Valley Lifestyles April 2015

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SUMMER’S

Style

Gilbert mom SUMMER BELLESSA goes fashionably viral

APRIL 2015

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Women’s Hair Loss

Why Does it Happen? & What can you do about it?

What used to be a “men’s condition” is now quickly becoming a female epidemic.

It is scary to think that you could randomly wake up one day and begin to see more hair on the pillow case and less on your head. For women losing their hair, it is a serious blow to femininity and the ideal vision of themselves. We are constantly cutting and coloring to make sure our hair looks the best it can. But what if one day the un-thinkable happens… and it falls out and doesn’t grow back?

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Question: What causes women’s hair loss?

Answer: Female hair loss can be caused by multiple factors, but the most common cause is an underlying genetic pre-disposition to hair loss known as androgenetic alopecia or female pattern hair loss. Unlike the popular myth that you inherit hair loss from your mother’s father, women can inherit hair loss from either side of the family. This means that women can inherit hair loss from men and vice versa. It is much more common than people know.

There are other factors that can cause hair loss or increase hair loss due to family history. They include stress, lifestyle, diet, thyroid disfunction, fungal infections, scalp parasites, and medications (most common hormone replacement and birth control pills).

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Question: What do your clinics use to help women with thinning hair?

Answer: Depending on the reason for the loss, the treatment protocol will vary. Usually though for common female pattern hair loss the protocol is relatively similar. We a have a 9 month program that includes twice weekly office visits for cool light laser treatments for the scalp. This stimulates cell regeneration and is already approved to promote thicker hair. Our program also includes topical pharmaceuticals, hormone therapy balancing cream, nutritional supplementation, holistic hair care products, and topical scalp serums.

This is most aggressive treatment that we offer, but it works. When you use everything together the way that our program does, you are bound to get results.

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Question: What advice would you give a woman who is dealing with this problem?

Answer: Find the source of the problem as quickly as possible and treat that problem. Don’t try to treat it yourself because it wastes time that could be spent growing hair back. I obviously would recommend to call us and then come in for a consultation. Worst case scenario, you can stop the progression of the loss. Best case, we can dramatically reverse your hair loss and regrow hair.

We have had numerous cases where a woman was wearing a wig or extensions when they started the treatment. Then 9 months later they were able to remove their wig permanently or stop getting extensions because their hair had gained so much volume and density.

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Question: Is there hope for women with thinning hair?

How do you control it?

Answer: There certainly is. There are

so many tools that can be used to control female hair loss and reverse it in many cases. Once you have established the reason for the hair loss and it can be treated with a variety of methods. Unfortunately, most general physicians simply don’t have the time or the knowledge to get a full understanding of why a woman is losing her hair. The female patient is then left combing the internet for solutions that rarely leads to any real answer.

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Question: How you do know what is causing your hair loss?

Answer: A simple patient history

is the easiest way. Many women have blood tests for hormonal issues, thyroid dysfunction, iron levels, and vitamin D deficiency. Unfortunately this rarely produces any other cause other than normal pattern hair loss.

At our clinics we use a video microscope to analyze the condition of the scalp at 50x magnification. At this level we can tell if the client has loss due to stress, diet, infection of the hair follicle, or simple hormonally related hair loss.

WILLIAM GAUNITZ, WTS CEO of Evolution Hair Loss Institute 4450 South Rural Rd. Bldg C. Suite 222 Tempe, AZ 85282

480-222-HAIR(4247) www.hairgrowthcenters.com

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Question: Is there maintenance required?

Answer: 99% yes. I usually tell people it’s like brushing your teeth. If you don’t brush them and go to the dentist, your teeth will rot and fall out. The same goes for your hair. If you have a genetic hair loss problem, you have two options; oneyou can treat the problem long term, or two- let your hair fall out and go bald. Clearly our clients choose hair.

Are Bio-Identical Hormones for Me? Q: What is Bio-Identical Hormone Pellet Therapy and how does it work/differ from traditional hormone replacement therapy?

A: The therapy we do is designed to change the internal physiology—to reconstruct, as close as we can, to what the patient would possess in their late 30’s, early 40’s. The structure of the hormone is identical to what the human body produces. This is a more preferable method of replacement compared to hormones that come from horses or are produced from a synthetic foundation.

Q: Since the hormone pellet is inserted underneath the skin, is the release process more beneficial to the body?

A: When you’re using other forms—pills, creams, gels, patches, etc., you get a roller coaster effect. With pellets, hormone release is controlled by heart rate and the amount of blood that’s pumping. Think of the pellet as a lollipop, and the body is a child. If you’re exercising, your heart rate’s way up; the kid is licking furiously on the lollipop. The importance is that you get the right amount of hormone at the right time, continuously. Other forms of delivery don’t come close to that.

Q: How are your treatments created and who would be a good candidate?

A: Our treatments use either soy or yam, which utilize the exact 4-carbon structure common to all reproductive hormones. By using enzymes that mirror and are identical to those your body naturally uses, the hormones can be refined to each individual's needs. An example, is that even young women begin losing testosterone as early as age 20. By the time they reach 40, they are now at 1/2 normal hormonal production. The ovary has a difficult time making estrogen without the required testosterone. Similar issues arise for men as they age and they experience hormonal imbalance.

Q: What are the most common symptoms that bring patients in to see you?

A: We see symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and fatigue. Patients note a lack of response to exercise or weight gain. Complaints of the brain not being able to remember things accurately or having difficulty with multitasking—all related to the various aspects of hormonal imbalance in men and women.

PUBLISHER

Steve T. Strickbine EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Christina Caldwell

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Breanne DeMore ART DIRECTOR

Dara Fowler

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lynette Carrington, Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Ainsley Despain, Julie Lemerond ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Sheree Kamenetsky EDITORIAL INQUIRIES ccaldwell@valleylifestyles.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Sam Nalven, Tim Sealy DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AZ Integrated Media

EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING OFFICES

Valley Lifestyles Magazine 3200 N. Hayden Rd., Suite 210 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Phone: (480) 348-0343 Comments: ccaldwell@valleylifestyles.com www.valleylifestyles.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the Times Media Group. Photographs, graphics and artwork are the property of Valley Lifestyles Magazine. © Affluent Publishing LLC.

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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april

FEATURES 30

BEST OF THE BEST

The East Valley’s burgeoning culinary scene has seen some serious foodie heavyweights come into town in recent years, bringing some of the hottest restaurants to town and some of the very best dishes.

We found some of the most exciting plates around town and talked to the masterminds behind them—the genius chefs.

By Breanne DeMore

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THE WILD, WILD WEST

Tucson’s Tanque Verde Ranch is the Old West as traditionally envisioned. Images of cowboys, javelina and prickly pears are just par for the course at this desert oasis, located only about two-and-a-half hours from the East Valley. Strap on your spurs, ya’ll!

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By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

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HOME & GARDEN

COOL HOME TRANSFORMATIONS

You probably don’t want the reminder, but the summer heat is just around the corner. Braving blazing temperatures is an expertise among East Valley residents, but when it comes to costly home upgrades, we often put them off. But the fact of the matter is that basic upgrades to your windows, shutters, floors and more can make you home feel cooler—and they don’t have to cost a fortune.

By Breanne DeMore

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april

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DEPARTMENTS 10 FROM THE EDITOR 13 UPFRONT | 480 #TODDLERSTYLIST

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Gilbert mom Summer Bellessa is a fashionista in her own right. The former model, current blogger and actress mixes patterns, textures and styles for a look that’s uniquely her own. So what happened when she put her outfits in the hands of someone else? More specifically, her 4-year-old toddler, Rockwell? That’s when she became an Internet sensation.

16 LOCAL LOOK: Lorelei Boutique GET THOSE CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING! 18 GONE COUNTRY 20 HAUTE ITEMS: Keep mom cool 21 PASSION PROJECTS 22 A REAL LIFESAVER 24 KEEP IT INSIDE

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28 STRENGTHEN YOUR STOMACH

53 FOOD & WINE

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KAI RESTAURANT 57 YOU GOTTA TRY 58 IN SEASON: Flowers 60 RESTAURANT GUIDE

62 10 GREAT DATES 64 LAST WORD

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editor's letter

HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. That’s the sound of me retreating from the sun, becoming the April-through-October vampire all East Valley residents devolve into in the summer months.

Really, if there was such a thing as ice cream delivery, there would really be no reason to leave the house this summer. (On the serious, should I take this idea to “Shark Tank”? Let me know.)

As the rest of the country is unthawing from its deep freeze this month, we’re preparing to get seared in the Arizona heat. And as things heat up, we’re forced to indoor sanctuaries. It’s not that we’re feeling lazy—it’s a matter of survival!

OK, it’s that and Netflix’s endless supply of entertainment that keep us in.

But really, there’s plenty of indoor fun to have with the family in the Valley. Staff writer Ainsley Despain found some of the hottest (No, coolest!) spots to stave off the sweat this summer, including Scottsdale’s Butterfly Wonderland and the soon-to-open LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Tempe’s Arizona Mills. But if you’re going to stay inside, you might as well do it in style.

