Northern AZ Luxury LIVING - VOL. 3, NO. 5

Luxury Home Furnishings

THE MANY FORMS OF LUXURY

We hope the variety of offerings we have this edition add to the richness of your life.

From figuring out how to best blend the decorating styles of a couple’s new and combined living situation to wearing the just-right button-down white shirt, we showcase the finest.

You have your own ideas about how you want your home to look and feel, but aren’t sure you trust yourself? Please see pointers on working with an interior designer to get your heart’s desire.

Have an heirloom or two you love, but they just don’t seem to fit with the rest of your home? We’ll show you how to make it work. And it might just be that piece of furniture on which you rest that glass of wine from one of the emerging wine regions around the globe we take you to. (One is a mere state over.)

Check in with celebrity makeup artists for their tricks of the trade, and consider if haute couture furnishings are the way to go (did you even know there was such a thing?).

Inside are even more ideas on getting the most for your home, and yourself.

Associate Publisher

PUBLISHER

Elaine M. Earle, CPA

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Laurie Fisher

SALES & MARKETING

Laurie Fisher, Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Julie Turetzky, Director of Public Relations

Jacey Bailey, Executive Sales & Marketing Assistant

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

Michele Rodriguez, Creative Director

Jennifer Hunter, Digital Media Representative

EDITORIAL

Christia Gibbons, Senior Editor

Blake Herzog, Staff Writer

Valerie Demetros, Staff Writer

OPERATIONS

Bea Lueck, Vice President

Jenna Leatherman, Accounts Receivable

Terry Scheib, Delivery Manager

Zach Denton, Delivery Manager Flagstaff

COMMENTS & IDEAS

editor@roxco.com

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PRESCOTT OFFICE: 130 N. Granite St. Prescott, AZ 86301 • 928.350.8006

CEO Elaine M. Earle, CPA

VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS

Bea Lueck

RETAIN YOUR STYLE

WHILE WORKING WITH A

by Valerie Demetros

Designer

Working with an interior designer can help you design your home to be the sanctuary it should be, both beautiful and functional. But it can feel daunting to trust someone to create a space where you will feel comfortable and, more importantly, will reflect your personal style and vision. Even though designers have years of

experience and a broader knowledge of what’s out there, your desires and needs are just as important. And keeping your personal vision alive while working with a designer will mean everyone is happy.

Before you start your search for an interior designer, it’s key to think about the most obvious questions.

Take a moment to self-reflect and decide just what describes you and your family’s style. Are you bold, adventurous, minimalistic or whimsical? This description can mean the beginning of finding the direction for your designs.

Next, ask how you want the space to feel. Are you looking for serenity, energy, inspiration or even mystery? Take a look at your closet and reflect: Do you prefer tailored or less-structured pieces? Do you gravitate toward certain colors or patterns, traditional, formal, playful, sexy, conservative, etc.?

How will you be using the space? If you host large parties and have a large family, a minimalistic approach with open spaces may not be your style. If you consider your home your space away from the outside world, that will help.

Along these lines, it’s important to decided what you don’t like. If you are not a fan of bright walls,

busy wallpaper or rattan, make sure that is communicated upfront. Next, it’s time to find a designer who will work with you.

Of course, a good designer will ask all of the above questions and consider how you use your home. But having this information beforehand gives you an advantage because you have already given it some thought.

Interview designers until you find one who makes you feel comfortable and whom you trust.

Although keeping your own style may be essential to you, one of the advantages of using an interior designer is the designer’s ability to see outside the box. Advice from a professional is valuable. A good designer will use the clues you give them to build an interior you’ll love.

While working with a designer, it is crucial for you to be honest — with yourself and

the designer. You may think you want a completely modern, clean-lined look, but be honest. Is that what you truly want or what everyone says is trendy and fashionable? At the end of the day, you will live there and entertain guests, day in and day out. Speak up. A great designer can translate your inspiration and passions into a design just for you. And a good designer wants your input, ideas and changes. Remember, design is always shifting and your style is ever-changing, just like your fashion choices. Your interior should evolve as you grow and continue to reflect your style.

Ultimately, it is a designer’s goal to create a place filled with beauty, function and interest that reflects your style. The only way to do that is by working closely with you. So, speak up, know what you want and reap the rewards.

DESIGNING AROUND A

FAMILY HEIRLOOM

by Valerie Demetros

Family heirlooms are treasured possessions that not only honor your past but carry a sentimentality that is irreplaceable.

Of course, displaying these cherished items may become a design challenge, merging old and new with contrasting styles.

But don’t panic, design pros have found many ways to bring your heirlooms right up front and integrated beautifully. The key is to find just the right balance.

PURPOSEFULLY ACCESSORIZE

With an antique desk or table, accessorizing becomes essential. Place a contemporary accessory on a vintage desk and it becomes thoughtprovoking, filled with style and intention. Pair a modern vase on a classic coffee table for a fresh touch.

MODERNIZE FABRIC

For a vintage chair or sofa, reupholstering can give it a crisp look and grand makeover. Bold graphic patterns or textures can provide the piece with an instant lift and integrate into your style.

CHOOSE WISELY

One of the pitfalls of decorating with family heirlooms is wanting to keep everything. Quantity is usually not your friend. Choose the best pieces and integrate them into your décor. Trying to keep everything can give your home a cluttered, thrift-store look.

CRAFT REPETITION

Don’t be afraid to exhibit a collection together rather than scattering it around your home. This creates a focused look and draws attention to the collection. Whether it’s baseball caps or vintage canes, these can make an interesting gallery wall in a hallway or guest bedroom with a contrasting wall color.

UPDATE AND REPURPOSE

You can bring a vintage piece into the modern age by updating it. If you have a beautiful piece of old-world art, consider a modern frame to give it an eclectic current look. Turn an antique or vintage cabinet into a bar to lend a chic feel to an older piece, or paint a classic desk and update the hardware to create a modernized table.

CREATE UNITY

If you find yourself with a mix of antique and contemporary seating, using the same cushions can unify the look. A cohesive room can build layers so everything works together. The secret is to find balance.

If you have a large walnut antique, try integrating a bit of wood throughout the room rather than compensating with stainless steel throughout the rest of the room.

Each heirloom tells a story, and when you present them proudly in your home, you share your history and reflect on your past. And integrating them into your interior gives your home a personal touch.

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Decorating Styles

When it comes to combining households, you probably have decor items that you each value, and chances are some don’t go together.

But don’t panic, you can incorporate each other’s cherished items and maintain a cohesive design. It just takes time, patience and compromise.

First, conduct an audit. List which items are non-negotiable and which pieces are important but not essential. This way, you both know what you’re working with.

Be willing to give an honest assessment of each piece, what purpose it serves and why you need it. Be prepared to negotiate. For instance, if there is one dining area and both of you have a dining table.

If you have non-negotiables, it’s important to identify these upfront. You may not understand the connection or purpose, like your partner’s button collection or beat-up baseball glove, but showing respect for an item is a must. You will expect the same understanding.

Before agreeing to what you want, it’s crucial to recognize just how much space you’re working with. Size and space limitations will dictate just how much you can keep. No need to duplicate items if there is no space.

Once you agree on items, experts suggest using the 80/20 rule. For instance, if one person has a modern collection of furniture, use this for 80% of the room and accent with the other person’s French country lamp and accent chair (20%). For each room, decide which will be the majority style.

Once you’ve decided on items, embrace them. Mixing styles can create a timeless, collected look that usually ends up radiating comfort and warmth.

To add to your combined style, consider buying a few pieces together that speak to your new fusion. Purchase a sofa or dining set and use your existing pieces to accent the space.

If you end up with one “oddball” or obvious stand-out item, don’t try to hide it. Use it as a focal point and work around it rather than stuffing it in a corner. It may end up being the conversation piece in the room that adds warmth and eclectic style, like the recliner in Frasier Crane’s living room on “Frasier.”

And although it may sound like a practical strategy to let each person completely call the shots in different rooms, this may lead to a disjointed feel in the house. It’s much better to bite the bullet and compromise.

Find a way to combine your priorities, and that will translate to a beautiful result with everyone feeling comfortable and appreciated.

