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Welcome to Our Kids & Pets Issue
Hi Friends!
I'm Remi, the newest four-legged member of Kylie's family, and since this is specifically the Kids & Pet’s issue I told mom it was my turn to step in and write this month’s letter. Don't get me wrong, my mom is great... but I bring a new pawspective. Mainly one that's about 18 inches off the ground. I've only been around for a little while, but I've already learned that kids make the best playmates, every walk is an adventure, and if you stare at Mom long enough, she'll usually share a snack.
This month's issue is full of stories I know you're going to love. Mom spent some time with some Highland Cows (she said I couldn’t come I would just chase them), visited Hot Potato Art Studio where creativity gets wonderfully messy, even found a refreshing drink just for the moms who deserve a little treat after keeping up with kids (and puppies like me) and we also stopped by Bronco Dental, where Dr. Emily Maslovich shared some great tips for making trips to the dentist not so scary for kids. I can definitely say that I wish Dr. Emily was a doggy dentist.
Whether your home is filled with little feet, muddy paws, or both, I hope this issue reminds you to embrace the laughter, the chaos, and all the little moments that make family life so special.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a squeaky toy calling my name and a very important afternoon nap to get to.
Don't worry, my mom will be back next month!
Remi
Chief Puppy Officer
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Robin Belley | robin.belley@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Kristy Belley | kristy.belley@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kylie Strawn-Badger | kylie.strawn@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Macie Smith | macie.smith@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Kylie Strawn-Badger | kylie.strawn@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kylie Strawn-Badger, Kristy Belley, Dr. Shannon Troy
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Yasmine Carmen Photography, Katie Levine Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Maya, Maple, and Waffles of Superstition Highland Cows in Apache Junction sharing
Photography: Yasmine Camen Photography
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
• One- two- and three-bedroom detached single-level homes and two-story townhomes
• Beautifully landscaped walking paths
• Onsite dog park
• Onsite children’s playground
• Private yards* with landscape maintenance included
• Energy Star certified for lower utility costs
*on single-level homes.
Bojangles Brings Its Famous Southern Flavor to the Gilbert Area
Already creating excitement in the East Valley, Bojangles is bringing its famous Southern flavors to Arizona. Known for its hand-breaded chicken, made-from-scratch biscuits, and legendary sweet tea, you’ll find the state’s first location at 3765 S. Val Vista Drive in Gilbert.
Sandbox VR Brings Immersive Virtual Reality Adventures to Gilbert
Sandbox VR is now open at Northside at SanTan Village in Gilbert, delivering an immersive virtual reality experience with full-body motion capture and haptic technology. It’s the perfect destination for friends, families, and groups seeking unforgettable interactive adventures.
Scan to read more
Texas Favorite Tecovas Opens New Westernwear Store at SanTan Village
Tecovas is now open at SanTan Village in Gilbert, bringing its signature Western boots, apparel, and renowned hospitality to Arizona. Shoppers can enjoy personalized services, complimentary boot shines, leather customization, and a welcoming in-store experience.
Scan to read more
Photography by Tecovas
Photography by Sandbox VR
Cavity-Free IS THE Way TO Be
Dr. Emily Maslovich shares practical ways parents can protect children's teeth
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY YASMINE CARMEN PHOTOGRAPHY
A healthy smile starts long before a child loses their first tooth. While brushing and flossing at home are essential, lifelong oral health is built through consistent habits, regular dental care, and positive experiences that begin early. According to Dr. Emily Maslovich, owner of Bronco Family Dental, prevention is one of the greatest gifts parents can give their children.
Many families assume that if their child brushes every day, they’re doing everything they need to do. While daily brushing and flossing are the foundation of good oral health, even the best brushers can miss plaque that eventually hardens into tartar. Professional cleanings remove those deposits before they lead to cavities while also allowing dentists to monitor how a child’s teeth and jaws are developing. As Dr. Emily explains, “Routine visits help children become comfortable in the dental office, making dental care feel like a normal part of growing up instead of something to fear.”
