Issuu

Partner With Us For Proven Success

Ahwatukee’s #1 Team For Over 40 Years

Mike Mendoza | Josh Mendoza | Rob Castellini

Grateful for Another Year

November might just be my most favorite month of the year. There is so much to celebrate!

Personally, there are a host of family birthdays this month—my sister- and brother-in-law, my grandfather, my aunt, my son, and I all have birthdays. It’s a veritable birthday bonanza! And a joy to kick off the holiday season celebrating so many of my loved ones.

Want to celebrate the season with your loved ones? One way to gather everyone together - sans screens - is by hosting a simple and nostalgic game night. Whether you bring together family, friends, neighbors, or a mix of all, we have you covered with the best family-friendly games, along with a snack bar set-up sure to fuel up peckish players.

Is there anything more wonderful than a traditional Thanksgiving feast? And who better to help bring that feast to fruition than the iconic HoneyBaked Ham! We got a chance to catch up with Toni Gilbert, who—along with her family—heads the team behind the Ahwatukee location, to learn more about all they do to assist in making our holiday meals the most memorable.

Additionally, we share some inspired ways to decorate your Thanksgiving table, and a few comfort-filled recipes to get you through the fall.

It’s also the fourth anniversary of Ahwatukee City Lifestyle! How lucky are we to be able to celebrate another year of sharing local stories and businesses that make our community so vibrant? We are forever grateful for our incredible advertising partners and to each of you, dear readers, for allowing us to continue to do what we love.

We’re so thankful for our friends, family and community this and every month. We hope you find time in all the hustle and bustle at the start of the holiday season to be grateful for the moments that matter.

BETH DEL VILLE, EDITOR @AHWATUKEECITYLIFESTYLE

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Stephanie Slezak

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alison Stanton, Lauren Lane, Amanda Stout, Julie Brown Patton, Beth Del Ville

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Stephanie Slezak, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Family Tradition

for Game Night

Nicholas Chavez Joins Confluent Asset Management

Nicholas Chavez recently joined Confluent Asset Management. The financial advisory company is dedicated to creating real, long-term wealth for clients. Confluent Asset Management builds fully customized portfolios and offers a strategic investment approach that provides each individual client with the most beneficial path to their goals. They specialize is working with small business owners, entrepreneurs and solo practitioners, and offer free consultations. ConfluentAM.com

Verbena The Salon Opens New Location

Just in time for the holidays, Verbena, The Salon is opening their new location in the heart of Ahwatukee at 3145 E. Chandler Blvd. #104, on the southeast corner of Chandler and 32nd Street. In addition to high-quality hair services, Verbena is expanding their offerings to include spa services such as facials, brow shaping and waxing, and will build on their foundation of providing products and services centered on clean beauty and wellbeing. VerbenaTheSalon.com

ICONIC FAMILY TRADITION

The Honey Baked Ham Company helps Ahwatukee families serve delicious and memorable holiday meals

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON

For many families in Ahwatukee, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without at least one tasty specialty from The Honey Baked Ham Company.

Toni Gilbert opened The Honey Baked Ham Company franchise in Ahwatukee in 2008.

“I love sharing ‘HoneyBaked Happiness,’ whether it’s for a customer’s holiday meal or when they stop by for lunch.” Toni Gilbert

“I knew we needed to be in the community, so Ahwatukee was the first place I went when I made the leap to franchisee,” she says.

Since then, customers have flocked to the store at 5030 E. Ray Road – especially right before Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

“Honey Baked is a family tradition, so the holidays would not be the same without our HoneyBaked Ham or HoneyBaked Turkey Breast in the center of the table,” Gilbert says, adding that her store also offers HoneyBaked BBQ Ribs, Beef Roasts, BBQ Roasts, Peppered Bacon, Heat & Serve Side Dishes, desserts and, starting this holiday season, fully cooked and seasoned HoneyBaked Prime Rib.

While Gilbert’s store offers lunch, family meals and catering all year long, the holidays are definitely the busiest times of the year.

Gilbert, who has worked for the brand since she was hired as a seasonal employee in 1988, and currently owns four Honey Baked Ham franchises throughout the Valley, is humbled and honored to know that her store’s delicious food plays a key role in so many Ahwatukee families’ holidays.

To make sure things run extra smoothly during these busy times, Gilbert calls upon her own family members to help.

“We are a locally owned business, and it is all hands on deck during our peak season,” she says.

“Our catering customers will see my husband Brett delivering their lunches for meetings or holiday parties. My oldest son Caleb is a firefighter, but will work his off shifts glazing our hams and turkeys during the peak weeks of the holidays.”

