Holiday Magic
There’s nothing quite like the holiday season in Ahwatukee. The twinkling lights, the festive decorations, and the spirit of giving all come together to create a truly magical atmosphere.
While there were a few years when I found myself feeling a bit indifferent to the holidays, the birth of my son a decade ago reignited my love for this special time of year. It’s incredible how a child can bring so much joy and wonder into your life.
Ahwatukee truly shines during the holidays. Homes and businesses are decked out with festive decorations, creating a dazzling display for all to enjoy.
One of our favorite holiday traditions is taking a drive around the neighborhood to admire the beautifully decorated homes. We grab some hot chocolate, turn up the Christmas music, and cozy up in the car as we marvel at the twinkling lights. It’s a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
I was lucky enough to visit the Ziegler's home, which is an absolute showstopper. Their decorations are truly epic, and it’s a must-see for any holiday enthusiast. You can explore their home in more detail inside this issue.
While we may not experience a white Christmas here in Ahwatukee, we’re certainly not lacking in holiday magic. The love and warmth of our community make this season truly special. As we wrap up 2024, I hope you find peace, joy and magic in the quiet moments of the holiday season.
Happy Holidays!
BETH DEL VILLE, EDITOR @AHWATUKEECITYLIFESTYLE
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Erica Bibb, Beth Del Ville
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Stephanie Slezak, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
inside the issue
Take the Guesswork Out of Giving
Cordially owner Jennifer Lum Lung gives
Through The House
Ahwatukee
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Shannon Schroeder, Anne Cleeton, Madeline Powers and Dr. Ashley Kirksey at the St. John Bosco annual gala. 2: Jonathan and Dana White, Alexis and Murphy Smith. 3: Matt and Krissy Bileski at the St. John Bosco annual gala, Vintage Vegas. 4: Rachel Barone, Kari Czerniski and Jamie Bescak. 5: Tim & Nicole Wiering, Gabriel Torrez, Amy St. Lawrence Marc Rivas and Ruppert Arrieta. 6: Ben Schroeder during the Heads and Tails game at the annual St. John Bosco gala. 7: Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary, Pastor Fr. James Aboyi, Lani Gore and Pam Boggs. Photography by Katie
Savoy | Savoy Images
8: Child Crisis Arizona raises $1 million during the 2024 Lunch for Love at Arizona Biltmore. 9: Child Crisis Arizona CEO Torrie Taj and Paul Sewald, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher, at the 2024 Lunch for Love. 10: Jonathan Ebertshauser, Brodie Hurtado, Brad Eddy and Rudy Harris at Child Crisis Arizona Lunch for Love. Photography by Child Crisis Arizona
Take the Guesswork Out of Giving
CORDIALLY OWNER JENNIFER LUM LUNG GIVES US THE SCOOP ON WHAT’S TRENDING FOR GIFT BASKET GIFTING
Includes but not limited to...
Gorgeous Serving Tray - Use this fun tray to present snacks, drinks or decor.
Champagne Glasses - Toast to friendship with beautiful bubbly glasses.
Bubbly Pillow - This fun accent comfortably complements the theme.
Stemless Glasses - These bright, unbreakable glasses can be customized and are perfect for both wine and cocktails.
For girls’ night in For colleague pampering
Includes but not limited to...
Insertable Rectangle and Square Trays - Trade out the inserts with this versatile tray adding an ever-changing pop for entertaining.
SAINT Candle - Beautifully crafted candles that come equipped with a prayer.
For your bestie
Includes but not limited to...
Champagne Tray - A bubbly tray that’s perfect for serving drinks and snacks.
Veuve Clicquot Coasters - Chic coasters combining elegance while protecting surfaces from spills.
Best Drinking Girlfriend Glasses - Fun and cheeky, these glasses celebrate your friendship while enjoying your favorite drinks.
Christy Alvarado Design Charm Necklace - A beautiful and meaningful custom piece of jewelry that your bestie will cherish.
Bella Silk Pajamas - Luxe and comfy PJs add a touch of elegance to relaxation.
Heart Blanket - This ultra soft blanket is perfect for snuggling.
For the foodie
Includes but not limited to...
Local Artisan Salt Trio Pack - A beautifully curated trio of locally made salts; flaky sea salt, smoky finishing salt and a herb-infused blend.
Mini Bakers - These versatile dishes are great for individual servings of baked delights, from savory casseroles to sweet desserts.
Cheese Knives with Marble Holder - Complete with a stylish marble holder, this set is ideal for serving a selection of local cheeses.
Salt and Pepper Mill - This functional addition will ensure your foodie friend always has fresh seasoning readily available.
Olive Oil and Vinegar Cruet - A stunning cruet set allows for easy dressing drizzle.
For the coffee connoisseur
Includes but not limited to...
Pops Coffee Breakfast Blend - Roasted in small batches by a local mom, Pops Coffee Breakfast Blend flaunts an inviting aroma and balanced taste.
Coffee Press - An elegant brewer that allows for full extraction of flavors, ensuring a rich and satisfying coffee experience.
