North Peoria, AZ September 2023

Stylish

North Peoria

“A year after my surgery I was still experiencing pain and numbness. Physical therapy had helped to a point, but I still wasn't able to resume my normal training without aggravating my back and being forced to limit my activity. Dr. Mitchell and his team immediately identified the problem areas and came up with a treatment plan. After the first visit, I had significant relief and have seen continuous improvement since then.”

LIFESTYLE LETTER

September— The Style Issue

It’s incredible what our sunshine can bring in terms of inspiration (think desert sunsets!), gathering in cool places (think patio misters at the new Urban Agave!), or shopping hyperlocal for a cute sundress, shorts, hat, or even your annual A/C tuneup (think 85 Local…or State 48 Home Services!). After all, we need cool air around us to look refreshed and stylish!

Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style. Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or how we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. From how we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves in conversations, style permeates every facet of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives.

Style is deeply personal. And it evolves as we celebrate our quirks, passions, and desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world, and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, enabling us to find common ground with others who share our aesthetic sensibilities.

Do you embrace established styles, blend them, or forge new paths? Are you a conformist or a trendsetter? Regardless of your take on style, we hope this issue inspires you to forge new paths or perhaps explore familiar ones. There is so much here in North Peoria to uplift our spirits, boost our productivity, and ignite our creativity.

I’ve found that the best style is an authentic expression of who you are. Not just what you wear or drive but how you live, work, and play. You are unique, which no one on earth can take away from you or duplicate.

Here’s to being uniquely you!

JULIE LACROIX, PUBLISHER

@NORTHPEORIALIFESTYLE

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Julie LaCroix | julie.lacroix@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

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

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Damien Lopez | damien.lopez@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Mimi Slawoff | mslawoff@gmail.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Christine Andert—Picture Lady Photography LLC Christine@picture-lady.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jen David | jen.david@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, Michelle Talsma Everson, Allison Gibeson, Susan Lanier-Graham, Matsumoto Mari, Rebecca Taig

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christine Andert—Picture Lady Photography LLC, Chrissy Blake, Janie Jones, Rebecca Taig

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

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city scene

1: Misty Stachel, owner of 85 Local, in her shop. 2: Misty cutting the ribbon for 85 Local, at 8271 W Lake Pleasant Pkwy #104. 3: 85 Local Boutique features more than 25 local AZ small businesses. 4: Check out the new bourbon cocktails at Bourbon & Bones. 5: Barrett Rinzler, CEO Square One Concepts, cuts the ribbon on Peoria's Bourbon & Bones. 6: Diners check out the new Bourbon & Bones. 7: The new Bourbon & Bones at 83rd Ave & Happy Valley Road

JULIE LACROIX

CYNTHIA HANRAHAN

JULIE LACROIX BOURBON AND BONES

BOURBON AND BONES

BOURBON AND BONES

@WRITEONRUBEE

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

8: Peoria Diamond Club gave $147,180 to West Valley youth charities from July 2022-2023. 9: Anytown Leadership was one grant recipient recognized at the annual Peoria Diamond Club Appreciation Event. 10: Peoria Diamond Club general manager Roz Shanley welcomes attendees to the annual appreciation event.

CHRISTINE ANDERT PICTURE LADY PHOTOGRAPHY LLC

CHRISTINE ANDERT PICTURE LADY PHOTOGRAPHY LLC

CHRISTINE ANDERT PICTURE LADY PHOTOGRAPHY LLC

Arizona's Greenest Grass

LOCAL LANDSCAPING COMPANY SHARES ITS EXPERTISE ON LIFETIME TV

Lights, camera, action!

Arizona’s Greenest Grass ( AZGreenestGrass.com ) will make its Lifetime TV debut this fall on a special episode of “Designing Spaces” documenting their work with a Valley homeowner.

“Designing Spaces” is an award-winning home improvement show that travels nationwide documenting remodeling, redecorating, and redesigning projects. Lifetime TV says, “The entertaining, educational show features innovative decorating ideas, do-it-yourself projects, and step-by-step transformations that inspire women everywhere to tackle home improvement challenges and decorating dilemmas.”

The episode that Arizona’s Greenest Grass will air in the Phoenix market this fall.

THE DESIGNING SPACES PROJECT

“They [the show] reached out directly to us, and I had my husband call them back to make sure they were legit,” explains Leslie Noyes, co-owner and director of operations alongside her husband, Eric. “They were very real, and working with them was a wonderful experience that brought our already tight team closer together.”

