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NDREW BLOOM, HOUSING EXPERT

E O A N D CO-F O U N D E R O F B V O L U X U R Y G R O U P ler WIlliams Northeast Realty, Luxury Division

t e d # 1 S c o t t s d a l e R e a l E s t a t e T e a m 2 0 1 8 , 2 0 1 9, 2 0 2 0, & 2021

ANDREW BLOOM, HOUSING EXPERT

drew Bloom is the CEO and co-Founder of BVO LUXURY GROUP at Keller Williams C E O A N D CO-F O U N D E R O F B V O L U X U R Y G R O U P

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w in its 3rd generation, Maricopa County’s #1 Real Estate Team of the year in 2018, 2021 and Year to date Keller Williams Luxury has represented over 48,000 buyer’s

19, and 2020, and 2021. The team has grown significantly to make 2022 the best and seller’s over $1M. KW continues to expand globally and remains the number one

ar ever headquartered right here in Scottsdale. real estate company in the world as ranked by Realtrends. BVO Luxury Group is

now in its 3rd generation, Maricopa County’s #1 Real Estate Team of the year in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and 2021. The team has grown significantly to make 2022 the best The Most Unexpected Real Estate Trend to Come Out of 2022 year ever headquartered right here in Scottsdale.

e market flipped! Nobody expected the bottom tothe fall Housing out, but like a goodisupside-down 5 Reasons Market Reversing cake, there is opportunity for everyone e will continue to see the shift in the market throughout 2023 with home sales about 20% below the 6.1 million home sales o In 2023, housing market is undergoing a peculiar phenomenon — a reverse crash. The rise in mortgage rates, surprisingly, hasn’t instigated a significant 21 and 4.8 the million home sales in 2022. decrease in home prices. This perplexing trend attributed of economic, demographic, market determinants. a sigThe market flipped! Nobody expectedcan thebebottom to to falla complex out, butinterplay like a good upside-down cake, and there is opportunity forToday, everyone. Forbelow Seller’s thea lucky pro’s and con’s are flipped let’srates focus on nificant proportion of homeowners — 92% of those with mortgages — enjoy rates 6%, with 62% relishing rates under 4%. Asbut mortgage Wethese will homeowners continue toare see the to shift inonto the their market throughout 2023sell with home salesinabout 20% belowrate. the 6.1 million home sales of climb, opting hold properties, rather than and risk locking a higher mortgage r buyer’s the pro’s are long and the con’s are short. the pro’s. 2021 and 4.8 million home sales in 2022.

The Most Unexpected Real Estate Trend to Come Out of 2022

Consequently, this shift in homeowner behavior has reduced the volume of homeFor sales. This is corroborated by acon’s recentare study, revealing that approximately Seller’s the pro’s and flipped but let’s focus on

of homeowners motivated to sell if con’s rates descend to 5% or lower. Furthermore, half of the homeowners surveyed would consider o’s: 27%For • the Move up nearly to a larger home with recent equity gains listing buyer’s thewould pro’sbeare long and the are short. pro’s. their properties if rates were to plunge to 4%. Despite these evolving dynamics, home prices have seen only a nominal drop. The manager of the S&P Case More Shiller inventory Downsize to a smaller home with cash Index predicted a peak-to-trough decline of around 5%, leaving 2% yet to• be recuperated. Pro’s: • Move up to a larger home with equity gains rice negotiations • Sell NOW and capitalize onrecent equity gains while sitting on the Analysts have identified five crucial elements contributing to the unexpected tenacity of housing prices: More inventory • Downsize to anever smallerlose home with cash o need• to waive inspections sidelines. You money taking chips off the table. • Price negotiations • Sell NOW and capitalize on equity gains while sitting on the o need to waive appraisals • Limited Inventory: The enticingly low interest rates have convinced many homeowners to retain their properties unless selling becomes indispensable. • No need to waive inspections sidelines. You never money taking offup the table. • Construction and heightened arelose stifling builders from chips catching with the soaring o bidding wars Lag: Challenges like regulatory hurdles, disrupted supply chains,Help Buyerscosts Emotionally Connect • No need to waive appraisals demand. Move• in close of escrow New Buyer Demographics: Millennials, representing 43% of the housing market,Help are influencing the market with their specific preferences – affordability, •at No bidding wars Buyers Emotionally Connect roomier homes, opportunities for DIY renovations, and cost-effective locations, accordingistoabout BankRate. ime to think Staging showcasing an engaging, move-in ready home • Move in at close of escrow • Banks’ Conservative Lending: If financial institutions decide to relax their lending standards, a surge of buyers could push home values even higher. • Time think Staging is about showcasing an engaging, move-in eller•paid closing costs Presently, foreclosure is usually an option only when athat creates ansurpasses emotional connection with theready buyer. Scarcity ofto Foreclosures: homeowner’s debt the home’s value, which is currently nothome a Updating • Seller paid that creates an emotional connection with the buyer. in Updating widespread issue.closing costs eller repairs décor with on-trend, inviting style—particularly living rooms • Seller repairs décor with on-trend, inviting style—particularly in living rooms,make a primary bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms—can Conclusion: primary bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms—can make a n’s: memorable impression. Con’s: memorable The Arizona housing market has experienced fluctuations in 2023, and many are eager to knowimpression. what the future holds for this dynamic real estate landscape. igher interest rates that arethat stillare reflective of 30ofyear averages • Higher interestsuch rates stillhousing reflective year averages Various data sources, as Zillow and market 30 forecasts, provide insights into the current state and potential developments. Let’s explore the foreare thinking selling your home, more than cast for the Arizona housing market in the coming months. According to Zillow,Ifthe average value in Arizona stands at a decrease 6.5% over theever past eve Ifyou you arehome thinking ofof selling your home, nowofnow more than year. This information is crucial for potential homebuyers and sellers, as it provides a snapshot of the current market conditions. Additionally, it’s noteworthy nclusion: your mustbe beinin TOP condition. At BVO Luxury we offe Conclusion: yourhome home must TOP condition. At BVO Luxury we offer that homes in Arizona go to pending status within a median of 21 days, indicating a relatively active market. The 6.5% decline in home values over the past Buyer’s can now marry the house they love and date the rate. FREE home improvement and staging consultations. yer’s can now marry the house they love and date the rate. FREE home improvement and staging consultations. year suggests a shift in the market dynamics. The market is showing some resilience, with 18.9% of sales happening over the list price and 56.2% occurring under the list price. These figures indicate the importance of strategic pricing and negotiation in the current market environment.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Feeling Grateful

