GRAND OPENING of Chandler's Premiere Jeweler
Myranda and her team are thrilled to announce the opening of their much anticipated NEW flagship location!
From dazzling necklaces to elegant bracelets to stunning rings and everything in between, get ready to elevate your style with our unparalleled selection of jewelry.
Myranda Fine Jewelry is dedicated to creating breathtaking pieces that capture the essence of luxury and sophistication. With a passion for perfection and an eye for detail, our designers bring dreams to life by transforming the finest materials into works of art that transcend generations. The exceptional quality and enduring value of each piece is guaranteed with a lifetime warranty.
Our team is dedicated to treating every client with our VIP Concierge service, coordinating and executing every detail of your buying experience.
Now accepting nominations for 2025 Nomination deadline 2-28-2025
Cathy Carter is an outstanding realtor that we would recommend without hesitation. We have been fortunate to do 4 transactions with her, and in every interaction she has not only delivered value or improved on meeting our expectations as her client. She is honest, driven, well-connected, and understands the ins and outs of the process to make it efficient and seamless. We will definitely be working with her in our future transactions.
SOLINEL R.
Happy 2025!
Welcome to 2025! Wow—I can’t believe I just wrote that. I know I’m dating myself, but I remember when we were worried that the world would shut down at midnight in 1999 as the date changed to 2000. But of course, time moves faster as it marches on, and here we are, 25 years later.
Like most people, I look at January as a reset. It’s a perfect time to start fresh. Of course, that looks different for everyone. It can mean working toward a healthier lifestyle, finding more work-life balance, making time for more rest, dedicating additional time to family, or even just attempting to read a new book. It can be a grandiose refresh or finally tackling a simple to-do item.
To me, January is just a reminder to be gentle with yourself and let the past go and look toward the future, incorporating more of what you want to see in your life. My personal list includes reading more books, trying to cook healthier foods, organizing my junk closet, and making more time for outings with friends.
In this issue, we share ways that we hope inspire you as you begin the new year. There are health and wellness tips, information about the impact of plants, a fabulous lasagna recipe, local healthy meals, and an inspiring story on David DeLorenzo.
Happy 2025—wishing you all a wonderful year ahead!
Yours,
MICHELLE GLICKSMAN, EDITOR @CHANDLERCITYLIFESTYLE
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Joyce Selk | joyce.selk@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Michelle Glicksman
michelle.glicksman@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANTS
Jessica Bush | jessica.bush@citylifestyle.com
Christina Larson | christina.larson@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Jessica Bush | jessica.bush@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Gretchen Pahia, Alison Stanton
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Lindsay Borg
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Dr. Higgs Dr. Shumake
2025
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Three local kids—including Chandler's 10-year-old Ben Figueroa—received shopping sprees at Crayola Experience Chandler. A U.S. Marine helped him gather items. 2: The Veteran’s Five Quilting Group crafted beautiful handmade quilts for each of the Veterans at Cadence Chandler.
3: Subaru Superstore of Chandler, in partnership with the Chandler Education Foundation, celebrated a decade of empowering educators in CUSD. 4: Champion football player Malcolm Mitchell visited students at San Marcos Elementary to promote the importance of digital equity.
5: ICAN offers STEAM programs to local youth, inspiring an interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. 6: ICAN offers STEAM programs to local youth inspiring an interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. 7: The team at Myranda Fine Diamonds was ready to help the Chandler Compadres raise money for kids at the 2024 Rock The Cause.
COURTESY CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE
8: It's always a party at the Chandler Chamber's annual Chandler 100 event! 9: Quantum Helicopters hosted the Chandler Chamber's annual Chandler 100 event. 10: It's always a party at the Chandler Chamber's annual Chandler 100 event! 11: Chandler 100, where the Chandler Chamber recognizes the top 100 companies contributing to the city's thriving economy. 12: Chandler City Lifestyle was honored by the Chandler Chamber at the Chandler 100, recognizing the top 100 companies contributing to our city's thriving economy. 13: Local restaurants provided lots of great food to guests at the Chamber's Chandler 100 event. 14: Chandler Compadres raised a record $1.85 million for Valley kids at its 2024 annual Rock The Cause event.