Arizona’s Greenest Grass specializes in landscape design and installation of artificial turf, pavers, travertine, outdoor lighting, steps, planters, irrigation, trees, plants, and more. The local family-owned and operated company also creates private outdoor living spaces with play areas for children and pets.

The Valley client featured in the upcoming “Designing Spaces” episode had a design involving travertine walkways, outdoor lighting, artificial turf

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINE ANDERT—PICTURE LADY PHOTOGRAPHY LLC

L to R: Tyler Noyes, Leslie Noyes, Eric Noyes Alexis Skow, Brody Skow

around their pool, and borders with rocks, plants, and palm trees.

“The TV show used a lot of our footage that we do with a drone and also came to interview the team and the homeowners after the project was completed,” Noyes adds. “We had the opportunity to watch the final take, and the answers were not scripted—they were genuine—and it was amazing to see the homeowners express their true excitement and reactions.”

She notes that the clients featured in the episode came into the project with a design in hand. That’s not often the case, so Arizona’s Greenest Grass can also design home projects for clients.

Noyes shares that the experience of filming their work and working with an experienced TV crew was a lot of fun. “It was really exciting to showcase what we do,” she says.

CHOOSING THE VALLEY'S BEST LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS

So, why do they think that they were chosen for the feature? “The fact we’ve been a licensed contractor for 25 years speaks to the quality of work we do,” Noyes says. “We are licensed professionals, our work is up to code, and those concerned about quality products and safety should know our artificial turf is safe, durable, and made in the U.S.A.”

“We are not just another artificial grass installer,” she continues. “Our team takes great pride in the products that we use as well as high-quality workmanship. Our turf must look natural; otherwise, we won’t carry it.”

She adds that community is vital to her family and their business. “We are so grateful to our local customers and the community at large for the success we’ve experienced after more than two decades here in the Valley,” Noyes says.

While at the time of the interview, the show airing date was still to be determined, local viewers can go to AZGreenestGrass. com/featured-on-designing-spaces for all the details. Noyes adds that they also are

planning an exclusive viewing party and plan to use the TV appearance in their marketing at community events and home shows. They also plan to have the episode accessible on their website as well.

“We are looking forward to sharing this episode with the community this fall and hope they enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed filming it,” Noyes says.

“We are not just another artificial grass installer. Our team takes great pride in our products and our high-quality workmanship.”

Arizona's Greenest Grass owners Eric and Leslie Noyes (left) with homeowners Deb and Jim Marchant (on the right)

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Girls' Day Out

Plan a Local Shopping Spree with Friends at These Trendy Boutiques and Gift Shops

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY OFF THE AZ 303

A personal style is often developed over time and often reflects our local surroundings and experiences! The thriving small business community in North Peoria makes it easy to shop locally for your unique style.

GRAB SOME GAL PALS AND EXPLORE!

Starting at Four Corners, pop into  Nest Home & Co, one of the largest home furnishing and décor stores in the Northwest Valley. Shop furniture, wall decor, art, lighting and more. The baby and gift sections are pretty spectacular, too.

Next, head south on Lake Pleasant Parkway to 85 Local , where you can shop more than 25 local vendors. This small but mighty boutique hosts an impressive assortment of clothing, home décor, gifts, stationery, baked goods, and jewelry.

TIME TO FUEL UP?

Cross the street and head into Sala Thai , North Peoria’s best Thai restaurant. It offers an authentic menu of noodles, curries, fried rice, and delicious mango sticky rice!

AFTERNOON DELIGHT

Take a short drive on Loop 101 to get to Signatures, an upscale boutique voted the Valley’s “Best Place to Buy Gifts” four years in a row! Discover darling kitchen essentials, adorable gifts for the littles, timeless jewelry, and more.

Cross the street and pop into Lola Coffee on the corner. This large coffee house offers plenty of tables and a cozy living room-inspired area to hang and reenergize while discussing your local finds!

Walk next door to Haus by Hartman Haus for ultimate inspiration. This modern boutique showcases the small home furnishings and decor favorites by Interior Designer Jessica Hartman.

You’ll have a great shopping day while supporting local businesses!