Gilbert’s youngest son Logan will head to the store after his day job to help box up the gifting products for their B2B customers.

“And of course, my parents join in the fun making fundraiser deliveries to our nonprofits that we partner with. During those peak days, we all do what we need to do to ensure our customers are taken care of.”

What helps set HoneyBaked Ham apart, which in turn keeps customers coming back over and over, is the company’s commitment to quality and taste.

As Gilbert notes, the iconic HoneyBaked Ham is a natural ham with no added water, that is prepared fresh every day in the store.

“The depth and dimension of the flavor of our ham is like nothing else on the market. It’s the ideal balance of savory and sweet,” she says.

“First, our HoneyBaked Ham starts with a rigorous selection process. The meat is smoked for up to 24 hours with our special blend of hardwood chips, then they are hand-crafted in our stores with the secret sweet crunchy glaze.”

Gilbert, who was the 2023 Recipient of the International Franchise Association Franchisee of the Year, is proud that she and her family help make Ahwatukee families’ holidays extra special.

“I love sharing ‘HoneyBaked Happiness,’ whether it’s for a customer’s holiday meal or when they stop by for lunch,” she says.

“I literally breathe, sleep and dream HoneyBaked Ham, and finding ways to bring it to more people.”

HoneyBaked.com/Stores/2519 | 480.598.3000

Where Luxe Meets the Season

Whether you’re looking for a fur coat, a dazzling dress for your next holiday soirée, or the perfect pair of jeans, our curated collection invites you to celebrate your style — and your story. When you choose sustainable fashion, you're not only elevating your wardrobe, you're part of a movement that values beauty with purpose.

the Season in

crowd pleasing

comfort foods

Fall entertaining has never been easier than with these deliciously simple recipes.

ARTICLE BY LAUREN LANE & AMANDA STOUT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

Whether you plan to host family for holiday festivities or come together for a Friendsgiving you’ll need plenty of options to feed a crowd. Lauren Lane knows how to make everyone feel cared for and cozy. As a distinguished culinary influencer recently showcased on a Netflix cooking competition, Lauren has cemented her status as a prominent figure in the world of food and entertainment. We hope her recipes inspire you to slow down and gather around the table to feed the dreams of those you love. For tips on these comfort foods and more fall inspiration, visit Lauren-Lane.com

INGREDIENTS

• 1 small white onion, peeled and diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)

• 2 medium carrots, chopped in rounds

• 2 ribs celery, sliced in half moons

• 1 large (about 1 pound) sweet potato, peeled and chopped in large chunks

• 1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon, chicken flavor

• 1 cup uncooked wild rice

• 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced

• 2 large handfuls of kale, roughly chopped with thick stems removed

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Fall Vegetable, Kale & Rice Soup

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium-high heat in a large stock pot. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add in the chicken stock, carrots, celery, sweet potato, Herbes de Provence, bay leaf and Better than Bouillon. Stir to combine.

3. Add rice and bring to a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally.

4. Add kale and mushrooms and stir gently until combined. Cook for 3-5 minutes.

5. Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed.

DRESSING

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

SALAD

• 1 small head of butter lettuce, torn into pieces

• 1 small head radicchio, core removed and torn into pieces

• 1/2 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and very thinly sliced

• 1 shallot, thinly sliced

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and finely crumbled

• 1 apple, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped

• 2-3 ounces of goat cheese (optional)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt and black pepper and whisk to combine. Taste, add more salt and pepper as desired.

2. Add Brussels sprouts to a bowl and toss with a small amount of the dressing.

3. Arrange lettuces, Brussels sprouts, apples and shallots on a platter.

4. Top with bacon, nuts and goat cheese if using.

5. Drizzle with additional salad dressing, to taste.

Fall Radicchio Brussels Sprouts Bacon Salad

Parmesan Bread

Bites with Thyme Honey

INGREDIENTS

• 1 refrigerated pizza dough (store-bought or homemade pizza dough)

• 6 tablespoons butter

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (heaping)

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan (use good quality Parmesan)

• Honey and a few sprigs of thyme for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. Divide dough into 4 pieces.

3. Roll each piece of dough into a long rope shape. You’ll want it to be about 1 inch thick all the way around.

4. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into 1-inch pieces.

5. Melt butter and add salt. Brush the tops of the bites with the butter mixture.

6. Dip the top of each piece of dough into Parmesan.

7. Bake for 15 minutes. They will be very lightly golden. Do not overbake or they will become hard.

8. Serve sprinkled with thyme leaves and honey. Garnish with sprigs of thyme.

ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK

GET READY FOR Game Night

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE PERFECT GAME GATHERING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

’Tis the season for get-togethers with family and friends. Kids are home from school, friends and family are visiting for the holidays, and neighbors are especially, well, neighborly! In the whirlwind of holiday to-dos and festive planning, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos. This year, take a moment to carve out some time for a little fun!

