Queen Creek, AZ May 2023

Elevated Design Premium Locations Exceptional Value

The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, neighborhood build-out and available locations are subject to change without notice. Stated dimensions, square footage and acreage are approximate and should not be used as a representation of any home’s or homesite’s precise or actual size, location or orientation. There is no guarantee that any particular homesite or home will be available. No information or material herein is to be construed to be an offer or solicitation for sale. A Broker/Agent must register their client in person on client’s first visit at each community for a Broker/Agent to receive a commission or referral fee, if available. Not all features and options are available in all homes. Unless otherwise expressly stated, homes do not come with hardscape, landscape, or other decorator items. Any photographs or renderings used herein reflect artists’ conceptions and are for illustrative purposes only. Some amenities may not be constructed. Builder reserves the right to change the size, design, configuration, and location of amenities not yet constructed and does not warrant the suitability thereof for any use or for any person. Builder does not warrant the suitability of any trail for any use or for any person. All sales are conditioned upon buyer’s acceptance of

Ladies Issue

Our May issue is dedicated to celebrating the women in our lives. As I reflect on the many women in my life, I am thankful for each one and the impact they have made. One of the best qualities a woman can possess is having confidence in oneself, but at the same time being able to see the beauty and talent in other women and call out greatness in them, too. Women celebrating women and encouraging each other to succeed rather than competing with each other is so beautiful and rewarding. Encouraging and empowering the people in our own life can be something that comes naturally to do, but the impact of intentionally looking for ways to build up those in our greater community is so powerful. We all want to be seen, and when we share encouragement and consideration to those around us, barriers break down and warmth follows.

In this month’s issue, we are sharing stories of women who have made their mark in our community in one way or another. We are also recognizing a few local entrepreneurs and women who are finding ways to give back to our community that have left me inspired. In a world that thrives on competition, let’s take time to encourage each other, appreciate the beauty in everyone and lift each other up, perhaps even a stranger. I also encourage you to take time to reflect on the inspirational women in your own life and reach out to them to thank them for their impact on your life. You won’t regret it.

With all best wishes,

KAYLEE WILLIAMS, PUBLISHER @QUEENCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Kaylee Williams | kaylee.williams@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Florence Daniels | florence.daniels@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Kimberly Heywood | shademarketingaz@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jennifer Boubelik, Kaeden Peterson

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Daria Gedhill and Chelsea Rusch of North&Co. pictured near their offices.

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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

1: Rodeo event at Roots N' Boots. 2: Audience at the Roots N' Boots event. 3: Girls ready to race for Easter eggs at the Spring into QC event.

4: Mayor Julia Wheatley posing with her twin sons and the Easter Bunny. 5: Two girls enjoying the activities on offer at the Spring into QC event. 6: Dancers performing on stage at the Spring into QC Event. 7: The Easter Bunny giving a girl a hug.

F. DANIELS

F. DANIELS

F. DANIELS

F. DANIELS

F. DANIELS

@ROOTSNBOOTSQC

@ROOTSNBOOTSQC

Rainbow Bagels at Sidewalk Coffee & Bagel Co.

From May 26-29th come on in to get a Rainbow Bagel! This is a plain flavored bagel so it can be matched with any of their own house-made cream cheeses or built into a breakfast or lunch sandwich.  Enjoy them while supplies last and they can be ordered ahead at  sidewalkcoffeeco.com if you want a guaranteed batch. Hurry because they often run out!

Want to be featured?

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

Photography by Sidewalk Coffee & Bagel Co.

Gila River Resorts & Casinos Hosts Luxury Dining

Want to travel the world indulging in exquisite wine and incredible food without leaving the country?  Gila River Resorts & Casinos is doing just that! The luxury destination is elevating its fine dining experience by hosting a wine-pairing dinner series at Prime, the only Shula’s Steak House on the west coast. This series will feature authentic foods and regional wines from South America on May 9th. For more information visit

WE BRING YOUR IDEAS TO LIFE

Water Wise New Offer

Water Wise Sprinkler Repair is offering 1/2 off the price for WiFi controllers when purchased with all irrigation upgrades until the end of May. Call or text 602-578-1615 to schedule your free irrigation inspection & estimate!

