Heart Full of Thanks!
’Tis the season of gratitude! We're hitting the part of the year where we're winding down and getting ready for the holiday season. Most of us will find ourselves looking back, finding the little nuggets of joy and the things to be thankful for.
For me, I’m thankful for the small things like my coffee as I take my dog to the dog park in the morning. The second cup that comes with my coming home and doing my Bible reading. The slower pace of life since we left Vegas and moved into the wonderful community here in Mesa, a community that has welcomed my family with open arms.
This issue is a special one, every page sprinkled with thankfulness and inspiration to appreciate the beauty in life around us. There are some amazing veterans who are creating community for each other. There’s a story of a woman who lives out her gratitude so fiercely it's inspiring. In between these stories we have our amazing partners who make issues like this possible all for you, our fantastic reader, who makes this all worthwhile.
As we prepare for everything that comes with the holidays, take a moment to remember that connection and conversation is what memories are made of. So take the photo, make the silly face, and write down the insightful comment someone made. Create memories that you’re thankful for.
With love,
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Michaela Hetherington
michaela.hetherington@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Adam Hetherington
adam.hetherington@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Ashleigh Underwood
ashleigh.underwood@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Sonja Stafford
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
B-Real Media
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mel Boban, Alison Stanton
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
First Impressions Ironworks Expanding!
First Impression Ironworks is expanding to Austin, Texas, bringing our signature handcrafted Iron Entry Doors and Iron Security Doors to homeowners in the Lone Star State. With over 30 years of experience and a commitment to American-made quality, we’re excited to introduce our premium ironwork to one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.
Coulter Infiniti x YMCA
Coulter Infinity’s commitment to service goes beyond the dealership. Coulter Infinity stepped in to sponsor the hole-in-one at the 14th Annual Westar Environmental & Ross Farnsworth – East Valley Family YMCA Golf Tournament, providing a 2025 QX50. This partnership and opportunity not only aligns with the company’s values but makes an impact in our community.
Scan to read more
Veteran’s Day Parade
Join the East Valley community for a Veteran’s Day Parade on November 11th. This year’s theme is: Ready Then, Ready Now. 250 Years of Military Service. The parade starts on Center Street and University in Mesa and runs South on Center St. to 1st St, it then turns west onto 1st St. and continues to Robson. You can find more information, including the website for details on our events page.
H O P E
with YOU
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.
Service in Action
ARTICLE BY
ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Rayhons Financial doesn’t just believe in living a thankful life, they show their gratitude by showing up for their community. Rayhons Financial proudly serves our veterans and first responders through partnerships with the AZ Rattlers and Ridge Riders. Rayhons Financial provide tickets to games and events for veterans and their families. During the game or events, these vets are recognized and able to participate in some capacity. We had a chance to ask the Rayhons team what inspires them.
HOW RAYHONS FINANCIAL GIVES BACK TO VETS
ALL YEAR LONG
“INSTEAD, WHAT IF WE SIMPLY JUST GIVE.”
Q: HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY? TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND.
JW Rayhons: Growing up around farming and construction, you see people helping each other all around you. We also grew up in small communities and in many cases lower income communities. We were fortunate to have people and organizations that would help us when we needed it. My first love for being involved in the community was coaching youth basketball. I didn’t even know that was considered serving your community at the time. Throughout life I’ve noticed that there’s a quiet bond that happens when we serve one another. There’s something that happens within you, and there’s something that happens within others that fuels more acts of kindness, service, and generosity. It’s like when you see someone hold a door, then that person picks up a dropped item, then that person gives an unexpected compliment to a stranger, then that stranger makes a donation, and that organization saves someone’s life. Aren’t you glad someone opened the door?!
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE AN EFFORT TO GIVE BACK TO VETERANS AND START THESE PARTNERSHIPS?
JWR: First, it’s important to mention a change in thinking about the idea to “give back.” Instead, what if we simply just give. There is no way to know all that our veterans and military families have done for us. We give and serve and support our veterans and military because they give and serve and sacrifice and protect us. We get to live in the freedom we do, because of them. Through our partnerships and veteran efforts, we simply want to help create memorable, positive experiences for them and their families.
Q: HOW WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO GIVE BACK? WHAT COULD AN INDIVIDUAL DO RIGHT NOW?
JWR: Giving and generosity is an independent choice. If your contribution comes from genuine desire to make a positive impact, then your contribution will matter.
Q: HOW ARE YOU INSPIRED BY THE GIVING BACK THAT RAYONS FINANCIAL DOES?
