Ahwatukee, AZ April 2026

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Spring For What Matters

Happy April, friends!

This month is lovely for so many reasons. With the arrival of Spring, the celebration of Easter, and the observance of Passover, April is a beautiful symbol of life and new beginnings. Locally, it is the perfect time to be outside—whether you’re staying active or simply sitting and enjoying a picturesque evening.

We are all familiar with the concept of "spring clean ing." Beyond just tidying up, it represents a fresh start, provides mental clarity and marks the transition from winter’s dormancy to the energy of spring. This issue offers ideas for other areas of your life where you can make simple swaps; even the most minimal effort can bring wonderful gains.

Enjoy the gorgeous photos of several varied floral arrangements. Even a single bunch of fresh flowers can make me smile for days. They bring a sense of occasion to my home and instantly make my space feel elevated. What a gift that is.

In this issue, Cory Whyte of Whyte House shares expert advice on where to best invest your time and energy when maintaining or improving your home. His tips will ensure you’re in the best possible position when you’re ready to sell, while helping you enjoy your sanctuary to the fullest in the meantime.

I’m also feeling determined to prioritize my sleep after reading our latest tips— it’s just too important to skimp on. Finally, our partner Myranda serves up some gorgeous gift ideas to help you honor your mother or wife next month. We’re helping you plan ahead—you’re welcome!

My hope is that you find several ideas within these pages that add goodness to your life. That is always our goal as we plan each issue.

Cheers to a beautiful month!

SHERRY YORK, PUBLISHER @AHWATUKEECITYLIFESTYLE

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Stephanie Slezak

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michelle Talsma Everson, Kris Ann Valdez, Angela Broockerd, Nicolette Martin, Beth Del Ville

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Qiana Kelsch, Stephanie Slezak

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Proverbs 3:5-6

A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Electric Pickle Turns One

In just one year, Electric Pickle has become one of Arizona's most talked-about social destinations. What began as a place to play pickleball has evolved into something much bigger: a hub where sport, food, music and community collide. From morning brunch crowds to late-night live music lovers, Electric Pickle has built a reputation as a social club where everyone belongs. ElectricPickle.com

Spinato's Announces New Menu Items, Hours, App and Loyalty Program

Spinato's Pizzeria & Family Kitchen has added several new menu items to accommodate guests' changing dietary needs, including more gluten-free and keto-friendly options. The restaurant is also keeping its kitchen open later (Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Spinato's is closed Mondays) and has introduced a new loyalty program, "The Secret Sauce Society," with an app to reward guests. SpinatosPizzeria.com

Photography by Angela Moneyhon for Spinato’s Pizzeria

Dr. Kristen Mayorga

Local real estate expert shares how to prioritize upgrades

Investing in Renovations That Matter

Cory Whyte started as a contractor flipping houses in San Diego. But six months after meeting his future wife, a Realtor, he moved to her hometown of Chandler, Ariz. There, he obtained his real estate license in 2005, enabling them to go into business together.

Twenty years later, Whyte continues to bring his knowledge as a contractor into every real estate project. If you’re looking to remodel your own home—whether for resale value or simply to enjoy it—Whyte shares his expertise on where to invest to get the best return on investment.

Currently, the real estate market is challenging for sellers, says Whyte. Many of the houses selling quickest are turnkey–the kind where you only have to “bring your toothbrush,” he jokes.

If you can afford to remodel a property to turnkey-ready, that’s great. But what about homeowners who can’t afford to go all in?

It’s all about striking a balance between the sexy and the not-so-sexy projects, advises Whyte. While his wife always encourages prioritizing a new, beautiful kitchen, he’s “all about checking out the roof to make sure it’s not going to leak on this beautiful new kitchen.”

If you’re looking to remodel and sell, old roofs, air-conditioners and windows—these are the “deal killers” that drive renegotiations, especially in a buyer’s market, Whyte says. It’s better to invest upfront to complete these repairs than lose money during closing. After all, pretty pictures of a home online can attract potential buyers, but a great roof and a quality AC unit will seal the deal.

Whye acknowledges that everyone wants the new kitchen, bathrooms, and new floors. “I want them too,” he says, “But if you’re thinking long term, you have to balance that out.”

Recently, he had a client purchase a house in its original condition because it had been well-maintained. Despite lacking flashy upgrades, the care put into it inspired the buyer’s confidence.

“It’s better to invest upfront to complete these repairs than lose money during closing. After all, pretty pictures of a home online can attract potential buyers, but a great roof and a quality AC unit will seal the deal.”

