



We know the familiar sayings—"Home is where the heart is.” Or this one by Laura Ingalls Wilder, “Home is the nicest word there is.” And Charles Dickens penned, “In love of home, the love of country has its rise.”
I must have a thousand or more quotations about home that speak to my heart, each one deeply meaningful and inspiring. This I know: I have always loved my home, wherever it has been.
I was reared on a farm on the outskirts of a little southwestern Idaho town, and I stayed in the same home until I went away to college in Hawaii at 17. When I married my husband, we lived in a number of different homes in a number of different places—from Taiwan to California to Virginia and Maryland and from Hong Kong to Utah. In Hong Kong we lived in five different homes.
I used to ask myself: How can I make my home a real home if I know it is only going to be temporary? That question was answered one day by a woman whose husband was a senior military official. She had moved numerous times, sometimes a move after a year or two—onto the next place. She said happiness came for her when she realized how important it was to live in each home as if you are going to live there forever; make it a genuine place of beauty, where joy knows no bounds, she would say.
Through the years, I’ve thought about her words and have taken them to heart. I love where I am in my home right now, for now, a place where I can stream my favorite music, read inspirational books and reflect on the years of love and life with my husband and family. My wish is when family and friends enter my home, they feel a little bit of heaven.
Hopefully, this month’s features will cause us each to reflect on our homes and the memories we are making within. Happy homebuilding,
JJ ABERNATHY, EDITOR @STGEORGECITYLIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Paula Christie | paula.christie@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
JJ Abernathy | jj.abernathy@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Holly Infante | holly.infante@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Terry Dennis | terry.dennis@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Holly Infante | holly.infante@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Asher J. Swan | asherswanphoto@gmail.com
PHOTO EDITOR
Lori Hansen
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
JJ Abernathy, Jackie Dodart, Marianne Hamilton, Charlotte Omnes, Leann Parker
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
JJ Abernathy, RuthAnn Beardsley, Ben Braton, Katasha Connor, Jackie Dodart, Alan Holben, Charlotte Omnes
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 Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
8: Celebrating St. George Heritage Day with rootbeer floats served by the city council and employees 9: Brandon Sieverts, Brenda Coleman, Amanda Ashby, RuthAnn Beardsley, Lynette Fields and Jared Fields of The Real Estate Collective/Black Desert 10: Shawn Christensen, CEO, St. George Area Chamber of Commerce, welcomes guests to chamber gala 11: Patrick Manning, managing partner, Black Desert Resort, at St. George Area Chamber of Commerce gala 12: Nic Chamberlain and band provide entertainment for the chamber gala 13: RuthAnn Beardsley, Marc Mortensen, Brandon Sieverts, Erin O'Brien and Donna MacBean at the Chamber gala.
Under the leadership of Conductor and Artistic Director, Paul Wiens, the St. George Chamber Singers, together with the UT Chamber Choir, will perform Brahms Requiem. Never before performed in its entirety in southern Utah, the Requiem is certain to provide a transformative musical experience. It will be performed in its original German with a chamber orchestra. Event details: March 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Eccles Concert Hall. For tickets, visit utahtech.evenue.net
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The 2025 Kia EV9 has been named the Edmunds Top Rated 2025 Electric SUV, solidifying its position as a standout in the electric SUV segment. “Kia has hit the sweet spot with a three-row family SUV that combines a great driving experience with a spacious, versatile cabin,” said Edmunds Editor-in-Chief, Alistair Weaver. “The quality and attention to detail are truly outstanding, bettering vehicles costing thousands more.” For information, visit findlaykiastgeorge.com.
