North Peoria, AZ September 2024

September— The Style Issue

Who doesn’t love a little style?  Whether it’s fashion, home, hair, makeup, food—you name it, and style makes it.

In this issue, meet Peoria’s own Stephanie Park of Urbane Interiors. She is located in Vistancia and explains how the California Coastal trend is changing. She offers tips, insights, and decorating ideas for your inspiration. If you’re like me, you buy what they tell you to and leave the design to the professionals. Stephanie is one of those; our local community is lucky to have her!

That feeling of wanting to embrace the trending fall styles when the temps are still screaming summer can be SO FRUSTRATING! This month, we feature “Fall Fashion Tips” so those of us here in Arizona can embrace all the fall feels without donning wool and turtlenecks. But when you find the perfect outfit, what do you do with your hair?

Hair hacks are seasonal, and just as the rest of the country gears up for the party season, Arizona is still in full swing with ponytails for the ladies and clean cuts for the gents. It’s still hot here, even in September! Use our “Hair Hacks” article to plan ahead and look your best as summer comes to a slow close.

Where do we get all these trendy items? Well, the “West Valley Guide to Style” features many local boutiques where you can let your imagination (and wallet!) go wild. Have fun reading North Peoria Lifestyle this month. We hope you find inspiration to suit your original, authentic self, and remember—shop local!

JULIE LACROIX, PUBLISHER @NORTHPEORIALIFESTYLE

September 2024

PUBLISHER

Julie LaCroix

julie.lacroix@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Susan Lanier-Graham

susan.lanier-graham@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Nichole Eckman nichole.eckman@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Nichole Eckman nichole.eckman@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Mimi Slawoff mslawoff@gmail.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jen David jen.david@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angel Fuchs, Susan Lanier-Graham, Cate Marian, Abbi Sulaski, Rebecca Taig

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nichole Eckman, Poppy & Co by Kelsey Huffer, Sunday Stills Studio by Rachel Smak, Rebecca Taig

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

Learn

FALL F A SHION TIPS

LOCAL BOUTIQUE OWNERS OFFER TIPS FOR ROCKING FALL STYLES WITHOUT OVERHEATING OR BREAKING THE BANK

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOLE ECKMAN

Achieving that quintessential fall style while staying cool can be challenging here in Arizona. Terra Cactus Boutique (Terra-Cactus.com) offers many stylish options to transition your summer wardrobe to fall while staying on budget!

Boutique owners and sisters Giovanna and Tanya Calleros emphasize staple pieces for a versatile wardrobe.

“We love an oversized button-down top that women of all ages and sizes can wear,” says Giovanna.

They recommend lightweight fabrics like linen and silk. Knitted tanks can also give a cozy look without the heat.

Layering is a great way to build the perfect fall outfit. “Wear a knitted tank with a fun shacket and totally change the outfit,” suggests Giovanna.

CONTINUED >

Boots are essential. “You can wear boots with denim, skirts, and dresses,” advises Giovanna.

Giovanna suggests mixing fabrics to enhance your outfit. "A knitted top with a satin skirt pairs really well.”

According to Giovanna, the biggest cost-saving fall style tip is to reuse items from your summer wardrobe. By blending your summer staples with fall trends, you can create stylish outfits while staying within a budget.

ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM

West Valley Guide to Style

5 LOCAL BOUTIQUES CAN HELP YOU FIND YOUR UNIQUE STYLE

Amor Collective

Amor Collective (AmorCollectiveAZ.com), at Northern and the 101, is a unique incubator space for 37 start-up Latina-owned businesses. Shop for everything from cosmetics and bath products to clothing and accessories.

Posh North Boutique

Head to Posh North Boutique (PoshNorth.com) in The Shops at Norterra for the latest contemporary ladies’ apparel and accessories. The owner, Nicole, wants to ensure everyone has the opportunity to shop for quality, trendy clothes at affordable prices.

La

Lady Designs

At Glendale’s La Lady Designs (LaLadyDesigns.com), you can find everything for girls of all ages—from tutu skirts to turquoise jewelry. Head to the Westgate Entertainment District for the best quality products at fair prices.

Jules & JC

Check out Jules & JC ( JulesAndJC.com) in Park West for the latest women’s styles, shoes, and accessories. You can also find fun and stylish home decor items. New products arrive weekly.

courtesy Jules & JC

Sunstone Boutique

Sunstone Boutique (SunstoneBoutique. com), at 67th Avenue and Happy Valley Road, sells fun fashions and accessories in sizes XS to 3X, as well as home decor, shoes, and makeup.

Coastal California Design Gets a Glow-Up

The coastal California interior design trend took the world by storm. The aesthetic maintains its foundation in a light, bright, laid-back look, featuring white walls, pale neutrals, and furnishings with an unstructured, casual silhouette. But all of that is subtly changing.

"While I don't see the California coastal trend headed for a dusty shelf anytime soon," explains Stephanie Park, owner and designer of North Peoria's Urbane Interiors, "I am seeing subtle shifts away from the blazingly bright ambiance that has been emulated time and time again."