Finally, when in doubt ask a professional. If you just can’t reach a consensus, it may be time to bring in reinforcements. A professional designer can facilitate a discussion and provide an objective expert opinion. A consultation may be all you need to get new ideas and placements that will, in the end, reflect everyone’s style and create harmony.

Lighting’s Power

MANY FORMS COMES IN

Technological advances with LED lighting in particular have revolutionized how homes can be illuminated, which means you have more choices than ever for your home.

This can make it a little more confusing when making decisions on what to do, but the extra homework pays off with endlessly appealing and customizable ways to see your space.

Here’s what you should know:

SMART LIGHT SYSTEMS

Thanks to LED-bulbs, lighting systems that you can control from wherever you are and that can calibrate themselves to ambient conditions are no longer a futuristic vision. Choosing the right one, though, can require a lot of research and some compromise.

The different brands and types of smart bulbs have their own advantages and drawbacks related to cost, illumination, range of color selection, energy savings and integration with a particular smart home speaker or hub.

By comparing blogs and talking to the right experts, you can figure out exactly what combination of convenience and customization will spark the interior of your dreams.

ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING

Lighting has become an integral part of architectural design, with designers incorporating lighting elements seamlessly into the structure of the residence. This trend focuses on creating a harmonious blend between the lighting fixtures and the overall interior design.

Architectural lighting is hidden in the recesses of rooms and furniture to keep the focus on whatever is being lit, whether it’s an object on a shelf or a wall with an intriguing texture. In many cases the shadows these lights cast are just as important as the illumination.

FORM OVER FUNCTION

Over the past couple of decades it’s gotten easier and easier to combine different forms of lighting within a single room. Most kitchens used to rely on florescent tubes, dining rooms on chandeliers, bedrooms on lamps and so forth. Recessed and track lighting and other innovations have made it much easier to combine these options. So, if you come across a light fixture you absolutely adore — but it doesn’t exactly light up the night — you don’t have to turn off the deal.

SLIMMED-DOWN ELEGANCE

LEDs have also allowed lighting manufacturers to do more with less, creating fixtures with less wiring and bulk, with a sleeker profile that can look more modern, more artistic or both. Linear or looping chandeliers can be flush-mounted or suspended from the ceiling, lamps can double as sculpture, and wall sconces can consist of single tubes, candlelike tubes suspended from the walls or spiral tubes wrapped around an axis.

BRIGHTER HORIZONS

The innovations keep coming from every direction you can imagine: sunlightreflecting robots that can bring natural light to any room, AI-powered lights that can react to specific moments shown in video games and movies, refrigerators with dynamic LED displays covering their doors, remote controls powered completely through the kinetic energy generated by pushing the buttons — stay tuned for more illumination!

It ’s Useful (AKA Fun)

TO KNOW WHAT’S TRENDING

Interior design doesn’t usually undergo seasonal fluctuations like fashion because furniture and textures are too expensive and enduring to modify frequently. Yet, things do change and new spaces are designed every year.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to update and add a bit of style or comfort to your space, here is your chance.

The top trending design styles right now include everything from saturated color and listening rooms to enclosed kitchens.

SATURATED PAINT COLORS

Particularly in bathrooms, saturated wall colors are giving some rooms a new life. Think of what saturating the walls with color would do to an otherwise dull room in your home.

LISTENING ROOMS

Music rooms used to be a staple in every household. Now, listening rooms dedicated to music are finding their way back. Whether it’s creating your own or listening to tunes with quality equipment, these rooms are growing in popularity.

FLOATING STONE VANITIES

If you’re looking at a bathroom renovation, consider a floating vanity. These are making striking changes to bathroom designs. They are particularly nice in powder rooms and tight spaces.

ENCLOSED KITCHENS

The open concept is not dead, but enclosed kitchens are slowly seeing a revival. With less built-in cabinetry and more open shelving, these kitchens offer a chance to hide the mess and cook in your own space.

GOLD HARDWARE

Hardware is an easy upgrade in most rooms, especially kitchens and bathrooms. And the trend seems to be gold hardware taking the place of brushed nickel. This goes along with overall warm tones making a comeback as well. Can you say, “Hello, ‘80s?”

BRUTALIST AND MID-CENTURY

The trend is beyond the shiny mod sense of Palm Springs in the 1960s and into the grittier side of brutalist design with organic shapes, concrete floors, raw materials and textural finishes. You can incorporate this in your tablescapes as well as design choices.

PAPER AND FABRIC LIGHTING

Designers are seeing a resurgence of lighting made from fabric, paper and silk with soft, ambient glows. Many of these in warm natural tones lend themselves to the earth-tone trend.

Haute Couture

INTO YOUR HOME

Chances are, you have a favorite designer or two — designers who speak to your own personal style and make you feel comfortable and beautiful each time you wear them. And if you have a passion for fashion, you are undoubtedly passionate about your home’s interior design.

You’re in luck because now more than ever the fashion and interior design industries are connected in beautiful ways. The most prominent fashion houses aren’t just on the runway anymore.

The finest haute couture inspirations can be integrated into your home designs with modern furniture and more.

DIOR

In 2019, Dior opened its first Maison Dior boutique dedicated to interior design.

The Granville collection, designed by Cordelia de Castellane, integrates Monsieur Dior's fascination with nature and botany with colorful hydrangeas and wisteria branches. The line is available on a series of plates, mugs, trays and hand-painted glasses as well as vases and Murano glass.

The Paris fashion house also asked a group of 17 global artists to reimagine its iconic Medallion chair, and the results are stunning with metallics, fabric designs and unusual shapes and interpretations.

LOUIS VUITTON

Louis Vuitton, known for iconic clothes and handbags, routinely invites famous designers to imagine experimental but functional furniture and objects for its Objets Nomades collection.

The results range from hammocks and folding stools to armchairs and TV screens. The designer’s furniture line includes bright, fun and modern takes on classics with Marcel Wanders’ Petal Chair and Frank Chou’s Signature Sofa in blood-red velvet.

HERMÉS

One of the most iconic designers also has an interior design line. The design house has one of the early luxury home lines complete with office accessories, chairs and even board games, all sporting the classic equestrian style and colors.

Furniture and accessories offer clean lines, modern designs and an integration with wood and leather for a contemporary yet classic appeal.

VERSACE

If you’re a fan of the Italian designer’s homage to the Greek mythological Medusa, then this home collection is right up your alley. Versace’s home collection transforms your home into an Italian palace with bedding sets, wallpaper, plates and candles. The black and gold iconic designs lets you bring opulence home, not just in your wardrobe.

GUCCI

Launched in 2017, Gucci Décor offers a chance to set the table with floral coffee cups, gilded tea sets or full dinner service. Decorate with furniture and accessories including embroidered pillows and monogrammed blankets, all infused with a very Rococo ‘70s spirit of the house.

FENDI

Fendi Casa, created in 1988, was the very first fashion house with furniture and accessories. It carries a full range, branded with Fendi’s interlocking FF design, from bedroom sets to sofas to kitchen tables. The design offers characteristic soft designs with a highend look.

Decorating

DRAW THE EYE BY WITH A FOCAL POINT

Afocal point is one of the most important components of each room in your home. It’s the first thing people see when they enter a room. And the best thing you can do is emphasize that focal point and draw the eye right to it.

The most common are windows with beautiful views, kitchen islands, fireplaces, artwork, architectural features and furniture. There are limitless ways to emphasize a focal point, here are just a few.

FURNITURE

A statement piece of furniture like a dining table or sofa can serve as a focal point on its own. Some furniture is designed to stand out, but furniture placement can also bring attention to a focal point.

Arranging chairs and tables around a fireplace encourages people to gather around it. Facing furniture toward a picture window will bring attention to the view.

With a large focal point like statement sofa, placing contrasting furniture around it will draw the eye to it. It is also possible to bring attention to a large piece,

like a grand piano, by putting it in a space all its own.

LIGHTING

Intentionally placed lighting is a subtle way to create emphasis. Light can emphasize a focal point and can also be a focal point, like a statement chandelier over a one-of-a-kind dining table. If a piece of art is your focal point, picture and track lights are a popular way to highlight your art.