Many parents are surprised to learn that a child’s first dental visit should happen by their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Rather than focusing on treatment, those early appointments are designed to build trust, answer parents’ questions, and establish healthy habits from the very beginning.
For most children, a dental cleaning every six months provides the right balance of prevention and early detection. Some children, however, may benefit from more frequent visits if they have braces, are at higher risk for cavities, or struggle with brushing effectively. Every child is different, making individualized care an important part of long-term oral health.
One of the biggest mistakes Dr. Emily sees isn’t that children refuse to brush - it’s that parents often assume they’re ready to do it alone too soon. Most children don’t have the coordination to brush thoroughly until around seven or eight years old. “We encourage parents to think of brushing as a team activity until their child is consistently doing a good job independently,” she says.
Parents also help shape how children feel about visiting the dentist. Speaking positively about appointments, avoiding words that create fear, and simply explaining that the dentist is there to count and clean their teeth can make a significant difference.
Healthy smiles are built through small, consistent habits at home. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, drinking plenty of water, and limiting frequent sugary snacks all help reduce the risk of cavities. Water remains the best beverage for growing smiles, while balanced meals support strong teeth. More important than the amount of sugar children eat is how often their teeth are exposed to it. Frequent snacking or sipping sugary drinks throughout the day gives cavity-causing bacteria repeated opportunities to produce acid that weakens enamel.
Not So Fun Fact - Untreated dental pain and tooth decay are among the leading reasons children miss school in the United States. Even before birth, a mother’s oral health can influence her child’s future oral health, making healthy family habits one of the best investments families can make.
Parents should also pay attention to warning signs between cleanings. Tooth pain, swelling, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or sensitivity to hot or cold foods should all be evaluated sooner rather than later.
Preventive options like fluoride treatments and dental sealants can provide added protection, but Dr. Emily believes every recommendation should be personalized. “Our goal is to provide evidence-based recommendations and partner with parents to create a personalized prevention plan that supports each child’s long-term oral health.”
Her biggest piece of advice is simple: focus on consistency instead of perfection. When brushing, flossing, healthy eating, and regular dental visits become part of everyday family life, children are far more likely to carry those healthy habits into adulthood.
Dr. Emily Maslovich Bronco Family Dental
Dr. Emily Maslovich is the owner of Bronco Family Dental in Gilbert, where she is dedicated to creating a welcoming, family-friendly environment that helps patients of all ages feel comfortable and confident in their smiles. She believes that building trust with children from an early age lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy dental habits. Alongside her compassionate team, Dr. Emily is passionate about providing personalized, preventive care for every family she serves. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and giving back to the community she proudly calls home.
Website: www.dentist-gilbertaz.com Instagram: @broncodental
CARE DESIGNED WITH YOU IN MIND
ARTICLE BY GILBERT CITY LIFESTYLE
Your New Best Friend Awaits
LOCAL RESCUES READY TO HELP YOU ADD A NEW FAMILY MEMBER
There is a moment every pet family remembers. The wagging tail at the kennel door. The tiny paw reaching through the crate. The look that says, you're mine now. Gilbert is home to some of the most devoted rescues in Arizona where we are sure you will find your new best friend.
