Waves in the Desert
ENTERTAINMENT
MESA’S REVEL SURF PARK—
YOUR LOCAL OASIS LIKE NO OTHER
REAL ESTATE
LORRAINE RYALL: EXPERT
HOME-BUYING ADVICE
HOME + DESIGN
MODERN LUXURY: DESIGN TIPS
Please help people affected by the 2025 California Wildfires by scanning the QR code, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a donation.
The Wonders of Home
Home can be many things. Home is be a place, where we start and end each day. Home is a person, those we love the most who allow us to be ourselves without worry. Home is even where we come from, the places and people that shaped us as we have navigated life.
American poet, Kathleen Norris said, “Peace— that was the other name for home.” Home should be peaceful. It should be the place we reset, recharge, and gain a new perspective. Home should be a place of pride, a place where you want to invite people to, a place to explore. Home is more than the address we claim as home. It is also the people and the city that surround us.
As a newbie to the Mesa area, I feel extremely blessed that I get a daily opportunity to go out and explore our new home. We have a new address, new favorite restaurants, and new parks. We’ve only hit the tip of the iceberg in all our exploring too. Mesa is big, beautiful, and full of possibilities. I was born and raised in Las Vegas and when we learned about our move to Arizona, I was positive that no place would feel like home like Vegas did. Yet, in these short months, Mesa has welcomed us with open arms. Mesa has given us peace. Mesa is home.
As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you are inspired to open up your home to others, explore the amazing places that make life in Mesa more fun, and learn more about our community—the lifeblood of Mesa. Mesa is a beautiful home, enjoy it.
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Michaela Hetherington
michaela.hetherington@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Adam Hetherington
adam.hetherington@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Ashleigh Underwood
ashleigh.underwood@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Molly Zahn & B•Real Media
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Sonja Stafford
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Ashley Blake
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
AJ Griffith, Damaris Duna, Shane Kreutzer
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
their
We are commited to enriching lives by providing nurturing, compassionate care, and guiding seniors and families with many care funding options available. RSVP today to attend one or more of the educational sessions in the East Valley
Top Honors, Top Results: Adam Hetherington’s 2024 Success
Adam Hetherington, your local realtor, is proud to have earned top honors with over $13 million in sales in 2024. He ranked #2 nationwide with AARE Brokerage and #1 in Arizona. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in today’s market and want expert advice, Adam’s here to help. Reach out for a no-pressure consultation.
Kitchen design has entered a transformative era, where innovation meets artistry to create spaces that are not only functional but also personal and sustainable. With advancements in technology, materials and craftsmanship, today’s kitchens are tailored to meet the evolving needs and tastes of homeowners.
According to interior designer Laura McCroskey, kitchens today are about more than just cooking—they’re an expression of personal lifestyle.
“Kitchen design has entered an exciting time where the possibilities feel limitless,” says McCroskey. “For me, the design process starts before lines are ever drawn on a construction document. I believe in creating spaces that enhance life, both functionally and aesthetically. The design process begins with a discussion about what a space needs to do, and what aesthetic will bring a spark to the homeowner.
INNOVATION MEETS
design. Advanced appliances are at the forefront, enhancing convenience while aligning with a growing emphasis on eco-friendliness.
“From vacuum-sealing drawers that preserve food and reduce waste to smart appliances controlled by your phone, the emphasis is on efficiency and sustainability. Functional storage built seamlessly into marble countertops and oversized workstation sinks are making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Thoughtful features like composting compartments and advanced food preservation methods reflect a broader effort to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.”
Custom cabinetry that maximizes every inch of space minimizes waste while optimizing functionality.
“Forget the limits of traditional cabinetry. Blind corners, tiny nooks and hidden areas are now designed to maximize storage.
ARTISTRY
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATE SHEETS
I also firmly believe that when designing a kitchen, one should walk out a recipe to make sure everything is in the right place to suit one’s lifestyle. Cooking zones are imperative to a well-designed kitchen.”
Modern kitchens emphasize zoning, or the creation of dedicated areas for preparation, cooking and storage, to enhance workflow and functionality. These zones not only improve efficiency but also contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic.
