Gilbert, AZ April 2026

Investing in What Truly Matters This Season and Beyond

When most people hear the word “invest,” they immediately think of stocks, real estate, retirement accounts, and financial portfolios. And yes, those absolutely matter. Investing your money wisely builds freedom, security, and options for your future. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that investing looks different in every season of life.

Sometimes investing means saying yes to the gym membership or the long walk after dinner because your health is worth protecting. Sometimes it looks like therapy, quiet mornings, journaling, or simply going to bed earlier. Investing in self-care isn’t indulgent. It’s strategic. You can’t show up fully for your family, your business, or your community if you’re constantly running on empty.

Other times, investing means betting on yourself. Launching the idea. Taking the class. Hiring the coach. Making the pivot. Growth almost always requires risk, but the return is confidence, clarity, and momentum.

And yes, investing also means financial decisions. Saving intentionally. Planning wisely. Thinking long-term. It’s not about chasing quick wins, it’s about building something sustainable.

This month’s issue explores investing through a slightly different lens. We’re highlighting financial strategy and smart planning, but also the personal side of investment, the choices that shape our lives in quieter, meaningful ways.

One of the biggest investments I ever made was my wedding day. Not just financially, but emotionally. It was a commitment to create a moment that marked the beginning of something lasting. I still remember the music, the laughter, the way the room felt. The return on that investment wasn’t just one beautiful day. It was the foundation of a life we continue building together.

Investing isn’t always about numbers. Sometimes, it’s about memories, growth, and intention.

KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR @GILBERTCITYLIFESTYLE

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Robin Belley | robin.belley@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Kristy Belley | kristy.belley@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Kylie Strawn-Badger | kylie.strawn@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Macie Smith | macie.smith@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Kylie Strawn-Badger | kylie.strawn@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kristy Belley, Angela Brookerd, Kylie Strawn-Badger

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tracy Battaglia, Fully Alive Photography, Torey Hayden, Niel Hayes, Darian Williams, Yasmine Carmen Photography, Sam Savat, Brittany Nemec, Nathan Clark Photography, Tony George Photography, The Tinnins

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

The Mission Gilbert brings Chef Matt Carter’s beloved modern Latin cuisine to the East Valley. Guests can enjoy candlelit ambiance, housemade tortillas, signature tableside guacamole, agave-forward cocktails, and a beautifully designed space crafted for celebrations, lively gatherings, and memorable everyday dining experiences.

Slice House by Tony Gemignani Opens In Gilbert

This new Gilbert pizzeria features award-winning pizza from 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani. Guests can enjoy New York, Sicilian, Grandma, and Detroitstyle pies, plus the exclusive Pop’s Special, alongside pastas, wings, salads, craft beer, and wine. Located at 3115 S. Val Vista Drive, Suite 101.

Scan to read more

Bronco Dental Celebrates Opening in Gilbert

Bronco Family Dental is a new, family-focused dental practice now open in Gilbert, AZ, built on the belief that dentistry is about more than teeth. It’s about people, relationships, and confidence. Founded by Dr. Emily Maslovich, Bronco Family Dental  is designed to provide honest, compassionate, and high-quality care in a warm, welcoming environment where patients of all ages feel truly cared for.

Kohler Bathroom Design

Partner with the KOHLER® Signature Store design consultants to find innovative products, colors, materials, and finishes to bring your design dreams to life.

COACHING THE NUMBERS

How Barbara Schreihans Is Changing the Way Entrepreneurs Think About Taxes

ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOREY HAYDEN

For many entrepreneurs, taxes feel like something that happens to them rather than something they can actively control. The conversation often starts and ends during tax season, bringing stress, uncertainty, and the assumption that a large bill is simply the cost of doing business. Barbara Schreihans,

“My mission is helping business owners keep more, grow more, and stress less.”

CEO of Your Tax Coach, has built her career around changing that perspective.

After spending years inside a Big 4 tax firm, Schreihans began to notice a pattern that was hard to ignore. Entrepreneurs were hustling, hitting big revenue milestones, and building businesses they were proud of, yet many were quietly overpaying the IRS by eye-watering amounts. Not because they were doing anything wrong, but because nobody was in their corner guiding them. As she likes to say, “The tax code is a rulebook. And once you understand the rules, you can play to win.” That lightbulb moment became the foundation for Your Tax Coach, a firm built to move entrepreneurs out of survival mode and into strategy.