Photography by Water Wise Sprinkler Repair

Queen Creek, Arizona 85142

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

Grab your gal pals and plan a relaxing or upscale day, weekend, or GNO Girl's Night Out!) with any one of these local experiences fit for the females.

Our Picks for The Gal Pals

BAR VIÑEDO: Wine Tasting every Wednesday from 6-7:30pm, the lineup changes from week to week. You may also order a bottle and a board. 7215 South Power Road, Queen Creek, AZ

GEM ADDICT WORKSHOP: Gem Addict Workshop hosts classes for you and your friends to make custom jewelry. A perfect way to make a unique gift and have fun. 21583 E. Arroyo Verde, Queen Creek, AZ

LA PURA VIDA MEDSPA: La Pura Vida Med Spa is a boutique medical aesthetic clinic to pamper yourself with a variety of treatments for youthful skin. 6318 S Higley Rd Ste 102, Gilbert, AZ

PILATES QUEEN CREEK: Sweat it out with a Pilates class using a traditional style that incorporates an equipment based model for efficient and pain free movement. 18395 S. 186th Way Unit 106, Queen Creek, AZ

HAGEN FARMS: Spend a day on the farm, pick citrus for $15 a bag at Hagen Farms, Monday through Friday from 3pm-5pm and Saturdays from 9am-3:30pm. 20633 E Superstition Dr., Queen Creek, AZ

La Pura Vida Medspa

KELSEA TAMBERINO PLANTS A SEED OF HOPE FOR MENTAL WELLNESS.

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER BOUBELIK

A GREEN STATE OF MIND

Kelsea Tamberino sits across from me at a coffee shop with an infectious energy, she is open, honest, and passionate. On the surface, you would never guess that Kelsea has struggled with mental illness. The home-schooling mother of two children and happily married to her husband, Dane, since they were 18 years old, her life is full and busy. In addition, Kelsea also runs a mobile plant business called The Plant Doods , selling indoor hand-potted plants. Yet, for her and her customers, these plants are more than decor, they are quietly filling your home with greenery and boosting your mood.

This is Kelsea's hope, that others will find the benefits and even healing properties of plants and plant-keeping. Kelsea herself has been vulnerable and revealing about her past struggles and what led her to discover plants. Since she was very young, Kelsea knew something was off. She often felt hopeless and anxious yet unable to fully understand what she felt. She searched for

answers and coping skills, including medicines that left her in a 'zombie' state and inconsistent therapies. Eventually, she found her symptoms become unmanageable after the birth of her first child.  Desperate for a solution she began attending regular therapy sessions, 'talking it out' and getting properly diagnosed and treated. Kelsea says it required an effort from her side of being 'intentional about healing'.

Amidst these challenges her younger sister gifted her a 'snake plant', encouraging her to keep at least one plant that was, she assured her, 'kill proof'. Kelsea was doubtful, only watering the plant when she could remember. Eventually, a small sprout appeared to Kelsea's surprise. She felt a new sense of accomplishment and her interest was piqued. Kelsea says that keeping house plants is a manageable and rewarding practice but it is instructive too. Plant-keeping is an attempt to control our environment, but sometimes seeds won't sprout, or a plant gets sick, in these moments we recognize not everything is within our power to control, not unlike life.

It is this relationship with nature and yielding to the ups and downs that Kelsea has found something that may not solve everything but has certainly helped her mental health. Kelsea leads workshops as well and has learned to get her hands dirty, quite literally. She learned that a bacteria found in the soil called  mycobacterium vaccae can trigger the release of serotonin to the brain, a chemical that regulates mood. So there may be more to planting than it appears. Kelsea wants others to know the joy that plants can bring. To learn more about Kelsea and her work visit her on Instagram at theplantdoods

Kelsea Tamberino

Sisters at Work

Gledhill and Chelsea Rusch are sisters and co-owners of the Rusch-Gledhill Group.