Cutting-edge rendering software, utilizing technology similar to that used in gaming, allows homeowners to visualize their dream kitchens in hyper-realistic detail. While these tools inspire creativity, McCroskey advises balancing ambitious ideas with practical implementation to achieve the best results.
Technology, sustainability and customization are driving the revolution in kitchen
Automated drawers and pop-up outlets are becoming increasingly common, marrying convenience with sleek aesthetics.”
Design trends have also evolved, becoming more flexible to reflect individual tastes.
“While white kitchens remain timeless and black adds drama, bleached woods continue to be popular. Style trends are no longer as rigid—whether you prefer modern, transitional, or traditional designs, you can create a kitchen tailored to your unique vision. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with today’s tools and technologies. The goal is to create spaces that resonate deeply with the people who live in them.”
The kitchen is the heart of every home and represents a space of endless possibility. Whether your aesthetic leans modern, farmhouse or somewhere in between, the tools and technologies available today make it easier than ever to bring your vision to life.
HOME BUYING DONE RIGHT
Spring brings in warmer air and the peek season for home buying
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAMARIS DUNA
“Home is where the heart is” is a great sentiment and looks great on a decor pillow but home should be a place of sanctuary. Home is the place where you feel safest, are most comfortable, and where you get to be surrounded by your favorite people every day. Due to advancements in technology and changes in how companies are structured, there are a lot of us who also work from our home, which adds a whole new layer to what we need from our houses.
Most of us are familiar with how the housing market changed in 2020. Many states, including Arizona, saw a rise in home prices as people decided that a new home state was in order. Add in the steep drop in interest rates and everybody was looking at buying a new home. It created a buying and selling market like no other, one that hasn’t been seen in decades and experts are unsure if we will see it again anytime soon.
“DON’T DIY YOUR HOME BUY! IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO HAVE AN EXPERT TO REPRESENT YOU AND YOUR INTERESTS.”
We sat down with Lorraine Ryall, local realtor extraordinaire to learn and understand what is happening in the real estate industry. It’s been five years since the changes of 2020. We all know a lot can change in a year, which means a lot more can change in five years. Perhaps you are outgrowing your home or maybe you want to downsize, or maybe you want to get out of renting and finally buy your first home.
Regardless of which category you fall into, one thing is clear: everything starts with a conversation.
Right now, the housing market is balanced. When the market is balanced, it tends to favor buyers more because sellers need to incentivize buyers into buying their home. A lot of people have been in a holding pattern, waiting to see if interest rates dropped. Many people are still hanging out in that waiting pattern, waiting for interest rates to drop. There’s a phrase in real estate, “marry the house, date the rate.”
It’s starting to seem like waiting for the interest rate to drop is like waiting for rain as you live in the desert. It takes forever. Once it does rain, it doesn’t seem worth the wait. The phrase she shared with me paints an interesting picture. You’re not
buying a house to commit to an interest rate. You’re buying a house because you are making the commitment to the house. If interest rates drop in six months, you could consider refinancing to better your rate. In the end, rates are changeable, the house isn’t. This holding pattern can hurt your chances of getting a good price on the house you love.
You might not think that the house market works in seasons but there is a seasonal aspect to it. We’re approaching it right now. The peak of buying and selling is in March and April. This puts the peak season of closing happening in May and June. We’re approaching the home buying season and while the market is currently balanced, things can shift into a seller’s market very easily. Seller’s market housing atmosphere makes buying difficult
because it makes negotiation harder. Sellers aren’t incentivized to get a buyer and it puts the pressure on buyers to incentivize the seller into picking their offer over others they may be looking at.
How do you know it’s time to buy? Looking at the current status of the market is probably a good place to start with. Other things to think about is whether or not you are currently renting. “Why pay someone else’s mortgage when you can pay your own?” Lorraine says. She brings up a good point, however, many renters might feel as if home buying is out of reach due to countless circumstances, it doesn’t hurt to have some conversations. It is absolutely free to explore possibilities. There are many programs that exist to help first-time home buyers and all you have to do is talk to a lender to learn more. That’s where your conversations start— with a lender.
