Valley Lifestyles December 2014 by Times Media Group

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DECEMBER 2014 ValleyLifestyles.com

T H E E S S E N T I A L L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E O F T H E E A S T VA L L E Y

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

Women’s Hair Loss

Why Does it Happen? & What can you do about it? What used to be a “men’s condition” is now quickly becoming a female epidemic. It is scary to think that you could randomly wake up one day and begin to see more hair on the pillow case and less on your head. For women losing their hair, it is a serious blow to femininity and the ideal vision of themselves. We are constantly cutting and coloring to make sure our hair looks the best it can. But what if one day the un-thinkable happens… and it falls out and doesn’t grow back?

Question: What causes women’s hair loss?

Answer: Female hair loss can be caused by multiple factors, but the most common cause is an underlying genetic pre-disposition to hair loss known as androgenetic alopecia or female pattern hair loss. Unlike the popular myth that you inherit hair loss from your mother’s father, women can inherit hair loss from either side of the family. This means that women can inherit hair loss from men and vice versa. It is much more common than people know. There are other factors that can cause hair loss or increase hair loss due to family history. They include stress, lifestyle, diet, thyroid disfunction, fungal infections, scalp parasites, and medications (most common hormone replacement and birth VALLEY control pills).MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014 2 LIFESTYLES

Question: What do your clinics use to help women with thinning hair?

Answer: Depending on the reason for the loss, the treatment protocol will vary. Usually though for common female pattern hair loss the protocol is relatively similar. We a have a 9 month program that includes twice weekly office visits for cool light laser treatments for the scalp. This stimulates cell regeneration and is already approved to promote thicker hair. Our program also includes topical pharmaceuticals, hormone therapy balancing cream, nutritional supplementation, holistic hair care products, and topical scalp serums. This is most aggressive treatment that we offer, but it works. When you use everything together the way that our program does, you are bound to get results.

Question: What advice would you give a woman who is dealing with this problem?

Answer: Find the source of the problem as quickly as possible and treat that problem. Don’t try to treat it yourself because it wastes time that could be spent growing hair back. I obviously would recommend to call us and then come in for a consultation. Worst case scenario, you can stop the progression of the loss. Best case, we can dramatically reverse your hair loss and regrow hair. We have had numerous cases where a woman was wearing a wig or extensions when they started the treatment. Then 9 months later they were able to remove their wig permanently or stop getting extensions because their hair had gained so much volume and density.

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Question: Is there hope for women with thinning hair? How do you control it?

Answer: There certainly is. There are

so many tools that can be used to control female hair loss and reverse it in many cases. Once you have established the reason for the hair loss and it can be treated with a variety of methods. Unfortunately, most general physicians simply don’t have the time or the knowledge to get a full understanding of why a woman is losing her hair. The female patient is then left combing the internet for solutions that rarely leads to any real answer.

Question: How you do know what is causing your hair loss?

Answer: A simple patient history is the easiest way. Many women have blood tests for hormonal issues, thyroid dysfunction, iron levels, and vitamin D deficiency. Unfortunately this rarely produces any other cause other than normal pattern hair loss. At our clinics we use a video microscope to analyze the condition of the scalp at 50x magnification. At this level we can tell if the client has loss due to stress, diet, infection of the hair follicle, or simple hormonally related hair loss.

Question: Is there maintenance required?

Answer: 99% yes. I usually tell people it’s like brushing your teeth. If you don’t brush them and go to the dentist, your teeth will rot and fall out. The same goes for your hair. If you have a genetic hair loss problem, you have two options; oneyou can treat the problem long term, or two- let your hair fall out and go bald. Clearly our clients choose hair.

WILLIAM GAUNITZ, WTS CEO of Evolution Hair Loss Institute 4450 South Rural Rd. Bldg C. Suite 222 Tempe, AZ 85282

480-222-HAIR(4247) VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014 www.hairgrowthcenters.com

PUBLISHER

Steve T. Strickbine CO-PUBLISHER

Tony Zoccoli

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Christina Caldwell

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Breanne DeMore ART DIRECTOR

Dara Fowler

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lynette Carrington, Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Alison Stanton, Katie Selph, Julie Lemerond ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Sheree Kamenetsky EDITORIAL INQUIRIES ccaldwell@valleylifestyles.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Sam Nalven DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AZ Integrated Media

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Valley Lifestyles Magazine 3200 N. Hayden Rd., Suite 210 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Phone: (480) 348-0343 Comments: ccaldwell@valleylifestyles.com www.valleylifestyles.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the Times Media Group. Photographs, graphics and artwork are the property of Valley Lifestyles Magazine. © Afﬂuent Publishing LLC.

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december

FEATURES 28

MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT

A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE

WHEN THE CONE STRIKES TWELVE ...

It’s not often in this world that people are truly generous with their time and money. However, the residents of West Natal Circle in Mesa perfectly embody selﬂessness. For the past 20 years, the entire cul-de-sac has gone above and beyond to decorate their homes and the street for the holidays and welcome the public. By Breanne DeMore

Our little corner of Arizona has been long admired for its livability and potential for growth. Well now the EV is growing faster than we can possibly imagine. From a new university to Light Rail expansion, from new business to rebranding of parts of town, change is coming and we’ve covered it all. By Christina Caldwell

Forget Times Square and the ball drop! Flagstaff has their own New Year’s Eve celebration—the Great Pinecone Drop. Free and perfect for families, Flagstaff’s Weatherford Hotel drops a 6-foot-tall, 70 pound pinecone to ring in the New Year. By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

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december DEPARTMENTS 12 FROM THE EDITOR 15 UPFRONT | 480 A NOBEL CAUSE An ASU freshman, Sarah Galvin has some pretty big plans for December. After competing against 1,700 of the world’s top high school students at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, Galvin won the first-place prize: a ticket to Stockholm for the Nobel Prize Ceremonies.

18 HOLIDAY 5KS & 10KS 18 IRISH CHRISTMAS

22 70

20 E.V. BLOG BEAT 21 LOCAL LOOK: Katy Bug Boutique 22 HAUTE ITEMS: On a budget 24 EN POINTE 26 OUTDOOR EXERCISE

51 HOME & DECOR HOLIDAY CRAFTS

DIY Christmas decor on-the-cheap

56 CREATIVE CUSTOM

59 FOOD & WINE IL VINAIO

Blends cultures from across the globe

62 YOU GOTTA TRY 64 IN SEASON: Chestnuts

70 10 GREAT DATES 72 LAST WORD

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

editor's letter

I DECORATED MY HOME for

Christmas on November 22 this year—over a full month before Christmas and five days before Thanksgiving. It was enough to make my friends say, “Really? Already?” but for me, Christmas can’t come soon enough. People are generally nicer when the holidays come around, work becomes less demanding, and cookies are baking—what’s not to love!? Just when I thought I was going overboard, Breanne DeMore reported about a Mesa culde-sac that goes all-out for the holidays, turning their homes into a temporary landmark where the public can gawk at the elaborate decor and chat with the homeowners. West Natal Circle embodies everything about Christmas that’s magical—decorating and giving, just for the sake of seeing someone else smile. We all soften a bit around this time of year. We can stop and live in the moment, embrace what really matters and recharge for the following year. And boy, 2015 has a lot in store for the Valley, as I reported this month. The East Valley will see everything from a new Catholic university to the trendy takeover of Downtown Gilbert to a Light Rail extension to

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

connect us to the central Valley. Ready or not, the future is coming for us. (Now, are we still going to call Gilbert a “town?”) But before all that happens, let’s embrace what’s before us. We chatted with Ballet Arizona’s Sugar Plum Fairy, who tiptoes her way through the famed “Nutcracker” this season. And speaking of nuts, we know of one that epitomizes the season. Check out our chestnut recipes to literally cook up a warm holiday. And if the holidays just aren’t the holidays without snow, in your opinion, Flagstaff has you covered. We got the lowdown on Flagstaff’s pinecone drop. It’s not exactly New Year’s Eve in Times Square, but that’s kind of what’s great about it. If you’re looking for a mellow, quaint New Year’s celebration, bring your earmuffs and watch the pinecone drop at 12 a.m. So raise a glass and celebrate the closing of a truly great year for our community. Cheers!