December 2023 PUBLISHER

Alicia Haygood | alicia.haygood@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Michelle Glicksman | michelle.glicksman@citylifestyle.com

Sometimes life is just … overwhelming. The past month (or really, two) has been that way for me. A pipe burst and water flooded my house, which then had to be gutted. We had multiple family emergencies and then an extremely sudden, serious medical crisis. Thankfully all will be okay in the end, but it was definitely a harrowing and emotionally and physically draining time. It was also uplifting. Not because ANY of that happened of course(!!), but because of the response from the community—the outpouring of love and support was overwhelming. And really, isn’t that what life is about? Our human connections and being there for each other through the good and bad, the laughter and the tears? As we head into the holidays, let’s not only celebrate each other but also lean on each other. Whether you need some extra support or you’re able to give some, community is what makes this city amazing. As for our magazine community, this month we take you through holiday ideas and experiences, from events and recipes to heartwarming stories, and yes, to Sir Rod Stewart and his new whisky. We’ve got unique gifts, a cruise through Portugal, and even a “holiday miracle.” Over the next few weeks, I’m looking forward to some downtime to spend time with my family and friends, watching holiday movies, snuggling with my kids, and thinking about all the good to come in 2024. On the weekends we’ll be at various nonprofits, helping others have someone to lean on (some of our favorite places to volunteer? St. Vincent de Paul, Maggie’s Place, and Harvest Compassion Center). I hope you enjoy the issue and your holidays. As for me, I’ll be in my rental home (as mine is being fixed), cup of cocoa in hand (with marshmallows, of course!), feeling grateful for all I have and all I can give others. Happy holidays and Happy New Year! Yours,

ADMINISTR ATIVE DIR ECTOR

Faith Morello | faith.morello@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Alison Bailin Batz, Susan Lanier-Graham, Georgann Yara CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER

Sophia DuBois

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

MICHELLE GLICKSMAN, EDITOR @SCOTTSDALECIT YLIFEST YLE

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/SCOT TSDALE |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Scottsdale City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Scottsdale area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Scottsdale City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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DECEMBER 2023

inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

20 Holiday Miracle

Lifestyle Letter

House Call FO O D + B EV ER AGE

How Jack Miller Saved the Fairmont

City Scene

Back Stage A RTS + C U LT U R E

Scottsdale Princess

Business Monthly

Auto Club AU TO + MA R I NE

Our Town LI FE + C U LT U R E

Travel Journal T R AV EL

Local Limelight LI FE + C U LT U R E

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Culinary Creations FO O D + B EV ER AGE

Home Update HO ME + DES I GN

Maker’s Studio HO ME S ERV I C ES

Events

Gift Guide S HO PPI NG

Locally Sourced ST Y LE + B EAU TY

30 Engineering Elegance Kowaluska’s Stunning Houseware Items

38 Catering to Scottsdale Chef William Turner Converts 25 Years of

Delicious Experience Into a Bustling Private Chef Business

44 Sir Rod Stewart’s Newest Release

O N T H E C OV E R

The Rock Icon Launches Wolfie’s Blended

Photography: Jonas Mohr 2023

Scotch Whisky

Musician Sir Rod Stewart raises a glass of his Wolfie’s Blended Scotch Whisky.

H E A LT H

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DECEMBER 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

PHOTO BY GEORGE PIMENTEL

2 ROCHELLE PEREZ

7 5

PHOTO BY GEORGE PIMENTEL

ROCHELLE PEREZ

1: Guests attend Mark Wahlberg’s launch of Flecha Azul Tequila at Moxies. 2: Actor Mark Wahlberg, CEO of Northland Properties and owner of the Dallas Stars Tom Gaglardi, and pro golfer Wyndham Clark at Moxies. 3: Guests attend Mark Wahlberg’s launch of Flecha Azul Tequila at Moxies. 4: Former Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald opens DraftKings Scottsdale. 5: Actress, comedienne, and game show host Caroline Rhea was the emcee at the Gateway for Cancer Research Vino con Stelle gala. 6: Dr. Stacie J. and Mr. Richard J Stephenson hosted the 6th Annual Gateway for Cancer Research Vino con Stelle gala. 7: Basketball Hall of Fame member Spencer Haywood with GRAMMY® Award nominee Robin Thicke at the Gateway for Cancer Research Vino con Stelle gala.

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

C I T Y SC E N E

Aerospace-Quality. Everyday Elegance. For 20% OFF use Holiday Discount Code: EGGNOG

www.kowaluska.com Scan for eggnog recipe!

DECEMBER 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Compass & Crow Studios Offers Stunning Custom Items Compass & Crow Studios, a small art studio in Carefree, is now open. Owner Marissa Heerdt is an artist who specializes in custom artwork. She hand-paints items such as golf clubs, helmets, motorcycles, and canvases. Whether you’re seeking to infuse life into your ride or add a splash of artistry to your golf clubs, Heerdt’s distinctive touch promises to elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary. CompassAndCrowStudios.com

Scan to read more.

ZIMMERMAN Brings Its Lifestyle Brand to Scottsdale Fashion Square The Australian brand ZIMMERMAN opened an Arizona location at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Founded by sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmerman, the label includes ready-to-wear, swim and resort, accessories, jewelry, and shoes for men and women, as well as a collection for children. The store itself is highly curated, showcasing art and furniture from around the world, including an assortment of vases designed for the store by Australian ceramicist Nori Lindsay and the Standing Man With Cup sculpture by Stephen Bird. ZIMMERMAN.com

Scan to read more.

