Three Girls, three dogs, UNBREAKABLE
BONDS
LIFE + CULTURE
MEET RUBY, THE CHOW MIX WITH A BIG PERSONALITY
AUGUST 2025
• Bracing & casting
• Sprains, strains, & fracture care
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The Heart of August - Pets & Kids
August is one of my favorite issues of the year. Our theme, Pets and Kids, celebrates two of the most significant sources of love, joy, and inspiration in my life. As a longtime social worker who spent years working with children, I've witnessed firsthand their resilience, forgiving hearts, eagerness to grow, and unshakable enthusiasm for life.
One of this month's featured stories highlights three teenage girls who have been close friends for years. Watching their friendship unfold has been incredibly heartwarming. They uplift one another, show up for each other, and celebrate each other's wins. Each girl is wonderfully unique, yet the love and loyalty they share are powerful. In a world that often encourages comparison, their bond reminds me how beautiful true friendship can be.
Just recently, I watched two little boys playing. One tripped and fell. Without hesitation, his friend ran to his side, helped him up, gave him a quick hug, and they continued playing. That simple act of kindness moved me deeply. Children have a great deal to teach us about empathy, compassion, and unconditional love.
The second theme — pets—is just as close to my heart. I've seen animals change lives. When I was in junior high, I worked at a horse barn across the street from my home. I fell in love with a horse named Lady Beth and a small bull named Welcome. Lady Beth became a source of peace and connection- a friend I could ride, hug, and confide in.
Every month, a picture of an adoptable animal will be featured, either through Weber County Animal Services or Best Friends Sanctuary in Kanab. I wanted to make a direct impact by increasing the visibility of adoptable animals. This is Ruby. Inside, you'll find more information about Ruby and her exceptional qualities.
I hope this issue inspires you to give where you can- mentor a child, adopt a pet, foster, donate, or volunteer. It truly takes a village, and our children and animals are a beautiful place to begin.
KATRINA HAMMOND, PUBLISHER
@OGDENCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Katrina Hammond | katrina.hammond@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Courtney Johnson | courtney.johnson@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Molly Harper
STAFF WRITER
Evana Mauriz
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Katrina Hammond, Courtney Johnson, Evana Mauriz, Jodi Bachman, Doug Varney, Alex Nigro, Ava Whitesides, Sarah Hammond, Michelle Sathe
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Elia Ransom, Chris Hammond, Courtney Johnson, Doug Varney, Ava Whitesides, Alex Nigro, Jodi Bachman, Michelle Sathe, Chad Eardley, Taylor Hunter-Young, Bailey May, Evana Mauriz
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
CELEBRATE NATIONAL WELLNESS MONTH
with a Skin Check That Could Save Your Life
August is National Wellness Month, a time to focus on small steps that support your long-term health and well-being. One of the most overlooked (and lifesaving) wellness habits is a simple skin cancer screening. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and early detection makes all the difference.
This August, take care of the skin you’re in. Schedule a skin cancer screening with our board-certified dermatology team and make prevention part of your wellness routine. Appointments available. New and returning patients welcome.
Call or visit wasatchdermatology.com to book your screening today.
Dr. Julie Maughan
Dr. Emily M. Powell
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Dr. Zoe beams with pride as she celebrates alongside her husband at the launch party. 2: Dr. Julie Maughan and Elizabeth Hughes shine at the launch party; Elizabeth wins paddleboard prize! 3: Leslie and Eric Barlow, owners of The Foundry, hosted a launch party, an unforgettable evening! 4: Darin and Kjirstin are lighting up the launch party! 5: Tami Paxton of Quality Youth Services takes a well-deserved break to enjoy launch party vibes. 6: Elissa, Dr. Iris, Dr. Zoe and Geneva Gray adding fun to the launch party! 7: Dr. Hammond and his daughter Sarah represent Ogden Clinic at the launch party.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
Photography by Jeremy Hill
Photo Credit: Morgan Carmen @mcarmenphoto
The Confident Smile You Deserve
Tim Ludlum: A Legacy of Service and Strategy
Tim Ludlum, Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch in Ogden, recently marked 10 years serving clients in Utah and beyond. His practice is focused on financial planning for Northern Utah. Tim views his service to his clients as that of a “financial trail guide,” helping them navigate life’s winding paths towards their goals. Needs addressed for clients include pre- and post-retirement strategies, investment management, income streams and savings, executive benefits planning, charitable giving, and risk management.