Recent changes in the real estate industry may be unfamiliar to some buyers. Following a lawsuit settlement in 2024, the way buyer’s agents are compensated has changed. While sellers are still paying the buyer’s agents, it is now the buyer’s responsibility to sign an agreement acknowledging their obligation to pay the agent’s fees. The agent then negotiates with the seller to include these fees as part of the sale process. While this is a significant
Lorraine Ryall
change, it’s even more important to work with a knowledgeable agent who understands the process. It’s always better to have an expert on your side to represent your interests.
Lorraine recommends interviewing real estate agents and don’t be afraid to talk to a few of them. You don’t have to start looking at houses right away but take some time to find someone you click with. Have key questions to ask prospective agents and see how the conversation goes. The difference could be your agent knowing that they have found you your perfect house and someone who shows you every house imaginable, waiting for you to just pick one.
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TONE + TEXTURE
STYLE YOUR HOME IN TONES AND TEXTURES WITH DESIGN HELP FROM HOUZZ INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTS
ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN
WOVEN + KNOTTED
LIVING BOHO-CHIC WITH WOVEN TEXTURES AND MACRAMÉ
Decorate your space with handmade textures such as the modern, maker revival of 1970s macramé and year-round tropical feel of wicker. MACRAMÉ Made through knotting instead of weaving, macramé can add a unique touch in many various ways. Houzz contributor Laura Gaskill suggests incorporating it as nursery decor, plant hangers, wall hangings and modern fiber arts. WICKER According to Houzz contributor Yanic Simard, “the best way to really embrace the luxury-cottage appeal of wicker and rattan is to combine different forms of the two in one space... Look for other unexpected places to add a natural twist to your home with a new material woven into your palette.”
AGAINST THE GRAIN
TIPS FOR DECORATING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS
Houzz contributor Katie Treggiden offers many ways to incorporate natural materials and natural-state timber into your home, including using wood to cover one wall in a home for a pleasing accent wall; featuring your firewood as a striking, stacked display; and mixing different types of wood and different finishes in the same space. “A simple way to incorporate the wood trend is to expose structural wooden beams already present in your home,” Katie says. “Instead of painting them or boxing them in, leave them raw or give them a coat of wax to enrich the tones.”
BRIGHTS + WHITES
ADDING TASTEFUL POPS OF COLOR TO YOUR WHITE ROOM
Do you feel like your all-white room is missing something? Houzz contributor Kelly Porter bets what’s missing is energy.
“The best way to add a spark to any space,” she says, “is with bright color.”
Kelly says green is one of the easiest colors to live with, looking organic even in its more vivid tones.
“When searching for the perfect bright green, think springtime—fresh green grass and newly sprouted leaves,” she says. “These greens have lively undertones that will look comfortable and warm in your white space.
Other colors Kelly recommends adding as accents are yellow, royal blue, orange, blue-purple, red-purple and sky blue.
HOME MEANS BEACH
Cannon Beach is here with sand, water, and waves for an experience like no other
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD
Revel Surf is located at the center of “the intersection of lifestyle and adrenaline.” These sound like amazing cross streets but before you start searching on your GPS, we’re talking about Cannon Beach. Cannon Beach is Mesa’s brand new premier destination offering beach front views, waves,
“Revel Surf is located at the center of the intersection of lifestyle and adrenaline, bringing water recreation to Mesa.”
food and shopping. This is just the beginning of services offered at Cannon Beach, there is a lot more coming soon.
“We’re putting Mesa on the global surf map,” says Adam Saks, who is the COO of Cannon Beach. Adam’s words ring true when considering everything that encompasses Revel Surf. The entire design is catered to everybody, including families. Between the hotels, health and wellness shops, and dining options there is something for everybody to enjoy. Did we mention there is also a skatepark?
It all started with a dunk—that’s how the idea of Revel Surf came to life. Cole Cannon and Matt Gunn were playing some ball (Matt can’t dunk but can hit
the rim) when they decided to put their expertise and resources together to bring water recreation to Mesa, Arizona. Cole, who owned the land and was unsure of what to do with it. Matt, is the one behind the wave technology.
Revel Surf isn’t your typical wave pool that you’ll find at hotel resorts or water parks. Matt has been working on wave technology for well over a decade. He started working on his first wave in his backyard pool. “Can I make the right wave in a pool?” is the question that drove Matt to work on the technology. He made his first successful wave in 2010. It became about growing the model from there, bringing in Jim Bushy to help with the technology.
