C O M F O R T + J OY T HE HOL IDAY S & GI V ING I S SUE
D E C E M B E R 2 02 3
Sav•vy adjective
shrewd and knowledgeable; having common sense and good judgment
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real estate report Recently sold properties in Ahwatukee. P RICE
SIZE
NEIGHBORHOOD
ORI GI NAL
SOLD
%
$ / SF
D OM
Mountain Park Ranch
549,900
545,000
99.1%
575,000
258.29
49
575,000
100%
Mountain Park Ranch Center Court
725,000
Camelot RIdge
699,000
Cabrillo Canyon
1,149,000
Diamond Ridge II Mountain Park Ranch Sanctuary Ahwatukee Custom Eagle Ridge
1,150,000
1,225,000
2.00 3.00
254.55
21
5
3.00
344.42
3
3.00
100%
1,155,000 100%
417.12
26 11
1,260,000 103%
428.03
5
350.47
139
1,500,000 93.8% 1,525,000 93.9%
1,500,000
4
1,149,000 100%
1,600,000
1,600,000 106%
2.00
5
242.06
1,624,900
4
283
316.46
625,,000 86.2% 699,000
22
BD R M B AT H
260.19
353.28
3
2.50
4
2.50
104
4
4.50
6
11
4
4.50
Average price per square foot for 85044, 85045, and 85048 zip codes is $275.66/sq foot
AMY@SAVVYREALTYAZ.COM
4.50
December 2023 PUBLISHER
Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com EDITOR
LIFESTYLE LETTER
'Tis the Season of Gifts & Giving Dear friends, Our cheeriest greetings to you and yours this year with good wishes that you can lean in and enjoy your family, the foods you love, the merriment, the traditions, and all the joys that make this season special. Holidays can be filled with all kinds of magic and long-held traditions that are special to each family. Although some people relish this time of year, for others, it can be a lonely or unhappy time. To them, we send our warmest thoughts that they may experience connection and peace. While many families (ours included) want to make the holidays less materialistic and more about the gatherings and the goodness, it remains that gifts are still a part of this time. Our December issue is dedicated to Holidays and Giving, and I can’t help but wonder what would it mean to our community if we all looked for ways we could help someone. As I reviewed the articles in this issue, it struck me how much holiday gifts and charitable giving go hand in hand. While we look around for that most special gift that will make our child's eyes light up or put a smile on the face of a loved one, let's not forget about the giving we can do for others outside of our own families. Time, talent, or treasures - we all have something we can give that will make a difference in someone's life. It doesn't have to be big, although the blessing of giving generously is a feeling that cannot be matched. W.C. Jones said, “The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing others’ loads, and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays.” We hope you find inspiration for all aspects of this special time of year. Cheers to the difference we can make!
SHERRY YORK , PUBLISHER @A H WAT U K E E C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E
Scan QR code to visit our Instagram C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E .C O M /A H WAT U K E E |
Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jackson York | jackson.york@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S
Michelle Talsma Everson, Beth Del Ville, Alison Stanton, Mindy Wester CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S
Qiana Kelsch, Stephanie Slezak, Mindy Wester
Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Josh Govero LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise Proverbs 3:5-6 Ahwatukee City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Ahwatukee area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Ahwatukee City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable,
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
DECEMBER 2023
inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue
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08
16
28
F E ATU R E D
D E PA RTM E NTS
08 It’s Cool to Care
4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E
12
Seasonal Setups FO O D + B EV E R AG E
16
Gift Guide S HO PPI NG
20
Inspired By A RTS + C U LT U R E
24
Money Matters LI FE + C U LT UR E
28
How To A RTS + C U LT U R E
32
Local Limelight LI FE + C U LT U R E
Penguin Air, Plumbing & Electrical gives back to the community
12 Cozy Confection
Elevate your holiday hot chocolate with a charcuterie experience
16 Homegrown Holiday Gift ideas that support local businesses
28 The Handwritten Thank You A thoughtful and personal gesture like no other
O N T H E C OV E R
‘Tis the season of giving and Penguin Air, Plumbing & Electrical gives back to the community in spades. Read more about how they make the holidays special for Valley kids and others in “It’s Cool to Care” on page 8.
