Queen Creek, AZ March 2026

Experience the Future of Dental Implants

Dental implants are more precise than ever with Yomi, the first FDA-cleared robotic system for implant surgery—available right here in Queen Creek.

Matheson Dentistry is among a select group trained in this advanced technology. As a Yomi Diamond Doctor of Excellence, Dr. Matheson brings unmatched accuracy, efficiency, and confidence to every implant procedure.

Discover Yomi-guided implants at Matheson Dentistry. Call 480.888.8123 to schedule your consultation today!

E

www.mathesondentistry.com V Matheson_Dentistry

Matheson Dentistry

Welcome Home

It is said that 'a man's home is his castle', a place of privacy and protection. While I subscribe to the idea that home is our sanctuary, I feel that phrase is also a little too austere. Where is the fun, the creativity, and the warmth? Our homes are also places to entertain, for movie nights, for baking homemade cookies, and family time.

In this issue we hope to inspire you to create a space that reflects what 'staying in' means to you. Alyssa Warring, interior designer, shows exactly how she can help you achieve that vision with an eye for beauty and effortless style. We also explore how flowers can not only boost your space but also your mood. Susan Johnson of Cottage Flowers and Gifts talks about the benefits that flowers add to any room.

In addition to beauty and style, we have advice on home fitness and creating the right study environment for your scholar so that homework is more studious and less stressed. Finally, and perhaps my favorite, we talk about making a home for some backyard chickens. Who says you can't give your egg makers a home that even you would want to spend some time in?

A home can be many things to many people, and there are so many aspects to our home life. Yet we can all agree it must be a place of our very own, to our tastes, and tailored to how we function for work and play.

Florence Daniels

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Jackson York | jackson.york@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Florence Daniels | florence.daniels@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Macie Smith | macie.smith@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Revolt, Michelle Talsma Everson, Garrett Johnson, Tiffany Mraz

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jenny Kaufman, Nick Pane of Hold Fast Visuals, Arizona Municipal Water Users Association

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Photography by J. Kaufman

Dusk Boutique Finds a Home

After doing many fun pop ups in their mobile boutique, Dusk Boutique have found a brick and mortar home in the Pallete Collective in Queen Creek on Ellsworth Road in Suite 22. Mention seeing this business entry and get 20% off your first order.

LOVING WHERE YOU LIVE

Coming home, a sigh is released, a bag is set down, and shoes are kicked off. Who doesn’t feel a sense of relief upon coming home? Yet that sense of calm can be further enhanced in a home that is artfully designed, blending elements of contemporary style that is also tailored to your lifestyle . Alyssa Warring, owner of Wren House Design, understands this response, the sacred space of home.

So much goes on in the planning, the careful calculations of light, the psychological effects of color, even the height of a shelf . A designer, like Alyssa, takes no detail for granted.

For the home we toured, nicknamed the James Bond Build, the brief was to build around family and fun. While the clients were already working with an architect on their new build, they brought in Alyssa to tweak the design as needed and bring a cohesive vision to the interior. The one story home with high ceilings and big windows that let in plenty of light, also needed touches of warmth and functionality that did not sacrifice style.

Alyssa therefore put together white oak cabinets with satin brass fixtures and a quartzite countertop with streaks of warmer tones that tied in with the cabinetry. She also created more interest by using coffered or tray ceilings and even wood beams in certain rooms. The open plan kitchen with a butler’s pantry and prep kitchen is ideal for big family feasts. The kitchen flows to the living room and large dining room for big gatherings, a true central hub of the house.

“ALYSSA SAYS HER FAVORITE PART IS 'SEEING IT COME TOGETHER AND GETTING TO WALK THE SPACE.’”

