Scottsdale, AZ March 2024

Keller WIlliams Northeast Realty, Luxury Division

Voted #1 Scottsdale Real Estate Team 2018, 2019

Andrew Bloom is the CEO and co-Founder of BVO LUXURY GROUP at Keller Williams NortheastRealty.CollectivelyKellerWilliamsLuxuryhassoldover$98billionin 2021andYeartodateKellerWilliamsLuxuryhasrepresentedover48,000buyer’s and seller’s over $1M. KW continues to expand globally and remains the number estate company in the world as ranked by Realtrends. BVO Luxury now in its 3rd generation,

2019, and 2020, and 2021. The team has grown significantly to make year ever headquartered right here in Scottsdale.

5 Reasons the Housing Market is Reversing

The market flipped! Nobody expected the bottom to fall out, but like a good upside-down cake, there is opportunity for everyone. will continue to see the shift in the market throughout 2023 with home sales about 20% below the 6.1 million home sales of 2021 and 4.8 million home sales in 2022.

For buyer’s the pro’s are long and the con’s are short.

Pro’s:

In 2023, the housing market experienced an unexpected phenomenon — rising interest rates that basically froze housing values. The rise in mortgage rates, surprisingly, hasn’t instigated a significant decrease in home prices. This perplexing trend can be attributed to a complex interplay of economic, demographic, and market determinants. Today, a significant proportion of homeowners — 92% of those with mortgages — enjoy rates below 6%, with a lucky 62% relishing rates under 4%. As mortgage rates climb, these homeowners are opting to hold onto their properties, rather than sell and risk locking in a higher mortgage rate.Consequently, this shift in homeowner behavior has reduced the volume of home sales. This is corroborated by a recent study, revealing that approximately 27% of homeowners would be motivated to sell if rates descend to 5% or lower. Furthermore, nearly half of the homeowners surveyed would consider listing 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 Shiller Index predicted a peak-to-trough decline of around 5%, leaving 2% yet to be recuperated.

•More inventory

•Price negotiations

•No need to waive inspections

•No need to waive appraisals

For Seller’s the pro’s and con’s are flipped but let’s focus on the pro’s.

•Move up to a larger home with recent equity gains

The Arizona housing market has experienced fluctuations in 2023, and many are eager to know what the future holds for this dynamic real estate landscape. Various data sources, such as Zillow and housing market forecasts, provide insights into the current state and potential developments. Let’s explore the forecast for the Arizona housing market in the coming months. According to Zillow, the average home value in Arizona stands at a decrease of 6.5% over the past year. This information is crucial for potential homebuyers and sellers, as it provides a snapshot of the current market conditions. Additionally, it’s noteworthy 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 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.

•No bidding wars

•Move in at close of escrow

•Downsize to a smaller home with cash •Sell NOW and capitalize on equity gains while sitting on the sidelines. You never lose money taking chips off the table.

Help Buyers Emotionally Connect

Several economists believe the housing market will remain relatively flat in 2024, but not crash. As the mortgage rates are stabilizing now, more buyers feel confident to enter the housing market. Let’s look at why most experts believe that the housing market in Arizona is not going to crash. 5 Reasons Why the Housing Market is Unlikely to Crash

•Time to think

•Seller paid closing costs

•Seller repairs

Con’s:

1. Low Months of Supply: Only 2.6 months’ supply is available. This scarcity of inventory explains why many buyers need to bid over the listing price for the most desirable properties. According to the law of supply-demand, it is predicted that home prices will remain stable for now.

2. Low Newly Constructed Housing Supply: The supply of newly constructed houses has yet to return to pre-2007 levels. Also, there’s no way for homebuyers to buy land, get regulatory approval, and increase the supply quickly.

3. New Buyers Entering the Market: There’s a strong demand for homes across various demographics. Millennials are in their prime buying years. As a result, there’s still a limited amount of inventory available.

•Higher interest rates that are still reflective of 30 year averages

Conclusion:

Staging is about showcasing an engaging, move-in ready home that creates an emotional connection with the buyer. Updating décor with on-trend, inviting style—particularly in living rooms, primary bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms—can make memorable impression.

4. Strict Lending Standards: There were several cases of liar loans in 2007 where anyone could get a mortgage without a credit check. Today, mortgage lenders in Arizona place high stan dards on borrowers, and most home buyers are required to have an excellent credit score.

5. Fewer Foreclosures: A majority of homeowners own significant equity in their homes. The personal balance sheets of homeowners are much stronger today than they were 15 years ago. As a result, the threat of rising foreclosures in Arizona is low.

Buyer’s can now marry the house they love and date the rate.

Conclusion: With stable home prices and reprieve of interest rates 2024 is a good time to make a move! Call us today for a private and confidential conversation.

If you are thinking of selling your home, now more than ever your home must be in TOP condition. At BVO Luxury we offer FREE home improvement and staging consultations.