CHRISTINA CALDWELL Executive Editor

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

My Favorite Thingz 480-895-9045

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

UpFront 480 TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

A NOBEL

CAUSE BY DOMINIQUE DEL GROSSO PHOTO COURTESY ASU

ASU FRESHMAN TURNS SCIENCE BREAKTHROUGH INTO TICKET TO NOBEL PRIZE CEREMONIES Remember that time long, long ago when you were 18? (We’re not sure totally sure that we want to remember.) You likely thought more seriously about your appearance, the opposite sex or fitting in than you did about the impact you could make on the world. For 18-year-old Sarah Galvin, an ASU freshman, she has carefully thought about and diligently worked to make a lasting impact; one that would forever change and advance the creation of electronic devices. Galvin competed against 1,700 of the world’s top high school students at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, where she was awarded a firstplace prize and a ticket to Stockholm for the Nobel Prize Ceremonies, which she’ll attend December 10.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

Galvin has always been a forward-thinker. Born and raised in the Chandler area, simply studying and observing science didn’t satisfy her inquisitive mind. Over time, Galvin realized she wanted to explore in a hands-on environment, so after graduating from high school, she enrolled in ASU’s electrical engineering program at The School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering. Under the tutelage of Nathan Newman, a professor in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy at ASU, Galvin discovered spintronics, or spin transport electronics. She learned that by changing or flipping the orientation of an electron’s ends—or reversing the north or south orientation—it will make the electron respond like a magnet. Basically, spintronics is a massive field of study that applies to nearly every device—from cell phones to a rocket’s supercomputer to every device in between, so this breakthrough is big. It advances the technology required to create nextgeneration devices. After this level of achievement, you’d think Galvin’s feet would never again touch the ground, but her attitude is quite the contrary. It’s clear that even after receiving such recognition in the international science community, recognizing her genius and gifted mind couldn’t be farther off her radar. “I don’t think I am [gifted]. I’ve said this, I was given a unique opportunity, I fell into the research I was doing. It was good luck that I began working with such an interesting project. I put in the time and had the background knowledge, but I’d like to think that anyone else with my background knowledge could have done what I did,” she says. “I’m still pretty doubtful about my potential because the work that I do is really complicated. It’s impossible to know everything.” Beyond her scientific achievements, Galvin is strikingly “normal” and similar to her peers in many ways. She rides around campus on her Razor scooter, she has a close-knit group of friends who love to drink tea, she stays fit by playing in tennis competitions and spends time in the gym, is a good cook, but she promises that she is a terrible dancer and speller.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

Like other young women her age, she worries about what she’ll wear to a big event. But in Galvin’s case, her big event just happens to be the Nobel Prize Ceremonies. “Figuring out what to wear is really hard. You can’t wear a prom dress kind of thing. I have to wear something classy and understated. I found a blood red wine dress online: full-length, sleeveless. I am getting my hair done, and I have to bring my own makeup,” she says. At the end of the day, no matter the level of success Galvin experiences, she is certain that achieving her goal of making a difference is, yes, important, but perhaps not as important as those she loves most. “The most important thing in life isn’t a thing; it’s people,” she says. VLM

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

RACE YOUR WAY THROUGH THE HOLIDAY SEASON BY DOMINIQUE DEL GROSSO

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

THE

Irish Way BY KATIE SELPH

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of year. It’s a time of festive faire and delicious indulgences. Don’t start 2015 off with extra pesky pounds. Shed those holiday calories without losing the cheery spirit. Now dash away, dash away, dash away all! ULTIMATE SANTA RUN 5K I

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Ho, Ho, Ho! Join the throng of racing Santa’s! You’re bound to be thrilled by the festive music alongside the fun 5k walk/run course. Dip your cookies in some milk and “aid” yourself at the curbside stations. This event it less race and a whole lot more party. Wesley Bolin Plaza, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix, ultimatesantarun.com/locations/phoenix 2014 HOT CHOCOLATE 15K AND 5K I

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Pound your feet to the finish and slurp on some decadent hot chocolate. Join together with chocolate lovers, and eat—we mean race—your heart out! Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, hotchocolate15k.com/phoenix 25TH ANNUAL MIDNIGHT MADNESS 5K RUN I WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31

Out with the old and in with the new. Bid adieu to this year with a 5k race finish. Welcome 2015 with an additional 5k race a few hours later, if you wish, too. Besides, a little midnight madness never hurts! Rose Mofford Sports Complex, 9833 N. 25th Ave., Phoenix, midnightmadnessrun.itsyourrace.com COMMITMENT DAY ARIZONA 5K I

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Start your New Year off on the right foot—pun intended. Join together in this family-friendly 5k event that is happening in more than 60 locations throughout the U.S. Life Time Athletic, 6850 E. Chauncey Ln., Scottsdale, commitmentday.com/Arizona VLM 18

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

One of the most beautiful things about the holiday season is the celebration of cultural traditions. Every family celebrates the holidays a bit differently. Some traditions are passed down from generation to generation, some come from popular culture, and some are part of our deeper heritage and past. No matter where you come from, or how you celebrate the holiday season, winter celebrations often remind us of family, love, happiness and giving. An Irish Christmas is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays through traditional Irish music, storytelling, and song and dance. Bring a new culture into your holiday celebration and take a journey from ancient Irish lore to modern times. Hear stories from long ago, be treated to traditional Irish songs, along with familiar carols, and be dazzled by remarkable dancing. Whether you are Irish or not, this show will fill you up with holiday spirit, joy and love. Special guests in this live performance include Kevin Horton (Riverdance: The Magic of Dance Stars), Ciaran Maguire and Collette Dunne. All of the talented people in the show bring unique Irish traditions, music and dance to life on Mesa Arts Center’s stage. Allow yourself to be whisked away to a Christmas in Ireland for one night only. You will laugh, smile and feel the magic of the holiday season. Don’t miss An Irish Christmas at Mesa Arts Center on December 20 at 8 p.m. This family-friendly event is a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas season. VLM

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

E.V. BLOG BEAT Kristi Jansen and Kelli Mullins of lollyjane.com BY CHRISTINA CALDWELL

Kristi Jansen and Kelli Mullins have more than just their love of crafting and cooking in common—they also share DNA. The identical twin sisters live two nearly-identical lives in Gilbert. Their kids all go to the same school and, as many sisters hope they will growing up, live directly next to each other. That means they get to double down on their time for creativity on their blog, lollyjane. com, which they’ve been writing since 2010. Valley Lifestyles caught up with the twinsies to get the double take on their crafty lives. You guys are identical twins, but how does your style differ? Jansen: Kelli is really bright and has a very bold style. Right

now we’re sitting in her living room and she has a mustard yellow buffet with a robin egg blue wall, so my style is a lot different. Mullins: She’s very boring. [Laughs] She’s very safe with clean lines. She’s more Pottery Barn. I’m more rustic and eclectic. Jansen: So I like really pale walls, white furniture with bright pieces, like a bright pillow or a bright throw, but she does everything bright. What are some of your favorite recipes to make for the holidays? Jansen: Kelli every year does her pumpkin roll [for fall], so

instead of doing a pumpkin roll she’ll do an orange roll—like cinnamon rolls. So she does that for her Christmas mornings, and for mine I just do regular plain cinnamon rolls. We love cookies. Mullins: We’re all about easy. Our site is easy, simple for the busy mom, so we do a lot of cookies and fudge—any variation of fudge, be it white chocolate with peppermints in it—Anything you can stick in fudge, we’ll try it out. How do you get the kids involved with Christmas decorating this time of year? Jansen: Kelli’s tree is decorated with everything, from what the

kids bring home from school... Mullins: And it’s definitely not a fancy, blogworthy tree and I’m totally OK with that. Jansen: A lot of the things we do on our site, the kids do help with it, just because our house is very kid-friendly. Our mom always said that when you have kids, that’s all that you have, so we got really good at thrift and bargain shopping—not because we can’t afford the nicer stuff, but because the nicer

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

TWINS KRISTI JANSEN AND KELLI MULLINS BLOG ABOUT BAKING, CRAFTING AND HOME IMPROVEMENT ON THEIR BLOG. LOLLYJANE.COM. SEE THEIR HOLIDAY CRAFT IDEAS ON P. 51.

stuff gets ruined. Kelli’s 11-year-old is usually by her side whenever she’s doing crafts. She’s right there with her crafting. And our craft table—we actually just uploaded a picture of it—and you’ll see the table has paint on it and hot glue and it’s because all of this stuff ... happens with the kids. What are some of your places to shop for crafting supplies in the East Valley? Jansen: In the East Valley we love the three crafting hubs, which are JoAnn’s, Michael’s and Hobby Lobby. We are big fans of Goodwill, and I actually prefer Savers to Goodwill because they’ve kind of raised their prices since it is so trendy to be thrifty. One of my favorite places is called The Rustic Hutch, and [the owner] has this one vendor that lives in Arizona and he has the best stuff! It’s one-of-a-kind treasures that he finds from all around the country and it’s all thrift store pricing, so they have some great finds. VLM

CONNECT WITH THE LOLLY JANE TWINS AT: Instagram: lollyjaneblog Twitter: @LollyJaneBlog facebook.com/LollyJaneBlog lollyjane.com

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GET THIS LOOK: KatyBug Faye Boutique & Trunk Show 4970 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite C-1, Chandler 7131 W. Ray Road, Suite 39, Chandler (480) 802-9200 katybugfaye.com VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

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They are a beautiful tradition, but stockings can start to become a burden. After you place all of your gifts under the tree, it’s easy to run out of ideas for stuffers. We found some great ideas at local East Valley retailers for everyone on your list. The best part? They are all under $20! COMPILED BY BREANNE DEMORE

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

En Pointe

MICHELLE VAGI EXPLAINS LIFE AS THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY BY BREANNE DEMORE

MICHELLE VAGI AS THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY. PHOTO © ROSALIE O’CONNOR

The amount of toe-tape we go through? [Laughs] I don’t know. Probably that our lives are not all about dance all the time. Most of us have things we like to do outside of dance. I am going to school right now for my Master’s and I know a lot of dancers have very interesting and colorful lives outside the studio.

As a company dancer of Ballet Arizona since 2006, Michelle Vagi has been kept on her toes. She has originated featured roles in many of Ib Anderson, Ballet Arizona’s director, ballets, been chosen for soloist roles in Swan Lake, Napoli and The Sleeping Beauty, and is the company’s goto Sugar Plum Fairy for their production of The Nutcracker. Vagi, as sweet as she is talented, took the time out of her very busy rehearsal schedule to tell us about how she got started, what the life of a professional dancer is really like and what The Nutcracker means to her. Valley Lifestyles: What was your opinion on ballet when you were very little and what made you want to dance? Vagi: I liked ballet when I began

taking lessons around age four, but I don’t 24

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

think that I really was committed to it until I began performing in, funny enough, The Nutcracker as a mouse at age eight. After I got my first taste of performing in a production, I guess you could say I was hooked. What has been the most difﬁcult part about your life as a ballet dancer?