Friends for Life Animal Rescue, Gilbert
This no-kill adoption center has been matching Gilbert families with dogs and cats since 1993. Volunteers know every animal by name and personality, so tell them what your family needs and they will find your fit. azfriends.org
Valley Dogs, Gilbert
For over 40 combined years, these volunteers have rescued dogs of every breed and size, including the shy ones who just need patience and a couch. valleydogs.org
Carrie On Rescue, Gilbert
Named for a hound named Carrie Blueberry who beat the odds, this all-volunteer rescue pulls dogs and cats from local euthanasia lists. Meet the pups most Saturdays at Bark Avenue on Warner Road. carrieonrescue.org
ROAR, Gilbert
Cat people, this one is for you. This foster-based rescue and cat sanctuary sends every kitty home vetted, vaccinated, and ready to be adored. roaraz.org
Love Connection Dog Rescue, Gilbert
Puppies, seniors, and everything in between find their people through this foster-based rescue. Their themed litters, like the recent Dr. Seuss pups, are almost too cute to be real. loveconnection.rescueme.org
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control, Mesa and Phoenix
Hundreds of dogs and cats wait at the county's two adoption locations, the East Valley Shelter at 1920 S. Lewis in Mesa and the West Valley Shelter at 2500 S. 27th Ave. in Phoenix. Every adoption includes spay or neuter, vaccines, and a microchip. maricopa.gov/pets
Lost Our Home Pet Rescue, Tempe
This rescue cares for pets of families in crisis, which means wonderful, wellloved animals looking for their next chapter. Their adoption floor is full of happy endings waiting to happen. lostourhome.org
Wildhorse Ranch Rescue, Gilbert
Horses, cats, and even a donkey call this Gilbert sanctuary home. Not every resident is adoptable, but families can volunteer together and fall in love with a rescue horse up close. wildhorseranchrescue.com
When Learning Finally Clicks
Educational therapy, a lesser-known form of support helping kids who learn differently finally feel capable.
If your child has ever come home in tears over homework, shut down at the mention of a school project, or seemed to “give up” before even trying, you may have wondered what’s actually going on. Often, the answer isn’t a lack of effort. It’s a mismatch between how a child’s brain works and how school expects them to work.
That’s the gap educational therapy is built to close. Unlike tutoring, which reteaches a specific subject or assignment, educational therapy looks at how a student learns across every subject. It examines executive functioning: the organization, time management, planning, and follow-through that many kids with ADHD, autism,
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY & DR. SHANNON TROY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE LEVINE PHOTOGRAPHY
or other learning differences find genuinely difficult, no matter how smart or motivated they are. It also looks at the emotional and sensory load a child carries just to sit down and begin.
“Behavior is communication,” says Dr. Shannon Troy, founder of Troy & Associates Educational Consulting in Gilbert, who has practiced educational therapy for 26 years. What looks like avoidance may actually be overwhelm. What looks like giving up may be a child who’s quietly decided that trying never works for them anyway. Understanding that difference is where real support begins.
In practice, this can look like teaching a child a completely different way in. One student, a third grader who was bright and talkative but couldn’t get a single sentence onto paper, learned to dictate his
“Behavior is communication. What looks like avoidance may actually be overwhelm.”
ideas using speech to text instead of handwriting them. Freed from wrestling with spelling and letter formation at the same time, he could finally get his thoughts down. His confidence followed. Today, he writes for his school newspaper.
Educational therapy also serves as a bridge between a psychological evaluation and everyday life. Terms like “working memory” or “processing speed” matter for a diagnosis, but they don’t tell a parent what to do differently at the kitchen table on a Tuesday night. An educational therapist translates that information into strategies a family and school can actually use, and keeps everyone working from the same understanding of how that child learns.
If any of this sounds familiar, here’s the encouraging part: these are learnable skills, at any age, and support is available right here in Gilbert. Dr. Troy works with students from public, private, charter, and homeschool programs, at every age and stage, from early elementary through the transition into high school and beyond.
Many families don’t hear about educational therapy until a child has already struggled for years. If you’re noticing the signs now, whether it’s homework battles, a child who seems to be working twice as hard for half the results, or simply a gut feeling that something isn’t clicking, it may be worth a conversation.
Dr. Shannon Troy offers complementary consultations for Gilbert families looking to better understand how their child learns best. Visit www.citylifestyle.com/Gilbert for deeper dives into more therapy topics this month from Dr. Shannon.
