Queen Creek, AZ March 2024

The Home Issue

Home Is Where the Heart Is

The idea of home evokes warmth, safety, comfort, and rest. In many ways, we find ourselves fascinated with enhancing every aspect of our homes. We cherish having a sanctuary away from the demands of work and school. In this issue we aim to help you do just that. We will show the design trends that have home builders like Tri Pointe giving you the style and convenience that is in demand with buyers.

Yet don't forget that backyard space, particularly here in Queen Creek where being outdoors comes naturally. Our backyards are just an extension of our homes and where we can enjoy gatherings, barbeques, and swimming. American Backyards gives us a peek at the latest in pool designs for a resort like lifestyle steps from home.

Whatever gives you a sense of home, whether it be a home-cooked meal or being around family, we love where we live and this home town of Queen Creek. So get cozy, find your favorite chair, curl up with a cup of coffee and flick through these pages for inspiration, ideas, and community.

FLORENCE DANIELS, EDITOR @QUEENCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE

March 2024

Kaylee Williams | kaylee.williams@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Florence Daniels | florence.daniels@citylifestyle.com

Kimberly Heywood | shademarketingaz@gmail.com

Kaeden Peterson, Jennifer Boubelik

Corporate Team

city scene

1: Owner of The Iron Tavern, Amber, greets guests at the Open House. 2: Artist Vanessa Zapata displaying her work at the Art Show at the Mill.

3: Eileen Pieczonka, author of Blueberry Bear, at the Art Show at Queen Creek Olive Mill. 4: Flowers for sale at the Farmer's Market at Schnepf Farms. 5: Open House of The Iron Tavern enjoy delicious cocktails. 6: Booth of Lil Goat Town at the Queen Creek Family Market. 7: Goat at the Queen Creek Family Market at Schnepf Farms.

F. DANIELS

F. DANIELS

J. BOUBELIK

J. BOUBELIK

J. BOUBELIK

K. PETERSON

K. PETERSON

Madera Queen Creek

1,880 - 4,850 SQ.FT

3-6 Beds | 2-4.5 Baths

2-4 Bay garage

Walking trails, parks, play areas and pool

Priced from the high $400k’s

Sentinel at Oro Ridge Queen Creek

2,665 - 3,124 SQ.FT

4-5 Beds | 2.5-3 Baths

3 Bay garage

Community trails, play grounds, and parks

Priced from the mid $500k’s

Bella Vista Farms San Tan Valley NOW SELLING

2,737 - 3,146 SQ.FT

4-5 Beds | 2.5-3.5 Baths

3 Bay garage

3 unique floor plans

RareTea Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

RareTea had their ribbon cutting ceremony on January 19, 2024 in Queen Creek. RareTea uses local and fresh ingredients directly from tea farmers, and flavor with real cane sugar, in house jams/purees and organic milk. Choose from a selection of enticing and delicious drinks made from quality ingredients. www.rareteausa.com

Photography by K. Peterson

Pecan Lake Entertainment officially Opens to the Public.

Pecan Lake Entertainment opened their doors on January 31st. The latest attraction in Queen Creek boasts activities like a ropes course, ziplines, axe throwing, VR arena, and karaoke. Food options include Caldwell County BBQ and Soda Rush with more development coming soon www.gopecanlake.com

Sage and Barrel Craft Eatery Grand Opening!

Chef Chip Kennedy and owners Pamela and Jordan excited opened their new restaurant, Sage and Barrel Craft Eatery in Queen Creek. A delicious menu of dishes made fresh in the kitchen daily, they also serve craft cocktails and beers. Enjoy flatbreads, fish and chips, pasta, and more.

WE BRING YOUR IDEAS TO LIFE

Photography by K. Peterson

Photography by K. Peterson

LET’S MAKE A MOVE!

Whether you are first-time buyer, ready to search for your DREAM HOME or thinking of selling... CALL ME TODAY!

As your FULL-TIME Realtor®, I specialize in Queen Creek/San Tan Valley Real Estate!

Put my experience, and commitment to work for you!

ASK ME ABOUT:

A Seller Concessions?

A Down Payment Assistance?

A FHA vs Conventional Loans?

A How much is my home worth?

A Is it a Seller’s Market?

Arizona

Credible Five-Star Google Reviews Estate plan updates Comprehensive Estate Planning

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2022 Masters Emerald

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2021 CENTURION®

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2021 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer

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CENTURY

619.997.4416

Lokka.MaryD@gmail.com

WA R M ING

TRI POINTE HOMES SHOWS US THE HOME DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2024.