The mental battles, without a doubt. I think my career has forced me to think a lot about why I dance (because I love to dance and not for the approval of others), and the things that are really important in life (loving people as opposed to my achievements). What is something that the average person might not know about the life of a professional ballet dancer?

How does it feel to perform as a principal in such a legendary Ballet as The Nutcracker?

It’s a lot of fun. Actually, I did always want to be Clara as a kid and I never got the chance. But being the Sugar Plum Fairy has its kicks, too. [Laughs] It’s fun to get to perform this role knowing that it is iconic to any kid who knows The Nutcracker. I mean, I get to pretend I am the queen of a magic kingdom. How cool is that? VLM

BALLET ARIZONA PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER WITH THE PHOENIX SYMPHONY AT SYMPHONY HALL: DECEMBER 12 THROUGH DECEMBER 28, 2014 75 N. Second St., Phoenix 602.381.1096 Balletaz.org

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

upfront 480

TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

EMBRACE WHAT NATURE GAVE US OUTDOOR EXERCISE IN THE VALLEY BY JULIE LEMEROND

It’s that time of the year again when we reap the benefits of living in the Southwest. While most of the country is adding layers of clothing, we are shedding them. While they are shoveling their sidewalks, we are jogging on ours. Biking and hiking are just a few of the things we can do in our outdoor playground called the Valley of the Sun. The options are endless as each sunny day begins anew. GET OUT AND RIDE

If it’s been years since you’ve ridden a bike, you might find it a refreshing way to spend the day outdoors. Don’t have a bike of your own? Rent one! There are many places around town to rent a bike for a day, a weekend or even longer. OUTDOOR YOGA

There are three Lululemon stores in the Phoenix metro area—Biltmore, Chandler Fashion Center and Scottsdale Quarter— that offer free Sunday morning classes outdoors, weather permitting—which it usually does. Lying in savasana underneath a palm tree and a shining sun, gentle breeze blowing, is quite the treat. HIKING

I remember when I first moved to Phoenix, how I was struck that nature and the mountains were all around us everywhere. We’ve got the best of both worlds here, not having to leave the city to find nature—it’s around us everywhere! Most people can find a hiking trail within mere blocks of where they live, and the best part is that it’s all free to use.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

EVER HEAR OF KANGOOS?

Kangoos are those crazy-looking springboard-type running shoes that are like a pogo stick and a jogging shoe put together. Definitely makes your workout more fun than work. But if you are too shy to bounce around by yourself around the block, try joining Arizona’s Kangoo Club, with outdoor classes held weekly! This low-impact and super-fun way to get outdoors and bounce around is not just popular as a workout activity, but also great for special events, corporate meetings and birthday parties in a fun, outdoorsy-class element. CIRCUIT TRAINING AT THE PARK

Some Valley parks offer do-it-yourself circuit training options like pull-up bars, stretch options, and more. Chaparral Park in Scottsdale is one such park to choose from, and it also is located on Scottsdale’s greenbelt, so numerous options are available here— everything from a stroll around the water to bringing your dog to the off-leash area to romp outdoors for a bit. VLM

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www.travelbetterarizona.com VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT ONE MESA CUL-DE-SAC TAKES DECKING THE HALLS TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

By Breanne DeMore

Dubbed the “Christmas Cul-de-sac,” West Natal Circle in Mesa has gained quite the reputation. Every holiday season, the cul-de-sac’s 14 homes deck their halls to the nines. Each home is dripping in lights, decorations, inﬂatables, displays, you name it—each with their own theme. Usually taking about a month for everyone to set up, the neighborhood “lights up” and opens their street to the public on Thanksgiving night. For the next month, thousands (last year they clocked 50,000 visitors) of people come by to relish in the holiday spirit. We reached out to a few of the residents to ﬁnd out a few facts, how they got started and why they do it. Spoiler alert: most of them do it out of the kindness of their hearts. That’s not the only kind thing they do either. In lieu of asking for help, the neighbors have started collecting non-perishable food items to be donated to United Food Bank. Read on for more of what to expect from Mesa’s own “Christmas Cul-de-sac!”

Larry Sherlock YEARS DECORATING: THEME: MONEY SPENT:

Over 20

General Christmas cheer

Been doing it for too long to know

TIME TO SET UP:

About three full days

TIME TO TAKE DOWN:

One weekend

APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF LIGHTS USED:

More than 50,000

WHAT MOTIVATES THEM TO DO IT EVERY YEAR: “My wife and I are older now, but when the little kids come by and the kids are in the strollers and you can see how much they enjoy it, it’s all worth it.”

Put simply, Mesa residents have Larry Sherlock to thank for the “Christmas Cul-de-sac.” “It started when we were living at Dobson Ranch,” he says. “The homeowners’ association there had a contest for the best decorated homes. I put my mind to it and won one year. And well, you know, you win once and you have to keep it going.” After they moved to West Natal Circle, Sherlock and his family kept the competition going with one other neighbor for a few years before other neighbors started joining them and the friendly competition transformed into what it is today.

Pastor Roger Ball YEARS DECORATING: THEME: MONEY SPENT:

Over 20

Walk to Bethlehem/ Luke 2:1-21

$12,000 initial investment and an addition $1,000 every year

TIME TO SET UP:

300 hours (about 150 volunteers help every year)

TIME TO TAKE DOWN:

16 hours (40 volunteers)

APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF LIGHTS USED:

“Too many to count.”

WHAT MOTIVATES THEM TO DO IT EVERY YEAR: “It’s our gift to the community. People are broken and need the message of forgiveness. They need reminding of the message of the grace of God.”

As pastor of the First Baptist Church of Tempe, Roger Ball sees his display as his way to share his faith and seeks help from volunteers in his congregation to set up the walk, where guests meander in his backyard and follow the story of Luke 2:1-21 all the way to the announcement of Jesus’ birth. “To hear people, watch their smiles, see people experience the forgiveness of God—the joy [they experience] is mind boggling,” Ball says.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

Kathy Kerwin YEARS DECORATING: THEME: MONEY SPENT:

The beach

“I’m not sure, but not too much because our theme requires fairly cheap materials.” TIME TO SET UP:

TIME TO TAKE DOWN:

Two weekends

One hour, not including picking up the sand. (“I make my strong sons help with that!”)

APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF LIGHTS USED:

“Just a few on the house”

WHAT MOTIVATES THEM TO DO IT EVERY YEAR: “The kids have so much fun. Plus, we have grandkids

now and they just love it. My three-year-old granddaughter actually calls my husband ‘Grandpa Santa’ because she associates him and our house with Christmas!”

After taking their sons to the cul-de-sac the year before, the Kerwins were actually looking at a house on the next block when they noticed that one had come up for sale on West Natal Circle. Their adult sons still thank them for having such a wonderful place to grow up. When asked why they chose their theme, Kerwin says, “Who doesn’t like the beach? It’s interactive for the kids, people will write their names in the sand. We’ve even had marriage proposals written in the sand!”

Angela Bengtsson YEARS DECORATING: THEME:

Switches back and forth between Spongebob, a 9/11 tribute and Disney characters. MONEY SPENT:

About $1000 over the years

TIME TO SET UP:

40 hours, or three weekends

TIME TO TAKE DOWN:

Two days

“I honestly have no idea. I don’t even know how to gauge that!”

APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF LIGHTS USED:

“First of all, it helps me get into the Christmas spirit. Being from the Midwest, it’s difficult to adjust to the lack of weather changes. Secondly, the kids just love it. We get a lot of feedback every year and people really do appreciate it.” WHAT MOTIVATES THEM TO DO IT EVERY YEAR:

On November 8, 1999, an unsuspecting Bengtsson family moved from the Midwest to West Natal Circle in Mesa with their newborn baby. Very quickly, a neighbor came by and asked if anyone had told them about “the lights.” “They offered to put up the lights for us, but we declined. We had brought some icicle lights with us and we figured that would be enough,” explains Bengtsson. “We were definitely more prepared the following year!” VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

Brian Ferry YEARS DECORATING: THEME:

Three

“I’m a huge University of Michigan fan.” MONEY SPENT:

$1500-$2000

TIME TO SET UP:

Two full days

TIME TO TAKE DOWN:

One day

APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF LIGHTS USED:

“A few thousand at least.”

WHAT MOTIVATES THEM TO DO IT EVERY YEAR: “My kids love it. We love talking to all the people that come by. There really is nothing that is bad about it.”

When Brian Ferry and his family moved to the cul-de-sac a few years ago, they were aware that extensive holiday decorations would be part of the deal, but they still appreciated next door neighbor, Larry Sherlock, coming by to warn them anyway: “Did they tell you about the lights?” But for the University of Michigan (“I mean, Santa, candy canes, snowmen, lights—they are all yellow and blue.”) obsessed homeowner the best part of the holidays is turning down his own street. “It’s just amazing. [You’re driving home and] you turn down the street and suddenly there are all of these lights. Watching as I get to my driveway is always so fun.”

Dorin Olson YEARS DECORATING: THEME: MONEY SPENT:

“I have a little Santa village set up in my entryway.”

