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Happy Holidays! D E C E M B E R 2 02 3

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December 2023 PUBLISHER

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Julie LaCroix julie.lacroix@citylifestyle.com

December — Happy Holidays!

MANAGING EDITOR

The holidays are here, and many of us often try to replicate what made the season feel so magical to us in our youth. The traditions we set for our families often mirror some of what we experienced as a child, whether the smells, the sounds, the lights, the holiday activities, or a combination that reflects these best. Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah during December, it is a time for family—a time to think back to our roots and honor the people who have made those traditions so precious. For me, the holiday season in Arizona is so far removed from what I grew up with that it has allowed me to start new traditions while holding dear those old memories. I was born in Virginia, surrounded by a huge family. As a child, I was always in the Christmas Eve play at our church, followed by a big celebration at our house. When I was 13, we moved to the mountains of Colorado. Christmas there was magical, especially if it snowed on Christmas Eve, which it almost always did. While I treasure those memories—and miss the snow for a few brief hours every December 24th—I have come to embrace the holidays here in the desert. I love the warm days, followed by chilly nights. I enjoy sitting outside around a fire, sipping hot cocoa, and listening to Christmas carols. This month, we wanted to highlight the season's magic and what the West Valley has to offer that helps spread holiday cheer. We’ve compiled a gift guide to make your shopping easier. We also wanted to share what our area offers this holiday season for entertainment—especially places where kids of all ages can enjoy the season's twinkling lights. I do want to acknowledge that while this season can be beautiful for some, it can be painful and lonely for others, especially those who have recently lost a loved one. In the true spirit of the season, let’s take care of those in our community who need assistance or are alone—check out our Giving Campaign in this issue, and please nominate someone deserving from our community. My hope for you this season is that you feel love and peace and that we all remember to take care of each other, extending grace, empathy, and love. Happy Holidays!

COPY EDITOR

Susan Lanier-Graham susan.lanier-graham@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jen David jen.david@citylifestyle.com

Mimi Slawoff mslawoff@gmail.com STAFF PHOTOGR APHER

Christine Andert—Picture Lady Photography LLC Christine@picture-lady.com SOCIAL MEDIA COOR DINATOR

Nichole Eckman neckman12@gmail.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Susan Lanier-Graham, Jill Robbins, Rebecca Taig CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Janie Jones, Rebecca Taig

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

SUSAN L ANIER-GRAHAM, MANAGING EDITOR @NORTHPEORIALIFESTYLE

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Proverbs 3:5-6 North Peoria Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the North Peoria area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in North Peoria Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

DECEMBER 2023

inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

16 Gluten-Free Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

Travel Journal T R AV EL

Gift Guide S HO PPI NG

Happy Hour FO O D + B EV ER AG E

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Events

Realty Report R EA L ESTAT E

Chef 's Selection FO O D + B EV E R AG E

Delicious holiday cookies for everyone

20 World-Class Slopes + Winter Fun Point your boots toward Banff this winter

28 Holiday Gifts for All

Best Gifts for Foodies, Outdoor Lovers, and Readers

32 Holiday Cocktails

Rum isn't just for summer—savor these winter rum cocktails

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Don Q Rum Delight your guests this holiday season with delicious cocktails like Coquito, a creation of La Factoria in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Discover more winter rum cocktails on page 32.

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DECEMBER 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

JULIE LACROIX

1: Jennifer Stein, Peoria's Director of Economic Development, speaks at the 2nd Annual Women's Leadership Conference. 2: Jennifer Stein, Rhonda Carlson, CEO Peoria Chamber of Commerce, and Christine Gannon, CEO Brightworks Consulting 3: Shannon Clancy, CEO of St. Vincent de Paul, and Latasha Causey, President, Phoenix Raceway

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @northpeorialifestyle

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DECEMBER 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

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Celebrate 5 Years of Kawaii Magic! Kawaii Sushi (KawaiiPeoria.com) is celebrating and invites you to join them on December 9 from 1 to 11 p.m. at the Kawaii Peoria Store, 8385 W Deer Valley Rd. There will be a photo booth, Champagne toast, entertainment, raffles, karaoke—and great food! Come dressed in your most charming and cute kawaii attire. Call 623.561.1988 to reserve a table for the big day! Prepare for an extraordinary evening filled with Kawaii charm, laughter, and celebration. Photography Kawaii Sushi

