Ahwatukee, AZ March 2026

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Lighter Living

I cleaned out my primary bathroom cabinets last week. I know, not exactly earth-shattering news. But here's the thing—it kind of felt that way. Those cabinets, stuffed with half-empty bottles, expired skincare products, and samples I'd been saving for travel since 2019, had been quietly stressing me out every single morning. Thirty minutes and two trash bags later, I felt lighter... calmer. Like I'd accomplished something more than organizing my cabinet.

Turns out, our spaces hold more than just our stuff. They hold our stress, our aspirations, our daily rituals, and yes, our clutter. This issue is all about recognizing that connection and doing something about it.

We're exploring the real benefits of decluttering—not just the Instagramworthy "after" photos, but the genuine mental and emotional relief that comes from creating breathing room in your home. We're showing you how small spring refreshes can shift the entire energy of a space without having to allocate a renovation budget.

We also took a road trip to Waco's Magnolia Silos to explore the home goods and interior design empire that Chip and Joanna Gaines have created. Sometimes the best way to see your own space differently, along with all the beauty and potential it has, is to step into someone else's vision first. And it doesn’t hurt to snack on Magnolia's fresh-baked goodies along the way.

What ties all these stories together is intention. Whether you're decluttering a closet, swapping your winter pillows for spring ones, exploring a new destination with a treasured friend, or finding and following your passion, you're making conscious choices about how you want to live.

With all this in mind, for this month, I'm challenging both of us: pick one space that's been weighing on you. Not the whole house maybe; start small. Just one drawer, one shelf, one corner. Clear it out, freshen it up, make it yours again. Notice how it feels.

I think you'll be surprised how much lighter you become.

BETH DEL VILL, EDITOR @AHWATUKEECITYLIFESTYLE

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Stephanie Slezak

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alison Stanton, Beth Del Ville

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Stephanie Slezak, Beth Del Ville

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

Learn how

Proverbs 3:5-6

Dolce Vita Gelato Opens Second Location in Tempe

Known for its daily in-house made artisanal gelato, Dolce Vita recently opened a new location on Warner and Priest at 1342 W. Warner Rd. in Tempe. This marks the second location for owner, Fabrizio Cali, whose first location is in Mesa. The Tempe store will also be a hub for authentic Italian desserts such as tiramisu, Italian rum cake and more.  IG: @DolceVitaMesa

A BEST FRIENDS ROAD TRIP TO WACO’S ICONIC MAGNOLIA SILOS

THE MAGIC OF MAGNOLIA

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPAHY BY

BETH DEL VILLE

“I FELT THAT FLUTTER OF EXCITEMENT YOU GET WHEN SOMETHING YOU’VE ONLY SEEN ON INSTAGRAM SUDDENLY APPEARS IN REAL LIFE.”

Sometimes you just need to grab your girls and head out on an adventure, and a weekend trip to Austin was just what the doctor ordered. But when I started thinking about what to do and see while we were there, something about the Magnolia Silos kept popping up (let’s be honest, I was binge-watching episodes of Joanna Gaines' cooking show Magnolia Table). I begged my best friend to agree to a road trip to Waco and she happily obliged.

After a night in Austin, we hopped in the car and headed 90 miles north to Waco, home of the landmark grain silos, the Gaines’ empire, the promise of good food and even better shopping.

As we pulled into Waco that afternoon and the silos came into view, and I felt that flutter of excitement you get when something you’ve only seen on Instagram suddenly appears in real life. We parked and walked toward the entrance, and I have to admit—it was even better than I imagined.

The Magnolia property is sprawling, with a relaxed, welcoming vibe that somehow makes you feel like you've been invited to Joanna's backyard party. We started at the Shops at the Silos, six boutique-style cottages, each with a specific theme and goods for sale, from souvenirs to

“IF YOU’RE GOING TO BE STUCK SOMEWHERE, A BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED SHOP FULL OF THINGS YOU WANT TO BUY ISN’T THE WORST PLACE TO BE.”

paper and leather goods, men’s items and more. We popped into the first, The Flower Shoppe, filled with real-touch flowers, inspirational arrangements and notes from Jo herself.