How can you keep the indoors cool without spending a fortune on electricity bills? Make the investment in a few upgrades, as associate editor

ON THE COVER:

Summer Bellessa PHOTO: SAM NALVEN MODELS: SUMMER, ROCKWELL AND PHOENIX BELLESSA HAIR: SHELBY RAE OF HAIR DO SALON MAKEUP: LINDSEY FORREST BOUFFARD OF PAINTING YOU PRETTY STYLIST: NIKI WORHEN OF STYLE WORTHY

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

Breanne DeMore reports in our home feature this month. Your floors, windows, shutters and countertops can make a difference, if only to the touch. Plus they’ll look pretty good, too.

And speaking of looking good, your toddler probably isn’t your go-to person for fashion advice. But Gilbert mom Summer Bellessa rocked the style her toddler picked from her closet for a week. The resulting YouTube video and blog went viral, inspiring other moms across the country to do the same, as I wrote about in this month’s Upfront 480 story. The former model (and our cover girl!) donned some seriously eclectic outfit pairings, giving her son, Rockwell, a whole lot of confidence in his decisions along the way.

And really, we could all use a bit more confidence in our decisions. So it’s decided! I’m curling up with some ice cream and watching “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” And you can bet the accompanying outfit will look like it was picked out by a toddler. I assume Rockwell would be proud.

See you in October,

CHRISTINA CALDWELL Executive Editor

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Veneers & Whitening Invisalign Clear Braces Full Mouth Reconstruction Laser Gum Therapy Implants Laughing Gas

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UpFront 480 TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

#TODDLERSTYLIST GILBERT MOM SUMMER BELLESSA LET HER 4-YEAR-OLD STYLE HER FOR A WEEK, LEADING TO A VIRAL INTERNET TREND

BY CHRISTINA CALDWELL

As you peer into your closet, it’s easy to say you have nothing good to wear, but sometimes you just need a fresh set of eyes on your wardrobe to show you how inspiring it can be.

While 34-year-old Gilbert mom of two Summer Bellessa has a far from stale wardrobe as a lifestyle blogger at thegirlswithglasses.com, former model and current actress, she broadened her fashion horizons in an unexpected way that went viral on the Disney-owned blog, babble.com.

In February, Bellessa let her 4-year-old, Rockwell, pick out her outfits for five days. She documented the experience on the blog, as well as Instagram and YouTube. Rockwell’s stylings quickly became a viral sensation and #toddlerstylist was born, which she never thought would happen “in a million years.”

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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upfront 480

TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

“I was just writing my weekly post for Babble, and I knew this one was fun, but I didn't realize how many women would connect with it and want to try it themselves,” she says.

While hundreds of thousands of people took notice of Rockwell’s stylings online, the grown-up closest to Bellessa barely took notice on the first day.

“The first day I let Rockwell dress me, [my husband] didn't even notice my eccentric outfit, which I'm not sure what to chalk it up to the fact that I always dress a little out there, or that I've just trained him to always say I look great,” Bellessa jokes.

And the outfits were certainly eccentric. Day one included a Bob Dylan T-shirt, a grey skirt, black tights, nude heels and a navy blue hoodie. Day two was quirky-cute with polka dot leggings,

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

a Mickey Mouse T-shirt and gold studded heels. Day three was based around some new flower-printed socks and grew from there.

“I like flowers,” Rockwell said, and pointed to a clashing blue flowered dress to “match.” The outfit was finished off with an oversized military green jacket and pink-and-grey striped sneakers.

Day four and five were relatively basic, passable outfits, with the exception of mismatching shoes, which led to an unanticipated learning experience.

“As I wore two different shoes for two days, I learned that most people don't pay as close attention to what you're wearing as you think they are. It's liberating in a way. All the pressure we feel about how we look and what we wear is pressure that we put on ourselves,” she says.

That’s not to say she didn’t get any sideways glances during the process. The week culminated with a YouTube video, where Bellessa stepped out of the house in what was probably the quirkiest Rockwell-styled outfit—a black and white patterned blouse with a sequined floor-length skirt, large costume jewelry and bright red sunglasses. She then ran errands at Gilbert’s SanTan Village, where she videoed the snickers and odd looks she got from passersby.

“I've been modeling and acting since I was four, so it takes a lot more then this to make me feel embarrassed. But I will say knowing that my little guy picked each item out for me gave me even more confidence, because I care what he thinks about me way more then a bunch of random people who don't even know me,” Bellessa says.

“As I wore two different shoes for two days, I learned that most people don't pay as close attention to what you're wearing as you think they are. It's liberating in a way. All the pressure we feel about how we look and what we wear is pressure that we put on ourselves..."

Rockwell did put together an outfit deemed too cute for #toddlerstylist, though, because Bellessa believed the public would think the outfit was staged. A combination of a cream Boden dress, Lula Roe kimono and statement necklace was unexpectedly fashion-forward, with one exception.

“I would've definitely worn [that outfit], but probably not paired a pair of mint green Vans with them,” she says.

Bellessa has never been afraid to take risks with fashion, but as a fashionable mommy on-the-go, she builds a foundational, comfortable wardrobe with great basic staples like ballet flats, stretchy skinny jeans and durable T-shirts, then adds a bit of flavor with fun, vibrant accessories.

For these, she shops Nordstrom and H&M in the East Valley, plus T. Madison Boutique in Chandler, Barney’s and Zara in Scottsdale and the one-of-a-kind vintage feel of Fashion by Robert Black in Old Town.

“I try to be classic and timeless. I love vintage pieces, but I like to put a modern twist to my outfits,” Bellessa says. “I'm always aspiring to be a modern day Audrey Hepburn.” VLM

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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upfront 480

TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

GET THOSE CREATIVE

LOCAL

JUICES FLOWING!

LOOK

BY CASEY BLAKE

COMPILED BY BREANNE DEMORE

Are you in a rut? Feeling uninspired? A creative outlet could be just the ticket to expanding your perspective.

As days get longer and spring turns into summer, we find ourselves looking for ways to change up routines and stay cool in the process. At Mesa Arts Center, visual and performing arts classes are not just for those with a knack for design or flare for the dramatic. People of all ages can take a one-day workshop or a multiweek class in many disciplines, including glassmaking, ceramics, jewelry-making, drama and dance. And beginner classes offer a safe place to explore creativity and nurture imagination.

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at working with glass?

Intro to Flameworking is the first step in that direction. Learn to create one-of-a-kind glass beads using a torch in a one-day workshop.

Ever wanted to feel the satisfaction of shaping metal with your hands? No need to be intimidated. Intro to Welding, Blacksmithing and Bladesmithing will have you crafting functional pieces in very little time. Learn to bend, shape, cut, weld and finish decorative objects for your yard or home.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Timing is everything�? Try out your comedic timing in an Improv class with Names from a Hat Improv, and then stick around for $5 performances every Sunday night at 7 p.m.

Want to bust a move, get fit and feel carefree while doing so? EPIK Dance Co. has you covered with Ballet Fitness and Contemporary/Jazz classes. No prior experience necessary.

Ever feel like your walls could use a little extra love? Learn to leave your own creative mark in the Printmaking Sampler, which includes monotype, etching, relief and more styles of printmaking.

Satisfy your curiosity and delve into your imagination. Find more information at mesaartscenter.com and register today. VLM GET THIS LOOK: Lorelei Boutique 64400 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe (480) 491-1230 theloreleiboutique.com

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

EXPAND YOUR IMAGINATION AT: Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa (480) 644-6500 mesaartscenter.com

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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upfront 480

GONE

TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

Country

Jamie Lynn Spears exchanges acting for a shot at a country music career

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Jamie Lynn Spears may only be 23 years old, but she knows what she wants in her career.

Known to millennials as the title character in Nickelodeon’s “Zoey 101,” Spears has her mind set on success in country music.

Last year was a case study in exactly how Britney Spears’ little sister can do that.

Her debut country EP, The Journey, peaked at No. 24 on the country charts and No. 5 on the Heatseekers list. The first single, “How Could I Want More,” reached as high as No. 29 on the country chart.

“It was definitely an exciting year,” says Spears in her charming Southern drawl. “It was a year of firsts for me. It was a learning experience for me as well.”

She learned work-life balance, and how to be the best mom to her 6-year-old daughter, Maddie Briann Aldridge.

“I think finding a balance between my personal and professional lives was an important thing I learned last year,” she says. “I’m a mother, so I have to make sure when I’m traveling that I give 110 percent to my performance. I think I really got a good grasp on what that means this year.”

Spears is pleased to be a part of this year’s Country Thunder in Florence. She performs first on Saturday, April 11, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.—the same day as Blake Shelton.

“I’ve seen him at an award show live, but I’ve never actually seen him at a show,” she says. “I think that would be exciting to see. He’s at the top of his game.”

Upon hearing the rest of the headliners—Brett Eldredge, Big & Rich and Luke Bryan—she gushes at the prospect of sharing a stage with them.

“I think it would be really fun to see them at the festival in action,” Spears says.

She was booked for some sweet gigs last year as well. Spears opened for the likes of Alan Jackson and Alabama. She made her Grand Ole Opry debut in mid-2014. She’s speechless when asked about it.

“There are no words to describe it,” she says. “It’s one of those things everybody knows of. It’s such an iconic thing. Just to stand in that circle, you don’t feel worthy. It’s such a humbling moment and such a moment you’re just so grateful for—to even be on that stage.”VLM

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

KICK UP DUST AT: COUNTRY THUNDER 20585 E. Price (Station) Road, Florence, (877) 569-7767 arizona.countrythunder.com

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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upfront 480

TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

Cool

KEEP MOM

Your mom is cool, but with Mother’s Day just around the corner, ‘tis the season to keep her cool, too! Summer is coming and with the excitement of the season comes the sun. Cool things off and turn up the fun in the backyard by adding these outdoor accessories. Beat the heat in style with these wonderful finds designed to help moms stay cool, have fun and look fabulous.