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Content prepared by Advisors Excel. Investment advisory products and services made available through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. Neither the firm nor its agents or representatives may give tax or legal advice. All investments are subject to risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. This guide is provided for informational purposes only; it is not designed as advice for an individual’s personal situation. Our firm does not provide, and no statement contained in the guide shall constitute, tax or legal advice. All individuals are encouraged to seek the guidance of a qualified professional regarding their personal situation. 1884839 - 6/23

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Lynch Vein & Aesthetics (LynchVein. com) will begin offering a new laser treatment for acne. AviClear is the first and only FDA-approved laser treatment for moderate to severe acne. The laser targets the part of the skin that creates sebum, the cause of most acne. The treatment consists of a series of three 30-minute laser sessions. The skin continues to improve for three months after the last treatment and results can last years. Photography Lynch Vein & Aesthetics

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Turquoise Wine Cellar & Tasting Room is Expanding! Your favorite Glendale wine bar is adding a second location in Peoria. The Winery 101 owners are retiring, and Turquoise Wine Cellar & Tasting Room (TurquoiseWineBar.com) is taking over the space at Hwy 101 and Olive. Look for this great addition to the West Valley early in the new year. Turquoise will offer wines from around the world, a wine club, great food, and live events at both locations. Photography Turquoise Wine Cellar & Tasting Room

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DECEMBER 2023

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area. SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM

'Tis the season for tinsel, twinkling lights, and celebrating the holiday season! We wanted to share the best ways to enjoy the sparkle this holiday season. Enjoy these local holiday happenings and rejoice in the joy and festive spirit around town!

Our Picks for Holiday Happenings THE WIGWAM: Holiday Nights in Lights every Friday through December. Bring the family to walk the festive light paths through the resort. End with s'mores and cocoa. 300 East Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, AZ WOR LD OF ILLUMINATION: The world's largest drive-through animated light show is in Glendale! One million animated lights with synchronized music every Tuesday through Sunday. Open through December 31. 9431 W Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ BASS PR O SHOPS GLENDALE: Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa's Wonderland. Shop the Christmas Toy Shop. Mail your letters to Santa. Get a free 4x6 photo with Santa. 9380 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ DESER T FAR M LIGHTS: Enjoy Phoenix West Valley's premier walk-through Christmas experience. Candy cane maze. Slides. Train tour. Movies. Santa. Visit Grinch's Lair. Horse-drawn hayrides. Food and drink available. 14629 W Peoria Ave, Waddell, AZ VER DE CANYON R AILR OAD: Take The Magical Christmas Journey on the Verde Canyon Railroad. Board in Clarkdale and enjoy seasonal treats and libations while headed to the North Pole. Clarkdale, AZ

World of Illumination

Scan for more photos and the full list.

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Susan Lanier-Graham | @WanderWithWonder North Peoria Lifestyle managing editor, Susan Lanier-Graham, has lived in the Phoenix area for the past 30 years and loves celebrating the holidays with her husband, Bill, here in the Southwest. In addition to her work with this publication, Susan is the publisher of WanderWithWonder.com, an award-winning digital food, wine, and travel publication. She frequently contributes to other print and online publications and loves discovering wow moments, whether they are right here at home or somewhere around the world.

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Gluten-Free Soft GINGER MOL ASSES COOKIES

DELICIOUS HOLIDAY COOKIES FOR EVERYONE ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA TAIG

D R Y IN GR E D IE N T S • • • • • • •

2 cups + 2 TBLS gluten-free flour 2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 TBLS ground ginger 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp ground cloves

W E T IN GR E D IE N T S • • • • •

10 TBLS unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup dark brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated white sugar 1 large egg, room temperature 2 tsp vanilla extract

FOR ROLLING • 1/4 cup granulated white sugar

DIRECTIONS 1. Whisk the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until combined. Set the bowl aside. 2. Cream the butter and sugars. Add the softened butter and both sugars to a large mixing bowl or stand mixer. Cream together on high speed for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl. 3. Add the molasses. additional minute.