With screens and social media dominating our attention, a nostalgic, simple and joyful game night sets the scene for laughter, friendly competition and making memories with those you love.

Check out our guide to creating the best game night ever.

No matter who wins the game, we all know the real win is spending time with your loved ones.

The Guest List

Game nights might just be the perfect party; they’re great for everyone from toddlers to grandparents. And games can be the great equalizer while bringing everyone together. The sweet spot for your game night’s guest size should be manageable but large enough to be lively (somewhere between 6 to 10 people).

Setting the Scene

Clear away the clutter to make space for games and guests. Assemble a comfortable seating area with cozy blankets, cushy poufs and floor pillows to encourage everyone to relax and stay a while. Curate a fun and upbeat playlist to have in the background - just loud enough to create the perfect party ambiance. Indie folk or smooth jazz can keep the energy up without distracting from gameplay. Set up a variety of lighting from string lights to candles to craft a magical mood, ensuring the space feels inviting.

Snack Attack

Keep the rivalry friendly by ensuring your guests are satiated. Set up a popcorn bar, a low-effort but high-impact snack station! Stock up on individual popcorn boxes so your guests can create their own snack sensations. You can rent an old-fashioned popcorn machine for a fun, nostalgic touch or simply provide a large bowl of freshly popped corn. Then, arrange your toppings. Think butter or olive oil, a variety of seasonings from traditional salt to nutritional yeast, sweet candies for that salty-sweet combination, melted chocolate and caramel sauce, and more.

The Games

The best strategy for selecting games is to have a variety at the ready. For large, loud and energetic play, think group party games like Codenames and Wavelength. For smaller, more thoughtful groups, Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne and other strategy games may be the way to go. You can’t go wrong with timeless staples such as Pictionary, Scrabble or a deck of cards.

Or take game night outdoors and prepare for a spirited contest with classic outdoor games like ladder toss and cornhole.

No matter who wins the game, we all know the real win is spending time with your loved ones.

thanksgiving cornucopia

How To Decorate Tables With Noteworthy November Flair

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Whether traditional or modern, formal or fussfree, Thanksgiving centerpieces set a memorable ambiance for November gatherings.

• An old dough bowl or wood trencher makes a great low centerpiece when filled with seasonal pumpkins, gourds, pinecones and flowering branches.

• Fill a stoneware sugar bowl with seeded eucalyptus, chrysanthemums and pears.

• Use one or a nest of baskets, floral foam and some blooms to craft a themed stunner.

• Incorporate family heirlooms by using an inherited (or thrifted) antique teapot, surrounded by other vintage finds.

• Stack two cake plates on top of each other with bite-size edibles; add other, shorter floral arrangements in pitchers or vases, if desired.

• Add soft candlelight with rustic textures of wood and lots of fall color via an assortment of fresh and faux gourds, silk sunflowers and dried seed pods.

use vintage finds

deliciously edible

Make an edible bread cornucopia, ‘horn of plenty,’ for the Thanksgiving table using refrigerated bread or pizza dough, a plastic bottle mold and aluminum foil. Wrap the bottle with foil, make a tail at one end and then layer adjoining strips of dough on the foil. Brush cornucopia with melted butter, remove the plastic bottle and bake at 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes on the lower rack, or until it turns a golden, shiny brown. Fill with sweet or savory nibbles, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, gourds, nuts, rosemary breadstick twists or even cookies, for an impressive centerpiece that’ll keep guests happily munching while they wait for the main meal to begin.

H O P E

Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

Amy O. Duenas

Carrie P. Cravatta

Dori L. Eden

Falling For Neutrals

SEASONAL DECOR TIPS FOR KEEPING IT SIMPLE

I love decorating for the holiday season, but it gets tough if trying to keep a home decor airy, light and neutral. My home is full of neutrals, such as linen, khaki, white and gray, so decorating for the holidays can be tricky with the bright and bold themes on display at the stores. Here are tips regarding how to achieve a festive look without going overboard.

ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN

LESS IS MORE

First, whenever decorating for the holiday season, I clear what's possible to make room for what's coming. I eliminate decor pieces that are displayed year-round to avoid adding clutter to rooms. Giving decor pieces or floral arrangements their own space to shine can pull the room together and make it feel very designed.

