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I recently got back from Winnipeg after celebrating my nephew’s high school graduation. It was the kind of milestone that deserved every bit of the celebration we gave it. Right before COVID hit, he and his mom moved from Brazil to Canada. The years that followed were hard. He was suddenly far away from his dad, navigating an entirely new country, a new language, and dealing with an isolation no teenager should have to carry. I watched from a distance as he worked through all of it, season after season, without losing himself in the process.
Standing in that auditorium and watching him walk across the stage, I saw a young man who did not just survive those years. He grew into someone genuinely bright, grounded, and full of promise. It gave me a kind of hope that is hard to put into words. It reminds us that even after life’s hardest stretches, people can become more.
When I finally landed back home in Las Vegas, my own little welcoming committee was waiting. Frank, Dean, and Violet greeted me at the door with the kind of unfiltered joy only pets know how to give. It was all snuggles, tail wags, and the simple reminder of what makes a house a home.
This issue is about kids and pets. But really, it is about the people and creatures who teach us what resilience and unconditional love look like. I hope these pages remind you of your own version of that in your life.
With heart,
CAMILLA SOLÉA RAE, PUBLISHER @SOUTHVEGASCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Camilla Soléa Rae | camilla.solearae@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Paige Candee | paige.candee@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Beth Flory, Vivian Greggory, Alisia Pulella, Kristi Belley, Kali Kasprzyk, Andres Molina, Jennifer Florendo
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Casey Jade, Janie Jones
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
3:5-6
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This is Pilates designed for women who value qualit y over crowds is women qualit y over is for qualit y
No more being one of fifteen people in a room hoping someone notices your form.
The Pilates Suite is Southern Highlands' only semi-private and private Pilates studio built for women who are done settling for good enough. We intentionally keep classes small Six people maximum on the reformer, four on the Cadillac Ever y instructor holds 450+ hours of certification and is focused on you not the entire room.
And after ever y session, we document your progress so whoever teaches you next already knows exactly where you left off. You never have to repeat yourself. You just show up, and continue your progress
EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE FOR YOURSELF
1: The UN-Concert.2 with the “UN and only” Alice Whitfield. 2: The event spotlighted Alice’s non-profit organization, For The Love of Horses. 3: Alice’s son Mitchell Whitfield and wife Tracy, what a big surprise (Yes, THAT Mitchell Whitfield). 4: News 3’s Kim Wagner with publicist Stacey Escalante, and stylist BJ Batterman. 5: The FOX 5 crew including Nicole Reynolds, her daughter, and Nkiruka Azuka. 6: Alice and David celebrate the evening and the support for their non-profit. 7: Spreading the word and entertaining for the charity that rescues, rehabs, and rehomes horses.
Photography by For The Love of Horses
explore up
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Chef Marc Marrone and Todd Lunger announced the opening of Diamond Spur Butcher Shop & Deli in southwest Las Vegas. The new business combines a full-service butcher shop with a deli menu inspired by traditional New York neighborhood meat markets. The project also aims to highlight regenerative ranching practices and broader discussions surrounding sourcing, animal treatment, and the modern beef industry.
The Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum presents a summer lineup centered on arachnids and hands-on science programming. The traveling arachnid exhibit runs through August 23, showcasing spiders, scorpions, and related species through live encounters, large-scale models, and cultural context. STEAM programming continues through August 7, engaging visitors with robotics, marine life, sustainability experiments, and early-learning sessions for a range of ages.
In its 19th year, the Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC) 2026 program at the MGM Grand Conference Center, will be themed “Made. Not Born.” The conference will promote the premise that leadership development is a continuous process and will serve leaders at all levels across industries with keynote speakers, deep-dive education sessions, and networking with peers and mentors. The program will probe four pillars—capability, credibility, visibility, and 360 sustainability—and will be held August 31 and September 1; register at fwle.org/conference
Photography by FWLE (Foundation for Women’s Leadership and Empowerment)
Meráki Greek Grill added two new locations—in the Arts District and Henderson—to its growing valley presence. The expansion marked another step in the company’s regional growth as it continued building on its fast-casual Greek dining concept. Alongside the new restaurants, Meráki also introduced updated menu items, including new appetizers and desserts, to complement its core lineup of Mediterranean dishes.
Photography by Joe Janet
A family-friendly water park escape for cooling off, playing, and making summer memories
As the desert heat continues to cover Southern Nevada, families often look for a place where kids can burn energy, parents can relax, and everyone can cool off at the same time. In southwest Las Vegas, Cowabunga Canyon has become one of those reliable summer spots, offering a mix of splashy fun and easygoing spaces that work for a wide range of ages.