That's when the sky opened up.

A hailstorm hit out of nowhere, and suddenly everyone on the property was scrambling for cover. We ducked back into The Flower Shoppe, laughing as hail pelted the windows and other shoppers crowded in beside us. There's something oddly bonding about being trapped in a store during a Texas hailstorm; my friend and I just looked at each other and shrugged. If you're going to be stuck somewhere, a beautifully designed shop full of things you want to buy isn't the worst place to be.

The storm let up enough for us to continue exploring the shops, and we decided to make our way to the Silos Bakery. We'd heard about the variety of delicious baked goods, and let me tell you, the hype is real. We left with an embarrassing number of items—cookies, cupcakes, brownies—telling ourselves we'd share them later.

That evening, we cleaned up and headed to Magnolia Table for dinner. The restaurant has this warm charm that makes you feel like you're dining at a friend's house—if your friend happens to be an interior design genius. We ordered the biscuits (obviously), shared entrees, and spent two hours just talking, laughing and savoring every bite. It was the kind of meal where you lose track of time because the food is good and the company is better.

The next morning, with clear skies and a sunny start, we made our way to Magnolia Press by the time they opened, ready to start our day. The aroma alone was worth the early wake-up call. We grabbed lattes and a selection of pastries, finding a spot on the patio to sit and plan our final day of shopping before heading back to Austin.

And shop we did. After breakfast, we entered Magnolia Market, weaving through displays of home goods, gifts, and that perfectly curated Magnolia aesthetic. I found myself reaching for a copper and brass colander I definitely didn't need but was too pretty to pass up, and kitchen towels that were a perfect addition to my

mother’s kitchen. My friend discovered a gorgeous olive oil dispenser that she declared would be best suited for her kitchen counter, and delicate floral bookmarks that would be an ideal gift for her book club friends.

Then we made our way to Magnolia Home, which is dangerous territory if you have any interest in home decor whatsoever. Furniture, textiles, lighting—everything arranged in vignettes that made me want to redecorate my entire house immediately. We spent a solid hour debating whether certain pieces would fit in our respective homes, taking photos "for inspiration," and generally living our best Fixer Upper fantasy lives.

The drive back to Austin felt shorter somehow. We were quieter, content, and our hearts fuller. Sure, the Magnolia Silos are beautiful and the shopping is fantastic and the food is incredible. But what made the trip special wasn't just the destination—it was sharing it with my best friend, getting caught in a hailstorm together, staying up too late talking, and waking up early to do it all over again.

Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Magnolia may have been built by Chip and Joanna, but the magic happens when you share it with the right people.

“MAGNOLIA MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT BY CHIP AND JOANNA, BUT THE MAGIC HAPPENS WHEN YOU SHARE IT WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE.”

Bringing Joy

Back into the Kitchen

Chef Dennis Prescott Talks Falling in Love with Feeding People and the Connection Food Creates

Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you. Bring joy back into the kitchen.”

Whether you know him from the Netflix hit Restaurants on the Edge or from his absolutely mouth-watering food photos as @ dennistheprescott on the ‘gram, this former-musician turned internationally-renowned Chef is an amazingly talented, thoughtful, and globe-trotting force to be reckoned with. When it comes to inspiration for creating experiences around food and your community, as well as creating travel bucket lists to some of the world’s most unique and delicious destinations off the beaten path, Chef ‘Dennis The Prescott’ is a culinary change maker whose feed you’ll want to feast on

Originally an aspiring musician, Canadian-born Dennis Prescott’s journey began while in university with a single invitation from another solo musician who asked him to tour with them around the US. This eventually took him to Nashville where they began making records and pursuing their musical dreams.

Yet, in the midst of all of this, Dennis was not taking care of himself — eating take out, dollar menus, etc, had become a way of life. A friend had a “come to Jesus” moment with him and stressed that he needed to start taking care of himself. Having no idea exactly what that meant or how to do so, the advice was simple: “You need to start eating better.”