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON

Daria

Daria Gledhill and Chelsea Rusch

Daria Gledhill and Chelsea Rusch are realtors, co-workers, and sisters. If some might find working alongside family a challenge, these sisters knew for a long time that they wanted to be in business together. 'We have similar personalities, work ethic, and motivation.' Chelsea says. Above all, the trust between them is evident. While Chelsea has been in real estate in one form or another since 1999, Daria worked in TV production and even co-founded a charity in 2007.

Their path to working side by side only really presented itself when Daria, along with her husband and son, moved from California to Arizona. The sisters set up their own brokerage, Rusch Gledhill Real Estate in 2020. In 2022 they then decided to join forces with North&Co and start a team there, called the Rusch Gledhill Group . Since it began as a family enterprise, it is no wonder then that they treat their clients as family too. Daria describes it as a 'holistic' approach to real estate. Chelsea whole-heartedly agrees saying with a laugh, 'We wear a lot of hats.' She is not joking either, from helping organize movers, to cleaners, even taking clients on a tour of their potential town and neighborhood so that they can really envision their lives there.

Daria and Chelsea deeply understand, not only the significance of the financial investment but also the very personal nature of finding and establishing a home. The emotions involved are an aspect of the job they don't dismiss. When they say 'holistic' they mean it, even their Instagram page which has plenty of real estate advice, is also filled with everything from where to shop and eat to recipes and more. For their clients,

the combination of their real estate knowledge and support certainly helps, but the sisters also manage to inject some fun and energy in what they do as well. They turn what could be a stressful search and instead focus on what really matters.

As to Queen Creek, Daria and Chelsea believe that the town stands somewhat apart from her neighboring towns and cities. The key difference being immense growth. In spite of inventory being low, there are a number of new builds and also a lot of land still available with no HOA and therefore plenty of opportunity.

Queen Creek is seeing a lot of change, it is up and coming, and anyone driving around can testify to all the building happening on every corner.

Chelsea herself bought a home in Queen Creek back in 2006, she moved away before returning in 2020. The contrast she witnessed in the town was huge. Yet even they agree that despite all this growth, Queen Creek has managed to hold on to its farming traditions and rustic feel. The 'small town with big city conveniences' is part of Queen Creek's appeal.  You can enjoy a day at the farm and buy fresh eggs, but also get some Asian fare at Sushi Creek (their favorite place to eat).

There is no doubt it is an exciting time to be a part of Queen Creek's transformation. Daria and Chelsea hope to help more clients get their foot on the property ladder here and elsewhere in the East Valley. All the same, it came as no surprise when I asked what their favorite part of the job was that Daria replied, 'Working with my sister.' Chelsea echoed her sister's statement, 'We have a lot of fun.' ruschgledhill.com

“We have similar personalities, work ethic, and motivation.”

- Chelsea Rusch

BRENDA REA: OLIVE OIL SOMMELIER

Brenda admits she had never tasted olive oil until she married her husband, Perry. His Italian family often cooked with olive oil since it was a staple in their kitchen. After five children and Perry's automotive career coming to a close in Michigan, the Rea's began to think about the next chapter of their lives. Brenda suggested growing olive trees to her husband who readily agreed. After all, you could grow olive trees in America just as well as in Greece, Spain, or Italy, reasoned Brenda. The question was where?

The Rea family toured various candidates like California but it was Arizona that won in the end. They zeroed in on Queen Creek in particular for its long farming tradition and the olive trees were heat hardy and required low water usage, so a match was made in the desert. As a result, they bought some land, planted about 16 varietals and built a simple warehouse on the site. Brenda describes a steep learning curve, but their passion and devotion have continued to drive the Olive Mill to what it is today.

Brenda says the business grew organically, driven by customer demand. At first, many people came out of curiosity, so they began to give tours and educate people about olive oil and production. This was followed by people asking if there was a cafe on site and eventually this led to opening a restaurant using their own olive oil in the food. They also started growing some other vegetables and the overflow would be sold in their shop.