“Anyone who dreams of an uncommon life eventually discovers there is no choice but to seek an uncommon approach to living it.” - Gary Keller, The ONE Thing

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Mention City Lifestyle and Receive $500 off any Regenerative Medicine Therapy

Join us for Gateway Celebrity Fight Night and celebrate the true champions – the brilliant physicians seeking new cancer treatments and therapies and the brave patients receiving the healing power of HOPE.

Founders and Chairs

DR. STACIEJ.STEPHENSON and MR. RICHARDJSTEPHENSON

Musical Director DAVID FOSTER

Featuring Live Performances by MICHAEL BUBLÉ KATHARINE McPHEE and more to come!

Emcee JOEY FATONE

Celebrity Auctioneer CAROLINE RHEA

Red Carpet host Lawrence Zarian

Now in its 30th year, Gateway Celebrity Fight Night has one objective – to raise funds for cancer research that has the power to deliver a knockout blow to cancer.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024

FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT CELEBRITYFIGHTNIGHT.ORG

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS

HOPE IS HERE

TO END CANCER

A Special Peek Into Your Personality

What does home mean to you? Is it a place just to sleep? Is it a monthly bill that keeps a roof over your head? Is it a safe cocoon where you can let your guard down? And the biggest question—is it the place that most reflects who you are at your core?

These were some of my thoughts as we were putting together this issue, our Home Issue.

How many times do you think you know someone—maybe a co-worker who you chat with every day, a parent you hang out with on weekends during sports games, or a friend who you see at galas, always all dressed up—and you have an image of who they are until you finally see their home. It’s like an in-depth peek into their true selves. Maybe it reflects what you thought, and maybe it doesn’t. Maybe the home of the shy, quiet person is done in bright, loud colors and prints. Maybe the home of the person who dresses in muted colors reflects the same.

That’s the best thing about your home—it can be the best reflection of who you truly are.

My question to you is, Does what you’re surrounding yourself with truly reflect you? Does it make you happy?

Right now, personally, I’m asking myself the same questions. We had a flood (a pipe burst) and most of our home was torn out. As we piece it back together, making changes in the process, I’m also trying to decide what best reflects me. When it’s done, I hope it shows who I am at my core.

Enjoy the issue and the inspiration!

Yours,

MICHELLE GLICKSMAN, EDITOR @SCOTTSDALECITYLIFESTYLE

city scene

Want to be seen in the magazine?

1: DunRite Windows & Doors collected more than 1,000 pounds of food for Harvest Compassion Center. 2: Chefs, including Mark Candelaria, Christopher Gross, Vincent Guerithault, and Marc Lupino, grilled and served steak dinners at St. Vincent DePaul. 3: The 9th Annual Open Your Heart Gala had an Old Wild West theme. 4: More than $300,000 was raised at the 9th Annual Open Your Heart Gala. 5: Guests at the 9th Annual Open Your Heart Gala at Hunkapi Programs. 6: Having fun at the 9th Annual Open Your Heart Gala, held at Hunkapi Programs. 7: The 9th Annual Open Your Heart Gala raised funds for services offered by the Hunkapi Programs.

COURTESY OF DUNRITE WINDOWS & DOORS

monthly

Caesars Republic Scottsdale Opening This Month

The highly anticipated Caesars Republic Scottsdale is opening its doors this month, with reservations being accepted for April. The 11-story luxury resort has five penthouse entertainment suites that are more than 2,000 square feet each, 28 luxury suites, conference rooms, event space, two restaurants from famed chef Giada De Laurentiis, the elevated pool lounge and fine-dining concept Seven (SVN) from Scottsdale's Riot Hospitality Group, two pools, and more. CaesarsRepublicScottsdale.com

Four New Dining Concepts Open at The Scottsdale Resort & Spa

In addition to a $40 million property-wide renovation, The Scottsdale Resort & Spa, a Curio Collection Resort by Hilton, recently debuted four new dining concepts. La Fogata offers elevated Sonoran cuisine with global influences, while The Madam is a hidden speakeasy reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties. There's also Barnaby’s Café + Wine Bar—a health-focused cafe—and The Social Boardroom, a family-friendly lounge with interactive games. TheScottsdaleResort.com

Local Company Hillside Candles Already Scent-Sational

Local candle business Hillside Candles was founded by a local father—whose background includes many years with Yankee Candle—and his son, Tommy. The father-son businessmen launched the company this past October. Hillside Candles is already making its mark. The candles are crafted by master candle makers who have 30-plus years of experience, the premium soy blend is greater than 80 percent soy, and they use more fragrance than competitors. They believe every fragrance tells a story. HillsideCandle.com

New Cocktail Lounge The Goose Debuting

The Goose, a new, intimate craft cocktail lounge from Crust Restaurant Group, is opening this spring next to the Crust Simply Italian at 8300 N. Hayden Road. The menu will include specialty whiskey flights and handcrafted cocktails. Crust Restaurant Group operates Crust Simply Italian and Crust Pizzeria, as well other concepts. CrustRestaurants.com