Shortbread Cookies - These buttery delights are a perfect complement to a warm cup of brew.
Coffee Mug - A unique design adds a personal touch to coffee rituals.
For the cocktail curator
Includes but not limited to...
Smoked Cocktail Kit - This innovative kit infuses cocktails with rich, smoky flavors.
Speakeasy Cocktail Book - A treasure trove of cocktail recipes and tips.
Viski Ice Spheres - Create perfectly spherical ice that enhances drinks and minimizes dilution.
Double Old Fashioned Glasses - Stylish and functional, these glasses are perfect for enjoying timeless cocktails.
For your hubby
Includes but not limited to...
Tequila Cactus Decanter and Cactus Glasses - A desert-inspired decanter set. Custom Pizza Cutter and Pizza Stone - Enhance pizza night with these essentials that ensure perfect slices and a deliciously baked crust.
For teens/tweens
Includes but not limited to...
Lip Scrub - A sweet treat that exfoliates and hydrates.
Christy Alvarado Designs Charm Necklace - A stylish piece that withstands water and tarnish.
Embroidered Cosmetic Bag - A chic, customizable bag for keeping beauty essentials organized.
Jelly Cat - A cuddly companion that adds warmth and comfort.
For your lovely lady
Includes but not limited to...
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask - A luxurious overnight treatment that hydrates and plumps lips.
Christy Alvarado Stamped Charm Necklace - A sentimental, personalized piece of jewelry.
For the party planner
Includes but not limited to...
The Power of Sprinkles Cookbook - A creative resource filled with dessert ideas that inspire sweet celebrations.
Brass Marble Cake Stand - This stand elevates any dessert presentation. Chocolate and Caramel Sauces - Indulgent toppings that add richness to desserts.
Glass Bowls - Ideal for serving snacks or desserts.
For the hostess with the mostest
Includes but not limited to...
“Let’s Be Merry” Doormat - Welcome guests with this charming greeter that sets a festive tone.
Thymes Frasier Fir Candle with Gold Lid - Enhance the room with the scent of fresh-cut fir.
Peppermint Crunch Caramel Popcorn - This delectable snack combines yummy flavors of peppermint and caramel.
Geometry Towel - This towel adds a modern touch while being functional.
For the home
Includes but not limited to...
Custom Zip Code Pillow - A personalized pillow paying ode to your zip code.
Everlasting Candle with Steel Wicks - A stunning forever-burning candle. Ceramic Bird Vase - This elegant vase adds a touch of nature-inspired decor to any space.
Cordially offers curated gifts & fashion, gift concierge services and craft workshops. CordiallyPhoenix.com | @CordiallyPhoenix
We all need help sometimes and when those moments arise, Solari is there to answer the call. Trained and caring specialists are available 24/7 through our free and confidential crisis line.
“At a moment in time in life, I was at that place. I felt hopeless. I almost gave up and gave in. I was allowed another chance by a phone call and that’s just amazing to me.”
- 988 Crisis Line Caller
Solari is a nonprofit organization with a successful track record of building award-winning crisis services and programs that help those in need.
As the year comes to an end, consider contributing to an organization that provides crisis and community support throughout Arizona.
Scan the QR Code to make a
ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK
The House All Through
AHWATUKEE RESIDENTS LOREN AND ROBERT ZIEGLER DECK
THEIR HALLS IN SPECTACULAR FASHION
“It has become a tradition to start with our main Christmas tree to kick off the decorating,” says Loren.
Each year as the holidays approach, the Ziegler home undergoes a stunning evolution. Starting November 1, Loren and Robert embark on a two-week labor of love to transform their beautiful Foothills home into a magical Christmas wonderland.
“The process of decorating is the joy for us,” says Loren. “Whether it’s placing each ornament on the tree or hanging a wreath in a window, we feel a sense of nostalgia and excitement. We can express our personal style and show our love for our home.”
Loren and their son Daniel tackle the interior and exterior décor, while Robert handles the outside lights on the home.
“It has become a tradition to start with our main Christmas tree to kick off the decorating,” says Loren. “Our main tree holds all of our life memories. We have ornaments from our travels, homemade from our kids and lots of other special moments are captured on our tree. It’s like going down memory lane.”
Beyond the central Christmas tree, there are a total of 13 decorated trees throughout the home. “The other trees in our home are all themed: classic movies, classic Disney, Disney villains and Halloween, horses, a picture frame tree, handmade crochet, coffee/kitchen theme, Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, books, and the Grinch,” Loren says. CONTINUED >
Additionally, there are nutcrackers and Santas on display that hold special meaning for the Ziegler family. “We love the representation of nutcrackers as a symbol of protection,” says Loren of the 15 nutcrackers found in their home. “We have five main Santa decorations that we love for the symbol of ‘It’s better to give than to receive,’ and when our kids were much younger, served a reminder that ‘He sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake.’”
The decorations, from the ornaments to the décor, are collected from a variety of locations, from places just down the road to far-flung travel destinations and everywhere in between.