COLOR

One of the easiest ways to feature a focal point is through the color. A contrasting wall can emphasize a lightcolored sofa, just as neutral tones can help to highlight a darker focal point. If a fireplace is your focal point, color can help draw the eye. Color also is a great way to bring attention to a focal point without needing to rework an entire room. Consider highlighting a picture window with bright curtains or shades.

Bespoke Built-in Storage

BCAN ELEVATE YOUR HOME

uilt-in furniture is the standard in many parts of the typical home — kitchen and bathroom cabinets and appliances come to mind, along with closets large and small. Others take the concept further with built-in shelves and bookshelves, media centers attached to walls, window seats over cabinetry, wet bars with minirefrigerators and more adaptations to secure storage to the wall. These types of storage solutions can free up space and give rooms a more streamlined and grounded appearance that suits a luxurious home, but that doesn’t mean every homeowner should jump in and hire a carpenter. Anything that’s built-in needs to be carefully designed to meet your current and future needs, and it’s not always going to be the best option. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of built-in storage.

ADVANTAGES

• Safety — Built-in furniture secured to the wall can’t be jostled around or tip over onto people or pets, potentially causing life-threatening injuries.

• Space — Depending on how they’re constructed, they can either save space (by being built directly into the wall) or consolidate it (if they’re attached to the wall) to create more living space and eliminate those tiny gaps around freestanding cabinets.

• Customization — It can be built to your home’s exact dimensions, including those oddly small, short and asymmetrical spaces where nothing else is going to work.

DRAWBACKS

• Cost — Built-ins are more expensive due to the time and expertise required. If you have a limited budget you may want to consider other options.

• Limitations — Most built-ins are difficult to impossible to remove, so if you or a future prospective buyer should end up deciding later they’d rather convert that bookshelf-lined office into a bedroom or media room, it could be problematic.

• Inflexibility — Most built-ins can’t be expanded or downsized if your storage needs evolve over the years — you could end up having to buy additional freestanding storage or substantial empty cabinetry or shelving taking up space you’d rather do something else with.

THAT FULFILLS YOUR PASSION

Collect Art N

othing creates an impression of luxury in a home quite like a fine art collection, but if the owners don’t feel a connection to the art it’s going to be obvious as they share it with others and live around it themselves.

The richness is there, but it’s hollow.

If you want to bring original paintings, sculptures and other valuable art objects into your residence, it’s best for everyone if they’re meaningful to you and harmonize with each other.

KNOW WHAT YOU APPRECIATE Art Appreciation 101-type classes

supply a good background on art history and the various movements and techniques, but you’ll need to spend more time just being around art and finding out what moves you.

At least in the beginning, this is best done in person at galleries, museums, friends’ homes, highend shopping areas and wherever else you can find inspiration.

Hitting larger museums with extensive historical works will provide context for your art education and help you discover which mediums and genres spark your passion.

TAKE YOUR TIME

Once you’ve gotten a clearer idea which direction your heart is taking you in your art adventure you can start considering your budget and how best to use it, but don’t feel like you have to jump in right away. It can be a good idea to bring in an art adviser who deals with the market day to day and can keep you clued in to the up-andcomers and established artists that fall into your bailiwick.

If you can, find a statement piece to help set the tone for what you later buy that will give you a head start, but don’t feel pressured to do so. Be picky — the thrill of the hunt is one of the best things about being a collector!

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

As you shop, it’s crucial to keep in mind the conditions in your home where these pieces will be displayed, including light and humidity levels and the security situation. Museum-quality glass offers the best protection for pieces to be hung on sunny walls, while less expensive display glass that catches a little bit of glare can be a good choice for darker rooms. Humidity wreaks havoc on paper and can be problematic for canvas so displaying such art in bathrooms is usually a nonstarter. One of the benefits of collecting marble sculpture and similarly durable items is they can work almost anywhere.

And the more you invest, the more you’re going to need to have a standalone art insurance policy.

PAY IT FORWARD

Once you’ve made a few purchases and gained some confidence in your taste you can start taking a more active role in the market by supporting the artists who you find exciting and have become important to your collection. Whether they’re new talents or established but undervalued artists, you can make a difference. And don’t be afraid to ask about commissioning original work, which often doesn’t cost nearly what you’re thinking it will.

HIGH-END HEADPHONES

BRING ON THE QUALITY

If you care about audio quality, then a good pair of headphones is a must. Headphones or earbuds, it’s always more enjoyable to listen to better quality sound, isn’t it? For over the ear listening, try the following:

SONY WH-1000XM5

These offer top noise canceling, 40 hours on charge and a Bluetooth range of about 43 feet. On top of that, look for exceptional sound delivery and a full-bodied presence.

SENNHEISER HD 560S

These open-back headphones offer an open and airy soundstage and are light and comfortable. Of course, an open back means others may hear what you are hearing, but they are perfect for budget-conscious audiophiles.

BOWERS & WILKINS PX7 S2

In a premium package you’ll find sophisticated style. These are closed-back and offer balanced, engrossing sound. With improved noise cancellation, you’ll be glad you invested. And you will look good at the same time.

BOWERS & WILKINS PX8

These headphones offer a great balance of luxury design and

high-end sound. They are closedback with a Bluetooth range of 30 feet. Their sophisticated styling and next-level sound mean a great investment.

SENNHEISER MOMENTUM 4 WIRELESS

With a spectacular battery life for a wireless headphone, you’ll be in the zone for a long time. The battery gives up to 60 hours with great sound and a simple, noncomplicated design for those who like that.

For those who prefer earbuds, the space-age designs abound.

SENNHEISER IE 600

Wired in-ear buds deliver true hi-res sound in style. They offer detailed, expansive and thoroughly engrossing sound. OK, they are wired, but as audiophiles know, wired beats out wireless in most cases.

SONY WF-1000XM4

These were voted best all-round wireless earbuds for sound and features. These little buds provide full-bodied sound and strong noise cancellation with a great battery life.

CAMPFIRE AUDIO ORBIT

Lastly, Campfire is in the AirPods Pro range, but audio is more important here than features. These little buds provide strong sound and soundstage, strong battery life and wireless charging.

Add Magenta

TO YOUR FALL WARDROBE

by Michelle Beck, Owner, Purple Clover Boutique

One of the best times of the year to update your wardrobe is with the fall season! There is just something special when that first morning arrives and you can finally wear your favorite sweater.

We may have to wait a little bit longer in Arizona, but it is still a thrill when that day arrives.

This fall is all about color!

Ever since the Pantone Color Institute named magenta as the 2023 color of the year, all shades of red have been popular. Look for this color in handbags, shoes, sweaters and coats. A red with blue undertones or even an orange/red are all in style. The bolder the better.

The denim maxi skirt is going to be huge as we head into autumn. This skirt is making a comeback in a huge way.

It is just as comfortable as jeans and can be dressed up or down. A T-shirt and flannel shirt with tennis shoes is a very casual look. If you add a silk blouse, a blazer and heels, this look becomes instantly more formal.

The slightly oversized plaid button down is again a staple for the fall wardrobe. The more oversized the better. Anything that looks like it came from a man’s closet is right on trend.

This shirt is amazing on its own or layered over a shirt or tank. We have seen the “shacket” or shirt/jacket for a few seasons now, and its popularity is still growing. The beauty of this fashion essential is that it looks great over jeans or leggings. For 2023, a shacket in corduroy or a bold plaid pattern are especially stylish.

Now is the time to head into your favorite boutique and look for what is new for fall. Besides finding some great summer clearance items, you can get a look and see what is coming for the new season.

IS OFTEN

True Luxury Understated

by Blake Herzog

We’ve been writing about the principles of “quiet luxury” since before it and its cousin “stealth wealth” became major social media fashion buzzwords this spring.

Understated style that relies on wellconstructed garments and accessories pulled together into flattering ensembles can be worn season after season. It’s been a go-to aesthetic for shoppers who understand the importance of quality, timeless appeal and sustainability.

Quiet luxury calls for a wardrobe based on elegant closet staples without flashy logos, though certain upscale “no-label labels” like The Row, Khaite, Ferragamo, Loro Piana and Bottega Veneta have seen their lowprofile profiles take a leap forward. Make sure you include these building blocks in your collection:

• Button-down white shirt — When made, tailored and cared for correctly these shirts are always impressive and work for nearly any workday or weekend occasion, whoever you are. Whether fitted or slightly oversized, they’re impressive without screaming that you’re trying to dress to impress.

