Northern Arizona LUXURY Living - Fall 2021

Giving Back to the Community & Making the World a Better Place

Living theHigh Life

IN NORTHERN ARIZONA

It has always felt a little luxurious living here.

Glorious natural beauty unfolds across forests and plateaus.

Placid lakes, rolling hills, steep mountains and deep canyons bring us endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation, both sides of the luxury living coin.

As we launch ROX Media’s newest publication Northern AZ Luxury Living, we’re here to give you some inspiration to live your best, most exquisite life.

Our stories and photos share with you the latest in upscale home design and entertaining trends, indulgent self-care remedies, the latest in style and beauty trends and opulent travel destinations, all in an easily digestible format that gets you ready to transform dreams into reality fast! And our advertisers provide the quality products and professionalism to match your aspirations.

Everything we share with you complements Northern Arizona’s stunning natural environment and beautifully mild four-season climate. We know you love the dense forests of Flagstaff, the blazing red rocks of Sedona and the diversity of mountainous woodlands, big-sky plains and high desert found in Prescott and throughout the rest of the region.

We adore it, too. It’s our goal to be an indispensable guide to luxurious living in one of the most beautiful spots on the globe.

Laurie

Associate Publisher

nazluxuryliving.com

PUBLISHER

Elaine Earle, CPA

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Laurie Fisher

SALES & MARKETING

Laurie Fisher, Director of Sales & Marketing

Julie Turetzky, Director of Public Relations

Meisje Quezada, Sales & Marketing Manager

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

Aaron Tipton, Creative Director

Michele Rodriguez, Design Director

Manda Corral, Social Media Manager

Keith Dobie, Social Media Coordinator

EDITORIAL

Bea Lueck, Editor-in-Chief

Christia Gibbons, Senior Editor

Blake Herzog, Staff Writer

OPERATIONS

Terry Scheib, Delivery Manager

COMMENTS & IDEAS

editor@roxco.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

info@roxco.com | nazluxuryliving.com/subscribe

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

info@roxco.com | nazluxuryliving.com/advertise

PRESCOTT OFFICE:

130 N. Granite Street

Prescott, AZ 86301 • 928-350-8006

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FAMILY COMPANY, THREE GENERATIONS STRONG Grounded By Our Values.

PLASMA FIBROBLAST VS. SURGERY

Build Your Outdoor OASIS AT HOME

When you’re looking for a way to truly enjoy your backyard in the summer, whether by yourself or with family and friends, it’s nice when you don’t have to “rough it” — when you don’t have to find a place to stash your food and drink where it won’t get knocked over and pray your phone doesn’t die because there aren’t any USB outlets nearby. Real fixes to perfecting your home oasis are out there, but some take time and professional contractors to accomplish and you may not want to wait for a longerterm project to be completed. Here are some quicker workarounds to make your open space as entrancing and luxurious as you know it can be.

ADD MORE OUTDOOR FURNITURE

If the only seating you have out back is foldable, it may not be the most comfortable or inviting. You might want to bring in a full patio table with cushy chairs for meals. If your patio or

deck has room, add an outdoor livingroom set arranged around a coffee table or other focal point that brings people face-to-face for conversation, games and other unifying activities.

MOVIES OR VIDEO GAMES UNDER THE STARS

Backyard movie theaters have grown more popular every year and can be purchased as an all-in-one kit with a 9-foot or 16-foot inflatable screen, projectors, high-quality speakers and a Wi-Fi Blu-ray player, plus all the necessary cords. You can also connect your computer or tablet directly to almost any projector, unleashing all of your content and games for your fans to enjoy.

CARVE OUT A LOUNGE AREA

If you don’t have the room or desire for full outdoor furniture sets, at least set aside a corner where you and your family can kick back, hopefully in the literal sense. This is where you can set up a couple of outdoor chaise lounges, a hanging rattan chair, a hammock or a romantic porch swing.

ADD A WATERFALL FOUNTAIN

Nothing quite compares to the sound of a waterfall. You can have one installed as part of your landscaping or plug in a fountain near your patio for the same basic effect. Many are built out of simulated rock or slabs to mimic nature’s extraordinary creations. Others are built from concrete, metal, granite or similar materials, sometimes with a large ball as the focus, and can double as a sculpture.