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DUSTIN REVELLA

Warm Tones

In a reversal of the recent trend toward cooler shades of white and gray, warmer tones are now coming back to take center stage. Warm woods and light warm paint colors combine to complement each other and create a soft and cozy vibe for your home.

Opposite: Accent wall to enhance any room.

This Page: Warm and natural tones for a cozy dining space.

Mixed Metals

If you’re brave enough to commit to a mismatched look, mixed metals are a great way to create an elevated, custom feel for your home. Mix matte black plumbing fixtures with champagne honey bronze vanity lights for a stand-out effect. Rule: use no more than two finishes of mixed metals in any given room.

A sleek kitchen that is both modern and inviting.

Contrasting Wood

Create an appealing distinction in your home by combining light and dark woods, blending stains, or pulling together different wood stain colors. The light and dark can effectively complement each other.

A living room that has both color and coziness.

Splashes of Color

With a warm color palette as your background, add splashes of color with design elements like throw pillows, draperies, accent pieces, or even an accent wall.  After coming out of an era dominated by gray, color is king again!  www.tripointehomes.com

This bedroom brings together color, texture, and an accent wall.

THE Bee's Knees

Make beeswax candles at home in a few simple steps.

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON

Candles bring light and atmosphere to any space. Heidi Koch, owner of CHLL Home Creations, specializes in the art of hand-poured, 100% Pure USA Beeswax candles. Each of her candles is not only about aromas and charm, but of the purity and quality of every ingredient. Beeswax candles actually clean the air inside your home by emitting negative ions that bind to toxins and removing them from the air. Therefore, not only can you create ambience and a lovely scent wafting through a room, but purify the air inside your home too. Here, Heidi shares her knowledge on how you can harness the benefits of beeswax with a hint of pine needles and an essential oil of your choice.

preparation:

Time: 10-20 minutes

Makes five 4 oz. candles.

• mini ice scraper

• 4 oz. mason jars

• hemp wick

• wick holder

• pine needles

• 1 quartz crystal

• essential oils (scent of your choice)

• 2 cups of Meyer's beeswax pellets

• 1-2 Tbsp. coconut oil

• mini crockpot

step one:

Begin warming up the crock pot and set up the mason jars with wick and wick holder. While the beeswax pellets melt combined with the coconut oil in the crockpot, place the pine needles and quartz crystal at the bottom of the mason jars.

step two:

Once the mason jars are ready and the wax is melted, carefully lift the crockpot with oven mitts and slowly pour into the mason jar, leaving space at the top. Add 50-60 drops of an essential oil. You can use one or do a combo of scents according to your preference. Repeat with each jar.

step three:

Leave the candles open to cool and harden for at least half a day to 24 hours before placing a lid on. Once it is fully hardened you may light and enjoy. Remember to never leave a lit candle unattended.

HEIDI KOCH is a passionate homemaker, mom, wife and crafter based in Arizona. Her journey in crafting took an aromatic turn when she discovered her love for candles. Disheartened by harmful chemical scents in conventional candles she decided to create something pure and natural.

WWW.CHILLHOMECREATIONS.COM

Combine the ingredients.

1 2 3

step one

Gather and prepare supplies.

step three

Allow to cool for up to 24 hours.

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON

POOLSIDE STYLE

American

Backyards designs the pool of your dreams.

The sun glinting on the water, the sound of a trickling fountain, the promise of relief from the Arizona desert heat, who doesn't want a pool in their backyard? American Backyards has been delivering a private oasis for their customers in the East Valley since 2008. This local, family run operation builds an affordable, beautiful pool of your own in approximately 40 working days. Not only that but they come to your home, conduct measurements, take down your wish list, and in a couple hours have a 3D computer rendering of your future pool ready for you to review at their design center.

Owners Chuck and Teri Hewitt have used many fun elements in the design of their own pool. The free form shape gives the impression of a tropical space, bordered by palms and a fun waterfall feature that hides a grotto for swimmers to shelter in. Deck jets create a fountain effect and a comfortable baja bench for kids or those who simply want to dip their feet, gives everyone something to enjoy.

CONTINUED >

Chuck says the benefits of the pool are worth the investment. In addition to enhancing your backyard space, you have a source of exercise, even therapy. A pool allows you to get that sunshine even in the peak of summer while maintaining your cool. Last but not least, the kids love it. Perhaps nothing can tempt them away from video games better than fun in the fresh air and splashing in the pool.