One client moment in particular never left her. She watched a sharp, hardworking business owner get blindsided by a massive tax bill that had absolutely no business being that large. Entirely

avoidable, had anyone been paying attention throughout the year. “The problem wasn’t intelligence, and it wasn’t effort. It was education and proactive planning,” she says. From that point forward, she made it her mission to do what the industry rarely does: get ahead of the problem before the damage is already done.

The name Your Tax Coach reflects that philosophy. Schreihans believes there is a clear difference between a tax preparer and a tax coach. A preparer looks backward and reports what already happened. A coach looks forward and helps clients make decisions that shape better outcomes. The mission is simple but powerful: help entrepreneurs keep more of what they make so they can build wealth, create options, and feel confident about their financial future.

That mission is also deeply personal. Schreihans did not grow up surrounded by conversations about

generational wealth or financial strategy. Money often felt scarce, and those early experiences shaped how she works with clients today. Education plays a central role in her approach because she believes understanding creates empowerment. As she explains, “Wealth creates options. Options create freedom. Freedom creates impact.” When clients save money through a smart strategy, it’s not just about lowering a bill; it’s about what those savings make possible in their lives and businesses.

Her approach integrates tax strategy directly into the rhythm of a business. Instead of focusing only on what happened last year, her team helps design what happens next. Strategies may include entity structure planning, S-Corp analysis, retirement optimization, family payroll strategies, real estate layering, and medical reimbursement plans, all designed to work together intentionally. These plans are reviewed regularly and adjusted as income and goals evolve. As Schreihans puts it, “We don’t just prepare numbers. We engineer outcomes.”

A big part of her work also involves correcting common misconceptions about taxes. One of the biggest myths she sees is the belief that taxes can wait until filing season. By then, most meaningful changes are no longer available.

Some of the most impactful strategies, she notes, are often the least flashy. Electing S-Corp status at the right income level can reduce self-employment taxes. Paying children through the business, when structured correctly, can create tax-free income for them while generating deductions for the owner.

Schreihans encourages entrepreneurs to start thinking about tax planning as early as possible, ideally before they even make money. At a minimum, planning should begin in January and continue throughout the year. Waiting until tax season eliminates most options. For entrepreneurs who feel overwhelmed, her advice is simple: separate business and personal finances, track numbers monthly, and ask questions. Taxes feel less intimidating when clarity replaces guesswork.

"The tax code isn’t something to fear; it’s a strategy tool. When you understand it, you create freedom, options, and lasting wealth."

A business owner came to Your Tax Coach expecting to write a six-figure check to the IRS. Instead of accepting that outcome, Schreihans and her team layered an entity restructure, optimized retirement contributions, strategically timed equipment purchases, and adjusted income recognition. The result was a significant legal reduction in what they owed, but the biggest transformation was the confidence that came from finally operating with a clear strategy instead of uncertainty.

Looking back on her own journey, Schreihans says she would tell her younger self not to play small. The tax code may be complex, but it is

not mysterious. Wealth is not built by accident; it is built by design. Her advice remains consistent: learn the rules, ask better questions, and remember that you are building more than income, you are building a legacy.

Today, Barbara Schreihans continues to help entrepreneurs rethink the way they approach taxes through Your Tax Coach. Business owners can follow along on Instagram at @yourtaxcoach, visit their website for more tips and educational resources, and tune into their podcast for ongoing conversations that make tax strategy approachable, empowering, and actionable.

Champagne taste but with a smart budget

Where to Spend, Where to Save, and How to Create a Celebration That Truly Feels Worth It

ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY YASMINE CARMEN PHOTOGRAPHY, SAM SAVAT, BRITTANY NEMEC, NATHAN CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY, TONY GEORGE PHOTOGRAPHY, THE TINNINS

Planning a wedding today requires both vision and strategy. Couples want an event that feels elevated, personal, and unforgettable, but they also want to begin their marriage on solid financial ground. The key isn’t necessarily spending more. It’s spending intentionally.

