Gilbert, AZ February 2026

WOMEN OF GILBERT

DO YOU KNOW A LADY THAT SHOULD BE FEATURED IN THE 2026 WOMEN’S ISSUE?

Built on Love & Community

February is the month of love, and I think it’s one of the most meaningful times of the year, not because of grand gestures, but because it invites us to look a little closer at the relationships that shape our everyday lives. Love shows up in so many forms: in marriages and partnerships, in friendships that feel like family, and in the community we choose to invest in.

For my husband and I, love has looked like being more intentional with our time together. Life moves fast, and it’s easy to assume connection will always be there. Making space for date nights again has been a simple shift, but a powerful one. It’s reminded us that the strongest relationships are built when we show up for each other consistently, even in the middle of busy seasons.

That idea of intentional love is woven throughout this issue. You’ll find stories that celebrate connection, purpose, and the different ways love shows up right here in Gilbert. Some of it is inspiring, some of it is fun, and some of it might even spark an idea you hadn’t thought of yet.

This month is also a reminder that love extends beyond our own circles. It’s in the way we support local, give back, cheer each other on, and create space for meaningful connections within our community. Those moments matter more than we often realize.

As you flip through these pages, I hope you feel encouraged to celebrate love in whatever way makes sense for you right now with a partner, with friends, with family, or simply by being present where you are.

Here’s to a month filled with connection, intention, and a little bit of inspiration along the way.

KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR @GILBERTCITYLIFESTYLE

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Robin Belley | robin.belley@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Kristy Belley | kristy.belley@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

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

Anna Barnes, Kristy Belley, Kylie Strawn-Badger, Gretchen Pahia, LeAnn Parker

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Anna Barnes, Janie Jones, Katie Levine Photography

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

Gagandeep “Gaugs” Singh, M.D. Chief of Surgery and Medical Director of Surgical Operations, City of Hope Phoenix

Pursuing cancer cures at the speed of life. City of Hope’s outcomes exceed national standards. That’s groundbreaking science you want on your side. As one of the nation’s largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations, a cancer free future is fueled by hope.

Make an appointment now. cityofhope.org/phoenix

Kohler Bathroom Design

Lightheart Coffee Expands Its Community-Centered Cafe Experience to Gilbert

Lightheart Coffee is opening a third location in Downtown Gilbert, taking over the former Skoopwells space in the Heritage District. Known for specialty coffee, matcha, and cozy vibes, this will be its first out-of-Scottsdale shop. Dedicated to community and quality, Lightheart aims to bring unique drinks and welcoming space to Gilbert.

integrated with your home, never like an afterthought. Every plan is tailored to the way you live, whether you’re adding a private retreat for family, a refined home office, or a polished space with rental potential. As a trusted residential general contractor, they deliver custom home builds and full home remodels, with a specialized focus on casita and ADU construction, an elegant way to expand your property’s livable space.

Tickets on Sale for the HDSouth Inaugural Fashion Show and Tea

Time to break out those amazing tea party hats and save the date for the 1st Annual HDSouth Fashion Show and Tea Party coming in April 2026.   Get your tickets now for this special event that will spotlight the latest in Arizona spring fashion.   This special family friendly event is strategically timed so that children in attendance will have the opportunity to shop for Mom.  Seating Limited - Reserve your spot early.

Want to be featured?

GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/GILBERT

Date Nights That Feel Like an Adventure

Interactive, playful date nights that turn ordinary evenings into unforgettable memories

Some of the best date nights don’t start with a reservation. They start with a simple plan to do something fun together and see where the night takes you. In Gilbert, those nights tend to turn into the ones you talk about weeks later, not because everything went perfectly, but because you laughed, competed a little, and shared an experience.

Take  Topgolf, for example. What begins as a casual game quickly turns playful. One great shot leads to bragging rights, one bad swing leads to laughter, and suddenly the conversation feels easy. It’s less about golf and more about enjoying the moment together as the desert sky fades into evening.

On nights when you want options,  Main Event makes it easy to let the date unfold naturally. You might start with bowling, wander into the arcade, and end the night realizing you’ve been there far longer than planned. The best part is there’s no pressure to stick to one thing.

If you’re in the mood to slow things down, The Art House Gilbert offers a completely different vibe. Painting side by side gives you something to focus on together, and there’s something surprisingly bonding about comparing works in progress and laughing at the results.

For couples who love a challenge,  Escapology turns date night into teamwork. The clock starts, the door closes, and suddenly you’re solving puzzles together, celebrating small wins, and building memories in real time.