The Start

“Go to the library and borrow some cookbooks,” his friend suggested. Dennis went to a nearby library and borrowed three books only to have his friend ask why he chose those in particular. Dennis remembers saying verbatim, “I don’t know? The guy on the cover looks kinda good looking, and I feel like I could probably pull these recipes off, and he seems really happy too!” As it turned out they were three books by Jamie Oliver; it’s just that he had no idea who Jamie Oliver was at the time.

Flash forward and Dennis’ first dinner-hosting experiment was made up of twenty people from the music studio, all sitting in camping chairs with beer koozies and makeshift tables in his apartment.

“I remember at the time this moment of, okay, the food is on the table, it’s a stressful thing, and then everybody tucks in and they take their first bite, and there’s a moment of hush that kind of came over everyone; it got really quiet just for a second, and then everyone started talking and getting into it and I fell in love with food right there at that moment.

What eventually followed were 13 episodes over nine months where the Restaurants on the Edge team traveled to and filmed restaurant revivals that included three in Canada, one in the continental US, one in Hawaii, and others outside of North America, including Hong Kong, Slovenia, Austria, Malta, St. Lucia and Finland.

“When you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.

Travel Recommendations for Foodies

“Slovenia borders Italy and Croatia, which is to say there are a lot of shared values in and around food; they have really great cheese, dairy, beef, pasta, but very few tourists, hardly any. So if you love Italy, that kind of specific travel and food experience, particularly Northern Italy, because you can see the Alps from where they are. It’s picture perfect, a beautiful place, and also where orange wine is from.”

Dennis also highly recommends Costa Rica, Hawaii and Finland.

“Most people love the idea of travel, but we tend to pick the same places when we travel, and there is nothing wrong with that, they are amazing for a reason, but when you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.”

Restaurants on the Edge is important and meaningful to Chef Prescott because it tells stories of hope and joy and redemption around the kitchen. Oftentimes the food space can be very stressful, but he believes that at the end of the day, people just want to spend time with other people that they love.

One of the most common fears Dennis hears from people cooking and/or grilling at home is, ‘where do I start? I don’t know how to get going, so I just don’t.’

Rather than overcomplicating it, Dennis recommends cooking the things that bring you joy — things that are on a restaurant menu you can’t NOT order because you’re so pumped that those dishes are on there.

“Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you. Bring joy back into the kitchen.”

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

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON

THESpace BETWEEN

Why living with less is the new absolute luxury

March is officially here, which means many of us in Ahwatukee have started thinking about spring cleaning.

This season, rather than concentrating on cleaning and dusting, what if we focused on clearing out some of the unused items that are taking up space in our homes? In other words, maybe we should try shifting our focus from accumulation to curation, and view unused, empty spaces in our home as a desirable amenity. This approach may allow us to see that a beautiful home is not defined by what we own, but rather by the clarity and mental breathing room that we create when we remove the non-essential items.

THE VISUAL PEACE THAT COMES FROM DECLUTTERING

Did you know that every item in your home communicates with you throughout the day? It might sound silly, but it’s true. All day, our possessions are saying things like “Clean me!” “Organize me!” “Take care of me!” “Fix me!” If you ever feel tired and overwhelmed in your own home, this might explain why.

By going through your home, room by room, and giving yourself permission to remove the items that are not being

used and/or are not meaningful to you, you will go a long way in cutting back on this visual noise. You may also find that having fewer objects will allow you to see and truly appreciate the meaningful items you have decided to keep.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF WEIGHTLESSNESS

There is a mental toll that comes with taking care of a lot of possessions. This cognitive load can use up a lot of mental energy throughout the day. If you ever find yourself wondering “Why am I feeling so mentally fatigued?”, your belongings may very well be a key reason.

On the flip side, when you go through your home and remove the items that are no longer serving your needs, you will undoubtedly feel a sense of lightness and well-being.

