Ahwatukee, AZ July 2023

Summertime Magic

“When passion, expertise and dedication come together, you have a Savvy Partnership!” — AMY RICHARDSON

SAVVY SOLUTIONS FOR TODAY’S REAL ESTATE MARKET

Buying and selling a home can be challenging. You need an agent who is laser-focused on your unique needs. Having lived and worked in Ahwatukee and the southeast valley for over 20 years, my passion for this community comes through in my warmth, work ethic, philanthropic endeavors, and connections with a clientele who are as committed to me as I am to them! From staging and prepping, to spearheading renovations, finding contractors and delivering expert market advice, I will dedicate myself to your project as if it were my own.

Give me a call or scan the code for a complimentary market analysis on your home and find out why important decisions demand Savvy Solutions.

real estate report

Rec ent ly so l d p roperties in Ahwa tu kee.

Summertime Splendor

Summer in the desert is an invitation to revel in the tranquility of early mornings and the enchantment of starlit nights. It is an opportunity to embrace the rugged beauty that surrounds us, to discover the hidden treasures that lie just outside our doorstep, and to create lasting memories infused with the spirit of the desert and beyond.

Within these pages, you’ll find a treasure trove of inspiration to fuel your summer escapades. We have curated a collection of must-trys for the season, whether you choose to stay close to home or travel in search of adventure outside the enchantment of our arid wonderland.

My family loves to spend summer afternoons by the pool with friends, sipping something cool and refreshing (like the adults-only vodka lemonades found on page 28) while the kids enjoy unlimited popsicles. We also enjoy an escape to Northern Arizona for pine-scented adventures and slightly cooler temperatures.

In the midst of back-to-school preparations, there is still time to savor the slower season of summer and create unforgettable memories. So grab your sunglasses, don your adventurous spirit, and let the magic of summer guide you to new horizons.

Wishing you a season filled with sun-kissed joy and boundless journeys!

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jackson York | jackson.york@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alison Bailin Batz, Alison Stanton, Michelle Talsma Everson, Beth Del Ville

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shannon Liebrock, Stephanie Slezak

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

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A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Spinato’s Adds New Special to Menu for July and August

Spinato’s is adding a new special for the months of July and August: the Monte Cristo Calzone. Created by Spinato’s Ahwatukee chef, Willie Trujillo, the hearty calzone features mozzarella, Swiss cheese and ham melted inside a crispy crust, topped with powdered sugar and Mike’s Hot Honey. “I love the uniqueness of it. I’ve never seen a calzone like it before,” Trujillo said. “The fresh, crispy crust with the honey and sugar is amazing!” SpinatosPizzeria.com

Over Easy Opens at Casa Paloma

Over Easy, a breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant, recently opened their newest location at the Shoppes at Casa Paloma. The restaurant features a modern diner vibe decor with both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu is filled with classic breakfast and brunch/lunch options, along with items featured on popular TV show like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, such as the Golden Waffle Dogs. Over Easy also serves daytime cocktails, vital shots and more. EatAtOverEasy.com

Rooted Wellness Az

(602)

Reception@rootedwellnessaz com

Credentials

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Psychiatric Nurse PractitionerTreating patients across the lifespan

Dr Eddie is committed to you! She takes a holistic centered approach, leads with empathy, and views psychopathology through a trauma lens We are all worthy of achieving the best version of ourselves. Get the healing you deserve, and let Dr Eddie guide you in your healing journey!

Want to be featured?

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

Why seek consultation?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Medication can be used as a tool to help us process, cope, and manage unwanted symptoms

Call

Areas of Expertise

Psychiatric Assessment and Evaluation

Medication Management

Specializing in the following:

Anxiety

Depression

ADHD

Trauma

Mood Disorders

Pharmacogenetic Testing

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

School is nearly back in session, but that doesn’t mean the summer fun has to stop just yet! Grab your crew and tackle our bucket list recommendations from Arizona adventure expert Lacy Cain of Wildjoy Adventures. You can find these experiences and many more on their app, Wildjoy Map, across social media @wildjoyexperiences, or online at Wildjoy.com.

Our Picks for Your Summer Bucket List

PAQUA PARK: This is a giant inflatable course on the water at Lake Pleasant. Fun for all ages and a great active way to beat the heat! 10970 Peninsula Blvd, Morristown, AZ 85342

LAKE HAVASU: We rented a jet ski and had the best time cruising around the lake! There are plenty of great local food spots after a long day at the lake.