Shane Beschen, professional surfer and former #2 in the world, is the Creative Director for Cannon Beach. His expertise as a professional surfer was helpful in developing the technology as well. Shane comes from a family culture of surfing. Shane’s own father is still surfing, at the age of 74. Surfing knows no age limits, just requires the respect of the water and nature. It has been ingrained into his family and he is carrying on the legacy with his own sons surfing too. Surf culture is more than just hopping on a board and hitting the waves. Surf culture seeps into entertainment, music, and fashion. Anybody who remembers the 2000’s will probably remember the Billabong or Roxy t-shirt they wore, even if you did live in a landlocked state. “Oceans teach us lessons,” Shane says. “You quickly realize that you are not the boss.”
It’s a sentiment Matt and Cole also share as well. Revel Surf is the first of its kind but building it didn’t come easy. “You never know what it is going to do until you build it.” You can hypothesize and create models of the surf pool but those are all theories until you put the water in. Turns out, water will go where it wants to go.
It has been an entire team effort to bring Revel Surf to life, and in that effort there were high highs
“The goal is to empower people of all skills, ages, and abilities.”
and low lows. The surf itself has a “playlist” of waves, each wave varying in multiple ways to create experiences for beginner and advanced surfers. There’s even an ambiance wave, moving water changes the feeling. On top of the main surf pool, there is a standalone wave for those who desire lessons to learn how to surf. The surf is an addition to the beach, not a distraction. Revel Surf is first and foremost a beach, including sand and shallow water for littles. There is Revel Rocks, where you have cliff diving from six feet to twenty-five
feet. There are incredible food and cocktail options, making going to the beach easier than ever before.
“I want to make the broke feel rich,” Cole says. “The goal is to empower people of all skills, ages, and abilities.” Revel Surf is a judgement-free zone and whether you want to enjoy the beach, want to learn to surf and try to learn a new skill, or you are a seasoned surfer, all are welcome. You’ll want to stay awhile with all the water recreation options and the incredible food and cocktails available to enjoy.
SPRING INTO A GOOD BOOK
National Reading Week is March 2nd - 6th, Celebrate with these recommendations for the whole family from our editor
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD
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THE LITTLES PICK— THE PIGEON NEEDS A BATH! BY MO WILLIAMS
Meet the dramatic pigeon who will resist a bath at all costs in this children’s book that is guaranteed to make your littles laugh.
THE TWEEN PICK— THE LIGHTNING THIEF BY RICK
RIORDAN
What do you call the child of Poseidon?
A demigod. However, this one goes by the name of Percy in this epic start to the Percy Jackson books that are still treasured decades after being published. Follow along as Percy navigates the fantasy world he lives in where Greek gods are real, friends are like family, and you have to learn to work with others.
THE YOUNG ADULT PICK— TWEET CUTE BY EMMA LORD
Set in New York City at an elite private school, two students who feel out of place amongst their peers unintentionally wind up in a twitter war. This relatable read will have you laughing out loud at the antics of our social media savvy world.
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5 1 3
THE MYSTERY PICK— THE BLONDE IDENTITY BY ALLY CARTER
What happens when you wake up in Paris with no memory and people chasing after you? You end up thinking you’re a spy. Join our blonde heroine as she navigates a world she is completely unfamiliar with as she tries to figure out who is after her and why.
THE POPULAR PICK— FOURTH WING BY REBECCA YARROS
Dragons are real and you can become one of the select few who get to ride them as long as you can survive Basgiath War College. Join Violet as she starts her first year in the rider’s quadrant. Do you have what it takes to be a rider?
HOW TO Tablescape
Creating a table that makes you want invite your friends and neighbors over for
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AJ GRIFFITH
Jump into the social season early by hosting your family, friends, and neighbors for an old-fashioned dinner party. You don’t need a special occasion to open up your home to those you love— send out some invites (digital invites are huge and easy to do now) and get working on planning the details! Shaunna Cooper gave us all the insights on creating a beautiful table, “it sets the tone for the experience,” Cooper says.