And if you want to shake things up, Social Axes delivers a night that’s energetic, unexpected, and way more fun than you’d expect.

Because in Gilbert, the best date nights aren’t about dinner and a movie. They’re about sharing laughs, leaning into a little competition, and creating moments that feel real.

IT Starts With the RING

How jewelry captures every chapter of your love story from the ‘Will

You’ to ‘Just Because’

ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE LEVINE & MYRANDA FINE JEWELRY

I recently had the opportunity to shop for wedding bands with my newly engaged daughter at Myranda Fine Jewelry. I wasn't expecting to be wiping away tears; however, watching my daughter’s face light up when she found "the one" for her fiancé absolutely got me. Myranda leaned in with a tissue and a knowing smile. "You know," she said, "the engagement and wedding bands are just the beginning of the story."

She is right. Jewelry becomes the punctuation marks in our love stories, marking chapters we never want to forget.

It all starts with the ring, of course. That moment when the world stops and you see that sparkle for the first time. Your hands shake. And suddenly you're wearing this beautiful symbol of forever that catches the light, and every time you glance down, your heart does a little flip. Whether you helped choose it or it was a complete surprise, that ring is your opening line, your "once upon a time," the moment when two people decide to write the rest of their story together.

Myranda North Molina specializes in creating these first chapters. Whether it's designing a custom engagement ring from scratch or selecting from her curated collection, she takes the time to understand each couple's love story so the piece truly reflects who they are together.

Then come the anniversaries. First anniversary, fifth, 10th, 25th. Each milestone deserves its own sparkle, its own memory. Maybe it's a diamond pendant that catches the light just like the ring did on your wedding day. Or a bracelet with stones that represent your children's birthdays. Perhaps it's an eternity band that wraps around your original engagement ring, showing how love has come full circle.

CONTINUED >

These anniversary pieces say, "We're even better than we started." They are tangible proof that the passion didn't fade after the honeymoon phase. It becomes deeper, richer, more layered with shared experiences, inside jokes, and quiet mornings over coffee. Anniversary gifts are the promise renewed. They are those precious moments given shape and sparkle

Stopping by Myranda's shop to select or design an anniversary piece can become its own tradition. She keeps notes on what you've loved before, understands your style, and can help build a collection that tells your story piece by piece, year by year.

But here's where our conversation that day really opened my eyes. "You know what's even more special than the anniversary pieces?" Myranda asked with that knowing smile. "The JUST BECAUSE gifts."

And she's absolutely right, again.

The "I saw this and thought of you" surprise. The "you've had a hard week" gesture. The "I know you said you didn't need anything, but ..." moment that shows someone was paying attention all along. These are the gifts that come with no occasion, no calendar reminder, no obligation. Just pure "I love you, and I'm thinking about you right now."

Maybe it's those earrings you admired months ago that he remembered. Perhaps it's updating a piece you inherited from your grandmother, transforming it into something you'll actually wear and treasure. The JUST BECAUSE gifts are the beautiful plot twists. They're the moments that make you stop and think about your love.

Myranda loves helping create these spontaneous expressions of love. "We take so much pride in our jewelry," she says. Whether the budget is a few hundred dollars or something more substantial, she ensures every piece is created with the same care as the wedding and engagement pieces, because these unplanned moments—they're the real keepers. They're what turns a good relationship into a great one.

So yes, it starts with the ring. That's the opening line. The anniversary gifts are the milestone markers, celebrating how far you've come. But the JUST BECAUSE gifts—those unexpected sparkles that arrive on ordinary Tuesdays— those are the heart of the story. The beautiful surprises that make the whole journey worth taking.

Every time my daughter's eyes will light up looking at her jewelry, I will be reminded: the best love stories aren't just about the grand gestures—they're about showing up, paying attention, and choosing each other again and again.

Myranda North Molina | Myranda Fine Jewelry

With over 25 years of experience in the jewelry industry, Myranda North Molina has built her reputation on creating meaningful pieces that tell each client's unique story. Myranda specializes in custom engagement rings, wedding bands, anniversary pieces, and those special "just because" gifts that make ordinary days extraordinary. What sets Myranda apart is her commitment to treating every client with the same care and attention, regardless of budget. "We take so much pride in our product that we build it and we back it," she says. Every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee.

480-901-9819 | myrandafinejewelry.com

GILBERT

COUPLES POWER

ARTICLE BY CITY LIFESTYLE TEAM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE LEVINE PHOTOGRAPHY

We asked local power couples what it really takes to build love, partnership, and life together.

What exactly makes a power couple? My husband Robin and I stay plenty busy, publishing Gilbert City Lifestyle, being Chamber members, serving on various boards and committees, but I wouldn’t call us a power couple.  So, what earns that title in our community?

