Valley Lifestyles April 2016 by Times Media Group

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IT ALL ADDS UP FOR MESA ‘TAXANISTA’

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APRIL 2016

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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

from pain

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FEATURES 32

SAVORY SIGNATURES

Staying up-to-date on the latest restaurants can be exhausting—and filling! Luckily for you, we checked out six of the EV’s newest restaurants and asked them to describe their cuisine with one dish: their signature. Keep a tissue nearby to wipe the drool off your chin.

By Kenneth LaFave

THE TAXANISTA

Angela Sticca Snyder was playing with ledgers and spreadsheets when the rest of the kids were playing with dolls and bikes. Now, she has just as much fun running her own accounting firm based in Mesa and her kiddos are even following in her very math-loving footsteps. By Tisha Marie Pelletier

MUGGLE FUN

Universal Studios has brought magic, and bit of the U.K., to the Los Angeles area. Filled to the brim with brooms, hippogriffs, singing frogs, wands, robes and some traditional English faire, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will soon have you wishing you had gotten your invite to Hogwarts when you were 11. By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

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Steps to Successful Step Parenting As a divorce attorney and step-parent, I see good and bad step-parenting every day. Here are four rules that can help you have a great relationship with your spouse, step-children, and protect your sanity. 1. Do not get involved in the court case between your new spouse and the ex. If the child has two involved parents, one of the best things that you can do is recognize your role and stay out of the court case. You are not a proxy for the parent. You are not an extension of the parent. Try and offer support to your spouse by expressing your confidence in his or her ability to work on what’s best for the child with the other parent. 2. Support the relationship between your step-children and their parent. Unfortunately, many step-parents are jealous of the bond that their spouse has with their children. Some see the child as an extension of the ex, and view them as a threat. While this isn’t logical, it is common. If you have concerns about the relationship or your own relationship needs are not being met, that is a separate conversation- one that you should have openly and without blaming the step-child. 3. Develop an actual relationship. Spend time with your step-child and find common ground. Listen to stepchild and find out what they are interested in. Take your step-child out for one on one time. Children love routine. Even if you have a monthly date to the movies, your step child will look forward to this ritual. They may be resistant at first but stick with it, children are pretty predictable. If you listen to them, spend time with them and truly care you will develop a long lasting positive relationship. 5. Don’t compare. You have your own strengths to offer your step-child that no one else has. Don’t compare yourself with the competing step-parent or the parent of the child. Each person has unique gifts and just because your step-child’s mother is amazing at crafts doesn’t mean you need to be too. You may be great at baseball or cooking, or finance. Figure out what unique gifts you have to offer and understand that a child has the capacity to move many adults in their lives. The more people your step-child has to count on, the better. Your relationship isn’t dependent on being “better than” anyone.

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DEPARTMENTS 9

UPFRONT | 480 ‘SUPERHEROES’

Zane Jacobs is a typical high school sophomore in every way but one: he saves his own life every day. This is the case for everyone diagnosed with diabetes and JDRF Desert Southwest Chapter is doing everything they can to make sure these heroes have the tools they need to keep fighting.

14 TRENDING THREADS

14 SAY IT OUT LOUD 16 MAKING HER-STORY 18 HAUTE ITEMS: Kitchen Essentials 20 JURASSIC BREW 22 SUMMER IN THE CITY 25 HOTEL ROOM WORKOUT 26 POLLEN BE GONE 28 PICKING UP THE PIECES

51 FOOD & WINE FIESTA MEXICANA 54 YOU GOTTA TRY 56 TOO EASY! 58 IN SEASON: Broccoli 60 RESTAURANT GUIDE

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

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‘SUPERHEREOS’ MESA FAMILY SHARES DIABETES FIGHT AT 'ONE WALK'

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Zane Jacobs had every classic symptom of type 1 diabetes—exhaustion, frequent urination and thirst. But he and his parents chalked it up to everyday occurrences. “He was urinating a lot, but it was summer and he was drinking a lot,” says Zane’s mother, Kristin Jacobs. “He was exhausted. He was just coming off of a broken leg and he had surgery. He was going to school, having basketball in school and physical therapy. Of course he was tired.” Kristin Jacobs and her husband, Phil Mar, were surprised when, during his annual sports physical at age 14, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly. It has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle, as the pancreas stops producing insulin. Blood-sugar levels must be monitored constantly. But the family hasn’t let Zane’s diagnosis get to them. “For him, he really hit the ground running,” she says of her son, a 4.6 GPA sophomore at Dobson High School in Mesa. “We had seen the endo, had gone to the hospital, checked in and we were in and out in less than 24 hours. We said, ‘We get it. Let us get on with our lives.’”

Teri Lyne Photography, Az Family Photographer www.facebook.com/Heroes-of-Type-1-1666905883594202/

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

upfront 480 Jacobs says she couldn’t “erase” the diagnosis so she “embraced” it. When Zane was diagnosed, the family turned to JDRF Desert Southwest Chapter for support and, in return, they are volunteering for the JDRF One Walk at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, April 9, at Sloan Park, 2330 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Mesa. The goal of the walk to raise money for life-changing research for the millions affected by the disease. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/1Rmf716. “I’ve been to the office and help out whenever I can,” Jacobs says. “We love them. It’s been such a great organization to help us network a little bit and help us feel a little grounded within the community. “We have always been a family who gives back and it gave us an opportunity to put a face to an organization that affects us.” Jacobs is a stay-at-home mom so she can take care of Zane if he experiences low blood sugar at school. Zane wears an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor. “If he has a low at school and he’s struggling, I can just run over,” she says. “If he loses a sensor and forgets to get one, I can run one over.” Zane is as active as he wants to be, according to the teenager. He plays junior varsity basketball at Dobson, but makes sure his blood levels are at a point where the extra exercise isn’t going to cause his blood sugar to plummet. Like his parents, Zane, who works as a JDRF youth ambassador, took the diagnosis in stride. “I just took it one step at a time mostly,” he says. “It was just a new way to live. I just have to be more conscious with what I eat and make sure my numbers are good so I don’t go low.” Paula Bommarito, executive director of the JDRF Desert Southwest Chapter, calls kids like Zane as well as adults with type 1 diabetes “superheroes.”

“Every single day they’re saving their own lives...” Paula Bommarito, executive director of the JDRF Desert Southwest Chapter

Continues on page 12 10

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

Continued from page 10

“Every single day they’re saving their own lives,” Bommarito says. “They have to work every single day through injections, wearing the pump, the continuous glucose meter, and really calculating what they’re eating and how they’re feeling. It’s definitely a burden every day.” Bommarito has her own story about type 1 diabetes. “My son [Alex] was diagnosed 23 years ago. He’s 25 now,” Bommarito says. “We received a Bag of Hope and, of course, Rufus the Bear was in it. He’s a diabetic bear. “When Alex was getting ready to go to college, he had a pile in his room of the things he was taking to college. Rufus was on the pile, then off the pile. On the pile, then off the pile. He couldn’t decide whether he needed to take that with him or not. It was a security thing.” She is excited about the One Walk, an event she calls “empowering.” “It’s empowering, fun, energizing. When you leave, you’re on a high,” Bommarito says. “What’s really nice is there’s a level of

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

tragedy with all of it with so many newly diagnosed families. “We have a new family tent where all of the new families come together and they get to meet each other. For the first time, they realize they’re not alone. It is a journey. It’s 24-7. You have the opportunity to meet other people with kids who are the same age. It’s so helpful. That’s the beginning of lifelong friendships.” Bommarito, who estimates about 30,000 people a year are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, says the One Walk has plenty of opportunities to bond outside of the tent. “It’s at Sloan Park, which is the Cubs spring training facility. We’re so fortunate. Not many organizations let the kids go in and run the bases. We also have a lot of entertainment and food and games and all of those kinds of activities to embrace the community to enjoy the day together.” It gives the Jacobs-Mar family time to relax as well. Jacobs admits she does get nervous about her only child. “Sometimes if he’s low and he heads off to bed, he says, ‘Don’t let me die in my sleep.’ It’s just a killer—horrifying.” VLM

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

TRENDING

THREADS

MESA ARTS CENTER

SAY IT OUT LOUD BY CASEY BLAKE

Looking for the latest fashion trend to incorporate into your life? So are we. Ahead you’ll find the hottest clothing, purses or accessories in the East Valley to complete your look. FLORAL SUNDRESSES Spring has officially sprung and we couldn’t be happier about it. Time to put away the heavy knits and bulky sweaters and bring out the short sleeves and skirts. It’s time to soak up the sun and those long, perfect weather days here in the Valley. Nothing says spring like a beautiful and flirty floral sundress and we found three in the EV that are calling your name.

1. 2.