When it comes to prioritizing your budget, three categories consistently deliver the biggest impact: entertainment, food and beverage, and florals.

Entertainment sets the tone for the entire evening. A truly exceptional band or DJ does far more than press play on a playlist. They manage the flow of the night, build energy at just the right moments, and know how to keep a dance floor packed. Guests may not remember the exact shade of your napkins, but they will remember whether they danced until the lights came on. Investing in high-quality entertainment ensures the celebration feels vibrant and alive from the first song to the final send-off.

Food and beverage is the heart of the guest experience. Hospitality is what transforms a wedding from a beautiful event into a meaningful one. Thoughtful menu selections, well-executed service, and a curated bar program create a sense of generosity and care. Whether it’s a multi-course plated dinner or elevated comfort food with a modern twist, this is where luxury meets authenticity. When guests feel well-fed and well-served, the entire evening feels polished.

Florals are what transform a venue into an environment. Strategic floral design can completely shift the aesthetic and emotional tone of a space. It’s not about filling every surface with arrangements. It’s about impactful placement and intentional design. A dramatic ceremony installation, lush reception centerpieces, or a thoughtfully styled head table can create visual cohesion and elevate the atmosphere instantly. When these three elements are done well, the wedding feels balanced, immersive, and high-end.

On the other hand, the smartest way to save money isn’t by cutting quality. It’s by cutting excess. The most powerful lever in any wedding budget is guest count. Every additional guest

affects catering, rentals, linens, tables, chairs, invitations, and more. Reducing the list even slightly can create meaningful savings across multiple categories. A more intimate guest list allows couples to elevate the experience for the people who matter most rather than stretching the budget thin.

One common budgeting mistake couples make early in the planning process is becoming “venue poor.” It’s easy to fall in love with a breathtaking location and allocate the majority of the budget to secure it. However, if 70 to 80 percent of your budget goes toward the venue alone, you may find yourself compromising on photography, entertainment, and design. An elevated venue deserves elevated execution. The venue should complement your budget, not consume it. Balance is everything.

Timing also plays a strategic role in getting the best value from vendors. A planning window of 10 to 12 months is often ideal. Waiting longer does not necessarily mean saving money. Vendors typically price by calendar year, so booking two years in advance can actually lock in higher future pricing. Conversely, a very short engagement can limit your vendor options, especially for in-demand professionals who book quickly. Ten to twelve months

Sam Savat

“Spend intentionally, not excessively. Prioritize what guests feel and remember most.”

enough time to plan thoughtfully without overpaying for a far-off date.

Flexibility with your wedding date can also create savings, particularly with venues. In Arizona, off-season months generally run from May through September, when rental rates may be reduced. Fridays, Sundays, and weekday weddings can offer additional discounts compared to peak Saturday dates. However, it’s important to note that many other vendors, such as photographers, planners, and entertainment professionals, maintain consistent pricing regardless of season or day. Date flexibility is most impactful when negotiating venue costs.

Budget expectations have shifted significantly in recent years. Five years ago, a higher-end wedding might have comfortably fallen between $60,000 and $80,000. Today, for a similar level of execution, couples should anticipate a range closer to $100,000 to $150,000, depending on guest count and design expectations. Catering, labor, rentals, and logistics have all increased due to inflation and post-pandemic demand. Couples aren’t necessarily adding more elements. The baseline cost of producing a luxury event has simply risen. Transparency around current pricing is essential to avoid disappointment later.

Staying on budget while creating a wedding that feels personal starts with clarity. Identify what matters most to you as a couple. Is it the energy on the dance floor?

A five-star culinary experience? A breathtaking aesthetic? An intimate ceremony filled with meaningful details? Once you define your priorities, allocate more of your budget there and confidently scale back elsewhere. Not every category needs to be maximized. A wedding feels personal when it reflects your values, not when it checks every trend box.