Specializing in educational therapy for kids with ADHD, autism, and learning differences.
Website: troyeducationaltherapy.com
Social: @troyandassociates
Dr. Shannon Troy Troy and Associates
Finally Understand Why Your Child Is Struggling in School
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, autism, learning differences, anxiety, depression, or behavioral challenges and is struggling in school, you’re not alone. We help students build skills through self-knowledge and self-compassion, leading to greater confidence, independence, and meaningful academic progress.
Now Accepting New Students.
High land Happiness
Why Arizona families are falling in love with the world's fluffiest cows
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY YASMINE CARMEN PHOTOGRAPHY
There is something almost magical about standing beside a Highland cow. With their sweeping horns, shaggy coats, and gentle expressions, these iconic Scottish cattle have become social media favorites, but for those who meet them in person, the experience is about much more than a cute photo.
“I feel so at peace being around them,” says Maya, owner of Superstition Highland Cows in Apache Junction. “They bring so much joy.”
Known for their distinctive appearance, Highland cows are instantly recognizable thanks to their long, flowing hair and impressive horns. One fact that surprises many visitors is that both males and females grow horns. Their personalities, however, are what often leave the biggest impression.
“They have a lot of personality,” Maya explains. “I think a lot of it comes from being socialized.”
Each member of her herd has developed a fan base of its own. Maple, the small brown Highland, has chondrodysplasia, a genetic trait that keeps her petite. “Maple is silly, chaotic, and always has a derpy face with her bottom teeth sticking out,” Maya laughs. “She loves doing zoomies.” Waffles, the young white calf, is sweet and shy, while Butters, the mature white Highland, proudly watches over everyone. “She’s either really sweet or really sassy, but she’s incredibly motherly, even to calves that aren’t hers.”
Although Highland cattle originated in the cool climate of Scotland, they can thrive in Arizona with thoughtful care. During the hottest months, Maya relocates her herd to northern Arizona where temperatures are significantly cooler. “They don’t do well in Phoenix heat,” she says. “Our cows spend May through October up north where it’s about 20 degrees cooler.”
What began as a lifelong dream quickly grew into something much bigger. Originally intended as family pets, the Highlands attracted so much attention that Maya began offering photography sessions. “Everyone kept asking about them because they’re so uncommon in Arizona,” she says. “I thought it might help pay for their hay.”
Today, visitors book everything from family portraits and engagement sessions to boutique branding shoots. One unforgettable proposal even featured Maple carrying the engagement ring in a tiny basket.
Rather than stiff poses, the sessions focus on genuine moments. “Family photos can sometimes feel stressful,” Maya says. “With the cows, people naturally laugh, interact, and have fun.”
For anyone planning a visit, Maya recommends wearing something that feels comfortable and authentic, although western-inspired outfits remain her personal favorite.
The experience continues to grow. Superstition Highland Cows recently purchased five acres in downtown Pine, where plans include cozy cabins overlooking the pasture, seasonal events, paint parties, and glamping experiences. Guests will even be able to enjoy outdoor “MOOvies” alongside the Highland cows and their newest additions, adorable Valais Blacknose sheep. Additional experiences are also launching through Camp Cowabunga later this summer.
For anyone wondering whether it’s worth the trip, Maya keeps her advice simple.
“Just do it. You’ll never regret it.”
Follow their adventures on Instagram: @superstitionhighlands.
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE ARIZONA
URBAN AGRICULTURE FOUNDATION
GROWING More THAN GARDENS
How Agritopia's Farm Foundation helps families reconnect with food, nature, and each other.
At the heart of Gilbert’s Agritopia community sits something increasingly rare: a working organic farm where children can pull carrots from the soil, families can learn where their food comes from, and agriculture is experienced instead of simply talked about.
The Arizona Urban Agriculture Foundation exists to preserve and promote urban agriculture while inspiring future generations to understand the journey food takes before reaching their plates. While the surrounding community continues to grow, the farm remains a living reminder that agriculture still has an important place in everyday life.