15: Chandler Compadres raised a record $1.85 million for Valley kids at its 2024 annual Rock The Cause event. 16: Chandler Compadres raised a record $1.85 million for Valley kids at its 2024 annual Rock The Cause event. 17: The Flower Girl Brunch event by by the Chandler Service Club is always a beautiful event. 18: Dream Big 2024 set a record raising money for ICAN kids. 19: Denise and Andrew McCreery continue to support ICAN at the 2024 Dream Big event. 20: Co-Chairs Tami Butcher and Cherie Malkoff were all set to host A Night of PAWsibilities annual event benefiting Gabriel's Angels. 21: Chandler Compadres raised a record $1.85 million for Valley kids at its 2024 annual Rock The Cause event.
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When should I consider in-home care for myself or a loved one?
This quick checklist will help determine whether it’s time to have a conversation to see if in-home care or other care solutions are needed.
you are Aging. miss taking Medications. Assistance needed by others to stay at home – help with transportation, errands, grocery, housecleaning, personal hygiene.
Desire to stay at home.
A spouse of someone you are caring for – in-home care as a respite for a loved one.
Chandler Video Wins Rocky Mountain Emmy Award
Chandler’s 2024 State of the City Video Struthio earned a Rocky Mountain Emmy Award for Graphic Arts. The video features a series of visual and special effects encountered by Mayor Kevin Hartke as he navigated a local gaming experience to open the State of the City event. Chandler-produced videos also earned two Rocky Mountain Emmy nominations in the commercial and public service announcement categories: The Join Team Chandler ads and Chandler’s Go Blonde water conservation video.
Dr. Joshua Russek , DVM
Dr. Nathan Goodwin, DVM
Andrea Stickland, DVM
Dr Adalis Montero, DVM
Las Tiendas Village Welcomes Several New Businesses
A new wave of tenants is now calling Las Tiendas Village at 2925 S. Alma School Road home. The destination, which already features locales including HomeGoods and Sprouts, recently welcomed department store Marshalls, boutique fitness studio Body20, beauty supply store Happy Beauty, lash spa Revelashons, and child-focused hair salon Sit Still Kids. The center is a Vestar location.
Two Chandler Artists Launch Fiber Nonprofit
Two Chandler artists who work with textiles believe Arizona needs a center to help unify all fiber artists with education, exhibitions, a library, and much more, like many cities have. So Debra Kay, along with Laurie Fagen, both art quilters, began the process of launching a nonprofit organization called Fiber Arts Center AZ (FAC). The nonprofit is currently seeking donors. The organization's goal is to have a large space with classrooms, an exhibition gallery, a dyeing studio, and a gift shop. FiberArtsCenterAZ.org
Chandler Ranks Second for National Digital Cities Award
The City of Chandler was recognized as one of the top 10 Digital Cities Survey award recipients by the Center for Digital Government. The annual survey recognizes cities using technology to tackle social challenges, enhance services, strengthen cybersecurity, and more. Chandler placed second nationally in the category for cities with a population of 250,000-499,999. Chandler’s population was estimated at 287,024 as of November 2023. Chandler has a longheld commitment to innovation and technology. ChandlerAZ.gov
Chandler International Film Festival to Attempt Guinness World Record
The Chandler International Film Festival will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest display of movie posters. The attempt will take place during the
Ninth Annual Chandler International Film Festival on Sun., Feb. 2 at LOOK Dine-in Cinema, located at 1 W. Chandler Blvd. The monumental display will feature over 1,300 movie posters, showcasing films that have been screened at the festival in previous years. ChandlerFilmFestival.com
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Numerous Chandler Teachers Receive $2,500 Each For Their Classrooms
Extending the impact of Arizona’s most robust teacher support program, Fiesta Bowl Charities granted the classroom wish of 500 teachers for $2,500 each during the Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers Draft Day presented by SRP. Numerous teachers from Chandler across a variety of schools saw their wishes granted. Overall, the program granted wishes in 380 different schools, covering 108 school districts and 79 charter schools. FiestaBowl.org
Kohler Bathroom Design
SRP Announces Classroom Grants of Up to $5,000 for Educators
Salt River Project (SRP) invites Arizona teachers to apply for classroom grants of up to $5,000. The grants are available for teachers looking to incorporate creative ways to keep their students engaged in STEM and social science projects. Teachers can use their funds to purchase any equipment and supplies that will support their curriculum. Applications are open now through Feb. 28. Learn more at SRP.net/grants
Photography by SRP
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We Asked: What is One Easy Tip You Can Share For a Healthier 2025?