1340 McCulloch Blvd N, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403

FLOWRIDER AT RHODES AQUATIC COMPLEX: The closest thing to actually surfing here in Arizona! It's addicting once you get the hang of it and is some of the most fun I have ever had. 1860 S Longmore, Mesa, AZ 85202

HORSESHOE BEND: This hike is really accessible since it's only 1.5 miles and you get to see one of the most iconic structures of the Grand Canyon. 1001 Page Parkway, Page, AZ 86040

NEMESIS ESCAPE ROOMS: Be ready to think outside the box at Nemesis which offers two world class escape rooms: Mogollon Monster and EVIL Robots. 5350 E High St #109, Phoenix, AZ 85054

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR Lacy Cain | @WildjoyExperiences

Lacy is the CEO and Founder of Wildjoy, an Arizona-based brand that empowers people to find the adventure their soul craves. After graduating from University of Arizona with dual degrees in accounting and entrepreneurship, Lacy moved to Scottsdale to launch Wildjoy, which now serves over 430,000 people across TikTok and Instagram. In 2022, Lacy was selected by Phoenix Business Journal as one of Arizona’s rising innovators under 25. When she’s not adventuring, Lacy spends her time traveling throughout Arizona speaking to chambers of commerce and other small businesses on how to use social media to dramatically impact their cities and businesses. Lacy loves Arizona and is excited to be part of this issue.

Magnificent MONTEREY

At first blush, Monterey feels as if it is something out of a book or movie. That is because it is.

From John Steinbeck novels to nearly every scene in Big Little Lies, Monterey’s distinctive rugged coastal beauty, wildlife, history, golf, and entertainment scene has inspired artists around the world for more than 100 years.

MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM AND FISHERMAN’S WHARF

The waters of Monterey are magical, home to more than 34 species of marine mammals, 180 species of seabirds and shorebirds, 525 species of fish and an abundance of invertebrates and algae. Given this, a visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must. It is home to 35,000 creatures and more than 550 types of sea life including sea otters, sharks, seahorses, tuna, penguins, and more. The permanent exhibits include a three-story kelp forest, touch pools, and the million-gallon Open Sea exhibit. It is located in the heart of Cannery Row just off Fisherman’s Wharf, which means it can serve as the anchor for a full day in the area.  If unfamiliar, years ago the entire area served as the preeminent canning factory hotspot in the country. Those historic buildings, walkable wharfs along the water, and epic boardwalks are today kissed with shops, eateries, bars, entertainers, and artisans.

BEACHING IT

Eager to get into – or at the least near – the water to check things out for yourself? The region’s beaches beckon. If into SCUBA, McAbee Beach right on Cannery Row is an excellent option. Diving there feels like adventuring through an underground forest thanks to the lush kelp forest. If surfing is of interest, opt for Asilomar State Beach, Marina State Beach, Moss Landing State Beach, and Lovers Point Park and Beach, which is also great for swimming and kayaking. Those who want a quieter experience should check out ultra-chill Del Monte Beach.

There is something for everyone in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. The protected land, famously the backdrop for some of Ansel Adams’ most beloved photography, offers more than a dozen lush hiking trails, unique geological and plant formations, SCUBA tours, wildlife viewing areas, and much more.

OCEANIC EXPLORATION

Prefer to explore the open seas by boat? Consider a whale watching tour. Among the most popular outfitters is Discovery Whale Watch. Now through November is prime time for humpback whales in particular, but in summer and fall months there are also often sightings of blue whales, Risso’s dolphins, Dall’s dolphins, sea lions, harbor porpoises, ocean sunfish, bottle-nosed dolphins, and even orcas.

17-MILE DRIVE AND PEBBLE BEACH

If a fan of golf, the mere mention of Pebble Beach will elicit goose bumps. Pebble Beach Resorts is located along the Monterey Peninsula and accessible by traversing the 17-Mile Drive – one of the most breathtaking stretches of oceanfront highway in the world – from Fisherman’s Wharf. It owns and operates four of the most renowned courses worldwide: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, The Links at Spanish Bay and Del Monte Golf Course.

FINAL ADVICE

If still looking for items to cross off the bucket list when visiting, be sure to venture to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which has an 80-foot waterfall and towering redwoods that are more than 2,500 years old, and make time for all the great restaurants and tasting rooms, notably A Taste of Monterey, Bargetto Winery, Pierce Ranch Vineyards, Stokes Abode, Domenico’s, Montrio Bistro, Sardine Factory, Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point, Nepenthe, and Tides Waterfront Kitchen. Need a place to rest? Exquisite options abound in The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay, InterContinental The Clement Monterey, Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa, and Portola Hotel and Spa.