Parisian Designer Brings

Baron Paris to Scottsdale From Las Vegas

Parisian designer Nino Aidi brought Baron Paris, an exotic leather boutique, from Caesars Palace Las Vegas to North Scottsdale, at 31313 N. Scottsdale Road. Baron Paris redefines luxury with sustainable practices, challenging perceptions of exotic leathers through responsible sourcing and timeless designs. Drawing inspiration from his Parisian roots and a love for exotic leathers, Aidi founded Baron Paris in 2018, focusing on crafting oneof-a-kind pieces and limited editions, and allowing customers to design their own bags. BaronParis.com

Gateway Celebrity  Fight Night 2024

to Take Place on April 27

Ticket sales are open for Gateway Celebrity Fight Night 2024, which will take place on April 27 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson, vice chair, Gateway, and Richard J Stephenson, Gateway’s founder and chairman, present a night of glamour and giving emceed by *NSYNC member Joey Fatone, with musical direction by David Foster and appearances by Extra’s Lawrence Zarian, singer-songwriter Katharine McPhee, and more. All the event proceeds directly fund early-phase clinical trials. CelebrityFightNight.org

Want to be featured?

Photography by Bob and Dawn Davis Photography and Design

presented by Liquid Mobile

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A standout feature of the Myers Cocktail is its ability to provide tailored immune support. Perfect for those with weakened immune systems, the cocktail’s high-dose antioxidants, including vitamin C, work synergistically to fortify your body’s defenses. This targeted approach is particularly beneficial for individuals facing allergies, asthma, and chronic conditions, offering a holistic solution to support immune function.

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Beyond its rich vitamin and mineral content, the Myers Cocktail also serves as a hydrating agent. Proper hydration is essential for bodily functions, and the intravenous administration of the cocktail ensures a direct and efficient absorption of fluids. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with dehydration or find it challenging to consume adequate water throughout the day.

Holistic Wellness Approach

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letter from the PUBLISHER

Scottsdale is so unique in that it is truly a melting pot of people and families. When we think of home, it tends to be the place where we grew up. I know I still call Georgia home, as that’s where I was raised, my family still resides, and we go visit more than any other place each year. But when it comes to home for my family, that’s right here in Scottsdale.

My husband and I used to move a lot. We lived in six states in 10 years. Nothing ever felt like home as we knew it was always temporary. But when we moved to Scottsdale in 2019, we started using the word “home” for the first time. There is something special about this city that makes me never want to leave. For my husband and I, it’s kind of scary to think that this might be it for us, planting roots here for our family to grow and have a forever community—the same way my husband and I were raised.

As I celebrate another year around the sun this month, I’m excited to have a forever home—a place where I, too, will grow personally and professionally. While we have no immediate family close by, we have friends who are now family. We’ve created friends whose parents treat my kids like their own grandkids. To me, home is where I feel loved and safe. Home is where the heart is. And while that can be anywhere, for me, it’s right here in Scottsdale.

Love to you all,

Alicia Haygood Owner/Publisher

The Architect Shares What You Need to Know About What Is Often the Most Popular Gathering Spot in a Home

In the Kitchen With Mark Candelaria

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“I think the kitchen is the most important room that we design, whether it’s a 1,500-square-foot house or a 15,000-square-foot house,” says Mark Candelaria, AIA, principal, and founder of Candelaria Design.

The iconic Valley architect goes on to explain how, often, the kitchen is the most popular room in a home.

“It’s really hard to get people away from gathering around the kitchen,” he notes, quoting—as he says

someone else once remarked to him—“the kitchen is like a living room that we eat in.”

Designing a perfect kitchen requires considering many things, Candelaria explains, from the path needed to bring groceries from the garage to the kitchen, to how to get from the front door to the kitchen, to what design elements and products are most important to the client with whom he is working.

New Features

One new popular trend—or comeback, really, as this layout had been popular in the past—he has been seeing and incorporating is the back kitchen, a smaller room off a main kitchen where meal prep and clean up can happen.

“You have your presentation kitchen, and then you have the back kitchen,” Candelaria explains. “It can have walk-in refrigerators, an area for help to prepare food if you have company, a back door to a grilling area, a sink, and an extra oven to keep things warm. A second dishwasher—with the first in the main kitchen—is also great to have in the back kitchen. If you have a big party, it’s great for overflow.”

While there are also many other new trends and options on the horizon, two newer appliances—which Candelaria, a known cook in his own right, put in his own kitchen—are a steam oven and a warming drawer.

Pizza ovens and indoor-outdoor walls with passthroughs are also big draws.

Lighting

Candelaria shares that another important element in kitchen design is lighting.

“It’s become such a science,” he says. “I won’t do lighting without a lighting designer in my houses anymore. It’s become so advanced and so particular. We’re doing so much with strip LED lighting under the counter

so that when you open a drawer, it is all lit up. And then, of course, you add sound, and we have pop-up TVs, and more. The technology is just incredible.”

Getting It Right

Candelaria emphasizes that it is important to both take the time to perfect a design and use technology to ensure it is right.

