All of these aspects make Borgo Pignano a magical place.
The villa estate of Borgo Pignano was one of the first members of Beyond Green and has earned multiple awards for its commitment to sustainability. Borgo Pignano is situated in the center of Tuscany, between Volterra and San Gimingano, which makes for easy day trips to either of these medieval towns.
The stunning dwellings are made with environmentally friendly products and materials, such as locally sourced stone, reclaimed slate and roof tiles, organic plasters, and eco-paints. Antiques have been gathered from all over the region and are tastefully blended with the finest fabrics and linens to make comfortable and peaceful settings.
The main building is an 18th-century villa with 14 rooms and suites, some with original frescoes and all with marble and travertine bathrooms. There are other maisonettes, villas, and a private house for rent on property. Borgo Pignano is open from March through October.
The center of Borgo Pignano is its organic farm, which provides many of the ingredients used by the kitchen to create an explosion of culinary delight at each meal. The farm raises pigs and chickens; produces olives for cold-pressed olive oil; grows grains, cereals, nuts, and seeds; and makes organic flours for artisanal pizzas, breads, and pastas. They even create their own jams.
The restaurant, Villa Pignano, has a creative and innovative menu, highlighting many local specialties. Guests can enhance their meals with a rich selection of famous Tuscan organic and biodynamic wines, as well as enjoy the Villa’s own Vermentino white wine and Ciliegiolo and Abrusco Nero di Toscana red wines (all from grapes grown
in the property’s vineyards and produced in Pignano’s winery). The native varietals are grown without making use of any chemical products.
Service is discreet yet attentive. Meals can be enjoyed in the dining room or al fresco adjacent to the pool area. The outdoor bar is open daily and features artisanal cocktails.
Sustainability is the backbone for all activities at Borgo Pignano.
The in-house herbalist, Betty, offers lessons in using herbs in the kitchen and cocktail bar for teas, and also for soaps, oils, and lotions. There are cooking classes devoted to the traditional Tuscan ways of making focaccia, breads, pastries, and pizza. Organic and biodynamic wine tastings take place in the historic cellar of Pignano’s 18th-century villa, where experts share their passion for wine accompanied by a selection of cold meats, cheeses, and breads.
With bee colonies around the world diminishing, the importance of attracting healthy bees to Borgo Pignano’s hives is paramount. Growing a wide range of flowers and plants, the Villa’s hives are able to produce millefiori-flavored honey while at the same time helping to pollinate the expansive selection of vegetables and fruit trees.
Guests are invited to Photo by Angela Fairhurstacquire knowledge about beekeeping, the traditional methods of extracting honey and beeswax, and the social structure linking the queen bee, drones, and worker bees.
Bicycles are available for guests to ride on the estate. Well-trained horses reside at a full-size arena on property where instructors provide riding lessons for beginners and excursions for guests to explore the beauty of Tuscany on horseback. There are paths and roads for hikers and runners, a half basketball court, five-a-side football pitch, tennis court, yoga, pilates, and a gym available for guests, while a menu of special spa treatments using natural products made on property from products grown in the garden provide guests with multiple activity options.
With expansive views of the Tuscan countryside, enjoy a dip in the heated infinity pool made with stone carved from a local ancient limestone quarry, which also supplied most of the stone used to build Porta dell’Arco, one of the main gateways of Volterra, as well as Pignano’s own buildings. There is another smaller pool built especially for children under the age of 12.
Borgo Pignano uses innovative and traditional farming techniques. They actively rotate their fields to improve soil conditions. Pignano’s gardens are maintained by a full-time gardening team and nourished with filtered harvested rainwater, while natural and man-made lakes provide irrigation for the farmland.
The resort has eliminated the use of plastic. Organic shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and lotions made
from products grown in the property’s garden all come in ceramic containers that are refilled as needed. The Villa uses filtered water served in glass for both guests and staff.
Gray and wastewater systems allow the reuse of water. Swales, a natural system for retaining rainwater and preventing soil erosion which decreases the need for irrigation, are located throughout the property. Fertilizers used on the property are all organic.