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ARTICLE BY LEANN PARKER
Have you ever pieced together an outfit for a special event or placed a collection of items on a shelf and then stood back and found that the pieces you pulled together totally worked or completely did not work? I used to think that I either needed a whole lot of talent or a bit of luck when it came to styling something beautifully. Turns out, there is no talent or luck about it at all. It all starts with a math formula. This formula is known as The Golden Ratio of 1.618. Discovered in the ancient world by mathematicians, this pattern can be found all over in the world of nature. This ratio creates patterns that can be found on the spines of a pinecone, seeds on a sunflower head, spirals on seashells, even the human form, to name only a few. And our eyes love to see it. Why our eyes like this particular pattern may remain a mystery but how to achieve it is no mystery at all. Fashion designers, interior designers, architects, photographers and artists have all been using this formula for centuries in order to achieve visually appealing compositions. And so can you!
In interior styling, a vignette is a small, curated collection of objects grouped together to create a smaller picture within a larger space in a room. Chances are, at some point you’ve put together a vignette without knowing it was one. What makes the difference between a purposefully styled vignette and a cluttered collection is all in the composition. The composition is most appealing when this amazing Golden Ratio is applied.
To get started on styling a vignette, first decide on the space you’ll place it. It could be an empty shelf, bedside table, or coffee table. Next, collect a few of your very favorite things that could be styled there. These objects could be a few books, a vase with flowers, a candle, a small clock, a plant, a few apples, the list is endless. Now that you have your space and objects to style, it’s time to assemble your vignette.
In grid form, the Golden Ratio shows designers exactly where to place the most important objects in the composition for the greatest visual appeal. Known as Phi, this grid splits the space that you’re working with into thirds vertically and horizontally. To apply to your vignette, place the most important objects on the correlation grid lines. Even better, place on the points where the lines intersect. This will be more appealing to the eye than if the important objects are in the center of the frame or far to the sides.
How many objects to use
In number form, the Golden Ratio helps us to know how many items to use when styling a vignette. This form is known as the Fibonacci Sequence (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, etc.). The sequence grows as it adds together the prior two numbers to get a new number (for example, 3+5=8 and 5+8=13, etc) and repeats. Amazingly, all the numbers that you achieve by doing this are the exact same numbers of petals that are found on flowers. How amazing is that! To apply to styling a vignette, choose a number in the Fibonacci Sequence for the number of items you will use to style. Typically 3 or 5 objects work great for small vignettes.
What shape to create
The eye loves to see odd numbers. Odd numbers stop our brain from categorizing items into pairs which are less visually interesting. When styling a vignette, build a triangle shape of 3 points with the objects you are styling. To achieve this, vary the heights of objects to make a stepping down effect. If your items are of similar height then use books or a small object to lift one higher so that it appears taller than the others. To start, place the tallest piece in the back, medium piece in front and slightly to the side of the tall piece, then the smallest piece in front to create a stepping down effect. The Golden Triangle has angles of 72 and 36 degrees but any triangle here will do!
How to place objects
Avoid straight lines when styling a vignette. Three objects placed side by side is far less interesting than if they are slightly overlapped (literally or visually). Layer objects in order to give them a sense of belonging together, as random of a collection as they may be. Layering can also be achieved by mixing textures (woven basket, shiny glass and organic leaf).
How to choose objects
Decide ahead of time if your vignette will be a mixture of items or a single themed collection. If you’re mixing (such as using a vase, a plant, and a candle) then make sure your objects all have a commonality either of color, texture or form. If you’re going with matched items (such as all white candles) then take extra care to use odd numbers and varying heights for visual interest.
I hope you have fun creating your vignette and share them with me over on IG @SilvertoothHome . You can also visit me at my website SilvertoothHome.com I’m excited for you to check it out and learn more with me there!
Plants, ponds and people live in harmony at Salamander Springs
Zac and Joey Gibson know one thing for sure: In nature, as in life, there’s more cooperation than competition, and nature will always try to right itself.
Since launching their company, Salamander Springs—which offers custom design services for homeowners wishing to add water features to their properties—the couple has learned to work harmoniously, and patiently, with flora and fauna. For those wishing to create a self-sufficient, sustainable backyard oasis, the Gibsons are eager to share their considerable skills.