Brenda is a big supporter of local businesses and felt it was important to support and sell many of their products at the Olive Mill's shop. Today the Olive Mill also holds festivals, events, and Brenda's pride and joy called  Olivespa . Alongside her daughter, Joey, Brenda creates and sells skin care products that are made from their olive oil. Brenda admits that their business 'has more aspects to it than we imagined.'

Brenda and her husband Perry also completed a course in Northern Italy to become olive oil sommeliers. As a result, they are experts on olive oil and are often consulted by chefs and others in their industry who call from around the country. The Olive Mill has evolved alongside Queen Creek and attracts quite a bit of tourism too. Yet Brenda does not appear phased, like the olive trees, the Rea family has thrived in the desert. queencreekolivemill.com

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY QUEEN CREEK OLIVE MILL

QUEEN CREEK OLIVE MILL'S CO-FOUNDER BUILT A DREAM IN THE DESERT. Brenda Rea

Chris Sossaman

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER BOUBELIK

THE ROOTS RUN DEEP IN QUEEN CREEK FOR ONE LOCAL FAMILY.

Arizona achieved statehood in 1912 and in 1919 the Sossaman Farm was established. In the time that they have lived and worked on the land, the Sossaman family has also left their mark on Queen Creek itself. The Sossaman women have played their part too, always being deeply involved in the community, the school, and even running businesses. Steve Sossaman is part of the 4th generation of Sossamans to take over the farm operations, and his wife, Chris continues the work of many before her.

She met her husband for the first time on the school bus in 6th grade. He was a bit older but always saved her a seat. Years later they would begin dating and eventually marry and have three daughters. Originally from Scottsdale, Chris's grandfather bought a citrus grove in Queen Creek and her family moved into the house on the property. She discovered a tight-knit community filled with farming families like the Powers, Ellsworths, and Barneys.

Farming is not all that the family is involved in. Chris herself is a local purveyor of loose-leaf teas. She has always had a  passion for tea and runs a small business called  Tea Royalty She even conducts public speaking and does consulting using her 25-year knowledge on the subject. Her beautifully blended teas can be bought at the Queen Creek Olive Mill, Hayden Flour Mill, and Steadfast Farm, just to name a few. tearoyalty.com .

Chris Sossaman

Serving Queen Creek

THESE WOMEN CALL SERVICE

THEIR PASSION.

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER BOUBELIK

Firefighters

The Fire Department in Queen Creek is 15 years old with a staff of 70 firefighters. Of that number, seven are women who respond to the call of our community. Two of them sat down with us to discuss what it is like to serve the town of Queen Creek. Kristi Scott greeted us at the door of Fire Station #3. By the time Sarah Raczkowski joined us for the interview, she had just come off duty, being up all night, although she hardly seemed tired. Both Kristi and Sarah have been firefighters with Queen Creek for 4 1/2 years. Sarah, who hails from Flagstaff, has actually been working with Emergency Services for a bit longer than that for about 8 years in total. I asked them what attracted them to their careers in the first place.

Kristi, originally from Peoria, says her family has a history of being in service, but mainly with the police. Her move to be a firefighter instead was met with approval however from her family. For Kristi the path to service was natural. For Sarah, the decision to follow a career in firefighting came about in high school. The turning point for her was when she had the chance to do a ride-along with a firetruck at 17 years old. For both women, it was the desire to do some good and serve the community that really hooked them. Along with, they admit, some element of the adrenaline rush too.

That energy and drive are needed as Queen Creek's population continues to grow, and as a result, so too have the demands on the town's Fire Department. Most calls are less to do with fire and more with accidents, whether it be people or animals. Still, the women are eager to apply their training and gain experience. Both Kristi and Sarah have indicated that the town has been very supportive and welcoming of them. Kristi also indicated the amazing support of their battalion chiefs too, saying she felt 'super blessed'.

The life of a firefighter depends on the calls they get, as Sarah notes, those can 'ebb and flow'. They work two days on and four days off, sometimes with little sleep when on duty. Still, Sarah who is a mom to two and Kristi who is a mom of one, find their own kind of balance in it all. I asked them to share a favorite or memorable call, to which they laughed as they undoubtedly had too many to count. Overall, Sarah stated it all came down to whether you made a difference that day. She said it 'confirmed why I entered service'.

