Queen Creek, AZ May 2024

The Queens of Queen Creek

This month we honor the women in our lives and in our community. The first female figure that may come to mind is the mother that has nurtured us. Being a mom to three, myself, I know how much work and sacrifice goes into the job. Nevertheless, I am still amazed at the capacity for compassion and care that women exhibit to their families, friends, and neighbors. In this issue, we want to help celebrate the many amazing women who contribute so much of themselves and their time.

Hailey Reidhead host of the podcast called 'She's A Lady' is well placed to show us some of these amazing local women. Her podcast discusses the experiences and viewpoint of women regularly. She has chosen three women to highlight for their resilience, dedication, and inspiration. In addition to acknowledging the achievements of Queen Creek women, we also suggest ways you can celebrate mom this month. Desert Tea Party Rentals shares their unique and vintage style to really add charm and elegance to Mother's Day.

We also introduce you to some  local moms who have turned their talents into a business. Sweet Mama's Cookies and Candle Creations just might be the perfect, locally made gift for mom this Mother's day. From one mom to another, we know exactly what we need to relax and feel appreciated. So whether you are basking in the attention, or looking for a way to honor the important lady in your life, look no farther...it's all inside these pages.

FLORENCE DANIELS, EDITOR @QUEENCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Kaylee Williams | kaylee.williams@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Florence Daniels | florence.daniels@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Hailey Reidhead

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Kaeden Peterson

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

Women Who Inspire

Candle Creations

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: The Easter Bunny greeting the crowd at the Egg Hunt. 2: The rush to collect eggs at the Egg hunt at the Spring into QC event. 3: Queen Creek police officers at their booth at the Spring into QC event. 4: The Women's Rodeo at Roots n' Boots. 5: Pinal County booth at the Spring into QC event. 6: Pancake Breakfast event at the Equestrian Center in Queen Creek. 7: Rodeo event at Roots n' Boots.

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A M K P R O P E R T I E S A Z @ G M A I L C O M

Over Easy New Spring Menu

Over Easy is jumping into spring with a new menu, bringing fresh flavors as we enter a new season. The revamped menu includes a Prickly Pear Mimosa, Chorizo Benedict, Hot Honey Chicken, Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Steak and more. This popular, local breakfast and brunch spot offers both dine-in and carry out. In addition, they will donate one dollar from every kid’s menu purchase to Phoenix Children's throughout 2024. www.eatovereasy.com

Photography

Rainbow Bagels Are Back at Sidewalk!

Come in for the popular Rainbow Bagels from May 24-26th at Sidewalk Coffee and Bagel Company. These bagels run out fast so grab them while you can. For those who are avoiding their carbs, however, Sidewalk also now carry gluten free pastries and bagels from Gluten Freeks. www.sidewalkcoffeeco.com

Desert Financial Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

Desert Financial Credit Union located near Costco had their ribbon cutting ceremony with the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce. Members of the community were invited to celebrate with representatives from the town council in attendance.

Photography by Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce

Photography by J. Boubelik

W O M EN

Hailey Reidhead, host of ‘ She’s A Lady‘ podcast, has chosen three local women to highlight for their generosity, commitment and passion for helping others. Having interviewed each one in depth, you can listen to their stories, as well as many others, on ‘She’s A Lady’ on Spotify or Apple.

WHOINSPIRE

HAILEY REIDHEAD TALKS ABOUT THE QUEEN CREEK WOMEN SHE MOST ADMIRES.

ARTICLE BY HAILEY REIDHEAD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON

Alida Brock

Owner, Flourish Wellness

A Queen Creek native,  Alida is the owner of Flourish Wellness, a holistic med spa and wellness center. In episode 81 titled, “She’s Talking About Gut Health,” Alida shares her story of putting her health first, and making some big changes in her lifestyle. This was the inspiration to create a med spa that focuses on internal and external healing. At Flourish, they offer treatments such as Epigentic hair scans, Hydrafacials, Chemical peels, Skinpen Microneedling, and more. They also have wellness amenities like sauna, red light therapy, PEMF grounding meditation, cold plunge, and IV therapy. I was amazed at the knowledge she had, and how she shared it so effortlessly. Alida is a business minded lady that not only had a vision, but brought it to life. She is a dedicated, hard working woman, who is positively influencing our community. www.flourishwellnessclub.com