Married for 31 years, Zac and Joey come by their knowledge of permaculture by way of personal experience. The pair purchased a Bloomington Ranch property in 2019, aiming to add a natural pool inspired by the bodies of water Zac had sloshed through in rural northern California as the child of a single dad.
“I spent a lot of time swimming,” Zac recalls. “But I didn’t like community pools that much, because of all the chemicals. I’d go out and catch frogs, snakes, lizards, and fish; there were so many beautiful ponds in that area, and I always wanted to have a property like that. So, 25 years ago, I decided to build a full-sized swimming pool to show people how to work with nature, and what’s possible.”
With a desire to create a pool that looked “like it had always been there, and the house was built around it,” Zac got to work on a back lot that was then filled with Bermuda grass. Shaping the land and bringing in rock, he carefully incorporated trees and structures, some of which had been on the property for four decades. Throughout the design, excavation and landscaping process, Zac and Joey scrupulously avoided the use of pesticides or other chemical compounds, employing composting and other natural fertilizers.
In May 2020, Salamander Springs—so named in honor of tiger salamanders, one of Zac’s favorite creatures—was filled for the first time. What followed seemed miraculous: Within days, 12 brand-new bird species, including owls, hawks and herons, made the site their home, many building nests in the trees shading the pool. Weeks later, hundreds of tree frogs took up residence.
“It was amazing to hear them during the mating season; at times the sound was almost deafening!” Zac says, laughing.
The next fall, the Gibsons reveled in the sight of monarch butterflies dotting the 15-year-old milkweed plants adjacent to the pool. Soon, the foliage was festooned with caterpillars from top to bottom. Joey started posting photos of the new residents on Facebook; in short
order she was contacted by Utah Friends of Monarchs, a nonprofit that engages and educates state residents in the conservation of the beloved butterflies.
Says Joey, “I was asked what we’d done to attract the butterflies, and I said that we’d recently added the pool. They think that was the tipping point; the butterflies had water that wasn’t full of chemicals, and access to the minerals in the mud.
“We were also asked if we’d been certified as a Monarch Waystation; those are places that provide breeding areas for Monarchs as they migrate from the U.S. and Canada to Mexico during the winter,” Joey adds. “It turns out that we were already doing the things required for certification: We don’t cut our plants down during the winter, which helps the ‘pollinators,’ and the milkweed nectar provides a food source for the adult butterflies. Basically, we support every stage of the Monarchs’ lifecycle.”
Joey and Zac have turned their love for the most natural, intervention-free form of gardening into a thriving business, offering tours and classes at Salamander Springs. Joey just finished teaching a four-week course on sustainable gardening through Utah Tech’s Community Education program, focusing on using native plants and helping pollinators. For his part, Zac still loves nothing more than getting his hands dirty—and solving problems.
“A lot of the calls we get are about fixing something, whether it’s redoing a water feature that isn’t working properly or helping someone figure out what they can grow for food. We love to solve problems and help people!”
Perhaps surprisingly, southern Utah residents have abundant gardening options. Salamander Springs proprietors suggest adding these native plants; in addition to their beauty, many have the added benefit of attracting birds, bees, butterflies and other creatures: sumac, milkweed, mint, sage, elderberry, silverberry, mesquite, creosote bush.
“We’re trying to create healthy communities with nature and people, to bring people together in a common cause.”
– Zac Gibson
Zac adds that with sufficient time and patience, Mother Nature is a pretty good problem-solver herself. Case in point: Just days after first filling their pool, a large algae bloom appeared. The Gibsons pulled out much of the uninvited greenery, packing it around surrounding plants (Joey dubs algae “a great fertilizer”), then noticed that the fish they’d stocked in the pool were happily feasting on the remaining bloom. Within a week, the water began to clear, and has remained so ever since.
In our experience, nature always tries to right itself,” Joey confirms. “As humans we always want everything to happen right now; to be more immediate in fixing problems. Nature doesn’t work that way.”
“We want people to fall in love with nature,” Zac concludes. “We’re trying to create healthy communities with nature and people; to bring people together in a common cause. We believe that’s what we all need to do, to create a better world.”