I think it starts with leaning into good. These Gilbert power couples have built businesses that people don’t just visit once but love to visit again. They support our nonprofits not because it looks good, but because they genuinely care. They see opportunities to strengthen both their businesses and their community, understanding that those two things aren’t separate.

The couples you’re about to meet.  They’re something special. They’ve cracked the code on building together, not just wealth or Instagram-worthy moments, but real, lasting impact. They’re raising families, creating jobs, championing causes that matter, and somehow making it all look easy – (We know it’s not!)

These aren’t people chasing power couple status. They’re simply doing what they love, side by side, and Gilbert gets to benefit from all that combined energy and heart. Their stories remind us that when two people align their talents and hearts toward something meaningful, extraordinary things happen right here in Gilbert.

Well, now that I have my definition, maybe we are sort a power couple, but I am more thrilled to introduce you to a few more.

SHAUN & TENNY SIMPSON

Tenny and Shaun’s love story began in a modern way, meeting online through eHarmony, but what they’ve built together is deeply rooted in connection, teamwork, and shared ambition. From the start, their bond was shaped by hard work, kindness, and a love for adventure, values that continue to guide both their relationship and their business journey owning Ta Lew Thai Bistro.

As a couple, their days balance intention and independence. They take care of business together, while still making space for their own time, understanding that strong partnerships thrive when individuality is respected. Their strengths are different but perfectly aligned. Tenny is the voice and the connector, while Shaun is focused on running the business. Together, those roles create a foundation that makes them stronger as a team.

One of their proudest moments came after opening their first location, a milestone that confirmed they could handle challenges side by side. During busy seasons, they lean on communication, listening, and mutual support. Even in stressful moments, simple things, like hugs or laughing while talking about their kids, keep them grounded.

They love date nights at Buck & Rider, North Italia, and Origen, but their favorite spot is Ta Lew Thai Bistro, which they call their second home. As they look ahead to launching a new business, Tenny and Shaun are proof that love, communication, and embracing different strengths make all the difference.

Curtis and Lindsey’s story began in 2008 at the University of Oregon, where a college connection grew into a partnership rooted in respect, balance, and shared values. Those early years shaped how they move through life together today, with intention, humor, and a steady commitment to choosing one another. They describe each other with genuine admiration. Curtis is competitive, dependable, and honest. Lindsey is kind, determined, and loyal. Their days follow a thoughtful rhythm that blends ambition and presence. Mornings start early with workouts and family routines before each steps into focused work. Curtis is a partner at Solar Pros, while Lindsey leads The Patch Method as CEO and founder and works as an Integrated Health Practitioner. Even with full schedules, they make time for midweek lunch “work dates” and protect evenings for connection, often ending the day snuggled on the couch, a tradition their girls insist on.

CURTIS & LINDSEY BURWELL

Their strengths complement beautifully. Curtis brings structure, precision, and steady leadership. Lindsey brings creativity, vision, and heart. During busy seasons, they rely on communication, empathy, and sacred date nights to stay grounded and aligned. They love date nights at North Italia and Humble Bistro, and spending time around Epicenter or the SanTan Mall area. Curtis and Lindsey work so well together because they truly love and respect each other, and choose that daily.

STACI & CHANDLER HERDT

Introduced by family and brought together by perfect timing, Staci and Chandler’s relationship began when a long-suggested introduction finally turned into a first date. From that moment on, their connection felt natural and steady. Today, they’re celebrating 11 years of marriage and a partnership built on faith, trust, and deep respect for one another.

Working side by side at Perspire Sauna Studio, they’ve learned that collaboration starts with understanding each other’s strengths. Staci

describes Chandler as compassionate, generous, and devoted, while Chandler sees Staci as loyal, dedicated, and genuine. They work together so well because they truly complement each other, balancing thoughtfulness with action, empathy with decisiveness, and vision with follow-through.

During stressful seasons, they pause, pray, and reset, reminding themselves they are always on the same team. Their advice to other couples building something meaningful together is simple but powerful: go for it, together. When trust, respect, and genuine admiration are at the center, working alongside your spouse becomes not just manageable but deeply rewarding.

When it’s time to step away and reconnect, they love date nights in downtown Gilbert, especially relaxed daytime coffee dates at Light Heart Coffee. More than the location, it’s the intentional time together, unplugged, present, and choosing each other, that keeps their relationship strong and grounded.