Kelly Geisler Founder, Cultivate Goodness

Kelly is a native Arizonan whose parents became foster parents when she was just 6 years old. Over the course of 25 years, she was a foster sibling to 125 foster kids. As a young girl she often dreamed of running an orphanage where every child was loved and cared for as her own. Kelly has been a foster parent to special needs kids since 1994 and is mom to 11 beautiful children. Her experiences have helped her develop great empathy and compassion for those who have challenges. She founded Cultivate Goodness in 2019. Cultivating Goodness shares service opportunities for those in the community who would like to volunteer, and makes it easier to serve those in need. You can find local service opportunities on their website at www.cultivate-goodness. org. She found hope and healing through serving others after the death of her son, Ever, and hopes to inspire others to join her in serving those in need. She believes that we build community by getting involved and caring for those around us. “If we all put in our piece, whatever the size, it adds up to be a mountain of good.” I was inspired by her desire to lift wherever she is standing. She shared stories of serving weekly at a domestic violence shelter, serving seniors that are isolated in assisted living homes, cancer patients, foster children, veterans, homeless people on the streets, and more.

Danielle Radler

M.E.N.D.

Danielle is currently Mrs. Queen Creek, and wants to use that title as a way to share her story of hope after loss. She also spoke of her long standing journey of endometriosis on my episode titled, “She’s a momma to an angel.” She is a resilient woman who is helping women all over the valley cope with their infant losses. Danielle lost her son after he was born at 20 weeks in her pregnancy. She took this extremely hard situation, and years later, turned it into an opportunity to care for women who have had miscarriages, stillbirths, or infant loss. Danielle runs the Queen Creek chapter of M.E.N.D. (Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death.) They are a Christian non-profit organization (or ministry), run completely by volunteers who have also lost a baby. The local East Valley Arizona chapter meets right here in Queen Creek at the library on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6:30pm. It doesn’t matter how recent the loss was, no mother should grieve alone or in silence, reach out to M.E.N.D. on their website www.mend.org. I recently went to their monthly meeting, and was touched by the stories of these brave women.

Candle Creations

THIS

WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS SMELLS SWEET.

Jennifer Bunkers started making candles as a hobby and a passion. She quickly saw a chance to create a business and began to research ingredients and perfecting her methods. Today, Jennifer makes various candle sizes and scents as well as reed diffusers and candle melts. Some of her most popular candles have included Clean Cotton and Pumpkin in the Fall. In May, she plans to release Spring scents of Cotton Candy, Lemon Pound Cake, and more.

Jennifer and her family have made Queen Creek their home since 2005, and although it started small, she says she has enjoyed watching it grow. Something of that small town spirit and hand made craft can be seen in Jennifer's work. Her business,  Candle Creations by Jennifer, began in 2017. She produces candles that come in various containers from 'Apothecary' to 'Farmhouse' and 'Jelly' jars. The scents can be simple and nostalgic like 'Banana Bread' or 'Strawberry Shortcake'. However, she also has more original scents like 'Volcano Beach' that has tones of citrus and pineapple, evoking the tropical aromas of Hawaii.

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON

Jennifer Bunkers

Her candles are 100% soy which is grown and sourced from the USA. Jennifer uses essential oils and cotton wicks to ensure a clean and long-lasting burn time. Her candles therefore burn slower with no black soot and don't potentially trigger headaches and other reactions that paraffin candles may cause. Her careful attention to quality ingredients extends to the development of the scents as well. Her process in designing scents includes making small samples and testing them on families and friends. Jennifer says she enjoys creating candles that remind us of a time and place.

One scent called 'First Date' is a nod to a memory of a nervous and exciting evening. The scents blended together are a mix of Eucalyptus, Dark Musk, and Sandalwood, among others to give a more 'masculine' scent. The hint of a cologne worn by your date could be one of those memories you recall with a smile. I asked Jennifer why she thought a scent could be so powerful? Jennifer replied that she believed that very often a smell could 'take someone back to a memory or a place, or even their childhood.'

Jennifer's own personal inspiration comes from her grandmother, Joanne Niffenegger. Today Joanne is 86 and is an important role model that Jennifer looks up to you. 'She has always been a rock to me, somewhere I could escape to.' she says. Her grandmother was a single mother to four children, juggling family and a career. Jennifer, herself is a mother to two teenagers even as she builds a local business of hand crafted candles. Jennifer often attends local markets to sell her candles or you can go directly to her website and select the perfect scent to create a mood, a memory, and warmth within your own home. Not only do these candles smell good, but you can feel good about buying something local and hand-made.

www.candlecreationsbyjennifer.com

'... she believed that very often a smell could 'take someone back to a memory or a place, or even their childhood.'

We are offering free microchip scanning for the entire month of May and encouraging pet owners to update their contact and emergency information.