COMPILED BY AINSLEY DESPAIN

‘CASSIDY’ STRAW FEDORA Available at Nordstrom at Chandler Fashion Center

‘IF YOU’RE LUCKY’ LONG SLEEVE TEE Available at lululemon at Chandler Fashion Center

HERALD CROSSBODY CLUTCH Available at Coach at Chandler Fashion Center

DOLCE & GABBANA ‘LIP GLOSS’ SUNGLASSES Available at Sunglass Hut at Chandler Fashion Center

FANTOM MISTING FAN CABANA FLOATING ISLANDER Available at Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supplies at Southern Palms Shopping Center

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

Available at Bed Bath & Beyond at San Tan Village

PASSION PROJECTS LISA LOEB FOLLOWS HER VIGOR TO THE VALLEY

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Lisa Loeb has done it all. Since her 1994 hit “Stay (I Missed You)” became a pop culture phenomenon, the bespectacled performer has perfected her eyewear collection, written children’s books, starred in television shows, but most of all, became a mom to two children.

She was in her late 20s when she scored the ubiquitous hit—which, incidentally, was the first No.1 by an unsigned artist—but the success was a learning experience for her.

“I think I just try to follow my heart and do things that I’m interested in doing,” she says.

“Luckily now, as an artist and a business person, there is a lot of flexibility and a lot of opportunities.”

Visiting Arizona is one of her interests. When Loeb brings her family-friendly show to the Scottsdale Civic Center Amphitheatre on Saturday, April 25, she is planning to reconnect with old friend Mark Tarbell, the mastermind behind Tarbell’s restaurant in Phoenix, hiking up Camelback Mountain and—if she can persuade her—bring her mom so she can visit the Grand Canyon.

“When you’re working, it does take up a lot of time and energy, so you want to do things that you love doing—as much as you can,” she says.

These days she is directing her energy toward a new proper album, the

premier of “Camp Kappawanna,” a kids musical opening in New York with the Atlantic Theater Company, and her eyewear line, which is now available at Costco. Her most recent album, No Fairy Tale, was co-produced by Loeb and New Found Glory’s Chad Gilbert, in what seems to be an odd pairing.

“New Found Glory covered ‘Stay’ and asked me to sing harmony on it, which I did,” Loeb says. “He contacted me to see if he could produce a record for me. I thought it was a great idea. It’s a little more rock and much higher energy. He was wonderful to work with.”

She owes it all to the staying power—no pun intended— of “Stay,” which played key roles in “Hot Tub Time Machine 2” and “Orange is the New Black.”

“What I love is that people have that sentimental connection to it that can bring out all different emotions—everything from heartfelt love and loss,” she says. “There is a humorous side to it, too, when all your girlfriends sing along to it, which we saw in ‘Orange is the New Black.’ It’s become such an icon on its own that you can put it in those situations poking fun. It just has its own life.” VLM

SAY STAY AT: LISA LOEB AT SCOTTSDALE CIVIC CENTER AMPHITHEATRE 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottdale (480) 874-4615 scottsdaleperformingarts.org VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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upfront 480

TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

A REAL

Lifesaver

TRANSPLANT AWARENESS MONTH HIGHLIGHTS ORGAN NEEDS FOR PATIENTS OF ALL AGES

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

A pregnant Caylyn Otto was preparing for the worst. She and her son’s father, Chris Crawford, were planning their son Oliver’s funeral even before his little body came into this world.

The doctors even told them to look into hospice.

Twenty-four weeks into her pregnancy, a routine ultrasound revealed what they had feared: Oliver had cardiomyopathy, a heart disease that causes the organ to become enlarged, thick or rigid.

“They were hoping when he was born he could be stabilized on medication,” the Mesa mom says. “His heart got worse and they started backing off on what they thought they could do.”

Doctors tried in vain to allow Otto to fully form in his mother’s womb. However, at 33 weeks, on Jan. 5, he was born at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center—with a heart the size of a 5-yearold child. Immediately he was rushed to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where doctors were recommending a heart transplant.

At six days old he received the heart. According to his physician, Dr. Daniel A. Velez of Phoenix Children’s Heart Center, Oliver is not the youngest transplant patient in the terms of “right after birth.” He is the youngest transplant patient to his knowledge from a gestational age, as he was born premature.

Otto says the team at Phoenix Children’s Hospital performed a “medical miracle.”

“It’s modern-day science,” says Otto. “There were hundreds of people involved. I was just blown away.

“I don’t think anybody realized the orchestration that went into Oliver’s delivery. We found out so early, so early, within a few appointments of having the ultrasound and heart echocardiograms that this boy was coming out very sick.”

Driving home the day after his surgery, the couple looked at each other and Otto said, “This is actually something you would hear on the news.”

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

They were scared. Terrified. But with prayer, they hoped their son would survive.

In late March, Oliver is doing well. There is some lung damage because the enlarged heart didn’t allow his lungs to develop. He went home with a little assistance.

Otto says she is “so thankful” for the doctors. There is something the couple would like to do, however. They want to thank the donors for saving their little boy’s life.

“We plan to reach out to the social workers and write them a letter someday.”

April is National Donate Life Month, a time to recognize the gifts of organ, eye and tissue donation across the country.

More than 51 percent of the Arizona’s adult population is a registered donor.

On Sunday, April 12, Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) will be at Chase Field for the ninth annual Donate Life Day with the D-backs. There will be a registration booth in the community corner, where Arizonans can sign up as an organ, eye and tissue donors. The D-backs will honor Arizona donor families, recipients and the donation community on the field before first pitch. For tickets, contact jimperial@dbacks.com.

The fifth annual Health Care for Hope challenge kicks off on April 1, with more than 50 hospitals and health care organizations participating. Participating organizations will hold registration events, flag raisings and more to encourage Arizonans to give the gift of life.

Arizonans can sign up as registered organ, eye and tissue donors when they apply for or renew their driver’s license or ID at the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). They can also become donors by signing up online at donatelifeaz.org or calling 1-800-94-DONOR. VLM

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

23

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

KEEP IT

INSIDE INDOOR ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THE KIDS ENTERTAINED THIS SUMMER

BY AINSLEY DESPAIN

Most people around the country love summer, but the intense Arizona heat can make it difficult for kids to stay active and have fun. There are so many exciting places in the Valley, so there’s no need to settle for the library and local splash pad every day. Kick this summer up a notch by taking the whole family to enjoy these indoor venues designed to keep kids happy for hours on end!

MAKUTU’S ISLAND

This multi-level indoor playground for kids of all ages includes several play areas, including a 35-foot slide and an arcade. The 25-foot indoor oak tree has mole holes and tunnels for the kids to explore. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Socks are required to play. Admission for kids is $10. 6919 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, (480) 344-3741, makutusisland.com

BUTTERFLY WONDERLAND

Butterfly Wonderland features the largest butterfly pavilion in America. A colorful new addition to the Valley, this attraction brings the rainforest to the desert with an innovative indoor environment.

Thousands of butterflies fly freely, landing on plants, flowers and even the guests! Come see these beautiful flying creatures from around the world and make new friends. Admission for adults is $20, kids $12.

9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, (480) 800-3000, butterflywonderland.com SEA LIFE AQUARIUM

Sea Life Arizona transports visitors to the ocean, providing close encounters with a variety of sea creatures including rays, seahorses, colorful tropical fish and more. Check online for information about watching a sea life creature feeding. Kids can touch urchins, rays and other sea life in the touching pool.

Prices vary. 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle., Tempe, (480) 478-7600, visitsealife.com/arizona TOPGOLF SUMMER ACADEMY

TopGolf Summer Academy is an exciting program filled with every aspect that makes up the great game of golf. Your child will learn everything they need to know about golf from putting to etiquette and the rules of the game. Each session is designed and taught by a teaching professional who ensures the environment is enjoyable and relaxed so the kids have a great time while they learn. Summer Academy is staffed with a low student-to-teacher ratio to make sure your child CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 > 24

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

gets hands-on attention while they develop a winning golf swing. Academy admission per week is $199. While the driving range is not technically indoors, kids can cool off at the indoor restaurant, or while playing games inside. 1689 S. Santan Village Pkwy., Gilbert, (480) 240-1282, topgolf.com LASER QUEST PHOENIX

Talk about air conditioned fun! This cool, dark laser dungeon will keep kids of all ages entertained. Get a group of friends together, ages 7 and up, and get assigned a “mission” at Laser Quest. The goal is to get as many points as possible while showing your expert skills at hide-and-seek. Admission for kids is $8. 3335 W. Peoria Ave., Phoenix, (302) 548-0005, laserquest.com DAVE & BUSTER’S

One place to make the whole family cheer! Dave & Buster’s at Desert Ridge caters to both kids and parents, offering a huge arcade inside a full restaurant and bar. Kids can have a blast playing games while parents enjoy a cocktail. A convenient place for fun and food, stay for dinner and keep playing. Everything you need is right there. Admission is free, individual game prices vary. 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, (480) 281-8456, daveandbusters.com

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

OCTANE RACEWAY

If your kids have a need for speed but you want to avoid standing in the summer heat, then consider heading to Octane Raceway. This indoor track provides a safe place for kids to race on 3 miles of track out of the sun’s heat. The entire family can come enjoy a day at the tracks while enjoying the cool indoor environment. Admission for kids is $18, adults $21. 9119 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale, (602) 302-7223, octaneraceway.com VLM

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

STRENGTHEN YOUR STOMACH

FOR SWIMSUIT SEASON

BY JULIE LEMEROND

It’s April, and we all know what that means. (And no, I’m not talking about tax season. I’m talking about something potentially even more terrifying.) Swimsuit season is upon us!