Nyah Hager: Rayhons Financial models generosity in a way that inspires me to live with that same spirit— seeking opportunities to make people feel valued and appreciated. It challenges me to be intentional about going the extra mile, knowing even small acts can build up and ripple out and change lives.
Mikayla Orser: The way Rayhons Financial gives back is inspirational because it’s focused on an others-first mentality. We want to make sure the Veteran, or First Responder, we feature is truly given the spotlight and feels special. The purpose of honoring them and their legacy is to thank them for their sacrifice and give them a memorable evening! Its a selfless night focused on sacrifice, gratitude, and freedom.
Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB AND THESE PARTNERSHIPS?
NH: I love capturing moments that reflect the impact of our work—stories and testimonies of people feeling seen and valued because of these partnerships. Many of these opportunities wouldn’t exist without Rayhons Financial’s support, and it’s humbling to help share them. Most of all, I love being part of a team that puts
people first and truly cares about helping others create their ideal, joyful life.
MO: I love that I’m able to have a hand in “making things happen”. It’s a joy to watch it all come together seamlessly for our partners, but more importantly for the Vet and his/her family.
Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH EVERYBODY KNEW?
JWR: Your level of wealth will always equal your level of gratitude. Or said another way, your level of wealth will never exceed your level of gratitude. When you look for the good, you will find it.
MO : I wish everybody knew that “more to Life than money®” really means what it says. It’s about living with a greater, more intentional purpose that just living for money. We live for purpose!
NH: There’s nothing more rewarding than stepping beyond yourself to create joy for someone else. Making people feel valued is one of life’s greatest treasures, and gratitude has a way of multiplying - it fills others, and it fills you too. Life is too short to hold back generosity. Step out of your comfort zone, commit to making someone smile, and you’ll find joy always finds its way back to you.
Locally
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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.
THEIR SERVICE, OUR GRATITUDE
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD
There’s a little coffee shop on the east side of Mesa, right on Power road. It’s called Black Rifle Coffee. It’s more than your average coffee shop, it’s an embassy for local veterans, first responders, and active service members. The coffee is delicious but it’s the atmosphere that catches your eye, the shop is always filled with these brave men and women and their families. Some are coming in to grab something to go on their break and others are picking tables, gathering together with others. There are the sweet undertones of conversation happening underneath the shouts of orders ready. You can hear laughter between the thuds as cups and items are moved around on counters and sound of back claps and hugs along with the whiz of the espresso machine.
November 11th is the day we celebrate Veteran’s Day. We take a moment to reflect and be thankful for those who have served and are currently serving in our armed forces. We might attend a parade, create a graphic to share on social media (or share one someone else posts), but on November 11th, we make sure to thank our veterans. When we see them out and about, we go out of our way to thank them, maybe even shake their hand.
When thinking about the November issue, when you combine the theme of thankfulness and the fact that Veterans Day is one of the major holidays celebrated, it was serendipitous that I knew exactly where to go for this article.
I learned that there was a group of vets that meet at Black Rifle Coffee on a consistent basis and after being provided the information on the days and times of their meetings, I invited myself to one of their meetings. A few of the members knew I was coming but for most of the group, I was a surprise. (I’ll let them decide if it was pleasant surprise or not.) At first, when I realized that not everybody knew I was coming, I was nervous. Insecurity bubbled up and made me question whether or not they would even want to talk to me, to share, to allow me into their group, a group so tight that even on the days they might not want to go, they still get in their car and drive over to Black Rifle Coffee. This weekly meeting is their routine, a habit, and some would say, a lifeline. And here I was, intruding with minimal warning.
The insecurity was quickly washed away in the open arms of these men and their openness to newcomers. Make no mistake, they are a tight knit group, deeply interwoven in each other’s lives, but they are equally open to new people, new conversations, and finding an extra chair to pull up to their table. Even as I talked to individual members, getting into the finer details of things, everybody else would be involved in other conversations. The conversations overlapped and somehow included everybody at the table despite the conversation appearing to only be between the two men sitting across from each other. It felt like joining a family for breakfast instead of an interview, especially as they started asking me two questions about myself to every one of my own questions to them.
I spent three hours at Black Rifle Coffee, talking with these men who welcomed me as if I was family instead of the reporter they insisted I was, despite my corrections that I’m simply a writer and I just like putting stories together. I walked away with more than a story, I walked away with a message to share and a lesson learned. I walked away with a real-life example of a challenge that
INSTEAD OF A “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE” AS WE PASS BY THE OLDER GENTLEMAN WITH THE VIETNAM HAT
OR OTHER MILITARY APPAREL THAT SIGNIFIES THAT THEY SERVED IN THE MILITARY, WE’RE GOING TO STOP AND ASK “CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR SERVICE?”
one of the men gave to me and living out the example has made the challenge take root, and it’s a challenge I’m going to share with you, one I hope you take up as I have.