STICK TO THE PALETTE

As best as possible, I try to stick to each of the color palettes in my room. When it’s time to bring out pumpkins or holiday Santas, I stick to white and neutral or add in color pops of gold and silver to keep everything flowing. If I start to add too many primary colors, it ends up looking like a mash-up gone astray.

CELEBRATE MEMORIES

The holidays are often bursting with family traditions and memories, and decor can reflect that, too. I have many items handed down over the years that I like admiring, but if they aren’t quite right for my room, there are options to bring the spirit of them to life. Framed holiday family photos in a black and white filter are an excellent way to tie in your history of celebrating in a subtle way.

LOOK TO NATURE

Some of my favorite items to use for holiday decor come from a simple nature walk. Using actual items you find, or just getting inspiration from the outdoors is a great way to bring sights of the season indoors. For fall, elements such as branches, leaves and neutral gourds match with everything. For winter, I love using sticks with berries

or evergreen branches with pine cones to fill vases. Add a battery-operated strand of lights and you’re looking just like a designer home magazine spread.

GO COZY

Swapping out usual throw pillows and throw blankets for plushy, cuddly materials and seasonal prints are another simple way to add holiday spirit without being so literal. Opting for neutral plaids, cable knits, or sherpa materials add that feeling of fall and winter.

CATER TO ALL THE SENSES

Don’t forget about the smell! Stocking up on candles that smell like the season is the last missing piece for a holiday vibe. The total sensory feeling of the holidays is what really brings a home to life, whether it's pumpkin spice burning for Thanksgiving or a fresh pine and cedar for Christmas.

If items aren’t working together, don’t be afraid to get crafty. Painting pumpkins with spray paint or tying some neutral ribbons around existing vases are an easy and affordable way to make them fit a specific aesthetic.

NOVEMBER 2025

NOVEMBER 8TH

Arizona Fall Festival

Margaret T. Hance Park | 10:00 AM

Spend the day at the 20th annual Arizona Fall Festival and discover more than 200 vendors representing Arizona’s favorite local businesses while enjoying samples from some of the state’s best restaurants. This free event is family-friendly and dog-friendly and features a silent auction and KidZone, filled with crafts, games and activities for for kids and families. LocalFirstAZ. com/Fall-Fest 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

NOVEMBER 8TH

20th Annual Ahwatukee Car Show

Ahwatukee Community Swim & Tennis Center | 9:00 AM

Rev your engines and check out the cool cars on display at the annual Ahwatukee Car Show. Spectators are free and can enjoy food, music, a silent auction and raffles. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Wounded Warrior Project. Trophies are awarded in several categories. AhwatukeeCommunityCenter.com/ Car-Show 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

NOVEMBER 9TH

Romeo & Juliet

ASU Gammage | 7:30 PM

Created by the Emmy®-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told, asking what would happen if Juliet’s story didn’t end with Romeo’s? Join Juliet on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning featuring pop favorites like “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time" and more. ASUGammage.com

NOVEMBER 11TH

Tempe Veterans Day Parade

Route: ASU Gammage around 12th Street and Mill Avenue north to Tempe Beach Park | 10:00 AM

With more than 50 years of tradition behind it, the Tempe Veterans Day Parade is a hallmark event in the community that honors all military veterans. Veterans Day Parade participants include members of the Tempe City Council, various Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, local school marching bands, community members, veterans groups and many more.

NOVEMBER 20TH

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

ASU Gammage | 7:30 PM

Kick off the holiday season with the iconic Mannheim Steamroller Christmas concert. Touted as America’s favorite holiday tradition for more than 40 years, Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. Visit ASUGammage.com for tickets and information.

NOVEMBER 22ND

Light Up Ahwatukee Holiday Festival

Desert Foothills Park | 10:00 AM

The beloved annual family-friendly event is back for its 28th year. Held from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM, it features holiday arts and crafts, shopping, food and drinks, and entertainment, along with inflatables and Santa’s Village with complimentary family photos, it’s an event not to be missed. For more information, visit LightUpAhwatukee.org

INGREDIENTS:

Thanksgiving Blessing Mix

• 2 cups Bugles

• 2 cups mini pretzels

• 1 cup salted peanuts or cashews

• 1 cup M&Ms chocolate candies

• 1 cup candy corn

• 1 cup craisins or raisins

• (optional) 2 cups of Chex

• (optional) Hersey Kiss candy

DIRECTIONS:

Combine ingredients in a large bowl. Stir until well mixed and store in a covered container or immediately measure out into individual, zipped top or tied bags. Enjoy each and every time, with a whisper of gratefulness.

Keep a Jar Full of This Popular Snack for Family and Give Bags to Neighbors, Friends, and Colleagues.