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It’s Cool to Care Penguin Air, Plumbing & Electrical gives back to the community ARTICLE BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK
It’s the holiday season – a time when community members and local businesses come together to give back to causes that are close to their hearts. With this in mind, the staff at Penguin Air, Plumbing & Electrical, a locally owned and operated HVAC company, are busy creating Christmas magic for those who need it most. “As a company, it’s important to us to support the community we work and reside in,” says Tonya Roehl, a customer relations manager at Penguin Air. “We never forget that no matter what, it’s people that matter the most.” Since 2017, Penguin Air has worked with the Arizona Department of Child Safety’s (DCS) Giving Tree program, which provides personalized gifts to children in the state’s foster care system. In the first year, the company
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G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE
provided gifts for 20 children – and the number has steadily risen and is up to more than 40 children this holiday season. “Children are the most vulnerable community members, and these kids are in foster care due to no fault of their own,” Roehl says. “Oftentimes they don’t have many things that are just theirs – so in addition to providing for basic needs, we always provide a gift that is personalized just for them. This helps to build their self-esteem and helps them to feel seen.” Laren Neely, lead dispatcher at Penguin Air, coordinates the company’s Giving Tree program. She says that the company is provided with a foster child’s first name, age and wish list, and that information is then dispersed to Penguin Air’s employees. CONTINUED >
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“Our employees have some of the biggest hearts – some purchase gifts for multiple children. I think this initiative helps us to remember that, while we all have jobs to do, it’s not about money at the end of the day – it’s about helping others.”
“I love helping to lead this program – as a mom, helping foster children is especially close to my heart,” Neely shares. “Our employees have some of the biggest hearts – some purchase gifts for multiple children. I think this initiative helps us to remember that, while we all have jobs to do, it’s not about money at the end of the day – it’s about helping others.” Jay Kline, general manager at Penguin Air, echoes this sentiment. “The Penguin core values focus on CARE: creativity, accountability, relationships, and enjoyment. The annual Giving Tree reflects all those values,” he says. “The Giving Tree program creates memories with shopping for and wrapping gifts, which sometimes requires creativity. It holds our techs and office staff accountable to their commitment to each kid, and it is our relationship with the community that makes it happen every year,” Kline continues. “We are blessed with abundance in our industry—everyone in Ahwatukee, and the Valley, needs home services. We are grateful that they choose Penguin and want to give back and reinvest in our community.” Neely says that, as an HVAC company, summers are Penguin Air’s busiest time of
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G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE
year, so the holiday season’s Giving Tree program is the perfect opportunity for staff to slow down and give back. Still, no matter how busy Penguin Air is, community service is always at the heart of everything they do, she affirms. Penguin Cares is the nickname for an ongoing program where the company partners with local charities and relief efforts. Since 2012, this program has expanded to partner with the Phoenix Children’s Hospital, the Arizona Humane Society, Arizona Surprise Squad, and more. They specialize in a variety of causes, including bringing awareness to vehicular heatstroke with Phoenix Children’s and have supported the Pat Tillman Foundation. “We have a special place in our hearts for serving veterans, senior citizens, and youth in our community,” Roehl explains. “The holiday season’s Giving Tree program focuses on foster youth because children are our future, and everyone deserves some holiday magic. Giving gifts to those in need is not only magical for the kids, but for us too.” PenguinAir.com
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ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINDY WESTER
Cozy Confection ELEVATE YOUR HOLIDAY HOT CHOCOLATE WITH A CHARCUTERIE EXPERIENCE
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S EASON A L SE T U P S | FOOD + BE VE RAGE
As winter settles in and the air chills, there's nothing more comforting than a steaming cup of hot chocolate. While a simple cup of hot cocoa can warm the soul, why not take it up a notch and indulge in a hot cocoa charcuterie board? Picture a delightful spread of various hot chocolate flavors, mix-ins, and toppings, inviting you to create a personalized, delicious mug of joy. Let’s explore the wonders of old-fashioned hot cocoa and all the accompaniments you can use to create your very own hot cocoa charcuterie board.
THE DELIGHTS OF OLD-FASHIONED HOT COCOA Old-fashioned hot cocoa transports us to simpler times and brings with it a sense of nostalgia. The slow, traditional process of making hot chocolate from scratch – with real chocolate, milk and a touch of sweetness – provides a distinctly memorable experience for the holidays. Old-Fashioned Hot Cocoa Ingredients • ¼ cup 60% cacao chocolate morsels • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa • 1/3 cup white granulated sugar • 2 cups milk • 2 cups half and half • 1 pinch salt • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions Heat all ingredients (except vanilla extract) in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-low heat until almost boiling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
CREATING THE PERFECT HOT COCOA CHARCUTERIE BOARD Gone are the days of selecting only between marshmallows and whipped cream as toppings. With a hot cocoa charcuterie board, you can delve into a world of flavors, textures and spices that will make each sip an adventure, and serve as a sweet centerpiece to your holiday gatherings. Begin by selecting a variety of flavors and mix-ins, such as mini marshmallows, salted caramels, white chocolate morsels and peppermints. Pair your hot cocoa with delectable treats like cookies, gum drops, crème-filled CONTINUED >
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S EASON A L SE T U P S | FOOD + BE VE RAGE
wafer rolls or chocolate-covered espresso beans. Consider adding biscotti, chocolate-dipped spoons or chocolate-coated pretzels as well as whipped toppings and an assortment of sprinkles.