Mix

for

4. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until combined. 5. Add the dry ingredients. Mix in the dry ingredients at a low speed until a dough forms. The dough will be thick and sticky.

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

REBECCA TAIG

6. Refrigerate the dough. Cover the bowl with foil and transfer the dough to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours before baking. 7. Prepare the baking sheets. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. Remove the cookie dough from the refrigerator. If the dough chills over 2 hours and is stiff, let the dough come to room temperature for 15 minutes, then proceed to bake. 8. Scoop and roll the dough. Pour the extra granulated sugar into a small bowl. Use a medium cookie scoop to divide the dough into even portions. Roll each dough ball into a uniform shape, then gently roll in the sugar to coat. Place 6 cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. 9. Bake the cookies. Place one baking sheet at a time in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges look golden and set and the centers look slightly underdone. 10. Round out the cookies. If desired, you can use a large circular cookie cutter or circular glass to shape the cookies into perfect circles while they are hot in the oven. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack to continue cooling.

Gluten-Free Goodness MEET THE AUTHOR My name is Rebecca Taig, and I'm the recipe creator, photographer, and entertaining expert behind RebeccaTaig.com. RebeccaTaig.com is an online destination for gluten-free recipes, hosting inspiration, and seasonal decor. Making memories and building traditions are essential; therefore, we prioritize making easy-approachable gluten-free food while teaching you how to entertain to elevate your guests' experiences. Our recipes consist of wholesome ingredients because health and quality are essential. Gluten-free or not, you are going to love these recipes!

11. Store leftovers. Store cookies at room temperature in an air-tight container for up to 5 days.

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Winter fun in Banff. Photo by Shannon Martin courtesy Banff Lake Louise Tourism

SnowDays in Banff. Photo by Shannon Martin courtesy Banff Lake Louise Tourism

Winter fun in Banff. Photo by Shannon Martin courtesy Banff Lake Louise Tourism

SnowDays in Banff. Photo by Shannon Martin courtesy Banff Lake Louise Tourism

Snow sculptures in Banff. Photo by Shannon Martin courtesy Banff Lake Louise Tourism

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

ARTICLE BY JILL ROBBINS

WORLD-CLASS SLOPES +

Winter Fun If you seek to swap desert mountains and arid winters for snowcapped Canadian Rockies, frozen lakes, and evergreens frosted with mounds of fluffy snow, set your sights on Banff National Park. Located in Canada’s Alberta Province, Banff is a remote winter wonderland that is surprisingly easy to reach. Delta and Canadian budget carrier Flair Airlines offer direct flights to Calgary from Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport. United and American have relatively simple routes with layovers in Denver and Dallas, respectively. From Calgary, you’ll have the option of renting a car or taking a shuttle into Banff. The Banff Airporter Shuttle is perfect if you’re a committed warm-weather driver or nervous about icy roads. I’m an anxious winter driver and loved the comfortable shuttle. Either way, the trip to Banff takes about two hours, making your total journey from desert vista to magical snowscape around six to seven hours. Visitors to Banff will enjoy one of the longest winter seasons on the planet—the seven-month ski season stretches from late November to early May. Banff became Canada’s first national park in 1885 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The scenery, variety of ski runs, offthe-slopes options, and friendly people combine to make Banff a delightful winter getaway—just make sure to bundle up! CONTINUED >

POINT YOUR BOOTS TOWARD BANFF THIS WINTER D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N O RT HP E O R I A

Banff in the winter. Photo by Grant Gunderson courtesy SkiBig3

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

BANFF WINTER WEATHER Winter temperatures range from the high 30s to the low teens, although be advised Canadians use the metric system for temperature and other measurements. For those not used to frigid weather, ensure you have adequate winter gear—ski pants, ski parka, and sturdy, warm boots for traction on icy streets. Skiing or not, you’ll be spending time in the elements, and even shopping on Banff Avenue or walking from your hotel to dinner can be a frosty experience. I live in Texas most of the year, so I’m quick to label anything below 50 as heavycoat weather. Make sure you have warm mittens with inserts, which keep your hands much warmer than gloves, and a buff or neck gaiter you can pull over your nose and mouth when the temps plummet. There are shops in town where you can purchase various winter gear if you’ve forgotten something or need an extra layer. I’m pretty wimpy in winter temperatures, and I find keeping my head, hands, and feet toasty goes a long way to help me acclimate.