Kristi recalled a time when they had helped one particular lady during an emergency call. 'Two months later she shows up at the station with cookies.' Kristi says, and that simple act was enough to reassure her that their work was appreciated. They are also appreciated by their crew, a family away from family when they are on call. They cook together, live side by side, as well as rely on one another when they rush out to another call. Kristi and Sarah are just two examples of the kind of women who dedicate their lives to serving the needs of their town.

"... Sarah stated it all came down to whether you made a difference that day. She said it 'confirmed why I entered service."

Sarah Raczkowski and Kristi Scott

Police Detective

Detective Lauren Wallace works in the Special Victims Unit for the Queen Creek Police Department. Originally from Minnesota, she has lived in Arizona for the last 15 years. She began with the Tempe police in patrol and worked her way up through various roles. She spent 14 years with Tempe before being recruited for Queen Creek's brand new police force. As part of the inaugural group of officers, Lauren had the opportunity to use her experience and knowledge to help create policies and procedures for the town's new police agency.

The difference in Tempe to a smaller community like Queen Creek was certainly a change of pace. However, Lauren says starting afresh with an entirely new team of officers meant they created a fast family. The camaraderie is a big part of what she loves about her work. The other aspect of which is helping people, each day brings something new.

Working in the Special Victims Unit means that Lauren has to deal with some heavy subjects, but she takes the view that doing some good and being a 'voice for the victims' is worth tackling some difficult issues. As a married mom of two, Lauren says that having positive outlets is important due to the nature of the work. Her husband of 14 years, Nathan, would understand as he is also a police officer.

Lauren became interested in the police force when she went to college and met an officer who gave her advice. She said she was looking to do 'something different' as well as pursue a career that would have a 'positive impact'. Lauren found that and more in her role as a police officer. Here in Queen Creek, she has met officers that have been recruited from around the country, and given her different perspectives too.  Lauren's passion for service is clear, just one of many helping to keep Queen Creek that much safer.

"... Lauren has to deal with some heavy subjects, but she takes the view that... being a 'voice for the victims' is worth tackling some difficult issues."

Lauren Wallace

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER BOUBELIK

Making the Grade

TWO TEACHERS BRING THEIR 'A' GAME TO THE CLASSROOM.

Queen Creek Elementary School has a student population of 896 and will grow by an additional 100 by next year. As a result, the need for teachers is growing alongside a community that is booming. Therefore for the Ladies' issue, we wanted to celebrate the teachers that educate and see our kids each day. Principal Dawn Michaelson nominated Jessica Hill and Jessica Donovan as some of the teachers she describes as 'impactful'.

Jessica Hill is a Mesa native who has been a teacher for nearly a decade but has been with Queen Creek for the last 7 years. She teaches 3rd grade now, but originally she was studying premed at school. Her family has a history of joining the medical profession but Mrs. Hill said she knew that what she really wanted to do was teach. 'I love my students and creating that community and watching them grow.' she said. Her classroom environment is all about 'being there for them' and providing a sense of family.

Jessica Donovan

Mrs. Hill still remembers what it was like to be a 3rd grader herself. She says she could be quiet and obedient, but at the same time she 'loved school, learning, my teachers, and friends.' Since having such warm memories it is no surprise then that she aims to recreate that for her students. Mrs. Hill is also an AVID site leader which stands for Advanced Via Individual Determination. The program seeks to prepare students for college, providing resources for teachers and more.

Skills for success are at the core of what Mrs. Hill hopes to impart to her students, both academically and personally. Above all she wants her young students to love learning, just as she did.

Jessica Donovan's experience of school was shaped more by her own struggles with learning. Growing up in Chandler, she was diagnosed with a learning disability in 6th grade which made it difficult to retain and comprehend material she had just read. She was given effective study strategies and memorization exercises that she found so helpful that she implements them in her teaching. Having experienced this shift in 6th grade may be why Mrs. Donovan teaches this grade, and calls it 'my heart and soul'.