IMPROVE YOUR POOL

If you have a pool in the backyard, you’re already at least halfway to the oasis! There are many easy ways to upgrade them: Connect a simple waterfall fountain over one of the water return fittings, or set up a larger one designed to sit by and spill into a pool. You can also buy underwater pool seats to create a swim-up bar in no time flat!

SuitUp Outdoor Dining FOR MODERN

Having dinner in your backyard during warm weather has always been a way to make a meal seem more special, whether it’s a family night or you’re having several guests over.

Yet these al fresco meals tend to come with a caveat of giving up a few of the conveniences of staying inside, such as easy access to the kitchen and less-thanposh seating. Sometimes, the super-casual ambiance can detract from any specialoccasion vibes you’re trying to create.

But there are plenty of ways to upgrade your outdoor dining experiences to match your aspirations for unforgettable feasts served to the people you love and value.

A GOOD SEAT AT A GOOD TABLE

Start by taking a look at the table and chairs you’re asking people to relax and enjoy the outdoors in for an extended period of time. Is it aging or faded? If it’s made of wood, is the frame starting to split and splinter? Are the chairs designed more for lounging, which can make eating from the table awkward?

Jettison the aging patio set in favor of modern furnishings with updated materials engineered to withstand years spent in the elements. Think glossy black metal frames with white padded seating around a glass-top table or durable teak, eucalyptus or robinia for a more natural look.

Puffy seat cushions can deliver the ultimate in comfort, but it’s easy to get lost in them. Consider more modern, cooler mesh seating or tightly woven wicker.

Once you have the stunning new set, make it a focal point of your patio or backyard by moving competing pieces of furniture away to make it clear this is the star attraction!

SOPHISTICATED SUMMERWARE

Make sure your plates, glasses and silverware live up to the standard set by your outdoor dining set by using highquality dinnerware. Porcelain or china, especially bone china, are surprisingly durable and can give your table an elegant yet airy feeling that’s perfect for the outdoors in summer. Melamine is an extremely stiff, nearly indestructible material that comes in every color and pattern imaginable, and has its limits. It is not microwave-safe and you should not heat food on it.

Stainless steel is the most durable type of flatware and is as suited for outdoor use as inside, while bamboo is an alternative that can lend a lighter feel and make for easier cleanup. For napkins, you can do the unexpected and use cloth napkins, which are beautiful and eco-friendly.

LIGHT IT UP

A successful outdoor summer soirée will extend well into the evening, so be sure lighting is tasteful but illuminating for everyone’s comfort and safety. This includes making sure the rest of the yard is well-lighted, too, even if the table is going to be the focal point. If you are going to regularly use your outdoor space (and why wouldn’t you) invest in quality wall sconces or other outdoor light fixtures if you don’t have them already. These can be supplemented with lanterns, string lights, candles and even a pendant light over the table.

Backyard Bars BringULTIMATE CHILL

o you dream of finding a bar, in the words of the theme song for the classic ‘80s sitcom Cheers, “Where everybody knows your name?”

The easiest way to ensure this is to put one in your backyard.

Backyard bars can be stand alone or part of an outdoor kitchen, set up next to your house or right in front of that view you paid generously for, and have any kind of theme you’d like. You, your family and friends can enjoy this anytime of year.

Here are just a few of the things you need to create a stylish and inviting outdoor bar and entertaining space:

THE FLOOR

The surface on which your bar is built sets the standard and determines the possibilities for what comes above. A wooden deck looks great anywhere, while tile is versatile enough to evoke any style you want. A stone floor is almost indestructible but can be uneven.

THE BAR

These come in innumerable materials, styles, shapes and colors to fit your space and taste. It’s best to go for something compatible with the rest of your backyard’s accoutrements, unless you’re planning to update those as well. Go as large as you need to make an impression without it becoming unwieldy for what you want to use it for. Ample storage is always a huge plus, as well as space for a mini-fridge if you have an outlet within reach.

THE SEATING

Comfort is Job #1, but you also need to consider how easily seats are mounted and dismounted. If there won’t be any stools at the bar itself, make sure your guests have plenty of options nearby. A bar can be a perfect focal point for your yard’s lounging/dining area.