That mission has become even more meaningful in a world where many childhood memories are made behind screens.
“Many children spend more time interacting with screens than with nature,” the Foundation explains. “A visit to the farm gives families an opportunity to slow down, ask questions, get their hands in the soil, and experience something real together.”
Those simple moments often become the most memorable. Children eagerly explore rows of vegetables, meet chickens, smell fresh herbs, and discover that food doesn’t magically appear on grocery store shelves. Instead, they begin to understand the patience, responsibility, and care that goes into every harvest.
Each year, approximately 3,000 students visit through the Foundation’s Farm Hands education program, where learning
comes alive through hands-on experiences. Rather than reading about agriculture in a textbook, students plant seeds, harvest crops, and explore what it takes to grow food in Arizona’s unique desert climate.
Those experiences don’t end when the school bus leaves.
Many teachers report students continue talking about their visit for weeks afterward, while parents often find their children suddenly interested in trying vegetables they harvested themselves or asking to plant gardens at home. As the Foundation puts it, “The best way to understand agriculture is to experience it.”
Adults experience the farm differently, but often leave equally inspired. While children focus on discovery, parents tend to gain a deeper appreciation for the planning, dedication, and stewardship behind local farming.
Many are surprised to learn just how much fresh produce can be grown locally, even in the Arizona desert. That realization often strengthens their commitment to supporting local agriculture and making more intentional food choices.
Families can continue that connection beyond the farm through the Foundation’s Farm Box program, bringing fresh, seasonal produce grown right at Agritopia directly into their homes.
Spending time on the farm also offers lessons that reach far beyond agriculture.
“Families learn that food doesn’t simply appear on grocery store shelves,” the Foundation shares. “They see the seasons, the challenges farmers face, and the care required to grow healthy crops.”
Those lessons naturally lead to conversations about sustainability, environmental stewardship, and the importance of protecting farmland for future generations. Just as importantly, they create opportunities for families to slow down and reconnect with one another.
In today’s fast-paced world, that may be one of the farm’s greatest gifts.
The Foundation has been encouraged by how enthusiastically local families have embraced these experiences over the years. Many parents admit they never realized their children had never actually seen vegetables growing in the ground until visiting the farm.
Others return season after season, turning farm visits into treasured family traditions.
Those repeat visits speak to something many families are searching for: authentic experiences that encourage curiosity instead of distraction.
Some of the most meaningful moments happen during the simplest activities.
Watching a child proudly harvest their very first vegetable, carefully carry it to their parents, or excitedly explain how plants grow reminds the Foundation why its work matters. Those seemingly small experiences often spark lifelong appreciation for healthy food, local farming, and the natural world.
For parents hoping to create more meaningful family time, the Foundation encourages keeping it simple.
“Children don’t always remember the biggest events,” they explain. “They remember shared experiences that allow them to explore, ask questions, and discover something new together.”
Whether it’s visiting a local farm, planting herbs in the backyard, cooking dinner together, or spending an afternoon outdoors, these everyday moments help build confidence, curiosity, and stronger family connections.
“Every season brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and reconnect together.”
Throughout the year, families can experience the farm through Farm Hands educational tours, seasonal events, volunteer opportunities, community dinners, and the Farm Box program. Because the farm changes with every season, no two visits are ever quite the same.
Looking ahead, the Arizona Urban Agriculture Foundation hopes every child leaves with more than just memories. Its vision is to cultivate healthier eating habits, inspire future farmers and environmental leaders, and strengthen appreciation for Arizona’s local food systems.
Most importantly, it hopes to remain a place where people of every age can reconnect with the land, with their food, and with one another.
To learn more about the Arizona Urban Agriculture Foundation, explore the Farm Hands educational program, sign up for a Farm Box, or view upcoming seasonal events, visit www.azurbanag.org
JINGLE JUICE &
It's NOT Too Early to Book Your Holiday Party!