“With the technology that we have now, it’s so easy to basically put it together in 3D, which enables you to be able to walk through the kitchen. It looks just like it’s real—it’s that good now,” he says.

Take your time on the renderings, walk them through, and think them through, he advises.

Making It Yours

Candelaria points out that while the macro rules of kitchen designs are always the same—such as the “work triangle” between the sink, refrigerator, and oven—there are always things you can do to personalize the space.

“If there’s one room you’re going to spend the most money on, it should be the kitchen. Just go for it,” he says. “You’re going to spend time with friends and family there more than anywhere. It’s the kitchen that’s the main space. If you think about it, it appeals to all of your senses—sight, sound, smell. It awakens your spirit.”

CandelariaDesign.com

Photo by Werner Segarra

MARK CANDELARIA’S FAMOUS PAELLA

Not only is Mark Candelaria the architect behind many Valley kitchens, but he’s an architect in the kitchen himself. He loves to cook, and he’s found that his famous paella dinners are a great way to raise money for local charities—often going for thousands of dollars at fundraisers’ live auctions.

Cooking is also a skill he shares with his clients.

“I have an imaginary clause in my contract that says that I get to cook in your kitchen when it’s done,” he shares.

That “clause” is one many of his clients have taken him up on, celebrating not only their home, but friendship and good food.

Here, Candelaria shares his paella recipe.

Ingredients:

• 3 chicken legs

• 3 chicken thighs

• 1 halibut filet or cod filet

• 1 Spanish chorizo sausage or 2 andouille sausages

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 2 tablespoons paprika

• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

• 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 cup arborio rice

• 4 garlic cloves, diced

• 1 Spanish onion, diced

• 1 (16-ounce) can diced tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon saffron threads

• 2-3 small cans chicken broth

• 6 jumbo shrimp, peeled with tails on and deveined

• 1 lobster tail

• 6-8 clams, scrubbed

• 6-8 mussels, scrubbed and debearded

• 1/4 cup Spanish sherry

• 1/2 cup sweet peas, frozen and thawed

• Fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves for garnish

• Lemon wedges for serving

Mark and his daughter, Tiffany

Directions:

The key to this dish is a great paella pan. Pick one up at William Sonoma—it is an essential piece of equipment. I start with three key components—dark meat chicken, halibut or cod, and chorizo (Spanish if you can find it). If you can’t find chorizo, I use andouille sausage from AJ’s or Safeway.

Make a little mixture of oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl, and dredge the chicken and fish in this mixture. Let them sit for about 30 minutes.

Heat olive oil in the paella pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken, fish and chorizo in the pan, skin-side down, and brown on all sides, turning with tongs when browned. The chorizo will turn the oil a nice red color, which will add to the rice color eventually. Once everything is browned, remove it to a platter lined with paper towels.

Lower the heat on the pan to medium and work on the rice. I like to use arborio rice, an Italian short-grain rice from the Po Valley—generally used for risotto—but great for paella.

I start by using the oil and drippings in the pan by adding garlic, onions, tomatoes, salt, and pepper and cook everything down until the mixture caramelizes and the flavors all blend together.

Next, fold in the rice, stirring to coat the grains. Let the rice heat up and almost fry in the mixture. Add the signature ingredient, saffron strands, by stirring these in.

Now pour in chicken broth and simmer 10 minutes, gently moving the pan around so the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid like in a risotto. (The only difference is you do not want to cover the dish or stir constantly.)

After 10 minutes of cooking the rice down, add the shrimp, lobster, clams, and mussels, and then add the chicken, fish, and chorizo back in the mix. I like to cut the fish and chorizo into small pieces or slices so they get nicely distributed throughout the paella. Tuck in all the pieces and add more broth if you feel the paella is getting too dry—but you don’t want it soupy, either.

I then add a little sprinkle of Spanish sherry for flavor.

Let the whole thing simmer without stirring until the rice is al dente, about 15 to 20 minutes. Scatter frozen peas over the top and continue to cook for 5 more minutes until the paella looks fluffy and moist, the shrimp are nice and pink, and the clams and mussels begin to open. The bottom of the pan might form a toasted rice bottom called a socarrat—it is delicious.

Remove the paella from the heat and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.

Jason Barlow, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Central Phoenix, and Mark Candelaria at a paella party for their charity. Candelaria is also a board member for the organization.

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ARTICLE BY REBECCA L. RHOADES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOPHIA DUBOIS

TERI WAGNER FINDS A HOBBY AND A COMMUNITY AS A MASTER GARDENER

PLANTING ROOTS

When the coronavirus lockdowns went into effect in spring 2020, reports quickly emerged of a gardening boom. For Teri Wagner, the pandemic provided the perfect opportunity to rekindle her love of cultivating vegetables and to learn more about growing in Arizona’s arid climate.

“It’s so different to plant here in Arizona. It’s not like the Midwest where you can just throw seeds in the dirt, and they grow,” she notes.