Spread across several acres, the park combines high-energy attractions with more relaxed areas making it especially appealing for families. Towering slides and twisting tube rides give older kids and teens their dose of thrills, while the wave pool offers a shared experience where parents and children can enjoy the water together. It is the kind of place where the day naturally shifts from excitement to downtime and back again.
For many families, the lazy river becomes the heart of the visit. A slow float through the park gives everyone a chance to catch their breath, cool down, and enjoy the day at a more relaxed pace. Parents can drift alongside younger swimmers, siblings can trade stories between rides, and grandparents can relax in nearby shaded areas while still feeling a part of the action. It is a simple but welcome break from the pace of the bigger attractions.
Cowabunga Canyon also gives younger kids their own dedicated spaces to play. Shallow water, smaller slides, and interactive splash features are designed with families in mind, making it easier for children to build confidence in the water
CONTINUED >
without feeling overwhelmed. These areas often become the liveliest corners of the park, filled with laughter, quick dashes from one feature to the next, and plenty of opportunities for parents to snap photos or join in. For children who may be new to water parks, these lower-key zones can make the experience feel fun rather than intimidating, allowing the whole family to settle in more easily
Seasonal events help keep the park feeling fresh throughout the summer. Evening programs bring lights and music into the mix, while holiday weekends can add a festive atmosphere that gives the whole visit a little extra energy. For families looking to celebrate a birthday, end-of-school milestone, or team outing, the park also offers group packages and event spaces that make planning a little easier.
Cowabunga Canyon’s eastside sister property, Cowabunga Bay, gives local families another option for repeating the same summer ritual in a different setting. For many, the experience is less about chasing one headline attraction and more about creating a familiar pattern: pack the towels, load up the sunscreen, claim a shady spot, and settle in for a long day that ends with tired kids and happy memories.
In a city where summer heat can quickly narrow the options, water parks remain one of the easiest ways for families to stay active and make the most of the season. Cowabunga Canyon fills that role well, offering a playful place where kids can splash, parents can unwind, and the whole family can cool off together.
“In a city where summer heat can quickly narrow the options, water parks remain one of the easiest ways for families to stay active and make the most of the season.”
ARTICLE BY BETH FLORY PHOTOGRAPHY BY S.A.F.E. HOUSE
Teens today are surrounded by relationships at every turn, from family dynamics at home and situationships amongst friends to stories in romance novels. With so many different examples, how do they know which are true relationship goals? Because that part isn’t always clear, many teens end up finding themselves in an unhealthy situation. In fact, one in 10 high school students experience some form of unhealthy relationship behavior. Oftentimes, it goes unreported because they’re scared, embarrassed, or convinced no one will believe them, and other times they simply don’t recognize the signs. It’s important for parents and teens to know how to recognize the difference, before unhealthy patterns have a chance to take hold.
Unhealthy relationships aren’t always obvious. Sometimes, tiny habits slip in that make a relationship feel off or have a teen questioning themselves. Here are a few red flags that may not seem like much, but can turn into something bigger:
• Texting a partner all day long, and getting mad if they don’t respond
• Asking for access to their partner’s social media and/or their mobile phone
• Extreme jealousy or guilt tripping for hanging out with friends or family
• Talking their partner into withdrawing from a sports team or social club
• Controlling their partner’s appearance
• Blaming the partner for their problems
• Love bombing: lots of gifts, love notes, or saying they love you right away
While not every relationship looks the same, healthy ones share the same core values of respect, trust, and communication. Both people feel heard and seen, are each other’s cheer leaders, trust each other in all aspects, respect each other’s boundaries and decisions, and can be themselves. Think of Beth and Randall Pearson on “This Is Us,” David and Patrick on “Schitt’s Creek,” or Bob and Linda Belcher on “Bob’s Burgers.” Each showcase authenticity, mutual respect, trust, and constantly supporting every part of their partner.
Knowing the red and green flags is a great start, but how does one build a healthy relationship? It’s all about personal and interpersonal skills: healthy boundaries,
communication skills, and overall self-esteem. Teens need to know:
• What they’re comfortable with and realizing their boundaries
• How to confidently communicate when speaking up and listening when others speak
• How to build up their self-esteem; when you know your worth, you’re less likely to accept treatment that doesn’t match it
• Healthy communication is not a one-time conversation; it’s important to make sure both individuals are consistently on the same page.