Share a Tip!
We checked in with some of the health and wellness experts in Chandler—as well as Chandler City Lifestyle’s owner/publisher—to find out easy moves that we can implement this coming year for a healthier year. Here’s what they had to say.
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Aubrey Young Young Orthodontics
“My healthy tip for 2025 is to have your airway evaluated this year! Did you know that every person that suffers from sleep apnea suffers from snoring first? Snoring is a sign of sleep disordered breathing. Young Orthodontics uses 3-D imaging to evaluate the airways. Moving your teeth and/or jaw bones actually increases the size of your airway, reduces snoring, and establishes a more healthy airway. This provides better oxygenation to all of your internal organs and can even increase your life expectancy. Cheers to a fabulous year ahead! We hope to have the opportunity to serve you in 2025!”
CarolAnn Tutera CEO, Tutera Medical & SottoPelle®
“Prioritizing self-care should be your top goal. Life can easily divert our attention to jobs, family, and friends, but putting yourself first is vital. When you prioritize your well-being, you’re better equipped to support those around you. Achieve this by ensuring you get enough sleep, staying active with regular exercise, and enjoying a balanced diet. Furthermore, managing stress effectively and setting clear goals are crucial steps in this journey. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for a fulfilling life.”
David Vindiola Fitness Director, Ocotillo Village Health Club
“Kick-start 2025 with a revitalizing morning routine. Begin with 10 minutes of stretching to awaken your body. Follow this with a glass of water to rehydrate and energize. Incorporate a nutritious breakfast, rich in proteins and fibers, like Greek yogurt with berries. Allocate time for mindfulness—try five minutes of meditation or deep breathing. Lastly, set a positive tone for the day by writing down a quick to-do list and one thing you’re grateful for. Consistency is key, so stick to this routine daily. To stay on track, consider prepping the night before: Choose clothes and make a simple, nutritious lunch.”
Roslyn Tait Director of Applied Neuroscience, ThinkWell Therapy Center
“My health tip for 2025 is to prioritize circadian health by aligning with your body’s natural rhythms. Quality sleep supports repair and longevity—melatonin, produced in darkness, boosts immune health and helps protect against disease. Equally vital is morning sunlight, which synchronizes your biological clock, enhancing mood, energy, and overall wellness. This year, focus on small habits like better sleep and daily sunlight to create lasting health benefits for 2025 and beyond.”
Rich Higgs, DDS Aquila Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
“Dental health is for more than just your teeth. As dentists, we see how daily habits impact overall health. Start small by brushing and flossing consistently. Good oral hygiene reduces your risk of systemic issues, like heart disease and diabetes, linked to gum disease. Also, make dental visits a priority—catching issues early can save you from more complex health concerns. Don’t underestimate the power of this preventive care! Remember, a healthy smile supports a healthier you!”