JAY ALLEN & RENEE LYNN

Renee and Jay’s relationship is rooted in timing, healing, and a deep belief that some connections are simply meant to be. They first crossed paths during difficult seasons in their lives, when neither was ready for what the other would one day become. Years later, in their late 30s, they reconnected, stronger, wiser, and more grounded, and both believe there was an invisible string quietly tying them together all along.

From the start of their second chapter, their bond felt intentional. Jay describes Renee as sunshine, healing, and peace, while Renee sees Jay as loyal, kind, and protective. Their days begin slowly and deliberately, with time set aside for conversation, prayer, and choosing closeness before life gets busy. They move through life as a true team, valuing faith, communication, and presence above all else.

They often say they work so well together because they understand how rare their connection is. Having lived enough life and made enough wrong turns, they’re committed to doing whatever it takes to protect what they’ve found. Their differences, light and dark, planner and free spirit, create balance rather than friction, strengthening their partnership.

Jay is a touring musician and philanthropist, best known for his song “Blank Stares “ and appearances on The Voice. Renee brings warmth and creativity through her work in events and media. Downtown Gilbert will always hold their hearts, especially walks ending with ice cream at Topo and time at the Epicenter at Agritopia, places that mirror their love for connection and doing life together.

ANN & MIKE SCHUDE

Their relationship is fueled by humor and honesty. They often tease, banter, and laugh, especially at their own kids, and believe that shared laughter keeps things grounded. When stress hits, Mike unwinds creatively, while Ann prefers a great night out with a glass of wine.

Date nights usually involve trying a new restaurant in Gilbert, proudly calling themselves foodies despite playful disagreements. At the heart of it all, they work so well together because they share the same sense of humor and never stop choosing each other, at work and at home.

Mike and Ann’s story began long before boardrooms and business plans. They met as teenagers at Sunday night Teen Mass at St. Tim’s in Mesa, two kids from different high schools whose lives would quietly intertwine. What started young grew deeper over time as they navigated early jobs, first ventures, and eventually found themselves building not just a life together, but a career side by side. What truly defines them isn’t just longevity in their business; it’s how well they understand each other. Mike describes Ann as spunky, sexy, and smart. Ann sees Mike as kind, passionate, and funny. They’re opposites in all the right ways. Mike is decisive and efficient, happiest working independently, while Ann is collaborative, thoughtful, and deeply people-focused.

Neal and Kinsey’s story is one of timing, growth, and choosing connection with intention. Though they graduated from the same high school in the same year, they didn’t truly meet until four years later through mutual friends. Neal was bartending, Kinsey was a familiar face on his shifts, and what began as a casual connection quickly turned into something lasting.

Today, they are partners in both life and business, owning and building their beverage catering brand together. Their relationship is grounded in shared values, strong work ethic, and a commitment to choosing each other daily. Kinsey describes Neal as handsome, funny, and resilient, while Neal sees Kinsey as visionary, driven, and kind. While they’re aligned at their core, their strengths differ in a way that creates balance, one leading with momentum and vision, the other bringing steadiness and follow-through.

Rather than one defining “we’ve got this” moment, their confidence comes from solving challenges together every day. Busy seasons are handled through clear

KINSEYBETH & NEAL KENDRICK

communication, flexibility, and stepping in for one another without keeping score. One small but meaningful ritual grounds them nightly: no matter how full the day, they fall asleep with their feet touching, a simple reminder they’re never alone in it.

Their favorite date is a relaxed afternoon at Uprooted Kitchen, followed by coffee and a walk through Agritopia. And when conversation stretches long into the evening, the patio at Postino is always calling.

STEVEN & LISA NORTHERN

Steve and Lisa’s story began about 16 years ago while working together in a hospital, where a professional connection quickly grew into a partnership in every sense. What started as shared shifts and long days turned into a life built side by side. Today, they work together daily as the founders of Limitless TRT & Aesthetics, building a practice that reflects their shared values, trust, and commitment to patient care.

They describe each other with the same admiration that shows up in their work. Steve sees Lisa as vibrant, kind, and sexy, while Lisa describes Steve

as driven, passionate, and innovative. Their days blend family life and running a growing practice, often joking that it feels like working with your best friend. Being together nearly 24/7 works for them because they genuinely enjoy it.

Their strengths are different but complementary. Lisa leads with calm, thoughtful clarity, while Steve brings decisive action and forward momentum. Together, they’ve navigated defining moments like welcoming their twins and opening their practice, proving they can handle anything as a team. Stress is met head-on through honest communication, with respect as their non-negotiable.

They make time for date nights, often trying new steakhouses like Origen Gilbert, and cherish slower moments at Gilbert Regional Park. At the core of it all, Steve and Lisa work so well together because they choose each other, every single day.