PREP:
To start on your tablescape, you'll need:
• Charger Plates
• Napkins (assorted colors)
• Napkin rings (consider a variety of textures)
• Silverware
• Plates / Bowls / Appetizer Plates
• Centerpiece Decor
DECIDE ON A THEME:
There are the obvious themes that center around holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentines’s day, even birthdays. You could go with seasonal themes— like spring or fall. If you aren’t inspired by holiday or seasonal themes, pick a color that you love, are enjoying or is inspiring you. Once you pick your main season or color, pick complimentary colors to use for accents.
PICK A CENTERPIECE:
The focal point of your table—the centerpiece draws your eye and becomes the piece that everything else stems from. You can go simple with some fresh flowers or even use artificial flowers. You can repurpose beautiful pieces of decor for your centerpiece too. Just be sure to keep your centerpiece on theme or in your primary color.
HEIGHT & TEXTURE
This is what makes your tablescape a knockout. Pick accent pieces in varying heights and textures. This creates visual interest and adds layers to your design.
LEARN MORE: Shaunna Cooper is an interior designer living in Mesa, Arizona. She owns Three & Me Designs where she gets to work with clients to personalize their space in a way that reflects their individuality, boosts creativity and lifestyle through practical design solutions.
Choose a centerpiece that draws the eye, it’s your focal point.
step one step three step two 1 2
Pick a good theme that centers around holidays, seasons, or a favorite color.
3
Create a dynamic tablescape by using a variety of textures and different heights with the pieces used.
A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES AROUND MESA
This data is a sampling of sold properties from January 2025. Source: IRES MLS system.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL
KEY SECRETS FOR A SPARKLING HOME
A SPRING KIND OF CLEAN
TIP #1 Freshen up the Kitchen
A fresh, clean kitchen impacts the entire home. To freshen up the sink, Kim says, “Run hot water while pouring in equal parts of baking soda and white vinegar through the disposal. Follow with a few drops of blue Dawn Dishwashing soap to cut away any grease buildup. Sharpen the disposal blades by running cooler water and ice through it. For a fresh smell, grind a few slices of lemon, lime or orange, removing any seeds first.”
To clean everything else in the kitchen, including counters and stainless-steel appliances, use a microfiber cloth and a solution of 2-3 drops of Dawn mixed with water.
TIP #2 Spruce up the Living Room
The living room also deserves special attention. Kim says, “Start by pulling furniture away from the walls, vacuuming and dusting behind it. Make sure you dust air vents as well. Then, pull all of the furniture cushions off to vacuum underneath and in crevices. It’s always good to rotate and fluff cushions too.”
To banish dust from your furniture, Kim suggests using a good microfiber cloth that is slightly damp instead of furniture polish, which can leave a build-up on furniture that actually attracts dust.
TIP #3 Brighten up Windows
Brighten up your whole home by intentionally focusing on the windows. “Homeowners often forget about the inside of the window,” says Kim. “They dust the blinds or the shutters, but when the blinds are pulled up, the windows often have dust or a film on them.” Kim suggests cleaning the inside of the windows on a cloudy day to reduce streaks. “A good glass cleaner with a microfiber cloth works really well. If you still have streaks, try using a little bit of rubbing alcohol.”
Experience Catering Perfection
We
Josh Bakken Owner & Chef
Kasandra Bakken Owner & Customer Success + Account Manager
MARCH 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MARCH 8TH
Freaky Friday the Musical
Mesa Arts Center | 7:30 PM
When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. Freaky Friday, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic. Check out mesaartscenter.com for tickets.
MARCH 14TH
ARTISTS of the SUPERSTITIONS SPRING FLING ART FESTIVAL
2525 S Ironwood Dr, Apache Junction, AZ 85120 | 9:00 AM
Explore a stunning variety of artwork from local artist. Grab a bite at the on-site food truck offering tasty treats. Bring your friends, family, and art-loving spirit to this unforgettable celebration of artistic talent and community connection. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome! This event takes place on March 14th and March 15th from 9:00AM-4:00PM
MARCH 21ST
Padres @ Cubs
2330 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85201 | 1:05 PM
Cactus League Spring Training Game. Padres VS Cubs at Mesa’s own Sloan Park. Tickets available at cubs.com