For more information about Salamander Springs, or to schedule a tour, visit salamandersprings.co
It’s always magical to spend a night sleeping under the stars. In decades past, adventure seekers have packed the SUV or camper with tents and gear for ‘roughin’ it’ in the great outdoors. But the swanky and exploding category of luxury outdoor hotels is something to investigate for an unforgettable, next-level experience.
For those who prefer glamping rather than pitching their own tent fireside, here are a few options that incorporate sweeping views and a unique
opportunity for travelers to be more authentically embedded in the landscape of the place they’re visiting. These resorts have bucket list-worthy rooms that capture the best of both the luxury resort experience and the outdoors.
Whether you crave the dry heat of the remote Utah desert or the luminous beauty of the Northern Lights, we’ve curated a short list of some places you *must* check out.
In southern Utah, Amangiri is a five star resort perfect for an adventurous weekend in the desert. However, it is the simple rooms built to emphasize the beauty of Canyon Point that truly make it an incredible place to stay. Each suite has an outdoor lounge and fireplace with private pools or rooftop terraces available too. Don’t miss a dip in the ‘gram-worthy pool, which wraps around the landscape’s curved dunes and arid plateaus.
The Spanish island Ibiza boasts lush pine forests, hidden calas (cove beaches) and Hacienda Na Xamena, a resort suspended on a cliff 600 feet above the Mediterranean. Guests flock to its spa for the eight saltwater thalassotherapy (seawater as a form of therapy) lagoons, which are linked together with waterfalls. Swim to the edge of the pool and drink in the sweeping sea vistas.
This jungle hideaway is so out there, you have to whitewater raft down a river or ride a gondola to get there. A network of hanging bridges connect the villas, which have thatched roofs, plantation teak wood floors, rattan furniture and private plunge pools. In the evening, zip 400 feet down a cable for a meal at the Nest, a platform at the top of a ceiba tree, then take a night-time stroll along romantic pathways lit by candles and lanterns.
Are you ready to get a glimpse of the future of food?
Attending the Fancy Foods Show in Las Vegas recently proved an exciting experience! The Specialty Food Association Trendspotter Panel has released their predictions for the top 2025 food and beverage trends in the specialty market, and here’s a sneak peek of what will be seen on retail shelves and restaurant menus. According to Trendspotter Melanie Bartelme, “Consumers will become even more flexible with how they eat in 2025.”
FANCY SNACKING
Snacking is here to stay, with flavor combinations infusing new energy into this red hot category. Snacking is on the rise and savvy food and drink brands will help consumers see the products they make as suitable for however consumers choose to eat them. Look for familiar snacks with a twist. Think dumplings as a snack or pizza cupcakes for lunch. How does this sound: Lotus Foods Forbidden Rice Ramen? Tinned seafood has become a delicious new trend and is an easy go-to snack. Paired with a cracker and delicious spice it is both easy and nutritious.
GLOBAL FOODS BRING
GLOBAL GRATIFICATION
Trendspotter, Kat Craddock, is very excited about the new Asian brands. Consumers will learn about new flavor profiles and convenient heat-and-eat or mix-and-make formats.
ARTICLE BY JACKIE DODART
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JACKIE DODART
Frozen Japanese ramen and dumplings from around the world are a hit, and flavor-packed Thai simmer sauces are delicious. My personal favorite is Blue Elephant from Thailand.
YES, CHEF
Most of us enjoy cooking at home but want the convenience of “cheffy” kits for the home chef.
Consumers are increasingly seeking change to gourmet-quality meals in convenient formats. With inflation hitting our pocket books, many consumers are looking for restaurant-quality meals at home, especially with great home cooking equipment and quality ingredients. Top olive oils from around the world, charcuterie, cheeses and truffles are much easier to find and use today.
GIMME SOME SUGAR
New styles of health-focused eating sees new styles of sweeteners: Burlap and Barrel’s single origin sugars and honeys. Other favorites are Runamok honeys and maple syrups. Hot honey drizzled over a piece of brie is fabulous!