A SKIING AND SNOWBOARDER’S PARADISE From novice to expert, 29 lifts and 362 runs across three ski resorts will give you the perfect dose of adventure. The SkiBig3 lift ticket allows you access to all three Banff-area ski resorts— Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay. Only one resort is ski-in, ski-out, Banff Sunshine Village. There are free ski shuttles that pick up skiers from various hotels in town, so even if you opt not to stay at Sunshine Village, getting to the slopes is still easy. The best deals come with at least three days of skiing and a 21-day advance purchase, so it pays to plan.

Bear Street in Banff. Photo by Dan Evans courtesy Banff Lake Louise Tourism Lake Louise. Photo courtesy SkiBig3

BANFF SUNSHINE VILLAGE LODGE—SKI ON THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE Twelve lifts, 137 runs with 20 percent beginner, 55 percent intermediate, and 25 percent advanced runs.

LAKE LOUISE SKI RESORT—SKI WITH VIEWS OF LAKE LOUISE Eleven lifts, 164 runs with 25 percent beginner, 45 percent intermediate, and 30 percent advanced runs.

MT. NORQUAY—OFFERING NIGHT SKIING AND SNOW TUBE RUNS Six lifts, 60 runs with 31 percent beginner, 25 percent intermediate, and 44 percent advanced runs. CONTINUED >

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N O RT HP E O R I A

Banff is a remote winter wonderland that is surprisingly easy to reach from Arizona. WINTER FUN OFF THE SLOPES I don’t ski or snowboard and found plenty of wintertime fun in Banff. Whether you love to ski and are looking to mix things up with off-the-slopes activities or don’t plan to ski at all, you won’t lack for things to do. I spent nearly a week in Banff and stayed busy. This is a trip where people with varying interests can all be happy.

DINING & DRINKS

Riding the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulfur Mountain offers views of Banff and Lake Louise from 7,500 feet year-round, but the Nightrise experience, available from mid-November through March, is a unique way to experience winter scenery and indigenous culture. Nightrise is included with Gondola tickets and provides an immersive experience, including lights, projections, and soundscapes created in partnership with the Stoney Nakoda Nation.

Banff Avenue and neighboring Bear Avenue offer many walkable options if you stay in downtown Banff. Here’s a sampling of my favorites. • Bear Street Tavern: Pizza, sandwiches, and cast iron specialties • Bluebird Wood-Fired Steakhouse: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch • Shoku Izakaya: Rice bowls, sushi, and ramen • Wild Flour Bakery: Breakfast, lunch, and pastries • Banff Avenue Brewing Company: Local beer, appetizers, and late-night menu

JOHNSON CANYON EVENING ICE WALK

RESORT OPTIONS FOR EVERY BUDGET

My night hike in the park’s Johnson Canyon was the highlight of my trip to Banff. Although the trail is open to anyone, I felt more comfortable going with a group and booked through Discover Banff Tours. The easy 1.4-mile out-and-back trail runs along suspended catwalks built into the canyon, leading to a partially frozen waterfall. This trail can be explored during daylight hours as well, but my night hike felt like something out of a fairy tale.

I stayed in the Mount Royal Hotel, and even though it comes in on the lower end of the price point, it did not feel like a budget hotel. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with many offering views of the mountains and Banff Avenue. There’s also a rooftop hot tub and an onsite restaurant, Brazen, serving elevated cuisine casually. If you don’t plan to rent a car, I recommend checking the distance between your hotel and the Banff Avenue area. There’s no ride-sharing in Banff National Park, but a taxi service is available. There are shuttles to get to the ski lifts, and most organized tours offer hotel pickup, but if you’ve got a longer walk between your lodging and restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, the cold and wind can be brutal. Here are a few recommendations for staying in Banff: • Mount Royal Hotel: Averages $110/night • Buffalo Mountain Lodge: Averages $140/night • Sunshine Mountain Lodge: Averages $300/night • Fairmont Banff Springs: Averages $444/night

BANFF GONDOLA

ICE SKATING Banff has several spots to enjoy ice skating, both on a frozen lake and at a rink. Lake Louise is the most popular skating spot, but locals also like Two Jack Lakes and Lake Minnewanka. You’ll also find outdoor rinks at Fenlands Meadow and Banff Train Station.