Let’s talk tummies. Is yours ready to show off?

Here are some fun exercises to build strength in your core. Watch the rest of your body follow suit once things in your stomach start strengthening up!

WRITE YOUR NAME IN THE AIR

This one is fun. Lie on your back with your legs straight up in the air and your arms by your sides, making an L-shape with your body.

Keep your feet pointed and pressed together, and start writing your name in the air. First name, last name, cursive or not, just have fun and do several reps of this. Your belly will thank you, and you might laugh a little along the way, too.

GRAB AN EXERCISE BALL AND GET TO WORK

Grab one of those large exercise balls at the gym and find a spot where you have some room to move. There are lots of options for using the ball, for instance: 1. Lie flat on your back and hold the ball between your ankles.

Lift legs. Keeping them straight, grab the ball and lift it overhead.

Put ball back between feet and lower to the ground. Do two sets of ten reps of these.

2. Stay on your back and bend your knees, bringing the ball under your heels. Cross your hands behind your head and do two sets of 25 crunches.

3. Take a plank pose over the ball with it nestled right under your hips, legs out straight behind you, hands under shoulders, body in a straight line from head to feet. Take a deep inhale and as you exhale, lift your hips so that the ball rolls along your legs until the top of your feet touch it. Inhale back to plank. Do a few reps of ten sets of these.

1. Straighten legs out and cross at ankles, do 15 crunches each side.

2. Bend knees and place them over to the right. Crunches get

into the side body this way.

3. Bring bottoms of feet together and knees out to sides in a butterfly position.

Building strength in our midsections is essential to building strength throughout the body. Watch your posture get better effortlessly, just by building your core strength. And a stronger core means you will hold your body in a more confident manner.

Which means you look good in a swimsuit, no matter what you tell yourself when you look in the mirror! VLM

GOOD OLD-FASHIONED CRUNCHES

No need for fancy exercise equipment to just simply take some crunches on your back. The basic way with knees bent and feet on the ground with hands behind the head works just fine, but to mix it up a bit try these changes: 28

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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29

THE BEST DISHES FROM THE EAST VALLEY’S BEST NEW RESTAURANTS

By Breanne DeMore

Looking at the menu of a new restaurant

The Afterschool Special at The Normal Diner in Tempe

can be a little like looking at a map of a foreign city. If you don’t have any recommendations or guidance, it’s easy to get a little lost.

On top of that, the greater Phoenix culinary scene is booming and the East Valley certainly isn’t left out. The number of new restaurants is certainly exciting but can get a little overwhelming.

To combat these problems, we’ve put together a “best of the best” guide for you. We looked at the best new restaurants in the East Valley and found out what their best dishes are. A little guidance goes a long way when you’re a little overwhelmed by your choices, but we hope these recommendations will ease your mind a bit. Happy eating!

at al Diner The Norm pe uate Tem the Grad ., ache Blvd 225 E. Ap Tempe -9431 (480) 967 er.com in thenormald

Formally an IHOP located in a now-closed Twin Palms Hotel, The Normal Diner opened in October 2014 inside the now re-done and trendy boutique hotel renamed The Graduate Tempe.

The hotel is inspired by the student lifestyle that permeates that part of Tempe but the restaurant’s atmosphere is that of a classic retro-chic diner.

The Normal definitely took their potential clients into consideration when creating the menu. Serving breakfast all day, as well as “quality American comfort food,” the creators and Chef Brian Archibald were also insistent on doing so “with the student budget in mind.”

Offering items from every end of the health spectrum, The Normal absolutely has something for everyone. From a green bowl made with acai and flax seed granola to chicken and waffles made with fried chicken and red velvet waffles, you’re sure to find something to please your palate. Plus, a to-go coffee counter with juices, coffee and grab-and-go snacks for those who want the goods in a hurry.

The Dish:

So, you know how everyone believes that their own mother makes the best grilled cheese? Well, picture your mom’s best grilled cheese that she’s ever made and then take that up a few notches and you might come close the “afterschool special.”

Inspired by Chef Archibald’s own mother’s grilled cheese and tomato soup that she would make for him after school, the “afterschool special” is a BBQ brisket, Havarti and cheddar grilled cheese served with a cup of tomato soup.

Quickly becoming a favorite among customers, the “afterschool special” even gets a pretty great reaction from its creator. When asked what he thinks when he eats this dish, Chef Archibald simply responds that it feels like “the true feeling of comfort.”

Blaste d Barle y Beer 404 S. Co. Mill Av e., Suite 1 01, Tem pe (480) 9 67-588 7 blasted barley.c om

The Curry Cauliflower No Mac with Cheese

at Blasted Barley Beer Co. in Tempe “Bar food has always been the same and we wanted to change that,” says JT Hallett, manager at Tempe’s Blasted Barley Co. “We wanted to have a menu like our drink selection—one that creates options for everyone. Our menu has burgers and wings, as well—don’t worry. But also vegetarian options and things people would never expect to be on a bar menu.”

That drink selection that Hallett is referring to is quite diverse. With 30 rotating taps and a slew of cocktails (some of which even incorporate beer), Blasted Barley is quickly becoming well known for their creativity behind the bar as well as in the kitchen.

Opening in November 2014, the crew behind the restaurant knew exactly where they wanted to be located.

“Downtown Tempe has become the central spot for craft

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

beers in Arizona. We love drinking beers, brewing beers and the beer culture and, right now, Tempe is the best spot for all of that.”

The Dish:

Inspired by the timeless mac and cheese, the “curry cauliflower no mac with cheese” still has the same great flavor of the classic dish but with the added benefit of the gluten-free vegetable.

“I love everything [about this dish], from the slight crunch of the cauliflower to the mid kick of the curry, but if I had to choose one part is it the cheese. The thick, gooey cheese sauce we make everyday in house is awesome!” Hallett says.

Plus, Hallett mentions that everyone, from college students to coworkers, from kids to grown-ups, all love the dish and they don’t even seem to notice the lack of macaroni.

The Spanglish

at the Beer Research Institute in Mesa

“A place for people to gather, socialize and share amazing food and beer—that’s what The Beer Research Institute represents,” says Matt Trethewey, owner of The Beer Research Institute (BRI) in Mesa.

For the past 15 years, Trethewey has been planning to open a brew pub of sorts, but it was his venture into homebrewing about nine years ago that forced the idea to evolve into a brewery.

It took no time to decide where their restaurant would be.

“Mesa was an easy choice. This is our community. It’s the third-largest city in the state and there was only one brewery. We decided that our city needed a little more culture and it needed a social gathering place,” Trethewey says.

Opening in the middle of November 2014, The BRI is a culmination of a lifetime of experiences for Trethewey. Starting out washing dishes at 13 years old, he has held every imaginable position in the food industry since then and feeds off of the satisfaction of making customers happy through his restaurants.

The Dish:

Just a warning: this dish contains something called “meat candy,” so just prepare yourself.

In the movie “Spanglish,” Adam Sandler’s character is shown making a perfect egg and bacon sandwich. Inspired by this, Trethewey decided to imitate it but with a special BRI twist.

Assembled on grilled sweet Hawaiian bread, this sandwich includes provolone, butter lettuce, tomato, chipotle mayo, an over easy egg and The BRI’s special “meat candy,” which is candied bacon with Sriracha sauce.

“There’s nothing else like it—it is really unique,” Trethewey says. “When the egg yolk pops and mixes with the sauce from the meat candy, magic happens. The flavor profile is amazing, the texture is on point and this is the only place you can get it.”

The Beer Research Institute 1641 S. Stapley Dr., Suite 104, Mesa (480) 892-2020 thebeerresearchinstitute.com

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

33

Kale Slaw at GRAZ Kitchen Fresh in Chandler Marcus Gonzales has always had a fascination with creating food for the people around him, but his experience didn’t necessarily start in the kitchen, per se.

“His first experience with cooking and preparing food actually came from sneaking and baking in his sister’s pink Easy Bake Oven around the side of his great-grandmother’s house!” explains his wife, Jennifer Siozos.

His great-grandmother was always cooking big meals for the family every day, but as a young Hispanic male, it wasn’t necessarily typical for him to be in the kitchen. So Gonzales found another way to fulfill his passion for cooking.

Since his Easy Bake days, Gonzales has served six years in the United States Marine Corps and 15 years in various roles in the food industry. Using this diverse and vital experience and knowledge, Gonzales and Siozos opened GRAZ, their dream come true, in October 2014.

Loving Chandler for the way the community rallies around and supports local businesses, Gonzales and Siozos asked local residents what they wanted in a new restaurant concept and they found there was a need for more fresh and healthy options. So, with that in mind, they brought GRAZ to life and customers to the table.