Photography by Tim Ludlum
Crafting Backyard Dreams with Dip Pools
Corey Cozzens and Kevin Linsley, owners of Dip Pools, bring passion and craftsmanship to every backyard they transform. With a deep love for their trade, they specialize in creating beautiful, custom pools that invite relaxation and lasting memories. Their mission? To design spaces where life slows down, laughter echoes, and leisure takes center stage. At Dip Pools, it’s not just about swimming--it’s about living.
Grows Stronger
Scan to read more
Cotton & Timber: Quality Flooring and Lasting Comfort
Since 2018, Cotton & Timber has transformed homes and businesses in Weber, Box Elder, and David counties with expert flooring, carpet, and tile installations. Known for craftsmanship, reliability, and personalized service, we’ve completed hundreds of projects and earned over 30-five-star Google reviews. Visit our Pleasant View showroom to explore our curated selection and discover how Cotton & Timber can bring lasting beauty and comfort to your space.
Scan to read more
Photography by Corey Cozzens & Kevin Linsley
Photography by Michelle Rackham
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO CHILD MENTAL HEALTH AND FOSTER CARE
Healing from the Inside Out
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY COURTNEY JOHNSON
Tami Paxton (left) and Becky Otsuka (right) of Quality Care Services
“"We
do what works for kids first"
Tami and Becky, co-founders of Quality Youth Services (QYS), began their business in 2007 after observing a deficit in foster care that focused on the mental health of at-risk youths. Becky explained that kids were typically placed into group environments with little regard for mental healthcare, and a contagion effect would occur—how could a child be expected to learn healthy habits and emotional stability when they weren’t given the tools to do so?
“We started off in a little white house, right in between a tattoo parlor and a Christian worship center,” Tami reminisces. The goal was simple: to find a more innovative way to always put children first. Through QYS's clear guiding principles and a commitment to improving the quality of life for at-risk youth in the community, QYS focuses on a holistic approach to child mental healthcare and certified foster care.
A huge part of QYS’s work centers on certified shortterm foster care. Certified foster care involves an entire team supporting the proctor parents during this short-term care. QYS also typically geographically locates the youth, meaning that great efforts are made to keep families together—placing kids with relatives or keeping siblings in the same foster home. Since the ultimate goal is to reunite families and return youth to where they belong, keeping them involved in each other’s lives is key.
“Family-based care does a lot of things,” Becky explains. “You can put a team around them. We’re not talking about finding a family and then setting them up to provide care for somebody without support.” That support includes ongoing training, emergency on-call access, medication management, and monthly treatment meetings with the youth, their biological parents, and referring agents. “We have a pretty big team, and everybody works together on behalf of that youth,” Becky adds.
In addition to foster care, QYS offers support for youth with more specialized needs. This includes NOJOS (Network on Juveniles Obtaining Safety), a state-certified treatment system for youth who have engaged in problematic sexual behavior. QYS is certified to treat youth at multiple NOJOS levels. Tami and Becky both emphasize the importance of trauma-informed care and creating environments tailored to each youth’s unique needs.
QYS also runs a Transition to Adult Living (TAL) program—a six-month initiative for youth ages 17 to 20 who are still in custody and preparing to move from foster care into independent adulthood. The program builds essential skills such as cooking, finding employment or housing, future planning, and living independently. Youth typically stay in transitional housing such as mother-in-law suites attached to foster homes, allowing for a gradual, supported shift toward autonomy. Throughout the program, participants receive mentoring and therapy, ensuring they have the emotional and practical support needed for success.