To learn more about the specifics of gardening in the Valley, Wagner enrolled in the University of Arizona

“I REALLY ENJOYED LEARNING THE SCIENCE BEHIND WHY ARIZONA IS SO SPECIFIC.”

“That’s kind of how everything started,” she says. “COVID hit, and we were all stuck at home. I was like, ‘What can I do hobby-wise that’s safe and outside?’ That’s really when gardening kind of took a life of its own for me.”

The Ohio native had always been interested in gardening. As a child, she would help her mother tend to the family plot. Then when she moved to Los Angeles, she focused on growing ingredients to use in her cuisine.

“There’s just something therapeutic about being in the dirt and being outside. I really like it,” she says.

Wagner moved to Arizona five years ago, and she purchased her current home, on a large corner lot in North Scottsdale, in 2019.

Maricopa County Cooperative Extension’s (MCCE) Master Gardener program. This 17-week course—which Wagner attended online—uses research and science-based information to train people on the best practices in home landscape and gardening. Participants study everything from botany to soil and fertilizer properties and chemistry to pest management, landscape design, citrus, and cacti and succulents. Students are also required to complete 50 hours of volunteer work to receive their certification.

“I really enjoyed learning the science behind why Arizona is so specific—why you can’t just take your knowledge from the Midwest or West Coast and be successful here,” Wagner notes.

CONTINUED >

While most Arizonans focus on creating eye-catching xeriscapes, Wagner stocks raised beds with lush arrangements of herbs, vegetables, and flowers. Cabbage, broccoli, Romanesco, Swiss chard, celery, and arugula mix with colorful ranunculus, irises, freesia, lilies, magnolias, and dahlias. Garlic, eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers are arranged next to herbs, including basil, rosemary, dill, cilantro, oregano, and lemongrass.

“I think that some people like to plant all of one thing together, so they know what it is,” she explains. “If you mix it up with different flowers and herbs, pests don’t tend to multiply and destroy your entire selection.”

She also likes to plant flora that will attract pollinators and feed birds. Spring flowers ensure happy bees, while sunflowers, corn, and amaranth provide sustenance for local birds—and hopefully keep them from eating the tomatoes and peppers.

Like all Master Gardeners, Wagner loves sharing her knowledge of plants with friends, neighbors, and just about anyone who needs some landscape advice.

“One thing about the Master Gardener program is it’s such a great community,” she says. “Now I have friends of friends who will call or text me with questions about gardening. Being a Master Gardener is all about connecting people with the right information to solve a lot of problems.”

“GARDENING SHOULD BE AN ENJOYABLE HOBBY.”

Her top tips? 1) Grow what you like. Whether it’s flowers, herbs, or veggies, if it’s something you enjoy looking at or eating, you’ll feel a greater connection while tending to it. 2) Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or not be perfect. Gardening should be an enjoyable hobby, and even Master Gardeners have plants that die. 3) You don’t need to spend a fortune to find great plants. You can find clippings or succulent pups for free online or through friends or neighbors. 4) And finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions. MCCE has an “Ask the Master Gardener” email and phone line.

“The Master Gardener program is very community-based, and gardeners and plant people love to talk about plants,” Wagner says. “And now I feel like I’m one of them.”

Actively involved with:

Phoenix Zoo

Arizona Foundation for Women

SHE Leads!

City of Mesa Judicial Advisory Board

Arizona Women Lawyers Association

Maricopa County Bar Association Board

www.kndlegal.com

1400 E Southern Ave #620

Tempe, AZ 85282

(480) 820-9090

ARTICLE BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

Suite dreams are made of these! Arizona boasts some of the most impressively appointed accommodations in the country. Here’s the proof.

FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS

The magnificently modern 2,700-square-foot presidential suite at the AAA Five Diamond resort features an oversize primary bedroom and bathroom, as well as a parlor, second bathroom, two private balconies, Peloton, dining table for six, kitchen, bar, and an art installation that gives the illusion of a crackling fire. ScottsdalePrincess.com

CANYON SUITES

A gem in the crown of the boutique hotel, the 1,800-square-foot presidential suite boasts an entertainer’s living room with a family-size marble dining table and theatre-quality surround sound, as well as a kitchen with full-size appliances, a primary suite, and three insane balconies—the largest of which has a fire pit. CanyonSuites.com

CONTINUED >

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Canyon Suites

The Scottsdale Resort

OMNI SCOTTSDALE RESORT & SPA AT MONTELUCIA

The 2,800-square-foot Andalusian presidential suite is inspired by the palaces of Marrakesh. It comes complete with a daybed, a carved Spanish stone water trough, two bedrooms, three bathrooms, a private massage room, a wet bar, and a private pool. OmniMontelucia.com

THE SCOTTSDALE RESORT & SPA

The 1,375-square-foot presidential suite is drenched in earth tones as homage to the surrounding Sonoran Desert. It features an oversize living room, wooden wet bar, and dining and entertaining spaces. The separate bedroom similarly scintillates with Hilton Serenity Collection furnishings. TheScottsdaleResort.com