Rosemary J. Geary, MD Founder/Owner
East Valley Dermatology Center
“My health tip is to use a daily moisturizer with SPF 30. Sunscreen is not just for the beach, but the ones used there are thicker and water-resistant. That makes it not easy for daily use. It is important, especially in Arizona, to wear daily sun protection. Now there are many daily moisturizers with SPF 30 that are available. My favorites are Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion, CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, and Neutrogena Collagen Bank SPF Moisturizer.”
Dr. Radi Rahiminejad
Co-Founder, President, CEO of BackFit Health & Spine and BackFit Cares
“One quick tip for a healthier 2025 is to focus on building small, sustainable habits that support your well-being. Start by incorporating daily movement—whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or stretching—into your routine. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days. Additionally, prioritize sleep and hydration, as both are foundational to overall health. Simple changes, like eating more whole foods and reducing processed snacks, can also make a significant impact. Remember, consistency is key—small, positive adjustments over time will lead to lasting improvements in your health and energy levels!”
Dr. Yasmin Rahimi
Co-Founder, Vice President of BackFit Health & Spine and BackFit Cares
“For a healthier 2025, commit to healthy sleep habits by ensuring seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night and limiting device usage at least an hour before bedtime. This is nonnegotiable because:
1. Improves Sleep Quality: Blue light from screens disrupts melatonin production, the hormone responsible for sleep, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
2. Enhances Physical Health: Sleep supports immune function, muscle repair, and hormone balance.
3. Boosts Mental Clarity: Quality sleep improves memory, focus, and mood, helping you perform better during the day.
4. Reduces Stress: Unplugging before bed allows your mind to relax, promoting deeper, restorative sleep.”
Nikki Chavez, RN, BSN
Holistic Healing Heroes, specializing in weight loss and IV therapy
“Boosting protein helps keep you fuller longer and maintains muscle mass, as well as promotes healing! Lean meats, including chicken breasts, and whitefish such as halibut, eggs, and some dairy products low in fat and high in protein, can be beneficial. Drinking more water will help flush toxins from the body and will help with skin clarity!
Dr. Kiley Raya Pediatric Dentist and Owner of Raya Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry
“A quick tip for a healthier 2025 is to find balance in your life. Don’t get caught up with fad diets or completely eliminating certain ‘bad’ foods, but instead allowing yourself to consume them in moderation. This will help you maintain a healthy, balanced diet that keeps your mental health stable, as well! So have a sweet treat, drink some water, take a walk, and feel better about yourself!”
Carissa Krupski MassageLuXe
“For a healthier 2025, utilize your favorite spa, MassageLuXe! Massage and facials are essential for optimal well-being. Consider your specific needs and concerns. Massage can be used for stress relief, muscle tension, or to just relax. Facials can be used to identify and correct skin concerns such as acne, skin pigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles. Most importantly, take the time to take care of yourself. Cheers to a healthy 2025!”
Joyce Selk Owner and Publisher, Chandler City Lifestyle
“Be around kids! A child’s curiosity and energy truly keep you young! As we age, try to think more like a kid—stay curious, consider new ideas, and be willing to evolve so your mind remains sharp and resilient. This mental flexibility not only fosters emotional well-being but also helps navigate life’s changes and challenges with grace and purpose.”
ARTICLE BY GRETCHEN PAHIA PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
In the new year, many residents in the Valley are seeking ways to kick off 2025 on the healthier side of life. For those who aren’t getting any younger, it can prove to be especially difficult to find ways to get healthy and stay healthy.
That is where David DeLorenzo— known around the Valley as the founder of Bar and Rescue Insurance, author of Just Getting Started: Reignite Your Spark , speaker, coach, and a fitness guru who recently got back into shape as he approached 50—comes in. He is now once again focused on not only his own personal health-care journey, but he has made it his mission to help others find the healthiest version of themselves by sharing his own personal 3F Method.
“The 3F method provides an emphasis on food, fitness, and focus, to help people have access to the simply tools they need to improve their health for good, mind, body, and soul,” says DeLorenzo.