3. 1. Floral Strappy Dress, $168 at Banana Republic at SanTan Village. 2. Blue Briella Floral Dress, $44 at Francesca’s Collections at SanTan Village. 3. Cami Dress for Women, $30 at Old Navy at Shoppes at Gilbert Commons.

Who doesn’t love a good story? With the rise in popularity of podcasts like “Serial,” a masterfully told story might be more valued than ever. But telling a story well takes preparation; it’s a skillset developed through trial and error, and lots of practice. Refining a narrative to make it edge-of-yourseat compelling, delivering key moments with just the right timing, changing tone of voice to convey a feeling or mood...these are skills a good storyteller might use to make a story stick with a listener, to make us remember. Middle and high schoolers across the Valley are learning these skills and developing stories that hold the attention of their families, rooms full of strangers and audiences filled with hundreds of people. Through educational programs delivered by spoken word artists of Phonetic Spit, young people are developing and using their own voice, telling stories that are meaningful to them, and speaking with confidence and authenticity. On April 16, the public is invited to be there as future leaders find the courage to speak their truth and tell the stories they’ve carefully prepared and practiced. In the face of the emotionally gripping content that will fill their stories, the event will be a love-fest—a celebration of the hard work and determination the students have put into telling for the night. The All-City Slam Championship at Mesa Arts Center is the culmination of months of preparation on the part of the students. Be there for this free event as youth from across the Valley compete and support each other in finding their voice. Or, hear professional spoken word artists Matthew “Cuban” Hernandez and Alyesha Wise on the night of Friday, April 15, at the Spoken World event, where dynamic performance and explosive content promises to engage the audience with unforgettable stories. VLM THE MESA ARTS CENTER IS LOCATED AT One E. Main St., Mesa. For more information, call (480) 644-6500 or visit mesaartscenter.com.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

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call 480.833.5200 2034 East Southern Ave. Suite Y, Tempe AZ, 85282

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

MAKING

Her-story GILBERT MOM EMPOWERS GIRLS WITH ‘SMARTY SKIRTS’

BY JULIA DE SIMONE

Several newly empowered girls are thanking Stephanie Morris for literally thinking inside and outside the box. The Gilbert mom’s “Smarty Skirts Box” highlights selected current and historical women’s accomplishments in society via a subscription-based box of educational literature and treasures. The boxes are aimed at girls ages 7 and above. Monthly box subscriptions cost $19 each while one-time boxes cost $22. Each monthly subscription’s featured woman is a surprise, which Morris says, adds to the excitement upon delivery. “We believe women and girls have done and are doing amazing things everywhere. Our goal is to tell their story with each box to teach, inspire and empower your little Smarty Skirt. It gives them the power to know things and share the knowledge,” says the mother of three. The first Smarty Skirts boxes were delivered in January 2015. January’s box introduced “Jane Goodall” while February’s box introduced “Florence Nightingale.” The Goodall box includes such items as a biography on the well-known primatologist, custom artwork by local artists, a monkey bread recipe, a stuffed toy monkey animal, magnifying glass and notebook. All boxes also contain a “Word Blurb,” which introduces the girls to more extensive vocabulary words and definitions associated with the featured woman. In addition, the initial subscription box contains a Smarty Skirts Box bracelet and matching charm. The Goodall Box included a monkey charm while the Nightingale box had a nurse’s hat trinket. “We really try to make each box unique from one another,” Morris says. “I’ve had moms tell me that it’s kept their girls off their iPads and computers because they’re given something new and challenging.” San Tan Valley mom Ashely Schoen is one of those 16

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

mothers. Schoen heard of the boxes through Morris’ husband with whom she works in Chandler. “I told him it was a great idea. I thought it was amazing,” she says. The married mother of one who is also pregnant with her second child, says she surprised their daughter, Gabrielle, 8, with a subscription. A second-grader at Riggs Elementary School in Gilbert, Gabrielle says she enjoys wearing her bracelets with each new charm and reading about the featured woman role model. “It’s pretty interesting,” she says. Schoen adds that, in addition to the “treasures” each box contains, she also appreciates the educational components. “It’s learning about women, empowering women and providing information you don’t learn in history and school because it is (usually) geared toward men. I’m learning also,” she says. “It’s a bonding experience for you and your child.” Morris says the idea for the business evolved from her enjoyment of history, especially in regard to the strides that women before her and today continue to make. “I’ve always had a passion for history. I excelled in and loved history classes. I was born with feminist blood in my body,” she says. “However, I can recall less than a dozen times how many women we studied about in history [high school classes].” So she decided to create her boxes, approaching her grandfather, a university professor. He provided his educational experience and financial assistance with the initial business costs. “He has a doctorate in education, and I run ideas with him,” she says. “He’s a huge supporter.” But it’s definitely a balancing act for Morris who also holds down a 30-hour-a-week job. “I don’t sleep and drink Dr. Pepper,” she says jokingly. Actually, the Gilbert mom says after she’ll devote an additional two

to four hours working on her business after her children’s bedtime. She also has a good role model in her own mother, an educator, who received her master’s degree in education when Morris was in second grade. “I saw how hard she worked and still works. She instilled that work ethic in me,” she says. “She’s really incredible.” More importantly, the Gilbert resident says her mom always fostered a belief that she could be “anything” she dreamed of becoming career-wise, regardless of her gender. “My mom always let me be who I was going to be that day. I had all these different hobbies...she gave me the opportunities and the tools to foster those curiosities I have,” Morris says. The Gilbert mom says her future goal is to continue introducing different women role models, especially those of diverse ethnic backgrounds. And even though she admits to not listening to her grandfather’s original suggestion, she also hopes to launch a Smarty Pants Box for young boys by late summer. In the meantime, girls rule at smartyskirtsbox.com. More information also can be found on Facebook. VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

KITCHEN

Essentials

If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the right tools in the kitchen, cooking can feel like a mundane chore. Luckily, there are plenty of establishments in the Valley to find quirky, classy or colorful kitchen essentials to spruce up your kitchen. Add a pop of color with these charming and functional kitchen accessories. COMPILED BY JASMINE KEMPER

1. COPPER OLIVE OIL CRUET Available at Williams-Sonoma at Biltmore Plaza 2. RED MELAMINE BATTER BOWL Available at Cost Plus World Market in Phoenix 3. METAL OWL MEASURING SPOONS SET Available at Pier One Imports at Tempe Marketplace 4. EPICUREAN STATE CUTTING BOARD Available at Sur La Table at Kierland Commons 5. FISH TRIVET Available at Crate and Barrel at the Scottsdale Fashion Square

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

EDITORS WHO KNOW THEIR SCHTICK

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

JURASSIC BREW BEER N BONES HELPS MUSEUM WITH PROGRAMS, EXHIBITS BY KEN ABRAMCZYK

Speed dating with scientists on a Friday night may not sound appealing to some, but the odds are these meetups will lead to revelations and knowledge about science. If that’s not hunky or hot enough (and perhaps a little too geeky) for you, there will be the tasting of craft beers that night, too. Featuring a 5-minute visit for guests with scientists, Beer N Bones offers local craft beer and savory fare from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, April 11, at the Arizona Museum of Natural History, 53 N. Macdonald in Mesa. Kathy Eastman, the museum’s curator of education, says this “speed dating” event is “like a game show.” “We get scientists from ASU, University of Arizona and we even had a scientist come in from Salt Lake City,” Eastman says. “You get 5 minutes and then the bell rings and you move onto another scientist. You meet a lot of scientists and you have a chance to talk to them later about their research.” Topics can range from archaeology, entomology, paleontology and space to even rocket science, as a Boeing scientists appeared at the event one year. Scientists at this year’s event include City of Phoenix archaeologist Laurene Montero, Dr. Dawn Gouge, entomologist in integrated pest management at U of A, and Charles Rolsky, a marine biologist at ASU. The event, open to those 21 and older, also includes sciencerelated activities, food, beverages and raffle prizes. For additional separate food tickets, guests will get tastes of chocolate from Cerreta Chocolate Co. of Glendale. Don’t leave out the beer, and the chance for about 10 local brewers to present their latest lagers and ales to the public. The museum works with the Arizona Home Brewers Association on craft beers showcased for the event. “We have a variety of beer, and guests have a chance to taste local craft beer,” Eastman says. Guests can discuss different flavors with the brewers and even smell the actual hops used in the beers.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

Admission is $15 in advance at azmnh.org or $20 at the door. A VIP ticket costs $40 and provides extra perks, such as early admission at 6 p.m. and a souvenir pint glass. Wine and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for those who do not want to drink beer. Food and beverage tickets also can be purchased for $3 each or four tickets for $10. Proceeds from the cash bar, food, raffles and silent auction will fund exhibits and programming. Funds raised in previous years helped the museum purchase new dinosaurs for a display depicting them on a mountain. “This year the funding is for educational

FREE TRIAL WEEK! PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

Speed dating with scientists — You meet a lot of scientists and you have a chance to talk to them about their research.