QYS’s specialties in trauma care—including work with youth experiencing changes in custody—NOJOS, TAL, and certified foster care are all guided by a unified goal: to do what works for kids first.
And what’s terrific about this? You can also be a foster parent. Whether you’re a couple with or without kids, single, a grandparent, or an empty nester—whoever you are, you can be a parent. “People underestimate their ability to be excellent parents,” Becky encourages. QYS needs families offering short-term care as the child reintegrates back to their family. You could serve as an extraordinary role model during a difficult time. QYS will support you every step of the way. All you have to do is say, “I can do this.”
Creating Smiles and Easing Fears
Creating a calm, fun, and fearless dental experience for kids-one brave smile at a time
Dr. Chad Eardley grew up in Southern Utah and earned his degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Southern Utah University, along with a Bachelor of Arts. He earned his Specialty degree in Pediatric Dentistry at Texas A&M. In 2003, while attending the Arizona School of Dentistry, he joined the Army Reserves. Dr. Eardley did get deployed to Germany, where he practiced General Dentistry. He later deployed to Italy, where he was Chief of Pediatric Dentistry.
In 2017, Dr. Eardley and his wife, Brooke, moved with their five children to Pleasant View and opened Park Pediatric Dentistry, a practice designed to feel more like home than a clinic. The office features a national park theme, creating a warm and welcoming space where kids feel safe and relaxed. When asked why he chose pediatric dentistry, Dr. Eardley states, "I want kids to know they can do scary things. If they can go to the dentist, they can do difficult
things." He states that he enjoys seeing kids grow up and what they go on to be as adults.
He's known for using playful language to put kids at ease, saying things like, "The vacuum is going to give you a kiss," or asking what the Tooth Fairy might look like when he's pulling a tooth. His goal is to distract, comfort, and create positive experiences.
Dr. Eardley especially enjoys fullmouth rehabilitation cases. "When a child comes in with pain, and leaves feeling better- it's the most rewarding part of my job," he shares.
He brings patience, humor, and a calming presence to every visit, helping children build trust and confidence.
Dr. Eardley and Brooke are also committed to giving back. A portion of new patient revenue is donated to the Brent Taylor Foundation to support Gold Star Families.
At Park Pediatric, Dr. Eardley helps kids accomplish challenging tasks and leaves them with a smile.
ARTICLE BY KATRINA HAMMOND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAYLOR YOUNG & DR. EARDLEY
Photo Taylor Hunter Young
"I
want Park Pediatric Dentistry to be their dental home."
“ Chad Eardley
Chad Eardley
Chad Eardley
Chad Eardley
ELIA RANSOM
Art Speaks When I Can't
Through portraits and paint, I process feelings and find peace
ARTICLE BY KATRINA HAMMOND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELIA RANSOM
Meet Elia Ransom, Artist and Aspiring Tattooist. A recent graduate from Northridge High, Elia, is heading to Algoma University of Canada on a wrestling scholarship. She will major in art and minor in accounting, combining her creative passion with a practical focus.
Elia discovered art at age six after joining her older sister's class. Early comparisons to more advanced students led her to stop for a time, but in junior high, she returned to art — this time for her enjoyment. Starting with a pencil, she explored new techniques and eventually embraced mixed media. Now, oil paint is her favorite medium, and most of her work blends at least two styles.
Her featured piece, Mirror Image, holds special meaning. It's her first self-portrait, exploring the idea of self-perception versus how others perceive us, depicted through a colorful figure gazing at a grayscale reflection.
Elia enjoys painting portraits and often uses reference photos she takes of friends and family. For Elia, art began as a hobby but has grown into a path of expression, healing, and connection.
"I want my art to make people feel something," Elia says, "and maybe even inspire them to try creating something of their own."