HOW HAVING LESS LEADS TO HAVING MORE TIME FOR YOU

Two areas of your home that, once they are streamlined and decluttered, will have an immediate positive impact on your day, are your closet and your kitchen.

When you go through your closet and keep only the clothes that you truly love, that make you feel great when you wear

them and are all options to wear today, getting dressed in the morning will become so much faster.

The same is true for the kitchen. It is easier to prepare meals when drawers and cupboards are not filled

with dishes, pots and pans and coffee mugs that no one ever uses.

Having fewer items to take care of and keep track of will pay off in other ways as well—for example, in reclaiming CONTINUED >

precious time. By spending less of your day maintaining, organizing, cleaning and fixing items that don’t mean that much to you anyway, you’ll have more time for the important things in life like relationships with those you love, your hobbies and creating wonderful memories.

THE FREEDOM OF “ENOUGH”

Are you ready to experience the freedom and mental clarity that comes with owning fewer items? If so, we welcome you to “edit” one space in your home this weekend. Start with one bookcase, one drawer or one closet and remove the things that you no longer use. You don’t have to donate them or toss them yet—simply put them into a box and set them aside for now.

When you are done, focus on how this space feels—the way you can truly see and appreciate the items that are still there, or how the room is already starting to feel calmer and more peaceful. Then, after a few days, tackle another space, and then another.

As you go, remember that downsizing isn’t a loss, but rather a way to gain focus and energy. You deserve it.

“...a beautiful home is not defined by what we own, but rather by the clarity and mental breathing room that we create when we remove the nonessential items.”

SMALL CHANGES THAT BRING NEW LIFE TO EVERY ROOM

START FRESH FOR SPRING

There's something about the first days of spring that makes you look around your home with fresh eyes. Suddenly, those cozy winter layers feel heavy. The dark throw pillows that were perfect a few months ago now seem to swallow the light. Your home is practically begging for a refresh, and the good news? You don't need a renovation to answer that call.

Spring decorating isn't about starting from scratch—it's about making thoughtful swaps that transform how your home feels. We're talking pillows, not paint colors. Stems, not structural changes. These are the kind of updates you can tackle in an afternoon, but their impact lasts all season long.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Before you change a single decorative element, start with your lighting. Swap those bulbs for higher wattage or cooler temperature options that mimic natural daylight. While you're at it, give your light fixtures a quick wipe-down—you'd be amazed how much dust accumulates and dims the light.

Next, consider your window treatments. Replace heavy drapes with sheer curtains or light-filtering options in crisp white, soft linen or pale neutrals. These fabrics let sunlight pour in while still providing privacy, creating that bright, airy feeling spring is known for.

LAYER IN NATURAL TEXTURE

Spring is nature's comeback season, so bring those natural elements indoors. Think beyond just plants and incorporate woven baskets, rattan trays, wooden bowls and jute accessories. These organic textures add warmth without weight, creating visual interest that feels fresh rather than cluttered.

Your pillows and throws are among the easiest and most impactful swaps you can make. Choose lighter options in cotton, linen or lightweight weaves in spring-appropriate colors: soft whites, pale blues, gentle greens, warm neutrals or even cheerful yellows. Swapping out two or three key pillows per room can completely shift the vibe.

And don't overlook your floors. Natural fiber rugs in jute, sisal or seagrass bring that organic spring feeling underfoot, while lighter-colored area rugs in cream, beige or soft gray can make rooms feel instantly more spacious and bright.

SOFTEN WITH FLORAL AND STEMS

Nothing says spring quite like fresh flowers. And if real flora doesn’t fit your lifestyle, high-quality faux stems have

come a long way. The key is selecting arrangements that feel appropriate for the season. Think tulips, peonies, ranunculus, cherry blossoms and eucalyptus rather than deep dahlias or burgundy mums. Opt for stems in soft pinks, whites, yellows and greens. Place them strategically on your dining table, kitchen island, bathroom counter or entryway console where you want to create an instant mood lift.