Late Morning:

1. NEST HOME & CO | Walk the store at least twice to discover something new each time! NestHomeCo.com

2. 85 LOCAL | Visit often, as their assortment changes frequently. There are frequent pop-up events! 85LocalAZ.com

Noon:

3 SALA THAI | Order the mango sticky rice and try the bacon fried rice! SalaThaiPeoria.com

4 SIGNATURES | Ask about the incredible kitchen towels. ShopSignatures.com

MEET THE SHOPPERS: Dianna and Serena are two North Peoria moms who created Off The AZ 303, a local lifestyle and travel blog highlighting local businesses, places, and spaces off Loop 303. They also host local events to bring women in the West Valley together to hang out, connect and break down city boundaries!

FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS ARE BETTER TOGETHER

Collab Culture Fosters a Distinctly Different Community for North Peoria's Driven Female Entrepreneurs

ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISSY BLAKE

When long-time friends Haley Westfall and Stephanie Hendrick pivoted from successful corporate jobs to the world of entrepreneurship, they realized the importance of putting yourself in the company of those who encourage you to be better.

"We thought it would be amazing if the West Valley had a space for female entrepreneurs and professionals to learn and grow their businesses, receive education and tactical tools, and form genuine and purposeful relationships," says Hendrick.

Westfall agrees. "We wanted to preserve the great things we experienced in other groups but add the missing components we wished were there and put it in our geographic area."

With that concept in mind, they launched Collab Culture (CollabCulture.co) and have watched it explode in North Peoria.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO IT ALONE

Westfall and Hendrick saw a need for a collaborative organization that encouraged women and gave them the tools they needed to succeed in business and life. The monthly subscription-based community draws from the North Peoria community and surrounding cities.

Collab Culture lives by its "community over competition" mindset. They provide a space where women can be vulnerable, share openly, and co-exist even with women in the same industry without the scarcity mindset of them being competition.

"We foster a culture where women can come together," explains Hendrick. "We wanted to find a good balance of skills and relationship building. It is a way to equip these ladies with ways to move the needle in their business, create genuine relationships, and hold each other accountable."

A SAFE SPACE CLOSE TO HOME

Collab Culture provides a safe space where all can co-exist and find immense value, whether someone is envisioning a new business or a long-time business owner.

"It creates deeper relationships," says Westfall. "We know it's working when we see people in the wild—outside of a Collabfacilitated function—at lunch together, having coffee, coworking, at the parks with their kids. We created the container and are fostering the culture, but our members are taking it to other facets of their lives. That's why the geographic component is so crucial."

FOSTER A SERVANT MINDSET TO REAP THE REWARDS

With a mix of in-person meetings, workshops, virtual meetings, and online support, the focus is on finding ways for the community to serve members and reciprocate by giving to others.

Hendrick says the process works incredibly well. "The key is showing up, serving, helping people when they're stuck, and asking for help when you need it. It works when you network this way."

Founders Stephanie Hendrick and Haley Westfall

Sweet Potato

BLACK BEAN CHILI

As we finally think about the end of summer and the beginning of cooler weather here in Arizona, we all seek ways to channel those autumn vibes. What better way than by cooking up a hearty pot of chili? This recipe, which happens to be gluten-free, is easy to prepare, and you can store leftovers for serving throughout the week.

Not only does chili taste good, but did you know it’s good for you? For example, this recipe calls for chili powder, made from chili peppers that contain capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant benefits. Sweet potatoes are a “superfood” filled with Vitamin A, fiber, potassium, and complex carbohydrates. And those black beans are also filled with health benefits, from helping maintain healthy bones to lowering blood pressure, managing diabetes, helping prevent heart disease, and more. So, enjoy this sweet potato black bean chili and feel good about serving a healthy, hearty meal.

CHILI INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 onion, diced (about 1 cup)

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 red pepper, diced (about 1 cup)

• 28-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups sweet potatoes (roughly 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes)

CHILI SEASONING MIX

• 3 tablespoons chili powder (Simply Organic brand)

• 1 tablespoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoky paprika

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 1/2 teaspoon oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

FALL IS AROUND THE CORNER—REALLY! KICK OFF THE SEASON WITH THIS HEARTY, GLUTEN-FREE CHILI

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA TAIG

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add the oil and diced onion to a large pot or dutch oven. Sauté on medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes, until tender.

2. Add the diced red pepper and ground beef to the pot. Cook the beef until browned, using a wooden spoon to break up the beef into small crumbles.