THE SHADE

Wherever in Arizona you are it’s a good idea to provide some shade for yourself and your guests, either by putting it on the patio or building a pergola, gazebo, palapa, oversized umbrella or something similar. Misters are a near-necessity in the low deserts.

Take

W your Outdoor Spa

TO A HIGHER LEVEL

hether you’re adding an outdoor spa or already have one you’d like to improve, there are many ways to make the surroundings as luxurious as relaxing.

An unadorned above-ground spa can look fairly unattractive when not in use, covered up and abandoned. Add a deck, some landscaping and some shade, and it can be a magnet for relaxation regardless of whether the tub is percolating.

STARTING FRESH

If you’re having a new spa installed, you have flexibility with placement and ability to capitalize on what space you have.

There are two types to choose from: portable tubs, which are placed on the ground, and in-ground spas, which may be partially raised or dug deep so the sides are at ground level. These spas often are farther from the house and require more extensive utility work.

Putting a portable spa in a corner or against a wall helps to conceal one or two sides, and you can put a wall or deck, ideally with landscaping, to hide it from view and create an attractive space in your yard. A pergola or shade can make it more functional both while the spa is in use and as a general place to hang out, especially with extra seating added. Build some character into your above-ground or partially concealed spa by choosing a distinctive type of tub. The classic cedar barrel style is regaining its popularity, or you could have a customized one built out of

almost any container, such as a clawfoot bathtub, small boat, stock tank or even a vintage car or truck bed!

Decks can be made of wood or natural stone and include steps up to the spa, or be tiered to function as the steps. Seating around the deck can make it a great place for food and conversation, even for those who choose not to soak.

For in-ground spas, a rolling cover that can be concealed under the deck and turned into a sundeck or other usable area when the spa isn’t in use is the perfect adaptation to making it a ruly multifunctional amenity.

ELEVATE YOUR SPACE

If you already have a portable spa you love that just needs some dressing up there are plenty of ways to accomplish it — limited only by space and imagination. It will probably become much less portable as a result, but most people don’t make a habit of shoving it around, and adding more shade could make that less necessary. If there is no deck around the spa, one can be built around it and expanded to incorporate other backyard amenities that can be added or relocated, including seating, dining areas, a fire pit, sundecks and more.

After-the-fact decks can be modeled after details of the existing house or yard to turn it into a seamless whole, especially if you incorporate planter boxes with vegetation that complements the rest of the landscaping.

The ThreeI’s

for 2022

by Steve Schott, Financial Advisor, Schott Financial Management

As a financial advisor, clients always ask me about what’s in store for the years ahead when it comes to investing. While I don’t pretend to be a fortune-teller, I do see certain market conditions on the horizon that will influence your money in 2022. I call these conditions The Three I’s:

INFLATION:

Sticker shock at the gas station or grocery store? Prices are increasing. Emerging from the pandemic, with pent-up demand and large amounts of cash pushed into our economic system, investors need to make sure their investments keep pace. Inflation can dull one’s purchasing power. Maintaining your current standard of living means making adjustments to your portfolio. Meeting with a financial advisor can help you stay on track.

INCREASE IN TAXES:

Taxes will go up to pay for Covidrelated stimulus and infrastructure. My best estimate is that the corporate tax rate will increase from 20% to 28%; the top tax bracket will rise from 37% to 39.6%. Unknown changes are possible in capital gains, estate

tax, and step-up provisions. Investors should monitor potential changes.

INTEREST RATES:

The Federal Reserve asserts that interest rates will remain virtually at zero for 2021. I think we will see a similar policy in 2022; however, rates will slowly climb in anticipation of increased rates in 2023. For investors, there will be opportunities to invest in security products that produce better yields.

The Three I’s will create opportunities. As of right now, there is a shift in the markets from growth securities to value, which makes sense. Most growth stocks are in technology and communications: think Zoom and Amazon, two companies who benefited tremendously from the Work-From-Home migration.

Growth stocks also led us out of a market correction last April, when the pandemic began.

For the remainder of 2021, value stocks lead the market. According to Investopedia, a value stock “refers to shares of a company that appears to trade at a lower price relative to its fundamentals, such as dividends, earnings, or sales, making it appealing to value investors.”