ROBYN & JAMES PATTERSON

Robyn and James’ love story started in a very modern way, on Bumble. After matching and talking for a few weeks, Robyn made the first move and asked James to grab a drink, and from that moment on, it felt like the beginning of something real. What followed was a relationship built on balance, intention, and growing together through life’s biggest milestones.

They describe each other with warmth and admiration. Robyn sees James as sensitive, loving, and hardworking. James describes Robyn as confident, a natural leader, and deeply loving. Their days are full and fastpaced, usually starting with a toddler wake-up call, coffee in hand, and kids running through the house. Evenings are reserved for family time, and once the kids are asleep, they slow things down, catching up, relaxing with their dogs, and reconnecting.

Their strengths are different but complementary. Robyn is a go-getter, while James takes time to process, allowing them to approach challenges from two perspectives. Parenthood solidified their “we’ve got this” moment, teaching them teamwork in its truest form. They protect their relationship with non-negotiables like date nights, vacations, and intentional “us” time to avoid burnout.

Their favorite dates include good food, wine, and time together, and they love spending time at Epicenter at Agritopia. At the core of it all, Robyn and James work so well together because they truly balance each other, as partners and as a team.

We Are Revolutionizing Remote Mental Health Care

in a Bowl A Little Love

THIS EASY DIY FLORAL PROJECT TURNS GROCERY STORE BLOOMS INTO A HEARTFELT GIFT FOR ANYONE WHO NEEDS JOY.

ARTICLE BY LEANN PARKER & KRISTY BELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

February in Gilbert feels like spring is already here - citrus blooms perfume the air and sunshine warms our days. So why not bring that feeling indoors and share it with someone you love?

Skip the store-bought bouquet this year. Instead, create something beautiful with your own hands - a Floral Bowl Arrangement that says “I was thinking of you.” Grab any cereal bowl from your kitchen, pick up flowers at the grocery store, and add some texture from your own yard: spring branches, ornamental grasses, whatever catches your eye. Then comes the best part: deciding who needs this burst of joy. Your daughter’s nightstand? Your husband’s home office? A neighbor’s doorstep? Maybe it’s for you - because loving yourself counts too. Making something beautiful for the people in your life (yourself included!) is what February is all about.

MAKING SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL FOR THE PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE (YOURSELF INCLUDED!) IS WHAT FEBRUARY IS ALL ABOUT.

SUPPLIES

• 1 bundle of flowers (about 24 stems) + floral food packet

• spring branches & ornamental grasses found in your yard (optional).

• 6” bowl (cereal bowl size)

• floral shears (or garden clippers, kitchen shears, even craft scissors in a pinch).

• 12” square cut chicken wire.

• wire cutters

• garden gloves to protect your hands when forming chicken wire.

• clear floral tape (scotch tape will also do).

• lazy susan to easily move your arrangement and work from all sides (optional).

PREPARATION & ASSEMBLE

First prepare the mechanics. The mechanics are the non-floral elements used to assemble a floral arrangement. These materials will act as a grid in which the flowers are built into to hold each stem in its place.

Wearing garden gloves, cut chicken wire roughly into a 12” square. Loosely form the chicken wire into a ball and place inside the bowl.

Use clear floral tape to make an X shape over the top of the bowl to hold the chicken wire securely into place. This will also give extra support when adding the floral elements later.

Fill the bowl with water and mix in a flower food packet, if your flowers came with one.

Begin to arrange floral elements into the bowl. As a general rule, you will want to start with the strongest, thickest stems and end with the most delicate stems. Here, begin with branches, then the largest base flowers followed by taller focal flowers, and finally delicate stems, grasses and wispy greens.

Be part of the legacy. Get your tickets by scanning the QR code or visit www.houseofrefuge.org/events

Meet The Freemans

HOW A GILBERT COUPLE TURNED GYM-FLOOR AWKWARDNESS INTO A MILLION-FOLLOWER MISSION HELPING MARRIAGES THRIVE

ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE LEVINE PHOTOGRAPHY

GRAB SOME POPCORN FOR ONE OF GILBERT’S BEST LOVE STORIES - THE ONE THAT’S HELPING THE REST OF US BRING MORE CONNECTION INTO OUR OWN HOMES.

Aaron Freeman had zero game when he walked up to Jocelyn at a Phoenix gym. No pickup line. Just “hello.” And then he asked for her email address instead of her phone number.

If you’re not smiling right now, check your pulse. But here’s where it gets good: a few months in, Aaron got scared and tried to break up with her.