If you're going the faux route, invest in quality pieces that look realistic. Well-made faux stems in modern vessels can fool even the most discerning eye. Plus, you can use them year after year, making them a smart long-term investment.

REFRESH THE BEDROOM

Your bedroom deserves a spring awakening too. Swap heavy comforters and layers for lighter bedding in breathable fabrics like cotton, linen or lightweight quilts in lighter colors.

If you're not ready to invest in a new bedding set, simply swapping your duvet cover

or adding a lightweight coverlet at the foot of the bed can create that fresh spring feeling. Layer in a few new pillows in spring-appropriate shams, and suddenly your bedroom feels like a completely different space.

UPDATE YOUR SOFT GOODS

Don’t stop at a curtain swap. Table linens are another easy swap that makes a surprising impact. Replace darker placemats and table runners with lighter options in fresh whites, soft linens or cheerful spring patterns.

“THESE AREN’T PERMANENT CHANGES OR MAJOR INVESTMENTS. THEY’RE

SIMPLE SEASONAL SWAPS THAT HONOR THE NATURAL RHYTHM OF THE YEAR.”

Consider the smaller textiles too, like kitchen towels, bath towels, even the bath mat.

AWAKEN THE SENSES

Here's a refresh element people often overlook: scent. What your home smells like dramatically affects how it feels, and spring calls for lighter, fresher fragrances like lemon, grapefruit, orange blossom or clean ocean air. Place them strategically throughout your home, with a citrus candle in the kitchen, fresh linen spray for your bedroom, a floral diffuser in the entryway.

START SMALL, FEEL THE SHIFT

The beauty of a spring refresh is that you don't need to tackle everything at once. Start with one room or even one corner. Swap the pillows on your sofa, pick up a bundle of fresh tulips, light a lemon-scented candle. Notice how that small change shifts the energy of the space, then build from there.

Spring decorating is about embracing lightness in color, texture and feeling. These aren't permanent changes or major investments. They're simple seasonal swaps that honor the natural rhythm of the year and keep your home feeling current, intentional and alive. Your winter home served you well, but spring is calling. Time to answer.

MARCH 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

SUNDAYS

Ahwatukee Farmers Market

Ahwatukee Swim & Tennis Center

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.

MARCH 6TH

Ahwatukee First Fridays

Mountain Park Church

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

MARCH 7TH-8TH

Downtown Chandler BBQ Festival

Downtown Chandler

Calling all barbecue aficionados - the annual BBQ Festival is back! In addition to plenty of delicious barbecue and a variety of fun competitions, attendees will find a great selection of Arizona craft beers, craft cocktails and a full day of live music. Admission prices range from $18-$25; children under 6 are free. Visit DowntownChandler.org/ do/downtown-chandler-bbq-festival for more information.

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MARCH 13TH-15TH

Tempe Festival of the Arts

Downtown Tempe

The Tempe Festival of the Arts is one of the top art festivals in the nation. Explore downtown Tempe and check out the more than 350 artist booth presenting unique handmade artwork available for sale. Attendees can enjoy continuous entertainment, beer and wine gardens and a special children’s area. Visit TempeFestivaloftheArts.com for more details.

MARCH 17TH-22ND

Six the Musical

This pop-concert-style musical reimagines the six wives of Henry VIII as a modern girl group, where the queens compete to see who had the worst experience being married to the king to determine which one will be the lead singer. This global sensation won a Tony Award for Best Original Score. For tickets and showtimes, visit ASUGammage.com

MARCH 28TH

The Great Ahwatukee Easter Egg Hunt

Kyrene de la Estrella

Enjoy a fun-filled day at The Great Ahwatukee Easter Egg Hunt. Get ready to hunt for colorful eggs and meet the Easter Bunny. Timed Easter egg hunts will take place every 30 minutes for kids age 3 and younger, 4-6, 7-9 and 10 and up. Bounce houses, food trucks, face painting and kids crafts will also be available. Search Facebook for details.

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