A new Chef and a New Menu Debut at Talavera Coinciding with the release of its newest seasonal menu, Talavera at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North announced the appointment of two new key members of the Talavera team: Chef de Cuisine Emmanuel Urban and Talavera General Manager Vera Kvashnina. Together, they will oversee the operation, menu, and overall experience of the property’s signature Spanish steakhouse. Urban was most recently from Denver, where he was chef de cuisine at Narrative restaurant in Cherry Creek, located inside the Jacquard Hotel. FourSeasons.com/Scottsdale

Scan to read more.

CONTINUED >

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY C O N T I N U E D

Local expertise you can trust.

New Underground Cocktail and Live Music Lounge to Debut in 2024 The owners behind Scottsdale’s The Americano and CALA, which are helmed by celebrity chefs Scott Conant and Beau MacMillan, are joining forces to open Tell Your Friends, a swanky new underground cocktail and live music lounge in North Scottsdale that will open in the spring of 2024. To access the locale you’ll need to enter through a side door at The Americano. There will be nightly performances, classic and craft cocktails, wine, and small bites created by Conant and MacMillan. TellYourFriends.com

As your local Allstate Agent, I understand the unique coverage needed for the homes and cars in our community, and which coverage you may not need. You could say I’m an expert at getting you the protection you want with the savings you deserve. Call, email or stop by my ofﬁce for a free quote today.

Frank Schubert 480-515-6259

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Tyrese Gibson and Cody Walker to Appear at WestWorld This Month

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FuelFest moves its yearly event to Scottsdale's WestWorld this month. Taking place on Dec. 9 from 1 - 8 p.m., the event features appearances by Fast & Furious franchise stars Cody Walker and Tyrese Gibson, car

drifting, live music, culture, and more. This year, the show will feature more than 600 top custom, exotic, rare and exclusive cars and trucks; live-action drift exhibitions; ride-alongs; interactive exhibits and experiences; custom cars; and promos with O’Reilly Auto Parts. FuelFest.com

Clubhouse at Maya Returns to the Entertainment District in Old Town Scottsdale Clubhouse at Maya has returned to Scottsdale for the 2023-2024 season. The 17,000-square-foot outdoor entertainment pavilion, complete with Instagram-worthy art installations, is a reimagining of Maya Day + Nightclub in the heart of the Entertainment District in Old Town Scottsdale. The pool is completely covered with artificial green turf, and each cabana is transformed into additional activated bar space. Cozy furniture and picnic tables are scattered throughout, allowing for an ultra-comfortable football watch party experience. MayaClubAZ.com

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Warm Wishes for the Holiday Season.

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letter from the PUBLISHER

The holidays are upon us and it’s one of my favorite times of year. The decorations, parties, gift giving, and more. Of course, my kids think it’s the best time of year because of all the presents. Since my oldest was a little kid, I’ve always instilled the power of giving over getting. Each year, we do a massive clean-out of everything they don’t want. Nothing new until we get rid of the old. Then we donate it all to kids and families in need. At around 3 or 4 years old, my son actually felt the joyfulness of giving. We volunteer throughout the year and always make sure those around us have what they need. It’s something my mom instilled in me at a very young age and I’m honored to keep the tradition of volunteering and giving to my family, as well. As someone who celebrates Hanukkah and Christmas, there is a lot to go around. That’s why I encourage you to find a cause close to your heart to donate to this holiday. Whether it’s a monetary donation or my time, the joy of helping those around me brings me more happiness than most presents. I hope this issue encourages you to find a new cause or organization to get involved with. Because at the end of the day, helping others can really help you, too. Happy holidays and a very Happy New Year! Alicia Haygood Owner/Publisher

O UR TOWN | L IFE + CU LTURE

Holiday Miracle

When Jack Miller Created Christmas at the Princess, It Proved to Be Not Only a Real-Life Fantasy but Also a Lifesaver for the Resort ARTICLE BY GEORGANN YARA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

Cocoa Beach, Florida, about 50 miles from Walt Disney World, is where Fairmont Scottsdale Princess General Manager Jack Miller grew up. As a kid, he watched the construction of the fantasy land inspired by the man who had always been an icon in Miller’s life. Decades later, as an esteemed hospitality veteran who had run many successful hotels, Miller took on the task of breathing new life into a storied but floundering resort in the desert. Here, the kid who was raised in the shadow of the happiest place on Earth would create a happy ending worthy of fairy tales. Since 2010, the famed Christmas at the Princess has been a holiday staple, where families flock to have every sense indulged amid a dreamy universe. Miller came up with the concept that has become more than an event. “When we do something, it will be first class—an experience they will remember,” Miller says. “Those memories become tradition.” This is the story of how Christmas saved the Princess. And it all started with an idea in the middle of the night. When Miller moved to Arizona in 2009, the recession had cost people their homes and hotels were going bankrupt. The sputtering economy took its toll on the Princess. It had been surpassed by newer competitors and while still prestigious, the luster was lost. The goal was to move forward better than ever. Miller believed it could be done. “I tend to see things how they can be, not how they are,” he says. At 3:40 a.m. one morning, Miller was awakened by a vivid idea. With a bedside tablet, he wrote down the ethos for what would become Christmas at the Princess. A jaw-dropping $90,000 tree as a centerpiece was part of it. “I wanted a tree that was Disney-esque and wanted it to be an experience in and of itself,” Miller says. Miller recalls others expressing concern over a purchase the resort could not afford at the time if the event did not succeed. “Well, then that’s just another $90,000 we can’t pay,” was Miller’s response. The first Tree Lighting at Christmas at the Princess in 2010 drew 1,200 people in a single-day event. Today, Tree Lighting spans two days and draws 9,000 attendees. What began as a way to appeal to kids who would bring their parents has grown into a multigenerational tradition and a hallmark of the resort.