The heating and hot water systems within the Villas are fueled by solar panels and chip-fired boilers that are fed by harvesting wood from thinning out the estate’s forests. With EVs growing in popularity, Borgo Pignano has added two Tesla charging points in the hotel's parking area. There is very little that Borgo Pignano hasn’t thoughtfully considered. www.borgopignano.com
Langhe is an historical region of Piedmont, among rolling hills with breathtaking views. The UNESCOprotected area is considered to be one of the best wine-producing regions in Italy. The sustainable Casa di Langa luxury property is located among the Barolo, Barbaresco, and Alta Langa wine-making regions, residing on over 104 acres of natural landscape and forested property, with its own extensive gardens, hazelnut trees, working vineyards, and grounds full of the area’s famous truffles.
Opened in June 2021, the property was collaboratively designed by Milan-based GaS Studio and Parisotto + Formention Architetti. Using local materials and soft neutral colors and earth tones to reflect the area’s surroundings, the oak, terracotta, stone, and light wood bring an aura of comfort and relaxation to the place. Local Pietra di Luserna stone was sourced from Piedmont together with 100% recyclable terra cotta and raw, earth-based plasters from Lombardy-based Matteo Brioni. All wooden elements — such as flooring and millwork — are certified formaldehydefree. The result is 39 ample-sized guestrooms and suites equipped with refined Italian furnishings and featuring such brands as B&B Italia, Cassina, DePadova, and Meridiani. The comfortable beds
feature deluxe mattresses by Midsummer Milano, and the linens and accessories are handmade in Italy using natural and sustainable materials such as cotton, silk, and wool. Equipped with rain showers and LeLabo toiletries in refillable containers, the rooms also have private terraces with views of the green valleys, distant snow-capped Dolomites, and the medieval tower of the Serralunga d’Alba Castle.
Luxury through sustainability is a key focus at the resort. Casa di Langa is committed to the use of 100% recycled water, as well as to collecting and storing 100% rainwater for irrigation. The hotel is plastic-free, instead using glass or aluminum that are always returned and recycled. Helping to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint, solar panels and geothermal pipes heat and cool guestrooms, and a pellet boiler provides heated sanitary hot water. All purchased energy comes from green energy production. All company vehicles are fully electric, and the property provides complimentary charging stations for guests.
The resort’s farm-to-table restaurant and bar, Fàula, serves up classic local dishes and utilizes foods grown in the estate gardens or locally sourced ingredients from small organic growers. Sori Cocktail Bar is open daily from 11 a.m.-midnight for wine, cocktails, or a
quiet snack by the water-vapor fireplace. The full-time gardening team employs sustainable agriculture and conservation practices, such as reforesting the land, planting native trees, and covering plants in wood chips to reduce watering from twice a week to twice a month.
They grow all sorts of herbs and aromatics, as well as fruit trees and seasonal vegetables. Any kitchen waste is composted and used in the organic garden. There are 40 beehives on the property, enhancing the biodiversity of the region as well as supplying honey for the hotel. Cooking classes, a wine academy, Vespa and bike tours, and an immersive, on-property truffle hunt with Lagotto dogs are among the authentic experiences available to guests.
For wellness and rejuvenation, the hotel’s Lelose Spa & Wellness features ecologically-minded treatments, techniques, and ingredients. The spa comes complete with a Jacuzzi, Finnish sauna, bucket shower, and relaxation area with tea and dried fruits. Yoga and Pilates sessions are available. The heated infinity pool sits center stage on-property with a spectacular view, and a fitness center open from 5 a.m.-midnight daily features Technogym equipment, a stationary bike, treadmill, workout bench, and free weights. www.casadilanga.com
LLaura Madden wears many hats—she’s an entrepreneur, small business owner, social media influencer, and sustainable fashion advocate. But first and foremost, she’s an artist dedicated to using her platform for good.
“ReFashioned Art is a purpose-driven business, largely developed by my values and mission to merge style and sustainability,” Madden says. “My work as an artist is a rather unique niche: I make abstract modern art that brings a fashionable edge to your home,” she continues. “I love fashion, but I also care deeply about the environment—for that reason my originals are made using repurposed materials.”
Starting out, Madden worked in fitness, styling, writing, and modeling. She slowly built her network and became an influencer who ran a popular blog about the intersection of style, sustainability, and self-esteem.