It’s also important to anticipate hidden costs. Alterations for wedding attire are rarely included

CONTINUED >

in the original purchase price and can add hundreds of dollars. Transportation can escalate quickly if venues and hotels are separate. Many hotels and resorts include service fees, taxes, and gratuities on top of catering quotes, significantly increasing final totals. Vendors may also charge late-night pickup or strike fees if teardown extends past contracted hours. Individually, these expenses may seem minor, but together they can shift a budget by thousands if not planned for early. When considering long-term value, photography and videography are among the most worthwhile investments. The event itself is temporary. The images and films are what remain. They are what you will revisit on anniversaries

and share with future generations. A strong creative team preserves your memories beautifully and authentically, allowing you to relive the emotion long after the last guest has left.

Ultimately, the best advice for couples who want a beautiful wedding without financial strain is simple: trim the guest list before trimming quality. A slightly smaller celebration can feel more elevated, more intentional, and more personal. A beautiful wedding is important, but beginning your marriage with confidence and financial stability is even more valuable. Thoughtful, strategic planning allows you to have both.

Katie Mustard

CEDAR & SAGE WEDDINGS

INSTAGRAM: @CEDARANDSAGEWED

Katie Mustard is the Owner and Lead Planner of Cedar & Sage Weddings, bringing heart, strategy, and a calm presence to every celebration she touches. A rare Arizona native, she proudly believes our desert sunsets are the best in the world. Married for nearly 16 years and a mom to two, Katie understands the beauty and chaos of family life, which gives her a grounded, relatable approach to wedding planning. She even planned her own wedding in just three weeks. When she’s not designing unforgettable events, you’ll find her rewatching The Office, reading a good book, or planning her next adventure. Above all, her faith in Jesus fuels her purpose and passion.

ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARIAN WILLIAMS & NIEL HAYES

A Galaxy Not So Far Away

Invest in an escape in the Desert

Some places feel like a vacation. Others feel like stepping through a portal into another world. Outpost X, a Sci-Fi themed glamping experience located in Beryl, Utah, just outside Cedar City, invites guests to leave the ordinary behind and enter a universe built around adventure, imagination, and connection.

Set against an expansive playa and endless desert skies, Outpost X leans fully into its Sci-Fi inspiration without losing the comfort and warmth that make a getaway truly enjoyable. The experience is intentionally designed to feel immersive, a place where guests can unplug from modern chaos and reconnect with nature, creativity, and each other. It’s not about roughing it; it’s about discovering a different way to travel, one that blends exploration with relaxation in a setting that feels almost otherworldly.

The accommodations themselves feel like outposts from another realm. Guests can choose from several unique unit types, each designed to make the stay feel like part of the adventure. The original Cave Suites offer a cozy, futuristic atmosphere with sculpted interiors that feel both grounded and imaginative. Geodesic Domes invite guests to sleep beneath the stars while still enjoying modern comfort,

creating an experience that feels equal parts shelter and observatory. Viking Tents bring a spirit of adventure with their rugged yet welcoming design, while the newest Cave Villa units, located out on the playa, include private loft spaces that elevate the experience even further, giving guests their own quiet corner of the desert to take in sunrise and sunset views.

While the stays themselves are memorable, Outpost X shines because of the experiences built around them. Guests are encouraged to participate, explore, and connect. One of the most popular add-ons is the Culinary Experience, which includes three meals per day in a single package. Instead of traditional dining, meals are designed to be cooked over an open fire, transforming dinner into an interactive activity. Cooking together, sharing stories, and enjoying food in the desert air becomes a highlight of the stay. The Cantina serves as a shared prep space and gathering point, complete with mocktails and lounge seating that naturally bring people together, a central hub where strangers quickly become fellow travelers.

Wellness is another key part of the Outpost X experience. The X-Spa features a hot tub, cedar sauna, and cold plunge, offering guests the chance to recharge

Outpost X turns the desert into a Sci-Fi escape where adventure, connection, and stargazing create memories that feel completely out of this world.

after a day of exploring. Soaking beneath a sky filled with stars feels almost surreal, reminding you just how quiet and expansive the desert can be. It’s the kind of moment that makes time slow down, encouraging guests to be present instead of rushing to the next thing.

For those looking to explore the landscape, signature sand cruisers allow guests to roam the property in a fun, playful way.