“Our ornaments are from all over - traveling on trips, vacations, hometown events, Bradford Exchange, Disney, Macy’s,” Loren shares. “We buy our decorations from a few places like Frontgate, Home Goods, Lowe's and Michaels.”
Looking around the home, it may be hard to choose a favorite spruced-up space, but Loren shares that she is particularly fond of the family room. “We love that we can see many parts of the house as well as the outside from our family room. The lights are all so magical. And I love the front of our house. It reminds me of a Christmas country cottage.”
While the magic of Christmas can be found throughout their home, for the Zeiglers the holidays truly are a time to gather.
“Christmas is so special because it involves family,” Loren shares. “It’s a time when we all get together a little more often and spend time together doing things for others. We spend time baking, shopping and watching as many Christmas movies as we can.”
SPIRITS BRIGHT
Toasting the Season with Merry Mixology
A TRIO OF HOLIDAY-INSPIRED COCKTAILS FROM VERO CHICAGO PIZZA ADDS A FESTIVE TOUCH TO CELEBRATIONS
ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK
Holiday Mule
INGREDIENTS
• 1 ½ ounces vodka
• ½ ounce cranberry mixer
• ½ ounce lime juice
• Ginger beer
• Mint spring and cranberries, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. Fill a mason jar with ice.
2. Add vodka, cranberry mixer and lime juice.
3. Top with ginger beer.
4. Garnish with mint sprig and cranberries
Winter Wonderland
INGREDIENTS
• Shaved coconut
• 1 ½ ounces tequila
• 1 ounce triple sec
• ½ ounce coconut cream
DIRECTIONS
• ½ ounce lime juice
• 1 ½ ounce white cranberry juice
• Mint leaf, for garnish
1. Rim a rocks glass with shaved coconut.
2. In a pint glass, fill with ice, tequila, triple sec, coconut cream, lime juice and white cranberry juice.
3. Shake and strain into the prepared rocks glass.
4. Garnish with one mint leaf.
Dirty Santa
INGREDIENTS
• 1 ½ ounces vodka
• ½ ounce lime juice
• ¾ ounce grenadine
• Cranberry juice
• Sprite
• Cranberries and lime wedge, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. Build drink in a pint glass and fill with ice.
2. Add vodka, lime juice and grenadine.
3. Top with half cranberry juice and half Sprite.
4. Garnish with cranberries and lime wedge.
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org
DECEMBER 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
THROUGH DECEMBER 29TH
Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide
Rawhide Western Town & Event Center
Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide is Arizona’s premier family event during the holidays. This magical experience features over 7 million lights, a dazzling light show, a magical train ride, a nightly parade, stunt shows, holiday shopping, live entertainment, and so much more. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit PrattBrothersChristmas.com.
THROUGH JANUARY 5TH
Jingle at JW Marriott
Desert Ridge
JW Marriott Desert Ridge
For the first time ever, the resort will unveil a captivating winter display complete with an enchanting ice skating rink, cozy fire tables, a magical snow play area, a thrilling virtual ski experience, a whimsical gondola photo station, an après ski pop-up bar, delectable holiday dining and other festive surprises. JWDesertRidge.com/Holidays
THROUGH JANUARY 5TH
Tianyu Lights Festival
10710 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix | 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM
The Tianyu Lights Festival, a mesmerizing nighttime walk-through experience for all ages that brings nature and art together through awe-inspiring visual, cultural, and light effects, is coming to the Valley for the first time ever. The festival features four themed sections with more than 40 sets of larger-than-life lantern sculptures that are crafted by skilled artisans. TianyuCulture.us/Phoenix
ShopTHE SEASON at Cordially
CONTINUED
DECEMBER 7TH
APS Electric Light Parade
Central Ave. and Montebello Ave. | 7:00 PM
For more than three decades, the APS Electric Light Parade has been an event where families, neighborhood groups and businesses from across the city come together to celebrate the joy of the holiday season. The parade kicks off at Central and Montebello avenues at 7 p.m. and runs down Central Avenue (south) to Camelback Road (east) to Seventh Street (south). Phoenix.gov/Parks/ELP
DECEMBER 20TH-21ST
AZ ACT Presents A Christmas Carol
Desert Vista Auditorium
An adaptation of Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his redemption from a life of greed and sadness. When four ghosts visit Scrooge, he is forced to look at his life—past, present and future—and witness the effect he has on others. For tickets, showtimes and more details, visit AZACT.org/A-Christmas-Carol.
DECEMBER 21ST-22ND
Arizona Nutcracker
Madison Center for the Arts
The Arizona Nutcracker presents their 25th anniversary production of The Nutcracker, featuring over 400 professionally designed costumes and headpieces. The sets come to life as the theater is filled with falling snow, angels dancing on clouds and a Christmas tree that grows through the roof of the theater. For tickets and showtimes visit TheArizonaNutcracker.com
Dr. Zineldine, Dr. Villalobos, Dr. Mayorga, Dr. Westby