May isn’t just a month of blooming flowers and warmer weather; it’s also a time to celebrate our beloved furry friends! This month holds a special significance for pet owners as it marks both National Pet Month and Chip Your Pet Month. What better way to honor our pets than by celebrating these two important occasions together? Chip Your Pet Month serves as a reminder of the importance of microchipping our furry friends. While collars and tags are essential, they can sometimes get lost or removed. Microchipping offers a permanent form of identification that can greatly increase the chances of being reunited with a lost pet.

revelvet.com | 480-571-9564 | 24754

JUST MY CUP OF TEA

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON

Sitting with a view of the English garden at the Queen Creek Botanical Gardens is especially suited to hold a traditional tea party courtesy of Desert Tea Party Rentals. Owner, Rebekah, puts together a stunning display with careful attention to coordinating napkins folded into bows, delicate china on gold chargers, alongside roses and tempting treats. It is a scene plucked out of a Jane Austen novel or an episode of Downton Abbey and dropped into Queen Creek.

We asked Rebekah to design the perfect Mother's Day tea party for moms Emily and Shelly alongside their daughters Remington and Zealand. The lace tablecloth in blush is an elegant backdrop to this layered and intricate tablescape with golds, pinks, and florals. Even in the approach to the table

Shelly and Zealand

there is a sense of something special here. In addition, finger sandwiches by Lisa Hokanson of Born n’ Bread and Elisa Tinsley of Sweet Baby Cakes provided the buttercream frosted cake adorned with an artistic rose design. The food matched the beauty of the plates, and as delicious as it appeared.

Desert Tea Party Rentals provides all the accessories and materials to create a tea party for birthdays, showers, reunions, or a day for mom. Rebekah says that she is motivated in using teaware to create unique and lasting memories for her customers. Her rentals allow clients to customize and create a one-stop shopping experience for their hosting needs. She has an extensive catalog of tea sets, tiered stands, silverware, and more to choose from, and even has tables and chairs.

Rebekah was inspired to start a business that brought the tea party to you when a planned baby shower she booked at a tea house was canceled due to the pandemic. It sparked the idea of helping people save money on the cost of a tea party where you chose the location. Not to mention that she is also an enthusiastic tea drinker who savors the simplicity and relaxation of a good cup of tea.

While Rebekah brings the materials for an ideal tea party experience, she does not do any catering herself. Although she can provide recommendations, you can also choose to add the macaroons, sandwiches, and cakes yourself. Either way, the table is set for a special occasion, one mom will truly appreciate.

Models: Shelly and Zealand, Emily and Remington

Location: Queen Creek Botanical Gardens

Catering: Sweet Baby Cakes and Born n Bread

Rebekah

Rebekah is a mom of two with a passion for tea as well as an avid collector of vintage tea sets. She is the owner of Desert Tea Party Rentals to help you create a tea party fit for royalty. Rebekah knows that tea parties delight people of all ages, but not everyone can keep a vintage tea set for the odd occasion. Let her take the stress out of planning your own party. She serves the East Valley and prides herself on customer satisfaction.  View her work on her Instagram at desertteapartyrentals or go to her website www.desertteapartyrentals.com to view her catalog, customer reviews, and more.

Emily

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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!

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Military shaped my life. Having been married to a Marine before, during, and now after his time in service, I know FIRST-HAND the emotions that can be involved with any relocation. So many factors play into relocating and no two moves are alike. Having the honor of working for others during this time, along with my own personal experiences, gives me the unique ability to look for concerns and address them before they cause a problem. I love providing guidance and information that wasn’t always available during my own personal moves. Helping families through wherever life moves them has become a true passion of mine and I would love the opportunity to help you along your journey!

2022 Masters Emerald 2022 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer

2021 CENTURION®

2021 President’s Producer

2021 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer

2020 Quality Service Producer

SWEET MAMA'S COOKIES

Tehani Toalei's cookies offer up something sweet for Mother's Day.

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON

Tehani Toalei is a mom to four adorable girls, and if that wasn't enough to fill her time, she also owns Sweet Mama's Cookies Busy in her kitchen, Tehani whips up iced sugar cookies, gourmet drop cookies, and lactation cookies. She also makes cake pops, dipped pretzel rods,  and Rice Krispie treats upon request. Tehani opened up her lovely home to us to show her incredible artistry with the cookies she creates.

Mother's Day cookies and cookie bouquet.

'For Tehani, her biggest inspiration is the women in her life, including her mom.'