programs,” Eastman says. Funds also help the museum conduct a “free day” (no admission) for the public. Last year the museum held a Pluto Party on a free day. The event brings together demographics that may not have an appreciation of science, but develop one once they visit the museum. “It’s fun to do,” Eastman says. “I have discovered that the people in the beer community are really in the spirit of showing off their product.” VLM

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BEER N BONES 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, April 11 Arizona Museum of Natural History 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa (480) 644-2230 azmnh.org ABOVE LEFT: Previous Beer N Bones events helped raise funds for the Arizona Museum of Natural History to obtain a nasutoceratops exhibit. LEFT: Visitors get a glimpse at this tarbosaurus bataar, or t. bataar at the museum.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

Summer

IN THE CITY GET OUTSIDE AND HAVE FUN WITH THE KIDS WITHOUT LEAVING THE VALLEY

BY ALISON STANTON

Summers in the Valley of the Sun can be, to put it bluntly, pretty darn miserable. After admiring the photos of festive outdoor activities that friends and family members who live in other states post on social media, we ponder using pot holders to touch the steering wheel so we can drive to the store for Popsicles. Sure, much of the country gets snowed in during the harsh winter months, but here in the summer, we get “baked in.” And for parents with kids at home, these dog days of summer seem to stretch on forever. Of course, we are pretty good at finding indoor activities to stay busy and cool—everything from trips to the library and the mall to indoor playgrounds, summer camp programs and treating everyone to ice cream. The backyard and/or public pools are great too. But sometimes, parents pine to get outside with their kids and do something that doesn’t involve floaties, towels and rowdy games of Marco Polo. Fortunately, there are plenty of places that offer outdoor summer activities for families that are fun and affordable, and provide a welcome alternative to another swim date. For example, check out the following ideas: Topgolf

Topgolf is a golf entertainment complex with locations in Gilbert and Scottsdale. Parents can challenge their kids—and vice versa—to point-scoring golf games that are perfect for anyone from a beginning golfer to an experienced duffer. The outdoor facility features a 240-yard outfield with targets that resemble dartboards. The closer people hit their microchipped balls to the bullseye, and the farther the balls are hit, the more points people receive. Kids who enjoy golf can also learn more about the game at

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Topgolf’s Summer Academy. Designed for kids and teens ages 6 to 16, the program is limited to 12 spots per age group, so everyone gets plenty of instruction time. At the Gilbert location, the half-day golf clinic starts the week of June 6 and runs through the week of July 25. In Scottsdale, it begins the week of May 30 and goes through the week of July 29. Both clinics are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Early birds who sign up before May 31 will save 20 percent off the $199 registration fee. As a bonus, lunch is provided daily and everyone gets a free lifetime membership card and gift bag of Topgolf gear. Topgolf Gilbert is located at 1689 Santan Fwy., Gilbert. Topgolf Scottsdale is located at 9500 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale. For more information, visit topgolf.com/kidzone. Phoenix Zoo

When the sun starts to set, head on over to the Phoenix Zoo to enjoy an evening stroll at the zoo’s Prowl and Play events. On

June 11 the theme will be “Hit the Beach” and on August 6 the event will be devoted to “Pirates and Princesses.” Not all of the zoo trails will be open during the Prowl and Play events, which are both from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., but guests will most likely see flamingos, zebras, giraffes, tigers, komodo dragons, orangutans, lemurs and more as they explore the zoo at night. Parents and kids will also enjoy the zoo’s splash pads, activities, games, music and up-close animal encounters and Stingray Bay. Another popular family-friendly event is taking place from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on July 16 when an epic winter storm descends on the zoo during Winter in July. More than 60 tons of snow is forecast to fall in several animal exhibits and in areas for guests to enjoy. Guests can watch as select animals enjoy ice treats such as fishsicles and bloodsicles and Otter Pops. Another mustsee is Reba the Asian elephant’s fire hose shower, provided by the Phoenix Fire Department. More than 7,000 people come to take part Winter in July, and guests can play in the snow too. All activities at Winter in July are included with general admission into the zoo. Phoenix Zoo is located at 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix. For more information, visit phoenixzoo.org. Continues on page 22

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

Continued from page 21 Octane Raceway

When it’s time for a good adrenaline rush, head to Octane Raceway in Scottsdale. The track, which is one third of a mile, is the only full time indoor/outdoor track in the country. Every lap begins inside and then winds through an outdoor section of the course before returning inside. Octane Raceway’s Arrive and Drive Racing is the most popular way to race at Octane and is available on a walk in basis during opening hours. Octane Raceway is also hosting 10 fun camps for kids; starting the week of May 31 and running through the week of August 1, kids can enjoy everything from video game design and Minecraft to EV3 Lego Robotics and learning about hydraulic machines. When parents come to pick their kids up, they can stay a bit longer and enjoy some quick laps together on the kart track. Adult drivers must be at least 16 years of age and at least 54 inches tall, and junior drivers must be accompanied by an adult. Octane Raceway is located at 9119 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale. For more information, visit octaneraceway.com. VLM Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park

There’s lots to see and do at the Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield Park, including some outdoor rides that are fun for the whole family. For example, the Log Flume ride is located around three primate islands and takes riders past aquatic residents and through the South Pacific reef tunnel tank, which also happens to be the longest acrylic tunnel in the state. Brave guests will enjoy splashing down three stories and getting the chance to cool off from the summer heat. The ride costs $6 per person and kids must be 36 inches tall and be accompanied by an adult. Folks who come to the zoo after 5 p.m. can take advantage of the aquarium-only pricing which is $16.99 for adults and $8.99 for kids. Wildlife World Zoo is located at 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park. For more information, visit wildlifeworld.com. Desert Botanical Garden Flashlight Tours

Starting on May 28, the Desert Botanical Garden is hosting flashlight tours. Everyone can bring a flashlight and experience an evening of exploration. The tours, which run through September 3, are a sensory experience where parents and kids will see, hear and feel the desert night. The self-paced stroll along the garden’s trails to a variety of discovery stations is perfect for families and children of all ages. Desert Botanical Garden is located at 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix. For more information, visit dbg.org. 24

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HOTEL ROOM

WORKOUT

KEEP IN SHAPE WHEN YOU ARE OUT OF STATE BY JULIE LEMEROND

You may be anxiously counting down the weeks until summer vacation season is here. But don’t let all of your hard work at the gym get worn off during your travels this summer. Temptation lurks around every corner when you are on vacation, and gym time can cease to exist. Here’s a few tips to keep those muscles going when you are stuck in a hotel room with no gym in sight. Walking lunges

In your hotel room, take big lunging steps from one side of the room to the other, and back again. Continue going back and forth for 10 to 20 reps (depending on the size of your room), or until you are seriously feeling the burn. Stop for a minute and repeat. Don’t forget to put on your tennis shoes for this in order to stay steady and stable! Do this with your hands on your hips, or try with your hands clasped behind your head, elbows out to the side. Crunches

2. Drop to forearm plank for 30 seconds. 3. Back to full plank for 30 seconds. 4. Side plank - place right hand below you and open to

the side, left arm high, five to 10 breaths. Switch sides. 5. Full plank, raising a leg for three breaths at a time. 6. Full plank, raising right arm and left leg for three

breaths. Switch sides. 7. In plank, take right knee to right elbow five times with

five breaths. Switch. Yoga

Plank Challenge

A yoga mat is roughly the size of a hotel room towel. If you didn’t bring a mat with you, substitute the towel instead—a few rounds of sun salutations will get your blood pumping and revitalize your body, mind and spirit in either the beginning or the end of the day (or both!) Don’t forget that it’s important to stretch even when doing hotel room workouts! Hotel beds are often nice and high—standing a few feet away from your bed, bring your feet hip distance apart and then fold yourself in half with your arms on the bed so your body is making an L-shape. Enjoy this stretch before and after your workout! VLM

Plenty of room in even the smallest of hotel rooms to drop down into plank. Works the whole body, especially arms, core and even your tush. Try these variations, with short breaks between (and don’t forget to breathe while doing these!): 1. Hold plank for 30 seconds.

FIND JULIE: on the web at julielemerond.com

There’s no excuse for not being able to at least do some ab work in your room. Lie on your back on the floor and bend your knees, bringing your feet up in the air. Cross your right leg over the left (eagle wrap for those of you who are yogis), and your right arm under the left. Take 20 quick bursts of compact crunches, exhaling as you contract and inhaling as you release. Switch legs and arms and do the other side. Or spend one full minute doing bicycle crunches, break for 10 seconds, and continue for another minute. Scared of a germy hotel floor? Throw down some towels!