Park loves this "glow-up," which brings warmer tones to the coastal California aesthetic, especially for our Arizona lifestyles. "Arizona is a backdrop of warm browns and beiges," she explains. Pulling these same tones into our homes can be effortless and lends well to our indoor-outdoor living, especially in the coming cooler temperatures."

Park reminds her clients to use the natural environment to their advantage. "The trees here in our desert are gorgeous. Trim a few branches off and add them to a beautiful artisan vase for instant style and organic panache!"

A SUBTLE SHIFT IN DESIGN TRENDS Park points to several trends that highlight this subtle shift toward a more colorful design aesthetic:

• Warmer, more organic wall finishes. The starkness of white walls is giving way to softer, more subdued pigments. Lime washes and applications of Roman clay are increasingly popular. A favorite at Urbane Interiors is Portola Paints lime wash in the "Dune Shack" shade.

• Warmer tones in cabinetry.  While a classic white kitchen remains popular, there is a growing trend toward stained cabinetry in warm tones. "Wood tones have been more of an accent in the coastal California era, but they are now taking center stage in cabinetry and millwork," explains Park.

• Travertine is back—sort of. While the heavy, Tuscan-style travertine of the early 2000s remains a thing of the past, a refined travertine with clean, modern lines is trending. "It is being used as a statement piece on waterfall islands and CONTINUED >

“We provide a luxe,

elevated design experience for those who

desire to live the

good

life

with

family, friends, and clients.”

"While comfort is still important, the overly relaxed look is being replaced with a slightly more grown-up look."

• Moody colors rule. Moving away from a white-washed palette has opened the door for warmer, richer tones. Darker paint colors, especially in unexpected spaces— think powder baths and ceilings—instantly transform any space. Warmer neutrals (chestnut, warm gray) and bolder jewel tones (warm navy, rusty red) are welcomed into this new aesthetic. Park predicts that chocolate brown will be the season's big color. "It is warm, lends itself to the upcoming fall and winter months, and is a great neutral. And yes, when done right, brown definitely goes with black accents."

in clean-cut tile for accent walls," says Park. While that much travertine is a significant investment, Park suggests bringing the same feel into your home through smaller pieces, like small cocktail tables, vases, and decorative trays.

• Bye-bye, unstructured! While the casual, undone feel of coastal California is effortless, the move is toward cleaner, more classic silhouettes. Park explains that,

URBANE INTERIORS CAN HELP YOU FIND YOUR NEW STYLE

Park, who spent 20 years as a registered nurse and nurse practitioner, launched Urbane Interiors in early 2023. She sits with new clients before creating the first mood board to learn about their personalities, lifestyles, and priorities. "We create beautiful spaces that function for you and your lifestyle."

It's Pumpkin Season!

ENJOY THE FLAVORS AND SMELLS OF FALL WITH GLUTEN-FREE PUMPKIN BREAD

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA TAIG

As the Arizona temperatures finally begin to drop and we're watching Instagram feeds of far-off friends showcasing sweaters, changing leaves, and crisp autumn days, it's time to channel fall. Let the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread waft through your home and bring on the cozy flavors of the season.

This delicious gluten-free pumpkin bread recipe, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, is brought to you by North Peoria resident Rebecca Taig. Find gluten-free recipes, hosting inspiration, and seasonal decor at RebeccaTaig.com

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (240 grams) pumpkin puree

• ¾ cup (150 grams) sugar

• ½ cup (50 grams) dark brown sugar

• 2 large eggs at room temperature

• 1/3 cup (85 grams) coconut oil, melted, refined

• ¼ cup milk, dairy or dairy-free

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1¼ cup (170 grams) gluten-free flour Bob's Red Mill

1:1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour

• ½ cup (50 grams) almond flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a Nordic Wheat Loaf Pan or regular 8x4 or 9x5-inch loaf pan. Line the 8x4 and 9x5-inch loaf pans with parchment paper and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whisk together sugar, dark brown sugar, pumpkin puree, and eggs until smooth. Add melted oil, milk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until combined.

4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until the flour is just incorporated. Avoid over-mixing.

5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. (If not using the Nordic pan, run a knife about 1 inch deep lengthwise through the center of the loaf to encourage the bread to dome evenly.)

6. If using the Nordic pan, place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes. (At 45 minutes, insert a toothpick in the center. If the toothpick comes out clean, the loaf is done.)

7. Allow bread to cool in pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

GLUTEN-FREE PUMPKIN BREAD

Small and Stylish

FIAT 500E INSPIRED BY BEAUTY REDEFINES AUTOMOTIVE ELEGANCE AND EFFICIENCY

Cute, tiny, and ultra-feminine, the 2024 electric Fiat 500e Inspired By Beauty is pretty inside and out. It may be small, but it's big on aesthetics. I've never seen anything like it, and from the looks I got while driving it, neither have most other drivers on the road.

