Ahwatukee, AZ March 2024

“When passion, expertise and dedication come together, you have a Savvy Partnership!”

— AMY RICHARDSON

SAVVY SOLUTIONS FOR TODAY’S REAL ESTATE MARKET

Buying and selling a home can be challenging. You need an agent who is laser-focused on your unique needs. Having lived and worked in Ahwatukee and the southeast valley for over 20 years, my passion for this community comes through in my warmth, work ethic, philanthropic endeavors, and connections with a clientele who are as committed to me as I am to them! From staging and prepping, to spearheading renovations, finding contractors and delivering expert market advice, I will dedicate myself to your project as if it were my own.

Give me a call or scan the code for a complimentary market analysis on your home and find out why important decisions demand Savvy Solutions.

real estate report

Rec ent ly so l d p roperties in Ahwa tu kee.

There's No Place Like Home

Home is where the heart is. It’s such a cliché, but aren’t all clichés rooted in truth?

Some of you may know that I’ve lived nearly my entire life somewhere between Elliot Road and Chandler Boulevard on the west side of the I-10. And while my houses have been different through the years, my home has always been Ahwatukee.

Our current house is one my husband and I have had for our whole marriage. We learned our offer was accepted while we were on our way to our wedding rehearsal (I don’t necessarily recommend planning a destination wedding sans wedding planner and house hunting at the same time, but c’est la vie). From that day on, we’ve worked hard to make our home one that is filled with all the things that are most dear to us, from our son to our dog, and from beloved art and photographs to objects picked up from our travels along the way.

I encourage you to reflect on the personal stories that define your own concept of home. Our living spaces are more than just physical structures—they are repositories of memories, expressions of self, and the backdrop to the stories that shape our lives.

In this issue, we're excited to share inspiration and tips for cultivating an aesthetic home, and for growing your own food and flowers right in your backyard. We're thrilled to introduce you to experts in their fields who share their knowledge on these topics. Also, we hop on a trend that helps us clear our countertops – and our minds! – before bed.

Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We are proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. So, thank you for inviting our magazine into your home and hearts.

BETH DEL VILLE, EDITOR @AHWATUKEECITYLIFESTYLE

city scene

1: Nate Spencer of Spencer 4 Hire Roofing. 2: Fred Astaire Dance Studios Ahwatukee franchise owners and judges at the Ahwatukee Dancing with the Stars event. 3: Ahwatukee Dancing with the Stars fundraiser event raised more than $25,000 for the Armer Foundation. 4: Ilya Velednitsky, Jennifer Armer, Judges Choice Winner Kasey McCutcheon of Bridge Wellness Center, Manny Carmona and Mariya Ilchenko. 5: Donna Spencer of Spencer 4 Hire Roofing and her professional dance partner, Denys Karasov. 6: Shawn Vanderwall of Livanova specializing in epilepsy medical devices and his professional dance partner, Maysen Wilder. 7: Chef Adam Allison of Brightside Catering and his professional dance partner, Anastasiaa Karasov. Photography by Moonlit Dreams Photography

Desert Gardening For Beginners

AN EAST VALLEY GARDEN EDUCATOR SHARES TIPS AND ADVICE

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Angela Judd

As a Master Gardener, Angela Judd wants everyone interested in cultivating their green thumbs to know one important point.

“Gardening in the desert is different, but not impossible,” she says.

Judd, an East Valley resident and gardener behind the Growing in the Garden blog, YouTube channel, and social media pages, is devoted to helping teach others to garden and has been interested in gardening her entire life.

When she moved back to Arizona in 2008 to a home with space in her backyard, Judd was ready to take her love of gardening to the next level.

For people who are new to gardening, or have been unsuccessful growing anything in the desert climate, Judd suggests that they start small, and focus on four fundamentals: sunlight, soil, watering and timing.

“Once you get those right you will be successful,” Judd says.

For example, Judd says it’s important to choose an area for the garden that gets at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day – preferably morning sun, and shade in the afternoon.

During the summer, gardeners should cover their plants with 50 percent shade cloth.

Judd, the author of the book “How to Grow Your Own Food: An Illustrated Beginner’s Guide to Container Gardening,” says raised beds and containers are simple and smart options because people can fill them with high-quality soil and get started right away.

“Raised Bed Mix from Arizona Worm Farm is what I use in all of mine. If you’re gardening in the ground, focus on adding compost and organic matter and using no-dig or no-till methods,” she says.