3. While the beef is cooking, peel and dice your sweet potatoes into small cubes. Once the beef is fully cooked, add the diced sweet potatoes and remaining ingredients to the pot.

4. Bring the chili to a boil on high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the chili to simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are soft.

5. Serve immediately and top with your favorite condiments.

NOTES

To Store: Place cooled chili in an airtight container and store for up to 5 days in the fridge.

To Freeze: Let the chili cool completely to room temperature. Package using a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months in the freezer.

GLUTEN-FREE GOODNESS

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!

Space available in all three Life Enrichment Day Programs

Mary’s Place, West Valley & Helping Partners

MONDAY-FRIDAY AVAILABILITY

Mary’s Place

14601 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ 85351

Secure facility for those experiencing moderate to advanced Alzheimer’s and other related dementias.

West Valley

8133 W. Cactus Rd., Peoria, AZ 85381

This program welcomes stroke survivors, those with Parkinson’s, dementia, and older adults with intellectual disabilities who live in Peoria, Glendale,and Phoenix.

Helping Partners

14601 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ 85351

Fun, safe and inspiring program designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Our programs are home-like, friendly and specially designed to best serve member needs. Each program offers qualified, trained, and caring staff and purposeful and engaging activities for mental and physical stimulation.

16752 N. Greasewood St. | Surprise, AZ 85378 623-584-4999 | www.Benevilla.org

Ourjobistoserveourcommunitybyeducating ourprospectivecustomersfirst,thenallowing themtodecidethebestlong-termenergy-efficient solutionssuitableforthem.

BACK TO SCHOOL GOT YOU STRESSED?

Whether the kids are back in school and you need some “me” time, or you’re a student stressed out about homework, or you’re just sick of the extra back to school traffic. We’ve got you covered when it comes to stress release! Please email

North Peoria Luxury

Step Inside North Peoria's Most Expensive Home

What does $5,977,000 get you in Peoria?

Arizona-based Legendary Custom Homes ( LiveinaLegend.com) constructed

the 11,695-square-foot home in 2009. The corner gated estate sits on 2.18 acres at 8035 W Expedition Way, near Pinnacle Peak and 81st Avenue. It features five bedrooms and eight bathrooms.

ENTERTAINING HOME

The home is designed with entertaining in mind. The kitchen features commercial-grade appliances and a separate butler's kitchen. The dining room has dual glass doors that open to the exterior.

The great room features electric glass doors that fold away to create the ultimate indoor/outdoor living space. It offers a full bar, three televisions, and surround sound.

After a day playing outdoors, retire to the theatre, with its 120-inch screen, 15 custom velvet chairs and sofas, and bar.

PRIMARY LIVING SPACE

A sitting area with a romantic gas fireplace welcomes you to the primary suite. Once inside the bedroom, you'll discover another fireplace and an attached gym and sauna. The two of you will enjoy

the dual closets with custom drawers, locking jewelry boxes, and shoe displays. A full-size washer and dryer is easily accessible in one of the closets.

ADDITIONAL LIVING SPACE

There are three ensuite bedrooms connected by an entertainment room that opens onto another entertaining patio.

The detached guest house, opening onto a private patio, features a full kitchen, living room, and sleeping quarters.

OUTDOOR SPACES

The exterior has three fireplaces, commercial heaters, and misters, plus a resortstyle heated diving pool with a slide.

You'll also enjoy hosting guests at the exterior bar, heated spa, three separate covered entertainment spaces, a sports court, and putting greens.

DREAMY GARAGE SPACE

The RV garage, with 14-foot high ceilings and doors, can park up to six cars and your RV. Eight other cooled garages have epoxy floors and custom cabinets.

Listed by Jamie Wong and Melissa Dierks with RE/MAX Fine Properties (FineProp.com).

ARTICLE

SUSAN

THE little BLACK DRESS

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES STYLIST: AMANI SKALACKI

Most of us can say we have that one staple black dress that can be worn at any occasion, and the classic look is not only popular but is elegant and timeless. It is the dress in our closet that can be accessorized to fit the event and often is the dress we go back to time and again. It is one of the most versatile items we own, never goes out of style and looks good on anyone. But how did this classic look originate?