Cruising across the desert adds to the Sci-Fi atmosphere, turning a simple ride into part of the story. Every detail at Outpost X feels intentional, designed to spark curiosity and bring out a sense of adventure.

Creativity is also woven into the experience through the Kaan Lounge, a gathering space featuring Moroccan-style seating, low ambient lighting, and areas dedicated to art and music.

Guests can paint, play instruments, or simply relax and take in the atmosphere. The lounge becomes a space where conversations flow easily, and creativity naturally emerges, whether you’re traveling with friends or meeting fellow explorers for the first time.

What guests often remember most about Outpost X isn’t just the unique design or amenities, it’s how the experience makes them feel. The property is built around the idea of unplugging and reconnecting, encouraging visitors to slow down and enjoy simple moments.

Outpost X offers a destination that feels worlds away while still being accessible for a weekend escape or a longer adventure. Guests interested in planning their own Sci-Fi desert experience can explore accommodations, packages, and details at outpost-x.com, and for daily inspiration and a behind-the-scenes look at life on the playa, follow along on Instagram at @outpost.x.

If you’ve ever wanted to step into a galaxy not so far away, one filled with creativity, adventure, and wide-open skies, Outpost X proves you don’t need to travel across space to find it. Sometimes, the best journeys begin right here on Earth.

STYLE THAT TRULY LASTS

CELEBRITY STYLIST RISA KOSTIS SHARES HOW TIMELESS, VERSATILE WARDROBE STAPLES BUILD CONFIDENCE, SIMPLIFY DAILY DRESSING, AND PROVE THAT TRUE STYLE INVESTMENT IS ABOUT INTENTION, NOT LABELS.

When people hear the phrase “investment pieces,” they often think of designer labels or luxury price tags. But according to celebrity fashion stylist and entrepreneur Risa Kostis, true style investments have less to do with brand names and more to do with longevity, versatility, and confidence. The right pieces don’t just fill a closet, they create a foundation that makes getting dressed easier, more intentional, and more empowering.

Kostis believes every wardrobe should start with a handful of essentials that work across seasons and occasions. A beautifully tailored blazer tops her list, calling it one of the most versatile items anyone can own. It layers effortlessly over denim, dresses, or even travel looks and instantly adds polish. She also emphasizes the importance of finding a perfectly fitting pair of denim, describing it as the “foundation” of a wardrobe. When jeans fit well, they simplify styling decisions and become a reliable go-to.

Other high-value staples include a mid-size black handbag that transitions from day to night, elevated neutral heels or boots that instantly refine an outfit, and one signature statement piece that feels uniquely personal. For Kostis, that piece is a vintage coin necklace, something that sparks conversation and adds personality even to casual looks. These core items anchor your style and make everything else in your closet more functional.

One of the biggest challenges shoppers face is understanding the difference between timeless pieces and trends. Kostis explains that timeless fashion is rooted in structure, quality, and proportion, while trends often rely on exaggerated details or hype. Her advice is simple: ask yourself if you would still love the piece five years from now without needing to justify it. Trends can be fun, she says, but they should complement your wardrobe, not define it.

When it comes to return on investment, Kostis looks at costper-wear. Pieces that can be styled multiple ways always win. Along with a tailored blazer, she recommends medium-wash straight-leg denim, a thick white crew neck tee, a little black dress, a quality leather belt, and a chunky gold statement necklace. If an item can be styled at least five different ways, it’s worth considering.

Beyond aesthetics, personal style plays a powerful role in confidence. Kostis has seen clients transform once their clothing aligns with who they truly are. Posture shifts, energy changes, and decision-making becomes clearer. She explains that clothing doesn’t change who you are, it amplifies what’s already there. When people feel good in what they wear, they naturally step into rooms with more presence and self-assurance.

For those unsure where to begin, Kostis starts with identity rather than trends. She asks clients who they are becoming, where they’re going, and how they want to feel when they walk into a room. From there, she conducts a closet audit to identify what works, what doesn’t, and where the gaps exist. Shopping comes later, and only with intention. Personal style, she says, often reveals itself organically through collaboration and experimentation.