DeLorenzo says focusing on healthy habits was the motivation behind the 3F method, which he is sharing with clients across the Valley.
“I created the 3F Method with balance in mind. The 3Fs create total balance in your day, so people no longer get stuck wasting time or getting lost in the daily chaos of life. I want people to know that with small daily improvements, they can get unstuck and start working on achieving big life changes.”
As we age, getting into new healthy habits and daily changes can be challenging, but DeLorenzo shares it doesn’t have to be impossible and there are easy steps people can take to get or stay healthy as we age. For DeLorenzo, the advice starts with some simple ideas and changes.
CONTINUED >
“Age is a gift, and if we treat it as such, then we can have more of it.”
“Do not overdo it. We are not 20 anymore. Doing more can actually be doing less in terms of how it is benefiting your body and mind,” he shares. “Know where you are at and what your limitations are as you get older. Age is a gift, and if we treat it as such, then we can have more of it. This is different for everyone, but if we listen to what our body tells us, it can be a very beneficial process as we age.”
He also stresses that it is important to keep active as we get older. He believes that “if we don’t use it, we lose it,” and that this is particularly true as we age. Everyone will get older, and age is the reality of where we are in life, but he stresses that everyone’s reality is different.
“If you are always active and full of movement and energy, chances are you will keep those habits and have a great physical life as you get older,” he says. However, he adds that if you somehow got off track over the years and don’t know how or where you lost your fitness, it is never too late to start getting healthy again. He stresses, though, to remain realistic regarding how you get back to a place of health for the person you are today, not who we were 20-plus years ago.
“Movement, nutritional intake, and happiness are the key to getting older,” he stresses.
When it comes to getting healthy as we age in the new year, DeLorenzo has some simple tips.
• Find ways to not stress. Take a walk or a do a hike, enjoy life with family and friends, and eat clean, home-cooked meals.
• Try to be your own health advocate and do not let anyone else tell you 100% what you should do.
• Research and find your own answers based on how you feel on the inside and out.
• Drink water daily and carry a water bottle with you at all times.
• Park your car further from work or the store—those added steps can make a big difference at the end of the day.
• Stretch and relax. Find 15 minutes a day to get familiar with your body and where it is out. Wellness and self-care go a long way to creating a healthy lifestyle.
• Get enough sleep. As we get older, our body needs rest and recovery.
• Avoid processed foods whenever possible. Eating clean and healthy will help you feel good on the inside and out.
• Avoid toxic situations and people who don’t resonate with your wellness and health goals. No need to put yourself in those situations.
For DeLorenzo, it is about always putting forward the best version of yourself and taking inventory of how you can help be your best each and every day.
“I cherish the aspect of feeling good and being healthy because it resonates in the way I am able to serve others, whether it be in my business or my personal life. A happy life is an amazing life, no matter what age you are living it.”
IAmTheDelo.com
REIGNITE YOUR SPARK!
David DeLorenzo Shares Ways to Get Started on a Healthier Lifestyle
1. Own your morning. Get yourself off on the right foot. Take time to think about your day and move your body.
2. Listen to music that makes your energy level go to a happy place.
3. Move through the day and go for a walk every hour. Even if it is around the building, the block, or the parking garage.
4. Eat like your life depends on it.
5. Find ways to avoid stress. Taking rest breaks and breathing breaks during the day will calm you down and change your life.
Cathy Carter is an outstanding realtor that we would recommend without hesitation. We have been fortunate to do 4 transactions with her, and in every interaction she has not only delivered value or improved on meeting our expectations as her client. She is honest, driven, well-connected, and understands the ins and outs of the process to make it efficient and seamless. We will definitely be working with her in our future transactions.
R.
cathycarter1@cox.net www.RealEstateChandler.com
SOLINEL
PLANTS & BIOLOGIC BALANCE
Placing (Real or Fake!) Plants Strategically Inside Your Home Can Help With Stress Reduction
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
If you have resolved to make your home a more peaceful sanctuary, adding a carefully curated collection of house plants can be an excellent way.