Her classroom is styled more like a coffee shop with a sofa and mismatched chairs and she likes to start the day by 'greeting students at the door'. This is her first year at Queen Creek Elementary, having been a teacher for 5 years in all. She describes the community at Queen Creek as a 'Great school...it's like home.' That sense of unity is a theme as Mrs. Hill noted the 'small town feel' as well.

Teaching is not always easy, both women are mothers, and the work-life balance can be a challenge. The fluid nature of the profession with changing standards and making up for the lost time due to Covid means that what these teachers take on can seem like a lot. Yet as Mrs. Donovan states, her greatest joy can be had in a single moment when a student finally understands a concept. 'They get so excited when it clicks.' she says.

Principal Michaelson expresses gratitude for what these teachers have brought to the school, saying they have 'made great relationships with the students' and as a result, they have shown 'improvement both academically and socially'. Mrs. Hill and Mrs. Donovan have shown dedication and a passion for their students and their education that lays the foundation for a bright future for both these young scholars and for Queen Creek at large.

Jessica Hill

The Miller's Daughter

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HAYDEN FLOUR MILL

Emma Zimmerman is co-founder of Hayden Flour Mill

Emma Zimmerman

Emma Zimmerman co-founded the Hayden Flour Mills which now grows ancient grains at Sossaman Farms. In an age where everyone seems to be going gluten-free, Emma insists it's the quality of the grain that truly matters.

1. DID YOU HAVE A BACKGROUND IN FARMING OR COOKING BEFORE YOU EMBARKED ON HAYDEN FLOUR MILLS WITH YOUR FATHER?

No, I didn’t and I was working on a Ph.D. in bioethics so it was a big shift for me. I was just starting to get interested in cooking though because I was far away from home and I would ask my mom to send me familiar recipes that I found myself craving.  So I’ve learned a lot more about farming and cooking since starting Hayden Flour Mills. I didn’t even know what a wheat berry was when we started the business and now I can tell also the different kinds of wheat apart. I still have so much to learn though!

2. WHAT CONVINCED YOU TO EMBARK ON THIS VENTURE?

Probably my Dad's excitement and vision of what Hayden Flour Mills could be. I also wasn't very happy in my Ph.D. program, so it gave me something to do after I dropped out of my program. It ended up becoming so much more than a transitional job. Now it's been ten years of running Hayden Flour Mills. Hard to believe!

3. WHAT BROUGHT HAYDEN FLOUR MILL FROM TEMPE TO THE SOSSAMAN FARM IN QUEEN CREEK?

It made sense to be on the farm where so much of our wheat was grown. It's such a beautiful and inspiring place to be. When we first started we were in a very small space in downtown Phoenix. Being on the farm has allowed us more room to grow as well. Milling requires some pretty big equipment as well as plenty of room to store the crops.

4. DO YOU BELIEVE THAT ANCIENT GRAINS SHOULD BE IN OUR DAILY DIET AND IF SO WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Yes! It's not very fun to talk about, but we all need more whole grains aka fiber in our diets. Ancient and heritage grains also have more nutrient density because of the way they grow. And whole grains are so important for heart health as well. Honestly, they taste so good that it's not much of a sacrifice. It's more just finding new ways to prepare them that are easy and don't get old. That's why I wrote my cookbook the Miller's Daughter to show ease all the ways to use these grains that weren't just bread.

5. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THE COOKBOOK 'THE MILLER'S DAUGHTER'?

So many people would ask me what to do with these grains we grew and milled. So the cookbook is the answer to that question. It also tells the story of how we started the mill and the ups and downs we've had along the way. It was such a fun project to work on and I felt so fortunate to be able to step back from the business for a while to just focus on writing the recipes for the book.

Memorable ways to celebrate the mother figure in your life

Make an Impact for Mom

The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.

This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Invite Her To High Tea

Whether you make the brews and treats yourself or head out to an official tea house, Mom will love sipping her beverage out of fancy china and snacking on tea sandwiches.