• Classic blazer — Blazers have had remarkable staying power over the decades so investing in a quality piece is investing in your future. They do vary between seasons, and women are embracing tailored jackets nipped in at the waist over the oversized blazer for a thoroughly individualized and feminine look.

• Roomy trousers — This one can be hard to pull off, but when it works it’s the epitome of luxury. Wide-leg pants that are flowy rather than droopy or exaggerated are supremely comfortable while communicating that you do the homework when it comes to getting the right fit.

• Straight skirt — A no-frills skirt, either pencil-thin or with minimal pleating, can be worn for years, even decades, if made with the proper care and attention to detail. Worn in business and casual settings, it establishes an image of effortless femininity.

• Leather flats and loafers — Low heels mean high comfort plus a more durable shoe. Ballet-style flats are getting a lift from style-conscious shoppers seeking ease and poise in their step as they take over the world.

• Plainly luxurious bags — Labels were so prominent on purses for a while that their absence is especially felt here, but it’s so easy to find ones that (quietly) scream fine craftsmanship and understated opulence through their construction, design and durability.

• Fine jewelry — Whether it’s new, vintage or antique, wearing classically designed fine jewelry clinches the “quiet luxury” image. Slim gold or silver chains are good, pearls are better, and best of all is a watch you paid enough money for that you know you’ll wear it and pass down to your grandchildren.

• Uncompromising coats — For fall, and especially winter, you’ll need a coat that doesn’t cut corners in material or comfort. A wool duster or trench coat is the best defense against the wind and the best way to draw people toward you asking, “Where did you get that?”

• The right hat — This can be a baseball or golf hat, pillbox, bucket or even a cowgirl hat if they are logo-free and exceptional in quality.

WAIST BAGS

ARE BACK IN FRONT

For decades, the waist bags (aka fanny packs, bum bags and belt bags) were written off as a fashion faux pas. But these days, they have become the season’s must-have in every well-dressed closet.

Sports stars, celebrities and stylish icons are wearing the trendy staple. And thanks to a handful of cool, designer waist bags currently on the market, you can stay stylish for a while since it looks like these little necessities aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. And although they may seem casual in nature, don’t just pull them out for daytime use.

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI

BUM MONILI BELT BAG

This bag is made from textured, soft calf leather and the adjustable web strap belt ensures comfort. The zipper is trimmed with the house’s iconic monili trim. Blush, $1,794.

JIL SANDER UTILITY

LOGO-PRINT BELT BAG

Jil Sander’s take on the belt bag is clean and classic. Its folded shape works great for a casual day of errands or an accent to a work outfit. Sage green and yellow, $1,030.

BOTTEGA VENETA TECH

CASSETTE BELT BAG

Bottega Veneta’s iconic pattern stands out on this belt bag. Wear this for a pop of color to any outfit. Choose black, space or pool, $1,450.

GUCCI GOOD GAME BELT BAG

It may be in the men’s belt bag collection, but this bag is a complement to anyone’s outfit. With a camera-bag style, it’s offered in GG green canvas, GG supreme or multicolored leather with an iridescent finish, $1,200 to $1,450.

YVES SAINT LAURENT

CASSANDRE CLASSIC BELT BAG

If you’re old school and are attached to the original “fanny pack” style, which is right up there in front, look no further than YSL’s Cassandre bag. This belt bag sports an embossed leather in a classic style. Black, $1,190.

TRAINING IN

by Tori

Ward, Cruise and Resort Specialist, ROX Travel

Osaka was our launch pad for two nights while we explored and attended a maiko dinner performance at the Ganko Mansion House Takasegawa in Kyoto. Maiko are geisha in training as they master the art of and music and dance.

The maiko performed two dances, posed for pictures and answered questions about this fascinating career. The geisha and maiko have become so harassed by tourists stopping them for selfies that a law recently has been passed that fines anyone caught stopping one of these women on the street or snapping unauthorized photos.

The following day we did a slow bus crawl to Himeji Castle and Gardens. The traffic was relentless, and I longed for the train. It was snowing cherry blossoms at this UNESCO World Heritage site as the trees were at the peak of their beauty and families were taking advantage of this once-a-year spectacle.

Advance tickets are definitely advised as the wait time to purchase can be well over an hour. Also, shoes are not allowed inside the castle, that is one of the few if not the most beautiful castles from the 1600s in Japan that have survived. The gardens themselves are quite beautiful and you can keep your shoes on.

The bullet train station or Shinkansen was about a mile walk from Himeji where we boarded for the quick trip of just under an hour to Hiroshima. The trains are clean, quiet and fast with announcements in both Japanese and English. A quick pre-trip internet tutorial will explain how easy it is to understand how to find your train, car and seat.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum was a moving, but necessary, stop for us where it was hard not to become emotional over the cost to civilians of international conflict. It was a reminder for us to never take a single day for granted or forget to let our children know how much we love them.

Another quick train ride delivered us to Miyajimaguchi Station where we walked to the ferry terminal and after a 10-minute ride, arrived at the island of Miyajima.

The island is a wonderful collection of walkable streets filled with pastry and coffee shops, but if you like oysters this is your world. Raw, grilled or fried, there are dozens of oyster bars and restaurants where service is quick.

Full of oysters and Sapporo we walked along the shore to Itsukushima Shrine, better known as the floating shrine where the red torii gate seems to float on the water at high tide. We wanted to spend more time there, but we were headed to Nagasaki, a train journey of over three hours.

Our stop in Nagasaki included the Peace Memorial Park, Glover Garden and the oldest standing Catholic Church in Japan, Oura. Glover Garden is a park where Thomas Glover, a Scottish merchant who contributed to Japanese modernization in several industries, had a house built in 1863. It is the oldest western-style house in Japan. The park with the residence museum involves climbing a hill, but once you ascend the views overlooking Nagasaki harbor are stunning.

In our next issue we will conclude our cherry blossom tour of southern Japan as we visit Kumamoto, Takachiho Gorge, Yufuin, Shikoku and finally Ritsurin Garden before heading back for a neon night in Osaka.

Photo by Tori Ward

Euripides

“

Where there is no wine there is no love.” –

EmergingWINE REGIONS

Exploring wines from new and emerging regions is one of the most exciting aspects for a wine connoisseur. Persistence, passion and innovation keep the winemaking industry growing and evolving, and for wine lovers that means more wine to appreciate and specialties to experience.

Whether you are traveling to experience these new regions or just appreciating them from home, there are plenty to choose from.

SOUTHERN BOLIVIA

Tarija, Bolivia and the surrounding villages in the foothills of the Andes along the flanks of the deep red Cinti canyon are responsible for 80% of the country’s wine, and the region is known to locals as “Bolivian Andalusia.” The area has a Mediterraneanstyle climate of sunny, warm days and cool nights.

Bolivian wines have been described as wild, fruity and easy to drink and are slowly breaking into the international scene. Their uncommon style is not your typical wines of South America. Some of the vineyards are more than 300 years old and still have original vine stock from the 17th century.

SUSSEX, ENGLAND

English sparkling wine is offering competition for Champagne from France. Its sparkling wines made mainly from chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. There are over 1,700 acres of vineyards across two counties and represent the largest concentration of vines in the UK. Travel to Sussex where you can learn about the intricate traditional method of making English sparkling wine at Coolhurst Vineyard in West Sussex.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COAST, CALIFORNIA

As of March 9, 2022, the San Luis Obispo Coast was designated as a wine region in central California by the American Viticultural Area. This emerging region is home to the San Luis Obispo Wine Collective of 30 member wineries and just 5 miles off the coast. Mainly known for its chardonnay and pinot noir grapes, the wineries enjoy the coastal air that affords a cooling atmosphere for the grapes, offering 20 different varieties.

POLAND

Due to rising global temperatures, Poland has also become a thriving wine region with some impressive wine labels. Grapes that flourish throughout the Silesia, Lubuskie, Małopolska and Western Pomerania regions of the country include riesling, chardonnay, zweigelt and pinot noir.