“When one chooses to shop sustainably and curate a conscious wardrobe, it is assumed that style, luxury, and convenience will be compromised to some extent, and that it will cost extra for responsibly-sourced items,” she explains. “These are just a few
of the stigmas I intended to challenge to change the conversation to a more empowering one—and years later, I believe that I have.”
She shares that her passion for sustainability came about in 2015 when she watched a life-changing documentary about the social and environmental issues brought up by the fashion industry. “My guilty pleasures [shopping and fashion] that I assumed weren’t hurting anyone, were in reality hurting a lot of people,” she says.
“I couldn’t stand the fact that something I loved so much was creating so much distress on the planet. How could something that brought me so much beauty and joy be so dirty and destructive?”
With this realization, Madden became an advocate for sustainable fashion—including purchasing most of her own wardrobe second hand and supporting sustainable brands. As if she weren’t busy enough, in 2019, she
became a professional artist, creating pieces made from sustainable materials.
She notes that ReFashioned Art is first and foremost an art brand. “I am using my work to tell a story and create a narrative that style and sustainability can co-exist,” she says. “By repurposing old items into something more fashionable, chic, and contemporary, I hope to inspire you to look for beauty where it is not normally found.”
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Madden started doing online art shows from her home each week. “This helped me to grow my network, spread the word about sustainability, and continue to advocate for sustainable fashion.”
Some of her pieces are avant garde, including graffiti style, minimalist, abstract portraits, and even
sculptures. One of the art series she’s most proud of is the ReFashion ReSculpt, a 3-D sustainable art series.
“Looking forward, I would love to partner with more designers—I am obsessed with design—and it gives me such a thrill to help their vision come to life by providing the artwork to complete a project,” Madden shares. “I am also looking into product development partnerships, such as home apparel, accessories, and gifts.”
She adds that, in 2022, she was approached by David E. Adler Fine Rugs to design a carpet that came out in the fall. Two more are currently in the works. Today, Madden’s blog serves as both a portfolio for her work and also as an update on her many media appearances and projects. She is most active on Instagram and her social media channels, where she shares her work and adventures. In addition to promoting sustainability, she also makes sure to give back to causes she’s passionate about, including Free Arts for Abused Children, Baller Dream Foundation, and Arizona Animal Welfare League. For those interested in supporting sustainable art and fashion, Madden advises, “Get creative and look for beauty where it is not normally found.”
She adds, “We only have finite resources. The best thing we can all do is ask, ‘How else can I use this item?”
Laura Madden’s work can be found on her Instagram @iamlauramadden or her website at iamlauramadden.com.
WWomen are at the forefront of healthcare topics in 2023. From virtual breastfeeding consultants to fertility tracking apps and female-focused telehealth companies, old conversations and new sensations are making headlines.
Coined by period tracking app Clue Co-Founder Ida Tin, “FemTech” is a concentration of technology that focuses specifically on women’s health issues. With an app or product developed or currently in development for nearly every stage of a woman’s life, FemTech is breaking barriers and making it easier for women to learn more about their health. Apps such as Clue and Flo make it easy for women to track their monthly cycles and feature pregnancy modes to accompany women along their pregnancy journeys, while other technologies work to evolve and address women’s health issues and concerns in various stages of menopause.
Investment management firm McKinsey & Company studied 763 companies focusing on FemTech. Their research shows that interest and development have been growing steadily in the past 10 years, and FemTech funding reached $2.5 billion by December 2021. The firm found that many companies are focusing on “maternal health patient support, consumer menstrual products, gynecological devices, and solutions in fertility.” However, as only 3% of all digital health funding goes to FemTech companies, there are still some gaps in women’s health that have the capacity to be more thoroughly addressed. According to the study, those areas of opportunity include oncology, contraception, and gynecological infections.
According to the firm, a significant majority (more than 70%) of FemTech companies have at least one female founder. Because many FemTech products and apps are largely designed by women, for women, they can help address gender inequality issues, focus on culturally sensitive care, tackle stereotyped topics, and provide convenience for users.
Cath Everett, Vice President of Product & Content at Flo Health, agrees that FemTech provides the “necessary technological innovation, platforms, and services that women need and deserve.”
She reported that Flo has over 50 million monthly active users and is the No. 1 OB-GYN recommended app for period and cycle tracking, based on a survey of American OB-GYNs.
