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.
Leaving Margin for Exploration
I am obsessed with paper planners. I love a gorgeous brand-new planner that is just waiting to be filled in with all of the special dates for the year and then have our plans added for each week and month. However, now that my boys are older, I see a lot more white space in my planner. Year-round baseball for both boys meant multiple practices and games each week and most weekends were devoted to tournaments. I know many of you can relate. But now that season is over for us; weekends are for church, chores and prepping for the next week, and we find ourselves with lots of spare time. So what should we do? The possibilities are numerous.
Even if you're in a chapter of your life that is busier than ours, we should all leave some room for exploring; for trying new places and things, for being a beginner, even for getting lost. It is those times that are unstructured and open-ended where the space exists for connections to be made, minds to be cleared, and souls to be nourished.
The great news is that "adventures" and “exploration” doesn't even have to be something big and crazy. It can be playing a board game out on the patio, walking a new trail or going out to find a fun cookie place we've never been to before.
Our hope is that this issue encourages you to make room for new experiences. We highlight unique ideas to explore that you might not have considered before. Take time away from the regular schedule of life. To lose yourself on a drive, a new recipe, or in a good book.
Cheers to finding something new that you love!
SHERRY YORK, PUBLISHER
July 2024
PUBLISHER
Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alison Stanton, Susan Lanier-Graham, Beth Del Ville
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Randy Johnson, Stephanie Slezak, Yasmine Carmen Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
From Stadium Lights to Global Sights
Former
Swimming Hole Hot Spots
Visit these enchanting swimming spots nestled against the backdrop of some of Arizona’s most beautiful landscapes
Acupuncture 101
Explore one of alternative medicine’s most popular treatments with the founder of QingDao Wellness
business monthly
Parlor Doughnuts Opens in Ahwatukee
The craft doughnut and coffee shop opened its second Arizona location in Ahwatukee on 40th Street and Chandler Blvd. Their unique layered doughnuts are a marriage of a flaky croissant and a classic doughnut and come in a variety of flavors including Peanut Butter Cup, Bourbon Caramel and Campfire. They also offer a selection of vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly doughnuts. Savory breakfast tacos and sandwiches are available, and they even have doughnuts for furry friends. ParlorDoughnuts.com
Photography Courtesy of Parlor Doughnuts
FROM STADIUM LIGHTS TO GLOBAL SIGHTS
FORMER MLB PRO RANDY JOHNSON’S CAREER AS A PHOTOGRAPHER ON DISPLAY IN NEW EXHIBITION
ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDY JOHNSON
Randy Johnson may be best known for his days as the pitcher who helped bring home a World Series win for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001, but the Hall of Famer and five-time Cy Young Award winner is sharing his passion for photography and exploration of subjects with “51 Frames: A Randy Johnson Photography Exhibit” at FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel in downtown Phoenix. The exhibition
"Praying Monk" taken in Thailand, 2014
showcases Johnson’s entire photography career, from his time as a University of Southern California photojournalism student through his current works.
“With this particular exhibit,” says Johnson, “I am looking forward to showing more of my love for rock and roll and travel.”
The images showcased at the gallery are primarily works that have not been previously on display, but also includes
a curated selection from his previous exhibits in The Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown, NY, and The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Subjects of the exhibition range from landscapes and cityscapes to nature and rock ‘n roll.
The exhibit runs now through Sept. 15. Visit FOUNDREHotels.com for details, and RJ51Photos.com for more information on Johnson’s photography.
Mike Ness from Social Distortion taken in 2013 at the Marquee.
SWIMMING HOLE HOT SPOTS
Visit these enchanting swimming spots nestled against the backdrop of some of Arizona’s most beautiful landscapes
ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE
Water in the desert isn’t always a mirage. Make a splash this summer at swimming holes that combine Arizona’s natural beauty and recreational fun. Hikes to these watering holes vary in intensity and be sure to always check conditions before heading out on your water adventure.
SLIDE ROCK
The epitome of swimming holes in Arizona, Slide Rock in Oak Creek is known as an Arizona local’s favorite and has been named one of “America’s Top 10 Swimming Holes” by the Travel Channel. Nestled below an apple orchard and surrounded by the area’s famous red rocks, this 80-footlong natural slide is created from algae on the sandstone rocks. The spot is a popular destination during the summer, and especially on weekends, so arrive early and bring exact change if paying cash for the entrance fees, which can fluctuate depending on the time of year.