“A lot of the stuff was left behind by the previous owner, but I think I’ve probably put in about $1000 over the years.” TIME TO SET UP:

Three weekends

TIME TO TAKE DOWN:

One day

APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF LIGHTS USED:

2,000-3,000

WHAT MOTIVATES THEM TO DO IT EVERY YEAR: “It just such a tradition, not only for us, but for everyone. People will come by with their families every year.”

Living about a mile away with his wife and daughter, Dorin Olson knew that he liked the neighborhood and was looking to make a move. “I saw a house came up for sale on [West Natal Circle] and I called my wife and said, ‘Honey, there’s a nice house for sale, but I think it’s on the Christmas Street.’ We knew our daughter would love living here.” But it’s not just his daughter who loves it. “I like seeing the people. This really takes them out of their element. Whenever I look out of my window, everyone has a smile on their face—no matter who they are, how old they are or what situation in life they are in, everyone has a big smile on their face.” 32

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

A Look

INTO THE

FUTURE

MAJOR EAST VALLEY CHANGES HAPPENING IN 2015 It comes as no surprise to longtime Valley residents that the East Valley is a hot spot of growth. Nearly all East Valley cities

>>>

have landed at the top of “best places to live” and “fastest growing cities” lists for over two decades. With that growth, though, comes change.

2015 will bring some major change-ups to the East Valley landscape. Are you ready for new universities, businesses and infrastructure to head into town? Ready or not, here they come.

BY CHRISTINA CALDWELL

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

MESA LIGHT RAIL EXTENSION

36 36

The METRO Light Rail has been a terrific resource for those who live their lives between Tempe and Downtown Phoenix. It helps eliminate downtown traffic, is an efficient way to get to events in the Valley’s cultural centers and offers a faster way to get from point A to point B for those without their own vehicles. But for the rest of us in the East Valley, the only way we’ve been able to take the Light Rail is to park at one of the Light Rail’s park-and-ride lots and hop on from there. This year we’ll be able to grab a ride in our own backyard, if everything goes as Valley Metro anticipates. The Mesa Light Rail expansion will include four new stops at Alma School Road, Country Club Drive, Center Street and Mesa Drive, with a parkand-ride lot planned for the northeast corner of Main Street and Mesa Drive. For those that live even farther into the East Valley, have heart. A 1.9 mile expansion is set to extend to Gilbert Road and is expected to be opened in 2018.

VALLEYLIFESTYLES LIFESTYLESMAGAZINE MAGAZINE||DECEMBER DECEMBER2014 2014 VALLEY

THE FARMER ARTS DISTRICT Aside from the ever-evolving campus at ASU, Tempe hasn’t seen a lot of structural changes over the last few years. The addition of Tempe Marketplace and new student apartments were big additions for the city, but the west side of campus remained relatively untouched. Longtime patrons of The Sail Inn, a local music venue and bar, were upset when they heard the Tempe mainstay was shutting down in June 2014. But when one door closes, another opens. Just across the street, The Farmer Arts District is primed to become Tempe’s latest hot spot. The Farmer Arts District will include a new location

for Valley chain Culinary Dropout, which will have a “Yard” for games, parties and more. The new structure will also include a yoga studio, a spin class studio and the s.e.e.d. café, which will offer prepacked salads, juices, energy bars and raw desserts. A sort of healthy living neighborhood, a Whole Foods Market is planned for the area as well as high-rise condos and a pedestrian pathway along Farmer Avenue to Tempe Town Lake. The no-fuss atmosphere of The Sail Inn will live on, though, with The Lodge Bar & Grill, primed to take the former venue’s place.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

The Mill Avenue District is looking to show its serious side. Known as a cultural strip where college students can get their party on, the brains behind the Mill Avenue District are looking for a reputation makeover in 2015. In November the district announced that it will change its official name from the Mill Avenue District to Downtown Tempe, complete with a revamped logo with a simple “DT,” hinting at a new nickname for the area, and website, switching the URL from millavenue. com to downtowntempe.com. It’s all in an attempt to stray away from its partyloving reputation and expand interest beyond the one street. With a new 2 million square foot State Farm Insurance regional headquarters being built just down the street near Sun Devil Stadium and Tempe Town Lake, the district is expecting more professionals to grace its streets. That means more retail, not just bars and restaurants, are necessary for the health of Downtown Tempe. The first structures of the State Farm headquarters are expected to be occupied in mid-to-late 2015, so expect Mill Avenue to cater to the new population that will come its way.

MILL AVENUE MORPHS INTO DOWNTOWN TEMPE

Downtown Tempe’s revamped logo

TOPGOLF GILBERT Arizona is a destination for golfers all over the country, so it’s no shock that TopGolf has found two new locations in our dusty desert town. The golf recreation facility that combines gaming and golfing opened its Scottsdale location in June 2014. As of December 2014, Gilbert has its very own TopGolf location. Much more like a bowling alley than your run-ofthe-mill driving range, TopGolf prides itself on being the “ultimate party venue,” with drinks, food, golf, pool, video games, giant Jenga, a kids zone and more. Golfers can select from several versions of the game they’d like to play with friends and compete against one another in a head-to-head battle royale. As the game of golf struggles to recruit more young people to play, TopGolf is practically doing the work for them—even if it is sort of the Guitar Hero of golf. TopGolf might have opened this month, but if the hoppin’ Scottsdale location is any indication, you’ll want to make your reservation to play as soon as possible.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

DOWNTOWN GILBERT TURNS INTO MAJOR CULTURAL HUB Downtown Gilbert has been blossoming for the past few years with the additions of restaurants like Postino Winecafe, Oreganos, Joyride Taco House and more. The area near Gilbert Road and Page Avenue is having its own renaissance, 95 years after it was incorporated in 1920. The ever-increasingly hip area will soon house other culinary adventures like Barrio Queen, Loloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chicken & Waffles, Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, all of which are expansions from other hip areas of town like Downtown Phoenix and Old Town Scottsdale, and are set to open 2015. Downtown Gilbert will also be home to St. Xavier University, a four-year Catholic university that plans to open its doors in fall 2015. The 87,000-square-foot facility will have business, liberal arts, nursing and graduate programs, creating an even larger demand for restaurant and retail in the area, so expect even more growth in the coming years. VLM

Left: The Gilbert water tower acts as the Heritage Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landmark. Lower left: Culinary treats to expect from the soon-tobe-opened Barrio Queen. Lower right: A rendering of St. Xavier University, which plans to open doors in fall 2015.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

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Doyou yousuffer sufferfrom frommouth mouthsores? sores? Do New laserDone technology can remove the Dentistry

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Newpain laserintechnology can remove the just one visit. Ask us how! pain in just one visit. Ask us how!

What if there waswas a place you you could go where you could get crowns donedone fromfrom startstart What if there a place could go where you could get crowns What ifindustry-leading there was a place you could go where you could get crowns done from start where industry-leading dental innovations werewere created; where everything fromfrom usualusual to to where dental innovations created; where everything

complicated dentistry is routine; and and where the dentist himself is sought afterafter nationally complicated dentistry is routine; where the dentist himself is sought nationally where industry-leading dental innovations were created; where everything from usual to andand internationally to discuss the latest techniques and innovations in dentistry? internationally discussand thewhere latest the techniques and innovations dentistry? complicated dentistry istoroutine; dentist himself is sought in after nationally There is—and it’s right in your ownown backyard. There is—and it’s right in your backyard.and innovations in dentistry? and internationally to discuss the latest techniques John A. Garza D.D.S., P.C. is like no other dental office you’ve experienced. Here, A. Garza D.D.S., P.C. like no other dental office you’ve experienced. Here, ThereJohn is—and it’s right in your ownisbackyard. you’ll find find - the- absolute cutting - edge in laser dentistry in order to make youryour visitsvisits as as you’ll the absolute cutting edge in laser dentistry in order to make John A. Garza D.D.S., P.C. is like no other dental office you’ve experienced. Here, painless as possible. short, easyeasy andand painless as-possible. you’llshort, find - the absolute cutting edge in laser dentistry in order to make your visits as Dr. John A. Garza, a licensed general & certified diode laserlaser dentist, serving the East Dr. John A. Garza, licensed general & certified diode dentist, serving the East asapossible. short, easy and painless Valley since 1994, vowed to create a locale that was someplace he would want to gotoifgo if Valley since 1994, vowed to create a locale that was someplace he would want Dr. John A. Garza, a licensed general & certified diode laser dentist, serving the East he were the patient. He wanted to create a place that that waswas co-diagnostic and interachesince were the patient. wanted create place co-diagnostic interacValley 1994, vowedHe to create a to locale thata was someplace he would wantand to go if tive,tive, andand where the patient themselves would be able to make a decision about theirtheir where the patient themselves wouldthat be was able co-diagnostic to make a decision about he were the patient. He wanted to create a place and interacdental carecare based on what theythey werewere shown could be done via the interactive based on what shown could done via latest the latest tive, dental and where the patient themselves would be able tobe make a decision aboutinteractive their technological tools. technological dental care based tools. on what they were shown could be done via the latest interactive