The Flo app provides cycle and ovulation tracking, health chatbots, personalized health insights, and access to medically credible information, Everett said. The information is developed and reviewed by over 100 health experts and scientists. So far, 9 in 10 Flo users say the app helps them be prepared and aware of their body signals. One in two users say it helps them have more efficient conversations with their healthcare provider, Everett said.
“The more you know about your body, the better you are able to care for it!” she said in an email.
To her point, several FemTech companies provide opportunities for early diagnosis of a number of potential health concerns. Company NextGen Jane is currently conducting studies and beta-testing the ability to get important information from an all organic cotton tampon that will eventually diagnose gynecological health conditions that lead to infertility, like adenomyosis and endometriosis, all through the collection of menstrual blood. The company is also working to create an objective test to identify the start of perimenopause, a transition that can be confusing and vague for a lot of women. The company is interested in developing a more profound understanding of conditions that impact female-born bodies, from uterine disorders to autoimmune diseases.
Companies like Blue Box and AOA Dx are focusing on the early diagnosis of breast and ovarian cancers, respectively, while others are working to reduce invasive diagnostic testing for women’s health disorders. Dotlab is developing a blood test to diagnose endometriosis that would eliminate the need for the current standard laparoscopic diagnostic procedure that can impose risks to patient health like infections and internal bleeding. Additionally, Paloma Health has developed an at-home thyroid blood test to assist the one-in-eight American women who will
develop thyroid disease within her lifetime. The digital health platform also provides online physician consultations and personalized health plans to assist the patient through their health journey following diagnosis. All of these companies were founded or co-founded by women.
Historically, women were excluded from clinical trials in the U.S. until 1993, and women’s health is still underfunded today, according to a U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) study. It concluded that “NIH applies a disproportionate share of its resources to diseases that affect primarily men, at the expense of those that affect primarily women.” Everett added women’s pain is often dismissed, and they’re expected to “just deal with” pain, discomfort, or debilitating symptoms.
A personal experience with dismissal during a doctor’s appointment is what led NextGen Jane co-founder Ridhi Tariyal to begin investigating opportunities for women to take preventative care into their own hands. Following a doctor’s appointment in 2013 where she went in for a fertility checkup but her doctor refused to order any tests, she recognized a need for a workaround to the information she desired about her own body.
In a September 2022 interview on the Visible Women podcast, she noted that NextGen Jane is “for people who are tired of going through a medical diagnostic odyssey, do not want to have a surgery to find out they have a condition, and would just prefer to pay out of pocket to send in a tampon to find out what’s going on with their bodies.”
As the FemTech sector becomes larger, the conversations around women’s health will inevitably become louder. And as funding increases, on-lookers will surely take note of the power of these lifechanging – and potentially life-saving innovations – that inform how women care for their bodies and long-term health for generations to come.
Spring is here! Time to open the windows, clean the cobwebs, and purge the clutter. What if spring cleaning doesn't mean just your house? Perhaps many of us could benefit from a little “bodily” spring cleaning, as well. We don't know about you, but we could spend time detoxing all that coffee, hot chocolate, and holiday cookies that the cold weather tempted us to devour. Sometimes, you just don't have the wherewithal to embark on a full wellness experience to really purge all that we’d like, so we started with an ionic foot detox.
She Said: I can't say that I ever gave much thought to foot detoxes, due to conflicting opinions about them. But hey, it's quick and easy, and doesn't hurt anything, so why not? I was hoping for a little relaxation with the experience, akin to the foot baths at the pedicure stations. But alas, no one was there to massage my tootsies. The wellness facility was nice, but the foot detox stations were just two side-by-side cozy chairs cordoned off by a floor-to-ceiling curtain in the front lobby. I got to hear what everyone walking through the front door was there for and listened to slightly-too-loud bossa nova/lounge-style music sung by unrecognizable vocalists. Not exactly my idea of a place to unwind, but that's just this particular spa. Anyhoo, I rolled up my leggings, dipped my feet in the hot water, sat back for 30 minutes with a shoulder and neck massager, and read a book. At the end, I rinsed my feet and peeked at the water. It was still clear, but with a few black and red specks. Apparently, that is an indication of the presence of heavy metals and blood clot material. Gross! John thought it was just fuzz from my socks, but upon closer inspection, it was not fuzz. Not sure exactly what I should do with that information, but it’s safe to say I may take “spring cleaning” a bit more seriously.