Value stocks pay a dividend, and profits increase as interest rates rise.

Remember the Three I’s when it comes to your investments. Look for opportunities in the growth to value shift and meet with your financial professional regularly. At Schott Financial Management, we offer free, no-obligation consultations. You can call our office, 928-776-1031 or visit www.schottfinancialmanagement.com.

I Building AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN

f you live by your outdoor grill — or your family and friends love to eat in your lovely backyard — you already may be thinking about building an outdoor kitchen.

There are many different ways you can go with this popular outside amenity from permanent installation of a gas or charcoal grill to adding woodburning ovens, rotisseries, sinks, task lighting, a pergola or canopy, even a dishwasher and tableware storage. Total cost can range from less than $3,000 to more than $30,000 depending on the appliances and materials included.

Several factors about what you want and are able to do in your yard need to be considered before your contractor breaks ground or, if you’re so inclined, your DIY project can begin:

KNOW YOUR CODE

Local zoning codes and HOA regulations, depending on where you live, can have an impact on what kind of kitchen you can build. You need to consider permitting and setback requirements, additional utilities needed and whether they can be extended. Are there any “no-burn” days that could be declared if you’re planning to use wood or charcoal

as fuel? Once you have this information you’ll have a better idea which features can be included in your kitchen.

THE GRILL

This is usually the centerpiece, and if you don’t get the right kind you may not use your outdoor kitchen very much. Many have more than one type, such as an open grill and a smoker. The costs of having a built-in grill and a drop-in grill are roughly the same. Gas, electric and charcoal grills are all available. Deluxe models can use different types of fuel, include side burners and electric rotisseries, allowing you to cook for large parties.

OTHER FEATURES

An under-counter refrigerator, sink, fireplace or pizza oven, built-in cabinets for storage, wine cooler, kegerator and other luxuries will make it that much more fun to cook outside.

THE FLOOR

Its size will determine the cost. You can go with a poured concrete slab for durability, tile for beauty or natural stone, which provides both but is harder to clean.

Inject your Landscape

A LITTLE MAGIC INTO

We’ve been discussing all the ways you can create a wonderful space for entertaining and relaxing in your home’s outdoor space, so now it’s time to get into how to inject some magic into the broader landscaping picture.

Most homeowners do a good job overall with plant choice, basic landscaping design and creating a pleasant space for any outdoor time they manage to squeeze into their daily lives. How, though, can you to go above and beyond to a level where you, your family and guests are transported to a slightly different plane?

Arizona’s sweeping horizons and diverse geography give us a lot of help on this, but there are lots of close-up touches you can add to make our rear and front yards memorable and special to all who enter.

PLANTS ON STRUCTURES

Using outdoor structures to take your landscaping to a higher level is impressive. Look for climbing vines to wind up, around and over trellises and pergolas to add green, natural shade.

Canyon Grape, Virginia creeper, bougainvillea, honeysuckle, wisteria, rambling roses, trumpet vines and jasmine are among the best choices.

Plant walls are lovely to look at and can be used to improve drab areas, whether by attaching pots or planters to an existing wall or adding the framework for a living wall hosting nothing but plant life (and the accompanying birds and bees). For an extra-organic look you can build your pergola out of branches and twigs, but these will require more maintenance.

WILDFLOWERS

Every climate has its own compatible seed packets that can be scattered around your property to produce spontaneous crops of color and beauty, leavening a perfectly planned landscape with a breath of nature’s providence and spontaneity in spring and summer. Try to avoid seed mixes with plants from other parts of the country or world, even if you think they will work in your climate. California poppies, purple coneflower, blue flax, several varieties of penstemon and goldeneyes are great for the north, while desert beauties include Mexican gold poppies, Arizona lupine and desert bluebells.

One reputable source for native seeds is Plants of the Southwest (plantsofthesouthwest.com), a New Mexico-based nursery that has an extensive catalog of regionally appropriate seeds and seed mixes.

FREEFORM OR NATURAL POOLS

Particularly effective in forested areas, freeform pools are made from concrete sprayed onto an irregularly shaped frame to create a more organic shape, which is often rimmed with manufactured rock and other features that help it blend with the landscape.