VARIATIONS TO SAVOR Indulge in some exciting recipes that are sure to elevate your hot chocolate into fun and festive beverages during the holidays and throughout the colder months.
MINTY FRESH WONDER Embrace the festive season with a mint-infused hot cocoa. Fancify your beverage with a peppermint stick or make your own crushed candy cane dust for a touch of holiday cheer. This minty delight is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect indulgence for cozy winter evenings.
SPICY AZTEC ELIXIR Channel your inner adventurer with an Aztec-inspired hot cocoa. Infuse your drink with a touch of chili powder and a dash of cinnamon. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive presentation. This fiery blend will ignite your senses and warm you from the inside out.
GROWN-UP GRASSHOPPER Transform your drink into a rich adult-only grasshopper hot cocoa by adding 2 oz. of crème de menthe or a shot of peppermint schnapps. Adorn with a crushed candy cane rim for a playful offering.
DECADENT SALTED CARAMEL INDULGENCE Elevate your hot cocoa experience with a drizzle of homemade salted caramel. The combination of slightly bitter cocoa and sweet, buttery caramel is a match made in heaven. Sprinkle an extra pinch of sea salt for that irresistible contrast.
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gift guide ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Homegrown Holiday 16
G IF T GU ID E | SHOPPIN G
gifts that support local Discover six fabulous finds from businesses right here in Arizona. These treasures showcase the talent and creativity of Valley residents and inspire us to make shopping locally a holiday tradition.
1.
3.
2. 5.
6.
4.
Photo by Jennica Maes
1. SAGE AUBREY handbags. Luxurious handbags crafted in Italy and designed by Valley resident Sage Aubrey, who created her eponymous line in 2015. SageAubrey.com 2. Foothills Floral Gallery floral or plant subscription. Give the gift that keeps on giving with a monthly or bi-monthly floral or plant subscription from this Ahwatukee gem. FoothillsFloral.com 3. Rancher Hat Bar custom hat. Create a one-of-akind gift for that special someone by selecting the hat, color and accessories. Hats are crafted while you wait. RancherHatBar.com 4. Andar leather goods. Find the perfect gift for both men and women at this local business, from wallets and bags to tech cases. Andar.com 5. State Forty Eight t-shirts. What better way to show local love? State Forty Eight carries an array of uniquely designed shirts, hats, accessories and more. StateFortyEight.com 6. Maxwell-Rowe candles. Handpoured and made with non-toxic materials by Lauren Fimbres, a 2004 Desert Vista graduate, these luxury candles offer a variety of beautiful scents to choose from. Maxwell-Rowe.com
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B E S T H O L I DAY G I F T
What was the best holiday gift you ever received? We asked some of our staff about the best present they ever received. Here’s what they had to say.
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I NSP IR E D BY | A RTS + CULTURE
MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON
Writer
“In 2021, I found out that I was half ethnically Jewish and had a new family to learn about. To celebrate my first Hanukkah, my aunt and uncle sent me a Hanukkahthemed care package and it was so touching. They welcomed me with open arms, and I will never forget that.”
ALISON BAILIN BATZ
Writer
“Each year, my dad would make one of our gifts an experience. My favorite was when he rented a trolley to take my entire extended family on a holiday light adventure. Well, it is either that or the original Nintendo WITH the power pad I got in 1986 from ‘Santa.’”
ALISON STANTON Writer
“Last Christmas my teenage son Dylan gave me a set of lovebird salt and pepper shakers. He knows how much I adore the lovebirds that visit our bird feeder, and also that I appreciate cool salt and pepper shakers. He came up with this idea all on his own, which really touched me.”
MINDY WESTER
Writer and Photographer
STEPHANIE SLEZAK
Photographer
“Best gift I have ever received was not really because of what it was (which was a real basketball hoop) but the fact that Santa brought it. I remember sneaking to look in the middle of the night and seeing a giant long box that was illuminated by the lights on the Christmas tree. I remember thinking ‘Santa came!’ and quickly running back to my bed sooo excited.”