technological tools. offered are digital ones, which reduce patient doses of radiation by 98%, and and computers offered are digital ones, which reduce patient doses of radiation by 98%, computers at the side of each chair so patients can view the x-rays (and other images) along with with at the side of each chair so patients can view the x-rays (and other images) along offered are digital ones, which reduce patient doses of radiation by 98%, and computers the dentist. the dentist. at the side of each chair so patients can view the x-rays (and other images) along with Some patients joke that “it’s like NASA here!” And that’s a good thing. Some the dentist. patients joke that “it’s like NASA here!” And that’s a good thing. “For“For example, with our smile makeovers, it takes about threethree hours to dotoan example, makeovers, it takes about hours do8-tooth an 8-tooth Some patients jokewith that our “it’s smile like NASA here!” And that’s a good thing. makeover. There are TV screens over the patient’s head playing movies, and throughout makeover. There screens over theitpatient’s headthree playing movies, throughout “For example, withare ourTV smile makeovers, takes about hours to do and an 8-tooth makeover. There are TV screens over the patient’s head playing movies, and throughout allows the patient to leave withwith color, shape and and teethteeth that that theythey want. And And because we’rewe’re allows the patient to leave color, shape want. because doing it together, they end up with a custom smile, rather than one where a remote lab doing it together, theywith endcolor, up with a custom smile, than one a remote allows the patient to leave shape and teeth thatrather they want. Andwhere because we’re lab technician is making the same thing for everybody and you’re hoping that what is sent is they making for everybody and you’re whatlab is sent doingtechnician it together, endthe upsame with athing custom smile, rather than one hoping where athat remote back for you is what you want. With this technique, the patient is very involved, and we’re back for you is what you want. With this technique, the patient is very involved, and technician is making the same thing for everybody and you’re hoping that what is sentwe’re able to personalize it as we go,” Dr. Garza explains. to personalize as weWith go,”this Dr. technique, Garza explains. backable for you is what youitwant. the patient is very involved, and we’re The one-visit solutions are possible thanks to the CEREC by Sirona Dental Systems. The one-visit solutions are possible thanks to the CEREC by Sirona Dental Systems. able to personalize it as we go,” Dr. Garza explains. It’s the world’s only system for the fabrication of all ceramic dental restorations in one It’s one-visit the world’s only system for thethanks fabrication all ceramic dentalDental restorations in one The solutions are possible to theofCEREC by Sirona Systems.

It’s theschedule world’s only system for the fabrication of all ceramic dental restorations in one busy for dental care! busy schedule for dental care! Dr. Garza is also the creator of The Crane, an innovative and industry-changing tool Dr. Garza is also care! the creator of The Crane, an innovative and industry-changing tool busy schedule dental that removes afor crown and bridge without the pounding tools dentists used previously. that removes a crown and bridge without theinnovative poundingand tools dentists used previously. Dr. Garza is also the creator of Theand Crane, an industry-changing tool His expertise regarding this device his extensive knowledge in general is called His expertise regarding this device and his extensive knowledge in general is called that removes a crown and bridge without the pounding tools dentists used previously. upon often in a speaking capacity, and he has taught and given lectures everywhere upon often in a speaking capacity, and he has taught and givengeneral lecturesiseverywhere His expertise thisatdevice his University extensive knowledge called from overseasregarding to nationally placesand like the of Oklahomainand the Southwest from overseas to nationally at places like the University of Oklahoma andeverywhere the Southwest upon often in a speaking capacity, and he has taught and given lectures Dental Convention. Dental Convention. fromSo overseas nationally at places like theaUniversity Oklahoma and thesmile Southwest whethertoyou need a routine cleaning, root canal,ofcrown, or complete makeSo whether you need a routine cleaning, a root canal, crown, or complete smile makeDental Convention. over, don’t you owe it to yourself to put yourself in the hands of one of the industry’s most over, don’t you you owe itato yourself to put yourself in thecrown, handsorofcomplete one of thesmile industry’s So whether routine cleaning, a root canal, make-most technologies respected dentists,need at a trusted location that offers the most cutting-edge technologies respected dentists, at a trusted location that offers the of most cutting-edge over, don’t you owe it to yourself to put yourself in the hands one of the industry’s and services so that you have the easiest and most advanced dental care possible?most and services soat that you have the easiest and most advanced dental care possible? technologies respected dentists, a trusted location that offers the most cutting-edge and services so that you have the easiest and most advanced dental care possible?

6 hour drive

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OUR DESTINATION VACATION, NO MORE THAN 6 HOURS FROM THE VALLEY

VALLEY VALLEY LIFESTYLES LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || DECEMBER DECEMBER 2014 2014

When the Cone

Strikes Twelve... Flagstaff’s annual New Year’s Eve pinecone drop a magical tradition BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

PHOTOS COURTESY FLAGSTAFF CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

When the owners of the Weatherford Hotel in Flagstaff were looking for a way to commemorate the historic building’s 100-year anniversary, they couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than to fete New Year’s Eve at the same time.

VALLEY VALLEY LIFESTYLES LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || DECEMBER DECEMBER 2014 2014

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6 hour drive

4646

OUR DESTINATION VACATION, NO MORE THAN 6 HOURS FROM THE VALLEY

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014 VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

Thus, Henry Taylor and his now-wife Sam Green created the Great Pinecone Drop, an annual event since 1999 that brings 7,000 to 10,000 visitors to downtown Flagstaff to celebrate before making those long-forgotten resolutions. “It’s been a cool thing,” says Green, who married Taylor in the early 1980s, shortly after being employed at the hotel. “The town has accepted it as a tradition. We didn’t know when we started that it would last— especially since we made it out of a garbage can the first time around.” Green decided to have a more formal piece created after admitting on television that it was made from a steel trash can with pinecones attached to it. Green drew a design on a cocktail napkin for a Flagstaff welder. She wanted it to have lights on the inside. “That’s when we had a tin model built,” says Green, adding it was locally made. “We’ve improved it every year since.” Four years ago, welders added LED lights to the 6-foot-tall, 70-pound pinecone that is suspended from the top of the Weatherford Hotel. “We’ve got the whole balcony lit and it goes together with the cupola, the witch’s cap,” she says. “It’s all done with LED lights, too, so the whole thing lights up. It’s a fun show when it does the drop.” The drops occur at 10 p.m. to signify New York’s celebration and at 12 a.m. for the late-night crowd. “The early crowd, the 10 o’clock, is families,” she says. “That’s why we do it at 10 o’clock—so the kids can see it—and to signify the New Year’s Eve in New York City. You can see all the little kids coming down in their jammies and blankets with their families.

“Our whole goal has been to save the Weatherford Hotel. When my husband bought it in ’75, it was slated for demolition. It’s taken us all this time to piece it together...”

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

6 hour drive

OUR DESTINATION VACATION, NO MORE THAN 6 HOURS FROM THE VALLEY

“The later one is for the nighttime crowd and the college students, but both of them bring people out. That’s why they close down the streets. There are people milling around all night.” The event is free to watch outside, however, the hotel charges a cover to watch from the inside. (The cover charge had yet to be finalized at press time.) For the occasion, Green and Taylor create a special menu and hire a band. A DJ spins outside, so the crowd can revel and party while it’s awaiting the Flagstaff tradition. Green and Taylor make the perfect team to save the Weatherford Hotel. A Holbrook native, Taylor was raised in a historic hotel, which no longer functions. He was 28 years old when he purchased the Weatherford. Green is a longtime restorer who was turned onto it early on, as her sister and brother-in-law would restore historic homes. The project has been a labor of love—and money—for the couple. “Coming to the Weatherford was a natural thing,” she says. “Every piece of the puzzle that we got done, it saved the hotel a little bit more. More income saved the hotel.” The pinecone drop has also done its job. “We’ve owned this for almost 40 years,” she says. “Our whole goal has been to save the Weatherford Hotel. When my husband bought it in ’75, it was slated for demolition. It’s taken us all this time to piece it together, to get the funds to be able to do that. “When we did the pinecone, it gave the Weatherford some notoriety. It’s recognizable where people remember it now.” VLM

RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT: THE HOTEL WEATHERFORD 23 N. Leroux St, Flagstaff (928) 779-1919 weatherfordhotel.com

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

Pulling the trigger and saying “I Do”? Do something different and celebrate your Bachelor or Bachelorette Party at

C2 Tactical! We can cater to any group size and have a private VIP lounge to help kick off your day in style! Our packages are affordable and specially designed for groups. We provide everything you need to make it a memorable shooting event!

Tired of boring office parties? Come down to C2 and have a blast! We have a private lounge and indoor gun

gift s ate c i f i t r e c r the o f e l b a l Avai S! Y A D I L HO

range that can be rented out for parties and events. The lounge has a conference room, shooting simulator, and a viewing window that looks onto the 6 private lanes. Never have a dull teambuilding event again!

480.588.8802 • www.C2Tactical.com 8475 S. Emerald Dr. • I-10 & Warner Rd. • Tempe, AZ (Just East of Ikea in Tempe)

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

home decor Crafty Christmas LOLLYJANE.COM SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER WITH DIY CHRISTMAS DECOR ON-THE-CHEAP

BY KRISTI JANSEN AND KELLI MULLINS LOLLYJANE.COM

Kristi Jansen and Kelli Mullins, the Gilbert twin moms behind craft blog lollyjane.com featured in our E.V. Blog Beat this month, had a few more ideas to spread holiday cheer this year. These Christmas-y crafts are sure to make the season brightâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and glittery, and shiny, and super cute, too!

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

home&decor

Glitter Succulent Planters These sparkly succulent planters are an easy project to whip up. You just need $0.69 pots, a little glitter and paint! If you’re a longtime reader of our blog, lollyjane.com, you know about our major obsession with with succulents. And mason jars. Which is why we decided to switch things up and paint some pots instead of jars. And we added glitter, because a crafter can never overuse the sparkly stuff, are we right?