• Don’t be afraid of speaking out, if something feels off with a friend or someone you know, say something.
Unhealthy relationships can be scary, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether teens tell a school counselor, who are mandated reporters, a friend or family member, there are resources available. Organizations like S.A.F.E. House, Nevada’s Crisis Text Line, and more offer free, confidential support for teens and families experiencing an unhealthy relationship. If you’re not sure where to start, Nevada 211 can help connect you to the right services.
Because every pet deserves a place that feels like family
ARTICLE BY ALISIA PULELLA
When Las Vegas families head out of town, one of the biggest questions isn’t what to pack, it’s who will care for the family dog.
For many local pet owners, the answer has become surprisingly simple: they turn to Matt Crigger (Instagram: @smallpaws.paradise).
A 21-year Las Vegas resident and lifelong dog lover originally from Michigan, Matt has built a loyal following by offering something many pet parents are looking for today: personalized, neighborly care in a home environment where dogs are treated like family.
What started as a natural extension of his lifelong love for animals has grown into a trusted local service fueled almost entirely by referrals, repeat clients, and word-ofmouth recommendations.
“I’ve been loving and caring for fur babies for as long as I can remember,” Matt says. “It’s truly been a part of my life since infancy. I work from home, and caring for dogs is something I genuinely enjoy every day.”
His approach reflects a growing trend among pet owners who want care that feels personal rather than transactional. Instead of simply finding someone to watch their dog, many families are looking for someone they trust—someone who understands routines, personalities, and the little details that help pets feel comfortable away from home.
That attention to detail is one reason neighbors continue to recommend Matt’s services.
Before every stay, he schedules a meet-and-greet to get to know both the dog and its owner. He learns about feeding schedules, exercise preferences, sleeping habits, medications, and anything else that helps create a smooth transition.
“The goal is to make dogs feel safe and comfortable from the moment they arrive,” he says. “Every dog is different, and I want to understand what helps them feel at home.”
His own two friendly resident pups help create a welcoming environment for visitors. Daily walks, regular mealtimes, outdoor access, and a consistent routine provide structure, while plenty of affection and companionship help dogs settle in quickly.
Many pet parents say their dogs become so comfortable that they eagerly return for future stays.
“Some of my regulars run right through the door when they arrive,” Matt says with a laugh. “They know where they are, and they know they’re going to have a good time.”
That familiarity can be especially valuable for families with children. Kids often
form deep bonds with their pets and may feel anxious about leaving them behind during trips. Knowing their dog is staying with someone who genuinely loves caring for animals provides peace of mind for the entire family. Matt also accommodates senior dogs and pets with special needs, providing medication administration, mobility assistance, and more frequent potty breaks when necessary. In addition to overnight care, he offers convenient services such as transportation assistance and optional baths, making the experience easier for busy families.
Perhaps what sets Matt apart most is that he doesn’t view pet care as simply a business. “It’s about building relationships,” he says. “I get to know the dogs, their personalities, and their families. That’s what makes it rewarding.”
As more Las Vegas residents seek trusted, community-based services, Matt’s growing client list reflects a simple truth: Sometimes the best care comes from someone who feels less like a service provider and more like a dependable neighbor.
And for many local pet parents, that’s exactly what they’ve found.
THE PODCAST FOR LAS VEGAS LOCALS FOLLOW US ON
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Ready to give this childhood classic the upgrade it deserves? Whether you’re packing your kid’s lunch or treating yourself to something special, these elevated PB&J creations will make anyone excited for lunchtime.
The secret to an elevated PB&J isn’t complicated—it’s all about premium ingredients and creative combinations. Swap that white bread for artisanal sourdough, brioche, or even croissants. Trade processed jelly for fresh fruit compotes, gourmet preserves, or actual fresh berries that burst with flavor.
Quality nut butters make all the difference. Think creamy almond butter, rich cashew spread, or that perfectly salted natural peanut butter from the farmer’s market. These simple swaps instantly elevate your sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.