As Keeli MaKae, account manager for Plant Solutions, notes, indoor plants are highly effective at creating “biologic balance.”
One way houseplants can help people on an emotional level is through their calming and stress-reducing effects.
“Biologic balance, in the context of plants, refers to the harmony that exists between humans and their environment when natural elements are thoughtfully integrated into our indoor spaces,” MaKae says, adding that people are biologically wired to thrive when surrounded by nature.
“This can be a challenge since humans now spend about 90% of our time indoors! Plants play a key role in creating this balance by bringing the benefits of the natural world into the buildings we play, work, eat and sleep in.”
One way houseplants can help people on an emotional level is through their calming and stress-reducing effects.
As MaKae notes, studies have found that the mere act of looking at greenery can lower blood pressure and promote feelings of relaxation.
“Also, caring for plants fosters mindfulness and a sense of purpose, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety. A living space with plants can inspire creativity and make us feel more connected to the world around us,” she says.
Houseplants may also have a tangible physical impact, beginning with their ability to improve the air quality in the home by helping to filter out toxins.
“Additionally, the natural greens of plants and their organic form provide visual rest and contrast to the harsh lines and screens of modern interiors, which can reduce eye strain, especially in workspaces,” MaKae says, adding that research has shown that people recovering from illness or surgery heal faster and experience less pain when surrounded by plants.
“These benefits align with the principles of biologic balance, ensuring that the indoor environments we live in meet our biological needs.”
For people who feel they have figurative black thumbs rather than green, MaKae says they can still enjoy some of the benefits by adding artificial plants to the home.
“Artificial plants are great for creating the look of greenery, and research shows that even visual exposure to natural elements—or realistic representations of them—can have calming effects,” MaKae says. “They may help make a space feel more inviting and tranquil, especially in environments where live plants are impractical.
Another option for people who want to have real house plants but are unsure of how to care for them properly is to hire a company like Dig It Gardens to help.
As owner Jessica Jerrell notes, Dig It Gardens begins with a consultation to evaluate how many plants the homeowner has.
“The cost of this service is $150. We then will provide a detailed proposal for either just interior plant maintenance or additional plant and pottery material along with maintenance,” she says, adding that they service most of their interior plant clients bi-weekly. “We believe that with the correct education and partnership we can all have plants be the least worrisome part of our lives. Our goal at Dig It is to ensure plants bring joy each day. Life is stressful enough.”
To gain the most benefits from houseplants, MaKae says they need to be placed strategically.
“For example, placing plants within a clear line of sight from frequently used areas, like desks in an office or seating in a living room, ensures that people can visually connect with greenery throughout their day,” she says. “This visibility can help reduce stress, improve focus, and create a sense of calm.”
“... The natural greens of plants and their organic form provide visual rest and contrast to the harsh lines and screens of modern interiors, which can reduce eye strain ...”
How plants are placed in a home is crucial in what MaKae refers to as “biophilic design,” or increasing the connection to nature through things like houseplants.
For instance, in open spaces, taller plants or living walls can act as natural dividers, offering privacy and noise reduction while maintaining a biophilic connection.
“For relaxation areas, a grouping of lush plants can foster a sanctuary-like atmosphere that invites feelings of safety, rest, and rejuvenation,” she says.
Natural light is also an important consideration.
“Many plants thrive when positioned near windows or under skylights, where they can
access sunlight,” MaKae says. “A well-placed plant in these areas not only enhances the plant’s health, but also connects people to the rhythms of the day as light filters through the leaves, creating dynamic patterns and shadows.”
Proper placement amplifies the power of plants, MaKae notes, turning them into more than just decor, but also tangible contributors to the health and harmony of a space.
“I'm always amazed by the countless benefits of connecting with nature in everyday life, and how few people are aware of the science behind it, even though they can feel the positive impact!” she says.
GLUTEN-FREE & DELICIOUS!