FOSSIL CREEK
Not-so-secret but oh-so-fabulous, Fossil Creek is another archetype of Arizona swimming holes. One of only two National Wild and Scenic rivers in Arizona, Fossil Creek is a riparian area that serves a wide variety of plants and wildlife. The beautiful, deep and cool water is perfect for wading in and sunbathing next to. Permits are required April through October and reservations must be made in advance.
Slide Rock. Photo courtesy Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau.
SYCAMORE CANYON
Located a two-hour drive north of Ahwatukee in Clarkdale, Ariz., lies Sycamore Canyon in Coconino National Forest. Several swimming holes can be found along Parsons Trail but following about 15 minutes of hiking is where you’ll find the largest and arguably most beautiful one. Surrounded by red rock walls and tall cottonwoods, the pool is a popular place for a dip. In the summer, start early for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
HORTON SPRINGS
Just east of Payson off the 260 and at the base of the Mogollon Rim is the start of your adventure along Horton Creek, named after L. J. Horton, a homesteader and cattleman who settled near the creek in the 1880s. At Horton Springs, hikers will find a spring-fed waterfall that collects into a pool which, while not deep enough to dive in, is a refreshing reward for hands, legs, feet and face.
SABINO CANYON
Head down to Tucson to enjoy the pools that dot Sabino Canyon. The canyon has year-round water sources and many hikes lead to swimming holes. Sabino Dam is a popular swimming area for families. You can also take the tram to the last stop, then it’s a short hike to popular swimming holes Hutch’s Pool and The Crack.
Sycamore Canyon. Photo courtesy of the Arizona Office of Tourism. Horton Creek Trail
Fossil Creek
“MAKE
Sabino Canyon Recreational Park in Tucson.
Acupuncture 101
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY YASMINE CARMEN PHOTOGRAPHY
EXPLORE ONE OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE’S MOST POPULAR TREATMENTS WITH THE FOUNDER OF QINGDAO WELLNESS
““I am truly blessed to provide acupuncture services and am excited to help so frequently and in so many subtle ways.”
As founder of QingDao Wellness, Robert “Kirby” Woods, LAc, Dipl. OM (NCCAOM) understands that many people have questions about alternative medicine, including what happens during an acupuncture session.
Woods offers in-home Chinese medicine services to people throughout the East Valley, including Ahwatukee.
For those who have never had acupuncture— the traditional Chinese medicine treatment where very thin needles are inserted in the skin at strategic points on the body, commonly used for overall wellness and to help alleviate pain— Woods starts by sending an extensive electronic health questionnaire to the patient.
“This will provide a great history and details into the daily life of the patient,” he says.
During the first acupuncture session, Woods will take his patient’s pulse, look at the patient’s tongue and review the health questionnaire.
About Robert “Kirby” Woods
Robert “Kirby” Woods left his first career as an environmental chemist in 2010. The same year, he enrolled in the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture (PIHMA). He completed the full course of study in 2015, and was fully licensed in 2018. He founded QingDao Wellness in 2018.
480.459.4426 | QingDaoWellness.com Instagram and Facebook at QingDaoWellness
“With all of these details, I will determine a differential diagnosis, propose a treatment plan, and provide the first treatment,” he says.
Follow-up appointments are shorter, and include discussing any changes the patient observed and the treatment.
“The treatment itself involves choosing up to 10 acupuncture points, as well as suggesting herbs or other modalities beneficial to meeting the health goals of the patient, to address the complaints presented,” Woods says, adding that acupuncture can be used in conjunction with Western medicine.
“For conditions where a slight adjustment is necessary, traditional medicines, such as acupuncture and herbs, can give more ‘bang for the buck.’”
Hearing positive feedback from his patients about how acupuncture has helped them is extremely gratifying for Woods.
“I am truly blessed to provide acupuncture services and am excited to help so frequently and in so many subtle ways,” he says.