Pick Your Own Fruit

This activity is especially fun if you have a lot of kids who want to get in on the action. Then, when you all get home, you can whip up a treat for Mom with your selections. (Maybe give her a strawberry in a Champagne glass while she waits.)

Book Her a Weekend Away

There’s no day like Mother’s Day to be impulsive! Book a weekend trip for the two of you at a cute B&B in a city Mom has always wanted to visit.

Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle

Find a puzzle with an image you know your mom will love (or make a custom one using a photo of the two of you) and put it together over wine and snacks. You’ll be amazed at how much chatting you can get done while puzzling.

Take a Flower Arranging Class

Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.

events

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

Vintage & Vino Spring 2023 Mother's Day Market

HORSESHOE PARK AND EQUESTRIAN CENTER | 10:00 AM

Featuring over 100 local businesses, this market is the perfect place to do all of your Mother's Day shopping. This market will be held from May 5th at 10am-8pm and May 6th 9am-5pm. Get mom something special and unique this year. The booths will include homemade soap and bath products, jewelry, home decor, antiques, and more. For more visit sipandshoparizona.com

Mother's Day Muffins & Mimosas & Masks

8950 E GERMANN RD SUITE 21, MESA, AZ 85212 | 10:00 AM

Join Electric Complexions & CryoSlimming for their Mother’s Day Muffins, Mimosas & Masks on Saturday May 13 from 10am -12pm at Lavish Studios Salon Suites.  Enter to win 13 raffle prizes & receive one extra raffle entry for every mom you bring!  Receive 13% off all Electric Complexions Cosmeceutical skincare products too!  Text 480-450-0085 to RSVP today!

Mother's Day Brunch

QUEEN CREEK OLIVE MILL | 8:00 AM

Take mom for a delicious brunch on Mother's Day at the Queen Creek Olive Mill. From 8am-12pm brunch will be served. It is highly recommended that you RSVP as this is a popular event. For more information go to queencreekolivemill.com

Mother's Day in the Garden

DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN | 9:00 AM

Mothers will enjoy free entry to the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden with the paid admission of one child from 9am-3pm. Stroll through the garden exhibits while enjoying photo opportunities, live entertainment, the Spring Butterfly exhibit and more. To purchase tickets use the promo code MOMS23 at checkout. dbg.com

Monster Truck Wars

HORSESHOE PARK AND EQUESTRIAN CENTRE | 11:00 AM

This national touring monster truck event specializes in monster trucks and truck/tractor pulling entertainment. This is an event for the whole family. You can even have the chance to ride in a monster truck. Arrive early. For more information and to purchase tickets visit monstertrucks.fun

Queen Creek Barrel Racing

HORSESHOE PARK AND EQUESTRIAN CENTER | 10:00 AM

Across two days, from May 27th to May 28th, enjoy some classic Western entertainment with Barrel Racing! This event is hosted by the Queen Creek Barrel Racing Association and will include riders of all ages and there will even be prizes. Races begin at 10am. For more information visit qcbra.com

Want to be featured?

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Cheers to Mom!

The morning of Mother’s Day many women will wake up to a breakfast, maybe even a breakfast in bed. While being treated early in the day is a lovely tradition, let us not forget that it is a whole day dedicated to celebrating mom. With that in mind, we suggest winding down the day with a little drink just for the ladies. On a warm desert evening, any reason to uncork some sparkling wine is a good reason. Here is a cocktail that combines the bubbles of sparkling wine with sunny citrus flavors and bright red strawberries. Happy Mother’s Day!

INGREDIENTS

• 4 strawberries, plus extra to decorate with

• 2 dashes of sugar syrup

• 4 lime wedges

• 2 measures of any berry flavored vodka

• Chilled sparkling wine to top up

• ice cubes

DIRECTIONS

1. Muddle the strawberries, sugar syrup and lime wedges in a cocktail shaker.

2. Add the vodka and some ice cubes.

3. Shake well and strain into 2 chilled wine flutes.

4. Top up with some chilled sparkling wine and decorate each glass with a sliced strawberry and serve.

A LITTLE SPARKLE AND FIZZ FOR MOTHER'S DAY