For more, visit SeeMonterey.com CONTINUED >

Revive Your Resolutions

Renew your commitment to health and wellness with attainable goals

As we find ourselves well into the year, it's an ideal time to pause, reflect and reassess wellness goals. John Winters of Lifestyle Performance Training (@Lifestyle_ Performance_Training ) believes setting small, achievable goals is key. “People can get overwhelmed by looking at what they should be doing, instead of looking at what they can be doing,” says Winters. “It can be difficult to find time to work out for a couple hours a day, five to six days a week. But maybe they can commit to going on a five-minute walk.”

And you could say he wrote the book on goal commitment. Winters is the award-winning author of “Consistent Persistence: A Healthier Life by Changing Your Goals and Mindset” intended to help those who are looking for a program that establishes life habits, rather than quick fixes. “I want to empower people to make manageable lifestyle changes they can stay consistent with and that will have a greater impact on maintaining long-term health.”

WINTERS SHARES HIS TOP THREE TIPS FOR RECOMMITTING TO A HEALTH

JOURNEY:

Move your body one or two days a week

Winters suggests walking, doing bodyweight exercises at home, or going to the gym. “Starting with just a couple times a week is easier to find success and build upon it.”

Change up your meals, but start slow

“Identify one or two ways you could improve a meal each day,” shares Winters. “This can be as easy as having an additional serving of vegetables instead of a starch. Once you feel confident in keeping the first change going, you can identify another change and build your success from there.”

Prioritize rest to aid fat burning

Winters says chronic stress or overwork can hinder fat burning. “Try to get to bed 30 minutes earlier, or fit in a daily meditation to help reset your mind. It can be a great first step in helping your body effectively rest and regenerate so you can start the day less stressed.”

To learn more, visit LPT.Fitness or call 480.463.0364.

John Winters is a certified personal trainer, life coach, holistic nutritionist, and the owner and founder of Lifestyle Performance Training. He has been a personal trainer and health coach since 2002, and has helped a variety of people to achieve their weight loss and health goals.

Aquatic Adventures

PLUNGE INTO OUR FAVORITE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR WATER PARKS FOR FAMILY FUN

When the temperatures hover in the triple digits for weeks on end, you are probably more than ready to find places to cool off and have some fun.

Here’s some great news for Ahwatukee families who want to experience some serious splashing, swimming and sliding: you are a short drive away from one of the Top 10 Water Parks in the country.

If you don’t mind driving a bit farther, you can enjoy an indoor water park that will let you and your family beat the heat while avoiding the intense summer sun.

Keep reading to learn more about these two water parks that invite you to come in, cool off and have a great time.

OASIS WATER PARK AT THE ARIZONA GRAND

The Oasis Water Park at the Arizona Grand was voted by the Travel Channel as one of the Top 10 Water Parks in the country.

If you are planning a staycation at the Arizona Grand, you will automatically get access to Oasis Water Park. There are also resort passes and cabana rentals available for non-resort guests on ResortPass.com.

The 7-acre water park offers multiple features for everyone in the family. This includes

8-story thrill slides, a giant wave pool and a lengthy “side-by-side” lazy river.

A splash pad and the Wild Cat Springs area are ideal for the younger members of the family.

If you wish, you can enhance your experience with a cabana that offers air coolers, water, reserved lounge chairs and more.

Oasis Water Park at the Arizona Grand is located at 8000 S Arizona Grand Parkway, Ahwatukee. ArizonaGrandResort.com/ Oasis-Water-Park

GREAT WOLF LODGE

Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale is another great place for families to beat the heat. The 85,000-square-foot indoor water park offers slides and water features for every age.

Climate controlled to a comfortable 84 degrees, the waterpark includes 13 water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and other water attractions for kids of all ages.

A first-of-its-kind slide, Diamondback Drop, is only offered at Great Wolf Lodge Arizona. The four-person, high-speed raft ride is filled with serpentine curves and highbank thrills.

Great Wolf Lodge is located at 7333 N Pima Road, Scottsdale. GreatWolf.com/Arizona

CITY LIFESTYLE

Summer Bucket List KIDS

Make the most of this Summer! Check off these activities on our Kids Summer Bucket List as you complete them throughout the summer. P.S. You might need an adult’s help with some of these!

Make Popsicles

Go Swimming

Play Sand Volleyball

Family Movie Night

Stargaze

Go on a Picnic

Watch Fireworks

Build a Fort

Make Tie-Dye Shirts

Build a Sandcastle

Bake Cookies

Splash at a Waterpark

Have a Water Balloon Fight

Make Homemade Pizza

Pick Your Own Fruit

Explore a New Local Park

Go Fishing

Camp in the Backyard

Sleep In

Play Board Games

Do a Random Act of Kindness

Write a Kind Note to a Friend

Ride a Rollercoaster

Visit a Carnival

Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark.

Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year.