“He was afraid of getting hurt again,” Jocelyn recalls. “I gently challenged him to look at where that fear was coming from and to take a leap of faith with me.”

That leap turned into over a decade of marriage, a daughter they adore, and a mission that’s reached over a million people. Jocelyn and Aaron Freeman are internationally recognized marriage coaches who both hold Master’s Degrees in Psychology, and their content now reaches 15-20 million couples every month. They’re podcasters, soon-to-be published authors with Penguin Random House, and they’re doing it all from right here in Gilbert.

WHEN EVERYTHING CHANGED

By 2022, the Freemans had spent seven years creating marriage content that barely anyone noticed. Then everything hit at once: investments crashed, their daughter arrived, and they seriously considered if they should give up on the business, not because of a lack of passion, but because they hadn’t gotten the real win they needed.

“We asked for a sign,” they shared. “Overnight, one of our reels went viral and took us to one hundred thousand followers.”

That moment became the turning point. Now over a million followers watch Jocelyn and Aaron act out those marriage moments we all experience but rarely admit to - the fight that starts because someone left a

cabinet open, the season where you’re more like roommates than partners, the repair conversation that feels awkward but somehow brings you back together.

It resonates because it’s real. They’re not pretending to have it all figured out. They’re showing us what it looks like to stay on the same team, even when the team is having a really off day.

THE CONVERSATIONS ARE CHANGING

Their workshops sell out fast because couples are hungry for what the Freemans offer: real tools that actually work. You know those girlfriend lunches where we used to vent about the same frustrating relationship patterns - how he did that thing AGAIN, why can’t he just listen, the fight about nothing that somehow became about everything? Those conversations are starting to sound different now. Someone always brings up The Freemans - “I tried that ‘I see my part’ thing and he stopped to listen,” or “We put our phones down for five minutes like they said and it completely changed the evening.” We’re still talking about our relationships over salads and wine, but now we’re laughing about what’s working instead of just complaining about what’s not.

WHY

GILBERT IS THE PERFECT SETTING

“Gilbert has this incredible energy,” the Freemans share. “There’s a real intentionality here about community, about showing up for each other, and about prioritizing family.”

It’s true. In a town where neighbors know each other, Jocelyn and Aaron have found the perfect place to raise their daughter and build their mission. Their daughter is growing up watching what an emotionally connected marriage looks like - not the Instagram version, but the real one. Two people who choose each other on the good days and the hard days, who apologize when they mess up, who genuinely like each other even after a decade together.

"That's when we understood this work shifts the entire emotional climate of a home. When couples feel more connected, their kids feel more secure, and that ripple effect touches everything."

After one of their workshops, a couple quietly approached them and shared they’d been seriously considering divorce. Something they heard on the Freemans’ podcast made them pause and try a completely different approach to an old problem.

“That’s when we understood this work shifts the entire emotional climate of a home,” Jocelyn and Aaron explain. “When couples feel more connected, their kids feel more secure, and that ripple effect touches everything.”

Every kid deserves to grow up watching a marriage that’s not just surviving but thriving. And in Gilbert, where family really is everything, that mission hits home.

THREE SIMPLE WAYS TO SHOW LOVE

The Freemans shared their go-to moves for showing love that don’t cost a thing - and honestly, they work better than flowers:

Be fully present. Put the phone down, make actual eye contact, and listen like what they’re saying matters. Because it does.

Take responsibility quickly. “Nothing brings two people closer than someone saying, ‘I see my part.’” Those four words? They’re magic.

Appreciate out loud. Notice the small things and say them. “Thanks for unloading the dishwasher” or “I saw you filled up

my car with gas.” Feeling seen creates the kind of closeness that a dozen roses can’t touch.

THE BOOK WE’RE ALL WAITING FOR

This winter, Jocelyn and Aaron are publishing Same Team with Penguin Random House. The book tackles the topics we’re all navigating: how to stay close after kids turn your life upside down, how to break those unhealthy patterns we watched growing up, and how to model the kind of marriage our children will want for themselves someday.

The book launches Winter 2026, and the Freemans have big plans to bring even more resources and events to the community that’s been cheering them on from the beginning.

You can find them on Instagram at @meet_thefreemans for daily relationship tools (and those eerily accurate marriage skits), listen to The Empowered Couples Podcast for perspectives from both sides, or go deeper with their workshops and challenges at MeetTheFreemans.com.

Because here’s the thing about the best love stories - they’re not the ones that start perfectly. They’re the ones where two people keep choosing each other, keep growing together, keep showing up even when it’s hard.

And we’re pretty lucky Jocelyn and Aaron Freeman are doing it right here in Gilbert, showing the rest of us it’s possible too.