Myranda North Molina Shares Her Coveted Lasagna Recipe
Myranda North Molina, owner of Chandler’s Myranda Fine Jewelry, is known around town not only for her stunning jewelry creations but also her lasagna recipe. She created this recipe when she went gluten-free.
“When I went gluten-free, I did not want to feel I was missing anything,” she explains. “So, I started experimenting with recipes and I came up with this recipe. It’s full of rich, delicious ingredients, and it does not taste at all like the noodles are gluten-free. Also, another reason I love this is because I love to cook, and as a business owner working full time, it’s exciting to turn on and make this wonderful recipe for not just myself but for everyone to enjoy. It’s so therapeutic! It truly is the best lasagna you’ll ever, ever eat.”
We asked and she gladly shared the recipe with us. Enjoy!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSAY BORG
INGREDIENTS
• 2 jars Michaels of Brooklyn Homestyle Gravy
• 3 organic tomatoes
• 1/2 organic onion
• 4 containers Būf Burrata (find it at Whole Foods)
• 1 bar 6 oz. organic sharp cheddar
• 2 large bags organic mozzarella cheese
• 2 packages of lasagna sheets (located in the refrigerated section at Whole Foods)
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 1/4 cup fresh garlic
• 1 cup chopped mushrooms
• 2 pounds of organic beef
DIRECTIONS
Put the mushrooms, onions, and fresh garlic in a pan with organic butter and cut up organic garlic cloves. Stir and keep stirring, but do not overcook. Add the meat and cook until brown.
In a large lasagna pan, put meat sauce on the bottom, then layer your fresh noodles side-by-side. They could overlap a little, but do not stack them. Add a cup of mozzarella cheese and add fresh basil to the top. Repeat, and keep add the cheese, changing from mozzarella to the cheddar (save the burrata for the top).
After you lay your thick, delicious lasagna layers, put the mozzarella on top, separating it with your hands by pulling it apart and then lay all the leftover cheese on top.
Cover the dish with foil and place it on a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes.
I always love to pair it with fresh sourdough bread, lots of fresh butter, and garlic olive oil.
Data source: Arizona Regional MLS.
Brutus! Better Than Chicken Caesar Salad at Pita Jungle
Chx Pita at The Uncommon
The new year is a typical time when everyone is looking to get healthier. While exercise is a great way to do that, so is making smart food choices. These dishes, served locally in Chandler, offer health-conscious diners meals that are guilt-free and tasty.
WHAT: Florentine Benny
WHERE: Tipsy Egg
Start your day off right with a breakfast packed with protein and nutrients at this brunch favorite locale. This dish features two poached eggs atop an English muffin, layered with smashed avocado, grilled tomato, and sauteed spinach. The creation is then smothered in a protein-dense hollandaise sauce. $13.49 1 E. Boston St. TipsyEggChandler.com
WHAT: Chx Pita
WHERE: The Uncommon
Sure, there’s sports and entertainment at The Uncommon. There are also several healthy choices to choose from. So, settle in and order the Chix Pita, a wrap that features chopped seasoned chicken, feta, hummus, chopped romaine, and a tomato, cucumber, and parsley salad, all wrapped in a pita. Choose the fresh fruit for the side dish to stay on track. $15. 1 E. Boston St. UncommonChandler.com
WHAT: Brutus! Better Than Chicken Caesar Salad
WHERE: Pita Jungle
Pita Jungle was created to offer fresh and healthy food—and the menu doesn’t disappoint. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options for those so inclined, as well as healthy meat and fish creations. One popular choice is the Brutus! Better Than Chicken Caesar Salad, which is made with grilled marinated all-natural chicken breast, seasonal greens, wood-fired broccoli, tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, red onions, homemade Caesar dressing, garlic-Romano croutons, and a sprinkle of za’atar. Make it vegetarian by substituting tofu or gluten-free by eliminating the croutons. $12.99. 949 W. Ray Road and 5025 S. Gilbert Road. PitaJungle.com