Most of these are conventional pools with pumps and chlorine. A natural pool is are usually poured the same way, but is “treated” by its water constantly moving between it and an adjacent pool of roughly the same size, which incorporates flowering plants and natural filtering material (such as shale).

Both add whimsy and romance to any space. If you have room for it, a natural pool doubles the charm.

Building

THE OUTSIDE IN

Iby Gillian Haley-Meierbachtol, Principal, Haley Construction

t’s a familiar phone call, one I enjoy. The caller on the other end of the line has an air of urgency and excitement, as they explain they’ve found the perfect lot, or the perfect home to remodel, they just need a builder. As a builder, I understand what they are asking. Clients looking to build a home are sophisticated, well researched, and astute about their desires. They are asking about logistics, utilities, site development, costs, materials to build, and timeframe. All of which are important, but what has inspired the excitement in their voice is the dream. It’s this dream that in every conversation undoubtedly leads quickly to their list of “must-haves”. Here in Northern Arizona, the number one “must-have” we encounter is that the house must have outdoor living space, emphasize the natural resources, “feel like

we are living outside.” And so, we build it, we build the Outdoors In. Admittedly, Walden is one of the most boring books I have ever attempted to read, however Henry Thoreau’s transcendentalist thinking about the basic human need for a connection to nature was spot on, and today is a leading design principle in architecture and construction. Which begs the question, how does the home evoke a sense of bringing the outside in?

Creating this connection begins when approaching the site. What are the defining natural characteristics of the property? Are there sweeping views, or is it set among 100-year-old trees? Will the house be nestled among boulders? What colors catch the eye?

Simplicity in design and the use of modern construction techniques allows us to create connection,

even in the simplest of decisions, down to the paint. Today the use of open space floor plans is most common, incorporating elements such as accordion pocket doors that seamless join an outdoor area with a large indoor living space, typically the Great Room. Other factors in the design process one may want to consider include examining the shapes, colors, and patterns that naturally occur on a property. How can these integrate into the home in a holistic way? How does the design maximize the use of natural light, acoustics, air quality, and the use of natural materials?

There is an intimacy with nature we long for, to experience and live among. Through biophilic design, which focuses on increasing human connectivity to nature in the built environment, we can quite literally build the outside in

A Better Life is Within Reach

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ELEGANT FOR PATIOS

YSolutions

ou might wonder why you’d want to put a roof over your outdoor space when it seems to defeat the entire purpose of being outside. Then you try to use it at 2 p.m. on a summer afternoon and realize some type of cover is warranted.

PERGOLA

Probably the most common backyard shelter today, they are simple but versatile. A series of evenly spaced wood or vinyl beams supported by posts, the pergola is generally built to provide more shade than protection from rain or snow, allowing people to enjoy plenty of sunshine and see the stars at night. They’re gorgeous garden centerpieces when covered with climbing and flowering vines. They can be covered with a tarp or the beams spaced more tightly to provide more protection — a pergola with a “closed” roof is also called a pavilion.

LOUVERED PATIO ROOF

These are like pergolas, but the roof is composed of smaller wood or vinyl slats that can be rotated to allow the sun in or keep it out, plus protect the furniture from precipitation. These slats can be either manually operated or motorized for convenience.

SHADE SAILS

A stylish solution, these most commonly are found as rectangular sun sails stretched across a pergola or other roof frames, as well as triangle shades that can be either be stretched overhead or at an angle.

Look for covers treated to block UV rays; darker colors tend to offer more protection. Many are not waterproof and allow at least some rain through; these need to be installed at an angle to avoid pooling and sagging in the middle. They are generally built to withstand wind up to 85 mph, but snow loads can cause stretching, tearing and other damage, so if your home is in a colder climate you should probably take them down for the winter.

ROOF EXTENSION

If your patio is adjacent to your home it may well already have a roof, but many people want to enhance and enlarge the space they have. A roof similar to what’s on the rest of the house requires more support but also provides more options. For example, a large, comfy fireplace can double as one of the support beams.

RETRACTABLE

Technology has advanced way beyond the early manual versions that used a bar to prop an awning against the wall of a house. Now, you can buy a pergola fitted with a series of sun sails that can be rolled to the back of the structure, operated either by remote control or sensors. Others use metal slats that can be rolled back and forth on a track and are more compact when fully retracted. Retractable single-panel shade sails are relatively new to the market and make these a much more flexible option in climates where they need to be stowed away for part of the year.