“Growing up, we didn’t have an abundance of money and most of our belongings were handme-downs. I will always remember the year I walked downstairs on Christmas morning to see FOUR brand-new shiny bikes in our living room! Purchased with each of us in mind…perfectly fitted with handlebar tassels and all.” D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E
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Holiday Spending Made Smart How to make “the most wonderful time of the year” gentler on your wallet ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
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M ON E Y M AT T E R S | L IFE + CULTURE
The holiday season can be a fun time filled with family get-togethers, festive decorations, cookie baking and other merry moments. It can also be a spendy time of year, especially when it comes to gift-giving. If you are hoping to make this holiday season more budget-friendly than in years past, the following tips may help:
TIP 1: HAVE AN HONEST TALK WITH YOUR KIDS Your kids’ wish lists might be longer than the Declaration of Independence, but take heed. According to Whyzz, research has found that what kids really want for the holidays are enjoyable family traditions, relaxing days with people who love them, and a few gifts. Interestingly, research also shows that kids have pretty reasonable expectations on how many gifts they will receive, as well as how much money will be spent on them. With this in mind, before you start your holiday shopping, Whyzz advises sitting down with your kids and letting them know how much you have to spend on gifts this year. Be upfront about what they can expect, and encourage each child to suggest one larger gift or perhaps a few smaller ones that will fit into your budget.
TIP 2: FIND CREATIVE WAYS TO TRIM THE HOLIDAY BUDGET Buying presents for lots of friends and family members can really add up. To trim back your spending, Nerd Wallet suggests that people draw names to help lower the number of gifts you’ll purchase, and/or proposing a budget-friendly price limit for each person. Other ways to pare back your holiday spending include asking family to come visit this season, rather than you booking costly airline trips and paying for hotels; or choosing just one seasonal play, performance, carnival or other event to attend, rather than several. You can also challenge your kids to come up with ideas for inexpensive and fun things to do as a family. You might
find that your child’s suggestion of filling travel mugs with cocoa and heading out in the car to admire the many amazing holiday displays around Ahwatukee is a fun and memorable experience.
TIP 3: ENCOURAGE GIFT RECIPIENTS TO TELL YOU WHAT THEY TRULY WANT OR NEED Another way to make your holiday spending smarter than ever this year is to purchase gifts that your loved ones truly need. At times, this might involve thinking outside of the gift box a bit, and that’s okay. Ask each person on your list for ideas, and let them know it’s okay if it’s not a “traditional” gift. For instance, maybe your aunt would love it if you paid for her Netflix subscription for a couple of months, your college-aged nephew could really use a gift card to Amazon or Target, and your grandpa would really be thrilled if you took him out to lunch once the busy holidays are over.
TIP 4: TRY TO AVOID IMPULSE SPENDING ON “DEALS” Yes, Black Friday typically features amazing deals on a wide selection of items. But unless you are really sure that one of your gift recipients wants that megamarked-down item, try to resist succumbing to the temptation of these sales. Buying something just because it’s a terrific price is a sure way to bust that newly-trimmed down budget, and you might end up with gifts that were a great price, but not really useful to anyone on your list. Here's to a jolly holiday season filled with special moments, and smart spending! Sources: whyzz.com/storiestalking-with-children-about-holiday-budgets nerdwallet.com/articlefinancehow-to-build-a-holiday-budget-thatworks-every-year
“Another way to make your holiday spending smarter than ever this year is to purchase gifts that your loved ones truly need. At times, this might involve thinking outside of the gift box a bit, and that’s okay.”
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The Handwritten Thank You A thoughtful and personal gesture like no other A handwritten thank you is more powerful than you think. Anyone can send an email or text, but a handwritten thank you note, with the quirk of your penmanship, speaks volumes of how much you value the gift giver in your life. They went to great lengths finding a perfect gift, and by eliminating the impersonal side of technology, you are ultimately showing your appreciation of their generosity in the most personal way.
1
LIST During the holiday season, keep a list of all items you receive. Jot down gifts from loved ones, neighbors, or colleagues. A list will make your writing easy by having all the details in one spot
2
PERSONALIZE
Craft two to three sentences of appreciation and include some personal details. If penmanship is your reason to avoid writing a thank you, purchase a laser level to give you guidance for straight lines.
3
EMBELLISH
Add seasonal postage stamps and personalized wax seals to finish off your look. If you have a signature color or style, consider personalized stationery or envelopes to finish off this bold expression of your personality. ARTICLE BY AMY CRIST | PHOTOGRAPHY BY QIANA KELSCH
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H OW TO | A RTS + CU LTU RE
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The City Lifestyle
Giving Campaign
2023 32
LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE
“
This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year. With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them during this holiday season.” “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds. City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”
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Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023
Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E
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