THE NETHERLANDS

Although winemaking is not new to the Netherlands, the country’s cold climate has been historically more suitable for beer production. But due to climate change and EU land subsidies, winemaking has been recharged. Now, every Dutch province boasts at least one vineyard. Vineyards commonly grow cold-resistant grapes like kerner, pinot blanc, riesling, gamay, pinot noir and cabernet franc.

Wineries IN NORTHERN

Vineyards

AZ

Alcantara Vineyards & Winery 3445 S. Grapevine Way Camp Verde, AZ 86326 928.649.8463

www.alcantaravineyard.com

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards & Tasting Room 1023 N. Main St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326

928.639.2789

www.azstronghold.com

Blendz Wine Bar 21 E. Aspen Ave. Flagstaff, AZ 86001

928.779.4346

www.wineblendz.com

Bodega Pierce

Winery & Tasting Room

1341 AZ-89A

Clarkdale, AZ 86324 928.634.0301

www.bodegapierce.com

Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar 413 N. San Franscisco Flagstaff, AZ 86001 928.213.1021

www.brixflagstaff.com

Burning Tree Cellars

1040 N. Main St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326

928.649.8733

www.burningtreecellars.com

Cabal Cellars

417 Hull Ave. Jerome, AZ 86331

928.634.9576

www.cabalcellars.com

Caduceus Cellars

158 Main St. Jerome, AZ 86331

928.631.9436

www.caduceus.org

Cellar 433

240 Hull St. Jerome, AZ 86331

928.634.7033

www.cellar433.com

Chateau Tumbleweed

Winery & Tasting Room

1151 AZ-89A

Clarkdale, AZ 86324

928.634.0443

www.chateautumbleweed.com

Clear Creek Winery

4053 E. AZ-260

Camp Verde, AZ 86322

602.904.0173

www.clearcreekwinery.com

Cove Mesa Vineyard

741 Airpark Way, Units 8 & 9 Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.641.4693

www.covemesa.com

D.A. Ranch Estate Vineyards

1901 N. Dancing Apache Rd. Cornville, AZ 86325 928.301.0791

www.daranch.com

Decanter Tasting Room

7000 AZ-179, A-100 Sedona, AZ 86336 928.284.2134

www.decantertastingroom.com

Del Rio Springs Vineyard

Old Firehouse Plaza 220 W. Goodwin St., Ste. 2 Prescott, AZ 86303 928.636.9046

www.delriospringsvineyard.com

Flying Leap Vineyards

124 Granite St. Prescott, AZ 86303 888.431.5777

www.flyingleapvineyards.com

Four Eight Wineworks 907 N. Main St. Clarkdale, AZ 86324 928.649.2007

www.four8wineworks.com

Javelina Leap

Vineyard & Winery

1565 N. Page Springs Rd. Cornville, AZ 86325 928.274.0394

www.javelinaleapwinery.com

Jerome Winery 403 Clark St. Jerome, AZ 86331 928.639.9067

www.jeromewinery.com

Tasting Room & Osteria

1001 N. Main St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326

928.639.1001

www.merkinvineyardsosteria.com

Mogollon Vineyards

2430 AZ-69

Dewey, AZ 86327

928.243.8387

www.mogollonvineyards.com

Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery

1555 N. Page Springs Rd.

Cornville, AZ 86325

928.649.0290

www.oakcreekvineyards.net

Oeno Wine Lounge

22 E. Birch St. Flagstaff, AZ 86001

928.266.0330

www.oenoflg.com

Page Springs Cellars

1500 N. Page Springs Rd. Cornville, AZ 86325

928.639.3004

www.pagespringscellars.com

Passion Cellars

417 Hull Ave. Jerome, AZ 86331

928.649.9800

www.passioncellars.com

Pillsbury Wine Company

1012 N. Main St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326

310.508.3348

www.pillsburywine.com

Vino Zona

527 Main St. Jerome, AZ 86331

www.vinozona.love

Winery 101

1019 N. Main St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.487.1555

www.winery101.com

Winery 1912

Sinagua Plaza, 320 AZ- 89A, Ste. 3 Sedona, AZ 86336 928.282.0715

www.winery1912.com

Winey Cats at

2985 Centre Ct. Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 928.227.2050

www.raftereleven.com

Salt Mine Wine

536 W. Salt Mine Rd. Camp Verde, AZ 86322 928.910.2075

www.saltminewine.com

Southwest Wine Center Yavapai College

601 Black Hills Dr. Clarkdale, AZ 86324

928.634.6566

www.southwestwinecenter.com

Tantrum Wines

918 N. Main St., Ste. C Cottonwood, AZ 86326

928.634.2266

www.tantrumwines.com

The Art of Wine

101 AZ-89A, Ste. B9 Sedona, AZ 86336

928.203.9463

www.artofwinesedona.com

The Original Jerome Winery

114 Jerome Ave. Jerome, AZ 86331 928.639.9593

www.theoriginaljeromewinery.com

Vino Di Sedona

2575 W. AZ-89A Sedona, AZ 86336

928.554.4682

www.vinodisedona.com

Luxuriate

IN YOUR IN-HOME

Spa Day

Your life seems to get busier every day, and learning to juggle work, family and other activities can be stressful. Sure, you need time to unwind, but sometimes heading to the spa just isn’t practical.

It turns out creating a luxurious spa day at home is easier than you think. Let’s break it down to just a few essentials.

PREPARATION

When you visit your favorite spa, everything is ready to go. Make sure you are prepared so there are no interruptions to your relaxation. First, what do you want to accomplish? This could be relaxation, energy, stress relief or meditation.

Second, set aside the time. Add it to your calendar like a spa appointment and stick to it. Then, decide just what you need including a babysitter, setting boundaries with friends or family, towels, skin care, candles, music and more.

Essentials you may need include:

Soft cleanser for the bath, loofah or sugar scrub, soft washcloths, Epsom salts, bath oil or bombs and more. Also remember to set out something cozy and soft to put on, including slippers. List everything you need to create your perfect spa day at home. You may even want to set up a cyber date with a friend and experience the relaxation together.

AMBIANCE

Think back to your last luxury spa experience. What stands out? Think of the sounds, aromas lighting and all-around tranquil atmosphere. Use all the space you need, including your bedroom. Lay out your robe, soften the lights and set the music.

Consider using essential oils, a diffuser or candle to fill the space with scents you enjoy. Lavender and chamomile are popular choices for reducing stress. For energy, try peppermint and wild orange. Add the oils to your diffuser or add a few drops of oil to your palms, then cup your hands over your nose and inhale. Your mood is not complete without sounds. Choose what calms you and makes you happy, whether that’s a chamber orchestra, soft jazz or if you prefer, a sound machine or calming app for meditation or blissful sounds of peace.

TREATMENTS

Creating the right treatments means getting quality products and knowing how to apply them. If you’re choosing a facial, use an exfoliator and a steamer to get the full effect. Have some warm, damp towels ready to wipe products from your face.

For a body scrub, mix ¾ cup brown sugar with ½ cup of coconut oil and your favorite essential oil. Apply to skin in circular motions gently and rinse off. You may want to dry brush and use a lymphatic massage tool for the full effect.

NIBBLES

Treating yourself means adding a light lunch, drink or at the least a few sweet treats. Add raspberries or strawberries to sparkling water or to a bit of bubbly.

Your spa day is as luxurious as you want it to be, and it can change. If you find you love it, you may want to invest in a steam shower, sauna or facial steamer to up your spa game.

Renew your Sleep

by Blake Herzog

WITH LUXURY BEDDING & TECHNOLOGY

by Blake Herzog

Everybody has a restless or sleepless night once in a while, but if your issues last more than a couple of weeks it could be time to take action. Quality sleep is vital to the proper functioning of everything our body does, so you can’t ignore what your long nights and groggy days are doing to you.

Luckily there are many tools at your disposal to try before seeking out a sleep specialist, ranging from old-school luxury to advanced sleep technology.

THE BEST IN BEDDING

Silk pillowcases and sheets, silk pajamas, silk sleep masks — the queen of fabrics is the go-to when it comes to decadent amounts of sleep that don’t mess your hair up or cause bed wrinkles.