The 2010 event allowed them to pay for that tree. And more. A huge revenue generator from the start, it played a key role in the Princess’ return to greatness. But what Miller really cherishes is seeing families soak in the Christmas festivities on a scale they have never seen. “The kids are so mesmerized with Santa, Winter Wonderland, and Twinkle Town. Just seeing the awe in their eyes …” Miller says. At 15, Miller was the president of his class and in charge of organizing prom. He was working as a dishwasher at a hotel and his boss, who would become his mentor, overheard him negotiating the event with the hotel’s catering manager. His boss was impressed. “I think you really have the passion for hospitality,” Miller recalls his boss saying. “That was the beginning.” With his mentor’s guidance, Miller worked every hotel job from bell stand to cook. After graduating from high school, he headed to Memphis, where his former boss was running a hotel. It was 1974. Miller was making minimum wage. Miller’s work brought him to other states as he climbed the ranks quickly, learning every aspect of hotel work and leadership. At 22, he earned his first general manager position at a Texas hotel. Over his career, Miller ran multiple InterContinental Hotels properties. He returned to Florida and was the general manager for a Miami hotel when the property’s owner, who also owns the Fairmont, asked Miller if he’d be willing to restore the Princess to its former glory. He envisioned Scottsdale as a great place to raise his children, who were young at the time. Working with a five-star hotel was also appealing. Miller, his wife Shea, and their four children made the move. With a lineup of holiday events that have raised the profile of the Fairmont along with a bevy of other touches, it’s clear Miller’s mission has been accomplished. Five years ago, a woman attending Christmas at the Princess recognized Miller and shouted, “That’s the guy who started this!” Miller introduced himself to her and they had a brief conversation, during which the woman turned to her friend. “She says, ‘He is the Walt Disney of Arizona,’” Miller says. “I may have teared up for a moment.” ScottsdalePrincess.com CONTINUED >

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Photo by Michelle Glicksman

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

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A FA M ILY TRADITION The History—and Accidental Creation— Behind Modern Oysterbar Chophouse’s Mouthwatering Peanut Butter Pie

ARTICLE BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOPHIA DUBOIS

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Cat Frankel owns and operates Modern Oysterbar Chophouse with her husband, Randy. Together, along with their son, Dylan, who works as a manager and oversees the beverage program, they have created a sophisticated, chic steakhouse with meat, shellfish, seafood, and cocktails for even the most discerning of palates. They also have one of the best dessert menus in town, thanks to pastry chef Sam—who also happens to be their daughter-in-law. Among Sam’s best-loved desserts is her Peanut Butter Fudge Pie ($12 per slice), which is a twist on a Frankel family recipe. “I ended up making the original incarnation dessert by accident,” says Cat. “The recipe came as a result of working a slow season at a Florida country club in 1996.” To stay busy, Cat did a kitchen apprenticeship at the country club, which included working in pastry. Her biggest assignment was to create a new dessert for the menu. While she wanted to use chocolate as her inspiration, the chef preferred peanut butter. Compromising, they decided on a combination of the two for the dessert but wanted to avoid a brownie or cake because both were overplayed at that time. “I set my mind to making a pie, and the first attempt was utterly terrible,” says Cat. “Imagine a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup but absolutely inedible.” Eventually, she began playing around with Nutter Butters to flavor the crust and pudding to add a layer of texture and airiness in the filling, which was inspired by charity cookbooks of her day from the likes of Junior League, all of which offered copious recipes for pudding and Jell-O. It transformed the filling into more of a mousse, and once Cat mastered a fudgy topping to complete the dish, she knew she had something special. “The chef rolled his eyes at the ingredients at first, but then he tasted it. It was on the menu a week later and became a staple in my house for every special CONTINUED > D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/S C OT TS DA L E

RECIPE

ORIGINAL FRANKEL PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE PIE INGREDIENTS • 1 quart heavy cream • 1/2 cup Jif Peanut Butter • 1 vanilla instant pudding (3 1/2-ounce package) • 1/4 cup sugar • 1/2 cup additional heavy cream • 2 ounces melted butter, divided • 6 ounces chocolate chips • Pure vanilla extract • 1/2 pound Nutter Butter Cookies

DIRECTIONS

dinner, holiday, or celebration,” she shares. “When I had Dylan, he was requesting it from the moment he was able to talk.” Though it was Dylan’s favorite dessert, when he began to date Sam—an accomplished pastry chef—Cat and her family indulged in all of Sam’s desserts and the pie went on a hiatus. “One day, Dylan mentioned this famous peanut butter pie and I asked Cat why I never tasted it, so we got to work making one together,” says Sam, who loved it as much as the rest of her family. “I knew it needed to be on our menu, and it has—with some fun secret enhancements from me—since the day we opened our doors.” While the recipe served at Modern Oysterbar Chophouse is slightly different and plated with panache, the flavors are all those that have been special to the Frankel family for 27 years. “And it will continue to be special as earlier this year I taught my granddaughter the recipe, making it side by side right along with a very special new memory,” says Cat. ModernOysterbarChophouse.com

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

1. Blend heavy cream and peanut butter together on low speed of mixer until peanut butter is dissolved. Add vanilla pudding mix. As mixture thickens, whip on high speed until reaching the consistency of whipped cream. Be careful not to overbeat mixture. Put whipped peanut butter mixture to the side. 2. Separately, place sugar, additional heavy cream, 1 ounce melted butter, chocolate chips, and a dash of vanilla extract into a saucepan on low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and chocolate is melted. Let cool to room temperature. This will serve as the fudgy sauce. 3. For the crust, grind Nutter Butters in a food processor and add the additional ounce of melted butter. Press mixture into an 8-inch pie pan, add a little more melted butter, if necessary, and bake at 350 F degrees for about 10 minutes. 4. Once out of the oven, place half of the whipped peanut butter mixture into the pie shell and then top with fudgy sauce. Place in freezer until firm. Once firm, spread the remaining peanut butter mixture over the top and refreeze for 4 hours. If desired, make another batch of the chocolate fudge sauce for the top. Enjoy!

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F i n ds e l f Your

Engineering

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Backed by 30 Years of Aerospace Engineering and Manufacturing Expertise, Kowaluska Houseware Pieces Are Form, Function, and More ARTICLE BY GEORGANN YARA PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

M AK E R’S ST U D IO | HOME S E RVI CE S

When someone owns a Kowaluska piece, they don’t possess a mere bottle opener or ice cream scoop. Calling it art doesn’t quite cut it either. Whether it’s a coaster or serving tray, the item is the culmination of 30 years of aerospace engineering and manufacturing experience at the hands of Kowaluska founders Matt Galuska and Eric Kowal. Materials are aerospace grade and come with vernacular mostly familiar to engineers—a bottle opener composed of a solid bar of aerospace-grade 300 series stainless steel, coasters made from C360 brass bar stock that are individually laser-serialized, and trays, lowball tumblers, and scoopers crafted from 6061-T6 aluminum. “What you see is what you get. Nothing is fake underneath and plated with something else on top,” Galuska says. Flaunting a straight-forward palate of black, silver, or copper, the elegantly fashioned pieces have a masculine quality suited for display on a kitchen countertop, at-home bar, or on a centerpiece coffee table rather than shoved in a drawer.