SCENTS OF ADVENTURE
Destination-themed candles offer an olfactory journey around the world
ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE
Imagine the most amazing pool experience you’ve had a hotel. Hotel Lobby Candle encapsulated that memory in a fragrance. Their newest release, Poolside, is an airy aquatic fragrance that aims to capture the essence of a cool breeze, sun-kissed skin and the plush pool towel that awaits you after that first dip. HotelLobbyCandle.com
Just want to take a tropical vacation and the destination matters not? The scent is a double-concentrated blend of Vacation’s award-winning signature fragrance, dubbed The World’s Best-Smelling Sunscreen. VACATION sparks beachside-scented memories with the strike of a match. Vacation.inc
Inspired by a spontaneous February trip to the artistic enclave of Santa Fe, New Mexico, the earthy, calming scent features wild sage, piñon and orchid cactus. Light this candle and imagine yourself exploring the high desert landscapes, art galleries and more that the “City Different” has to offer. BrooklynCandleStudio.com
1. “POOLSIDE” BY HOTEL LOBBY
2. “VACATION” BY VACATION BLACK LABEL
3. “SANTA FE” BY BROOKLYN CANDLE STUDIO
Photo by Stephanie Slezak
Photo courtesy Brooklyn Candle Studio
With its warm and rich aroma, Sedona Sunset from local brand Koko’s Candles whisks you away to the picturesque red rocks of one of Arizona’s most renowned destinations. A pewter heart is placed at the base of each candle, to remind you that you are loved. A percentage of proceeds from every candle purchase is donated to the Children’s Heart Foundation. KokoCandles.com
If you can’t jet off to the Italian coast at a moment’s notice, you can at least light a candle, close your eyes and conjure up the feeling of being transported to the Amalfi coast. This blend of lemon, eucalyptus, jasmine and the fresh scent of the sea evokes images of meandering through the streets of cliffside villages. RiflePaperCo.com Sage, driftwood and a crackling wood wick help recreate the wonder of the wilderness you would experience visiting the Acadia National Park in Maine. Paddywax created a collection of scents that represent some of the country’s national parks, including Redwood, Yosemite, Glacier, the Grand Canyon and Olympic, among others. Paddywax.com
4. “SEDONA SUNSET” BY KOKO’S CANDLES
6. “AMALFI DEL MAR” BY RIFLE PAPER CO.
5.“ACADIA NATIONAL PARK” BY PADDYWAX
Photo courtesy Paddywax
Photo by Stephanie Slezak
Photo courtesy Rifle Paper Co.
AND FIND YOUR PEACE GET LOST
Exploring The Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Just on the outskirts of Austin, nestled on 400 acres of luscious and sprawling countryside, this fun-filled resort does not disappoint. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a family-friendly destination that offers an array of activities for all ages to enjoy.
Guests are transported to a simpler time where both adults and kids can be seen casually riding bicycles around the property or strolling along the Colorado River that hugs the resort. Open areas with yard games, outdoor game tables, sports courts and a mini golf course invite families to engage in activities that allow for quality time spent enjoying the outdoors.
Choose between an adventurous getaway or a serene escape, as Lost Pines Resort and Spa has something for everyone. Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more. Cool off poolside at one of the many pools, or float on the 1,000-foot lazy river. The expansive, 18-hole, 7,200 yard golf course designed by award-winning architect Arthur Hills, allows
golfers to enjoy the natural beauty of this championship course.
A Texas ranch-style resort wouldn’t be complete without animals. Visit the Lost Pines corral for daily meet and greets with longhorns, miniature ponies, miniature donkeys, goats, alpacas and pigs. Families can enjoy nightly movies on the outdoor movie screen. Scheduled kids activities are available day and evening throughout your stay. The expansive grounds allows guests to spend time exploring the activities on the property.
The resort offers a variety of dining experiences for the culinary enthusiast including six different on-site restaurants, each offering unique bites and beverages. Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at Stories, where all food is sourced from local purveyors. They also offer an expansive selection of wines, scotch, and mixed drinks. For a unique dining experience, visit the renowned, exclusive 10-seat omakase, Sushi By Scratch, with Chef Philip Frankland Lee. This menu-free establishment boasts a private and unexpected experience that is sure to please. Advanced reservations are required and encouraged as dining spots fill up quickly. For a more casual dining experience, visit one of the other four on-site restaurants including Maverick’s Roadhouse, buffet style dining at Heartwood House, light bites enjoyed poolside at Old Buck’s Place or eat alfresco at Maude’s Bar and Terrace. After a day of making memories, retreat to the newly remodeled and spacious rooms and suites. The views are breathtaking, and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation.