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

GRAZ: Kitchen Fresh 1005 S. Arizona Ave., Chandle r (480) 72 2-2472 grazkitch enfresh.c om

The Seafood Au Gratin with Spanish Saffron Sauce at Cuisine & Wine Bistro in Gilbert

Fabrice and Mairead Buschtetz are food people through and through.

“We are passionate about food,” says Mairead before explaining that the two met in a hotel restaurant in France 27 years ago. Fabrice’s parents and grandparents ran restaurants in France, and even the Buschtetzs’ three children have followed in their parents’ footsteps.

“At home we each take turns in cooking for the others. We all love food once it is well prepared, from basic to sophisticated [and] from local to international food,” Mairead says.

“Sophisticated” is a wonderful way to describe the food at Cuisine and Wine Bistro. After opening in early March, the Buschtetz have created a menu of healthier entrees and a vast selection of charcuterie and cheeses, a natural choice for French chef Fabrice. Plus, the restaurant brings a breath of fresh air to the Gilbert area.

“Speaking with our customers, we discovered that they are in demand of an individual, family-run restaurant, instead of chain ones”says Mairead about what they like about the East Valley. And her customers agree. “'Delicious' has been the recurring word [among customers]!” she says.

The Dish:

The Dish:

Kale may be everywhere you look, but you’ve never had it like this. The kale slaw at GRAZ is a light, fresh take on the classic Cole slaw.

“The kale slaw has no mayonnaise in it.

Instead, it has ribbons of Napa cabbage and kale mixed together with some flavorful, fresh ingredients and a house-made honeyvinaigrette. It’s light, tangy and unforgettable,” explains Siozos.

Although it makes the ideal accompaniment to any of GRAZ’s delicious sandwiches, Siozos recommends the side dish with the Green Goddess or Flying Pig sandwiches. Crunchy, light and refreshing, the kale slaw is a healthy side option that leaves you satisfied but not heavy and too full.

We may all be familiar with potatoes au gratin (As we should—they are delicious, cheesy, creamy potatoes, after all.), however seafood au gratin might be a new concept for many Americans. But the dish was a family favorite of the Buschtetzs.

“Since we moved to the US two years ago, we have been looking to eat this dish, which we used to eat regularly in France,” Maidread says.

“Now that we have Cuisine & Wine Bistro, we can share this great dish with our customers.”

The entree, which contains two types of fish, scallops, shrimp, mussels and potatoes, is a complex and heavy dish. However, it is balanced out with the light and fresh green spring salad that they serve with it. The flavors of the fish and the seafood are able to interact and mingle in the saffron sauce, bringing out new layers and complexities.

Cuisine & Wine Bistro 1422 W. Warner Rd., Gilbert (480) 497-1422 facebook.com/ cuisineandwinebistro

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

35

Filet and Scallop Teppanyaki Combination

at Rock Lobster in Chandler

Opening in 2011 as The Sushi Room, the restaurant underwent a transformation in the middle of 2014 and was reopened as Rock Lobster in August 2014. While the transition included a name change, the addition of three teppanyaki tables and an expanded menu, the original menu of The Sushi Room remains available, to the excitement of the restaurant’s—and Chef Hieu Nguyen’s—loyal patrons.

With more than 22 years of experience under his belt, it’s clear that Chef Nguyen is passionate about cooking. Seeing customers’ happy faces when he puts a dish in front of them has always been an inspiration to Chef Nguyen—and he almost always sees happy faces. Guests appreciate his expertise in incorporating many flavors and ensuring that the food is always cooked to perfection.

Located in the popular Downtown Ocotillo area of Chandler, Rock Lobster is a fun and new restaurant concept which fits in perfectly with the growing community. The combination of teppanyaki tables, sushi and the wide variety of sake options make for an exciting atmosphere and a delicious dining experience.

The Dish:

Well known to be temperamental, scallops are very difficult to cook well. A chef who has prepared the perfect scallop has truly achieved something great. Chef Nguyen is one of those chefs.

The filet and scallop teppanyaki combination at Rock Lobster is truly a feat of masterful cooking. Served with fried rice and mixed veggies, the dish provides the best of both water and land.

The juiciness and sweetness of the scallops perfectly complement the tenderness and flavor of the filet. Not to mention, you get to watch the whole thing being made at your table!

LM nice sake, makes for an exciting This dish, paired with Vsome and inventive date night!

Rock Lobster 2475 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chander (480) 821-9000 rocklobsterrocks.com

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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37

6 hour drive

OUR DESTINATION VACATION, NO MORE THAN 6 HOURS FROM THE VALLEY

THE

WILD, WILD WEST Away from the suburban feel of the East Valley, Tucson’s Tanque Verde Ranch holds wild charm

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

39

6 hour drive

Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson is a Wild West experience that can’t be matched. Just take our arrival, for example.

Heading down a dirt portion of Speedway Boulevard at 7 p.m. on a Friday, our high beams illuminated the darkening dead-end road. We carefully turned left into what we hoped was the entrance of the 145-year-old ranch.

In the gloom of darkness, we were greeted by a family of javelina crossing the road.

Continuing down the “street,” we still weren’t sure if this was an entrance or a driveway to a rural home. But we finally found human life—a lively area milling with urban folks who had gamely donned cowboy hats and boots.

Receiving the keys to our casita, we entered our spacious room, complete with fireplace, mini-fridge, king bed and bathroom. We dropped off our luggage and headed straight to the Doghouse Saloon to mix and mingle with fellow guests.

Among the party was a couple from England, regulars at the ranch for 15 years. A man and woman from the Valley sat at the bar as well. Little did she know, he was going to propose

on their weekend trip. (We received the tip from a welcoming ranch hand, who was preparing for the big reveal.)

After downing a few dangerous prickly pear margaritas—the alcohol is unnoticeable—we retreated to bed, still unfamiliar with our surroundings.

What we woke up to was magical.

The front-window view opened onto acres of saguaros peppering the foothills. All was silent other than the wind blowing through the mesquite trees.

We were more determined than ever to explore everything that Tanque Verde Ranch had to offer. My English husband braved the Wild West to go horseback riding, following a trail up Mount Nebo and through the Aguila Wash bordering Saguaro National Park. I embarked on a tour of the resort.

After our respective outings, we returned to the Doghouse Saloon—can you see the trend?—before heading over to the Cottonwood Grove for a cookout. Light rain fell as we chowed down on such cowboy fare as grilled juicy steaks, barbecuesauced pulled pork, baked beans, potatoes and salad with all the CONTINUED ON PAGE 42 >

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40

fixings. A country singer performed before a line-dancing crowd.

The javelina braved the crowds to make a return appearance.

We traveled back to our room and jumped into bed at 10 p.m., only to be awakened an hour later by a creature on our roof.

Our eyes followed the pitter-patter of little animal feet traveling from one side of the casita to another. Truly, this felt like the Wild West.

Wild as it may be, little ones needn’t be left at home. While parents are enjoying horseback riding or having a massage in the spa, 4- to 15-year-old kiddos can hang out with other children as part of the Kids Program. There is even a separate dining room for the munchkins.

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

Tanque Verde Ranch isn’t only for horse lovers, either.

Catch-and-release fishing is available at Lake Corchran, which plays host to many a “trash-the-dress” rituals. Hiking, yoga, mountain biking, wine classes, pickleball, tennis and watercolor workshops are also part of the fun.

Rooms vary in price according to season, size and number of visitors. See its website for an outline of rates. VLM GO WILD AT: TANQUE VERDE RANCH 14301 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson (520) 296-6275 tanqueverderanch.com

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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Visit our website for products and more information

www.mesa.floorstogo.com Your locally owned, hometown flooring showroom since 1976

or call us at: 480.396.6956

One of the Best Selections of Brand-Name Products in the Mesa Area, including: Design Professionals on Premise | Complimentary In-Home Design Consultation | Free In-Home Measuring and Estimates | Professional Installation 4500 E. Main St. Suite 3 | Mesa, AZ 85205

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home garden Shutter Envy offers window treatment options that are both sophisticated and functional.

Cool HOME

TRANSFORMATIONS STAVE OFF SUMMER WITH THESE HOME IMPROVEMENTS

BY BREANNE DEMORE

We hate to say it—we really do. But it’s warming up, and soon summer will be upon us.

Arizona, and in particular the East Valley, is a truly wonderful place to live, but we will admit that we try to block out memories of the heat when we can.

We all rely on our trusty (hopefully) air conditioning units, but unless you live in an underground cave, oftentimes that heat can still make its way inside. So how do you make necessary adjustments to keep the heat out while still keeping your house someplace that you actually want to live?

We’ve narrowed down a few home transformations that will hopefully make the summer heat a little more bearable while still keeping your home looking beautiful.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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home&garden STONE COLD

There is really no denying it. Granite countertops bring value to a home and are truly one of the best improvements one can make to their kitchens and bathrooms. Not to mention they are beautiful to look at and upgrade the whole atmosphere of a room.

At Granite Transformations, Roy Anderson offers his clients stunning countertops.

Using engineered granite, a combination of 95 percent granite and 5 percent polymer, Granite Transformations offers non-porous, low-maintenance counters complete with a lifetime guarantee.

Transform your outdoor entertaining area before it gets too hot to be outside. As long as the area is out of constant, direct sunlight, these counters are ideal for use near barbecues and outdoor bars. Sleek, easy to clean and durable, these counters will draw you outside and will impress your guests.