One of the most common mistakes she sees is emotional shopping. Buying something simply because it’s on sale, looks good on someone else, or feels trendy can quickly lead to closet clutter. Instead, she encourages intentional shopping through her AAA rule: Assess your closet first, Ask a trusted friend or stylist for honest feedback, and consider Appreciation, will this piece truly add value through frequent wear?

Importantly, style evolution doesn’t require a full closet overhaul. Kostis recommends upgrading one piece at a time, tailoring items that almost work, and extending the life of favorites through simple repairs like re-soling shoes or cleaning handbags. She’s also a strong advocate for resale shopping, which allows clients to experiment with designer or vintage pieces in a more affordable and sustainable way.

Intentional dressing goes beyond fashion. It builds authority at work, communicates self-respect in relationships, and fosters discipline and confidence internally. The key is starting simple: focus on fit, lean into neutral foundations, and use accessories to add personality. Most importantly, dress the body you have now, not the one you had years ago or hope to have later.

If someone could make just one style investment this year, Kostis recommends a timeless handbag, something that inspires you to say yes to plans, step out more often, and live fully. Fashion should support the life you want to create.

To follow Risa Kostis for more styling insights, wardrobe tips, and inspiration, connect with her on social media and through her professional styling platforms. Whether you’re refining your personal style or building a wardrobe from the ground up, her approach proves that intentional style is less about perfection and more about showing up as your most confident self.

“STYLE IS LESS ABOUT LABELS, MORE ABOUT LONGEVITY AND CONFIDENCE.”

• One- two- and three-bedroom detached single-level homes and two-story townhomes

• Beautifully landscaped walking paths

• Onsite dog park

• Onsite children’s playground

• Private yards* with landscape maintenance included

• Energy Star certified for lower utility costs

*on single-level homes.

In Partnership with cabi foundation, we will be gif ting 200 pieces of new clothing (4 - 5 items each) to 40 sel ected women along with a full day of support, encourageme nt, and practical resources on Saturday May 3rd. This is event is in support of women re-entering the work force

drop location address: 1820 e. ray road, ste C4, Chandler

Hippo-Hurray!

The Valley Has Its Own Viral Baby Hippo

ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILDLIFE WORLD ZOO

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park, located at 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park, AZ 85340, where the pygmy hippo habitat offers a rare chance to watch this little star grow up. Wildlife World Zoo has more than 600 species. They are home to Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals

WILDLIFE WORLD ZOO WELCOMES JELLYBEAN, AND THE ENTIRE VALLEY IS ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED

Remember Moo Deng? The tiny Thai pygmy hippo whose name loosely translates to “bouncy pork” took the internet by storm, spawned endless memes, and even earned her own Saturday Night Live sketch. The world was obsessed, and honestly, same. Well, consider this your sign to head west, because the Valley just got its very own baby hippo moment!

Meet Jellybean, born January 22 at Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Litchfield Park, and she is every bit as squeezable as her name suggests!

Jellybean’s name was chosen by community vote, which feels just right for a baby who already belongs to all of us. Her mama is Lollipop, and this sweet duo have already stolen the hearts of staff and guests alike. Daily check-ins with keepers, made possible because Lollipop is trained to safely allow the team access, let the staff track Jellybean’s weight, growth, and every precious milestone. When she’s not visiting with her humans, she’s tucked right beside mom, bonding beautifully.

Behind the adorableness, there’s serious science happening. Wildlife World’s veterinary and animal care teams work in close coordination, adjusting her habitat, supporting Lollipop’s journey as a new mom, and documenting everything. And that documentation matters more than most people realize.

Pygmy hippos are endangered. Fewer than 2,500 are estimated to remain in the wild, living so deep in West African forests that they are almost never seen. Much of what researchers know about their biology, maternal behavior, and development comes entirely from zoological records. Jellybean’s birth contributes to a genetically diverse, healthy population and gives conservationists crucial data on a species that remains genuinely mysterious.

While the days are still coolish, carve out some time to meet Lollipop and Jellybean. We dare you not to say Hippo Hurray!

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.