Photo: Elia Ransom
DIFFERENT PATHS, UNBREAKABLE BOND
Strength isn't about being the same, it's about standing together
ARTICLE BY ALEX, AVA AND SARAH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS HAMMOND
Alex, Ava, and Sarah are the kind of best friends that turn heads, not because they're alike, but because they aren't. From dog training to dominating the wrestling mat to crafting beautiful ceramic pieces, these three girls could not be more different in their passions, but their friendship proves that connection runs deeper than common hobbies.
ALEX: THE DOG WHISPERER
"My name is Alex Nigro, and I'm a seventeen-year-old dog trainer." That sentence alone surprises most people. Alex's love for animals, especially dogs, goes back to her earliest memories. At family gatherings, she gravitated toward pets over people, and her Christmas lists always included a wish for another dog. At age eleven, she became fascinated by watching her mom train a service dog through Speaking K9. Two years later, she convinced her parents to let her adopt a high-drive German Shepherd named Enzo. It wasn't easy - Enzo was a challenge - but with support from Lindsey Ellis, the head trainer at Speaking K9, Alex learned how to connect through consistency, structure, and respect. Through an apprenticeship, she gained hands-on experience with different breeds and training techniques.
Training dogs, Alex realized, is much more about reading humans than it is about dogs. Teaching owners how to communicate effectively with their pets taught Alex how to communicate with people. Those lessons carried over into her friendships. She knows that, like training, relationships require patience, respect, and a willingness to listen. It's one of the reasons her friendship with Sarah and Ava has remained strong, even when life gets chaotic.
AVA: THE CREATIVE SPIRIT
Art has always been part of Ava's world, woven into everything from the books she reads to the clothes she wears. Surrounded by artists in her family, like her mother and cousins, Ava developed a
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Opposite Left Top: Photo Chris Hammond
Opposite Right Top: Photo Chris Hammond
Opposite RIght Bottom: Photo: Alex Nigro
“ART ISN'T ALWAYS ABOUT GETTING IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME; IT'S ABOUT LEARNING FROM THE PROCESS.”
natural love for creativity. Early memories of seeing her loved ones create art inspired her to try it herself.
Ceramics and jewelry-making came into her life through school and quickly "felt like home." A talented ceramics teacher helped her fall in love with pottery, while her mom supported her jewelry-making journey by providing her with the necessary tools and supplies. Earrings turned into bracelets, and soon Ava was crafting personalized gifts for her friends and family.
To Ava, being an artist means being free to express herself without fear and to create something beautiful from imperfection. "Art isn't always about getting it right the first time; it's about learning from the process." That belief has shaped her view of both art and life.
Ava's friends, Alex and Sarah, are part of her creative journey. They are her rocksthe ones who cheer her on and inspire her to keep creating. Making art for them, whether it's for birthdays, dances, or just because, fills Ava with joy. Seeing their faces light up when she gives them something handmade reminds her of why she loves creating in the first place.
SARAH: THE FIERCE COMPETITOR
Most people don't expect to see Sarah sweating it out in a wrestling singlet, only
to find her later sprinting through a track meet. Athletic, determined, and relentless, she has made a name for herself in two demanding sports: wrestling and track.
She started with a love for soccer, but watching her brothers wrestle inspired her to try it herself. She joined the team in her first year and was hooked. Wrestling gave her a sense of discipline and a sense of belonging. Now she's one of the top female wrestlers at her school, juggling training for national tournaments with
running distance races in track and cross-country.
Her schedule is grueling. She wakes up early to run, spends afternoons on the mat, and squeezes in study time, family time, and time with her two poodles. Through it all, her best friends, Alex and Ava, are a constant. After the longest, toughest practices, they're the ones showing up at her door with a smile and a snack.
Wrestling and track have shaped Sarah into someone who doesn't give up on herself or her friends. She brings that same fight into her relationships, showing up when it matters, despite how tired she is.