Prior to the 1920’s, black was reserved for funeral wear, but when Coco Channel made the bold move to print a short, black dress on the cover of Vogue in 1926, all of that changed. The popularity of the black dress skyrocketed, and it became one of the most influential pieces of clothing. Chanel transported fashion from tight corsets and bustles to straightlined silhouettes. Because of its affordability, black remained a popular choice during The Great Depression. The black dress had another boom in popularity when “Breakfast at Tiffany’s’’ debuted, and Audrey Hepburn showcased her iconic black dress with long, black gloves. Today, people accessorize the black dress to fit any occasion.

We enlisted the help of stylist, Amani Skalacki, to show us how versatile the little black dress can be.

THE POPULARITY OF THE BLACK DRESS SKYROCKETED and IT BECAME ONE

OF THE MOST influential PIECES OF CLOTHING.

COCO CHANNEL MADE THE BOLD MOVE TO PRINT A SHORT, BLACK DRESS ON THE COVER OF VOGUE IN 1926

“We usually think of the little black dress as a piece you wear to an event. However, because black is so flattering on all body types and skin tones, women have multiple black dresses from casual to evening,” Amani says. “I selected this collection of dresses to show the versatility of the black dress and to give women some new ideas of how to wear the evening gown with a train on a night out with her girlfriends or the traditional summer strappy maxi dress while running errands in cooler temperatures.”

Although black is a timeless, classic look, that doesn’t mean it goes without personality. You can make it your own style by accessorizing to infuse new life into a dress that you already own.

“A sequin dress can be dressed up with heels, or that same dress can be transformed into a casual outfit with the addition of tennis shoes and an oversized blazer or a denim jacket. Transform that strappy dress you have been wearing all summer into an outfit that is perfect for chilly fall temperatures. Add a narrow scarf, a leather jacket and sandals or a tall pointy boot, and you have a whole new look for an evening out,” Amani adds.

If you have a dress in the back of your closet that you haven’t worn in years, don’t be afraid to dust it off and give it new life. “Take that evening gown you wore years ago to a tailor for a little transformation. Turn it into a high low dress-top that can be worn out with girlfriends or on a date night. Pair the top with leather leggings, ankle boots, a chunky belt and some statement jewelry, and now you have a piece that pushes the boundaries of the little black dress.”

Are you looking for the best cut or style of dress that works best for your body type? Amani provided this simple guide:

HOURGLASS FIGURE:

• V-necklines

• Cinched-in waistlines

• Tailored/fitted dresses

PEAR OR TRIANGLE

FIGURE:

• Tailored dresses

• Off the shoulder

ATHLETIC FIGURE:

• Embellished

• Ruffles

• Empire waist

• Volume is your friend

APPLE FIGURE:

• Drop waist

• A-line

The dress that all body types can’t go wrong with is a wrap dress of any length.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 oz- Cucumber & dragon fruit gin

• 3/4oz- Toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum

• 1/2oz- Lime juice

• Topped with ginger beer

• Hawaiian black lava salt & black sesame

GARNISH

• Small paint brush

• Simple syrup

• Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with a pinch of black sesame

The Magic Dragon

Make a Statement With This Stylish Cocktail

INSTRUCTIONS

Infused Gin: Infuse 1 whole peeled and cut cucumber in gin for a week. Strain the cucumbers out. Add 1 tablespoon of organic dragonfruit powder and mix very well with a whisk. To make the syrup, toast 1/2 cup of black sesame at 350 for 10 minutes. Take it out and let it cool. In a mortar and pestle, grind the toasted black sesame, but not too fine. Add the sesame into one bottle of John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum. Let that set for about 2 to 3 days and use cheese cloth to strain out the fine bits of sesame. Juice one fresh lime and strain to remove the pulp.

Cocktail: Paint a strip of simple syrup down a Collins glass. Take a spoon full of Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with black sesame and layer that down where the painted simple syrup was placed. In a shaker tin combine: 1 1/2oz cucumber dragon fruit gin, 3/4oz toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum, and 1/2oz lime juice and shake that up!  Fill the painted glass with ice (I use crushed ice) and strain over the ice. Top with your favorite ginger beer (my choice is fever tree ginger beer).

ARTICLE BY MATSUMOTO MARI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

FINDING A TOUCH OF GLAM IN EVERYDAY DESIGN

ARTICLE BY ALLISON GIBESON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Tamara Day, star of HGTV’s Bargain Mansions, describes her style as “laid-back luxe.”

“I am a mom of four, and I like pretty, shiny things,” Tamara says. “The two don’t always mix well. I design with lifestyle and family in mind but with that touch of glam.”