The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is the perfect vacation destination to recharge regardless of what stage of life you are in. For more information visit LostPinesResortandSpa.com
ADVENTUROUS GETAWAY OR A SERENE ESCAPE
Defender 110
X-Dynamic
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROVIDED
ADVENTURE AWAITS IN A REIMAGINED LAND ROVER CLASSIC
Land Rover has managed to reimagine a classic in a masterful way. The new Land Rover Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE is ideal whether you’re heading out for a day off-roading, or making a quick run to pick up groceries or the kids from school. The Defender offers an unmatched exterior, extreme durability, best-in-class capability, and stunning technology.
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR FEATURES
The Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE featured a sliding panoramic roof, automatic headlight leveling, and keyless entry. The all-terrain tires will take you easily over the roughest terrain.
Inside, you’ll love the 12-way heated and cooled electric memory leather front seats. You’ll enjoy entertainment on the go with the 10-inch Touchscreen, interactive driver display, and Meridian Sound System 400W with 10 speakers and a subwoofer.
UNPARALLELED PERFORMANCE
The Defender is engineered and tested to the extreme. According to Land Rover, is it the “toughest and strongest vehicle ever” and has undergone rigorous testing.
If you want to head off-the-grid, Defender is ready. It has a 370-lb. dynamic roof load and a 661-lb. static load. It can tow up to 7,716 lbs. with the Advanced Tow Assist. The electro winch has a maximum pulling force of 10,000 lbs., operated via remote control.
MSRP: $72,000
Price as tested: $87,973 17 MPG city/20 MPG highway
BRITTANY WOODHAM, LAC
“There’s healing in speaking your truth”
Brittany is an EMDR therapist who offers personalized one-on-one sessions focused on empowering her clients in their healing journey. She provides a safe, supportive environment where authenticity is valued, and clients can feel free to be themselves. Brittany's transparent and authentic approach is rooted in the belief that truth leads to healing. She strives to create a space where clients feel seen, heard, and validated, freeing them from the burden of shame and allowing for open expression and growth.
JULY 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOW THROUGH JULY 28TH
Hamilton
ASU Gammage
The award-winning musical of passion, unstoppable ambition and the dawn of a new nation returns to the Valley through July 28. Hamilton is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Visit ASUGammage.com for tickets and showtimes.
JULY 5TH - AUGUST 17TH
Cinderella
Hale Centre Theatre
Experience the Tony Award-winning timeless tale of a young woman, her fairy godmother, and one enchanted morning you’ll never forget! You’ll hear songs including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” in this hilarious and romantic theatrical experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream...or a really great pair of shoes. For more details, visit HaleTheatreArizona.com.
JULY 9TH
New Kids On The Block
“Magic Summer 2024" Tour
Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre | 7:00 PM
Back in the Valley for the first time since 2022, the grown-up boy band will be joined by two other acts who topped the charts when the ’80s were giving way to the ’90s: Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff. During this revival of their original “Magic Summer” tour, fans can sing along to their greatest hits and expect the unexpected. Purchase tickets by visiting LiveNation.com
Supervisior Mark Harris LPC
CONTINUED
JULY 19TH
Phoenix Rising vs. El Paso Locomotive
Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium | 7:30 PM
The police versus firefighters match is back! Celebrate First Responders Appreciation night as the Phoenix Rising take on the El Paso Locomotive Football Club. Rising players will be making surprise visits to emergency centers throughout the week leading up to the game. Visit PHXRisingFC.com for tickets.
JULY 19TH AND 20TH
Martin Lawrence: Y’all Know What It Is!
Gila River Resorts and CasinosWild Horse Pass
Comedy legend Martin Lawrence headlines “Y’all Know What It Is!” an all-new stand-up comedy show – his first comedy tour since 2016 – that finds funny in everything from family and culture as only Lawrence can. The national tour kicks off here in Arizona with two shows. Special guests include Benji Brown and Daphnique Springs. To learn more and to purchase tickets, visit PlayAtGila.com.
JULY 30TH
Barbie the Movie: In Concert
Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre | 8:00 PM
Dress in your best Barbie-inspired outfit and enjoy an immersive Barbie event. Guests will watch the fulllength film while listening to the score performed live by Barbie Lan Sinfonietta, an all-women and mostly women-of-color orchestra conducted by Tony Award-winning producer Macy Schmidt. For more information, visit BarbieTheMovieInConcert.com