TOGETHER: STRONGER
Individually, Alex, Ava, and Sarah are impressive in their own right, but together they're unstoppable in their solo pursuits
Left : Photo: Chris Hammond
Top: Photo Ava Whitesides
Bottom: Photo Ava Whitesides
and as friends. The Publisher of the magazine specifically asked these three to write a story about their differences, yet how their friendship is so strong. The observation was that these three individuals show up for each other, offering support, respect, and understanding, despite their differing hobbies and interests.
Last November, Sarah and Ava turned seventeen. To celebrate, the three friends took an overnight trip to Midway. During dinner, they raised their glasses, filled with sparkling cider, of course, and made a toast to their friendship. One raised the question, "Where will we be in 10 years?" The idea was floated that in ten years, they would need to return to the same restaurant and discuss their journeys: Alex, a doctor; Sarah, an FBI agent; and Ava, creating art, perhaps even in her own studio. Each girl quickly realized that this chapter of being kids would soon come to a close. They will soon embark upon a new chapter, but one thing is sure: they will always remain friends, even through the most challenging moments and the most significant wins.
Top : Photo Chris Hammond
RIght: Photo Chris Hammond
Bottom: Photo Chris Hammond
RUBY'S JOURNEY: Hope at Weber Shelter
WHERE SECOND CHANCES AND FOREVER HOMES BEGIN
AND
ARTICLE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EVANA MAURIZ
When you walk through the doors of the Weber County Animal Shelter, you're greeted by wagging tails, curious eyes, and the hope for new beginnings. One of the dogs currently waiting for her forever home is Ruby, an 8-year-old Chow mix with a heart full of love and a tail that never stops wagging.
Ruby's story began on a reservation where she lived with a single owner for most of her life. Now at the shelter, Ruby is showing her affectionate, spunky personality to everyone she meets. She's especially fond of treats, hugs, and toys. Ruby would thrive as the only pet in a home, but she does wonderfully with adults and older kids who can appreciate her gentle and playful demeanor.
Bailey May, the Community Care and Outreach Coordinator at the Weber County Animal Shelter, says Ruby is just one example of the wide variety of pets they care for. "We have a good mix here," Bailey explains. "You'll find everything from poodle mixes and labs to cattle dogs, bully breeds, and of course, sweet seniors like Ruby."
Located on Fairgrounds Drive near the Golden Spike Event Center in Ogden, the Weber County Animal Shelter provides care for hundreds of cats, dogs, and even the occasional rabbit. Spring and summer often bring an influx of kittens and mom cats, making this time of year especially busy.
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For anyone considering adding a furry friend to the family, Bailey offers some valuable advice: "Take your time. Research different breeds and consider which one best fits your lifestyle. We love when people walk in, fall in love, and adopt the same day- but not everyone knows what they're looking for."
For those who want to make sure their choice is the right one, the shelter offers a foster-to-adopt program. This gives families the chance to take a pet home for a few weeks and see how things go before finalizing the adoption. There's no time limit on the foster period," Bailey states. "It's a great way to get to know the animal."
Bailey also shares the shelter's favorite guideline for new pet owners: the 3-3-3 Rule. It's a simple but effective way to understand what to expect when bringing a new pet home.
For people not quite ready to adopt, volunteering is another fantastic way to help the animals. Opportunities include walking dogs, socializing cats, helping with cleaning, or even assisting at adoption events. There's even a unique "Read to the Cats" program, where children come in and read books to the cats, helping to improve their socialization while providing kids with a fun, literacy-boosting activity.
"It's great for the kids during the summer break, and the cats love the quiet attention," Bailey says with a smile. "The cats don't interrupt, and it helps them feel more comfortable around people."
"You'll find everything from poodle mixes and labs to cattle dogs, bully breeds, and sweet senior dogs like Ruby."
"It usually takes three days for a pet to decompress and settle in after leaving the shelter," Bailey explains, "After about three weeks, they start to adjust to their new routines, and by three months, they're beginning to feel like part of the family."