This mixture of practicality and flare can be accomplished throughout the home on a budget, Tamara says.

When it comes to the kitchen, she says replacing the backsplash is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh the room. Additionally, she says paint is the most inexpensive option to update cabinets, and there is a de-glosser on the market that will reduce the labor involved by helping paint adhere to cabinets.

“You can get a whole new kitchen with some fresh paint,” Tamara says.

In the bathroom, Tamara suggests putting up new light fixtures and wallpaper for a fresh look. She suggests using wallpaper on just one wall to create contrast.

“Wallpaper transforms everything and puts in a hominess factor,” Tamara says.

To give a new feel to the living room, Tamara suggests using decorative pillows as well as displaying design books and layering with a candle or other interesting object to create a sentimental focal point. She also suggests investing in good, quality sofas

HGTV star shares her secrets to make a home look both beautiful and livable.

and rugs because less expensive options will not typically withstand the amount of wear and tear they receive from a family.

Overall, Tamara says there is a balance between mixing expensive and inexpensive items and materials around the home, all without having it looking cluttered. She says every space needs something that is thrifted.

Tamara finds many people enjoy elements of different types of styles and have a hard time defining their personal style. To help narrow down to a preferred look, she suggests taking a hundred room images and sorting them into piles of likes and dislikes. She says when someone completes this exercise, they typically find a theme to their preferences.

MAKING COLOR, TEXTURE AND PATTERN STAND OUT

Tamara has a natural eye for using great colors and textures in design. What is her approach to making a room look great?

HERE ARE TAMARA’S TOP TIPS: Find a base color with pops of other colors.

“Every room needs a touch of black and a pop of color,” Tamara says. “The black will anchor it, but the color will give it life.”

If the home is urban, she suggests more bold pops. If it is a traditional home, use a mixture of colors. Additionally, she suggests using one basic color throughout a home with pops of other colors as opposed to having a different color in each room.

Consider wallpaper.

“Wallpaper can be scary for a lot of people, but there are so may wallpapers out there that are removable,” Tamara says.

Tamara says wallpaper adds texture and warmth, and she includes it in most of the homes she designs.

Layer with baskets, blankets and greenery. All three make a room feel cozy and add color and interest to a space.

2023 INFINITI QX50 AWD

SPORTY FUN AND 3 YEARS OF INFINITI PREMIUM CARE

The excitement and peace of mind you get when driving an INFINITI just got even better. The 2023 INFINITI QX50 AWD includes INFINITI Premium Care. You get three years of inspections, oil changes, and tire rotations.

A BLEND OF LUXURY AND SPORT

The all-new QX50 SPORT gets you the luxury you want and the sporty sass that makes this fun to drive. The SPORT features 20-inch dark-painted and machine-finished wheels and glossy black exterior trim. You'll find semi-aniline, leather-appointed seating and a Bose Premium Audio System with 12 speakers inside.

You can count on INFINITI's standard features, including remote engine start, frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, Rear Door Alert, and a wireless phone charging pad.

COUNT ON INFINITI PERFORMANCE

Looking good doesn't mean sacrificing performance. The INFINITI QX50 offers the world's first mass-produced

variable-compression turbocharged (VC-Turbo) engine. Depending on your needs, the 2-liter engine can seamlessly change its compression ratio to optimize for improved fuel efficiency or greater power output. This feature helps attain an impressive 22 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. You'll find plenty of zip with the powerful 268 horsepower and an XTRONIC transmission.

UPGRADE YOUR RIDE

Five upgrades are available on the 2023 INFINITI QX50: PURE, LUXE, SPORT, and SENSORY are all front-wheel drives with available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The final upgrade, the AUTOGRAPH, has standard AWD.

MSRP: $40,300 for the PURE FWD; $57,350 for the AUTOGRAPH AWD

SPECS: 268 horsepower with 280 lb-ft of torque

MPG: 23 City/29 Highway for FWD; 22 City/28 Highway for AWD

ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM

IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE GUIDANCE YOU CAN TRUST.

Coping with loss brings numerous decisions and legal obligations, intensifying an already challenging period. Our experienced team at Morris Hall is ready to support you every step of the way, assisting with post-death legal requirements and estate administration. Let us handle the intricacies so you can spend time in the comfort of loved ones.

Kyle Mann Attorney at Law

IN TIMES OF