Go to the Library

ADULTS

Summer is finally here. Take advantage of the season with our Adult Summer Bucket List. Check off these activities as you complete them with your family and friends and congratulate yourself on a Summer well-spent!

Savor the Flavors

OF SUMMER

As the summer sun radiates its scorching heat, we can find solace in cool and refreshing drinks and dishes. To help us beat the heat, Lauren Lane (@Lauren_Lane_ Culinarian and Lauren-Lane.com) showcases her culinary expertise with delightfully quick and easy recipes. Capture the essence of summer with a smoky and light grilled corn salad, a zesty and refreshing vodka lemonade, and a burrata peach salad filled with juicy fruit and luscious cheese. These recipes are perfect for parties, potlucks, patios or poolside.

Tomato Peach

Burrata Salad

YIELD: SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS

• A few big pinches of Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 2 teaspoons fresh oregano

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 large heirloom tomatoes or large plum tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds total)

• Two peaches

• 2 ounces Italian dry salami

• 8 ounces mozzarella pearls or small balls

• 4 ounces burrata cheese

• 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves plus additional whole leaves for garnish

DIRECTIONS

• Combine salt through olive oil.

• Place the burrata cheese round on a platter. Arrange the tomatoes, peaches, salami and mozzarella balls around cheese.

• Drizzle with dressing from bowl. Sprinkle with more salt and pepper. Garnish with additional basil leaves and serve.

ELEVATE YOUR SUMMER MENU WITH THESE SIMPLE AND SOPHISTICATED RECIPES

Vodka Lemonade

YIELD: MAKES SIX COCKTAILS

INGREDIENTS

• 48 ounces homemade lemonade (or store-bought)

• 12 ounces vodka

• Ice, for serving

• 1 lemon, sliced thinly

• Fresh mint for garnish

DIRECTIONS

• Make the lemonade or pour store-bought in a pitcher.

• Add vodka and lemon slices (can be made the day before).

• To serve: pour cocktail over ice and garnish with fresh mint

Grilled Corn Salad

YIELD: SERVES 4-6

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ears corn, grilled and cut from the cob

• 1 small shallot, thinly sliced into rings

• 1/4 cup fresh feta or goat cheese, crumbled

• 3 sprigs basil, leaves removed and torn

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

• Black pepper to taste

• Jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)

DIRECTIONS

• Place corn kernels into a bowl with the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine.

• Taste, and re-season with salt, pepper, and vinegar to taste.

Backyard Bliss

MAKE YOUR BACKYARD THE PLACE TO BE THIS SUMMER

Summer is all about relaxing, reconnecting and making memories that last a lifetime. To make the most of the season, homeowners can create unique outdoor spaces where they can enjoy time with family and friends.

Curt Havens, owner of Ahwatukee-based Outside Living Concepts, a full-service landscape company, shares that there are many ways that locals can entertain and enjoy the outdoors—even when it’s triple digits outside.

SHADED SPOTS

To make outdoor spaces livable in the summer heat, shaded areas are a must. “If you are an outdoor enthusiast and love spending time by the pool or patio no matter what the temperature, having relief nearby is always welcome,” Havens says.

There are multiple options to add some shade outdoors. Havens explains that gazebos offer protection from both the sun and rain because they have a solid tiled roof that matches the home. These are free standing structures that are not attached to the house.

“Other shades are ramadas, pergolas or arbors, which can be attached to the house or free-standing,” he adds. “A pergola or arbor offers no protection from the rain but does offer ‘filtered’ sunlight as well as a very attractive decorative element. A ramada is a solid covered roof.”

BON APPETIT

One of the most popular ways to enjoy your backyard with friends and family is an outdoor barbecue or kitchen.

“If you like to entertain, the outdoor kitchen and bar is one of the Valley favorites,” Havens says. “The uses and possibilities seem endless – we have a wide variety of grills, smokers, side burners, refrigerators, drop-in coolers, kegerators, sinks, storage drawers, lights, electrical, plumbing, bistro tables, bar tops,

and even pizza ovens, just to name a few. We can then use a variety of different materials to create hundreds of different looks.”

SPLISH SPLASH!

“Installing a swimming pool in your backyard will provide your family with a source of entertainment and exercise and will also increase the future resale value of your home,” Havens says. “A swimming pool is a luxurious and functional element of any outdoor living space, particularly when you combine it with a backyard patio remodel.”

In addition to a pool, homeowners can also consider adding other water features.

“An artistic and strategically placed water feature will lull even the most restless to sleep,” Havens says. “Having two on my own property, I can really relate to that.”

The beauty of living in the Valley is, with the proper planning, you can enjoy the outdoors year-round.