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Book by September 15 and receive FREE custom edible wafer garnishe
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Opening the Door to HopeTogether
UNDERSTANDING WHEN
For readers, it can be difficult to know when a mental health concern has crossed the line into a crisis. The team at Solari says the answer is simpler than most people think: if you’re wondering whether you should call, you probably should.
Every day, trained Crisis Specialists answer calls from people facing everything from overwhelming anxiety and relationship struggles to grief, depression, family conflict, and thoughts of suicide. While many assume crisis services are only for life-threatening emergencies, Solari’s team wants families to know that reaching out early can often prevent a situation from becoming something much bigger.
“You’ll always have a Crisis Specialist on the other end of the line who will introduce themselves and ask how they can help,” explains the team. “We’re not here to decide whether your crisis is ‘big enough.’ Crisis is self-defined because every person’s experience is different.”
That first conversation is designed to create safety, not judgment. Callers can remain anonymous if they choose, and specialists focus on listening, understanding, and helping identify the most appropriate next step. Sometimes that means simply talking through an overwhelming moment. Other times, it may involve connecting someone with community resources or dispatching a Mobile Crisis Team when in-person support is needed.
One of Solari’s most unique services is its Peer Support Warm Line, where callers connect with specialists who have experienced their own mental health challenges.
“Creating connection through shared experience often leads to lessened feelings of isolation,” the team shares.
“Sometimes knowing someone truly understands is enough to keep a difficult day from becoming a crisis.”
That philosophy extends beyond the individual caller. Mental health challenges rarely affect just one person. Parents, spouses, siblings, friends, and caregivers often carry their own fears and questions while trying to support someone they love.
“Mental health is health, and we should talk about it early and often,” says the team. “The more comfortable we become discussing mental health when things are good, the more prepared we’ll be when someone needs support.”
That proactive approach is one reason Solari partners with emergency responders across Arizona, including collaborations with local police departments. In many situations, families can be connected with trained mental health professionals instead of navigating the crisis alone.
The work isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen quietly.
“There is always a moment in a call when something clicks,” the team says. “It may be a new resource, a different perspective, or simply having someone stay present and listen. Those moments remind us why this work matters.”
Perhaps the biggest misconception Solari hopes to change is that asking for help means someone must already be in severe crisis.
Support is available for anxiety, depression, loneliness, major life transitions, family concerns, questions about the mental health system, or simply feeling overwhelmed. Reaching out early is not a sign of weakness. It’s one of the strongest steps someone can take toward healing.
As the team puts it, “Change can begin in just one moment. One different conversation, one helpful resource, or one moment of support can make all the difference.”
Know the Numbers
Arizona residents can reach Solari 24 hours a day, 365 days a year:
• 988 – National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• 1-844-534-HOPE (4673) – Arizona
Statewide Crisis Line
• 1-602-347-1100 – Peer Support Warm Line
"Change can begin in just one moment. One different conversation, one helpful resource, or one moment of support can make all the difference."
Where Creativity Finds Confidence Daily
Helping Gilbert children discover artistic talents, creative confidence, and lifelong problem-solving skills through meaningful hands-on experiences.
Former elementary school teacher Emily Bacon spent 16 years helping children learn inside a classroom, but one childhood dream eventually led her down an entirely different creative path.
“As a child, I dreamed of creating the art version of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory,” Bacon says. “A place where kids would have access to every art supply imaginable and could be as creative as they wanted without worrying about the mess.”
That dream became much more than an idea after her young daughter asked to take art classes. Unable to find the kind of program she envisioned, Bacon created one herself. What started as a children’s art studio inside her garage quickly grew into a mobile program serving schools, libraries, and community organizations before opening Hot Potato Art Studio’s Gilbert storefront in 2025.