JW MARRIOTT STARR PASS RESORT & SPA

The 2,200-square-foot presidential suite at this AAA Four Diamond resort is nestled in the foothills of Tucson National Park and offers panoramic views of the city lights. Situated on the resort’s top floor, it boasts two bedrooms, a dining/living room, a fireplace, a kitchenette with a staff entrance, and a private office.  JWStarrPass.com

ENCHANTMENT RESORT

The 2,340-square-foot hacienda suite in the heart of Boynton Canyon shares no common walls with other rooms. It offers two primary suites, three full bathrooms, ample outdoor space with a grill, and two Murphy beds in the family room so it can sleep up to 10 guests. EnchantmentResort.com

Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia

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. @sophiaduboisphoto

JUST BREATHE

FROM HOMES TO CRUISE LINERS, PURIFI LABS IS CLEANING UP THE AIR

ARTICLE BY ANGEL FUCHS

SOPHIA DUBOIS

“And we are the only technology the American Lung Association of Arizona has partnered with.”

According to Earth.org , air pollution is one of the biggest threats to life expectancy. That staggering statistic may have some asking what they can do to improve the air they breathe. Arizona-based PuriFi Labs is making strides in cleaning up the air we breathe one home, business, and even cruise ship at a time.

PuriFi Labs, which has decades of research and expertise in air purification, created the highest performing indoor air-purification technology ever to be invented. The company uses cold plasma

technology and converts ozone into oxygen. The patented technology works to neutralize allergens, mold, pet dander, viruses, and bacteria.

“The technology wasn’t invented for Covid,” says Tim Bender, PuriFi Labs co-founder and CEO, “but has been tested on SARS COV 2, Delta, and Omicron, and can help neutralize these viruses within minutes.”

Last year the company opened its first PuriFi store location in Arizona. Located in North Scottsdale, the store

provides education on the product technology through an immersive experience. Customers receive visual demonstrations of airborne particles in a typical living space to real-time air-quality monitoring and will see, feel, and breathe the difference the system makes in an indoor environment.

The PuriFi Labs indoor air-purification system connects to the HVAC units in homes and businesses. There are two options available for the system, both of which come with a five-year warranty and include installation with purchase.

“We hear from our customers that we reduce allergies and triggers that cause allergy symptoms,” Bender says. “And we are the only technology the American Lung Association of Arizona has partnered with.”

Since 2019, PuriFi Labs has sold more than 17,000 indoor air-purification systems. They can be found in private residences; businesses; and medical, dental, and homeopathic offices. The company also has a Maritime Vessel Certification, which allows the technology to be installed on cruise liners.

“There is no building we can’t retrofit; our technology is scalable,” Bender says. “Every home and business can benefit from installing this technology.”

PuriFiLabs.com

State-of-the-Art

Expert

Customized

Innovative

Community

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOPHIA DUBOIS

Beyond Going Above and

CINDY DAVIS IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL REALTOR

Cindy Davis has a unique background. She has not only traveled the world, but tackled financial analysis for BCBG, construction management, and the fast-paced world of fashion at a magazine. Taking to the skies as a flight attendant added another layer to her professional journey, she says. Now an Arizona resident, she began as a mortgage broker for a luxury builder, later becoming a full-time residential realtor with Launch Powered by Compass.

“As a family, we deeply appreciate cultural diversity, making it a point to travel internationally once a year. Life, for us, is an ongoing journey of adventure and service to others, values we strive to embody in every aspect of our lives,” Davis says.

What makes a great realtor?

My approach is simple—it’s not about me. Genuine kindness and a commitment to treating others with respect define my interactions. Arrogance has no place in my ethos. I find joy in understanding others and fostering genuine connections. Being a great realtor, for me, means going above and beyond, offering unwavering service, and ensuring a seamless home-buying experience. It’s all about building relationships, adding value, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of those I have the privilege to assist.

You’re known for going above and beyond …

Ensuring a smooth journey through the escrow phase is vital to me. I believe in being a buffer against challenges and fostering positive experiences. My approach is simple—kindness, quick responses, and a personal touch.

After inspections, I send a handwritten note and a special gift or meal. At closing, I celebrate their success with a congratulatory gift and a certificate for their favorite restaurant.

Even after closing, my commitment doesn’t waver. I handle post-closing requests promptly, from rekeying to landscaping. Every experience may be different, but the consistent thread is delivering the best service.

Clients can rely on me. I’m still picking up mail for a client a year after his house closed, and I’ve even made friends with the new owner, who often seeks my real estate advice.

One thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I spent six years in the military.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Life’s all about soaking up the present, finding joy in every moment, and, of course, embracing the chaos with a smile. It’s a journey, and I’m here for the ride, sprinkling gratitude and positivity along the way!

CindyDavisAZ.com

Strong, Powerful Pieces

ARTICLE BY GEORGANN YARA PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Ironwood Mills Melds Creativity and Urban Lumber to Create Stunning Dining Tables, Bars, and Other Custom Furniture

The stunning expansive dining tables and bars crafted from Arizona hardwood that elicit jaw-dropping responses have become a signature trait of Ironwood Mills' custom furniture.