A “HOUSE MAINTENANCE FUND” IS ALWAYS A

GOOD IDEA

Renovations aren’t cheap–and inflation is driving prices higher. It’s best to start saving now, especially if your home is older and may be due for major repairs.

“I know that's the part that not many people love to do or think about,” Whyte says, but “if I get this much coming in every month and I start putting an emergency fund together for the roof that I know is going to be needed in the next three years, pre-planning those things is paramount to keeping that balance.”

Whyte says homeowners may also choose to take out a line of credit on their home’s equity if they’re planning full-scale remodels.

SMALLER RENOVATIONS THAT CAN STILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Perhaps you aren’t ready to go all-in for renovations. Whyte says there are still many small ways to improve a house. His biggest suggestion?

Lighting.

“I love lighting,” he says. “So many times you’ve got builder-grade lighting, and just doing a quick fan and light update can change things.”

Paint is another easy one. It’s best to get back to neutral, Whyte advises. “We know that certain colors will appeal to certain people, but we know neutral colors appeal to all people.”

Neutral colors also present well in online photos. It’s a shame to have someone click to the next potential house because of your

orange or pink walls, says Whyte. Besides, everyone is busy, and the idea of having to repaint a house can sometimes be a deal breaker.

Another inexpensive but effective upgrade is cabinetry hardware.

“There was a house we sold last year,” says Whyte, with original oak kitchen cabinets, but “we took some Murphy’s oil, shined those bad boys up, put some hardware on the cabinets, and it totally changed the whole look.”

The cost of new hardware? A couple of hundred dollars.

One thing to be wary of is spending money on home improvements that are too niche to your tastes, advises Whyte. He notes that window tinting, an electric vehicle charger, or a “man shed” in the backyard might seem like selling points, but they’re too specific to matter to a broader buyer base.

Whyte also recommends cleaning your air vents and replacing the filters before hitting the market. On a recent house tour, he found everything to be pristine–until he noticed the grimy air vents.

This is a simple fix: replace or clean and repaint them. As for the air filter, if it’s “sucked halfway up into the return, it was probably changed only once that year. The AC has been working extra hard. We need to have it inspected.”

These issues can snowball and ultimately hurt buyer trust.

“And that's where it goes back to that balance,” he says. For Whyte, that balance isn’t just professional advice but personal. He loves working with people and building relationships to see great things come to fruition.

WhyteHouse.co | IG: @WhyteHouse_

Thoughtful Design. Elevated Living.

The Best Investment Is Your Sanctuary.

At Whyte House, we believe a home is where your family’s story unfolds, but it is also the most significant investment you will ever make. We take a deeply personal approach, ensuring every purchase is a sound foundation for the life you want to lead. When it comes time to move on, we utilize our market expertise to maximize your return, honoring the care you’ve put into your property. We don’t just see a transaction; we see a milestone in your life that deserves a thoughtful, expert hand.

THE POWER OF PETALS

INVESTMENTS IN BLOOMS BRING BIG RETURNS IN JOY

Walk into a room with fresh flowers, and something shifts immediately. Maybe it's the pop of color that first catches your eye, or the subtle fragrance that greets you before you even notice the arrangement. Flowers transform not just a room, but your entire mood.

Here's the thing about flowers: they're one of the few investments where the return has nothing to do with the price tag. A single stem from the grocery store can lift your spirits just as much as an elaborate arrangement from a florist.

Flowers engage every sense. Visually, they're instant focal points that add life to any space. The scent of fresh hyacinth, eucalyptus or garden roses creates an atmosphere no candle can replicate. Even the tactile experience—the velvet softness of a rose petal, the waxy texture of a tulip—connects us to something natural.

The investment can be as small or large as your budget allows, but the emotional return remains remarkably consistent. A five-dollar bouquet brings just as much joy as a fifty-dollar arrangement. Whether you spend three dollars or three hundred, you're buying the same thing: beauty, fragrance and the daily pleasure of living with something lovely.

That's a return you simply can't measure in dollars.

Helping you with what matters most.

At Edward Jones, our priority is understanding what truly matters to you — your goals, values and vision for the future. Our trusted and skilled team will help you build a portfolio centered around you and your evolving needs.

Wealth preservation and legacy strategies: Helping you create a legacy firmly rooted in your values.

Portfolio strategies: Tax-sensitive investing approaches for sophisticated financial circumstances.