Bread Options
• Artisanal sourdough
• Brioche
• Croissants
• Multigrain bread
• Cinnamon raisin bread
• Hawaiian sweet bread
• Whole wheat bread
• Thick-cut bread (for open-face)
Nut & Seed Butters
• Natural peanut butter
• Almond butter
• Dark chocolate almond butter
• Cashew butter
• Coconut butter
• Nutella
Fresh Fruits
• Strawberries
• Fresh blueberries
• Fresh raspberries
• Fresh peaches
• Kiwi
• Mixed berries
• Bananas
• Pears
Preserves & Sweet Spreads
• Honey
• Fig jam
• Mango preserves
• Raspberry preserves
• Grape jelly
• Marshmallow cream
Toppings & Add-ins
• Fresh mint leaves
• Granola
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Cream cheese
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Dark Chocolate Syrup
TRANSFORM YOUR HUMBLE PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH FROM LUNCH BOX BASIC TO GOURMET GREATNESS
The Sophisticated Sweet: Nutella, sliced strawberries, and a drizzle of honey on brioche bread
The Panini Perfection: Peanut butter, fresh blueberries, and marshmallow cream pressed between sourdough slices
The Beautiful Mess: Your favorite nut butter topped with sliced fresh peaches, kiwi, or berries, then drizzled with golden honey or sprinkled with toasted coconut on thick-cut bread
The Grown-Up Classic: Almond butter, fig jam, and thinly sliced pears on multigrain bread
The Breakfast Crossover: Cashew butter, sliced bananas, and a sprinkle of granola on cinnamon raisin bread
The Tropical Twist: Coconut butter, mango preserves, and toasted coconut flakes on Hawaiian sweet bread
The Chocolate Dream: Dark chocolate almond butter, raspberry preserves, and fresh mint leaves on whole wheat
The Savory Surprise: Natural peanut butter, grape jelly, and a thin layer of cream cheese with everything bagel seasoning
Toast your bread lightly for extra texture, even if you’re making it ahead. Create a barrier with your spread to prevent soggy sandwiches—apply nut butter to both sides, then add your sweet elements in the middle. Pack fresh elements separately and assemble just before eating when possible.
Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters, wrap in parchment paper tied with twine, or pack in a bento box with complementary sides like apple slices, fancy crackers, or dark chocolate squares.
An elevated PB&J proves that sometimes the best meals come from taking something familiar and making it special. These upgraded versions will have everyone asking for the recipe—and maybe even offering to trade lunches.
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
AUGUST 1ST – 3RD
United Way of Southern Nevada Office | 8:30 AM
Help local students start the school year feeling ready to learn, grow, and succeed. United Way of Southern Nevada is collecting a variety of new school supplies for students in need. Requested items include: backpacks, crayons, markers, pencils, scissors, notebooks, and folders. Learn more and shop on the Amazon Wishlist at uwsn.org/backtoschool.
AUGUST 1ST – 31ST
Springs Preserve | 9:00 AM
Dino Safari: A Walk-Thru Adventure showcases how dinosaurs evolved over time and offers hands-on challenges for visitors to solve, along with depictions of natural elements that often occurred during this time such as earthquakes. Admission to Dino Safari is included with general admission and free for Springs Preserve members. Plan your visit at springspreserve.org.
AUGUST 1ST
M Resort & Casino | 4:00 PM
Joy Prom Las Vegas is a full-scale, prom for teenagers and adults with cognitive and physical impairments, where the Las Vegas community unites to celebrate the uniqueness of every guest. Explore volunteer opportunities at joypromlasvegas.com
AUGUST 14TH
Once Upon a Bachelor Performed by Cazo Dance Theatre
Windmill Library | 7:00 PM
Cazo Dance Theatre flips reality TV on its head with “Once Upon a Bachelor,” a full-length interactive dance-theatre spectacle that reimagines “The Bachelor” through the lens of beloved fairytale characters. For more information call 702-507-6068.
AUGUST 22ND
2026 HRC Las Vegas Gala
Durango Casino and Resort | 5:00 PM
The support generated from this in-person fundraising gala will help fuel the work for equality. The Welcome Reception for all guests will begin at 5:00 pm with the main program beginning at 6:30 pm. HRC encourages guests to dress however they feel comfortable, whether that is black tie, festive or casual. Tickets available at tickets.hrc.org
AUGUST 29TH
UNLV Rebel vs. Memphis
Allegiant Stadium | 7:00 PM
Second-year head coach Dan Mullen’s team will kick off the Rebels’ 59th season of football on Saturday, August 29th by playing Memphis for the first time. The clash of conference contenders will be waged during Week Zero at Allegiant Stadium, marking the second straight year that UNLV opens early on the national calendar. Tickets available at unlvtickets.com.
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Introducing New Southern Nevada Locations.
At the Richard Harris Law Firm, we remain committed to helping bring justice to victims of accidents across Nevada. As Nevada grows, so does our firm-which is why we are excited to share the opening of our Henderson, Southwest Las Vegas, and Summerlin offices.