BANFF SNOWDAYS This January festival (held January 19 through February 4, 2024) brings the artistry of snow and ice

sculptures to downtown Banff. There’s also a winter snow play zone with sledding hills, curling, and a fat tire bike track. The crown jewel of SnowDays is the skijoring demonstration. Watch a breathtaking exhibition of trick riding and ski stunts by Alberta’s best cowboys, cowgirls, and trick skiers.

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

Downtown Banff. Photo by Grant Gunderson courtesy SkiBig3

Banff National Park. Photo by Eric Hanson courtesy Banff Lake Louise Tourism

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gift guide ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM

Holiday Gifts for All BEST GIFTS FOR FOODIES, OUTDOOR LOVERS, AND READERS

G IF T GU ID E | SHOPPIN G

gifts for Foodies Do you have a gourmand in your life? We bring you some of our favorite finds for those who love to get in the kitchen and create incredible flavors. Here’s hoping you get to enjoy the treats!

1. Olive & Cocoa Hand Blown Flutes, set of 2, $88. Gorgeous hand-blown glass. Approximately 9 ½" tall. OliveandCocoa.com 2. Peugeot Glass Set, $99.95. Enjoy fragrances in spirits without the fire of the alcohol. Stylish design with innovative metal cooling base. US.Peugeot-Saveurs.com 3. Two-Tiered Live Edge Stand, $248. Handcrafted wood with natural live edges. The stand is 13" in diameter by 16" tall. OliveandCocoa.com 4. 7-qt VIVID Stainless Steel Air Fryer, $169.99. Features a high-definition, full-color screen. Click an image to prepare a meal. 202 smart presets in 12 categories. Kalorik.com 5. Brasas Club Grass-fed Wagyu Beef, $35+. Members receive beef shipments from the Palmaz family in Napa and the Genesee Valley Ranch in Las Plumas Mountains. BrasasClub.com 6. Kitchen Essentials Spice Box, $99.99. VAHDAM Spices brings authentic and delicious Indian spices to your home. No pesticides, color, or toxins. Includes nine spices. Vahdam.com CONTINUED >

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gifts for Outdoor Lovers Here in Arizona, we embrace the outdoors—especially during the holidays. Whether your outdoor lover prefers backyard barbecues, taking to the water, or soaring high above the Valley, we have you covered with gift ideas.

1. Rancho Pro 36” Gas Grill, $3,599. The black stainless steel Rancho Pro grill from Phoenix-based Wildfire Outdoor Living features a spring-assisted hood and laser-cut cooking grates. WildfireOutdoorLiving.com 2. Folding Lectric eBike, $926-$1,777. Phoenixbased Lectric eBikes are made for cyclists from the XP Lite to the Electric XP Trike. LectriceBikes.com 3. Juntos AlpaKnit Lace-Up Shoes, $95. Sustainable sneakers with alpaca, banana tree, and recycled cotton uppers with coconut and sugarcane insoles. Lightweight, flexible, and washable. Juntos.co 4. Infinity X1 flashlight, $59-$79. Hybrid power technology in a tough light offers incredible brightness and optical clarity. Available in 1500, 2500, or 4000 Lumen. InfinityX1.com 5. Rainbow Ryders, $189+. Soar above the Sonoran Desert for an hour in a hot air balloon. Sunrise and sunset flights are available. Private rides also available. RainbowRyders.com 6. ISLE Pioneer Pro Hybrid Kayak, $895. Performance of a rigid board in a portable, inflatable package. Easily converts from SUP to kayak with ISLE-LINK system. IsleSurfandSUP.com

3. 4.

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gifts for Readers If you have a reader on your gift list this holiday season, you know there’s nothing they would rather do than curl up with a good book. Here are our recommendations for must-have gifts for readers on your list.