Tailored, full-family service: A holistic process that includes collaboration with your CPA, attorney and other professionals.

If you’re ready for a fresh perspective, let’s talk.

Build a Better Bedtime

Simple upgrades that turn sleep into an all-day advantage

Good sleep does not start the moment your head hits the pillow. It begins earlier, with small, intentional choices that signal your body it is time to slow down. A quality sleep routine is not about rigid rules or perfection. It is about creating comfort and consistency in a way that supports how you want to feel all day long: focused, energized, and steady.

Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Yet more than one in three U.S. adults regularly falls short of that goal. The consequences are familiar to many people: groggy mornings, fuzzy thinking, irritability and a harder time managing stress. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can also affect long-term health, influencing everything from immune function to heart health and mental well-being.

WHY SLEEP SETS THE TONE

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine reinforces the seven-hour benchmark, noting that consistent, adequate sleep plays a critical role in mood, performance and overall quality of life. In other words, sleep is not a luxury reserved for weekends or vacations. It is a foundation that supports nearly every system in the body.

When sleep is prioritized, decision-making improves, emotions feel easier to regulate,

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON

and energy levels stay more balanced throughout the day. When it is neglected, even small challenges can feel overwhelming. That is why building a better bedtime is less about adding one more task and more about creating an environment and rhythm that make rest feel natural.

DESIGN A BEDROOM (AND ROUTINE) THAT WORKS FOR YOU

Creating a better sleep routine often starts with the bedroom itself. Think of it as a personal sleep sanctuary rather than a place that simply holds a bed. Temperature, texture and light all influence how quickly you fall asleep and how deeply you rest. Breathable sheets made from fabrics like percale or bamboo help regulate body temperature, which is especially important for people who tend to

sleep warm. High-quality bedding can also change how bedtime feels, turning it into something you look forward to rather than rush through.

Sleepwear plays a role as well. Cozy, cooling pajamas made from lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics help prevent overheating and nighttime wakeups, particularly in our warmer climate. Comfortable sleepwear also supports the mental shift from the busyness of the day to the calm of evening, making it easier to ease into a consistent wind-down routine.

Light exposure matters, too. Even subtle ambient light from electronics or streetlights can interfere with sleep cycles. A well-fitted sleep mask helps block visual distractions, while a silk pillowcase adds comfort and creates a smoother, more intentional sleep experience. Small sensory upgrades

like these can have an outsized impact on how relaxed the body feels at night.

How you wake up is just as important as how you fall asleep. Traditional alarm clocks can be abrupt and stress-inducing, pulling you out of sleep rather than easing you into the day. Lightbased alarm clocks that simulate a sunrise offer a gentler start and can help regulate your internal clock over time. Many also include white noise or calming sound options that support deeper sleep throughout the night.

Consistency is the real secret to better rest. The CDC emphasizes that going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends, helps regulate the body’s natural rhythm. Simple habits like dimming lights in the evening, putting screens away earlier, and repeating the same calming steps each night send clear signals to the nervous system that it is time to rest.

When sleep improves, everything else tends to follow. Energy rises. Focus sharpens. Stress feels more manageable. A thoughtful sleep routine is not indulgent. It is practical self-care that supports better days and more restorative nights.

Sleep well, and let the benefits show up everywhere.

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

GOING GREEN

ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN

We’re saying goodbye to plastic wrap, Ziploc bags and aluminum foil, and hello to reusable wax food wraps you can wrap around anything your hungry (or full) heart desires.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN REUSABLE WAX FOOD WRAPS IN 4 EASY STEPS

SUPPLIES:

• Beeswax beads

• Fabric

• Pinking shears

• Parchment paper

• Baking sheet

INSTRUCTIONS:

01. PREHEAT your oven to its lowest setting.

02. CUT FABRIC into desired shapes. Using pinking shears so the fabric doesn’t fray, you can cut your fabric into any shape or size you’d like. Consider what size or shape of food you store the most and use that as a guide.

03. PREP + MELT. Cover your baking sheet with parchment paper and place the cut fabric on top. Sprinkle with beeswax beads and place in the oven to allow beeswax to melt for 5-10 minutes.

04. KEEP IT COOL. Remove fabric from baking sheet (careful, it’s hot!) and allow wax to harden and cool.

FOR REUSE, wash in cool water (you don’t want the wax to melt!) with mild dish soap and let air dry.

Tutorial adapted from ApartmentTherapy.com.