Let’s change how we say thank you to veterans. Instead of a “Thank you for your service” as we pass by the older gentleman with the Vietnam hat or other military apparel that signifies that they served in the military, we’re going to stop and ask Can you tell me about your service?
Instead of a quick thank you that makes us feel good but is most likely making the veteran feel awkward, let’s spend a few minutes asking them to share their experience, allowing them to share what they feel comfortable sharing at the moment. Instead of spending ten seconds saying thank you, let’s spend five minutes having a conversation.
Veterans lived a completely different life during their service, one that many of us can never wrap our heads around. Our societal rules are nothing compared to their general orders, orders they still probably follow even after their time in service is done.
There are many organizations that support veterans but there is something we can start giving now, our time. We can have conversations, we can ask questions. We can show our gratitude by listening to their stories.
PETER
Military Branch: Army
Time in Service: 14 Years
MOS (Job): Chaplin Assistant Peter is the technical leader of the group, starting at Panera with a question and in invitation. “Vet? Come hang out.” Peter loves being able to pray for one another.
One Thing Everybody Should Know: On the outside, someone may look okay but on the inside, they might need something.
Military Branch: Army
Time in Service: 2 Years
MOS (Job): Combat Correspondence
Ron shared that Vietnam vets are still suffering, it’s why he wears his Vietnam vet hat, to be an open door for other vets who might need someone who gets it.
One Thing Everybody Should Know: We have a great country. It has its flaws but it is still great.
Military Branch: Navy
Time in Service: 3 Years
Rate (Job): Ship Serviceman
One Thing Everybody Should Know: Common Sense
Military Branch: Navy
Time in Service: 14 Years (reserves)
Rate (Job) : Ordinance Air Crew
On top of his military service, PJ is also a retired sergeant with the police force, spending time in Hawaii, Colorado Springs and Portland. Retirement looks like being a small business owner, a dad to two kiddos, and wedding planning.
Living a Thankful Life
Living life, one thankful day at a time
Local aesthetician extraordinaire DeeDee Green lives a life of gratitude and it shows in everything she does. Her kindness, warmth, and openness make you feel like you’re catching up with a childhood friend instead of meeting someone for the first time. While DeeDee’s passion has always been in skin and beauty (she comes from a family who had Avon businesses) she pursued a medical career because she needed an “adult job,” she was a teenage mom. She laughs as she explains watching a tech school infomercial—“I went into the school the next day. I told them to put me into any program, do classes start tomorrow?” She would stay in the medical field for twenty-four years.
After COVID though, DeeDee wanted a pivot. “It was part of my identity,” Deedee says when explaining how she hadn’t left the hospital despite going back to school and working towards the pivot she desired. She was juggling school, her job at the hospital, along with being a wife, mom to four, and a grandma. It was hard to let go of the hospital. The moment would come though. As she was getting ready to head to another shift in the hospital, she realized that she didn’t want to go. She had her LLC filed already. She hadn’t committed to her pivot yet. However, that day, as she was preparing for a hospital shift, she knew God was telling her that it was time to start the business, to really start it. Her husband, fully supportive and on board, got her
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY SONJA STAFFORD
to start looking at locations. She found one right away, in a building that was being renovated at the time. She was given her choice of rooms and signed a year lease, despite her fear and uncertainty of whether or not the business would take off.
“My business is completely built on faith, I am wholly surrendered to God,” DeeDee says as she shares her testimony, a testimony that goes hand in hand with the start and launch of her business. It took six months to get clients. She would faithfully show up at the location during her business hours day in and day out. Her younger kids coming along after school pick up. “Why do we have to be here?” they would ask, but DeeDee insisted in being a woman of her word, honoring her hours. There was always the, what if someone came by? thought too.
Someone would come by. DeeDee’s first client was someone who came in and asked for the highest level of service she offered. As DeeDee tells the story though, her focus wasn’t on the money she was about to bring in, it was the opportunity to be there for someone else. By the end of that service, both women were left in tears. DeeDee believes they met for a reason and the services she provided were just the vehicle she had to connect with someone who needed a listening ear. Later, that first client would drop off a thank you card,
leaving it with her husband while DeeDee was out. She hasn’t seen that client since. The memory lives on in DeeDee’s testimony as she shares her success and how each client after the first have been a blessing.