As for watering plants, Judd says it can be challenging to get it just right.

“Most people tend to overwater. Check your soil before watering and only water when the top few inches are dry,” she says, adding that when it comes to watering, more water less often is the way to go.

ANGELA JUDD

“Shallow, frequent watering encourages shallow roots that make it difficult for plants to withstand our tough desert conditions, while deep, infrequent waterings produce strong, deep roots.”

And, unlike other areas of the country with one long growing season, the Valley of the Sun has several short seasons.

This makes learning to plant at the correct time extra crucial.

“Guidelines for similar zones and on the backs of seed packets don’t work here,” Judd says, adding that instead, gardeners should use a planting guide made for Arizona.

“My blog and planting guides list what to plant each month. I have physical and digital planting guides and calendars to help you know when and what to plant.”

As for tips on how to get started growing a garden in Ahwatukee – whether it’s flowers or berries or vegetables or a combination –  Judd offers these tips:

Don’t be afraid to start. Experience is the best teacher. People won’t have a perfect garden the first time, and that’s okay, because there is no “perfect” garden. Each season teaches something new. “Learn from your mistakes and build on your successes,” Judd says.

Start small. Choose one vegetable, herb, and flower and learn about growing them. Judd notes the more than 100 how-to-grow articles on her website, GrowingInTheGarden. com, will give people the details they need to grow them successfully.

Container gardening is a simple and inexpensive way to get started. “One of the best things about growing in containers is that you can garden anywhere. Add a container to your deck, front porch, balcony, or yard and you are ready to go,” she says.

Learn. Take classes. Judd teaches regular classes throughout the Valley and online. “This is a great way to learn and ask questions,” she says, adding that upcoming classes are listed on her website. “Also, watch my YouTube videos; I have several hundred videos about different topics including container gardening, crop-specific videos, and videos for what to do each month of the year here in the low desert.”

While gardening in Ahwatukee may seem challenging at first, Judd is confident that with the right tips and advice, anyone can have a green thumb.

“You can do it!” she says.

GrowingInTheGarden.com

People won’t have a perfect garden the first time, and that’s okay, because there is no “perfect” garden. Each season teaches something new. “Learn from your mistakes and build on your successes.”

TAYLOR AASAND MPH, RDN, CEDS

Do you:

Struggle with body Image?

Feel like you need to be on a diet and you are dreading it?

Have an eating disorder? Feel frustrated with meeting previous providers in the past who made you feel ashamed or bad about your food choices? Want to find joy around food or movement?

Feel like you don’t know where to start with food, cooking or meal planning?

“FOOD IS COMPLICATED AND SO IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH IT.”

If you can relate to any of the above or are curious to learn more, use the QR code.

YOU ALREADY KNOW HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT, I’LL TEACH YOU HOW TO EAT.”

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY AGNES ART AND PHOTO

CAREFULLY CURATED

Local interior designer adds beauty and function to take Ahwatukee home to the finish line

As an interior designer and real estate agent, Lisa Ryan Whyte knows firsthand how a carefully curated combination of furniture, artwork, and other decor can help transform a house into a home.

Whyte was asked by clients to apply her design skills and expertise to add artistic interior design touches to a home they recently purchased.

Her clients wanted to upgrade both the look and feel of their family home in Ahwatukee.

“For this project, I worked with Megan Mays of Ravenhouse Design. Together, we helped with furnishings, accessories, artwork, and decor that helped take the home to the finish line,” Whyte says, adding that her clients are “savvy homeowners” who knew what they wanted for the remodeling finishes inside and just needed help completing the furnishings and decor.

For instance, to fill the home’s large white walls and help make the spaces feel cozier, Whyte chose large-scale modern artwork.

Whyte also made staging changes to the shelves in the large kitchen to make them not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

“We chose furniture for the main room that would be comfortable for their growing family—they have toddler twin boys— while also creating a space that was elevated with decor and design,” Whyte says, adding that this included a large sofa with plenty of room for everyone.

In the home’s primary bathroom, the beautiful bathtub was a focal point and Whyte chose accessories and decor to accentuate the space to create an ideal place to relax and unwind.

As a bonus, all of the necessary bath items are now within

reach, including wall hooks directly behind the tub that easily hold large towels.

The bathroom also features a dual vanity, and ample storage space under the sinks in cabinets that feature clean lines.