Barbeques and family gatherings are simply better when in and around the pool. Not to mention the privacy and cleanliness compared to a public pool. American Backyards includes up to six umbrella sleeves, in and out of the pool with every design. They can also provide additional landscaping with the purchase of a pool. American Backyards can help you achieve the resort lifestyle on your terms, fast, and affordable.  www.americanbackyardsaz.com

OWNERS

JOSH AND MCKENNA VIDAL

Healthy Pipes

The Plumber gives their top tips for working pipes.

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE PLUMBER

Pipes are the unseen heroes hidden within our walls, allowing us to enjoy a clean and dry home. Keep your pipes flowing with these helpful tips from The Plumber

1. Never pour grease or oil down the drain. Always use a strainer in your kitchen sink. Over time, grease and oil build up in your drains making it harder for water to flow properly.

2. Watch what you flush! If you start flushing things other than toilet paper and bodily waste, you could cause some serious clogs that you will need a plumbing expert to clear. This includes baby wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products.

3. Avoid chemical drain cleaners. Although they are marketed as a quick fix, they end up doing more harm than good. Chemical drain cleaners ultimately wreak havoc on the health and well being of the plumbing in your home requiring repairs.

4. Consider having a pressure regulator installed, or (Pressure Reducing Valve). A pressure regulating valve will maintain consistent water pressure throughout your home by reducing the incoming water pressure. Although it is not required, if your pressure is too high it can cause significant damage to the valves, faucets, appliances, pipes and plumbing fittings. www.theplumberaz.com

MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 2ND

Customer Appreciation Day

Zen Life Center for Healing | 4:00 PM

Come by  Zen Life Center for Healing from 4pm - 7:30pm for vendors, Henna artists, oracle readers, free yoga classes, sound healing and more! To find out more visit www.zenlifehealing.com

MARCH 9TH

Queen Creek Family Market

Schnepf Farms | 9:00 AM

This local farmer's market will be held on March 9th and March 23rd from 9am-2pm at Schnepf Farms. Enjoy local produce, crafts, artisans, food trucks, bounce house, and face painting for the kids. www.queencreekfamilymarket.com

MARCH 13TH

Roots N Boots Queen Creek Rodeo

Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Center | 11:00 AM

The Roots N’ Boots Queen Creek Pro Rodeo performance will take place from March13th to the 17th. The event contains seven professional rodeo competitions. Six of the events are bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping and bull riding. Bring the whole family for some western fun and incredible entertainment. www.rootsnboots.org

MARCH 16TH

March Sangria Social

Queen Creek Olive Mill | 11:00 AM

The March Sangria Social invites you to attend anytime between 11am-9pm to connect with friends and family over sangria. Enjoy the beautiful patio weather and try out any of the four seasonal sangria flavors on offer. www.queencreekolivemill.com

MARCH 23RD

Spring Into QC

Mansel Carter Oasis Park | 9:00 AM

This signature town event will be held from 9am to 1pm at Mansel Carter Oasis Park. This fun family event will have an egg hunt, entertainment, food, and more. Parking onsite is limited. www.queencreekaz.gov

MARCH 23RD

Forever Young

Queen Creek Performing Arts Center | 2:00 PM

A perfect blend of theatrical storytelling and arena tour excitement, Forever Young brings a heartfelt true story to life using a playlist for the ages. This brilliant theatrical experience is a one-of-a-kind adventure that will take you back to the first time you set the needle down, tuned in and turned up the music that connects us all. www.qcpac.com

Handmade Soap

Add a spa-like feel to your home with this refreshing soap recipe that's simple to make at home.

ARTICLE BY ANGI HOCKETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

lavender honey lemon soap

ingredients

• 2 lb. goat’s milk melt-and-pour soap

• 1 lemon rind, zested

• 3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds

• 2 tablespoons of honey

• 15 drops of lavender essential oil

• 6 drops of lemon essential oil

• jar or bowl for melting soap base

• Silicone mold

directions

Chop soap into smaller pieces. It will melt faster this way. Place in bowl and microwave (or double boil). Be careful to watch soap and not let it burn.  If you are using microwave, heat in 30 second increments, stirring frequently. Once soap is melted add your essential oils first. Once essential oils have been added and mixed thoroughly, add the lavender buds, lemon zest and honey. Have your mold ready to go, on a flat, even surface. You’ll want to move quickly before the soap cools too much. Mix everything thoroughly again, and pour mixture into mold. Let the soap cool for 2-3 hours until bars are completely solid. Wrap or package however you like.

Recipe from Sisoo.com