The studio’s playful name carries a meaningful story. When her daughter Harlow was just three years old, she proudly brought home what looked like a scribbled red drawing.
“To me it looked like a scribbly red blob,” Bacon laughs, “but to her, it was a hot potato that she couldn’t have been more proud of.”
That original masterpiece still hangs inside the studio today as a daily reminder that creativity isn’t about perfection. It’s about imagination, confidence, and self-expression.
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
PRICKLY
PEAR PHOTOGRAPHY
While many art classes focus on teaching techniques, Hot Potato Art Studio is equally focused on developing life skills. Students ages 4½ through 17 are encouraged to experiment, solve problems, and embrace mistakes as part of the creative process.
“Children spend much of their day searching for the ‘right answer,’” Bacon explains. “In art there are many different solutions. It gives them permission to experiment, make mistakes, and discover ideas they didn’t know they had.”
That philosophy helps students build confidence far beyond the canvas. Some arrive convinced they aren’t artistic, only to surprise themselves weeks later with what they’re capable of creating.
One unforgettable moment came when a mother admired her daughter’s finished landscape painting at pickup.
“When her mom said, ‘Wow... I didn’t know you could do that,’ her daughter smiled and replied, ‘I didn’t know I could either,’” Bacon recalls. “Watching a child surprise themselves and realize they can overcome a challenge is exactly why I started Hot Potato Art Studio.”
Creativity also comes alive through imaginative classes like the wildly popular Adopt a Squishmallow experience. Each child opens a mystery Squishmallow before painting its portrait and designing a custom home from the box. Every project becomes completely unique, giving students ownership of both the process and the final creation.
Today, Hot Potato Art Studio continues to grow alongside the families it serves. In addition to weekly classes, the studio offers camps,
birthday parties, tutoring, school programs, and community art events, with new opportunities continuing to expand each season. This fall, students can explore everything from beginner and advanced fine art to digital illustration with Procreate, anime drawing, and cardboard building.
As Bacon prepares to welcome another semester of young artists, she remains focused on the same mission that inspired her very first garage class.
“Our mission has always stayed the same,” Bacon says. “We want students to leave our studio feeling confident and creative.”
Families interested in experiencing the studio for themselves can visit Hot Potato Art Studio at 1661 S. Val Vista Dr., Suite #105 in Gilbert, where creativity and confidence are nurtured in every class. To explore upcoming classes, camps, and events, visit www. hotpotatoartstudio.com. It’s a place where imagination is celebrated, every child is encouraged to take creative risks, and even a simple drawing of a “hot potato” can become the beginning of something extraordinary.
A bright, tropical cocktail that is a perfect way to celebrate getting a little “ME TIME” back.
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY
Saved by the Bell
“Saved by the Bell" Cocktail
Let's be real. The second that bus rounds the corner and the kiddos are back to school, there is a very specific kind of silence that falls over the house, and it is glorious. No more "there's nothing to do" negotiations. No more "I can't find my shoe" thirty seconds before we need to leave. Just you, the quiet, and the sudden realization you haven't heard your own thoughts since May.
Yes, we will miss our little chaos agents dearly. But Gilbert moms have also earned the right to reclaim a little “Me Time”, literally, the moment the bell rings on a new school year.
The "Saved by the Bell" Cocktail is bright, tropical, and just boozy enough to say "I survived summer break." This one leans heavy on fresh pineapple and a little ginger heat, so it feels like a celebration without being a 9 am mistake.
What you'll need:
• 2 oz white rum
• 4 oz fresh pineapple juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz ginger syrup (or a small knob of grated fresh ginger, muddled)
• A splash of sparkling water
• Ice
• A pineapple wedge and a sprig of mint, for garnish
How to make it:
Fill a shaker with ice. Add the rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and ginger syrup. Shake well, about 15 seconds, until it’s nice and cold. Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice. Top with a splash of sparkling water for a little fizz. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and mint, then go sit somewhere quiet and enjoy every last drop.