A native of Arizona, Alyssa marries the current trends with desert living. She always takes in what the client wants, but brings her knowledge and experience of design and construction to make their dreams reality. Alyssa considers everything from the position and flow of the rooms to something as small as where to place the outlets. After nine years of working in interior design in both commercial and residential buildings, Alyssa has seen pretty much everything. Her job requires not only selecting paints and light fixtures, but also people skills, moving projects along, and staying on schedule. Her job is quite the juggling act and can definitely hit speed bumps and challenges along the way. Nevertheless, Alyssa says her favorite part is ‘seeing it come together and getting to walk the space.’ Moving through the house she helped design, it is easy to feel homey and at ease despite the large rooms. The natural wood tones are balanced with simple white, along with eye catching chandeliers, and backsplashes that add a touch of sparkle and luxury. Yet without Alyssa’s expert eye, the space could have easily felt empty and cold.  A project like this one is why a designer like Alyssa cuts through the dizzying amount of choice in showrooms and design magazines. In fact, what might seem overwhelming to some, Alyssa says is ‘fun deciding the shape and flow of the house and giving the client what they want is like a puzzle.’ At the same time she says it is important for the client to stay ‘connected to the project’. She provides a portal system to help her clients stay on track. Therefore, the planning process can be as organized as possible, resulting in a home you can truly love.

www.wrenhousedesigns.com

A simple touch of beauty has profound effects.

Flower Power

Most people, when they see a bouquet of flowers on a table, may often wonder what the occasion is. Susan Johnson of Cottage Flowers and Gifts says you shouldn’t wait for a special day or event, instead she firmly believes in flowers for any day, even every day flowers. Anyone who receives flowers, argues Susan, ‘even if you have a bad day, they bring joy because of why and who gave them.’ She says especially if you send flowers randomly and surprise someone, it instantly lets them know they are loved.

Flowers can bring fragrance and the feel of the season indoors. ‘It elevates the space, brings in color, and just so basic in their beauty.’ says Susan. One of Susan’s best sellers is an arrangement called the Kaleidoscope, using hot pinks, oranges, yellow, lime greens, and blues together in a burst of color that would make anyone smile at the sight of it. She combines roses, hydrangeas, thistle, various daisies, alstroemeria, delphiniums, and more for their beauty as well as their longevity. To be greeted by such an array of color is not only pleasant but studies show flowers can trigger dopamine and serotonin in the brain - the feel good emotions.

Susan adds that places in the home that are the most underrated for flowers are the bathroom and bedroom. Waking up to a beautiful bouquet might be the way to start your day in the right frame of mind. Susan says that having flowers is a form of self-care and she even provides a standing subscription where flowers can be delivered on a monthly or three month basis. Next time you bring flowers home remember that you are not only enhancing a room, but also your mindset.

www.thecottageflowersandgifts.com

HOME IS WHERE YOUR FAMILY FLOCKS

Have your chickens check in to the Chick Inn Coops.

At first, you might think a tiny backyard house with Victorian-style architecture, a steep gabled roof, beautiful large windows complete with a flower box and front deck is a high end “she shed”. That is until builder Alex Verkruijsse opens up the nesting boxes. “This is where they automatically know to go into and then lay their eggs.” The impressive house is a designer chicken coop. “All our structures are 100% custom,” says Alex. “No coop is the same. We build everything from scratch.”

Alex began transforming Arizona’s urban farming landscape during the pandemic, starting with his own backyard coop. “My wife wanted a new coop. She wanted something pretty, and she kept sending me Instagram videos.” So Alex and his teenaged sons got to work, building a modern style farmhouse coop, complete with more than 10 feet of roosting space, glass windows and Dutch doors.

A neighbor then asked Alex to build him a similar coop. Afterwards, they decided to build one to put on Facebook Marketplace to see what would happen. Alex couldn’t believe it sold in just a day, soon turning their side hustle into a full time gig. Their business, Chick Inn Coops, was officially hatched and they now have customers across the county.

“Right now we do about 50-50. 50% is here in state, 50% is out of state. Alex believes the boom in business is partly due to the buzz of modern homesteading broadcast on social media. But he says Arizona, particularly Queen Creek and Gilbert, is a natural hotspot.

“I think those towns have done a very good job of holding on to their roots, knowing that these used to be all farm towns.” Alex credits our state’s climate as a big plus, even during the hottest months of the year. “The chickens just need a pan with water. They cool down through their feet. So they’ll stand in footbaths. Backyard chickens can be the easiest pets you ever have.”

Alex didn’t start out designing and building chicken coops. Originally from Holland, Alex traveled the world working in the hotel business. He and his family were transferred to the States in 2006, eventually landing in Arizona. Chick Inn Coops is a playful name inspired by his former job. His wife also lent some creative input, which you also see in each of his designs. Every structure has two parts: a henhouse for laying and sleeping, and a spacious run for daytime activities like digging and eating.