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POLLEN BE GONE WIN THE WAR AGAINST SEASONAL ALLERGIES—NATURALLY BY JASMINE KEMPER

Spring is in the air, and so is pollen. Every year, allergy sufferers sneeze and sniffle their way through life due to the wonderfully evil flowers, trees and weeds filling the air with pollen. Sure, throwing back allergy medication might seem like an easy solution, but they can make you groggy and only provide a short-term fix. Luckily, there are plenty of natural ways to stop the sinus headaches and itchy throats. Give some of these home remedies a try, and win the war against allergies once and for all. Neti Pot

You can literally wash away your allergies with a Neti Pot. Flushing out your nasal cavity might seem a little odd and uncomfortable at first, but you’ll feel a lot better after clearing out your sinuses; just make sure to use a saline solution and sterilized water to keep all of the bacteria out. Using a Neti Pot a few times a week can help lower your sinus discomfort, plus they come in a ton of interesting shapes, sizes and colors.

Local honey or pollen

While this one hasn’t technically been proven, it’s worth a shot. The idea is that taking small “doses” of the thing you’re allergic to can help you build up immunity to it. However, you have to make sure it’s not the honey in the mass-produced plastic bear. Local honey works best, because it supposedly contains the pollen that is irritating your nostrils. Similarly, you can buy local bee pollen and take the granules regularly. The honey and pollen can be taken by themselves or mixed into tea, juice or other things. Essential oils

People have been using essential oils since the beginning of time to ease stress, pain and illness. But did you know there are some essential oils to help with the seasonal sniffles? Lavender is a natural antihistamine that can create a calming environment, while the freshness of peppermint oil can help open up the nasal passages. A few drops a day can help alleviate the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Place the drops between your palms, rub together and inhale the sweet, sweet relief. Showers

Similar to a humidifier, a steam shower is an easy way to flush all the allergens out of your system. The steam in the shower will not only help you breathe easier, but the shower will also clean off all the dust, pollen and other particles you’ve accumulated during the day. Plus, you can even add a few drops of essential oils to open up your sinuses a bit more.

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Foods to eat/not to eat

What we eat can determine how good or bad our allergies will be. Adding spices to your food like cayenne, hot peppers and even wasabi can help clear your stuffy nose. Additionally, drinking a cup of green tea every morning is great for allergy sufferers because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a natural antihistamine. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to avoid certain raw vegetables and fruits that contain a plant protein your body might confuse for pollen such as melons, bananas, cucumbers and teas like chamomile and hibiscus. VLM

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

PICKING UP

THE PIECES

CONCERNS OF POLICE SURVIVORS (C.O.P.S.) ARIZONA SUPPORTS FAMILIES AND CO-WORKERS OF FALLEN OFFICERS BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON

Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) Arizona is one of those organizations that everyone wishes didn’t have to exist but they’re glad it does once it’s needed. The local branch of a national nonprofit provides helpful support and services for the surviving loved ones and co-workers of police officers who lose their lives in the line of duty. Stacey Krueger with Public Safety Authority Medias explains that Monday, May 2, is Arizona Police Memorial Day, a day where police agencies all over the state and state officials recognize fallen officers. “The next week [after May 2] is National Police Week where officers that were killed all over the nation are memorialized on the national wall,” she continues. “C.O.P.S. Arizona sends the first year survivors to both memorials and, during National Police Week, they receive grief support.” But, support for grieving family, friends and co-workers doesn’t end there. Jan Blaser-Upchurch, chapter president of C.O.P.S. Arizona and a surviving spouse of a fallen officer, says that the local branch of C.O.P.S. is continuously supporting survivors year-round and for as long as it’s needed. “The national chapter of C.O.P.S. was started in 1984,” Blaser-Upchurch says. “Surviving family members were showing up at memorials and no one knew what to do or how to help; C.O.P.S. formed because someone asked the question ‘What are we doing to help families and co-workers of fallen officers?’” One way C.O.P.S. supports surviving loved ones and co-workers is to provide retreats for family members [including kids and teens], spouses and co-workers. They also provide tools and resources on “how to go on,” Blaser-Upchurch says. In 1988, a surviving spouse formed the Arizona chapter of C.O.P.S. In addition to helping surviving loved ones and co-workers make it to out-ofstate retreats, the organization—which is comprised of all volunteers—provides support throughout the year through events, one-on-one emotional support, and by acting as a consultant to agencies who support surviving loved ones throughout the grief process. “We help in court, we provide phone calls to check up on surviving loved ones, we assist with expenses so families can be a part of National Police Week events, and more,” Blaser-Upchurch explains. “We’re also connected to all agencies involved as ‘the dust settles’ so to speak. We’re involved as much or as little as the surviving loved ones would like.”

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In addition to supporting surviving loved ones of Arizona officers who have passed in the line of duty, C.O.P.S. Arizona also supports survivors who move here from out of state, she adds. Unfortunately, Blaser-Upchurch is involved in the organization because she has personal experience. Her husband, Department of Public Safety Sgt. John Blaser, was killed in the line of duty on August 31, 1990. He was only 36 years old. “My life was instantly shattered,” she recalls. “A week or so later a fellow surviving spouse, who is still a good friend to this day, came to my door. It was comforting to meet someone else who had gone through this; I had to learn how to go on, how to navigate this new person that I now am.” Blaser-Upchurch adds that it’s helpful for surviving loved ones and co-workers to have the tools to continue to go on with their lives while, at the same

time, continue to honor and remember their fallen officers. “After the funeral for the fallen officer, everyone goes back to their world; that’s often when we [C.O.P.S.] start connecting oneon-one with those left behind,” she says. “When I lost my husband in 2011 my children and I were immediately surrounded by a lot of support,” says Ana Tirado, wife of Officer Rolando Tirado, who passed in the line of duty on May 1, 2011. “After the funeral, people had to get back to their lives, understandingly so, and that constant support slowly dwindled. Fortunately for us, this is when C.O.P.S. stepped in. They have provided our entire family, including extended family, with resources to receive the emotional support we needed.” Tirado says that members of her immediate and extended family have attended the various support retreats, including herself, children and in-laws. “I honestly don’t believe we would have made the progress we have made in our grief journey without this support,” she adds. To provide this support, Blaser-Upchurch says the organization accepts donations and hosts fundraisers. They also benefit from a specialized license plate that’s available through the Department of Motor Vehicles. “I can tell you the exact moment I knew that this organization was a life changer,” says Tirado. “It was our first year at Police Week and there are several breakout sessions offered for family members. I dropped off my kids for the program in the morning. When I returned at the end of the day to pick them up, I remember standing at the end of a hallway as I watched them walking toward me. They were walking with other surviving children and, for the first time since they had lost their dad, they looked like themselves again, laughing and carefree. At that moment I knew that what this organization does works.” To learn more about C.O.P.S. Arizona and upcoming events, visit www. copsarizona.org. VLM

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: Jan & AZ DPS Sgt John Blaser on their honeymoon.

THIS PAGE, LEFT: Arizona COPS Memorial THIS PAGE, BELOW: Santa with a surviving child at COPS Holiday Party; Surviving spouses at COPS Spouses Retreat.

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SIX FAVORITES OF NEW EAST VALLEY RESTAURANTS Out with the new, in with the newest. Local restaurants are a cornucopia of constant change. Each new eatery brings some fresh innovation to the mix of flavors, textures and colors that turns food into cuisine. Here are the signature dishes at six new-ish East Valley restaurants. Chosen by the owners and/or head chefs, each dish speaks for its respective restaurant with a distinctive voice. We have before us an appetizer, a beef entrée, a seafood entrée, a Mexican-cuisine entrée, a sandwich and a dessert. If there are constants among them, they are an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced and often scratch-made items, plus an ever-expanding idea of a newer New American cuisine. When New American cuisine broke onto the scene in the ‘80s, it meant blending French influences with American cooking. Thirty years later, it refers to a constant evolution of world cuisines and techniques for the purpose of creating dining experiences. Among our six, this includes an ancient cooking mode (Steak and Stone), an Asian accent on American dishes (The Brickyard Downtown), a refreshed idea of Mexican cuisine (Rancho de Tia Rosa), fine-dining flavors in casual cuisine (Pedal Haus), or just expanding the flavors and textures of mainstream American cooking with new, sometimes surprising ingredients (Worth Takeaway and American Way). So goodbye to New American, and hello to Newest American, East Valley style.