Flavored cheese is another trend that is a sure winner. Try Vermont Creamery’s honey-truffle goat cheese log or Utah’s own, Barely Buzzed or Big John’s Cajun from Beehive Cheese. Another favorite is flower-topped R. Jacquin’s Fromage de Cheve. Your local cheese store has many cheeses infused with lemons, berries and herbs.
Multiple vinegars are cropping up as reductions, fruity condiments (think balsamic) and shrubs.
Look out for vinegar-based condiments like Puerto Rican pique or Filipino sawsawan. Cucumber vinegar will be one to watch for.
OIL-BASED SAUCES AND BLACK GARLIC
Fly by Jing and Momofoku have delicious flavors. Black garlic will be a new trend to look for in specialty snacks, rubs and seasonings. My favorite is black garlic hummus, hand prepared.
Lavender flavor is a floral note making its way into everything from cheese to drinks. Experiment with making mocktails using club sodas and lavender or quality ginger ales, such as Fever Tree to elevate your beverages.
Try one or several of these new trends and products to elevate your dinner tonight. After all, cooking at home celebrates innovation and tradition—and offers dazzling, extraordinary flexibility for you and those you love.
EVERY SATURDAY
Tuacahn Saturday Market
Tuacahn Amphitheatre, 1100 Tuacahn Dr., Ivins | 10:00 AM
Enjoy the wonderful surroundings at Tuacahn's outdoor market set in the beautiful red rock canyon, featuring local artwork, crafts, food and free entertainment. The Tuacahn Cafe and the Tuacahn Gift Shop are always open. Visit tuacahn.org.
EVERY SATURDAY
Downtown Farmers Market
Vernon Worthen Park, 300 S. 400 E., St. George | 10:00 AM
Enjoy live music and local shopping in the picturesque downtown Vernon Worthen Park. Enjoy local food and goods while listening to the beat of local performers. This is truly an event for the whole family. Visit downtownfarmerstg.com
SATURDAYS
St. George Sunrise Market
Hela Seegmiller Historic Farm, 2592 S. 3000 E., St. George | 10:00 AM
Come and enjoy the St. George Sunrise Market! You will love the positive vibe and energy in the air, mixed with some of the best artisans and entrepreneurs. Experience fun music with line dancing, and fill yourselves up with fresh baked goods, handmade food and fresh produce from farmers. Tel. 435.627.4530.
THROUGH MARCH 8TH
Stage Door Theater: Wait Until Dark
The Electric Theater, 68 E. Tabernacle, St. George | 7:30 PM
This edge-of-your-seat thriller will have you hooked from start to finish. Follow Susy, a blind woman targeted by con men, as she turns the tables in a gripping battle of wits and courage. The play is a pulse-pounding tale that promises twists, turns and a finale you won’t forget. Tel. 435.656.4407.
THROUGH MARCH 29TH
38th Annual Sears Invitational Art
Sears Art Museum, 155 S. University Ave., St. George | 10:00 AM
Utah Tech celebrates the 38th Annual Robert and Peggy Sears Invitational Art Show and Sale. This fundraising exhibition features a wide variety of subjects, including landscapes, portraits and still lifes, and features some of the best artists in the west. Look for selections from the Bob and Peggy Sears Native American art collection in the Eccles Grand Foyer. Visit searsart.com.
MARCH 1ST
St. George Tabernacle, 18 S. Main St., St. George | 2:00 PM
Listen to the Southern Utah Heritage Choir at the St. George Tabernacle on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. and March 1 at 2 p.m, with Dr. Ken Peterson as music director and conductor; Jennifer Redfearn, pianist; and Karen Kennedy, organist. The 200-voice choir symbolizes the enduring power of choral music. Visit heritagechoir.org.
At Digby’s, our skilled butchers meticulously cut and prepare all of our meats in-house. They are dedicated to hand selecting and expertly preparing only the nest cuts. Taste the di erence in quality and avor with our hand crafted meats.