So which comes first, the chicken or the coop? “First and foremost, get the coop,” Alex insists. “Don’t feel like you need to invest thousands of dollars, or even hundreds of dollars. There’s so many great resources in regards to how to make a coop in an inexpensive way.”

You do need to keep in mind the amount of space you want to dedicate to a coop. Alex also emphasizes doing your research. “That’s the other thing I would say to anybody starting a flock is definitely check with your town or city as well as HOA regulations.”

Alex and his family believe raising chickens is all it’s cracked up to be - and more. “Just sitting here watching the chickens. It’s very peaceful.” www.chickinncoops.com

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER REVOLT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY KAUFMAN

Homework That Helps

PURPOSE, ROUTINE, AND THE RIGHT SPACE.

We’ve all been there … homework chaos! Homework is a hotly contested issue with considerable pros and cons. Some argue that all work should be done at school and that home should be solely for family/free time. Others argue that homework has the ability to reinforce or extend and enrich what is being taught at school. No matter which side of the debate you find yourself on, I hope to share some suggestions that will help your family find a healthy balance.

Homework should feel useful, not exhausting. As teachers we often assign homework in areas that a student may be struggling in. Perhaps memorizing math facts will allow Charlie to more easily solve math problems. Maybe Olivia would benefit in her writing skills if she expanded her vocabulary. In middle or high school we may need to extend research projects to allow for more comprehensive investigation. Whatever the case may be, we often find that some practice at home, is essential in reinforcing skills. We want our students to build good study habits and responsibility.

“Set up a calm and quiet space at home with essentials like sharpened pencils, paper, note cards, highlighters, and coloring utensils.”

So how can you help when it comes to homework? Encouraging your child to come home and have a snack as well as decompress for an hour or so allows them to find a better mind set for the work head. Set up a calm and quiet space at home with essentials like sharpened pencils, paper, note cards, highlighters, and coloring utensils. One area I feel strongly about, and have advocated for my own children, is the amount of time they should spend on homework. It should not replace sleep, prevent family time, or extra-curricular opportunities (within reason). A general guideline is about 10 minutes of homework per grade level. If your child is struggling and finding an assignment overly time consuming or difficult, it may be time to share with your child’s teacher what you are seeing at home. You can work together to come up with a plan that helps ensure balance and success.

As a parent of two now high schoolers, I have found that it has been imperative to stay involved by checking weekly folders, monitoring online grade books, and reading teachers’ emails. Catching concerns early makes it much easier to address issues and find solutions, rather than waiting until the end of a quarter or semester. With consistent involvement, helping your family find a good balance is achievable!

Jennifer Revolt

Jennifer is a wife and mother of two high school daughters, the Vice President of the QCUSD School Board, and the Director at Leading Edge Mountain View Christian Preschool. She has been in the education field for the last 20 years.

Land scapes That Last

How thoughtful planting helps Queen Creek yards flourish beyond spring.

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARIZONA MUNICIPAL WATER USERS ASSOCIATION

In Queen Creek, outdoor living shapes daily life. Morning walks begin before the sun crests the San Tan Mountains, backyard dinners stretch past sunset, and front yards reflect personal style and pride. As spring settles in and temperatures rise, many homeowners are refreshing landscapes with an eye toward beauty that lasts through summer.

Desert-friendly landscapes can still deliver color, texture, and personality. Success comes from planting with intention and understanding how timing, soil, and water work together in the Sonoran Desert. With the right approach, spring planting can provide both immediate appeal and long-term landscape health.

TIMING MATTERS IN THE DESERT

“Generally, fall planting is the best for our region,” says Deina Burns, water conservation program manager for the Town of Queen Creek. “Spring planting can still be done. It just requires more tending to support new plants through transplant stress and extreme heat.”

For homeowners ready to start, Burns says planning makes the difference. Spring is also a good time to observe which plants are already thriving nearby.

“Driving or walking around town to identify plants you enjoy is a great way to plan ahead,” she says. “You can make a list and use that information for spring planting or to plan for fall.”

Burns recommends using the Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert guide, found online, to help identify plants suited to local conditions and water needs.

According to the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, several desert-adapted plants consistently perform well locally. Red yucca thrives in full sun, produces tall flowering spikes, and requires minimal water. Desert marigold brings bright yellow blooms and performs well in rocky or sandy soils. Fairy duster and Baja fairy duster add soft texture and pollinator-friendly color.