But silk is far from the only fiber that will let you glide through the four to six full sleep cycles you need to be fully rested in the morning.

Lower body temperature has been linked to high-quality sleep. Cooling sheets are cut from newer creations like viscose bamboo and lyocell as well as more traditional fabrics like cotton and linen. Silver-infused sheets are used and marketed largely for their antimicrobial properties but can also have a cooling effect.

Pillows are even more important, so invest in a well-regarded brand that makes products filled with latex, premium down or, for the pinnacle in opulence, threads of mulberry silk.

However luxurious your sheets and pillows are they pale in importance against your mattress.

These should keep your spine in alignment and provide the support you need while still providing the comfort you need, criteria which becomes even harder to fit when you’re sharing your bed with someone else.

Adjustable air mattresses allow quite a bit of customization between the two halves of a couple while other customizable mattresses have a dualchambered construction that allows each sleeper to choose their own firmness without there being a remote that can easily be sat or stepped on.

SLEEPER TECHNOLOGY

The gadgets and apps meant to promote and analyze your sleep are multiplying as we speak. The entrylevel ones have you track your own data, while more advanced tech can monitor your vitals while you sleep.

Lots of people use their fitness trackers for sleep tracking as well, and many do an admirable job of keeping up with your patterns. For more indepth and long-term analysis you may be better off with a dedicated device.

The first thing a sleep tracker should do is not awaken you while you’re sleeping, so wearable tech works better for some people than others. Most are worn on the wrist but others come in the form of rings, headbands or earbuds.

There are fewer nonwearable devices to choose from, but some ingenious ones are out there, including one that can be slipped under your mattress and another that can record your breathing and movement through bio-sensor technology.

It may take a little experimentation to find the right fit for you, but the data can be very useful.

MakeupCelebrityArtist

W Tips & Tricks

hen celebrities walk the red carpet, they always seem to look so put together, and their makeup is no exception. What you don’t see are the late-nights, lack of sleep or feeling under the weather. Why is that?

They have makeup artists who can work magic. Here’s your chance to find out just what those tips and tricks are and apply them in your own life, regardless of red-carpet status.

USE CONCEALER AS EYESHADOW PRIMER

A bit of concealer as a base on eyelids can help eyeshadow stay in place longer and it’s one less product to lug around, since you probably always have a concealer with you.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR LIPS

For flawless lipstick, exfoliate and moisturize. Use a wet toothbrush or scrub, then moisturize before putting on lip color. This ensures smooth, bright lips.

PRIME YOUR FACE

Prepare your face by exfoliating, using a moisturizing mask and a primer to fill in scars and blemishes. Then, add foundation for your skin type.

ADD A BIT OF OIL TO FOUNDATION

For a lustrous dewy glow, add a few drops of oil to your foundation. Also, use face oils as a highlighter on the high points of your face for a finishing touch.

WET YOUR SPONGE

Makeup artists swear by damp sponges making foundation look more natural.

Squeeze out excess water and use gentle dabbing motions to enhance your foundation. Keep the sponge clean and wash after each use.

LIGHTEN YOUR UNDEREYE EYELINER

Apply a lighter color under your eye like light brown, gold or gray to open up the eyes and make your eyes appear bigger. You can also use a light eyeshadow.

USE A BRIGHTENING PENCIL

One absolute makeup artist trick is to add a brightening pencil on the inside of your eye. It works as a concealer for the inside of your eye and brightens you up. It’s also an instant hack to looking more awake.

WEAR LIPLINER

Makeup artists swear by lipliner. It gives definition and it creates a shadow. It also keeps your lip color from bleeding.

PRACTICE THE TWO-FINGER METHOD FOR BLUSH

If you’re not sure where to put blush on your face, take two fingers, put them right next to your nose and apply up and out from there.

USE A SETTING SPRAY

Finally, don’t forget that any look can be affected by days that are long, cold, hot or emotional. The secret is to spritz it after each layer of makeup. So, by the time you finish, everything from skin care to lashes are set.

ARE ORGANIC FOODS

Healthier?

As you stand in the produce aisle contemplating dinner, the choice between organic and nonorganic produce always seems to be a conundrum.

Is organic that much better for you, and are there any benefits to buying organic? The answer is yes and no.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines organic as crops produced on farms that have not used most synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizer for three years before harvesting. There also needs to be a significant buffer zone from adjacent farmlands.

In addition, farms have to be free from any genetic engineering and ionizing radiation. For livestock, animals must be fed organic feed, live on organic land and be raised without routine antibiotics or hormones.

Studies show that organic diets lead to less pesticide and antibiotic exposure, but nutritionally they are about equal. But eating organic does offer an advantage since we know pesticides can lead to neurodevelopmental issues and are strongly associated with cancer.

On average, organic foods cost 50% more than their nonorganic counterparts chiefly because farmers have to pay close attention to their cultivation practices. Pests, weeds and diseases must be managed by physical, mechanical and biological controls instead of pesticides, which are much easier and quicker.

Most researchers agree that when considering the pesticides and hormones in nonorganic foods, your best bet is to limit the exposure as much as possible.

To help make the decision, look to the Dirty Dozen, which are more likely to absorb pesticides. You may want to look for the organic versions.

DIRTY

DOZEN

1. Strawberries

2. Spinach

3. Kale, collard and mustard greens

4. Peaches

5. Pears

6. Nectarines

7. Apples

8. Grapes

9. Bell and hot peppers

10. Cherries

11. Blueberries

12. Green beans

KEEP YOUR

Lashes ON

TREND WITH THESE SETS

You may have heard the superfluffy sets that were dominating eyelash extension trends last year are not as ubiquitous these days as clients and salons are embracing more natural looks. If you’re still looking for a heightened appearance for your lashes without seeming too overdone, ask about some of these trends making waves with aestheticians and fashionistas alike.

HYBRID LASHES

We’re talking about more of an application method than a specific look, but hybrid lashes provide the best of both the “classic” and “volume” lash techniques and can pull off an arrestingly natural look when done by an experienced lash tech. You can still have the longer, fluffier lashes, just not as many. But they can be placed at the center or the ends of your lids for either an “open-eye” look or a longer, more contoured one.

WISPY LASHES

These are the closest to the natural look you can get while still adding a little more pizzazz over your eyes. Here the extensions alternate in length from short to long and back

again for a less uniform line that looks like it could be home-grown but is a little more interesting than how many of your 150 or so lashes per eye actually grow out. Wispier lashes are great for professional as well as everyday settings.

ANIME (MANGA) STYLE

These are similar to the wispy style but with more contrast, with the base lashes shorter and the spiky fibers longer. This is usually extended to the lower lid’s eyelashes as well with an emphasis

on the longer, spikier lashes for an overall doll-like appearance that could have bounced out of a graphic novel or video screen.

WET SETS

As you can imagine, the wet look (also known as the angel look) leans pretty heavily into the spiky look, though the individual spikes aren’t as bold and dramatic as you would probably find with an anime set, providing a fascinating, textured look without overdoing the “fluff.” It doesn’t add any weight to your own lashes either.

HORMONE REPLACEMENT

Therapy

Hby Aymee Wilson, Owner & Founder, Wilson Aesthetics

ormone Replacement Therapy frequently is used to treat women who experience menopause symptoms caused by the natural decline of hormone levels associated with aging.

During perimenopause and menopause, women can experience uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating physical and emotional symptoms. Many women are familiar with the use of hormone therapy to help alleviate vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, but there are other benefits associated with hormone replacement therapy.

In addition to treatment of hot flashes, the FDA has approved this kind of therapy for prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and for the treatment of vulvovaginal symptoms associated with menopause.

Vulvovaginal symptoms including vaginal dryness, tissue atrophy and painful intercourse can be especially debilitating for some women, and genitourinary symptoms such as recurring urinary tract infections, incontinence and overactive bladder can have a negative impact on quality of life.

CAN AID QUALITY OF LIFE

Use of hormone replacement therapy, specifically vaginal estrogen, may improve sexual function in women with vulvovaginal symptoms and improve genitourinary symptoms.

Other benefits include: improvement in skin thickness, elasticity and collagen; less joint pain and stiffness; a reduction in fracture risk; and improvements in sleep.