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • •

• • • •

3 mini terra cotta pots Patio paint (We used Splendid Gold + Tuscan Red by Americana) Foam brushes Decoupage Glitter Clear acrylic spray

DIRECTIONS: 1.

2. 3. 4.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

Paint both inside and outside of your pots. (Painting the inside will prevent fading over time.) Let dry. Paint decoupage around top of pot with foam brush. Generously sprinkle glitter onto painted decoupage and let dry. Seal the pots with clear acrylic spray to extend the life of the glitter.

Let It Snow Sign Pretty as a snowflake (not that we see many around these parts!), this wooden Let It Snow sign will get you into the Christmas spirit and is the perfect holiday decor that can be saved for years to come.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: •

•

• • • • •

Pressed plywood (Ours is 24” tall x 18” wide) White acrylic paint and teal acrylic paint Wood stain Cleaning rags A snowﬂake stencil Foam brushes “Let it Snow” lettering stencil, or freehand it!

DIRECTIONS: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Stain wood and let dry. Apply snowﬂake sticker. Press down hard to create a seal. Paint board white, peel off snowﬂake and let dry. Apply “Let it Snow” lettering stencil, paint inside teal, peel off and let dry, or just freehand it with your own handwriting.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

home&decor

Striped Peppermint Wreath We’re on a peppermint kick! This matchymatchy wreath was easy peasy to whip up with no adhesive required—our favorite kind of craft. We hope you love this pretty striped peppermint wreath, because we definitely do!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • • • • • • •

12” foam wreath White yarn Red yarn Embellishments/sprigs Wood disk Foam brush White and red acrylic paint

DIRECTIONS: 1. 2. 3.

4. 5.

6. 7.

Wrap the wreath in white yarn and tuck the end underneath. Paint the disk white. Freehand pencil lines on the dry white paint to mimic a peppermint. Fill in with small foam brush in red. While the disc is drying, loosely wrap six red sections around the wreath. Tie a red/white striped bow around the wreath. Tuck in the embellishments and disc into the bow. VLM

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

V VALLEY LIFEST YLES

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Photo: The Living Room in Chandler

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

home&decor

HOME SPOTLIGHT

Creative

CUSTOM

WILLIAM JACKSON INC. OFFERS HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS COMBINED WITH TOP-NOTCH CUSTOMER SERVICE

BY ALISON STANTON

For over 10 years, William Jackson Inc. has strived to create cabinets that will help to beautify and organize their customers’ homes all at once. “Our main focus is our semi-custom modular cabinetry. We represent a couple of different American made manufacturers that range in price from entry level to high end”, says Mike Ambrose, one of three partners who own the Chandler-based company. From homeowners who are looking to update their old and tiredlooking kitchen cabinets with something that is stylish and functional to people who are looking for a home entertainment center that fits not only their living space but all of their equipment as well, Ambrose says the friendly and talented team at William Jackson Inc. is ready and willing to help. “We do a little bit of everything here, including full remodeling services for kitchens, bathrooms entertainment, et cetera.” he says, adding that as full service contractors, they can also handle the entire remodeling project—big or small. Unlike similar companies that only provide cabinetry services,

Ambrose says that customers have the opportunity to work with him and his team from start to finish on all aspects. “Once a new customer contacts us, we set up a free inhome consultation to review the specifics of the project and design possibilities,” Ambrose says. Appointments evaluate all aspects from electrical to flooring and everything involved in the remodeling process. To help homeowners get ideas for their remodeling projects, people are welcome to visit their full service showroom that features a multitude of displays and products. They also use state of the art computerized 3D software that allows customers 56

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

to visualize what the finished project will look like in their homes. Ambrose says the family owned and operated business serves not only customers throughout the entire Valley, but also those who live as far south as Tucson and as far north as Sedona. “We are just a really close-knit group here, and we offer our customers the same family-friendly feel working with them,” Ambrose says. As for current trends, many of his clients are looking for clean lines in the cabinetry,

including Shaker-style door styles with varying shades white colors. Quartz seems to be leading the charge in countertop material due to the superior performance and improvement in color patterns. In addition to enjoying the fact that his job is different every day, Ambrose says he especially likes working with return customers on additional projects, or when they refer their friends and family. “We get a lot of new business thanks to referrals, and we work with a lot of customers over and over—they’ll hire us to remodel their

bathroom and then their kitchen and then their laundry room,” he says. “It’s great to work with clients who have older outdated kitchens or other rooms in their homes and show them how we can modernize and make improvements.” VLM

BUILD UP AND OUT AT: WILLIAM JACKSON INC. 590 N. Alma School Rd., Suite 8, Chandler (480) 899-1032 williamjacksoninc.com VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

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BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON PHOTOS BY SAM NALVEN

American Fusion may not be the first thing that pops into your mind when nearing the restaurant name “il Vinaio.” Although the name means “wine merchant” in Italian, the menu at the spacious il Vinaio restaurant and wine bar is an unexpected collection of American flavors sprinkled with strong hints of other global culinary influences. “There’s a perception that people think we only have Italian food,” explains Cameron Selogie who owns il Vinaio along with his wife Cindy Selogie. “We do have some Southwestern influences in there and we have some Mediterranean influences.” Dishes utilize a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs and lighter sauces. The menu includes a few pastas, but also many other unique items which appeal to die-hard and seasonal customers alike.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

food&wine

FOOD SPOTLIGHT

RIGHT: Sweet chili shrimp. FAR RIGHT: Antelope burger. BELOW: Flourless chocolate torte on wildberry compote.

The sweet chili shrimp is one of the most popular appetizers on the menu. The colorful dish imparts a combination of tangy and slightly spicy grilled shrimp over a bed of slightly sweet wakame seaweed salad. It’s not an appetizer you’d find just anywhere, but like il Vinaio itself, there are always surprises in store on the menu and on the wine list. The Southwest pecan-crusted salmon features the slight crunch of pecans over tender and mild salmon, topped with a garnish of orange supremes. The entrée is set atop green chile mashed potatoes, finished off with a generous drizzle of ancho-orange gastrique and complemented with a side of asparagus. “It’s fresh, wild Pacific Northwest salmon.” Selogie says. “That dish is very representative of our food.” The coriander-crusted Asian ahi is another colorful entrée that imparts beautiful hues of magenta and pink. “We sear it rare and then we slice it,” Selogie says. The dish is served with pickled vegetables, a curried risotto cake and a Sriracha aioli to give it all a little taste kick. One very unique entrée at il Vinaio is the antelope burger. The free-range Nilgai antelope comes from Broken Arrow Ranch in Texas. The meat is a very tender, non-gamey tasting protein, flavorful and low in fat. “Our antelope burger was just featured in Men’s Health Magazine as one of the 10 most interesting burgers in America,” Selogie says. “It’s a destination meal.” 60

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

food&wine

FOOD SPOTLIGHT

YOU

“We never get complaints about the antelope burger,” adds Jordan Salyer, executive chef at il Vinaio. Salyer thoughtfully creates new dishes into the menu about every six months, always with an eye on quality and unique flavor combinations. “We’re going to be incorporating a butternut squash gnocchi on the new menu shortly,” Salyer says. “We also have some lamb chop ideas in the works right now, too.” Flourless chocolate torte set atop a wildberry compote has been a staple on the il Vinaio menu for quite some time, but it’s not just for the dietary conscious types. “It’s a gluten-free dessert and we do have a lot of other gluten-free menu options,” Selogie says. Food quality is paramount at il Vinaio. In addition to the free range meats obtained from Broken Arrow Ranch, the restaurant also sources local organic produce from One Windmill Farm and gets aged, rBST-free cheese from Shaft’s Cheese. “I really love that we use all fresh ingredients and we use organic ingredients everywhere we can,” Salyer says. One unique event that draws a sold-out crowd every time is the beer and doughnut pairing. The restaurant makes its own creative doughnuts ranging from sweet to savory and pairs them with various beers. The next event is scheduled for January and typically sells out its 80 to 100 seats. If you’re looking to up your expertise, join the club. Literally. il Vinaio has a wine club for the East Valley’s wine aficionados looking to up their game. There are two different levels—two bottles for $35 or three bottles for $50. Members get a 20 percent off retail discount in-house and free wine tastings. For more information, visit il Vinaio’s website at ilvinaio.net. VLM

TASTE THE FUSION AT: IL VINAIO 270 W. Main St., Mesa (480) 649-6476 ilvinaio.net

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

Gotta Try: THE TOASTED MARSHMALLOW LATTE AT BERGIE’S COFFEE BY BREANNE DEMORE

Founded by brothers Bruce and Brian Bergeson in 2008, Bergie’s Coffee moved into their current location, in a unique, converted cottage in historic Heritage District of Gilbert, in 2009. With a home-y vibe and an enviable patio, Bergie’s truly feels like you’re over at a friend’s house—except the coffee is a little better than the instant stuff your next door neighbor serves. Priding themselves in their quality and flavor, Bergie’s roasts their beans at their cottage providing guests with truly fresh, delicious and local coffee. They are so passionate about coffee, they even hold roasting classes for their cherished patrons. Roasting isn’t their only asset, either. Barista Collette Danielle is their resident scientist, coming up with creative, seasonal coffee, tea and lemonade specials— even cider and hot chocolate specials for the winter. If that information doesn’t send you running to Bergie’s, then these three words definitely will: Toasted Marshmallow Latte. Starting with espresso, Collette adds steamed milk, a toasted marshmallow syrup, whip cream and a drizzle of chocolate. The yummy taste of caramelized marshmallows and chocolate blend perfectly to taste just like a s’more. Collette will even make it as a hot chocolate for those non-coffee drinkers out there. VLM DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATTE: BERGIE’S COFFEE 309 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert (480) 497-3913 bergiescoffee.com