BY KENNETH LAFAVE

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AMERICAN WAY MARKET 1509 N. ARIZONA AVE., CHANDLER (480) 772-1877 ~ www.americanwaymarket.com

Since opening in December, the American Way Market has made a rapid advance toward the forefront of East Valley eateries. Part of the appeal is the vintage feel of the space, including old-fashioned booths, dining chairs and signage. The general manager is Jared Allan, nationally recognized as the founder of the artisan bread company, Proof Bread. Every loaf, every roll, every edible thing with dough in it at American Way is made from scratch on premises. What does that mean for the Tri-Tip Chimichurri sandwich, Allan’s choice for American Way’s signature dish? (The sandwich is new and as of March was not yet

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on the café’s menu.) It means that the sourdough is not some overwhelming slab of bread that dominates the texture, but a soft, flavorful foil with a nice hard crust that perfectly envelopes the meat, which is smoked in-house, and the Argentine sauce of parsley, garlic, olive oil and cilantro. Something about that three-way collaboration of flavors works wonders. A beef-eating friend of mine who sampled the sandwich said flatly and definitively, “This is the best sandwich I have ever eaten.” Not hungry for a sandwich? Stop by for the chocolate croissant, a close runner-up for American Way’s signature food.

THE BRICKYARD DOWNTOWN 85 W. BOSTON ST., CHANDLER (480) 963-1373 ~ www.brickyarddowntown.com

Head chef Aaron Rickel describes The Brickyard Downtown as “New American with an Asian accent,” and the accent is heard among its dizzying array of small plates in such things as Shishito Peppers with soy caramel and candied ginger ($8), charred octopus in squid ink with orange Sriracha ($12), and pork and shrimp gyoza with pickled radish ($12). For the restaurant’s signature dish, Rickel chose the most Asian of Brickyard’s rather limited (four items) list of entrées: Crusted Ahi Tuna ($24). This is an inspired plate that plays with the flavors usually associated with sushi. The menu calls the accompaniment “Wasabi-scented potato” but the actual experience is bolder than the word “scented” would suggest. The crust is from a secret recipe, and the Ahi is served as it ought to be—sliced, not as a steak—to bring out flavor. Topping the whole is “ginger air.” In reality a foam, this is ginger, ginger ale and milk, all whipped up into what Rickel rightly calls “a wow factor.”

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PEDAL HAUS BREWERY 730 S. MILL AVE., TEMPE (480) 314-2337 ~ www.pedalhousebrewery.com

If the word “brewery” isn’t hint enough that the main business here is beer, then the enormous, stainless-steel brewery tanks that dominate the interior of the comfortablebut-cavernous space should give it away. The menu is upscale but casual, and it shouldn’t surprise that beer is often a food ingredient. The chicken wings ($9) are brined in it, the mussels ($12) are steamed in it, and the chocolate bread pudding ($8) is served with a stout reduction. Owner Julian Wright and head chef Kyle Graham change the menu seasonally, so the signature dish is a moving target, but as of spring 2016, the newly-created nachos were dubbed No. 1. So-called “Irish” nachos, using freshly made, thick-cut potato chips instead of corn chips, are surging Valleywide, but those at Pedal Haus stand out both for the house-made potato chips and cheese and for the circus of flavors in this zesty appetizer/small plate. The warm potatoes are topped with a savory chicken confit, green chili sauce, lime crema, grilled corn, black beans, pickled Fresno peppers and yes, beer cheese, made from a wheat-beer base. Perfect pairing with the nachos: Pedal Haus’ Belgian trippel.

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RANCHO DE TIA ROSA 891 N. HIGLEY RD., GILBERT (480) 396-8787 ~ www.ranchodetiarosa.com

With dishes like “Ancho Peach Glazed Chicken,” it’s clear Rancho de Tia Rosa isn’t your grandpa’s Mexican restaurant. Of course, it’s possible to get classic tacos, tamales, and even nine different kinds of enchiladas, but owner and chef Dennis Sirrine has reached out to more adventurous tastes with innovations such as shrimp in honey-ancho butter ($16.99) and salmon enchiladas in avocado sauce ($15.99). For his restaurant’s signature, Sirrine chose a variation on the classic chili relleno, a chili stuffed with cheese and seasonings. In the case of Tia Rosa’s Nuevo Chili Relleno ($14.99), the stuffing has expanded to include roast pork, pinion nuts and sour cream as well as cheese, with the whole resting in a red bell pepper sauce that adds both zip and sweetness. The secret: The chili is roasted, not fried. Sirrine explains: “Most rellenos are deep-fried and goopy, but we roast our chili, stuff it, and then oven-bake it. It’s never fried.”

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STEAK AND STONE 2613 N. THUNDERBIRD CIRCLE, MESA (480) 830-6100 ~ www.steakandstone.com

When you’re called “Steak and Stone,” your signature dish better be a steak on a stone. And it is. But there’s a little more to it than that. “The owners are all Scoutmasters into survival merit badge alternative cooking methods,” says one of those owners, David Storrs. Apparently, that means heating up a stone and cooking meat on it. I missed that badge somehow. “Ancient Indian and Mideastern cultures cooked meat on a rock. We do the same, serving all our steaks on a searing, 500-degree rock and allowing our clients to cook it themselves at the table.” Storrs calls the technique and the product “tremendously successful.” But in case you’re just not into searing your New York Strip on a red-hot stone ($20 for 12 ounces; $28 for 16), you can cook chicken the same way ($9) or go for what is the restaurant’s most colorful dish, the Aztecinspired Molcajete Lava Bowl, pieces of steak or chicken with onions and red and green peppers, also cooked tableside (this time in an Aztec bowl) and served with bubbling hot Gouda and tortillas ($14).

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WORTH TAKEAWAY 218 W. MAIN ST., MESA (480) 833-2180 ~ www.worthtakeaway.com

Owner Kelsey Strothers had a hard time deciding on a single signature dish for Worth Takeaway, her urban but inexpensive ode to yummy. Worth Takeaway has a short and simple menu, but already three items have become faves of the regulars. Two of them are sandwiches. The Crispy Chicken ($9) nestles chicken strips and house-made sweet and spicy pickles on ciabatta, with Bibb lettuce and a sweet kick of honey-Sriracha spread. Strothers’ take on the Cuban ($9) pairs pork with Havarti, plus dijonnaisse on ciabatta, again with the in-house pickles. In the end, though, she struck out for the

sweet teeth among us. “Our house-made Banana Pudding ($5) is just like you ate when you were a kid,” Strothers says. Well, yes, if your mother knew how to use whole vanilla bean properly to lift the flavor and a dash of sea salt to make it sparkle. The “old-fashioned” angle comes into play because Worth Takeaway’s banana pudding takes its milk from a local dairy that adds no stabilizers, and the equipment Strothers uses to make it dates from the limited-processing era of the 1950s. The result: banana flavor the way it’s supposed to be. VLM

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Taxanista THE

ANGELA STICCA SNYDER’S PASSION AND HARD WORK IS PAYING OFF BY TISHA MARIE PELLETIER

As a child growing up in Sarasota, Florida, Angela Sticca Snyder, was always fascinated by numbers. While other children were outside playing school or house, she was inside creating ledgers and spreadsheets…by choice. And as Halloween rolled around each October, Angela found solace in neatly organizing and inventorying her candy. It came as no surprise that as Sticca Snyder got older, she was destined for a life in accounting. “When I was young, I knew I wanted to be the ‘BOSS.’ I was always the one organizing or in charge making sure all the details were taken care of,” says Sticca Snyder. “I’ve always liked helping and teaching topics that came easy to me, but difficult to others, and breaking down hard-to-understand concepts into layman’s terms.” After graduating high school at the age of 16, Angela attended the University of West Florida, majored in accounting and completed her degree at 19. She then took a year off to attend culinary school, but found herself gravitating right back toward accounting to finish her master’s degree in taxation at the University of Akron in Ohio. Shortly after, Sticca Snyder married, became mom to Tyler and Ashley, and worked in corporate America for over a decade. But her original aspiration to be the “boss” got the best of her. In 2009, Angela embarked on her new journey to entrepreneurship and launched Taxanista LLC, a full-service accounting firm based in Mesa providing bookkeeping, payroll services, tax planning, accounting, Xero software support, and

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tax preparation for individual clients and business entities, small and large, across the country. Her company slogan? “We take the monkey off your back so that you can go back to doing what you do best, growing and running your business.” “Taxanista caters to our clients’ busy schedules and needs,” shares Sticca Snyder. “What sets us apart from other accountants, not only in the Valley, but in the country, are that we are proactive, not reactive, to setting goals and plans, we use modern technology with an enormous amount of SAS or software as a solution, and we are not afraid of change.” Her office, brightly decorated in her signature colors neon green and pink, resembles Angela’s positive attitude and upbeat personality to a tee. A pair of hot pink boxing gloves hangs by the reception desk to remind Angela that to be successful, you have to “roll with the punches and work hard to reap the results.” She has done an exceptional job creating a happy, healthy, honest and successful work environment not only for herself, but also for her team, members and clients. “My office is very fast paced and casual, yet focused. It’s organized, but fun and there is camaraderie between our staff and clients,” she says. “I really love that this career, this place, allows me the opportunity to nourish my brain with technical and detailed spreadsheets, calculations and formulas, and meet all different kinds of people and businesses. Our clients range from retail boutiques and fine jewelry, to coaches, consultants, architects, attorneys and physicians, plus direct sales businesses of all kinds. I also have the ability to have a positive impact in the lives of not only my clients, but our team. Our firm is small, but mighty, and provides long-term jobs with health benefits in a fun and flexible work environment.” Nowadays, Sticca Snyder, a self-employed, selfsufficient and single mom living in Gilbert, balances her days at the office, and in Tyler and Ashley’s lives. Her typical, or as she says “not-so-typical” day, involves arriving to the office after taking her daughter to school, immediately going to email then checking in on cashflow and client books. If it’s tax season, she’s getting ready for client appointments or reviewing completed tax returns, all while running the show, networking and getting out into the business community to cultivate relationships. Her children also get to experience Angela’s entrepreneurial side when they help around the office.