LEARN MORE: The Freemans will share relationship insights and practical tools in upcoming issues of Gilbert Lifestyle Magazine as they prepare for their fall 2026 book launch. Follow their journey at .

PARENTS NIGHT IN

Phones Down, Aprons On - Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe to make with kids

Some of the best family nights happen right at home, in your own kitchen, with nowhere else to be.

ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY

This month, we’re declaring a Parents’ Night IN. No reservations, no screens, no distractions - just you, your kids, and a recipe worth passing down. Carve out a Tuesday evening, put the phones in a basket by the door, and let everyone get their hands a little messy. These are the nights your kids will remember.

I discovered this white chicken chili years ago and it’s become our family’s go-to for cozy February evenings.

Made with New Mexico’s famous Hatch green chiles, it’s got just enough kick to make it interesting but not enough to scare off the little ones. Kids actually love making this because they get to do all the fun stuffshredding chicken, dumping in ingredients, and building their own masterpiece bowl at the end.

Fair warning: they will want to help, and yes, your kitchen will be messier.

EASY HATCH GREEN CHILE WHITE CHICKEN CHILI

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) white corn, drained

• 1 cup roasted Hatch green chiles, diced (find them fresh at Sprouts or in season at the Farmer’s Market)

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1½ tsp cumin

• 1 tsp oregano

• ½ tsp ground coriander

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Juice of 1 lime

For topping: Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, extra lime wedges

Instructions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and let your kitchen start smelling like a restaurant.

Drop in chicken breasts, pour broth over everything, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Remove chicken, let cool 5-7 minutes, and hand your kids two forks. Their mission: shred it into bite-sized pieces. They will feel powerful and important.

Toss shredded chicken back in with beans, corn, Hatch chiles, and spices. Simmer another 15-20 minutes.

Taste test, adjust salt and pepper, then squeeze in lime juice before serving.

Set up your topping station and watch the magic happen. Everyone gets to be an artist with their bowl.

Pro move: Double the batch. future-you will thank present-you when Wednesday rolls around.

GILBERT'S FEEDING FAMILIES

IS BACK & We Need You

Ready to turn your appetite into action? The Gilbert Feeding Families Campaign returns February 10th-23rd, 2026, and this year’s Restaurant Weekend is serving up the perfect recipe for community impact!

Why February Matters More Than Ever

Local food pantries are facing their annual post-holiday crunch, and with spring break approaching, many Gilbert children will lose access to school meals. This is our moment to rally together and ensure no family in our community goes hungry during this critical transition period.

Dine Out, Do Good: February 20th22nd, 2026

Here’s where the fun begins! Mark your calendars for Restaurant Weekend, when your favorite local spots turn tables into tables of hope. We have a flavor for everyone this year. This year’s delicious lineup includes Someburros (Gilbert locations) & Isabel’s Amor where traditional Mexican flavors meet genuine heart, Spinato’s Pizza with their legendary Italian classics, Prep & Pastry serving up those famous cast iron cinnamon rolls, and Smoke & Grain bringing serious flavor to the cause, & Ta Lew Bistro for a little Asian just to round out the menu.  With multiple options, you and your family can eat all weekend.  During this special weekend, a portion of your bill goes directly to stocking local food banks. Pizza? Pasta? Burritos? Brunch? Every bite makes a difference!

Beyond the Fork: More Ways to Help

Can’t make Restaurant Weekend? No problem! Food donations are welcome throughout the campaign, or make a monetary contribution at forourtown gilbert.org  where every dollar multiplies 3x through Midwest Food Bank’s bulk buying power!

Join the Movement

Visit forourtowngilbert.org for collection sites, the complete restaurant list, and all campaign updates. Challenge your neighbors, rally your office, and let’s make 2026 Gilbert’s biggest, boldest, most generous food drive yet.

Because when Gilbert shows up, everybody eats. Let’s go!

Spring Tea & Fashion Show

events

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!

FEBRUARY 4TH

Gilbert City Lifestyle

Happy Hour

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

Join us as we celebrate our February Love Local Issue, an evening filled with connection, community, and local love. Enjoy bites, cocktails, and great company as we gather at Kiln Gilbert to toast to the people and businesses that make our city special.

FEBRUARY 5TH

For Our Town Gilbert Quarterly Breakfast

Gilbert Community Center | 130 N Oak St, Gilbert | 7:30 AM

Come join us for a free networking breakfast and learn about how Gilbert is becoming a Dementia friendly town. Alzheimer’s disease is not just a growing national health crisis, it’s one that hits home here in Arizona. With nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, the impact is undeniable.