However, with materials good enough for airplanes, they can handle the rough treatment and are the ultimate definition of form and function. “We really want people to use it every day. Yes, it’s high-end but it’s not just only for special-occasion use,” Galuska says. “There’s no reason they can’t be left for the next generation.” Co-workers who quickly became friends in the high-pressure intense problem-solving realm of aerospace manufacturing, Kowal approached Galuska with an idea that would become the business whose name is the union of their surnames. Kowal recalls, “One day I was in my office looking at a customer request for a particular part. Almost all aerospace parts have nicknames. Around the shop, we affectionately called it the Party Platter. Then inspiration came: Why not use this as a party platter? It would make a great conversation piece when having people over. From that moment I couldn’t stop thinking about that idea and what other products people may want.”

They aimed to fill a niche that merged high-end unique pieces with this specialized skill set and level of manufacturing expertise. They designed every piece themselves and rolled out their lineup based on their own home items that they reached for most often. Many Kowaluska items become somethingfor-someone-who-has-everything gifts. Their wow factor also has admirers who want a handmade, unique amenity for themselves. “When the first few sales came through, it really helped vindicate our vision,” Kowal explains. “Knowing that what we were working on was something people wanted and that Matt and I weren’t alone on an island in our idea.” So stunning, these pieces have the power to render those who touch them practically speechless. “The most rewarding part is when you put this in front of somebody and they genuinely don’t know what to say,” Galuska says. “They’re playing with it and after a while they say, ‘Wow, this is really exceptional.’” Kowaluska.com

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A Place to Call Home for the Holidays

gift guide ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN

Perfect Presents LOOKING FOR GIFT IDEAS? THESE ARE PERFECT FOR THOSE ON YOUR LIST—OR YOURSELF 34

G IF T GU ID E | SHOPPIN G

gifts for everyone 1.

2. 5.

4. 1. Sympatico Domestic 22” Carry-on Spinner. This new hard-sided luggage in latte from Briggs & Riley has the brand’s patented CX expansion-compression technology and lifetime guarantee. $599 at Briggs-Riley.com 2. Focal Bathys. Stylish wireless and active noise cancellation headphones with a modern design, luxury finish, and high-fidelity sound in black/ silver or dune. $699 at Headphones.com 3. “Morning Blessings” Artisanal Mug. From celebrity supporter Patricia Heaton. Handcrafted and intricately painted by women in Mexico. The artisans earn fair-trade wages. $95 at Donate.WorldVision.org 4. Unique Glass Charcuterie Boards. Elevate your entertaining with one-of-a-kind glass charcuterie boards and coordinating spreaders from Jacki Cohen Glass Art Designs. $85 at JackiCohenGlassArtDesigns.com 5. Body Cream Discovery Set. This set by Earth Based Body is a collection of best-selling natural creams in a giftable box that celebrates the hydrating desert ingredients in our backyard. $39 at EarthBasedBody.com 6. Secret Garden Living’s Magic Salt. A handcrafted Magic Salt blend of organic garlic, onion, Himalayan salt, and black pepper made by Scottsdale chef Gina Ferrari. Magic Salt 3-ounce glass jar, $14.50 at SecretGardenLiving.com CONTINUED > D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/S C OT TS DA L E

gifts for everyone 1.

3. 4.

1. Dreo’s ChefMaker. With 44-plus preset cooking programs in this 12-in-1 air fryer and a built-in meat thermometer and water reservoir, enjoy tender chef-quality meals every time. $359 at US.Dreo.com 2. Bergy Bag. Created in Scottsdale, this cooling cosmetics bag is made from Saffiano leather and has a patent-pending insulated interior to keep your items inside cool. $130 at BergyBag.com 3. Hand-painted Items From Compass & Crow Studios. Have custom, hand-painted golf clubs, helmets, motorcycles, or canvases created by artist Marissa Heerdt. Prices vary at CompassAndCrowStudios.com 4. Tommy Bahama Foosball Table. This indoor or outdoor foosball table from Tommy Bahama gets an added pub-height glass top. Price varies by size at RAndROutdoorFun.com 5. Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 Multi-Styler. This allin-one styling tool creates tight curls, loose waves, body, volume, and more with six airflow attachments, while reducing drying time and maintaining hair health. $299 at QVC.com 6. Frankfort Candle Co. Winter Gift Set. A Nordic Snowfall-scented candle, gold wick trimmer, and luxe matches. $58 at FrankfortCandleCompany.com

G IF T GU ID E | SHOPPIN G

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Catering to Scottsdale Chef William Turner Converts 25 Years of Delicious Experience Into a Bustling Private Chef Business ARTICLE BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Chef William Turner’s mother would tell you he has been hanging around kitchens since he could crawl. “Of course, she would say it would be to eat anything and everything in sight,” says Turner. Born and raised in a small town in South Carolina’s Lowcountry near Charleston, Turner delighted in shrimp and grits, gumbo, seafood boils, and Southern fried everything as a child, especially when he was able to doctor it up a bit. “I remember being just 10 years old and whipping together mayonnaise and hot sauces to add a little extra