HeHe Said: We were in a bit of a time crunch this month so we decided to try out our local wellness spa/ tanning salon/auto body repair shop ( I could be wrong about that last one) for a quick therapeutic rest and relaxation treatment. We decided that a thirty minute Ionic Sea Salt Detox Foot Bath would do just fine. This particular foot bath used sea salt and an electronic ionizer to encourage cells to release waste, much the same way you would brine a turkey at Thanksgiving.
So the nice young man working there brings out my salty foot water tub, plugs an electric pump into the wall socket, and plops the other end in the water. And that was the moment I started questioning the safety of this particular activity. So after quickly conquering my fear of electrocution, I sat down in the massage chair and tentatively put my feet in the water. The bath was nice and hot at first, and I did notice my feet begin to tingle after a few minutes. After thirty minutes of elevator music and shoulder rubs from the massage chair, my time was up. I looked down to dry my feet and realized my water had turned an orange-yellow color. Apparently, like a mood ring, the water in this bath will change color based on what might be ailing you the most. In my case, it indicated joint or artery problems (ruh-roh). This was a nice, relaxing experience that might be a great place to start on your wellness journey.
Arizona Renaissance Festival
Travel back in time at the Arizona Renaissance Festival. This immersive event features a village full of costumed characters, live jousting tournaments, and a variety of unique vendors offering handmade goods and period-inspired food and drink. With entertaining shows and activities for all ages, it's a fun and educational experience that will transport you to a bygone era. For more information, visit https://arizona.renfestinfo.com.
Get your taste buds ready for the ultimate culinary showdown at the 2023 Central Arizona Food Truck Battle! This exciting event brings together the best food trucks from across the region, each competing for the title of best dish. With everything from gourmet burgers to mouth-watering tacos, there's something to satisfy every craving. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com/e/2023-central-arizona-food-truck-battleregistration-487308632237.
March 11-12
Arizona Aloha Festival
Escape to the tropical paradise of Hawaii without leaving Arizona at the Arizona Aloha Festival! This annual event celebrates the rich culture and traditions of the Aloha State, with live music, hula dancing, and authentic Hawaiian food and drinks. Explore the marketplace selling island-inspired goods and take part in cultural workshops and demonstrations. The Arizona Aloha Festival is a perfect way to experience the spirit of aloha. For more information, visit www.azalohafest.org.
Celebrate the rich history and vibrant culture of African Americans at Vision & Sound: An African American Experience. This immersive event features live music, art, and performances that showcase the many contributions of African Americans to American history and culture. From gospel choirs to spoken word poetry, the event offers a diverse array of talent that will inspire and entertain. Join the celebration and find out more at www.visionandsound.org.
Join The Sparkle Bar for an eco-conscious afternoon on March 11 with Conscious Beauty Collective Founder and CEO of MASAMI haircare, Lynn Power. Guests will get their hands on the Conscious Beauty Collective Travel Essentials Kit, full of luxurious, nontoxic travel size products from independent environmentally friendly brands. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/concious-beauty-collective-pop-uptickets-563696259687?.
March 24 - 26
Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair
Experience the vibrant energy of Tucson at the Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair! This annual event brings together an eclectic blend of artists, musicians, and vendors from all over the Southwest. From one-of-a-kind jewelry to funky clothing, live music and local flavor, you'll find it all at this colorful street fair. For more information, visit www.fourthavenue.org/fourthavenue-spring-street-fair.
March 31- April 2
Discover the magic of the written word at the Northern Arizona Book Festival’s week-long celebration of literature, featuring author readings, writing workshops, and panel discussions. From science fiction to poetry, there's something for everyone at this exciting event. Visit www.noazbookfest.org for more information.
March 5
March 18
March Full Moon Kinetic Healing
Experience the healing energy and musical vibrations of crystal singing bowls and Tibetan bells, and let your body, mind and spirit be soothed on a transcendent journey of relaxation. Tickets are $35 and you’ll want to bring a yoga mat or blanket. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/march-full-moonkinetic-healing-ethereal-sound-bath-tickets-538044634987.