THE MOCKTAIL SWAP
Can't start the morning party just yet? No judgment. Skip the rum, keep everything else exactly the same, and you still get every bit of the pineapple, ginger, and victory lap, just without the buzz.
A Toast to the New Rhythm :
Whether you’re team cocktail or team mocktail, the point stands. Take this morning for a ME TIME RESET. It’s a quiet little celebration that you survived, no fanfare required. Sip slowly, sit in the silence, and maybe even catch up on a few back issues of Gilbert City Lifestyle you never got to finish. Here’s to reclaiming your mornings, one pineapple sip at a time. Cheers, Gilbert moms.
The August breakfast opens with the voices that matter most: our own youth.
Led by the Mayor's Youth Advisory Commission, this meeting puts Gilbert teens at the center of the conversation, sharing what they see, feel, and need.
If you work with youth or want to understand their world firsthand, we invite you to listen, learn, and join the discussion..
THURSDAY AUGUST 6TH
JOIN US
7:30AM TO 9AM GILBERT COMMUNITY CENTER 130 N. OAK STREET
Care with a
Focus Unity’s vision is to promote comprehensive and integrated care to improve the mental well being of the children, adolescents, and adults we serve. www.unitymhw.org | 480.676.9470 | 2473 S Higley Rd, Gilbert, AZ
Schedule Your Appointment
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
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A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
EVERY SATURDAY
Gilbert Farmers Market
Chandler-Gilbert Community College | 2626 E Pecos Rd, Chandler
With over 150 vendors year-round, the market features local, chemical-free, organic produce from Arizona farmers, farm-fresh eggs, meat, cheese, bread, sweets, coffee, tea, sauces, seasonings, and many other locally made artisan products. With so many delicious options, it’s no wonder they call the GFM “The Foodie Market”!
EVERY SATURDAY
Heritage District Farmers Market
92 W Vaughn Ave, Gilbert
Arizona Urban Agriculture Foundation is hosting a weekly Saturday Market in the heritage district of downtown Gilbert! Come visit your local farmers, ranchers and producers!
AUGUST 1ST-8TH
Americana Exhibit at HD South
Galley 4 | HD South 10 South Gilbert Road, Gilbert
This milestone date in American history will be viewed differently by everyone, so ignoring partisan perspectives and patriotic hype, Gallery 4 showcases a unique presentation of America through the Americana exhibition as seen through the lenses of Kerrick James and Neil A. Miller.
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AUGUST 5TH
August Kids & Pets Issue
Happy Hour
Kiln | 2162 East Williams Field Road Suite #111, Gilbert | 4:00 PM
Join us as we celebrate our August Kids & Pets Issue with light bites, cocktails and mocktails, great company, and community connection!
AUGUST 6TH
For Our Town Gilbert
Quarterly Breakfast
Gilbert Community Center | 130 North Oak Street, Gilbert | 7:15 am
Join us for our August Networking Breakfast as For Our Town Gilbert launches the Year of Our Youth 20262027. This session offers a focused update on Gilbert’s youth landscapehighlighting key findings from the Community Engagement Task Force report, progress made since its release, and the priorities that now demand community attention.
AUGUST 14TH - 29TH
A Tribute to Woodstock 1969
Hale Centre Theatre | 50 West Page Avenue, Gilbert
Take a trip back to the carefree youth and electrifying energy of the summer of 1969 with hits from Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, The Band, Jefferson Airplane, and more. Featuring songs such as “Summertime,” “Ball and Chain,” “I Shall Be Released,” “Feelin’ Alright,” “Tears of Rage,” and “Somebody to Love”.
AUGUST 29TH
4th Annual Home and Landscape Show
DoubleTree by Hilton | 1800 South Santan Village Parkway, Gilbert
Get inspired for your home and garden projects at the East Valley Home and Landscape Show – where you’ll find everything you need!