WHAT: Teriyaki Chicken
WHERE: Original Chop Shop
This locale aims to fuel its diners with healthy eats from breakfast to dinner. Of course, its famous The Chop salads are always a good choice. But if you’re looking for something different, try the Teriyaki Chicken grilled protein bowl. Choose two bases from the list of roasted veggies, house greens, jasmine rice, brown rice, sweet potato hash, cauliflower rice, or quinoa. That’s then topped with teriyaki chicken, avocado, Brussels sprouts, and sesame seeds. $12. 35 W. Boston St. OriginalChopShop.com
WHAT: Striped Bass
WHERE: The Brickyard Downtown
Head to Downtown Chandler to this restaurant located in a historic 1920s building that formerly housed Chandler’s first newspaper. Now, the popular dining locale with a distinct culinary menu features options like this one, which features striped bass served with edamame risotto, green onion velouté, porkbraised leeks, radish, and a prosciutto chip. $48. 85 W. Boston St. BrickyardDowntown.com
Florentine Benny at Tipsy Egg
THROUGH JANUARY 11TH
Art Quilts: IMPACT!
Vision Gallery
The 29th annual Art Quilts exhibition showcases art quilts that have a bold visual impact and message. Inspiration for these quilts comes from pop art, comics, mass culture, mid-century-modern design, and graphic design. Fiber artists from across the country and abroad were invited to submit to this annual exhibition, showcasing some of the finest textile art on display in the Southwestern United States. VisionGallery.org
THROUGH JANUARY 19TH
Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross
Chandler Museum
Considered one of the greatest artists in the field of comic books, Alex Ross created many iconic images. He revitalized classic superheroes into works of fine art by illustrating characters including Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, Storm from the X-Men, the Avengers, Black Panther, and more. Also, view his childhood drawings, preliminary sketches, paintings, and 3-D head busts of Marvel characters. ChandlerMuseum.org
JANUARY 18TH
Chandler Multicultural Festival
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park
This event is part of the annual Celebration of Unity events held to honor the community's heritage and diversity, along with the spirit and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement. In its 30th year, the Multicultural Festival celebrates the cultural diversity of our community through live music, dance, art, storytelling, cuisine, a low-rider car show, an International Shopping Market, and more. ChandlerMuseum.org
events
CONTINUED
JANUARY 24TH - FEBRUARY 2ND
Chandler International Film Festival
LOOK Dine-in Cinema
The 10-day film festival celebrates various multi-cultural days with different dedicated themes centering Asian, Indian, Pan-African, Latino, and European cultures. Enjoy a variety of programming throughout the week—including nightly after parties in Downtown Chandler, workshops with industry professionals, panel discussions, networking opportunities, celebrity appearances, a Hollywood-style red carpet, and an awards ceremony. Over 30 local vendors and sponsors will be attending. ChandlerFilmFestival.com
JANUARY 25TH
The Texas Tenors
Chandler Center for the Arts | 7:30 PM
The Texas Tenors have amassed a worldwide fan base due to their operatic renditions and beautiful harmonizing arrangements of popular songs, thrilling with Broadway tunes, country songs, and hits from Bruno Mars to Puccini. They were champions on America’s Got Talent in 2009 and, in 2019, were listed as one of the Top 10 Classical Crossover Artists by Billboard Magazine. ChandlerCenter.org
JANUARY 26TH, APRIL 10TH & AUGUST 28TH
The Amy Jones Group's Business Mixers 2025
Expansive Cooper Crossing
The Amy Jones Group will hold its Business Mixer from 4-6 p.m. at the Expansive Office Complex, 1820 E. Ray Road. Expect networking opportunities, collaboration and referrals, and drinks and appetizers. There is also a spotlight on giving back and the nonprofit is Community on Purpose, The Amy Jones Group's nonprofit organization. AmyJonesGroup.com
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