1. Galison I'd Rather Be Reading puzzle, $24.69. This 1000-piece puzzle is fun for readers of all ages. The finished puzzle is 27” x 20”. Amazon.com 2. How to Chat with Archangels by Debra Schildhouse, $16.95. The renowned spiritual author shows readers how to connect with their personal team of Archangels. Amazon.com 3. Brass Monkey Grammar Police bookmark, $9. Heavyweight metal with matte gold finish. Includes a 5.5” ruler. Amazon.com 4. Galison Books & Ladders Classic Boardgame, $21.98. A bookish play on the classic board game. Ladders take you up, and bookmarks bring you down. Amazon.com 5. Life Whimsy by Wendy Conklin, $47. The designer, DIY expert, and TV host shares strategies to think, play, and live more creatively. Amazon.com 6. UnHide Marshmallow Blanket, $199. The coziest, most luxurious faux fur blanket ideal for curling up with a good book. Unhide.US

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Holiday Cocktails ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM PHOTOGRAPHY BY DON Q RUM

Looking for a unique cocktail during the holidays? Josue Gonzalez of Unfiltered Hospitality (UnfilteredHospo.com), says: “My go-to winter cocktail is a Hot Buttered Rum, a super simple cocktail that's rich, warm and delicious. The perfect rum for this cocktail is Don Q Oak Barrel Spice, a lovely Puerto Rican Rum aged at least three years in American white oak barrels with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, caramel, and subtle hints of toasted coffee. This lovely cocktail will keep you warm and your tastebuds happy this winter.” Enjoy Gonzalez's hot buttered rum recipe and two more delicious rum cocktails this holiday season.

Hot Buttered Rum ingredients • 1.5 oz Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced Rum • .25 oz Honey • 1 tsp Butter • 4-6 oz Hot Water

directions Combine all ingredients and stir until butter is dissolved. Garnish with freshly grated cinnamon and nutmeg. Courtesy Josue Gonzalez, Unfiltered Hospitality Photo courtesy Don Q Rum

Rum isn't just for summer—savor these winter rum cocktails

H AP PY H OU R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

La Factoria’s Coquito

Hot Butter Chinola

ingredients

• • • • • • • •

6 oz Don Q Cristal Rum 4 oz Don Q Reserve 7 Rum 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk 12 oz Evaporated Milk 8.5 oz Cream of Coconut 1 tsp Vanilla Extract 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon .25 oz Ground Nutmeg

directions Mix all ingredients well (using a blender always helps). Pour into an empty bottle and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving. Shake well and serve cold in a small coupe glass. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Serves 6-8. La Factoria, San Juan, Puerto Rico

• • • •

2 oz Chinola butter batter (recipe below) 1 oz Coconut Cartel Rum 2 dash Angostura Bitters 5 oz Hot water

directions Combine Chinola butter batter, rum, and bitters in a heatsafe mug. Top with hot water and garnish with a slice of fruit and fresh grated nutmeg. For Chinola butter batter: In a saucepan on medium heat, melt two sticks of butter and 1 pint of vanilla ice cream. Add 4 cups powdered white sugar and whisk until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon allspice, 1 whole grated nutmeg, 12 ounces of Chinola passion fruit liqueur, and whisk until combined. Butter batter for 16 servings.

Photo courtesy Chinola Liqueur

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 34

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

“

This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year. With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them during this holiday season.” “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds. City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”

Scan Code to

Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023

Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N O RT HP E O R I A

CREATE A LEGACY Take control of your future with a Mazza + Niro comprehensive estate plan. • Peoria’s Premiere Estate Planning Attorneys • Custom Estate Plans Suited to Your Needs • Estate Plan Packages Starting at $2,500

602-900-1854 • admin@mazzaniro.com • www.mazzaniro.com 8325 W. Happy Valley Road, Suite 120, Peoria, AZ 85383

DECEMBER 2023

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

NOW T H RO UG H D EC E M BE R 3 0 T H

Irving Berlin's White Christmas

ARIZON A BR OADWAY THEATR E | 5 :30 P M Featuring songs from Irving Berlin, White Christmas sparkles with holiday cheer, dancing, and laughter. Enjoy dinner and a show or lunch and a matinee show. Matinee dining begins at noon and the show starts at 2 p.m. Dinner shows begin serving at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Reservations are required. AZBroadway.org