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480.279.4790

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food&wine

IN SEASON CHESTNUTS

CHESTNUTS BY BREANNE DEMORE

If you aren’t humming “Chestnuts roasting over an open fire . . .” this time of the year, then you can’t possibly be in the right spirit, and Nat King Cole knew what he was talking about with these delicious little guys. Although chestnuts can be eaten raw, the traditional and simplest way to eat them is after roasting. Frequently found as a street vendor food across Europe and Asia, the nuts are associated with this time of the year as they are served slightly sugared and as a warm snack for walking down the street. If you’re looking to roast your own, be sure to score them first to avoid the nut exploding due to the heat expansion. Add some sugar and put them in a rimmed pan in the oven at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes. After cooking, the texture will be soft, like a baked potato, and it will 64

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

have a delicately sweet, nutty flavor. Chestnuts can also be milled into flour that is delicious in cakes, pancakes and breads. Surprisingly versatile, chestnuts can be boiled, candied, steamed, fried or grilled as well. They make delicious additions to sweet and savory dishes and can be found fresh, dried, ground and canned. Unlike other nuts, chestnuts are low in calories and protein. But what they lack in protein, they make up for in fiber, Vitamin C and minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc. In addition, chestnuts and their flour are gluten free, which makes them a delicious alternative for those that are wheat-sensitive. A truly versatile nut, chestnuts make a delicious, healthy and seasonal addition to any meal or snack this holiday season. VLM

Apple Chestnut

Italian ChocolateChestnut Torte INGREDIENTS:

2 oz. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped • ¾ cup mascarpone cheese • ½ cup whole milk or part skim ricotta cheese • 6 tbsp. granulated sugar • 2 large eggs, separated • 1 tbsp. rum (optional) • ¼ cup chestnut flour or all-purpose flour • 1/3 cup chestnuts in syrup, drained or marrons glacés (see notes) • Powdered sugar • 8 to 10 whole chestnuts in syrup, drained or marrons glacés (optional) • Coffee ice cream Cookie crust: 45 vanilla wafer cookies • 3 tbsp. melted butter or margarine • 1 tbsp. honey • 1 tbsp. rum • 1 tsp. vanilla • ¼ tsp. cinnamon DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate in a microwave oven on full power (100%) until soft, about two minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. 2. To chocolate, add mascarpone, ricotta, ¼ cup granulated sugar, egg yolks, rum, flour and chopped chestnuts. Stir until well blended. 3. In a bowl, with a mixer on high speed, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add remaining two tablespoons sugar and continue to beat whites until they hold stiff peaks. Gently fold whites into cheese mixture. Scrape into cookie crust and spread level. 4. Bake in a 350 degree oven until filling is firm when pan is gently shaken and springs back when lightly touched in the center, about 30 minutes (20 minutes in a convection oven). 5. Cool on a rack about 20 minutes. Run a knife between cake and pan rim. Remove rim. Let torte cool to room temperature, about 45 minutes. Proceed or chill airtight up to one day. 6. Sift powdered sugar over torte. If desired, decorate top with whole chestnuts spaced evenly around rim. Cut into wedges and serve with ice cream. Cookie Crust: In a food processor or blender, whirl about 45 vanilla wafer cookies until finely ground. Pour crumbs into a nine inch cake pan with removable rim. Add 3 tablespoons melted butter or margarine, 1 tablespoon each honey and rum, 1 teaspoon vanilla and ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; mix well and press evenly over bottom and 1 inch up sides of pan. *Recipe courtesy myrecipes.com

Soup with Parsley Croutons INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter • 2 tbsp. olive oil • 2 cups coarsely chopped shallots • 1 cup coarsely chopped celery • 4 cups peeled and coarsely chopped Pink Lady or Gala apples • 1 tbsp. finely chopped sage leaves • 20 oz. whole peeled steamed or roasted chestnuts • 3 cups vegetable brother • 2 cups water • 1 cup unsweetened apple juice • Parsley croutons for garnish DIRECTIONS:

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. When it foams, add olive oil, shallots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender— about 5 minutes. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. 2. Add apples and sage. Season with additional salt and pepper. Cook, stirring rarely, until apples are tender—about 10 minutes. 3. Add chestnuts, broth, water and apple juice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until apples and celery are tender, about 15 minutes. 4. Using a blender, purée soup in batches. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve garnished with croutons. *Recipe courtesy chow.com VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

food&wine

RESTAURANT GUIDE

taku THIS FAMILY (AND DATE NIGHT!) FRIENDLY, locally owned sushi and Asian fusion restaurant is conveniently located just south of the 202 San Tan on Gilbert Road in the Watermark Center. Valley diners will love the way Otaku’s staff combine an obsession for the freshest ﬁsh and weekly specialty items with a fanatical belief that guests should be welcomed and made to feel welcome. For guests that don’t enjoy sushi, they have a full selection of hot food from a variety of cuisines including Chinese, Thai, Korean and Japanese. Stop in today and discover your local Asian destination.

CALLING ALL BREAKFAST LOVERS! If you haven’t been to the Henhouse Cafe you are truly missing out. You’ll feel right at home with the friendly atmosphere and shabby chic decor. Our food is purchased locally from farm to table, We even make our own sausage in house. It’s high quality comfort food that will delight your taste buds The menu is bursting with egg items from the griddle to chicken and wafﬂes. The homemade sausage and homemade green chile sauce is so delicious!! We don’t think you can go wrong with anything on the Henhouse Cafe menu.

2430 S. Gilbert Rd. Suite 5, Chandler (480)821-3908 otakusushi.com facebook.com/otakusushi

3244 E Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert (480) 219-7379. www.henhouse-cafe.com Mon-Sun: 6:30am-2:00pm

TO THE DELIGHT of its hordes of hungry and devoted fans, Gecko Grill has reopened and is now on the southwest corner of Baseline and Greenﬁeld roads. This family owned business serves authentic Mexican food, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has an extensive catering menu. Gecko Grill is very welcoming with a fun blend of families and singles and ranged in age from babies to grandparents. Just as the website says, “Warning: This restaurant is habit forming!” 4341 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert (480) 539-2988. www.geckogrillaz.com

THE LIVING ROOM WINE CAFÉ AND LOUNGE has been drawing crowds in Chandler’s Downtown Ocotillo neighborhood since opening in 2009, and have recently opened a second location in DC Ranch Marketplace. The Living Room is all about hospitality and staying true to their mantra of love, laugh and lounge. All ages are welcome. The Living Room is truly the modern day version of the Irish Pub and neighborhood unrushed hangout; Its a chill lounge. Experience sharable food, 25 wines and sangrias by the glass, a handpicked list of wines by the bottle, beers and a full line of spirits in soft seating or on one of the cozy patios. 2475 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler (480) 855-2848. www.livingroomwinebar.com

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

CHoP CHANDLER is Chandler’s first locally owned steakhouse and grill. Featuring steak, seafood and the new burger bar menu. Simply prepared seasonal fish and nightly specials are cooked to perfection on the seven-foot mesquite hardwood grill. Salads, fresh vegetables, desserts, vegetarian and lighter fare options also grace the menu. The energetic social atmosphere is amplified around the U-shaped bar. The intimate interior is filled with amber lighting, wood finishes and plush chocolate leather booths. Enjoy an extensive wine list, beers and spirits. Happy hour 4 to 6 pm. ChoP’s private dining area will accommodate parties of 50, is equipped and perfect for business meetings. 2625 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler (480) 821-0009. www.chopchandler.com

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A FAMILY OWNED and Operated Smokehouse and BBQ Restaurant, your search is over. A one of a kind family friendly enviroment welcomes you to enjoy fully delicious on-site smoked meats and made from scratch signature sides and Desserts. Simply setting the standard for quality BBQ. Fun Place. Serious Bar-b-Que. 1633 S Stapley, Mesa (US60/Stapley) (480) 707-9009 PigglysCatering@Gmail.com

PARADISE BAKERY - AT SANTAN VILLAGE. Is all that shopping making you hungry? Stop by Paradise Bakery & Cafe at San Tan Village shopping center for a wide variety of menu selections including delicious cookies and baked goods, breakfast items, soups, salads and sandwiches. All of our menu items are prepared daily with only the ﬁnest ingredients available, just as you would at home. We are a “hands-on” bakery and cafe concept, which is what sets us apart and keeps our loyal customers coming back, again and again. We look forward to seeing you at Paradise Bakery & Cafe at San Tan Village! 2156 E. Williams Field Rd., Gilbert (480) 889-7080. www.paradisebakery.com Mon-Fri 6am-9pm; Sat 7am-9pm; Sun 7am-8pm Breakfast: Mon-Fri 6-10am; Sat & Sun 7-11am | Free Wi-Fi