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“Tyler is my mini-me in man form. He is very smart and articulate. He’s 16 and an honors student at Gilbert Christian High School.” Just like his mom, he is following in her footsteps considering a profession in accounting and currently works parttime after school at Taxanista. “I’m proud to see that Tyler realizes you have to start from the ground up, thus filing and dealing with shred is all part of the job,” she smiles. “My daughter Ashley is my little princess, a very smart and artistic young lady that is 10 going on 19. She is an excellent student at Gilbert Christian and loves being at my office,” Sticca Snyder says. “She’s definitely more of a people greeter, pleaser and caretaker, and is great with clients who are filled with anxiety coming into a tax office. When Tyler and Ashley come to my office, I’m showing them firsthand, and leading by example, that they can do anything and be successful IF they put in the time and hard work needed to learn the skills to stand out from their competition. And of course, you have to love what you do. If you don’t love it, you probably won’t be successful at it because it would be lacking the most important thing...your heart.” In the next five years, Sticca Snyder has a lofty, but attainable goal. For Taxanista, it is to become the leading Xero provider to small and mediumsized businesses on the west coast and in the United States. Her firm is the only Platinum Xero provider on the west coast, was selected for Arizona to represent Xero at the Apple Store, and provides ongoing training to make the lives of small business owners more effective and efficient. As a woman? To have complete commitment and consistency in her goals. To set something in her crosshairs and not let anything or anyone derail her, which are the same inspiring words she shares with other women starting down their path. “Constantly learning and making improvements are necessary at all levels of success,” shares Sticca Snyder. “Never ever judge a person, an idea or anything. There are a lot of ways to accomplish something and get the results needed. Be open minded.” And as a mom, particularly when April 15 is behind her and the very last tax return has been filed? “To plan some much needed time at home with my No. 1 priority, my family.” VLM

When Tyler and Ashley come to my office, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m showing them firsthand, and leading by example, that they can do anything and

be successful IF they put in the time and hard work...

Taxanista

4858 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 104 Mesa 85206 www.taxanista.com

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

6 hour drive

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

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER WORTH EVERY BIT OF THE HYPE BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI I PHOTOS BY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

6 hour drive The view of Universal Studios Hollywood is menacing from our 22nd-floor room of the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City. We see the bright lights of the Simpson’s Krustyland, which stay illuminated all night. The Transformers ride, WaterWorld and Universal CityWalk are also easily spied. But rising from the middle of the park is the intimidating, black Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which is part of the forthcoming attraction The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Although it’s slated to open Thursday, April 7, there were several points recently when the theme park opened the gates for various guests. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter lives up to every bit of the hype. Hogsmeade Village is straight out of a Christmas card, with its snow-laden thatched cottages from which “icicles” hang.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

Muggles, as we average folks are called, can peruse the shops and the rides. It’s just an easy walk down the cobblestone streets. Upon entering the attraction, we were greeted by the Hogwarts Express train and its loveable engineer outside of the Hogsmeade Station. Quickly, we were fully immersed in Diagon Alley, home to a slew of shops, including Zonko’s Joke Shop, where we scored Robot Lilliput, a tin wind-up robot. Diagon Alley also boasts confectionaries from Harry Potter’s world in a shop called Honeydukes. Fudge, chocolate frogs, “candy floss” (the English term for cotton candy) and assorted jellybeans are found there. Really, anything you need to satisfy a sweet tooth is within reach. (And, believe me, we took advantage of the chocolate marshmallow fudge, which rivaled the treats from Michigan’s Mackinac Island.)

Just outside Honeydukes is probably some of the more anticipated treats—Butter Beer, Pumpkin Juice and Gilly Water. A nonalcoholic drink, Butter Beer tastes like a mixture of vanilla and butterscotch with a consistency of a root beer float. It’s a little sweet, but it’s a must-try for any Harry Potter fan. Proceed through Diagon Alley and you’ll see a long line snaking through Hogsmeade. It’s a queue of Muggles yearning to try English meals like Shepherd’s Pie, bangers and mash (OK, sausage and mashed potatoes), fish and chips and a variety of desserts at Three Broomsticks. I tried the lemon herb half chicken and it was the juiciest meat I have had in a long time. My niece was equally as impressed with her fish and chips, while my English husband and my mother had to naturally try the Shepherd’s Pie. All four meals were great, but it totaled more than $80. Now, don’t let the verbiage on the attraction’s map fool you. It mentions that sampling of beer is available at the Hog’s Head Pub. There’s no sampling to be had, we were told rather tersely, but there’s plenty of alcoholic beverages to purchase—domestic and imported beer, Wizard’s Brew, Dragon Scale, Fire Whiskey, wine, spirits and mixed drinks.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

6 hour drive

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

Across the cobblestone pathway is seemingly one of the hot attractions. It’s the Owl Post in the center of Hogsmeade where fans can send letters with a Hogsmeade postmark, purchase stationery and stamps from the gift shop, along with owl-related toys and gifts. This elderly, robe-wearing couple was so enamored with their owls that the man filmed himself for about 20 minutes playing with his stuffed animal. Presumably his wife, the woman took extra care in setting up their owls for a “photo shoot” with their cellphones. Adjacent to Owl Post is the store Dervish and Banges, which offers such magical items as Sneakoscopes, Spectrespecs, Omnioculars and The Monster Book of Monsters. Muggles can give into their Quidditch needs by purchasing T-shirts, Quaffles, Golden Snitches and brooms including the Nimbus Two Thousand and One and the Firebolt. Hogwarts school uniforms and clothing—including the $109 robes—are available here as well. One of the highlights is Ollivanders, which has been selling fine wands “since 382 B.C.” Shopkeepers and wandkeepers help visitors choose the appropriate wand by measuring customers’ dominant hands. These wands, which average at $49, aren’t just showpieces. Point them at the different shops and attractions to activate a few tricks that we’ll leave to your imagination. It may be simple, but I found the Frog Choir to be especially fun. A couple times a day, the Frog Choir— three “students” who sing and one beat-boxing young man, all of whom are accompanied by croaking frogs— hits the stage. Their voices, as well as that of the choir

director, were incredible, but the beat-boxing student stole the show. But now it’s time for “the” ride. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey made the news when, shall we say, it made plenty of riders ill. My niece and husband fared just fine as they made their way through the familiar classrooms and corridors of Hogwarts, courtesy of a 3-D movie. The Muggles and students encounter plenty of characters, including the spooky Death Eaters. Harry, Hermione and Ron lead riders through the adventure, which includes the chance to get advice from Dumbledore. That’s all we’ll say about that. You’ll have to experience is for yourself. The Flight of the Hoppogriff is Universal Studios Florida’s first outdoor, family-friendly coaster. It spirals and flies around the pumpkin patch and swoops past Hagrid’s Hut. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is just a shuttle bus away from the stunning Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City. But, as my 21-year-old niece, who describes herself as a “huge Harry Potter fan,” says, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is “a dream come true.” That applies even to lukewarm Harry Potter fans. VLM

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD 100 Universal City Plaza Universal City, CA 91608 (800) UNIVERSAL or (800) 864-8377 www.universalstudioshollywood.com

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

ALL IN THE

Family

RECIPES ARE FAMILY SECRETS AT FIESTA MEXICANA

BY MARJORIE RICE PHOTOS BY TIM SEALY

ABOVE: Fiesta Mexicana brings the heat with this "a la diabla" dish. The spicy red sauce will have you sweating while your ask for seconds.