Unfortunately the days where being outside is unbearable will soon be upon us. Once you’re banished indoors, you’ll want to make sure that you actually enjoy the room you’re in. With 40 to 50 different color and pattern options, Granite Transformations will definitely have something that you’ll fall in love with.

Plus, the installation process is beyond easy.

Once you decide what you want, the Granite Transformations team will come out and measure the area and create a template of your counter.

They go back to the factory, cut and pre-fabricate everything as much as possible and then come out and lay the engineered granite on top of your pre-existing counter. There is no demolition and installation takes about a day.

Cool and refreshing to the touch, these counters require no seal like standard granite, so they have virtually no maintenance. They don’t retain any bacteria, so a simple wipe down is all that is needed. An easy and beautiful improvement to any home, these counters will make staying indoors this summer a delight.

Granite Transformations 1230 W. Southern Ave., Suite 103, Tempe (480) 222-2022 granitetransformations.com/phoenix

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

SIMPLY FLOORED

When picking out flooring, it is important to take in several factors. Certainly cost and aesthetics are factors, but also lifestyle. Kids and dogs are important to take into consideration. Age is a factor as well. Having a floor that is easy to walk on for the joints can be vital. However, here in Arizona, temperature and maintenance are also extremely important to take into consideration.

It is common sense that a harder surface would be cooler than carpeting, but beyond that, but there are a couple of hard surfaces that professionals would recommend over others.

Diane Occhipinti of All Teriors recommends porcelain and ceramic tiles.

While laminates sit on a barrier, porcelain and ceramics sit directly on the concrete beneath and would therefore pick up the cool temperature of the ground below.

In addition, the maintenance for these tiles is very easy because the grout lines are very small and they now make tiles that resemble everything from stone and travertine to wood, but with significantly less maintenance both now and down the road.

Dean Merrell of Castle Flooring has another recommendation. “Arizona climate is particularly brutal on wood and laminate floors. Luxury vinyl planks are a happy answer for those issues. They are the biggest trend nationwide,� he says.

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home&garden

With plenty of options to fit all sorts of aesthetics, the vinyl planks are perfect for Arizona climate because of their ease to clean, how low maintenance they are and their lack of insulation, making sure that rooms don't get too stuffy. “The growing demand for luxury vinyl planks and tile is for a good reason. They are very versatile, easy for maintenance and are amazing look-a-likes for wood, tiles and other flooring,� he explains.

All Teriors 1102 W. Southern Ave., Suite 3, Tempe (480) 921-8419 phoenixcabinetsandfloors.com Castle Floors 4500 E. Main St., Suite 3, Mesa (480) 396-6956 castlefloors.net

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

TREAT YOUR WINDOWS WELL

With such beautiful desert landscapes all around us, windows allow us to appreciate our surroundings. However, they also let in a lot of heat depending on your window treatments.

East-facing windows fill rooms with light as soon as the sun rises and during the afternoons, west-facing windows often fill the room with sunshine and warmth that may be welcome in the winter, but certainly isn’t during the summer.

While plastic blinds are nice because they are low in cost, they are very inefficient in keeping the heat out. Both Shutter Envy and Athena’s Windows have interior and exterior fixes to keep your home cool in the summer.

Shutter Envy specializes in sun screens that help block out 80 to 90 percent of the sun’s harmful rays before they even reach your windows, saving energy and protecting your interiors from fading.

“For those customers who are interested in blocking the sun out of west-and east-facing windows, these are extremely beneficial,” says Shutter Envy owner Kevin Little.

Specialized film, which is applied directly to the inside surface of the window itself, blocks out the sun and its heat, but not your view. Athena’s Windows offers this option which can also make windows harder to break, adding another level of safety.

In addition to these treatments, both Shutter Envy and Athena’s Windows offer decorative interior window treatment options that are very effective at keeping the heat out and the cool in.

Plantation shutters are beautiful, sophisticated, functional and low maintenance. Able to stand up to our climate’s very high temperatures, these window treatments will do a great job of keeping your home cool while still looking wonderful.

However, if you have a view that you just can’t stand to cover with shutters, honeycomb shades might be an option for you. Coming in a variety of colors and with motorized and manual options, these shades move up and down in the window and are perfect for keeping the light and heat out when they are down, but still easily open up to your view.

Little adds, “A combination of exterior and interior is perfect—you cannot do much more than that to keep the heat out.” VLM Shutter Envy 1008 N. Martingale Rd., Gilbert (602) 295-6864 phoenixshuttersandblinds.com Athena’s Windows 690 E. Warner Rd., Building 11, Suite 155, Gilbert (480) 814-0001 athenaswindows.com

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690 E. Warner Rd. Bldg #11 Gilbert AZ 85296

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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KAI BRINGS NATIVE AMERICAN FLAVORS

Alive

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON PHOTOS BY SAM NALVEN

Kai at Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa has long been a prestigious and forward-thinking luxury restaurant that Valley residents and visitors count on for exceptionally unique cuisine. Chef de Cuisine Josh Johnson has been an integral ingredient in the success of Kai since 2007.

Johnson has a background in formal culinary arts training coupled with luxury hospitality and culinary industry experience that has taken him from notable establishments in Jackson Hole, Wyoming to Las Vegas. At Kai, he seamlessly incorporates Native American culture into the restaurant’s menu.

Kai's artfully plated Barbacoa Navajo-Churro Sheep.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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food&wine

FOOD SPOTLIGHT

RIGHT: Kai's ornate menu.

BELOW: A spread of Kai's renowned selections.

BOTTOM: The stunning "From the Garden" salad.

OPPOSITE: The wood-blistered squash soup incorporates pheasant sausage, orange crème fraiche and chiles.

“I think at Kai you get a very unique experience in the fact that there’s a story to be told within the service,” Johnson says.

“There are many stories that we share and we even have handcrafted menu that our servers will explain. You get a little bit of history and a little bit of culture. We’re not stuffy. Kai is very inviting and welcoming.”

Everything on Kai’s menu is thoughtfully planned and prepared utilizing many locally-sourced ingredients integrated in creative ways.

“When we make menus for Kai, the first thing we think of is, ‘How many Native American ingredients can we fit into the menu and how many can we use without overlapping them?’ There’s a Native American feel or vibe to every dish,” Jackson says.

Originally, Jackson began by incorporating Pima Maricopa Native American ingredients, but he has since branched out to include even more items like pawpaw fruit from Michigan that was introduced to explorers Lewis and Clark by Sacagawea.

The wood-blistered squash soup is one dish bursting with a unique flavor profile.

“The soup is something that has always been on the menu in the wintertime,” Johnson says. “We take mesquite chips, lay them over the grill and then we take peeled squash, cover the grill with it and let it blister.”

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food&wine

FOOD SPOTLIGHT

The soup incorporates pheasant sausage, orange crème fraiche, maple raisin tar for sweetness, chiles and 60-day cornbread croutons.

“The idea behind the corn is the Pima Maricopa people always try to pull the corn at 60 days,” Johnson says. “That’s when they feel it’s at peak sweetness and that’s the majority of the corn we have around us.”

“From the garden,” as it’s called, is a bountiful salad that includes a cornucopia of ingredients.

“Every vegetable in that dish is something I can get [locally], basically from all the greatest farms that we have within a 15 to 20 mile radius of Kai,” Johnson says. “Whatever is growing with them, that’s what we’ll include.”

The salad features an orchestra of flavors and textures with macerated beets, sous vide of Peter Wilcox potato, sunchoke froth, green and white asparagus, cactus powder, saguaro syrup and BLiS 9 solera vinegar. Individual ingredients rotate with the seasons and Johnson says that vegetarians consider this a “go to” dish.

The barbacoa Navajo-Churro sheep is another Kai specialty.

“That was a dish that took me three years to get,” Johnson says. “I had to get with the Navajo-Churro Sheep Association because not everybody breeds these sheep. It’s not a like a pig or goat and there are not a lot of breeders out there. The use of Navajo-Churro sheep for meat has declined, so it’s not a common product.”

The meat is done in a barbeque style and wrapped in banana leaves. The finished entrée includes an olive tapenade popover, chimichurri sauce, Ramona Farms ga’ivsa, all finished off with a fried egg. The sheep are sourced from a Native American woman from New Mexico, and Johnson and his staff include her stories when they serve guests.

“It a much deeper relationship to the food that I serve out at Kai,” says Johnson, who considers the sheep Kai’s most indigenous dish.

Other dishes include uni and butternut squash spaghetti, Bellota iberico lomo-wrapped high country elk, pork belly roulade and grilled tenderloin of tribal buffalo. Menus change seasonally, so there is always something new to discover at Kai. Cocktails are also as inventive as the entrees. The Pima bear boasts Don Julio anejo tequila, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, fresh lime juice and pink peppercorn syrup served up with a crushed peppercorn and Moldon sea salt rim.

The lavender-honey gimlet and great fruit martini are also excellent complements to Kai’s creative menu. VLM

EXPERIENCE NATIVE AMERICAN FLAVORS AT: KAI RESTAURANT AT WILD HORSE PASS RESORT AND SPA 5594 W. Wild Horse Blvd., Chandler (602) 385-5726 wildhorsepassresort.com/kai

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YOU

Gotta Try: COOKIES AND CREAM MARSHAMALLOWS

BY BREANNE DEMORE

Tricia Medina realized she had a knack for the fluffy stuff while competing with her former coworkers.

“We would have monthly baking contests with a secret ingredient, and this particular month it was marshmallows,” she says.