HIGH TIDE SEAFOOD BAR AND GRILL understands that great seafood is hard to come by, but Chef Eric Emlet makes it his mission to serve only the best. The fish is flown in daily from the finest purveyor on the West Coast— Santa Monica Seafood. Some of the items on the menu are considered boutique. The salmon is sushi-grade and comes from a tiny purveyor called Skuna Bay off the west coast of Vancouver Island. And don’t forget the oysters! The restaurant has an open quality and the steam pots sit behind a U-shaped bar, so if you wish, you can enjoy a cocktail and watch your gorgeous seafood being prepared. High Tide has a full bar with a premium well, a varied wine list and eight craft beers on tap. 2540 S. Val Vista Dr., Gilbert (480) 821-9950 www.hightideseafoodbar.com Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm Friday and Saturday 11am-12am

CANTINA LAREDO - AT SANTAN VILLAGE. Serving modern Mexican food in a sophisticated, vibrant atmosphere. The Mexico City-style menu includes grilled ﬁsh, chicken and steaks complimented by signature sauces such as chipotle-wine with portobello mushrooms or sauteéd artichoke hearts and roasted red bell peppers. Enjoy the awardwinning signature margarita, the Casa Rita, made from fresh lime juice and the ﬁnest tequila. Serving lunch, dinner, drinks, Sunday brunch. Full service catering and private event dining available. 2150 E. Williams Field Rd., Gilbert (480) 782-6777. www.Cantinalaredo.com Sun-Thurs: 11am-10pm Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm

Seafood Market & Restaurant SEAFOOD MARKET & RESTAURANT is a family owned establishment which opened in 1991 in Mesa. It is not only a restaurant but a fresh seafood market too, just as the name suggests. Fish & shellﬁsh selections are delivered daily and are always fresh, never thawed. And we only buy the BEST! With an extensive mouth-watering menu to include King Salmon, Scallops, Crab, Lobster & Orange Roughy, there is also delicious chicken, juicy steaks & pasta for guests to enjoy. Seafood Market has won several recognition awards including being honored with a 4 out of 4 star rating. 3406 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa (Val Vista Rd.) (480) 633-1580 www.seafoodmarketrestaurant.com

ROCK LOBSTER IS THE SUSHI ROOM reinvented. Promising fun, energy and the authentic creativity of Teppanyaki. Rock Lobster has 25 menu items and all of The Sushi Room favorites. A huge Sake line-up, Asian beers and spirits add to any occasion. The Teppanyaki room is perfect for special events and celebrations. This is Downtown Ocotillo’s place to party, an exciting night out and affordable for families. Happy hour daily. Reservations are suggested for the Teppanyaki tables. 2475 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler (480) 821-9000. www.rocklobsterrocks.com

SOCAL FISH TACO COMPANY – IN DOWNTOWN GILBERT. The coastal Californiainspired food café has given Gilbert’s Heritage District surf vibe. From the East Valley family which established Mesa’s Seafood Market three decades ago, SoCal Fish Taco Company is a beachcomber’s take on today’s gastropub, serving premium microbrews and quick, zesty, affordable food in unfussy under-roof and underthe-stars patio settings. Fish tacos, wraps, fresh salads, crab cakes, large shrimp, raw oysters and chowder in a bread bowl: This is food you buy on the beach or from taco stands near the beach in El Segundo, Marina del Rey, Manhattan Beach and Coronado Island. This is food that brings thoughts of the waves, billowing blue sky and feet-in-thesand summer memories. 219. N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert (480) 80-SOCAL (76225). www.socalﬁshtacos.com Mon-Sat: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

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480.374.8030 68

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

datebook

GREAT DATES COMPILED BY DOMINIQUE DEL GROSSO

Phoenix Suns vs. Indiana Pacers TUESDAY, DEC. 2

Game on! Thaw your chilled bones with some Phoenix Suns heat. Throw back a couple cold ones and munch on some popcorn and snacks, and don’t miss the Phoenix Suns as they bring some serious game to the court, looking to defeat the Indiana Pacers. US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, (602) 379-2000, usairwayscenter.com

KMLE Not So Silent Night THURSDAY, DEC. 4

No need fly south this winter because some good ol’ country is comin’ out West to Phoenix. Putting a spin on Christmas carol classics, some of country music’s best artists kick-off this jolly season, including Darius Rucker, Gloriana, Jake Owen and Big & Rich. Get ready for a boot scootin’ good time. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, (602) 379-2800 kmle1079. cbslocal.com

Rawhide Wine and Beer Festival FRIDAY, DEC. 5 AND SATURDAY, DEC. 6

Chill out and wind down with libations and holiday shopping at the Rawhide Wine and Beer Festival. With holiday shopping at your fingertips and a wide selection of beer and wine, this festival is a low-key affair that’s a sure mix of festive fun. Wild Horse Pass, 5700 W. North Loop Rd., Chandler, rawhide.com

Tempe Festival of the Arts FRIDAY, DEC. 5 THROUGH SUNDAY, DEC. 7

Meandering down Mill Avenue and browsing through nearly 400 artist booths, last-minute Christmas shopping is a delightful mid-day date. Expect an abundance of quality, handmade and unique items. Artists from across the country will be set up to sell great gifts. Downtown Tempe, (602) 331-9016, tempefestivalofthearts.com 70

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

Fleetwood Mac: On With the Show WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10

Grammy-award winning rockers Fleetwood Mac reunite on tour. “On with the Show” will take the audience back to decades past with hit songs and original band members, including Christine McVie after a 16 year absence. US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, (602) 3792000, www.usairwayscenter.com

Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker FRIDAY, DEC. 12 THROUGH SUNDAY, DEC. 28

A night at the ballet may not seem like your date’s first pick, but with a performance by one of the nation’s leading ballet companies, gorgeous costuming, larger-than-life set pieces and an age-old story, a night at The Nutcracker is will delight even the most ballet-adverse person in your life. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix, (602) 381-1096, balletaz.org

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade MONDAY, DEC. 15

Light up your night and set sail at this festive event. Watch as many as 50 boats decorated in Christmas lights glide through Tempe Town Lake. Walk along the Tempe Beach Park sidewalks that will be illuminated by thousands of luminarias, and bring out your inner-kid with a jolly visit with Santa. Tempe Beach Park and Tempe Town Lake, (480) 355-6060, downtowntempe.com

White Christmas THROUGH SUNDAY, DEC. 28

ZooLights THROUGH SUNDAY, JAN. 11

Bundle up and feast your eyes on 3.8 million twinkly lights, animals, dazzling displays and more. Performances by Music in Motion with songs from “Polar Express” and “Home Alone” will set the holiday mood. Ride the Polar Express and feel sensory effects of snow, fog and wind in the new 4-D theater. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix (602) 2863800, phoenixzoo.com

This Broadway musical, based on the 1954 film, “White Christmas,” will put the merry in your Christmas season. Adapted from the screen to the stage by Arizona Broadway Theatre, the audience can revel in a show that is bursting with holiday spirit, heartwarming romance, laughter and more. AZ Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria, (623) 776-8400, azbroadway.org

Las Noches de las Luminarias THROUGH THURSDAY, DEC. 30

Stroll through Arizona’s most beautiful garden and get swept away by the stunning landscape, illuminated by more than 8,000 luminarias, twinkle lights and performances by a variety of entertainment groups. An annual favorite, Las Noches de las Luminarias is an evening to remember. Desert Botanical Gardens, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, (480) 941-1225, dbg.org VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

last word

FINAL THOUGHTS

CHANGING TRADITIONS BY BREANNE DEMORE

So often the holidays are associated with deep-rooted family traditions. I am the youngest of five girls and my sisters are all older than me. There is a gap of six years between me and the next sister up. In other words, I had five mothers growing up. As much as I don’t want to admit it, being the “baby” is an essential part of who I am. My sisters have guided me through more than I can say. Advice is still given on a daily basis, whether it is asked for or not, and surprise crosses their faces anytime I do anything remotely adult-like. While there have been several lessons learned by being the youngest by so many years, one of the biggest ones has been the understanding of change. I was six years old when my eldest sister left for college. To be honest, I don’t remember living in the same house as her. I started learning at a very young age how time changes things and people. With change, things you thought you could rely on, such as traditions, often change, too—

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2014

and that’s not always an easy lesson to learn. I distinctly remember one occasion when I started to cry at a nice restaurant on Christmas Eve when my mom announced, with my sisters’ support, that this would be our last year doing family Christmas photos. The truth was that while I was still in junior high and enjoyed having the photos to show my friends, my sisters were in the “in-between age” of not wanting to be in their parents’ card and not yet having their own. (I won that battle, FYI, and we still do them every year to this day.) I was 16 years old when the changes really started happening. My second eldest sister got married. Suddenly, my family grew, and yet, I had to start sharing them. Holidays became a game of give-and-take. Seven years, two more marriages, four nephews and two nieces later, it’s not just the holidays that are different, and I couldn’t be happier. Don’t get me wrong, the change hasn’t always been easy—the Christmas Eve restaurant incident wasn’t the only

breakdown by far. But it did get easier. I consider all of my sisters’ husbands my brothers and their families have become part of mine. As for those little monsters that are my nephews and nieces? They bring more joy to my whole family, including myself, than any of us could have ever imagined. So what are the holiday traditions at the DeMore house? We have some that have stuck around. There are always still presents from Santa for all of us under the tree, we try to go to church and dinner on Christmas Eve, and sticky buns, or what we call “Monkey Bread,” is a Christmas morning staple. We have some new ones. The most important is the Bailey’s and coffee on Christmas morning that has been implemented to help the rest of us handle the excitement of the little ones. But for the most part, they change every year, and although it took some time and a few tears, that’s okay. My family grows and changes just about every year, too. VLM