If the transition doesn't feel smooth right away, Bailey encourages patience. "It takes time. Don't be hard on yourself, and don't give up too quickly."
In addition to adoptions and volunteer work, the Weber County Animal Shelter works tirelessly to reunite lost pets with their families, promote responsible pet ownership, and educate the public on the importance of spaying and neutering.
For Ruby and many other animals at the shelter, each day brings new hope. Whether it's through a volunteer offering a walk, a child reading softly to a kitten, or a family taking a chance on adoption, the shelter thrives on community involvement.
If you've been thinking about adding a pet to your family, or even if you want to help out for an afternoon, the Weber County Animal Shelter welcomes you. Stop by, take a dog like Ruby for a walk, snuggle with some kittens, or explore the possibilities.
EASY POOL Maintenance
Simple steps, essential tools, and expert tips to keep your pool clean, safe, and sparkling
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
DOUG VARNEY
Owning a pool in Northern Utah is a great way to enjoy summer, but it comes with responsibility. With the proper routine and supplies, you can keep your water clean, safe, and ready for fun all season long.
Materials Needed:
• Test strips or a liquid test kit
• Chlorine
• pH increaser or decreaser
• Pool shock
• Skimmer net
• Pool brush
• Pool vacuum
• Filter cleaner (for cartridges)
• Garden hose
Step 1: In-Depth Pool Care Steps
Step 1: Test Your Pool Chemistry
Testing your pool water weekly helps keep it safe and balanced. Use test strips or a liquid test to check chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels. Ideal ranges: chlorine 1-3 ppm, pH 7.4-7.6, alkalinity 80-120 ppm. Add chlorine if it's low, use a pH increaser or decreaser as needed, and shock your pool after heavy use or when chlorine drips quickly.
Step 2: Clean Your Pool Consistently
Daily and weekly cleaning make pool care easier in the long term. Skim the surface every day to remove leaves, bugs, and debris. Once a week, brush the walls and floor to prevent algae buildup. Vacuum weekly to remove dirt and sediment. Empty skimmer baskets regularly and check the waterline for dirt and oils. Consistent cleaning keeps your water clear and your pool looking great.
Step 3: Maintain Your Pool Filter
Your filter is crucial for maintaining clean water. Check the pressure gauge weekly. When it reads 8-10 psi above your pool's normal level, it's time to clean it. For cartridge filters, remove and rinse with a hose, then soak in filter cleaner every few months. For sand or DE filters, backwash according to your manufacturer's instructions.
LEARN MORE: Doug Varney is the owner of Utah Pool Pros, serving Northern Utah with expert pool maintenance, repair, and installation services. With over two decades of experience in the pool industry, Doug is passionate about helping homeowners keep their pools safe, clean, and ready for fun!
Skim daily, brush and vacuum weekly. Keep baskets empty and the waterline clean.
step one step three step two 1 2 3
Test weekly for chlorine, pH, and alkalinity. Adjust the chemicals to maintain a balanced and clear water supply.
Watch the filter pressure. Clean the cartridge or backwash when the PSI rises 8-10 points above the normal range.
Photo: Doug Varney
Photo: Doug Varney
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE SATHE
“Here are five ways you can save homeless pets: Adopt, volunteer, donate, advocate, and share happy stories about pet adoption.”
-Greg Castle-
Photo: Best Friends
Adventure Awaits at Best Friends
Experience healing, hope, and heartwarming connections with rescued animals at this incredible Kanab Sanctuary
Set in Kanab's spectacular Angel Canyon, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary cares for approximately 1,600 dogs, cats, pigs, goats, horses, bunnies, birds, and wildlife on any given day, making it the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary. Best Friends is also a two-time winner of Utah's Best Attraction award.