As any lover of Mexican food knows, chiles rellenos can come in quite a range of guises. There’s the typical Anaheim chile stuffed with cheese, battered and fried and cloaked with red sauce. Substitute a poblano or pasilla chile. Change up the cheese—Monterey Jack, asadero or other melting varieties. Or skip the cheese and stuff the chile with picadillo—diced pork, raisins and nuts. Batter the chile with anything from masa to an egg white-lightened near soufflé, fry and bring on the sauce. Lots of possibilities. But the other week I came upon an entirely new—to me, anyway—variation on the relleno theme. It’s the Crispy Relleno, $13.59, at Fiesta Mexicana in Chandler. The cheese-stuffed chiles weren’t battered at all. Instead, they were rolled in spicy egg roll wrappers and fried. It’s a customer favorite, says manager Kevin Rangel. After sampling it, I can see why.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

food&wine

FOOD SPOTLIGHT

RIGHT: The coctel de camaron is Fiesta Mexicana's yummy take on shrimp cocktail. BELOW: Mojarra Rellena is a whole tilapia topped with shrimp, octopus, mixed veggies and Fiesta Mexicana's delicious sauce.

The egg roll wrappers stay crisp, a nice change from more traditional coatings, which can get soggy. And they’re not afraid of seasonings here, so the zippy sauces have a long, warm finish without searing your interior. This was just one of the pleasant discoveries during recent visits to Fiesta Mexicana, a chain of family-owned restaurants with Arizona locations in Page, Chandler, Avondale and, the newest, Lake Havasu City. I spoke recently with Kevin, 22, and his brother Edwin, 25, about their family’s entrepreneurial path. The men have worked in the family business since they were tall enough to reach the sinks and wash dishes. Edwin manages the Lake Havasu location. “My dad really believed that to build character we had to learn from the bottom up,” Kevin says. “We all started as dishwashers. We had to learn how to be a buser, server, host and bartender and to do all the jobs in the kitchen.” Dad is Martin Rangel. He and wife, Patricia, immigrated to the United States in their late teens. Their story is an inspiring tale of hard work and entrepreneurial spirit paired with culinary traditions and strong family ties. They came to the United States when they were just teens and immediately set to work, first picking fruit in California and Washington. They saved enough to open a travel agency, where Patricia worked while Martin held various

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

jobs, including in restaurants and automotive repair. “There was a long period of time where us kids wouldn’t see our dad at all,” Edwin says. “He worked from 5 or 6 in the morning and would not come home until midnight.” In 2000 their uncle asked the Rangels to join him to open the first Fiesta Mexicana, in Woodland Park, Colorado. It did well, but didn’t turn enough profit to support both families, and the Rangels decided to start their own Fiesta Mexicana. “My dad would always say a man without a dream isn’t worth anything,” Edwin says. “My parents are by no means the type to be complacent. After the first restaurant, they wanted to keep growing.” In the first two years they opened up four restaurants, and the chain eventually grew to 14. Four subsequently were sold, two were franchised, and the Rangel family continues to manage the remaining eight. At the same time, they raised five children. Kevin and Edwin are the most active in the family business. Kevin was manager for the Durango, Colorado, location before taking on the Chandler site. “As I was growing up, all my free time I would go and help my parents with the restaurant,” Kevin says. “Little by little I was getting bigger roles.” Fiesta Mexicana still is very much a family concern. “My mom is the brains of the operation,” Kevin says.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

food&wine

“She’s an incredible lady—very smart and very driven. Mom’s role was licensing, the office part, and my dad’s role was construction, team-building, hiring and firing.” The whole family helped develop the recipes. “When I was growing up my dad would taste something and say ‘This needs this. If this were mine, I would do this.’” Kevin says. “I hated going to restaurants with him because he was the worst critic. I’d say, ‘Just eat, enjoy.’” I took his advice, trying the Mariscada a la Diabla, $19.99, one of Fiesta Mexicana’s long list of seafood offerings. I am always glad when I come upon a big selection of mariscos along with the usual enchiladas, tacos and combo plates. After all, Mexico has almost 6,000 miles of coastline, so you’d expect seafood to play a major role. Martin Rangel’s love for seafood is the reason for its prominent place on the menu, Kevin says. “Dad would live on a boat if he could.” My only issue with the dish was that it made for some very slippery and hard-to-handle crab legs. Next time I’ll ask the server to have them cracked before they go into the sauce. And I hope they order some tiny forks to make it easier to pull out the crabmeat. Oh, and I have to mention the margaritas, which Fiesta Mexicana says were voted “Best” in some competition or other. There are plenty of those to go around and allow for a lot of places to make that claim, but these were excellent, “best” or not. The goblet I enjoyed, fragrant with fresh lime instead of bottled mix, invited long, slow savoring on the sunny patio. A word about that patio. I’d swipe a couple of the vividly hand-painted chairs if I could have snuck them into my car. The Rangels buy them by the hundreds from a factory in Mexico, and they are so colorful and fun that they put you into a good mood just looking at them. The Rangels hope to start Sunday brunch buffets in the next month or two, and possibly begin making their own tortillas in-house. I’ll be back to try that, and to savor another of those great margaritas. VLM

FIESTA MEXICANA: 4949 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler (480) 895-8323 fiestamexicanarestaurants.com

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

YOU

Gotta Try: ULA LULA PIE

BY BREANNE DEMORE

They may have just opened this month, but the gentlemen behind Bella Gusto Urban Pizzeria in Chandler know a thing or two about the restaurant biz. Co-owners Matt Nobile and John Araujo met in Dallas after both working for years in the restaurant and hospitality business. With the vision of bringing traditional Neapolitan-style pizza to the Valley, Nobile and Araujo picked Chandler for the location of their visioncome-to-life. When asked what makes their pizzas so special compared to the numerous pizza hotspots around the Valley, Araujo says, “We are extremely particular about what we use to make our pizzas. Our bread, mozzarella, pastas and select meats, are made in-house. What we can’t make in-house, we go to great lengths and work really closely with our purveyors to acquire the best of, most of which you won’t find in any other restaurants in town.” So what about that Ula Lula Pie? First of all, it’s named after Nobile's sassy Dachshund who he describes as “sweet and picks me up after a long day. But, as little as she is, she’s feisty and super sassy.” The Ula Lula Pie is Bella Gusto’s traditional pizza dough topped with vanilla mascarpone, crunchy peanut butter and a Serrano pepper and strawberry jam which adds just that perfect bit of “sass” just like little Ula. This is one feisty pie you gotta try. VLM

YOU’LL WANNA PIZZA THIS: BELLA GUSTO MODERN PIZZERIA 1964 N. Alma School Rd., Suite 1, Chandler (480) 696-4455 bellagustoaz.com

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

food&wine

EASY RECIPE

Too Easy! BY MEGAN MARPLES

Morning Parfait This parfait is a delicious and nutritious way to start the day. Make it the night before for those busy mornings or as a protein packed snack. WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • 1 c. Greek vanilla yogurt • ½ c. granola • 3 to 4 large strawberries • ¼ c. blueberries • Mason jar

DIRECTIONS: 1. Wash off the strawberries and blueberries. Cut the strawberries into small slices. 2. Pour about 1/3 c. of the Greek yogurt into the bottom of the Mason jar. Spread it evenly along the bottom. 3. Sprinkle a small handful of granola on top, then add a few strawberry slices and blueberries. Feel free to add other combinations of fruit as well. 4. Repeat the layering process until the jar is full. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

SUPER SIMPLE RECIPES FOR BUSY-BUT-HUNGRY FAMILIES

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

food&wine

IN SEASON BROCCOLI

BROCCOLI BY BREANNE DEMORE

They may just look like tiny trees, but there is a reason that moms everywhere have said for decades, “Finish your broccoli.” Stemming from the Italian word “brocco” which means “sprout,” broccoli is the plural form. The result of very careful breeding in the northern Mediterranean starting in the sixth century BC, the veggies was considered for a long time to in be a uniquely valuable food among Italians. Italian immigrants brought broccoli to the United States but it didn’t become widely known and eaten until the 1920s. Surprisingly, broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin K but is not a great source for fiber. However, because it is so low in carbohydrates, protein and fat, this veggie is still very good for you. The bitter taste every child at a dinner table has complained about is actually real, though scientists aren’t sure exactly what causes it, especially because it seems to vary from person to person. Although the vegetable can be eaten raw, it’s often much easier to eat after it has been boiled, roasted, steamed or stir-fried. Simply roasting broccoli with olive oil, salt and pepper for about 15 minutes results in a tender, smoky and delicious side to virtually any dinner. VLM 58

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

Broccoli and Pepperoni Pinwheels INGREDIENTS:

Nonstick cooking spray • 1 tube crescent roll dough • 42 to 50 slices pepperoni • 1 ½ c. frozen broccoli florets, thawed, drained and chopped Garlic salt • 1 c. shredded mozzarella • 2 tbsp. grated Parmesan DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan with cooking spray. 2. Unroll the crescent dough into a clean surface. Use a rolling pin to go over the dough a couple of times and stretch it a bit into a large rectangle. Line the dough with the pepperoni. Top evenly with the broccoli and sprinkle with garlic salt. Top with an even layer of mozzarella. 3. Roll the dough from one side to the other. Use a sharp knife to cut into seven 1-inch rounds. Put the rounds in the prepared cake pan, crowding them together. Bake until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