However, the creativity, skill, and occasional problem-solving required to make dreamy culinary furnishings come to tangible reality is what lies beneath the mesquite, eucalyptus, or one of the many hardwood species cultivated by Ironwood Mills.

This, paired with a knack for finding nature's treasures in unlikely places, is where Ironwood distinguishes itself from the sea of creators, under the watch of founder and veteran craftsman Scott Mills.

“He’s magical that way,” says Ironwoods co-owner Leah Bosworth, Mills' partner in business and, for the last 16 years, in love and life.

Mills' magic is experienced by guests at some of the state's most popular restaurants. Buck & Rider’s location in Gilbert features a 16-foot teak table crafted to the owners’ specifications, and Elote in Sedona (Ironwood's first restaurant client) flaunts a community table with medallion and copper inlay in eucalyptus. The Vig at McDowell Mountain is also among the dozens of restaurants that showcase Ironwood’s works.

Homeowners with an eye for art seek out Ironwood to transform their kitchens, bars, and dining rooms into personalized galleries.

“The people who come to us and work with us are pretty open. They want something unique and to be part of the creative process. And they give us a lot of freedom,” Bosworth says.

One client wanted an 8-foot by 8-foot dining table with a large leaf in the center so he could step into the open space and serve his family in a 360-degree fashion. Mills diligently fulfilled his request.

Mills recently completed a dining table for a couple who happened to own a flower shop in the building that houses Ironwood Mills and Bosworth’s yoga studio 30 years ago. Mills built it with one leaf and two drop-down pieces, so it can expand to 12 feet long when they have their big family in town, and then retract to a 5-foot by 5-foot square when it’s just the two of them.

One client’s home was featured in Dwell magazine. She was doing a remodel and Mills took the trees from her property, processed them, and used the urban lumber to make her new dining room table and stair treads.

Often, creativity is what makes a client’s dream come to life. This involves piecing together wood pieces with other materials to elegantly create the large pieces they crave. Distinctive looks are made by inverting the live edge on a slab, or by filling cracks with epoxy for a dramatic effect.

mountain views. There happened to be a shop in the back of the studio space. Using that shop as a home base, Mills, a lifelong construction pro, helped Bosworth build it out with fun and cool materials.

One thing led to another, and Ironwood Mills was born.

“He’s a treasure hunter by nature … he found logs headed for the landfill, bought a sawmill, started building furniture, and it took off from there,” Bosworth says.

Bosworth took on admin and website duties for Ironwood Mills. When the pandemic forced her yoga classes online, Bosworth slowly focused more attention on Mills. Today, the yoga studio is her side gig, and she is a full-time partner in the woodworking business.

“We built this really beautiful community,” Bosworth says. “Scott and I create well together. Whether it’s cooking dinner or building a business, there is something about us that balances the other out, and we end up creating something really special.”

“Scott and I create well together. Whether it’s cooking dinner or building a business, there is something about us that balances the other out, and we end up creating something really special.”

“It's why our pieces end up being so unique. We use what we have, and sometimes we are forced to get creative,” Bosworth says. “It’s a collaboration between a client’s vision, our craftsmen, and the material.”

The union of Bosworth and Mills has proven to also be quite the solid collaboration. The pair met while she was bartending at an Arcadia-area restaurant and a friend brought in Mills, who had just moved to the city to finish building a 7,000-square-foot house on Camelback and Arcadia.

After their first date—a ride on Mills’ BMW motorcycle through the desert—they were inseparable.

“It was one of those perfect summer nights in Phoenix. I remember feeling really at home with him,” Bosworth recalls. “I would say it was love at first sight.”

A longtime yoga teacher, Bosworth opened her Ironwood Yoga Studios in a cool warehouse with 18-foot ceilings and

The material Mills works with is urban lumber, raw, unfinished natural wood grown in Arizona. This is much different than what's commonly termed as “reclaimed wood,” which has already been processed and typically obtained from another structure, like a barn door or cabin wall.

All the wood Mills uses is rescued and diverted from the landfill—trees that have succumbed to disease, invasive species, or development. After he collects and mills the logs, they kiln-dry the slabs and display them in the shop. Mills’ focus is on 10-15 different types of wood, most of which are new to clients.

“People tend to be drawn to what they know. They aren’t aware of the species we have here in the Valley,” Bosworth says. “Sometimes people think they want walnut because it's what is familiar. We can tweak certain species to look like walnut, but what is more exciting is when people start to discover the beauty of the hardwood we have right here. For example, acacia has rich color and grain patterns, eucalyptus offers a lot of drama, and olive is to die for.

“I love what we do. We love the creativity, craftsmanship, and giving these trees a second life. And to really build a community … we love all of that.”