IRock On WITH YOUR LANDSCAPE

n Arizona, your yard more likely than not includes at least some rocks as ground cover. The arid climate makes surrounding your home with a sea of grass less than ideal.

The stones actually act as heavy-duty mulch that keeps the dry soil from becoming dust in the wind while trapping moisture for the plants they surround.

But your rocks don’t have to look like everyone else’s. There are dozens of types of landscaping rocks on the market, each with their own characteristics, including the sandy smoothness of decomposed granite, the rounded elegance of river rock, the airy yet molten quality of lava rock. Depending on your location and surroundings, the pebbles, gravel, cobbles, stones and boulders typically used can tie your yard back to the environment or make it a showpiece of its own.

MAKE A SPLASH

Using river rock to simulate river beds is not new, but when done artfully or to divide sections of the yard that have different themes they can make quite a statement. You also can use boulders to create a “shoreline” and flood them with bluish and white pebbles, or incorporate “islands.”

And if you do want to incorporate a water feature, boulders and river rocks are the ideal surface to create naturalistic streams and waterfalls.

RETAINING COMPOSURE

Rocks and boulders make the best retaining walls, especially for terracing sloping land in already rocky circumstances, whether they’re drystacked, mortared or filling a mesh cage (gabion wall). They can be stacked in short steps up the slope, arranged to

provide a stone bench, and broken up by stone steps. They also look fabulous around raised garden and flower beds.

REPEATING PATTERNS

If you want to veer away a bit from the natural look, artfully arranging different types and colors of rock can be especially attractive. They can be used to highlight important plants, or they can become the highlight, accentuated by carefully placed vegetation.

ALPINE ROCK GARDEN

As the name suggests, these were originally inspired by the landscape and vegetation found in the Alps and are especially suited to mountainous areas. Boulders and stones appear to be bursting with life from within and around with flowering plants adapted to rocky soil. Originating in the UK, these ultimately lost the “alpine” in their name and are generally known now as just “rock gardens,” but those focusing on high-country species are still described this way by some.

ZEN GARDEN

Create a truly meditative space by sticking mostly to one variety of white or light-colored gravel for a flat portion of your backyard, which can be raked to symbolize rivers and waves of water. This surrounds “islands” of boulders, greenery or a mix of both. Plant use should be minimal, and any used should be meticulously groomed and pruned so they don’t distort the proportions of the yard. These were designed by Buddhist monks to encourage introspection and meditation; orient yours toward a single, seated viewpoint just outside the garden for contemplation.

Taking

your Soiree Outside '

Our temperate weather begs for taking your party outside. Whether you love to entertain at home or it’s your first time, throwing a backyard party is a great way to be a gracious host without committing to all the indoor prep and cleanup it can otherwise entail. Your aim is to provide a vibrant background for guests to eat and mingle without annoying the neighbors. If this is your first rodeo at hosting a party or if you haven’t been able to do one for a while, here are some of the basic steps to stage one that shines for everyone involved.

GUEST LIST AND SETTING UP

Decide how many people you can comfortably accommodate, and whether you need to set a firm cap or allow invitees to bring a pal or two. That’s likely to hinge on the amount of seating and standing room you can provide. This can be a combination of seats at tables, places to cluster in small groups and maybe some scattered poufs and floor pillows, depending on attendees’ ages and personalities. Consider how to accommodate any accessibility issues and make sure lighting will be adequate.

MENU

If you’re doing the cooking, prepare hors d’oeuvres or dishes you know will turn out well so there won’t be a lot of scrambling to do at the last moment. Even then, have a backup plan. If you go with a caterer or takeout from a favorite restaurant make sure your orders are clearly communicated as far ahead of time as possible. Use what you know about your guests’ dietary restrictions and preferences to judge how many alternative recipes you should offer. Keep the drinks as simple as possible, which will free up a little more time for you to enjoy your own party. Selfserve drink stands are perfect for water, tea and lemonade, and don’t forget to add some bright fruit slices, offbeat ice cubes or other flourishes to add visual interest. One or two more offerings, if clearly labeled, can be used for batch cocktails like sangria or Moscow mule punch, or you can add a margarita station. Of course, there’s always the option of bartender service.