Visitors can enjoy free daily tours of the Sanctuary and individual animal care areas, while volunteers can assist with socializing puppies or bunnies, feeding pigs, grooming horses, taking a dog for a walk, or a cat for a stroller ride, and much more.
For those looking to bring a new best friend home, adoptable pets are available to meet every day at the Welcome Center, Sinjin's in Cat World, or the Adoption Hub on Rhonda Road.
Guests can also enjoy a $5 daily vegan buffet lunch at the Village Cafe, Best of State Utah's Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant, which boasts a million-dollar view of the stunning Southern Utah
canyons surrounding the Sanctuary. The buffet includes a salad bar, main dish, sides, desserts, and coffee or tea from 11:30 am to 1 pm.
There's also the Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile in downtown Kanab, winner of the 2025 Boutique Lodging award from Best of State of Utah. Designed as the most pet-centric hotel in the country, the Roadhouse offers guests sleepovers with Sanctuary dogs, cats, and bunnies. Guests can also bring their pets; up to four dogs or cats can stay in each room at no additional charge.
A vegan continental breakfast is offered in the Mercantile and Roadhouse, where guests also receive two free passes for lunch at Angel Village Cafe. This summer, enjoy yoga and live music on the Roadhouse stage every Saturday morning and evening.
Get started on your Best Friends adventure now by visiting bestfriendsroadhouse. org and bestfriends.org/sanctuary!
Photo: Best Friends
CRAFTING THE PERFECT BOUTONNIÈRE
This guide provides a simple, 3-step process to create an elegant boutonnière, perfect for special occasions like weddings or proms.
STEP 1: GATHER AND PREP MATERIALS
You can start by selecting your materials. You'll need a focal flower such as a rose, carnation, or ranunculus.
Complement your focal flower with 1-2 accent pieces, such as eucalyptus, baby's breath, or waxflower. Gather floral tape, scissors, floral wire, and ribbon. Trim the
stems of your flowers and greenery to approximately 2-3 inches in length. Remove any leaves or thorns from the lower parts of the stems. Wrap the wire along the stem using floral tape to provide extra support.
STEP 2: ARRANGE AND SECURE
Hold your focal flower upright as the central element of your boutonnière. Next, artfully tuck your greenery or accent florals behind or slightly to the side of the focal flower. Once you are satisfied with the
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JODI BACHMAN
Photo Jodi Bachman
A simple 3-step guide to create elegant boutonnières for any special occasion, taking only 10-15 minutes from start to finish
arrangement's composition, use floral tape to wrap the stems together tightly. Begin wrapping from the top and continue down to the bottom, effectively securing all the flowers into a single, cohesive stem. As you wrap, stretch the tape slightly. After wrapping, if necessary, trim the stem ends again to achieve a neat and even finish.
STEP 3: FINISH AND DECORATE
For a polished and refined look, wrap ribbon over the floral tape. Secure the ribbon with a square knot to complete the decorative finish. Finally, insert a boutonnière pin. When finished, ensure the boutonnière is lightweight and well-balanced. To wear it, use a pin to attach it to the left lapel of a jacket. To maintain freshness until use, store the boutonniere in a sealed container in a refrigerator or another cool place.
List of Supplies:
• Focal Flower (e.g., rose, carnation, or ranunculus
• Accent pieces (1-2, e.g., greenery like eucalyptus, baby's breath, waxflower)
• Floral tape
• Scissors
• Floral wire
• Ribbon
• Boutonnière pin
Jodi Bachman, the dedicated owner of Floral Expressions, recently took time away from her bustling shop to share her passion and expertise at Girls Camp. With years of experience crafting beautiful floral arrangements, Jodi taught young girls how to create their very own boutonnières. Her hands-on instruction and patient guidance allowed each girl to experience the joy of floral design, leaving them with not only a lovely handmade boutonnière but also cherished memories of learning a new skill. Jodi believes in empowering young individuals through creative expression to inspire the next generation of floral enthusiasts
Photo Jodi Bachman
Photo Jodi Bachman