March 8
Join the 4th annual Women's Day virtual networking event, which allows members to form dynamic business connections across the cannabis industry. The event will feature panels focused on the state of mental health in Ukraine, thought leadership for women, and a state of the union on psychedelics. Individuals 21+ can RSVP for $20 at www.eventbrite.ca/e/marigoldliveinternational-womens-day-networking-tickets-490856323477.
Tucson Museum of Art Gala
This highly anticipated event is the perfect opportunity to dress to impress and celebrate the arts in style. Enjoy a night of live music, dancing, and gourmet food and drink, all in the stunning setting of the Tucson Museum of Art. From the glamorous atmosphere to the world-class entertainment, the TMA Gala is an event you won't want to miss! For more information, visit www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/event/tma-gala-2023.
This all-day professional women’s event will deliver substantial content, provide an immersive experience, and include powerful and relevant deliverables from educational sessions, informal talks and keynote speakers. Topics range from entrepreneurship to content writing and holistic wellness. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased online at www.unation.com/event/phx-2023womens-conference-14366596.
Marriage and domestic partnerships bring many changes to your life – and your finances. In addition, LGBTQ couples and families may have different priorities and challenges that require careful planning. Whether your family includes one or two parents with kids, individuals or a couple, or grandparents wanting to provide for and assist future generations, you’ll want to review your state’s laws and how to best plan for your needs.
Mark Morales First Vice President - Investment Officer20551 N. Pima Rd. #200
Scottsdale , AZ 85255
Direct: (480) 419-2016
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Sun City Farmers Market - Seasonal
Thursdays, Oct 6 - May 25, 9am - 1 pm
16820 N. 99th Ave., Sun City 85351
Carefree Farmers Market - Year round
Fridays, Oct - May 9am-1pm;
Jun - Sep 8am-11am
1 Sundial Circle, Carefree 85377
Downtown Chandler Farmers Market - Seasonal
Saturdays, Oct 1 - May 27, 9am-1pm
3 S Arizona Ave, Chandler 85225
Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market - Seasonal
Saturdays, Oct 1 - May 27, 8am - 1pm;
Jun 3 - Jun 24, 7am - 10am
3806 N. Brown Av, Scottsdale 85251
Roadrunner Park Farmers Market - Year round
Saturdays, 8am - noon Oct 1 - May 27
Jun - Sep 7am - 10am
3502 E. Cactus Rd, Phoenix 85032
Ahwatukee Farmers Market - Year round
Sundays, Oct 2 - May 28, 9am - 1pm
Jun 4 - Sep 24, 8am - 11am
4700 E. Warner Rd., Phoenix 85044
Farmers Market on High Street - Seasonal
Sundays, Oct 2 - May 14, 10am - 1pm
5415 E. High Street, Phoenix 85054
Ocotillo Farmers Market - New
Sundays, Oct 30 - May 28, 9am - 1:30pm
*Call for Summer Schedule
2577 W Queen Creek rd, Chandler 85248
Verrado Farmers Market - Seasonal
Sundays, Nov 6 - June 25, 9am to 1pm N. Market Place & W. Main St., Buckeye 85396
Arizona Community Farmers Markets has been creating and coordinating farmers markets in Metro Phoenix and across the Valley for more than 33 years.
Many of our farmers markets serve as local hubs for their communities, bringing together neighbors to shop and meet up on a weekly basis. Our Roadrunner Park Farmers Market has served the communities of Northeast Phoenix for over three decades.
Our mission has always been to provide local farmers, growers and other agricultural producers with stable venues that offer them the opportunity to engage directly with customers and grow their business.
We support local micro-businesses from value-added food producers and products, to local artisans and crafters.
Our farmers markets are where folks come to enjoy what neighborhood gathering places are about - slowing down, discovering new, delicious fresh foods, and getting to know the folks responsible for bringing them to your table.
Plan your perfect event, conference, or business meeting at Avondale’s Visitor and Conference Center. Be treated to beautiful views of the Estrella Mountains and enjoy the site’s many sustainability features. Conveniently located near 500+ hotel rooms, several delicious dining options, and a variety of sports and entertainment venues.