“I’ve never been a big fan of marshmallows, so I decided to make my own.

I watched a lot of recipes and found a few videos online and decided ‘I could do this and do it better.’”

While Medina admits her first few attempts resulted in her kitchen looking like the demise of the marshmallow man in “Ghostbusters,” she won that competition and was quickly fulfilling orders for more ‘mallows from friends and family.

“That really excited me and [I] grew a passion for creating these little pillows of fluff, so I decided I was going to keep going and see what else I could come with,” she says.

Medina and her “pillows of fluff” became a weekly staple at the Gilbert Farmers Market before going brick and mortar about seven months ago.

Now a blossoming business, Fluff It Marshmallows offers a wide variety of puffy, fluffy options including packaged marshmallows in flavors such as banana split, vanilla bean, and carmel apple. They also have a gourmet s’mores bar where you can build your own s’mores on top of homemade graham crackers, cookies or graham cracker bowls and they toast your marshmallows right there!

With so many delicious options, it can be difficult to pick just one, but Fluff It’s cookies and cream marshmallows are a stand out. The perfect ratio of creamy fluff and crushed cookies outside, these cubes are yummy in your own summertime s’mores or as a little snack all on their own.

VLM

STAY PUFT: FLUFF IT MARSHMALLOWS 1034 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 3, Gilbert (480) 636-0597 fluffitmarshmallows.com VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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food&wine

IN SEASON FLOWERS

FLOWERS

BY BREANNE DEMORE

April showers may bring May flowers, but we’re getting the jump on things and incorporating flowers into every aspect of life this month—including our meals.

Flowers and blossoms have been consumed for thousands of years with recorded mentions dating back to 140 B.C. and in cultures all over the world. While this may seem a little odd at first, you probably already eat a lot more flowers than you realize. Basil, chamomile, broccoli and artichokes are all technically blossoms of their respective plants.

However, there are plenty of other flowers that you know more for their aesthetic beauty that are quite delicious. Chrysanthemums, dandelions, hollyhocks, lilacs, roses, snapdragons, sunflowers and violets are all 58

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safe to be consumed and make beautiful, and scrumptious, additions to an array of dishes.

Whether they are candied, incorporated into a side dish or steeped as a tea, edible flowers have a vast range of uses in the kitchen. Not to mention, many of them are beneficial. For example, chrysanthemum tea is naturally caffeine free but helps the brain stay alert and can also be used as a detoxification of the liver, and dandelions are rich in vitamin A, potassium and B vitamins.

While growing these flowers in your own garden is certainly possible, make sure that the strains you pick are safe for consumption.

Most grocery stores will have a selection of edible flowers by their herbs, but if you can’t find any there, your local farmer’s market should be a great source. VLM

Summer Veggies with Mint Pesto INGREDIENTS:

Olive oil • 8-10 stems broccoli rabe • 6-8 radishes, cut into bite-size pieces • 1 ½ cups fresh green beans, ends trimmed • Edible flowers Pesto: Radish tops from your radishes above (about 1 cup) • ½ cup loosely packed basil leaves • ¼ cup loosely packed mint • 2 tbsp. olive oil • ¼ cup pumpkin seeds • ¼ cup grated Parmesan • 2 tsp. lemon juice • ½ tsp. kosher salt DIRECTIONS:

1. Start with the pesto—combine all of the ingredients in a food processor, mix until they form a thick paste. Add more olive oil if needed or preferred. 2. Blanch the broccoli rabe in boiling water for 90 seconds. Remove to an ice bath and allow to cool. 3. Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet, sauté the broccoli rabe, radishes and green beans until they start to brown a little. Turn down the heat and toss with a very generous amount of pesto. 4. Plate and garnish with edible flowers. *Recipe courtesy pdxfoodlove.com

Edible Flower and Elderflower Popsicles INGREDIENTS:

4 cups water • Various edible flowers • 1 tbsp. elderflower cordial DIRECTIONS:

1. Place petals inside the popsicle molds being sure to layer them on top of each other and not compact them. 2. Mix water and elderflower cordial in a large jug and stir well to combine. 3. Gently pour the cordial mixture into the popsicle molds trying not to unseat the petals too much. Insert popsicle sticks and place in the freezer until frozen solid. 4. To remove the moulds gently place bottom of moulds in warm water until the popsicles pull free. *Recipe courtesy chewtown.com

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food&wine

RESTAURANT GUIDE

NESTLED BELOW THE VAST HILLSIDES of the Las Sendas community. Lay a sanctuary of comfort and delicious natural foods and beverages. You will be welcomed by members of our experienced and passionate Sunnyside service experts. Our goal being not only to satisfy every appetite that walks through our doors, but giving you such a positive memorable experience that you will be ecstatic to come see us again.

Join us for lunch 11am-2pm: buy one entree and get the 2nd entree of equal or lesser value 50% off! Cannot be combined with any other offer, limit one per check, limit one per table.

CALLING ALL BREAKFAST LOVERS! If you haven’t been to the Henhouse Cafe you are truly missing out. You’ll feel right at home with the friendly atmosphere and shabby chic decor. Our food is purchased locally from farm to table, We even make our own sausage in house. It’s high quality comfort food that will delight your taste buds The menu is bursting with egg items from the griddle to chicken and waffles. The homemade sausage and homemade green chile sauce is so delicious!!

We don’t think you can go wrong with anything on the Henhouse Cafe menu.

3244 E Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert (480) 219-7379. www.henhouse-cafe.com Mon-Sun: 6:30am-2:00pm

2823 N Power Rd Suite 101, Mesa (480) 832-9696. facebook.com/SunnysideBreakfastLounge Open everyday 7:00am to 2:00pm.

CHoP CHANDLER is Chandler’s first locally owned steakhouse and grill. Featuring steak, seafood and the new burger bar menu.

Simply prepared seasonal fish and nightly specials are cooked to perfection on the seven-foot mesquite hardwood grill. Salads, fresh vegetables, desserts, vegetarian and lighter fare options also grace the menu. The energetic social atmosphere is amplified around the U-shaped bar. The intimate interior is filled with amber lighting, wood finishes and plush chocolate leather booths. Enjoy an extensive wine list, beers and spirits. Happy hour 4 to 6 pm. ChoP’s private dining area will accommodate parties of 50, is equipped and perfect for business meetings.

2625 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler (480) 821-0009. www.chopchandler.com

THE LIVING ROOM WINE CAFÉ AND LOUNGE has been drawing crowds in Chandler’s Downtown Ocotillo neighborhood since opening in 2009, and has recently opened a second location in DC Ranch Marketplace.

The Living Room is all about hospitality and staying true to their mantra of love, laugh and lounge. All ages are welcome. The Living Room is truly the modern day version of the Irish Pub and neighborhood unrushed hangout; its a chill lounge. Experience sharable food, 25 wines and sangrias by the glass, a handpicked list of wines by the bottle, beers and a full line of spirits in soft seating or on one of the cozy patios.

2475 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler (480) 855-2848. www.livingroomwinebar.com

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IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A FAMILY OWNED and operated smokehouse and BBQ restaurant, your search is over. A one-ofa-kind, family-friendly enviroment welcomes you to enjoy fully delicious on-site smoked meats and made-from-scratch signature sides and desserts.

Simply setting the standard for quality BBQ. Fun Place. Serious Bar-b-Que. 1633 S Stapley, Mesa (US60/Stapley) (480) 707-9009 PigglysCatering@Gmail.com

PARADISE BAKERY - AT SANTAN VILLAGE. Is all that shopping making you hungry? Stop

by Paradise Bakery & Cafe at San Tan Village shopping center for a wide variety of menu selections including delicious cookies and baked goods, breakfast items, soups, salads and sandwiches. All of our menu items are prepared daily with only the finest ingredients available, just as you would at home.

We are a “hands-on” bakery and cafe concept, which is what sets us apart and keeps our loyal customers coming back, again and again. We look forward to seeing you at Paradise Bakery & Cafe at San Tan Village!

2156 E. Williams Field Rd., Gilbert (480) 889-7080. www.paradisebakery.com Mon-Fri 6am-9pm; Sat 7am-9pm; Sun 7am-8pm Breakfast: Mon-Fri 6-10am; Sat & Sun 7-11am | Free Wi-Fi

TO THE DELIGHT of its hordes of hungry and devoted fans, Gecko Grill has reopened and is now on the southwest corner of Baseline and Greenfield roads. This family owned business serves authentic Mexican food, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has an extensive catering menu. Gecko Grill is very welcoming with a fun blend of families and singles and ranged in age from babies to grandparents. Just as the website says, “Warning: This restaurant is habit forming!”

4341 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert (480) 539-2988. www.geckogrillaz.com

Seafood Market & Restaurant ROCK LOBSTER IS THE SUSHI ROOM reinvented. Promising fun, energy and the authentic creativity of Teppanyaki. Rock Lobster has 25 menu items and all of The Sushi Room favorites. A huge Sake line-up, Asian beers and spirits add to any occasion. The Teppanyaki room is perfect for special events and celebrations. This is Downtown Ocotillo’s place to party, an exciting night out and affordable for families. Happy hour daily. Reservations are suggested for the Teppanyaki tables.

2475 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler (480) 821-9000. www.rocklobsterrocks.com

SEAFOOD MARKET & RESTAURANT is a family owned establishment which opened in 1991 in Mesa. It is not only a restaurant but a fresh seafood market too, just as the name suggests. Fish & shellfish selections are delivered daily and are always fresh, never thawed.