Studies have demonstrated hormone replacement therapy significantly reduces the diagnosis of new-onset Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and observational studies suggest a reduced incidence of colorectal cancer in women taking this therapy.

Although not used to treat depression, it may enhance mood and improve overall sense of well-being.

Hormone options include synthetic or bio-identical estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Routes of administration include oral, topical, vaginal and pellets placed under the skin. Hormone replacement therapy should be individualized, and women should consult with a knowledgeable health care professional to discuss risks and benefits and determine if this therapy is right for them.

CREATE YOUR Wellness Toolbox

When your car isn’t running right, your mechanic pulls out the correct tools to get it running smoothly. Much the same way, your wellness toolbox provides you with the tools, coping skills and resources you need to tackle stress, anxiety and depression.

You probably include manicures, pedicures, facials or massages to keep your body looking and feeling 100%, but it’s just as important to include tools for your mental health.

Take the time to write down a list of activities that build you up, strengthen and fill you with joy. These should be the first tools you add to your wellness toolbox.

And don’t forget essential self-care activities like eating right, exercising and adequate sleep for your physical, mental and emotional health.

Now stock your wellness toolbox with strategies, skills and resources that support your healthy state of mind.

IF YOU RECHARGE BY BEING ALONE:

• Draw or paint in a quiet space.

• Take a walk using meditative breathing techniques.

• Perform mindfulness exercises.

• Write or draw in a journal.

• Listen to music you love.

• Perform a routine activity like washing dishes or folding laundry.

• Limit screen time — read a book.

• Create a list of positives in your life.

• Download an app like Calm or Aura for meditations, music and stories anytime.

NOT ALL TOOLS ARE SOLITARY. FOR SOCIAL INTERACTION:

• Call a friend and vent.

• Take that walk with a friend.

• Attend a support group.

• Visit a museum or botanical garden, and talk to people.

• Enroll in an art class.

• Play tennis or chess.

• Attend an exercise class, yoga or tai chi.

• Volunteer at an animal shelter and pet kittens or puppies.

Of course, wellness tools are not replacements for prescribed medication and therapy. Check with your physician for severe sleep problems, appetite changes, difficulty concentrating and loss of interest in enjoyable activities. Otherwise, pull out that toolbox whenever you need it.

Targeting your luxury consumers in NORTHERN ARIZONA

FIND THE CURRENT ISSUE AT THESE FINE ESTABLISHMENTS

Capstone Homes

3605 S. Flagstaff Ranch Rd. Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Continental Golf Course Flagstaff 2380 N. Oakmont Dr. Flagstaff, AZ 86004

CycleBar

316 S. Regent St., Ste. 206 Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Flagstaff Face & Body 530 E. Piccadilly Dr., Ste. 105 Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Floor Coverings International 1 S. Milton Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Lund Canyon Coffee 601 E. Piccadilly Dr., Ste. 10 Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Majestic Marketplace AZ 601 E. Piccadilly Dr., Ste. 95 Flagstaff, AZ 86001

McSweeney The Salon 601 E. Piccadilly Dr., Ste. 15 Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Mercedes Benz 5171 N. Test Dr. Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Orange Theory 601 E. Piccadilly Dr., Ste. 25 Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Realty Executives of Flagstaff 15 E. Cherry Ave., Ste.101 Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Russ Lyon Sotheby's Int. Realty 1750 S. Woodlands Village Blvd., No. 200 Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Sprouts Farmers Market 1540 S. Riordan Ranch St. Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Village at Aspen Place 601 E. Piccadilly Dr. Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff is a four season hub of activity where an eclectic mix of small-town charm and endless outdoor adventure beckons.

It is the highest point on the entirety of Route 66. It's also the place where Pluto was discoverd and astronauts trained before first visiting the moon.

Drop your bags off at Little America, a prime location close to great restaurants, hiking, skiing and only 90 minutes away from the Grand Canyon.

PRIVACY IN

Making Room Modern Architecture FOR

So many trends of the past 50 years of home design — open floor plans that blur the lines between spaces and functions, abundant natural light through large windows, indoor-outdoor living that opens up to the back and front yards — work against the goal of privacy, both from those you share a home with and neighbors or passersby.

When designing a custom home it’s easy to feel caught between the desire for protection and peace and the luxury of not feeling boxed into a fortress while living your daily life. Architects and engineers have developed several workarounds so these competing goals can coexist and even thrive in a modern or

contemporary home. When balancing them with other factors like highlighting the best views and controlling heating or cooling costs you’ll be able to find the options that work best for you.

INTERIOR COURTYARDS AND SKYLIGHTS

One way to build more sunlight into your home without putting your household onto a stage in front of anyone who happens to walk or drive by is to insert one or more courtyards into your floor plan. These can be paved over or left with a natural grass or hardscape surface and opened or closed to the rest of the house as they allow light to flood into the center of your home without the use of giant windows across the exterior of the structure.

Skylights can be fantastic for this purpose as well, with solar

ones that reflect sunlight into your home down a tube connecting to a small window on the roof affording the most privacy.

WALLS LARGE AND SMALL

You may not want to or be able to build a high wall around your front yard to shield your interior from onlookers, but a partial wall can visually block the front door while creating a pleasant partial courtyard around your entryway to welcome visitors and create another outdoor living space.

Landscaping and décor can turn this into a delightful space, but it may need some kind of shade structure if it gets uncomfortably hot at certain times of day.

If you’re building a custom home in a neighborhood with flexible design standards, you can try putting the entrance on the side of your home as long as the path to your “front” door is easy to find.

SCREENING ON AND IN FRONT OF WINDOWS

We’re all pretty familiar with the traditional window covering choices of curtains, shades and blinds, but newer products such as window film and smart glass let you enjoy your windows without constantly adjusting them to keep yourself comfortable.

Some luxury homes have large windows covered with exterior screens such as horizontal or vertical slats to allow light in while shielding them from outsiders’ views. Others have attractive ironwork over the glass or use stained or frosted glass to make the window itself opaque.

Frosted glass panels also can be installed on or next to the home to obscure windows or semi-enclosed outdoor spaces while allowing plenty of natural illumination.

Eggshell & Satin

PAINT FINISHES LEND SUBTLE SHEEN

It’s pretty typical for homeowners bleary-eyed from trying to pick the perfect color for their interior walls to feel snappish when they realize they must also choose a paint finish. Shine, durability and how it will affect the appearance and atmosphere of a room must also be considered. Fortunately, satin and eggshell are two of the most universally attractive finishes you can find as they can work in nearly any space, with an appealing shimmer that brightens a room without overwhelming it. Each offers distinct characteristics, so here’s a quick primer:

EGGSHELL

Not to be confused with the color, paint with an eggshell finish is less

lustrous than satin and is similar to that of an actual eggshell. It’s not highly reflective so it can be used to tone down an overly bright space or can be brought to life with additional lighting.

It holds up pretty well to scuffs and scratches, though some people steer clear of using it in higher-traffic areas.

It’s a great choice for living and dining rooms because it doesn’t pick up dirt easily and stands up well to washing, with superior durability over flat and matte paint. Eggshell paint works to tone down bumps and other imperfections and is easy to apply — a good choice if you’re the one doing the painting.

It’s also the more affordable of the two finishes.

SATIN

Satin paint is the next step up from eggshell on the sheen

scale, affording more reflectivity and allowing the true color of your paint to leave its imprint on your home. It will put more of a spotlight on any imperfections on the wall, something to try to avoid unless it adds to the character or of the room.

It’s the shiniest paint many professionals will recommend for general use on interior walls, and is popular for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and easily scuffed surfaces like baseboards and doors.

It’s longer lasting than eggshell paint because of its chemical structure, and its higher sheen can add a more luxurious aura to your living spaces.

Smoke Detectors Ionization vs Photoelectric

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

by Mario Traina and Amber Traina, Owners, Allied Electric

All of us know how important it is to have working smoke detectors in our homes. Especially when living in a dry community like Prescott, where at times the fire danger warning for our area can rise to a high threat level. Or even for the simple fact of alerting occupants of any fire in the home.

But did you know that it’s just as important to be aware of what kind of smoke detector you have? We’re talking about the differences in ionization smoke detectors compared to photoelectric smoke detectors.