“In the primary bedroom we cozied up the room with neutral bedding with a lot of texture, and added a sitting corner that’s perfect for relaxing or reading in a comfortable chair,” Whyte says.

While her recent project was in a home that was off the market, Whyte says she constantly sees firsthand how eye-catching and attractive interior design can make homes that are for sale more appealing to potential buyers.

“It’s important to remember the impact that staging and design will have on a space...Furnishings, decor, accessories, and art are the key elements to making a home feel like it’s your own.”

“Whether you’re staging it to sell or finishing off a custom remodel with new furnishings, it’s important to remember the impact that staging and design will have on your space,” she says. “Buyers can envision themselves in a home. Furnishings, decor, accessories, and art are the key elements to making a home feel like it’s your own special space.”  WhyteHouseDesign.com

Amy

Carrie P. Cravatta

Dori L. Eden

ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY B&A STAIRS AND METAL GATES, LLC

STAIRCASE CHIC

The staircase - sometimes considered a mere connector between levels - has the potential to be so much more than just a working element. By combining thoughtful design with innovative functionality,

consider, each offering a unique touch to suit your taste and your space.

Wooden railing is a popular choice for a classic and timeless appearance. For those who are looking for a more contem-

A STAIRCASE CAN EVOLVE INTO A DYNAMIC AND INTEGRAL COMPONENT OF YOUR HOME’S LIVING SPACE.

a staircase can evolve into a dynamic and integral component of your home's living space; a versatile and purposeful centerpiece that adds style and value.

Victoria Ortiz, director of B&A Stairs and Metal Gates, LLC, agrees. Ortiz says investing in a staircase remodel is a strategic decision. “It will not only preserve the home’s equity but will also yield a more significant impact than the amount spent.”

She shares that homeowners find that a staircase renovation enhances aesthetics and has a transformative effect on the overall floor plan, “creating harmonious spaces and providing a constant source of satisfaction every time they lay eyes on their staircase.”

When it comes to refurbishing a staircase, there are various options to

porary look and feel, Ortiz suggests considering glass railing as a trendy and modern option. She says that for those who prefer to have a modern and minimalist aesthetic, a good choice is industrial railings that chiefly feature steel or iron. But according to Ortiz, the most popular choice for homeowners is cable railing.

“The predominant demand revolves around the preference for railing systems featuring cables, complemented by modern metal balusters with wooden accents,” says Ortiz. “These styles are favored due to their seamless integration of minimalism, elegance and harmony.”

No matter the style, reshaping a staircase can create a practical work of art in your home.

BNAStairs.com | 480.255.9799

OBJETS D’ART

Curated coffee table books for every interior and interest

ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE

Photo by Stephanie Slezak

Tour the ancient island of Capri in this bright and gorgeously oversized book. It features more than 270 glittering pages with glamorous photos of life on the sun-soaked island. Written by Cesare Cunaccia, a writer, lecturer, curator and journalist who served as editor at large for Vogue Italia and L’Uomo Vogue, as well as the antiques consultant for Architectural Digest Italy. Assouline.com

Author Michael Köckritz pays homage to the influence and beauty of the iconic Italian luxury sports car brand in this opulent book. Filled with striking images and interesting background information, this is sure to be on the top of any true car connoisseur’s stack. teNeues.com

A veritable feast for the eyes, Australian Jane Webster’s Château Life, photographed by Robyn Lea, features sixty scrumptious recipes categorized around ten themes, along with images of the Webster family’s life at Château Bosgouet in Normandy. Joie de vivre, indeed! Assouline.com

© Assouline

© Assouline

1. FOR THE ONE WITH WANDERLUST | CAPRI DOLCE VITA

2. FOR THE CAR CONNOISSEUR | THE LAMBORGHINI BOOK

3. FOR THE FOODIE | CHÂTEAU LIFE

© teNeues Verlag

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4. FOR THE FASHIONISTA | TOM FORD

This stunning book showcases the complete catalog of the venerable American designer’s era as creative director for both Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent from 1994 to 2004. It features more than 200 photographs by Mario Testino, Herb Ritts, Todd Eberle and others. It explores Ford’s grand vision for the complete design of a brand, including architecture, store design and advertising. RizzoliUSA.com

5. FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHY ENTHUSIAST | WONDERLAND BY ANNIE

LEIBOVITZ

The anthology of the famed photographer’s work includes 350 images – many of which are previously unpublished. Inside, readers are treated to a trove of photographs starring the likes of Nicole Kidman, Nancy Pelosi, Karl Largerfeld, Lady Gaga, Serena Williams and many more, with a foreword by Anna Wintour. Phaidon.com

6. FOR THE INTERIOR DESIGN DEVOTEE | PACIFIC NATURAL AT HOME

Jenni Kayne, tastemaker and authority on style, shares her beautifully designed interiors as well as homes of other creative women whose style align with her own. From homes by the ocean and in the mountains, to desert and city dwellers, the book showcases gorgeous photography, inspiration, and practical tips and resources. RizzoliUSA.com

Photo by Stephanie Slezak

© Phaidon

Photo by Stephanie Slezak

ZONE BLUE

What’s the secret to a happy, healthy, and long life? Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple: There are no secret ingredients, no sizable expenditures, and absolutely zero manufactured elements of any kind. Dive in with us as we share insights from our interview with the internationally renowned Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning journalist who is revolutionizing the way Americans make choices that can lead to living your best life.

New York Times Best-Selling Author and Netflix Producer, Dan Buettner, Inspires a Better Life Based on Research From the World’s Healthiest Cultures

For more than 20 years, Dan Buettner has been fully committed to studying the health and longevity of Americans, as well as influencing the proper and attainable health-centric environments our communities should embody. What started with identifying five “blue zones” around the world— where people are living longer, as well as enjoying a higher quality of life in their elder years—has now also evolved into proactively creating ecosystems where our communities engage in setting the standard for clean health.

Buettner’s first cookbook, The Blue Zones Kitchen, is a fantastic resource, featuring ingredients and cooking methods that can increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. The recipes also include lifestyle tips such as proper portion sizes and the best times to eat dinner. Plus, check out his additional seven books that dig deep into everything from the exact foods you should eat to how your circle of friends and family can influence your quality of life.

Every time you go out to eat, you will consume an extra 300 calories that are laden with more sodium, sugar, and oil than eating at home. “Get your hands on a plant-based cookbook, pick a dozen recipes, and cook those with your family on Sundays. If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.”

Tap into Dan’s wisdom that is creating a new category of places that are not merely the legacy of a healthy culture, but more consciously created by enlightened individuals that are intent on supercharging healthier communities! Follow @DanBuettner and @BlueZones

visit BlueZones.com to shop

Shift THE CLOSING

ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE TIDY UP BEFORE TURNING IN

If you’ve ever worked in retail or the food industry, you may be familiar with the concept of the closing shift – putting everything back in order at the end of the day and preparing for a smooth morning. This concept is now finding its way into our homes. The closing shift aims to help tidy your home, and your mind, by completing small tasks before bed that can help make a big difference in the morning.

So skip the evening social media scrolling and set yourself up for success by implementing your own closing shift.

The closing shift aims to help tidy your home, and your mind, by completing small tasks that can help make a big difference.

Kitchen clean-up

Start your closing shift by decluttering kitchen countertops. Put away small appliances, wipe down surfaces, and return items to their designated spots. This not only creates a tidy kitchen but also sets a calming atmosphere for the next day.

Breakfast prep

Take a few minutes to set up your breakfast for the next day. Whether it's prepping ingredients for a smoothie or laying out the cereal boxes and bowls, having breakfast essentials ready saves time in the morning and helps alleviate stress.

Fluff and fold

Take a moment to fluff and arrange your pillows on your sofa, and to fold and neatly arrange blankets in your living room. It’s a quick and satisfying task that leaves your space looking polished and inviting. This is also a great time to put away any items that have been used during the day.

Sweep session

Before heading to your bedroom, complete a quick sweep or vacuum. This ensures you wake up to a clean floor and it prevents dirt and debris from accumulating, making your weekly cleaning routine more manageable.

Create a task list

If you find yourself thinking of all the things you have to do the next day, make a to-do list the night before, prioritizing tasks and outlining a plan of action, if necessary. This can help clear your mind, and help you wake up with a sense of purpose and direction knowing exactly what you have to tackle for the day.

Curate your clothes

Before bedtime, choose and lay out your entire outfit for the next day, including clothes, shoes and accessories, in a designated spot. Ensure everything is clean and wrinkle-free. If you’re hitting the gym before heading off to work, be sure to pack your gym bag with all the essentials so you can just grab your bag on the way out the door.