FOR THOSE Who Mother

Motherhood doesn't come in one shape. It shows up in the grandmother who never misses a recital, the aunt who always answers the phone, the best friend who treats your child like their own and the stepmom who stepped up without hesitation. As Mother’s Day approaches, we’re celebrating every woman who mothers, however that looks in your life.

What better way to honor her than with something she'll treasure forever?

We've curated pieces from Myranda Fine Jewelry that speak to every kind of mother figure. Delicate everyday jewelry she'll reach for morning after morning. Bold statement pieces for the woman who deserves to be noticed. Personalized designs that tell her story.

Each piece we've selected is made to last. Because the best gifts aren't about checking a box on the calendar. They're about saying thank you in a way that she can hold onto.

She deserves something as precious as she is.

Sparkling Mother’s Day gift ideas for every woman who nurtures and loves

ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK

EASTER EGG PASTEL GEMSTONE COLLECTION BRACELET

Yellow gold with unheated sapphires

Price upon request

OMBRE BIRTHSTONE

RING Yellow gold with lab sapphires

NAME PLATE CHARM

Starting at $600. As shown: gold with lab diamonds

$3,200

TWO CARAT TOTAL WEIGHT DIAMOND STUD EARRINGS

VINTAGE PENDANT NECKLACE

Featuring old mine cut diamond baguettes and blue sapphires set in platinum

$10,000

ROLEX LADY

DATEJUST TIMEPIECE

TIMEPIECE 26mm white diamond dial with yellow gold and stainless steel oyster bracelet

$6,500

MASTOLONI PEARLS RING

Tahitian pearl in rose gold with round diamonds

Price upon request

BUTTERFLY NECKLACE

Yellow gold, multiple sizes

$3,00 and up

JEWELRY CLEANER

Myranda Fine Jewelry cleaner for keeping all her precious peices looking perfect.

$2,800 lab diamonds

$40

FLEX BRACELETS

Rose, white and yellow gold featuring lab or natural diamonds, starting at $2,800

CIRCLE OF LIFE NECKLACE

Rose, white and yellow gold

$6,800

$2,900

MYRANDA’S SIGNATURE LINE CANDY

GEMSTONE COLLECTION EARRINGS

Yellow gold with all natural sapphires

$13,000

Sherry turned a magazine into community.

City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?

Ahwatukee

City Lifestyle

Published by Sherry Loved by Ahwatukee

events

APRIL 3RD

Ahwatukee First Fridays

Mountain Park Community Church | 5:00 PM

Head out to Mountain Park Church for Ahwatukee First Fridays to explore booths and meet neighbors. Support local businesses, from arts and crafts to food and more, enjoy food trucks, music and community at this free event. For more information, visit Facebook.com/AhwatukeeFirstFridays .

APRIL 4TH

Ahwatukee Easter Parade and Spring Festival

Warner Road and 48th Street | 10:00 AM

Join in the fun at the 50th annual Ahwatukee Easter Parade, presented by the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee, one of the longest-running community parades in the Valley. More than 75 parade entries will move north along 48th Street from Warner Road to Elliot Road. The annual Spring Festival follows the parade, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. AhwatukeeEasterParade.com

SUNDAYS

Ahwatukee Farmers Market

Ahwatukee Community Swim & Tennis Center | 9:00 AM

Fresh food, arts and crafts, food trucks and more come together each Sunday for this signature weekly community event. The Ahwatukee Farmers Market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through May before switching to summer hours. For more information, visit ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets.com/Ahwatukee-Farmers-Market .

APRIL 7TH - 12TH

The Notebook The Musical

ASU Gammage

Based on the best-selling novel that inspired the iconic film, The Notebook tells the story of Allie and Noah, both from different worlds, who share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart. This musical is a deeply moving portrait of the enduring power of love, and features music and lyrics by multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson. ASUGammage.com/TheNotebook

APRIL 17TH

Ahwatukee Eats

Desert Dentistry | 5:00 PM

Attend this monthly event for delicious food and wonderful community. A host of food trucks serving a variety of delectable eats will be in attendance, along with family-friendly fun for all. Find out more on Instagram @AhwatukeeEats.

APRIL 17TH

Light Up Ahwatukee Beer & Wine Gala

Foothills Golf Course | 6:00 PM

The annual 21+ gala is an evening of fundraising, and features an all-inclusive ticket for unlimited beer and wine varieties. Attendees will enjoy a diverse selection of libations, live music, casino tables and games, multiple raffles prizes, exciting wine pulls and more. LightUpAhwatukee.org