Experience the Digby’s Di erence our ability to custom-cut any piece of meat to ensure your dinner is truly unforgettable.
MARCH 1ST
Delbert Anderson Quartet
Center for the Arts at Kayenta, 881 Coyote Gulch Ct., Ivins | 7:30 PM
Delbert Anderson creates Diné musical pathways inspired by Diné. He preserves his cultural music by building a foundation of new Diné melodies and fusing them through jazz, jam and funk. Each path serves Indigenous culture through stories, healing, history and collaboration. Visit kayentaarts.com.
MARCH 7TH
First Fridays at Kayenta
Kayenta Art Village, 851 Coyote Gulch Ct., Ivins | 5:00 PM
Come join First Fridays at Kayenta, happening on the first Friday of every month! Enjoy live music, food trucks and a pop-up boutique market in the Kayenta Art Village, beginning at 5 p.m. Visit kayentaarts.org.
MARCH 7TH
Lyle Lovett in Concert
Tuacahn Amphitheatre, 1100 Tuacahn Dr., Ivins | 7:30 PM
Lyle Lovett, Grammy-winning singer, composer and actor, brings his signature blend of country, jazz, folk, gospel and blues to the stage. Known for his rich storytelling and unmatched style, Lovett performs unforgettable music. Visit tuacahn.org for this and other March concerts, such as The National Parks Band, The Temptations, Grand Funk Railroad and the Music of Abba.
MARCH 13TH-APRIL 19TH
St. George Musical Theater: Man of La Mancha
Historic Opera House, 212 N. Main St., St. George | 7:30 PM
A musical that follows the story of Miguel de Cervantes, imprisoned during the Spanish Inquisition, as he tells the tale of Don Quixote, a deluded, but noble-minded old man who believes himself to be a knight on a quest for honor and justice. Matinees available. Visit sgmusicaltheater.com.
MARCH 21ST-23RD
St. George Spring Home Expo
Dixie Convention Center, 1635 S. Convention Center Dr., St. George | 12:00 PM
This free event is the perfect opportunity for homeowners to save big on all home improvement projects and meet with local and national vendors, offering valuable insights and guidance to turn your home vision into reality.
MARCH 28TH-29TH
Utah Tech Eccles Concert Hall, 149 S. University Ave., St. George | 7:30 PM
Experience the power and inspiration of Brahm's Requiem, one of the most well-known choral works of the 19th century. The concert marks the 10th anniversary of the St. George Chamber Singers. The event, under the leadership of Conductor and Artistic Director, Paul Wiens, will combine the UT Chamber Choir and the St. George Chamber Singers. For tickets, visit utahtech.evenue.net/events/chamber.
MARCH 22ND
The Redeemer
Tuacahn Amphitheatre, 1100 Tuacahn Dr., Ivings | 8:00 PM
Celebrate Easter by with spiritual and stirring music centered around the life and mission of The Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Grammy-nominated Jenny Oaks Baker, Emmy Award-winning composer and conductor, Kurt Bestor, and a host of artists join with the Southwest Symphony to present this inspiring multi-media concert. Featured will be magnificent portions of Handel's "Messiah" and other familiar music. Visit tuacahn.org.
The N/A drink review
ingredients:
• 1 lime
• ½ mandarin orange
• kosher salt in dish for rim
• 1 thick slice jalapeño
• ½ oz. agave or honey
• soda water for topping
• ice for shaking and serving
directions:
Cut lime in half; cut one slice of lime and set aside for garnish. Squeeze lime and orange into shaker can. Run squeezed lime around the rim of the serving glass. Roll rim in a dish of kosher salt to create salt rim. Add jalapeño, agave or honey to the shaker can and fill with ice. Shake until can is cold. Pour drink into salt-rimmed glass. Top with soda water. Garnish with lime.
Cut back, take a break, or give up alcohol without missing out on the enjoyment of a drink! Visit charlotteomnes.com