H OU SE CA LL | FOOD + BEVE RAGE

zest to my grilled cheese or chopping up anything I could find in the fridge to add to the top of a standard cheese pizza,” he says. “But my passion for really cooking started in Ms. Bower’s home economics class in eighth grade.” In his district, kids took home economics beginning in fifth grade for several years, so once an elder statesman of the class, Turner was allowed to bring in ingredients and cook in the classroom’s demo kitchen on Fridays with friends. “That lit the flame for me, but what really ignited my passion for cooking into a wildfire was my afterschool

job at 14 in this small seafood restaurant. While I just peeled shrimp and washed dishes, when they lost some of their staff, I got the chance to work on the real line in the kitchen, and I fell in love with the creative chaos,” says Turner, who by 15 was running the kitchen. At 16, Turner’s grandmother in North Carolina fell ill, so he went to stay with her, getting a job at a busy McDonald’s there for extra money. “I could downplay McDonald’s, but you do not know busy or customer service until you work the drive-thru line during dinner,” says Turner, who excelled in the position and was entered into McDonald’s management program, where he learned about the business of cooking and creating a more organized chaos in the kitchen. After graduating high school in 1997 and working a few other corporate cooking jobs, Turner earned an apprenticeship at one of the premier restaurants in South Carolina in its day and found a mentor in award-winning chef Ernest Bledsoe, who taught him about the art and science of fine dining. For the next 20 years, Turner honed his craft at high-end eateries and country clubs across the nation, at one point working as a seasonal fine-dining chef with the National Parks, an opportunity that afforded him positions working in Yellowstone National Park and in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. “Arizona was sort of an accident, but a happy one,” says Turner, who planned a quick vacation to Scottsdale in 2017 and ended up making it his new home, seeing opportunity for a new business in the Sonoran Desert. By January 2018, he was ready for his biggest move yet. He launched Private Chef William Turner, a full-service catering, high-end private dinner, themed dinner, and event planning service focused on groups of 10 to 200, including weddings and corporate events, but also the rapidly rising bachelorette party private dinner market. “It is the culmination of everything I’ve learned since I was sneaking treats in my mom’s kitchen,” he says. “I want to make my guests’ every culinary dream come true, no matter how grand the vision or large the scale.” Chef WilliamTurner.com CONTINUED >

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Tu r ner’s Hol id ay C ook i ng Tip s A few tips for those in charge of the holiday culinary experience. 1. Plan ahead—get your menu, ingredients, and serving pieces together, and don’t wait until the last minute. 2. Delegate, if possible. Many hands make light work. 3. If you are making a new dish, test it first. Recipes aren’t an exact science. 4. Prep as much as you can ahead of time. Many dishes can be made the day before. 5. My last bit of advice is if you plan to cook a turkey, get your turkey early and defrost it correctly—in the fridge for 3-4 days depending on the size.

H OU SE CA LL | FOOD + BEVE RAGE

A H O LI DAY R E C I PE F R O M C H E F T U RNE R The South Carolina native shares a Carolina classic dish.

C a rol i n a O yster D re s si ng YIELD: 10-12 servings PREP TIME: 15 min. COOK TIME: 45 min. INGREDIENTS • 1 pound loaf stale French bread, sliced and then torn for about 16 cups • 2 pints fresh, raw Gulf oysters, strained but reserve liquid • 2 cups chicken stock or broth • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted • 3 cups chopped yellow onions • 2 cups chopped celery • 1 cup finely chopped sweet bell peppers • 2 green onions, chopped • 3 large garlic cloves, minced • 1 tablespoon dried parsley • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme • 1 teaspoon rubbed sage, or to taste, optional • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste • 1/4 teaspoon each freshly cracked black pepper and cayenne pepper, or to taste • 4 large eggs, beaten DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch-by-13 inch casserole dish; set aside. Add torn French bread to large bowl and pour strained oyster liquid over; toss with fork. Add chicken broth, mix, and set aside to allow liquid to be soaked in. 2. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet and saute veggies over medium-high heat until tender but not browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add seasonings and toss. Add soaked French bread and toss to warm through. Remove from heat. 3. Chop larger oysters into bite-sized pieces and add to dressing. Taste and adjust seasonings. Add egg, mix, and transfer to prepared dish. Gently spread out but do not pack. Bake, uncovered, until bubbly and browned on top, about 40 to 45 minutes.

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ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONAS MOHR 2023

Stewart’s Release SIR ROD

NEWEST

It just got even easier to raise a glass and toast to music industry icon Sir Rod Stewart’s talent—and his Scottish heritage. Stewart recently launched Wolfie’s Blended Scotch Whisky, which was “designed to reflect Rod’s rock ’n’ roll heritage with subtle nods to Americana” and inspired by his “early hell raising days with the Faces.” It pays tribute to his Scottsdale heritage “and cheeky chappie image.” Stewart was born in London and has Scottish and English ancestry. He is also one of the best-selling musical artists of all time and has sold more than 250 million records and singles worldwide. His long career has included chart-topping albums every decade and two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He’s also a Grammy Living Legend—among other accolades. And then, of course, in 2016 he also officially became Sir Rod Stewart after being knighted at Buckingham Palace. CONTINUED >

THE ROCK ICON LAUNCHES WOLFIE’S BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY 44

B ACK STAGE | ARTS + CULTURE

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/S C OT TS DA L E

Oh—and add to that list of accomplishments New York Times best-selling author, for his autobiography. And now the whisky, which is not only already a hit but also where every detail, including the bottle itself, was perfected. (Hint: Check the bottom for the lyrics “Rhythm of My Heart,” from his 1991 album Vagabond Heart, which adorn the base). “Wolfie’s has been a triumph across the U.K. and Europe, and following the path of my early career, our goal is to take Wolfie’s across the pond and introduce this fine tipple to my fans in the U.S.,” says Stewart, who will spend 2024 performing during a European tour. This whisky is distilled on the banks of Loch Lomond by an expert team and is a 40% ABV blended Scotch. Handcrafted in small batches, it marries grain whisky and malt whiskies for a lightly peated, smooth final blend. A sip yields delicate notes of sweet peat and pears in syrup and finishes with candied citrus peels and a gentle oak spice. The whisky is made using a three-step process of preparation, distillation, and maturation. It is distilled from malted barley, used to produce malt whisky, and unmalted cereals (wheat for Wolfie’s), used to produce the grain whisky. To age, the flavors are left to mature in an American oak bourbon cask—and before filling, the coopers char each cask to release wood compounds. The ultimate blend is created by a master blender, and its notes of cinnamon, fresh vanilla, and baked apple are perfect for the season. “Fine-tuned, it’s perfect over ice or mixed into a favorite cocktail. … Come join me and let’s share a drink,” Stewart says.