And we only buy the BEST! With an extensive mouth-watering menu to include King Salmon, Scallops, Crab, Lobster & Orange Roughy, there is also delicious chicken, juicy steaks & pasta for guests to enjoy. Seafood Market has won several recognition awards including being honored with a 4 out of 4 star rating.

3406 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa (Val Vista Rd.) (480) 633-1580 www.seafoodmarketrestaurant.com

SOCAL FISH TACO COMPANY – IN DOWNTOWN GILBERT. The coastal Californiainspired food café has given Gilbert’s Heritage District surf vibe. From the East Valley family which established Mesa’s Seafood Market three decades ago, SoCal Fish Taco Company is a beachcomber’s take on today’s gastropub, serving premium microbrews and quick, zesty, affordable food in unfussy under-roof and underthe-stars patio settings. Fish tacos, wraps, fresh salads, crab cakes, large shrimp, raw oysters and chowder in a bread bowl: This is food you buy on the beach or from taco stands near the beach in El Segundo, Marina del Rey, Manhattan Beach and Coronado Island. This is food that brings thoughts of the waves, billowing blue sky and feet-in-thesand summer memories.

219. N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert (480) 80-SOCAL (76225). www.socalfishtacos.com Mon-Sat: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays

CANTINA LAREDO - AT SANTAN VILLAGE. Serving modern Mexican food in a sophisticated, vibrant atmosphere. The Mexico City-style menu includes grilled fish, chicken and steaks complimented by signature sauces such as chipotle-wine with portobello mushrooms or sauteéd artichoke hearts and roasted red bell peppers. Enjoy the awardwinning signature margarita, the Casa Rita, made from fresh lime juice and the finest tequila. Serving lunch, dinner, drinks, Sunday brunch. Full service catering and private event dining available.

2150 E. Williams Field Rd., Gilbert (480) 782-6777. www.Cantinalaredo.com Sun-Thurs: 11am-10pm Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm

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datebook

GREAT DATES COMPILED BY BREANNE DEMORE

Barry Manilow WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8

Thanks to Mr. Manilow, we all know the story of Lola, a showgirl, and her boyfriend Tony at the Copacabana. But, by far, that is not the only song that we can thank him for. For five decades, Manilow has been writing, producing and singing memorable songs such as “Mandy,” “Can’t Smile Without You” and “Looks Like We Made It.” In fact, in 1978, five of his albums were simultaneously on the bestseller charts. Now on his farewell tour, Manilow is taking the opportunity to see all of his fans one last time.

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, (623) 772-3200, gilariverarena.com

Maricopa County Fair WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 12

The perfect event for kids of every age, this festival will hold all fair-lovers over until the state fair rolls back into town. With Spongebob visits every day, high-flying motocross, monster trucks, a magic show, a petting zoo and plenty of fried food to go around, it would be hard to leave this fair without a smile on your face. Oh! And the competitions! Baking and livestock competitions are an informative and fun experience for kids and adults. AZ State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, (602) 252-0717, maricopacountyfair.org

The Lovin’ Spoonful SATURDAY, APRIL 18

Do you believe in magic? Formed in New York City in the early ‘60s, The Lovin’ Spoonful found success with their first single “Do You Believe in Magic” released in 1965.

They quickly followed up this success with other hits such as “You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice,” “Daydream,” “Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?” and “Summer in the City.” The original group, which saw some changes as the years passed, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. Harrah’s Ak Chin, 15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa, (480) 802-5000, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

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Hozier SUNDAY, APRIL 19

The “Take Me to Church” singer may hail from Ireland, but after an extremely successful 2014, he is now a worldwide star.

The 25-year-old released his first EP, featuring his number one single, in 2013 and his debut studio album, Hozier, in October 2014.

Nominated for “Song of the Year” at the 2015 Grammy Awards, his single has made him a household name, only cemented after his jaw-dropping performance with Annie Lennox at the award ceremony. Marquee Theare, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, (480) 8290607, luckymanonline.com

Bite of Arizona Festival SATURDAY, APRIL 25 AND SUNDAY, APRIL 26

Get outside and enjoy the last of the beautiful weather before the heat sets in. With a farmers market, music, arts and crafts, beer gardens and a wine tasting pavilion, you’re sure to have a great time. Food vendors and trucks include Antones, Burgers Amore, Magnolia Smokehouse, Molly’s Tamales and Queso Good. Plus, with tickets starting at just $10 and children under 12 getting in for free, this is a smart, fun and yummy festival for the whole family! Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass, 5700 W. North Loop Rd., Chandler, (800) 630-1250, biteofarizona.com

Nick Offerman & Megan Mullally THURSDAY, APRIL 23

You know her from her memorable role as Karen Walker on the popular sitcom “Will & Grace.” You know him from his “all-that-is-man” character Ron Swanson on “Parks & Recreation.” What you may not know is that they are married and, if it is even possible, are even funnier as a pair than they are alone. Using this show as an ode to their relationship, the hilarious couple will perform songs, dances and comedy skits together. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, (602) 379-2800, comericatheatre.com

Kenny Chesney WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29

Born in Tennessee, Kenny Chesney was nearly destined to be a huge country star. After graduating from college in 1990, Chesney began playing the local bar scene before he was discovered by a music group.

By 1994, Chesney had recorded his first album. However, it was his third major-label album, I Will Stand, that put Chesney on the map. Now on his 15th record, Chesney is a country music superstar and hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down any time soon. Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, (623) 772-3200, gilariverarena.com

Arizona BBQ Festival SATURDAY, MAY 2

Beer ‘N Bones FRIDAY, APRIL 24

“A Tyrannosaurus Rex walks into a bar...” This unique and super fun event for the 21 and over crowd, combines beer and science to raise funding for the Arizona Museum of Natural History and their newest project focused on dinosaurs that roamed Arizona and the Southwest. With fun features like “Speed Date a Scientist,” interactive beer and science stations, plenty of food and drinks to go around and a raffle, this is the perfect opportunity for a different and informative date night. Arizona Museum of Natural History, 53 N. Macdonald Rd., Mesa, (480) 644-2230, azmnh.com

Get ready to get your honky-tonk on! This fun and delicious festival encourages all of its patrons to dress up as their favorite rednecks and play in the Redneck Games. With toilet seat horseshoes, bobbing for pig’s feet and other redneck-themed contests, you’ll be laughing whether you’re competing or watching. Plus, there will be mechanical bull riding, cow-milking races and strong man contests. But we can’t forget this is the Arizona BBQ Festival, after all. Over 25 top pit masters will be serving plenty of your barbecue favorites all day long. Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, (480) 270-5102, azbbqfestival.com

Kenny Rogers SATURDAY, APRIL 25

Known easily as one of the most influential Country music stars of his time, Kenny Rogers has charted over 120 singles across multiple music genres and has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Beginning his career in his 20s in the mid-‘50s, Rogers joined multiple bands and formed several groups before going solo in 1976. In 2013, Rogers was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and recorded a new album, You Can’t Make Old Friends, in which he featured Dolly Parton on the title track. Wild Horse Pass Casino, 5040 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, (520) 796-7777, wingilariver. com/wild-horse-pass VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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last word

FINAL THOUGHTS

A MANTRA WORTH REPEATING

BY CHRISTINA CALDWELL

“My life is not Pinterest. My life is not Pinterest...”

A few years ago, when Pinterest was just starting up, I got an invitation to join. Branded as a visual social media outlet for everything from travel to fashion, home design to cooking, it was instantly obvious to me that this was an outlet geared toward women. As a woman, I was instantly hooked.

I’d peruse cute outfits, exotic destinations, easy Crock-Pot recipes and cleaning ideas for hours, losing track of time in the process. When I finally was able to pry myself away, I’d look around at my life, all disorganized and gritty in comparison to everything I saw on Pinterest, and sadly, I felt a bit empty.

Like so many woman, I’ve attempted to make up for that emptiness by buying things. It’s not as “deep” as it sounds. I’m

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not trying to fill a void as much as I’m just trying to make my life look like a Pinterest photo, which is next to impossible. My life doesn’t come with fuzzy filters and color oversaturation. Everything is softer through the lens of Pinterest.

So I stopped pinning. I never got into Instagram. Those outlets made me feel like I had to compare myself to other women, inspiring envy, and only slightly less pathetic than that, tons of online shopping to try to measure up. My bank account couldn’t handle it and my ego couldn’t either.

There’s nothing wrong with Pinterest on its face. If used as a source of inspiration, it can be a tremendous resource. But personally it found me in a cycle of needing/wanting, and what I really wanted was a lot less pressure to be perfect.

I even found myself wanting to do

Pinterest-y things that were outside my personality. Thoughts like “maybe I should make those piñata cookies” or “maybe I should paint my walls with bright green chevron stripes” entered my mind. But the space between thinking about self and home improvements and actually doing them is a wide one.

Without actually doing any of it, I was just left wanting. Soon enough, after seeing enough baby room posts, I was thinking “maybe I want a kid.”

The thing is I don’t want a kid. Not yet.

Instead I decided to disconnect and fill my life with the things that make me happy. I dress how I want to dress.

I throw low-stress, but probably less visually appealing parties. I work on not measuring myself in comparison to others. I dress my dogs in chevron stripes instead of babies. VLM