DeeDee lets her testimony, her faith, and her surrender to the Lord guide her in all that she does, especially in business. She is thankful that she gets to have her business—not because of the perks of being a business owner—but because of the good she gets to do. Every connection and interaction is purposeful.
realty report
Scrapbook Journaling
Remembering the Moments We're Most Thankful For
I’ve always been a journal person. I’ve gone through every trendy journal type and journal method—anybody remember Password Journal? Eventually, I was introduced to scrapbooking in high school. As the girl who cannot draw a stick figure with a ruler, I found scrapbooks to be a great creative outlet.
At some point, I decided to combine the two loves into what I call scrapbook journaling. It’s a great way to remember the smaller moments, the daily joys. Our phones are filled with a lot of photos, but do we scroll through the photos like we do social media? Enter scrapbook journaling! This doesn’t require you to be a journal person either, just grab a notebook and figure out what you like to do.
• Notebook
• Pens in a variety of colors
• Highlighters
• Colored Pencils (optional, markers work too)
• Washi Tape
• Sticky notes (bonus points for transparent ones)
• Printed photos (want to print at home? the Canon Ivy Printer is great!)
• Movie ticket stubs, boarding passes, and other mementos
• Stickers
1. Print out photos and gather all materials you want to use or include.
2. Figure out your layout for your page. Where are the photos going to go? What lists or notes do you want to make?
3. Put it all together! Don’t stress too much about making it perfect, it’s just meant to highlight memories you want to come back to. Add notes, highlight to your heart’s content, be sure to write down days and dates too.
4. Have fun!
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD
WEIGHT LOSS MADE EASY
NOVEMBER 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 6TH
Penn & Teller
1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201
For over 50 years Penn & Teller have defied labels—and at times physics and good taste—by redefining the genre of magic and inventing their own very distinct niche in comedy. Come see them at Ikeda Theater, tickets start at $61.50. Check out mesaartscenter.com/showdetails/penn-teller for more information.
Inspired Design Enduring Craftsmanship
NOVEMBER 8TH
McDowell Mountain Ranch Family Fun Community Event
10607 E Paradise Lane, Scottsdale, Arizona | 9:00 AM
First Impression Ironworks will be part of the McDowell Mountain Ranch Family Fun Community Event, celebrating community and connection in Scottsdale. From custom iron doors and gates to railings and staircases, every product we create is built from 100% American-made steel products and hand-forged in our Gilbert facility to last for decades.
NOVEMBER 11TH
Veteran’s Day Parade
Mesa, AZ | 11:00 AM
Join the East Valley Veteran’s Parade as they honor veterans. The parade starts on Center Street and University in Mesa and runs South on Center St. to 1st St, it then turns west onto 1st St. and continues to Robson. You can find more information at evvp.org.
When We Say We Travel, We Mean It!
Whether it’s setting up your wedding in a serene forest or by a picturesque river, we’ll be there to make your special day unforgettable. No destination is too far for us to bring our exceptional service to you.
“We got married 10.07.2023 in Strawberry Arizona at the Rim! Josh & Kasandra went up & beyond to make our day SO special! We got married in the woods with a limited power supply and limited notice for the exact location of our wedding! (Because it’s the middle of the woods and you never know!) They took the time to meet us at our wedding location on the Rim days before the wedding! They took the time to ensure we were happy with the food and if we had enough to eat! Their crew was so helpful in arranging the tables and even table settings! They even packed our leftovers which we are still enjoying today!!
A huge shout out to Kasandra who took the time to help me breathe, take a moment to myself, and let me know it was my turn to walk down the aisle from afar! Thank you both so much! Our day wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for you guys! We would %100 recommend The Local Catering company as your choice for catering!!!” - Olivia Hammond
events
CONTINUED
NOVEMBER 12TH
Cinderella
1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201 | 7:00 PM
Step into the magical world of Cinderella, live on stage!
The beloved fairy tale comes to life in a spectacular Broadway-style production that delights all ages, blending humor, romance, and the timeless majesty of classical ballet. You can buy tickets online at: mesaartscenter .com/show-details/world-balletcompany-cinderella
NOVEMBER 21ST
29th Annual Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour
Various Locations | 10:00 AM
Discover over 150 artists at more than 40 studios spread across the communities of Cave Creek, Carefree, and North Scottsdale. You can find information, including a map for the studios at sonoranartsleague.org/ hidden-in-the-hills
NOVEMBER 29TH
Merry Main Street Kick-Off Main Street / Downtown Mesa | 5:00 PM
The best way to start the Christmas season is back with kick off happening on November 29th! Visit merrymainst.com for all the details and everything being offered this year.