OOH LA LA • • • • • • •

2 ounces Wolfie’s Whisky 1 ounce lemon juice ½ ounce sugar syrup 2 x dash Angostura Bitters 1 egg white Top up/layer of red wine Garnish: lemon wheel

Mix all ingredients, except red wine, in a shaker and shake. Pour into a chilled glass and top with a splash of red wine. Add garnish and enjoy.

B ACK STAGE | ARTS + CULTURE

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D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/S C OT TS DA L E

2024 JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON X 4XE LEGENDARY 4X4 JEEP CAPABILITY REACHES NEW HEIGHTS WITH THE NEW RUBICON X

ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM

AU TO C LU B | AU TO + M A RI NE

Experience the rugged durability of a Jeep 4x4 and the peace of mind of a plug-in hybrid when you drive the new 2024 Rubicon X 4xe.

ELEVATE YOUR RIDE AND GET OUTDOORS To help you feel better about getting off-road, the Wrangler Rubicon has an optional factory-installed 8,000-lb.-capacity Warn winch and a new Dana 44 HD full float solid rear axle that allows for tire upsizing. The Rubicon X 4xe offers up to 470 lb.-ft. of torque and up to 3,500-lb. towing capacity. It also features 35-inch tires, an integrated off-road camera, and steel bumpers. Take the guesswork out of finding the best trails with the Trails Offroad guides loaded into the Uconnect 5 system. Upgrade from the included 62 Jeep Badge of Honor trails for access to the entire catalog of more than 3,000 guides.

LUXURY INSIDE All that rugged exterior doesn’t detract from the interior. Now, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon features more comfort and safety features than ever before. Enjoy 12-way power adjustable front seats, a standard 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen radio, a ninespeaker premium Alpine audio system, Nappa leather seats, and standard side curtain airbags in both passenger compartments.

ELECTRIFYING FOR A BETTER FUTURE The plug-in hybrid is available as a 2.0-liter turbocharged PHEV 4xe with 375 horsepower, a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine with 270 horsepower, a 3.6-liter V-6 with 285 horsepower, or a 6.4-liter V-8 with 470 horsepower. You can go off-road or use all-electric power around town, with an estimated 370-mile driving range. An included Level 1 cable fully charges the batter in 12 hours. The Level 2 Charger can fully charge your Wrangler 4xe in about two hours.

SLEEK EXTERIOR The seven-slot grille features black textured slots, neutral gray metallic bezels, and body-color surrounds. A trail-ready stealth antenna is integrated into the front windshield, replacing the steel mast antenna. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is available in 11 colors, including new Anvil (silver) and Bikini (teal).

MSRP: $76,935

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/S C OT TS DA L E

~Cinematic Storyteller~ I capture couples and families in a way that let's you feel the love through the image. True love isn't just in movies. It's all around us. Contact me if you're interested in creating your own works of art.

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Cruising Portugal’s Douro River

A R I V E R C R U I S E TO E X P E R I E N C E T H E B E A U T Y, C U LT U R E , F O O D, A N D WINES OF PORTUGAL

ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM

To better explore the beauty and wines of Portugal, my husband and I booked Viking River Cruise’s 10-day “River of Gold” journey to explore the Douro River. While sailing onboard the Viking Helgrim, it is impossible not to fall in love with the Douro River Valley.

ABOUT VIKING RIVER CRUISES Viking is a family-owned company known for its cultural experiences on the world’s rivers and oceans. I love the blend of culture, great food and wine, attention to detail, and comfort onboard the Viking ships.

THE VIKING LONGSHIPS ON THE DOURO

Viking Torgil sails on the Douro in Porto. Photo courtesy Viking River Cruises

Viking’s Douro River cruises differ slightly from other river cruises because the boats are the smallest in Viking’s fleet, each carrying only 106 guests. The Douro has low bridges and often shallow water, so boats have been specially fitted to give you the best experience as you explore one of Europe’s oldest wine regions.

View of Porto. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

EXPLORING LISBON BEFORE THE CRUISE

Dom Luís I Bridge in Porto. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

To begin your Douro River cruise, you will fly into Lisbon, where you will explore for the first two days before heading to the boat. We stayed at the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa. We had a lovely room, enjoyed the exquisite rooftop Sky Bar, and found the hotel centrally located, making it easy to explore Lisbon on foot.

Viking Helgrim docked on the Douro River. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

One of my favorite things about sailing with Viking is that at least one tour at each stop is included at no additional charge. This was also available in Lisbon. We explored the history of Portuguese explorers with a local guide provided by Viking. We started at the impressive Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Maritime Museum. Our day ended with a visit to the market and a walk back to the hotel past sidewalk cafes.

Douro River runs through the vineyards. Photo courtesy Viking River Cruises

EMBARKING ON THE CRUISE IN PORTO After a bus ride that included a stop in the medieval university town of Coimbra, we boarded our boat in Porto. One of Europe’s oldest cities, Porto is a charming town on the banks of the Douro River. The historic city center is a UNESCO site and a European Capital of Culture. The city is home to six massive bridges, two designed by Gustave Eiffel. Porto is best-known for its famous port wine, which you can explore on one of the port wine tours. I’m not a fan of port, so we opted instead to explore the city. We were docked on the south bank of the Douro River at Vila Nova de Gaia. From there, we took the gondola to the upper level of the famous Luís I Bridge, explored the city, then took the funicular back down the mountain to walk along the river and made our way across the bridge’s lower level, back to the ship.

EXPLORING THE DOURO RIVER The Douro River runs 557 miles through Spain and into Portugal, making its way to the Atlantic Ocean. Along the Douro, you’ll see beautiful old villages, vineyard-covered hillsides, and the massive oaks that supply Portugal’s cork industry.

Sailing the Douro River. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

“While sailing onboard the Viking Helgrim, it is impossible not to fall in love with the Douro River Valley.”