Originally from Hawaii, Tehani and her family moved out to Queen Creek in 2010. She began her business in December of 2019 after having her first child. Tehani says she has always 'loved being in the kitchen whether it was to cook a meal or bake' since she was young but didn't 'really hit full time cookie making until February 2020'. By the time she learned she was pregnant with her second, the pandemic had hit and Tehani knew she didn't want to go back to her job in education. Her passion for baking has turned into a job that not only lets her contribute to her family but also still be hands on with her

girls at home. Tehani says she gets booked every week with custom orders and sells out weekly at each of the store front locations she stocks.

In addition she offers monthly/seasonal cookie decorating classes or at private events. Look out for her limited pre-sale for cookie flower bouquets, and other Mother’s Day options on her Instagram handle  sweetmamascookies. For Tehani, her biggest inspiration is the women in her life, including her mom. 'I have many women (my mom, grandmas, and aunts) who work so hard to provide for their families using their talents.'

L-R: Kalehua (3), Sirena (4), Tehani, Anuhea (4 days), and Nohealani (1 1/2)

HANDMADE

BREAKING BREAD

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Making homemade bread is coming back, and while the convenience of buying a pre-made loaf is readily available, there is nothing like the taste of a warm, homemade loaf right out of the oven. This easy-to-follow recipe is exploding with flavor and is simple to make.

FOCACCIA

This recipe is quick and easy to make with just a few simple steps. It tastes great on its own, but dipping it in olive oil infused with fresh herbs adds an extra level of flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¾ cups warm water

• 2 ½ teaspoons sugar

• 1 package active dry yeast

• 4 cups flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• Optional:

• Fresh rosemary

• Coarse sea salt

• Fresh pressed garlic

INSTRUCTIONS:

Use a stand mixer with a fitted dough hook, and stir together the water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir again. Set mixture aside for 5 minutes. Mixture should be foamy. Next, add the flour and salt and mix on low until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed and mix for an additional 4-5 minutes. Brush a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Set aside for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until the dough has doubled in size.

Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of oil. Uncover the dough and rub hands with olive oil. Slide your hands under the dough and fold it onto itself. Continue to work your way around the edge of the bowl, folding the dough onto itself until there is a ball that you can lift from the bowl. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press the dough to the edges. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set aside to rise for about 45 minutes until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Rub your hands with olive oil and use your fingers to make indentions on the surface of the dough. Sprinkle it with salt and rosemary and any desired toppings. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

MAY 10TH

Vintage and Vino

Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre | 3:00 PM

Come, sip, shop, sip some more, grab a bucket mimosa, listen to music, dance, take photos, take classes and enjoy the weekend at the East Valley’s best and longest running market. Get your tickets now for the best pricing for the wine package, which includes 7 tastings, a commemorative glass and admission. Kids 12 and under are free. Dogs welcome.

MAY 12TH

Mother's Day at Queen Creek Olive Mill

Queen Creek Olive Mill | 9:00 AM

Sit beneath a canopy of olive trees and enjoy the delicious mediterranean fare of the Queen Creek Olive Mill as you celebrate Mom on Mother's Day. What better way to enjoy the day then to reserve your spot with the family at this one of a kind location. www.queencreekolivemill.com

MAY 12TH

Moms and Mimosas

Arizona Athletic Grounds | 10:00 AM

Calling all moms to join for the Moms and Mimosas event that will include food, shopping, and of course... mimosas! There will be over 150 vendors, live music, flower bar, photo booth, food trucks, and chair massages. Enjoy everything indoors and away from the desert heat too! 10am-4pm.

MAY 16TH

Grand Opening of Nordstrom Rack

21258 S. Ellsworth Loop Rd. | 8:00 AM

The grand opening of the new Nordstrom Rack will open their location in Queen Creek.  Join them before they open their doors for treats, beats and more. You can even enter for your chance to win a $1,000 Nordstrom Rack Gift Card. Shop your new store and SAVE UP TO 70% on the season’s best brands and styles.

MAY 18TH

Monster Truck Wars

Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Center | 12:00 PM

America’s Wildest Monster Truck Show is bringing you a lineup of Monster Trucks and Thrill Show!  Featuring National TV Monster Trucks including world-famous Outlaw, the brand-new Shark Attack, the ferocious debut of T-Rex, and from Tombstone, AZ, Sheriff! See these superstars as they compete in earth-shaking, ground-pounding, high-flying excitement and get a chance to ride on Sergeant Smash!

MAY 23RD

Writer's Magazine

Queen Creek Library | 6:00 PM

Hone your creative writing abilities in this writer's workshop focusing on a new genre each month. Challenge yourself to experiment with different styles, tones, and narratives while building a portfolio of creative works. At the end of the year, group members will submit their work for publication in an annual journal created and maintained by the guild. Ages 18+ only.