IronwoodMills.com

The Clayton House

March 21, 2024

5:00-9:00PM

SCAN HERE TO REGISTER

MARCH

MADNESS BASKETBALL ENTHUSIASTS DC

We know how important it is to share the love of the game with your buddies. Gather your friends, lace up your sneakers, and take part in exhilarating pick-up games that will test your teamwork, strategy, and sheer determination. Every minute on the court will be a testament to the unbreakable bond you share with your fellow ballers.

TONE + TEXTURE

STYLE YOUR HOME IN TONES AND TEXTURES WITH DESIGN HELP FROM HOUZZ INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTS

ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN

WOVEN + KNOTTED

LIVING BOHO-CHIC WITH WOVEN TEXTURES AND MACRAMÉ

Decorate your space with handmade textures such as the modern, maker revival of 1970s macramé and year-round tropical feel of wicker. MACRAMÉ Made through knotting instead of weaving, macramé can add a unique touch in many various ways. Houzz contributor Laura Gaskill suggests incorporating it as nursery decor, plant hangers, wall hangings and modern fiber arts. WICKER According to Houzz contributor Yanic Simard, “the best way to really embrace the luxury-cottage appeal of wicker and rattan is to combine different forms of the two in one space... Look for other unexpected places to add a natural twist to your home with a new material woven into your palette.”

AGAINST THE GRAIN BRIGHTS + WHITES

TIPS FOR DECORATING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS

Houzz contributor Katie Treggiden offers many ways to incorporate natural materials and natural-state timber into your home, including using wood to cover one wall in a home for a pleasing accent wall; featuring your firewood as a striking, stacked display; and mixing different types of wood and different finishes in the same space. “A simple way to incorporate the wood trend is to expose structural wooden beams already present in your home,” Katie says. “Instead of painting them or boxing them in, leave them raw or give them a coat of wax to enrich the tones.”

ADDING TASTEFUL POPS OF COLOR TO YOUR WHITE ROOM

Do you feel like your all-white room is missing something? Houzz contributor Kelly Porter bets what’s missing is energy.

“The best way to add a spark to any space,” she says, “is with bright color.”

Kelly says green is one of the easiest colors to live with, looking organic even in its more vivid tones.

“When searching for the perfect bright green, think springtime—fresh green grass and newly sprouted leaves,” she says. “These greens have lively undertones that will look comfortable and warm in your white space.

Other colors Kelly recommends adding as accents are yellow, royal blue, orange, blue-purple, red-purple and sky blue.

MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 1ST-26TH

Spring Training

Scottsdale Stadium and Salt River Fields

Spring Training baseball under the warm Arizona sun has been a tradition for devoted fans since 1947. The Scottsdale area is home to the San Francisco Giants (who play at Scottsdale Stadium), Colorado Rockies, and Arizona Diamondbacks (who both play at nearby Salt River Fields). CactusLeague.com

MARCH 2ND

6th Annual Persian New Year Festival

Various locations, Downtown Scottsdale

The Persian New Year Festival is hosting one of the country’s largest Nowruz—an ancient festival that marks the beginning of the Persian New Year and the arrival of spring—events in Scottsdale. It kicked off Feb. 28 and continues on March 2 with a day-long celebration at the Scottsdale Waterfront that highlights Persian food, cultural vendors, and live entertainment. PersianNewYearFestival.org

MARCH 9TH

Child Crisis Arizona's Saddle Up! Gala

JW Marriot Camelback Inn Resort & Spa | 6:00 PM

Child Crisis Arizona's 46th annual signature fundraising gala features a Yellowstone theme, complete with upscale ranch decor inspired by the hit Paramount network show. There will also be a gourmet dinner, mechanical bull rides, casino and Western carnival games, a whiskey tasting bar, the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind cowboy or ranch hat, live country music, dancing, and a silent auction. ChildCrisisAz.org

MARCH 15TH-17TH

14th FiTech Fuel Injection Spring Nationals Presented by Grundy Insurance

WestWorld of Scottsdale | 8:00 AM

Immerse yourself in the world of thousands of stunning hot rod masterpieces. The Goodguys show caters to the passions of both hot rod and classic car enthusiasts. The event features more than 2,500 rods, customs, classics, muscle cars, imports, and trucks through 1999. There are also competitions, a swap meet, a kids' zone, and more. Good-Guys.com/sn

MARCH 16TH

Zoobilation

Phoenix Zoo | 7:00 PM

The Phoenix Zoo's new gala is a culinary safari that allows guests to explore the zoo's trails on foot or via the Safari Cruiser, and experience unique performances while savoring cuisine from around the world along the way. All proceeds from the event go toward the zoo’s mission of advancing the stewardship and conservation of animals and their habitats. PhoenixZoo.org

APRIL 11TH

Introduction to Medicine 3.0 With Jesse Greer, MD

4224 N. Craftsman Ct., #110 | 6:00 PM

Join Jesse Greer, MD, as well as other pioneering health and wellness practitioners, for an evening discussing the exciting possibilities and resources now available to push our wellness far into the future. Complimentary "In-Body" assessments and biological age and performance analysis will be available. Refreshments and tapas will be provided. 6-7:30 p.m. RB.gy/7nwl4f

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