As you leave Porto and enter the Alto Douro Wine Region, you’ll see beautiful wine estates and magnificent gorges with steep banks. I enjoyed stopping in quaint villages along the way. One day, we stopped in Regua, home to Casa do Douro, the headquarters of the Port Wine Institute. CONTINUED > D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/S C OT TS DA L E

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Lisbon. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Another day, we stopped at Barca d’Alva, the last Portuguese town on the Douro River. It sits a few hundred yards from the Spanish border, surrounded by cherry, almond, and olive groves. While docked in Barca d’Alva, we took a short ride of about 12 miles to visit the stunning medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo. The tiny hilltop fortress town is filled with cobblestone streets and 16th-century houses. We made our way to Sinagoga Street, home to the Jewish community established here by refugees escaping the Spanish Inquisition. We ended our visit looking over the valley while sipping a glass of local wine.

FOODS IN PORTUGAL The food in Portugal wowed me from the moment I arrived. My first dinner in Lisbon, at Cervejaria Liberdade in our hotel, was a seafood rice stew that still makes my mouth water thinking about it. Good food continued on the cruise. One evening, we feasted on a hearty Portuguese buffet. Other nights brought regional specialties, from grilled Mediterranean

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

octopus to seared lamb, and port wine pudding to Iberian cured ham—all paired with Douro wines. Excursions also let us sample local flavors. My favorite was the bakery in the village of Pinhão. There, the baker made the most amazing bread in a traditional wood oven—and we sampled the hot loaves fresh from the oven. A Douro River cruise in Portugal is truly a journey for all the senses.

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 56

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

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This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year. With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them during this holiday season.” “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds. City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”

Scan Code to

Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023

Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/S C OT TS DA L E

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Vertical Gardens Are Moving Indoors

The Stylish Home Design Trend That Will Have You Saying, “Oh, Grow Up!”

Humans have always had a penchant for propagation. Since king Nebuchadnezzar II built The Hanging Gardens of Babylon (one of the original Seven Wonders of the World) in the sixth century BC, artful gardening has fascinated folks. Today, there is a growing trend (pun intended) in home design that echoes that need to nurture, albeit on a much smaller scale. It goes by many names. Environmentalists refer to them as “green walls” or “ecowalls”. Gardeners may prefer “garden wall” or “edible wall”. Designers have dubbed them “statement walls”. But for our purposes here, we will refer to them as the architects do - as “vertical gardens”. A vertical garden is essentially a wall, or part of a wall, that is covered with plants growing in soil or another type of medium. Though they began as outdoor architectural attractions, these wonderful wallscapes are popping up indoors, and their benefits go beyond a fancy facade. The most obvious benefit of a vertical garden is the visual beauty it brings to the room. Its unexpected presence adds surprise and drama, while its living tenants, with their varied textures and individual personalities, add energy and a bit of charm as well.

Beyond the aesthetic advantages, living walls have health benefits. They improve the air quality by adding humidity, trapping dust particles, and absorbing many harmful gasses, replacing them with oxygen. They can help with cardiovascular issues like blood pressure as well as breathing problems associated with allergies and asthma. Because they lend a sense of calm and well being, they can even improve concentration, elevate mood, and reduce stress. Because these living walls are becoming more popular, demand is driving the price down making them more affordable for the average homeowner. Kits are available and most feature an integrated water delivery system which makes them low maintenance as well. As for which types of plants to grow, succulents, mosses, grasses, and ferns are all good choices. Tropical vines work well also as they can trail down or climb up. Pothos and philodendrons have great climbing capabilities, are fast growing, and low maintenance. The design possibilities are as endless as the plant combinations. So bring the outside in! Simply choose a location with bright, indirect light, and turn your wall into a living piece of artwork with a vertical garden.

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D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/S C OT TS DA L E

DECEMBER 2023

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A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. DECEMBER 1ST-JANUARY 6TH

Christmas at the Princess

FA I R MO NT S C OT TS DA L E P R I NC E S S The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess transforms into a holiday wonderland at this iconic yearly event. View more than 6.5 million lights, ride the Ferris wheel and other rides, iceskate on the outdoor ice rink, view the four-story enchanted tree, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus or holiday characters, make s'mores, and more. ChristmasAtThePrincess.com DECEMBER 1ST-3 1ST

Enchant Christmas

SA LT R I V E R F I E L DS A larger-than-life light maze, outdoor ice skating, a village of artisan vendors and boutiques, food and drinks, a play area for younger children, and of course, visits with Santa are the hallmarks of this holiday event. EnchantChristmas.com DECEMBER 1ST-3 1ST

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DOWNTOWN S C OT TS DA L E This City of Scottsdale holiday extravaganza features a variety of events and experiences, including the Merry Merchantile Market holiday shopping extravaganza (Dec. 2), Meet Santa at the Market (Dec. 2, 9, 16), Sugar Plum Tea Party (Dec. 9), Sparkle & Spin Bicycle Scavenger Hunt (Dec. 10, 17), Dazzling Magic Show (Dec. 9, 10), lights, shopping and dining specials, and much more. Scottsdazzle.com CONTINUED >

EVE N TS

Happy Holidays

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Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation. Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2023 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. File # 5719075

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EVENTS CONTINUED

DECEMBER 3 R D

Lost Our Home Pet Rescue’s Annual Sit. Stay. Brunch.

H I LTO N S C OT TS DA L E R E S ORT A ND V I L L AS | 1 0 :0 0 A M Presented by the Fred & Jami Pryor Foundation, this annual event raises critical funds needed to support services and programs to continue to provide for pets and people in the community. Jan D’Atri emcees, Letitia Frye hosts the live auction, and Sharla and Thom Blischok will be honored as this year’s Pet Champion Excellence Award recipients. This year's theme is “Paws to Celebrate.” LostOurHome.org DECEMBER 7TH

Holiday Wine and Dine

T H E S H O P S AT GA I NE Y V I L L AG E | 5 :0 0 P M Head to the SHOPS at Gainey Village for a free holiday celebration with live music; horse and carriage rides by Scottsdale Horse and Carriage; cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf; and visits from Santa himself. For those 21 years and older, complimentary wine tastings will be available at participating restaurants. TheSHOPSGaineyVillage.com DECEMBER 8TH-24 TH

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Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker

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EVE N TS

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

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