SAT U RDAYS & S U N DAYS IN D E C E M BE R

DE C E M BE R 3 RD

Breakfast With Santa

LITCHFIELD'S AT W IGWAM ARI ZO NA | 9 :0 0 A M Celebrate the holidays with a holiday breakfast buffet in Litchfield's & crafts for the kids to enjoy at the table or to take home! Santa himself will be joining revelers for pictures during breakfast. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday. $45/adult; $25/child. Reservations required. WigwamArizona.com

Park West Holiday Market

PA RK W EST | 9:00 AM Come shop with all of your favorite Park West Market vendors, plus additional vendors offering goodies for your holiday shopping. The market is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. TheParkWestMarket.com D E C E M BE R 8T H- 1 0 T H

D EC E M BE R 9 T H

A Christmas Carol

PEORIA CEN TER FOR THE PERF O R MI NG A RTS | 7 :30 P M TheaterWorks continues the epic holiday tradition of Ebenezer Scrooge as it presents A Christmas Carol in the Gyder Theater. Shows are Thursdays through Sundays. Check the website for show dates and times. Some matinee shows are available. Tickets start at $40. TheaterWorks.org

Holiday Cooking Demo

WIGWAM ARIZON A | 4:00 PM Join Wigwam Arizona for a festive Holiday Cooking Demo! Delight in holiday-themed cooking and tasting sessions led by Executive Chef Chris McLean. Enhance your skills in cocktail mixology with Kirsten Rogge from Breakthru Beverage. Plus, enjoy a captivating floral arrangement demonstration in collaboration with The Shop at Wondry. From 4 to 6 p.m. in the Palo Verde Room. $100 WigwamArizona.com D EC E M BE R 9 T H

Old Town Holiday Festival

O L D TOW N PEOR IA | 5:00 PM Take a stroll through Old Town Peoria and enjoy the festive and fun holiday activities for the whole family. Live music, meet-and-greets with Santa, interactive activities and entertainment, food trucks, local artisan vendors, and a tree lighting ceremony. From 5 to 9 p.m. at Johnny E. Osuna Memorial Park, Peoria and Grand Avenues. Parking and admission is free.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/NorthPeoria

EVE N TS

D E C E M BE R 9 T H

Hometown Christmas Parade

DOWN TOWN G LEN DALE | 1 1 :0 0 A M Celebrate the holidays at the 10th Annual Hometown Christmas Parade in downtown Glendale. The parade runs along Glendale Avenue from 51st to 58th Avenue. Public parking is available in the garage next to City Hall (59th Avenue & Glendale), the garage north of Bank of America (58th Drive & Palmaire), and along the streets. HCParade.org D E C E M BE R 1 5T H - 1 6T H

Candy Cane Lane

D E C E M BE R 2 4 T H - 2 5T H

Christmas Dinner at Litchfield's

PEOR IA S PORTS COMPLEX | 4 :0 0 P M Enjoy a 2-day festival at Peoria Sports Complex. Christmas fun for everyone. Features more than 150 shopping vendors, photos with Santa, snow and bubble play, bounce houses, cooking decorating, candy bar, and photo booth. You can purchase food and drinks from the on-site food trucks and bar. Tickets are $5. Free parking. Open 4 to 10 p.m. each day.

LITCHEFIELD'S AT W IGWAM A R I ZO NA | 4 :0 0 P M Enjoy Litchfield's seasonal, artful American menu plus featured holiday classics. Serving Christmas Eve dinner on Sunday 12/24 from 4 to 9 p.m. Serving Christmas Day dinner on 12/25 from 2 to 7 p.m. Red Allen's Bar & Grill is also open for breakfast and lunch on Christmas Day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations required. WigwamArizona.com

ADH Solar

WEST VALLEY LIFE ENRICHMENT DAY PROGRAM

August Heiss (623) 688-0663 august@adhsolar.com https://adhsolar.com

Our job is to serve our community by educating our prospective customers first, then allowing them to decide the best long-term energy-efficient solutions suitable for them.