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

EVERY SATURDAY

Gilbert Farmers Market

Chandler-Gilbert Community College | 2626 E Pecos Rd, Chandler

With over 150 vendors year-round, the market features local, chemical-free, organic produce from Arizona farmers, farm-fresh eggs, meat, cheese, bread, sweets, coffee, tea, sauces, seasonings, and many other locally made artisan products. With so many delicious options, it’s no wonder they call the GFM “The Foodie Market”!

EVERY SATURDAY

Heritage District

Farmers Market

92 W Vaughn Ave, Gilbert

Arizona Urban Agriculture Foundation is hosting a weekly Saturday Market in the heritage district of downtown Gilbert! Come visit your local farmers, ranchers and producers!

APRIL 2ND - MAY 9TH

She Loves Me

Hale Theatre | 50 West Page Avenue, Gilbert

This sweet, romantic musical, set in a charming 1930s Budapest parfumerie, tells the story of two feuding colleagues who are unaware they’re secret pen pals. A classic show, with delightful songs and heartwarming moments,  She Loves Me is a perfect blend of humor and love, and the inspiration for the film “You’ve Got Mail”, which featured Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

APRIL 4TH

Uncorked: Arizona

Wine Festival

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick | 7555 North Pima Road, Scottsdale | 5:30 PM

Uncorked: AZ returns to Scottsdale’s Salt River Fields for its annual spring

wine festival, featuring 100+ wines, local food trucks, live DJ entertainment, photo ops, and VIP experiences. Guests 21+ enjoy tastings while supporting AZ Small Dog Rescue.

APRIL 8TH

Gilbert City Lifestyle

Happy Hour

Kiln | 2162 East Williams Field Road Suite #111, Gilbert | 4:00 PM

If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or lead a non-profit initiative, we would love to meet you. Please join us as we celebrate our April issue, an evening filled with connection and community! Enjoy lite bites, cocktails, and great company as we gather at Kiln Gilbert to toast to the people and businesses that make our city special.

APRIL 8TH

13th Annual East Valley Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

Riparian Preserve | 2757 East Guadalupe Road, Gilbert | 8:30 AM

A morning of inspiration, reflection, and collaboration with business and community leaders, hosted by Gilbert Mayor Scott Anderson. Faith Leaders from across our area will lead us in prayer and featured speakers will share inspirational stories.

APRIL 25TH

HD South Spring Tea & Fashion Show

HD South - Home of the Gilbert Museum | 10 S. Gllbert Road, Gilbert | 9:30 AM

Put on your best tea party attire for the 1st Annual Spring Tea Party and Fashion Show.   Join the team at HD South for this special fund raising event to support the foundation of HD South.   Event will include refreshments, fashion show, shopping booths, and more.   Children are welcome to join as the museum builds a new family tradition.

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LIQUID ASSETS PUNCHTHE HIGH YIELD HAPPY HOUR

This bright, bubbly watermelon punch pays dividends at every patio gathering this spring

Some assets appreciate over time. Some get diversified. And some get mixed in a pitcher and shared on the patio on a warm April evening with your favorite people. Liquid Assets Punch is the happy hour hero your home portfolio has been missing. It's bright pink, unapologetically bold, and just refreshing enough to keep everyone coming back for a second pour.

LIQUID ASSETS PUNCH

Makes 4–5 servings

ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY

DIRECTIONS INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups fresh watermelon juice (blend and strain)

• ½ cup coconut rum

• ¼ cup triple sec

• ½ cup pink lemonade

• 1½ cups prosecco or sparkling rosé

• Fresh watermelon slices, mint, and lime wheels to garnish

• Blend fresh watermelon and strain into your pitcher  ( This is your liquid foundation.)

• Add coconut rum, triple sec, and pink lemonade.

• Stir gently to combine.

• Just before serving, slowly pour in prosecco or sparkling rosé to keep the bubbles alive.

• Garnish with watermelon slices, fresh mint, and lime wheels.

• Serve over ice and pour confidently.

PRO TIPS

• Fresh watermelons vary in sweetness  - taste your juice before adding the pink lemonade and adjust accordingly. A sweeter melon means you can dial the lemonade back; a milder one, pour a little more in.

• Make two pitchers. The returns are always better when you reinvest.

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