Ionization smoke detectors can be found at your typical big box home improvement store and at a relatively low

price. They detect fires with fast flames and are some of the most commonly used smoke detectors. However, in a harrowing investigation conducted by reporters on the Today Show, it was discovered that ionization technology alone does not signal an alert fast enough to evacuate your home. A mother interviewed on the show shared that she had new, working ionization smoke detectors in her home. But sadly, the house caught fire, the ionization smoke detectors never went off, and her four children did not survive, due to smoke inhalation.

Scientist Dr. Russell at Texas A&M conducted his own study with firefighters setting fire to

a room with three ionization smoke detectors. As the room filled with smoke and a sofa caught fire, one of the three smoke detectors finally went off. This was after 36 minutes. Russell explained that is way too late and not enough time to safely evacuate.

The solution? Photoelectric smoke detectors. This technology detects smoky smoldering fires — the deadliest kind — faster. Russell repeated this same test, this time adding a photoelectric smoke detector to the room. The photoelectric smoke detector went off after 17 minutes, and the room barely had any smoke. This gives a household enough warning to evacuate safely.

MAKE A WITH YOUR RANGE HOOD

by Valerie Demetros

There are all sorts of ways to add style to your kitchen. You can add a colorful stove, interesting cabinets or even a bold tile backsplash. But for an elegant twist, consider giving the range hood an upgrade and a chance to shine.

This essential element is usually stainless steel or another designedto-blend material. Its main function is practical — to keep steam, smoke and cooking exhaust from filling your kitchen. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be a design element on its own.

Finally, designers are embracing the hood as a backdrop for color or even something more deliberate.

If you’re remodeling or designing your dream kitchen, choosing a range hood is an opportunity to incorporate a unique design element. Just remember that along with style, it needs to be the correct power and size for the space so it can serve its purpose.

WOOD

Custom wood range hoods can be as simple or ornate as you choose. You can leave them raw for a rustic look, paint it to match cabinetry or choose a contrasting color to pop.

PLASTER

A plaster hood is perfect in a Mediterranean-style kitchen with a rustic charm. Or a simple plaster board range hood with clean lines can look contemporary. A one-of-a-kind shape makes them a focal point in any kitchen.

METAL

Stainless steel hoods are not new but combined with glass and simple designs, they can add a touch of modern elegance. A dark metallic range hood can change the look of a kitchen, and consider the combination of gold and stainless steel for a stunning look.

SHIPLAP

Shiplap range hoods add panache without sacrificing a clean-lined look. It’s a style that looks particularly smart in a modern farmhouse kitchen design.

CHIMNEY

With a hint of industrial chic, exposed vents are simple, affordable and modern. You can leave the entire chimney exposed or just the vent under cabinetry or custom woodwork.

BRASSY AND BOLD

An oversized brass range hood can serve as a focal point in your kitchen and highligh an island cooking zone. Consider using it if you have brass fixtures or use it solo for a standout look.

For a stand-out feature your friends will envy, ZLINE offers its butcher block range hood with a stainlesssteel chimney and butcher block hood in dark and light finishes, giving your kitchen a custom look. If you’re looking for a different kind of range hood for a focal point in the kitchen, check out Dolce & Gabbana’s Sicily Is My Love collection with Italian-based SMEG. Inspired by traditional Sicilian kitchens, the wall-mount range hood is completely covered in a fresh blue-and-white maiolica tile pattern that immediately gives your kitchen a Mediterranean vibe. Remember, this is your home and a chance to let your style shine. Whether it’s frosted glass, powder-coated metal in your own custom color or a designer-inspired hood, the choices are endless. Get creative.

Organic Décor

SOFTENS TECH’S HARDER EDGES

by Blake Herzog

We all love the luxury that technology affords us in our home from smart kitchens and bathrooms to lighting and utilities, but they also mean more time spent on our phones or looking at other screens.

This is something we all could use a break from, so it’s more important than ever to incorporate natural and organic materials into your interior to provide some balance to your home environment and reinforce your connection to nature’s bounty. Your options for doing this are vast and getting wider all the time whether your taste leans toward rustic or contemporary style.

WOOD

This is the most classic and versatile of all the natural materials used for interior design and shows up in furniture, on walls as either paneling or art and anywhere else you can position it.

Whether you’re looking for the clean lines of modernism or the roughhewn appeal of rustic items, there are warehouses full of dynamic pieces that will add depth and beauty to your abode. Antiques and reclaimed wood are gorgeous, ecologically sound and one-of-a-kind choices that make your home feel like much more than a collection of gadgetry.

STONE

Stone has been associated with luxury dwellings since time immemorial, and though other building materials have vastly improved over time, it still stands as a near-universal marker of power and strength.

If an all-stone structure feels overbearing, you can still deploy accents throughout the interior and exterior to ground your home in the earth, especially if you can find locally or regionally produced material.

Stone can be smooth and sculpted or left in its original wild, rugged state. Marble and stone leave a vivid impression of a home that will stand the test of time, unlike most laptops.

CERAMICS

Yes, these qualify as organic. It’s not anything that’s cut out or sanded down from trees or boulders, but most types of clay are made entirely of natural ingredients including water, sand, minerals and other raw materials before an artist or machine molds it into pottery or figurines.

Artisan ceramic pieces contribute the most authentically earthbound feel to a space, whether they’re placed on a shelf, hung on a wall or suspended from the ceiling. Look for larger ceramic products such as lamp bases, planters, sculptures and even furniture so you can support artistry and sustainable materials.

PLANTS AND GRASSES

Biophilic design has been an interior design buzzword for a few years now and while its definition in architecture is highly conceptual, it’s commonly brought to life by living plants small enough to fit on your desk to those large enough to fill a two-story atrium.

Many high-end homes are flooded with natural light, making them an ideal space for vegetation to thrive.

Grass can be found everywhere from bamboo and rattan furniture to woven mats and lush displays in vases. Most indoor grass walls and surfaces are made from artificial turf so they may not be the most effective addition to your organic décor.

What Shape TABLE

BEST FITS YOUR DINING NEEDS?

Adining table is usually one of the most important gathering places in your home. For this reason, it’s critical that it’s style, shape and size fit your needs.

Certain shapes work better in certain rooms. Also, consider the number of people you expect to seat around the table and how often. If you frequently sit a large number, then a large one-piece table may serve better than a smaller table with leaves for extension.

Once you decide on size, then shape comes into play.

RECTANGULAR

Although this is the most

common shape, there is good reason — most dining rooms are rectangular. A rectangular dining table also makes sense when seating a lot of people, especially with an extra leaf to extend it. Narrower rectangles can work in a narrow room, but any narrower than 36 inches will make it challenging to fit place settings on both sides and food.

SQUARE

Square dining tables work well if you don’t seat large groups often. For the infrequent additional guests, choose an expandable square table.

One advantage to square tables is the intimacy created for a small number of people, usually just four. Also, a square table can double as a desk or accent table or get tucked into a corner to open the room.

ROUND

A round dining table is one of the best shapes for small gatherings since everyone can see everyone else, conversations flow easier and it feels more intimate. A round table takes up less real estate without corners so it works well in a smaller room. Remember that a round table can get crowded when you try to shove too many people around it. On the other side, a larger round table can feel uncomfortable if people need to shout across a large expanse. If you prefer a round table but need to seat more people sometimes, consider a round table with an extension.

OVAL

Visually, an oval table may seem to occupy less space than a rectangle because of the rounded corners and feels softer than a rectangle, but it also has less surface area. These usually work best in a narrower room.

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Jaliza’s Beauty Lounge 2530 W. AZ-89A, Ste. B2 Sedona, AZ 86336

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Mountain Trails Gallery Sedona 336 AZ-179, Ste. A201 Sedona, AZ 86336

NAMTI Spa 60 Tortilla Dr. Sedona, AZ 86336

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Red Agave Resort 120 Canyon Cir. Dr. Sedona, AZ 86351

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Sedona Golf Resort 35 Ridge Trail Dr. Sedona, AZ 86336

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Sky Ranch Lodge 115 Airport Rd. Sedona, AZ 86336

Sky Rock Sedona 1200 W. AZ-89A Sedona, AZ 86336

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