Residential and Commercial Services • New installs • Add-ons to existing systems

For every person enrolled in a Benevilla program, two people get their lives back... the individual and the caregiver.

INDIVIDUALS WE SERVE: • • • • •

• Removal and re-attach • Maintenance • Diagnostics • Troubleshooting and more • Energy efficiency evaluations • Electrical • homes • appliances

Those with Early Stage Dementia Those with Parkinson’s Stroke Survivors Those with Fall-Related Injuries Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES: • • • • • • • •

Daily Group Exercises Discussion Groups Creative Aging Art Activities Interactive Games Virtual Entertainment Intergenerational Activities Pet Therapy & More

8133 W CACTUS RD, PEORIA, 85381 WWW.BENEVILLA.ORG / 623-584-4999 D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N O RT HP E O R I A

D E CE MBE R 2 0 2 3

Realty Report

A sample of recently sold properties in North Peoria. NEIGHBORHOOD

LIST PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

10034 W. Villa Lindo, Melton Ranch Listing Broker: Keller Williams Sonoran Living Listing Agent: Barbara and Joshua Woyak

$2,350,000

$2,100,000

89%

5.5

11796 W. Creosote, Blackstone at Vistancia Listing Broker: Lake Pleasant Real Estate Listing Agent: Benjamin Katz & Brenda Reed

$2,050,000

$2,000,000

98%

3.5

21627 N. 55th Dr, Arrowhead Lakes Listing Broker: RE/MAX Fine Properties Listing Agent: Karen and Sharon Ortega

$1,950,000

97%

4.5

8698 W. Villa Lindo Dr, Ventana Picachos Listing Broker: HUNT Real Estate ERA Listing Agent: Laura & Patrick Mullins

$1,579,000

$1,455,000

92%

4.5

5655 W. Arrowhead Lakes Dr, Arrowhead Lakes Listing Broker: USREALTY BROKERAGE SOLUTIONS Listing Agent: Ryan Gehris

$1,395,000

8349 W. El Cortez Pl, Westwing Mountain Listing Broker: Century 21 Northwest Listing Agent: Kevin Albright

$1,300,000

$1,250,000

96%

3.5

29579 N. 123rd Ln, Vistancia Village Listing Broker: Realty ONE Group Listing Agent: Kimberly J. Alexander

$1,200,000

$1,005,000

84%

132

5.5

5578 W. Irma Ln, Arrowhead Lakes Listing Broker: eXp Realty Listing Agent: Michael Anderson

$1,100,000

$1,012,000

92%

6615 W. Leiber Pl, Tuscany Ranch Listing Broker: Realty ONE Group Listing Agent: Geoffrey Adams & Veronica Peltier

$1,050,000

$990,000

94%

145

3.5

29476 N. 120th Ln, Vistancia Village Listing Broker: RE/MAX Fine Properties Listing Agent: Katherine White

$999,900

$982,012

98%

3.5

$1,900,000

T h inkin g of s e llin g b u t c a n’ t f in d a h om e? B ea t ou t ot h e r b u ye rs to t h e h o t n ew l i s t i n g s b e fore t h ey h i t t h e marke t ! We have access to over 150 off market homes EVERY month! You can get priority access to proprietary information regarding these properties before other buyers. Simply go to MyOffMarketListings.com for this hotlist of homes! It’s a sizzling hot seller ’s market. Find out how high your home could sell for! Conf idential, no obligation, expert analysis.

623.910.2218 | WWW.STACYDRAGOS .COM Each office is individually owned and operated. If you are currently working with a Realtor, this is not a solicitation.

R EA LT Y R E P ORT | R EAL E STATE

100%

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

The Naughty List INGREDIENTS • Bronson’s Original Punch 2oz • Laird’s Applejack 1oz • El Guapo Creole Orgeat .50oz • El Guapo Holiday Bitters 6 dashes • Cranberry Juice 2oz.

Recipe courtesy of Libations

C HE F ' S SE LE C T ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Combine all ingredients, shake vigorously and pour over crushed ice. 2. Garnish with lemon wheel & cranberries.