Angelita daisy offers near year-round blooms and works well as a low border or accent plant. Texas sage provides structure with silvery foliage and seasonal purple flowers.

KNOW YOUR YARD

While Queen Creek neighborhoods share a ZIP code, landscapes can perform differently from

yard to yard. Burns says microclimates and soil types play a major role. Some areas retain heat longer, while others cool more quickly at night.

“Queen Creek has areas with sandy soils and areas with clay or clay loam,” Burns says. “General guidance is to water longer but less frequently, but sandy soils need more frequent watering because they don’t hold moisture as long.”

PLANTING WITH SUMMER IN MIND

When planting in spring, Burns emphasizes proper placement and early care. Selecting plants suited for full, radiant sun helps reduce heat stress, especially near block walls or concrete. Temporary shading and bark protection during a plant’s first summer can also improve survival.

“Not adjusting watering schedules during the establishment period is a common issue,” she says, noting that overwatering can be just as damaging as under-watering.

“As plants grow, the number of emitters needs to increase,” Burns says. “Proper placement and timing make a big difference.”

Residents interested in learning more can explore water-smart landscaping resources on the Town of Queen Creek’s website or attend the April 4th workshop on pruning and landscape maintenance taught by a certified arborist.

More information is available at queencreekaz.gov/ watersmart

Stronger At Home

Practical, physical therapist-approved ways to build strength without the gym.

As a physical therapist who also works in sports performance, I often remind patients and athletes that effective training doesn’t require fancy machines or a gym membership. With smart exercise selection and a bit of creativity, your home can become a powerful training environment.

THE POWER OF BODYWEIGHT TRAINING

Bodyweight exercises are the foundation of any solid home program. They teach you to control your own body, improve joint stability, and develop functional strength that carries over to daily life and sport. Classic movements like squats, lunges, push-ups, planks, and glute bridges can be scaled up or down depending on ability. Tempo changes, single-leg variations, and pauses increase difficulty without adding load. From a rehab and performance standpoint, bodyweight work is ideal for reinforcing proper movement patterns while minimizing injury risk.

TURNING HOUSEHOLD ITEMS INTO EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

Most American homes already contain useful “training tools.” A sturdy chair or couch can be used for step-ups, split squats, triceps dips, or elevated push-ups. Towels double as sliders for hamstring curls or core work on hardwood or tile floors. A backpack loaded with books becomes a weighted vest for squats or lunges. Gallon water jugs work well for carries, rows, or overhead presses. For a lighter weight, you can even use canned goods, bottles or even office equipment if a larger jug is too heavy.  Even stairs can be used for conditioning, calf raises, and unilateral leg strength.

SIMPLE, AFFORDABLE GEAR WORTH BUYING

ARTICLE BY GARRETT JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY KAUFMAN

A few inexpensive items can greatly expand your home program. Resistance bands are versatile, portable, and joint-friendly—perfect for rows, presses, lateral walks, and rotator cuff work. Foam rollers support recovery which is crucial for consistency and injury prevention. A basic exercise mat adds comfort for floor work, while a jump rope provides an efficient cardiovascular option.

San Tan Valley's Trusted Local Jeweler

MARCH 2026

MARCH 7TH

Queen Creek

Family Market

Schnepf Farms | 9:00 AM

On March 7th and the 21st from 9am2pm enjoy the farmer’s market featuring dozens of amazing vendors handmade goods, home décor, boutique clothing, jewelry, tasty eats, and more. Free admission & parking make it the perfect weekend outing with family and friends. Afterwards enjoy the train, petting zoo, and bakery at Schnepf Farms.  www.queencreekfamilymarket.com

MARCH 18TH

Roots N’ Boots

Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre | 3:00 PM

From March 17th to the 22nd the annual Queen Creek Roots N’ Boots Rodeo will entertain with various rodeo events along with family fun and food. In addition to watching the many riders and animals enjoy a petting zoo, rides, games, and food trucks. Don’t miss out! www.rootsnboots.org

MARCH 28TH

Spring into QC

Frontier Family Park | 9:00 AM

Hop on over to Spring Into QC on Saturday March 28th from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. This signature event celebrating Queen Creek’s families is complete with live entertainment and the always popular egg hunt. www.queencreekaz.gov