The gorgeous rose-gold hue draws plenty of stares, and it's loaded with details like mirror chrome accents and embroidered cream eco-leather seats. I enjoyed driving it for a week; it picked up speed quickly, rode quietly and smoothly, and featured plenty of bells and whistles, such as Active Lane Management, Adaptive Speed Control, ParkSense, and Blind Spot Detection.

This electric car only has a range of about 149 miles, but I found it perfect for city driving. Its micro size and unique color make it a total show-stopper.

ARTICLE BY ANGEL FUCHS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STELLANTIS NORTH AMERICA

It's a fun little car, full of personality, and my tween daughter and I enjoyed the attention it brought us.

UNDER THE HOOD

The Fiat 500e Inspired by Beauty is more than just a pretty face. It has a 400V 42kWh battery pack, 117 horsepower, and a front-offset 1-speed gearbox transmission. Every Fiat 500e includes a Level 2 charging wall unit or charge credits through Free2Move Charge.

MSRP: $37,595

Available from Moore Chrysler Jeep Fiat (MooreAuto.com), Peoria.

YOUR DRINK DRESS UP

THESE BEAUTIFUL BEVERAGES ARE SURE TO TURN HEADS

BLUE MARTINI WITH FLORAL ICE CUBES

BOLD COLORS Fresh florals. An eye-catching shimmer. The perfect embellishment. We’re talking cocktails, not the catwalk. But like fashion, the art of mixology is full of ways to push the limits with creative twists on classic recipes, and unique adornments guaranteed to turn heads. There’s no reason your personal style can’t extend to the drink in your hand, and this botanical beverage is bound to taste as delicious as it looks.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 ounces Absolut Citron

• 1/2 ounce Blue Curaçao

• 1/2 ounce lemonade

• 1 ounce Sprite

• Edible flowers such as rose, lavender, hibiscus and nasturtiums

DIRECTIONS:

Pour Sprite into ice cube trays and add edible flower combinations. Let freeze overnight.

Combine Absolut Citron, Blue Curaçao, lemonade and ice cubes in martini shaker. Shake and strain into a martini glass.

Allow ice cubes to melt, gradually filling the glass with Sprite and garnishing the drink with beautiful botanicals.

ARTICLE BY CATE MARIAN

FIG + THYME

SPARKLING LEMONADE

INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS:

• thyme simple syrup

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 bunch thyme

• 2 fresh figs

• 3/4 ounce lemon juice

• 3/4 ounce thyme syrup

• 3/4 ounce Sprite

In a small saucepan, simmer sugar, water and thyme leaves over low heat for 5 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let the thyme infuse into the syrup for at least 10 minutes.

For the cocktail, muddle figs and lemon juice in the bottom of a glass. Add ice, 3/4 of the thyme syrup and Sprite. Stir and garnish with fig and a sprig of thyme.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 ounces premium vodka

• 1 ounce lemon juice

• 2 ounces purple shimmery liqueur

• Blackberry vodka

• Moscato wine

• Luster petal dust

• Sugar syrup (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Combine blackberry vodka, moscato wine and pinch of luster petal dust to make purple shimmery liqueur. Adjust proportions depending on flavor preferences. Add sugar syrup to make it sweeter if desired.

Pour vodka, shimmery liqueur and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker. Shake well and pour into glass over ice.

PURPLE KISS

PASSION FRUIT

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons passion fruit

• 6-8 mint leaves, chopped, plus 2-3 small sprigs

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed

• 1 ounce club soda

DIRECTIONS:

Muddle passion fruit, mint leaves, sugar and lime juice in bottom of glass.

Fill with crushed ice.

Finish with club soda and stir.

Garnish with slice of passion fruit, pineapple and mint sprigs.

hacks HAIR

Braids are a great way to add style and uniqueness to your hair style rotation and have been a staple in hair styles dating back to the 3500 B. C. This historical hairstyle is here to stay, so we wanted to share some go-to impressive looks. Follow our stepby-step guide of braids for all of your braid needs.

Braids to Keep You Chic All Year Long

ARTICLE BY ABBI SULASKI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY

KELSEY HUFFER

simpleupdo

Part the hair down the center or side part, if preferred. Create braid(s) on the side of the head and secure with elastic. Twist the hair with braids into a simple bun, securing it with hair pins. Add an accessory for a classy touch.

Place a bandana on the forehead and tie it in the back. Create as many braids as desired in the back of the head, teasing the ends to avoid using elastics.

pull through braid with space buns

Part hair down the center. Create pull-through braids on each side of the head. Tie elastic at the end of the braids to create a ponytail at the nape of the neck. For extra volume in the buns, tease the hair in the ponytail before twisting it into a bun. Secure with hair pins and... Voilà!

Part the top half of the hair in two sections. Create fishtail braids (or braids of choice) and tie them together in the back of the hair. Add a fashion accessory around a ponytail for a little extra fun!

fishtail braids reverse