FEBRUARY 6TH - 28TH

Only the Lonely: A Tribute to Roy Orbison

Hale Concert Hall | 50 W Page Ave, Gilbert

Enjoy a night of Orbison’s career-spanning hits such as “Pretty Woman,” “Only the Lonely,” “Blue Bayou,” and “Crying”. Roy Orbison—“the Big O”—was an American icon, an original, and a veritable force of nature.

FEBRUARY 10TH Self Defense for Children and Adults

HD South | 10 S Gilbert Rd, Gilbert 6:30 PM

Kids ages seven and older, teens, and adults are invited to join certified black belt instructors from East Valley Martial Arts to learn and brush-up on self-defense. Physical techniques for protecting oneself will be covered, as well as “street smarts” and prevention of incidents.

Saturdays, 8AM – Noon

Second Wednesdays, 5PM – 8PM

March 21

March 28 - 29

April 11, 9AM – 2PM

District Farmers Market

Visit a Discover Gilbert Discovery Center this month and send a complimentary ‘Love Letter’ from Gilbert to friends and family. While supplies last.

CONTINUED

FEBRUARY 10TH - 21ST

Feeding Gilbert

Families - Community Wide Food Drive

Check www.forourtowngilbert.org for all participating locations

It’s time to help our neighbors. Drop off your non-perishable, non-expired, and non-glass food items to help restock food banks and food pantries after their support of Gilbert residents in need during the holidays at one of our drop off locations! Visit the forourtowngilbert.org site for all locations.

FEBRUARY 14TH

Trivia Night for a Cause

HD South | Severson Center 10 S. Gilbert Rd, Gilbert 6:00PM

Who needs a romantic dinner for two when you can have trivia with your friends for a good cause. Cash Prizes, Silent Auction, & Dinner by Rigatony’s. Register at gilbertrotary.org

FEBRUARY 20TH - 22ND

Feeding Families Restaurant Weekend

Check www.forourtowngilbert.org for all participating locations

During this special weekend, a portion of your bill goes directly to stocking local food banks. Pizza? Pasta? Burritos? Brunch? Noodles? Every bite makes a difference!  Join our community eating out this weekend.   Check out the forourtowngilbert.org website to find a list of all the participating restaurants.  Be sure to wear your ‘STRETCHY PANTS’.

Baked Small Batch. Made Fresh And Mailed Straight To Your Door Same Da y!

The Merchantile of Scottsdale 3965 North Brown Ave Scottsdale, AZ 85251

The Merchantile of Phoenix 730 E Missouri Ave Phoenix, AZ 85014

The Merchantile of 5th Ave 7046 E 5th Ave Scottsdale, AZ 85251 NOW AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP AVAILABLE PICK UP

FEBRUARY 21ST

Gilbert Outdoors Expo

Riparian Preserve | 2757 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert | 9:00 AM

Put on your camouflage and boots and head to the Gilbert Outdoors Expo at the Riparian Preserve. Explore handson outdoor activities, learn new skills, and enjoy fishing, wildlife encounters, a rock wall, and more. This free, family-friendly event offers something fun and engaging for all ages.

FEBRUARY 25TH

14th Annual Gilbert Water Festival

Gilbert Civic Center | 50 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert | 7:00 AM The Gilbert Water Festival brings STEM learning to life for fourth-graders through hands-on lessons about water resources, conservation, and future careers. Volunteers support setup, student guidance, and short activities. Training is required for firsttime volunteers. Meals and refreshments are provided during the event.

FEBRUARY 28TH

HD South’s 14th Annual Fundraising Event

HD South | 10 S Gilbert Rd, Gilbert 5:30 PM

Support HD SOUTH, Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum, by attending the fourteenth annual signature fundraising event. A Night at the Museum – Community in Bloom will be a spectacular evening of entertainment, incredible food, history and celebration - all set in the magical, evening ambiance of the new courtyard and Severson Center at HD SOUTH.

Want to be featured?

LOVE POTION #9

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ANNA BARNES

A PINK COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY

WHO NEEDS FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE FLOWERS AND COCKTAILS?

This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 1.5 oz rosé

• 5 oz fresh grapefruit juice

• 5 oz simple syrup

• 1 egg white

• 3 oz bubbles (champagne or sparkling wine)

THE HOW-TO:

1. Pour the rosé, simple syrup, egg white, and grapefruit juice into an ice-filled shaker.

2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until chilled.

3. Pour into a coupe glass using the strainer.

4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.

5. Garnish with edible flowers and grapefruit peel.

6. Enjoy!

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