< Broccoli

Salad

INGREDIENTS:

8 oz. bacon • Salt • 5 c. small broccoli florets • 1 c. mayonnaise • 1 tbsp. cider vinegar • 1/3 c. chopped onion • ¼ c. sugar • ¾ c. raisins • ½ c. sunflower kernels DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook over medium heat just until crisp; drain on paper towels. 2. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and blanch until bright green and slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Drain well, run under cold water to stop the cooking, and drain again. 3. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, onion, sugar and raisins. Add the broccoli and toss to coat with the dressing. Refrigerate for 1 hour. 4. Just before serving, fold in the sunflower kernels and the bacon pieces. Serve immediately. Recipe courtesy foodnetwork.com VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

food&wine

RESTAURANT GUIDE

SOCAL FISH TACO COMPANY, the coastal California-inspired food café, has given Gilbert’s Heritage District a 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 under-the-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-the-sand summer memories. 219. N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert (480) 80-SOCAL (76225) www.socalfishtacos.com Mon-Sat: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays

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. 3133 S. Lindsay Rd., Gilbert (480) 899-4214 3244 E Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert (480) 219-7379. www.henhouse-cafe.com Mon-Sun: 6:30am-2:00pm

THE LIVING ROOM WINE CAFÉ AND LOUNGE has been drawing crowds since their openings in Chandler’s Downtown Ocotillo, and in Scottsdale at Market Street at DC Ranch. The locally owned group is expanding into Tucson and set to open their innovative wine concept in beautiful La Encantada shopping center, mid-October. 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 uncrushed hangout; Its a chill lounge. Delicious sharable food, 25 wines and sangrias by the glass, a handpicked list of wines by the bottle, beers and spirits. Fall weekend brunch. Sit in soft seating areas or on one of the cozy patios. Open daily at 11 am 2475 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler (480) 855-2848. www.livingroomwinebar.com

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

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

AN UPSCALE CASUAL RESTAURANT bringing authentic Creole Cajun Cuisines to the east valley. Featuring made-from-scratch dishes straight from the chef’s grandmothers’ kitchen in Louisiana. Offering many staples such as Gumbo, Étouffée, Po Boy’s and red beans and rice made with homemade Andouille sausage. Not to mention the hearty Bayou Bucket full of fresh crawfish and shrimp all flown in from Louisiana’s Gulf Coast and full of flavor. Celebrating Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras starting 2/9/15 5070 S. Gilbert Road #400, Chandler (480) 895-1655 www.creolecajunbistro.com Tuesday-Saturday 11am - 10pm Sunday 11am - 7pm Closed Mondays

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. Open daily at 4 pm 2625 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler (480) 821-0009. www.chopchandler.com

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datebook

“42nd Street” TUESDAY, APRIL 5, THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 10

GREAT DATES

The Broadway production tells the story of how one person really can make it big. Small-town Peggy Sawyer travels to the Big Apple to follow her dreams of performing on Broadway. She auditions for the play “Pretty Lady” and when the lead breaks her ankle, Peggy is thrown into the limelight. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, www.asugammage.com

Hot Rod Drag Weekend West FRIDAY, APRIL 1, THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 3

Experience the thrill of street racing at the annual Hot Rod Drag Weekend West. More than 100 street cars are registered to race three quarter miles. Each day a new track will be raced and the car with the lowest time will be announced as the winner. The second annual event predicts more than twice the number of cars as last year, so come join in the excitement of racing. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Rd., Chandler, www.hotrod.com/events

Arizona Wine and Dine THURSDAY, APRIL 7

Leading chefs and restaurants come together at the Scottsdale Quarter for a night of dining and delight. Enjoy exquisite wines and beers paired perfectly with festive dishes. Classy musicians fill the night air with upbeat music while patrons dine under the stars. Scottsdale Quarter, 15279 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, www.azwineanddine.com

Downtown Music Stroll SATURDAY, APRIL 2

Wander through Downtown Phoenix and discover new music, restaurants and food. The appetizing event has been held by the Phoenix Symphony Young Professionals annually for six years. All funds raised will be given to the Phoenix Symphony’s Education and Community Engagement Programs. www.phoenixsymphony.org

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

Tempe Spring Festival of the Arts FRIDAY, APRIL 8, THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 10

Discover more than 350 artists at this visual arts festival. A variety of impressive merchandise will be displayed for visitors to purchase throughout the event. There will also be live entertainment, food vendors and performers. Local wine and beer companies will also be in attendance offering samples. Downtown Tempe, 281 S. Mill Ave., www.tempefestivalofthearts.com

Street Food Cinema Polish Festival SATURDAY, APRIL 9, THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 10

Learn about Polish culture by immersing in traditional food, drink and dance. Sample various foods such as pierogi and potato pancakes and wash it down with Polish beer. There will also be live entertainment and shopping opportunities at the 13th annual Polish Festival. Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, 2828 W. Country Gables Dr., Phoenix, www.polishfestivalaz.org

Lake Pleasant Paddle Fest SATURDAY, APRIL 9

Come enjoy the warm weather and cool waters of Lake Pleasant. Try out different forms of paddle crafts including rafts, outriggers and canoes. Participants can bring their own crafts as well for a small fee. There will also be live music during the event. For those who wish to camp the night before, space is extremely limited. Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Castle Hot Springs Road, Peoria, www.maricopacountyparks.net

SATURDAY, APRIL 16

Movie lovers and food aficionados come together for a night of entertainment. Food trucks such as the Grilled Cheese Truck and My Waffle Crush will be serving delicious items throughout the picnic event. While eating, enjoy live music from MRCH and then complete the night by watching “The Princess Bride.” Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third Ave., Phoenix, www.streetfoodcinema.com

Phoenix Symphony Hall Presents ABBA: The Concert SATURDAY, APRIL 23, THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 24

The cover band Waterloo will perform classic ABBA songs with the Phoenix Symphony. Listen to classics like “Mamma Mia” and “Dancing Queen” as they are performed in tandem with the Phoenix Symphony. The Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix, www.phoenixsymphony.org

Fiesta Bowl Rugby & Balloon Classic SATURDAY, APRIL 23

ASU is set to play against the Mexican National Rugby Team at the third annual Fiesta Bowl Rugby & Balloon Classic. After the game, eight-story-tall Darth Vader and Yoda balloons will be launched into the sky. Along with the balloons, the nightclub GLOW will be hosting a party like no other. Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Rd., Scottsdale, www.therugbybowl.com

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

last word

FINAL THOUGHTS

THANKING MOM BY BREANNE DEMORE

A mother-child relationship is unique and complicated. Whether you believe you have the best relationship with your mother or the worst, there is really no other relationship like it. There are mother- or grandmother-figures in our lives, certainly. But the relationship between a mother and child— specifically a mother and daughter—is extremely complicated. It’s complicated in its beauty, fear, anger, resentment, love, happiness and all of the other million emotions that both women experience. I am fortunate enough to have a truly wonderful relationship with my mother. She has been the picture-perfect mother. She has been my cheerleader, my teacher, my driver, my proofreader, my best friend and the person who has had to show me a bit of unwanted perspective on multiple occasions. She has always been there for me and I realize that I am incredibly lucky. In fact, I’ll probably call her on my way home from work this evening just to catch up. That doesn’t mean it has been all hand-holding and smiles. There have been plenty of circumstances where we have fought tooth and nail about something probably pretty ridiculous. There have even been a few occasions where I was actually right. Very few and far between, but there have been some. One of those occasions was when I was about 4. During my older sisters’ high school cross-country running meet, (I swear I have been to at least 500,000 of them) it was very hot (as it gets out here in the desert) and I wasn’t feeling well. “Mom? Can we go get some water and sit in the car for a

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

minute?” I begged. Irritated by the heat, my incessant begging and probably at least 10 other things running through her brain, my mom answered, “The car is parked really far away. Do you really want to walk all the way back there?” So I stopped complaining and stood quietly. Soon enough, my mom was talking to another parent and I started to feel really sick. Knowing better than to complain, I opened my mouth to take a deep breath and I threw up on the ground right between my mother and her friend. I’ve never let her forget that one time where I was right, which is pretty unfair considering she doesn’t remind me of all the other thousands of times where she, as the mother, was right—about everything. But this Mother’s Day, I’m promising myself to take the time to cherish my mom and all of those times she was right. I am so grateful for all of the times she cheered for me; lessons she’s taught me; the car rides she’s taken me on; the papers, articles and homework she has proofread; the times she has made me laugh and all of that (at the time) unwanted perspective she’s given me. Unfortunately, I have recently been reminded of how quickly things can change and how short life really is. I want to be sure that my mother knows how much I have appreciated her constant support, love and generosity. There really is no relationship like the one between a mother and daughter. VLM