ACTIVITIES

What you choose to do hinges entirely on what you feel your guests will enjoy. If there will be a significant contingent of kids or teens you can set up an area with board games or some sport-themed video games to keep them active and excited. An informal gathering will happily congeal around some backyard favorites like horseshoes or cornhole. Other activities include incorporating card games or even tournaments built around volleyball, chess, quidditch or any other competition that can stoke the fires of friendly competition.

Turn the Page WITH FALL FASHIONS

Arizonans are known for having their casual Fridays every day of the week in summer, but that sun-blasted season is going to be over before you realize it. It’s time to take a look at the fall collections and see what could be in store for our wardrobes as the cooldown begins.

TAILOR MADE

Sweats and yoga pants are being sent back to the gym as deeply tailored shirts, skirts, pants and jackets/coats return, practically screaming the wearer had to actually go somewhere to purchase and customize the garment, even if you didn’t. Casual has been retired. The new look is all about control and confidence.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

The utility of this color means this wardrobe staple will never go out of style, but designers will forever be fiddling with it, adding fringe, pleats, pulling the hem up or down, putting their own stamp on it for the season. Word has it that this year the emphasis is being put on “little” with form-fitting silhouettes and lots of leg, whatever other details they may be adding.

PATTERNS POP

Following a few seasons of toned-down prints and lots of solids, bold patterns are

coming back to the fore. Florals are glowing from sleek suits, mystical imagery from blouses and accessories — all peeking out from collaged coats assembled from found pieces of fabric to communicate sustainability and individuality at the same time.

SWEET, WARM SWEATERS

Many of those vivid patterns will be woven into warm, chunky sweaters appropriate for any ski lodge you may find yourself in; cozy but with an edge. As

the chill really sets in, you can wrap it up in a soft puffer coat in an eye-catching color.

HEAD SCARVES

These can be simple or sumptuous and offer protection for your hair and skin. It’s a versatile, retro look that takes us back to Grace Kelly, Jackie O and maybe even your dear grandma. These come in more colors and prints than you could begin to count. They’re on the runway again this season, adding a timeless quality to any outfit.

DESTINATIONS IN THE US

Are you’re ready for a vacation to a destination with foreign rhythms, accents and scenery, along with luxurious resorts?

Then wait no longer, now is the time to take advantage of our country’s astounding geographic and cultural diversity by planning a fall getaway to one of its epic corners.

LAS VEGAS

It’s just a short hop away and the weather is just starting to moderate. And if you haven’t gone there for two or three years, much of it will be brand new to you. Recent arrivals in the luxury resort class include a Waldorf-Astoria, which doesn’t offer any gaming but loads of refined French haute cuisine, a loose-leaf tea lounge and three pools with big-TVstarring cabanas in the heart of the Strip.

NANTUCKET

And now to New England and back in time. The isle of Nantucket transports you to its early 1800s boomtown years with its extremely well-preserved mansions and homes built by seafaring captains and crew. September and October are the perfect months to visit when the summer frenzy has subsided but the weather is still fabulous. Its harbor-facing White Elephant resort is considered one of the best in the world, offering spacious suites, steak, seafood and a world-class spa.

ALASKA

This final American frontier gives you access to all the extremes you could want, with the highest mountain, biggest national and state parks, glaciers and volcanoes and more. Fishing, hunting,

wildlife viewing, glacier helicopter tours and dogsled expeditions are just a few of the adventures to be had here.

The Alyeska Resort near Anchorage is set on an inlet ringed by mountain peaks and glaciers, offering top-notch dining and shopping, indoor pool, wonderful spa and a scenic aerial tram.

PUERTO RICO

This island is home to some of the finest beaches, calmest waters (some also great for surfing), stunning snorkeling opportunities and a lively culture and food scene, with some of the best coffee in the world. It delivers the best of the tropics with rainforests, bioluminescent bays, limestone caves, mountain hideouts and Spanish colonial downtowns. The famed Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property, features 1,400 acres of natural beauty and unparalleled service. Known for its commitment to sustainability, the hotel features all rooms facing a private beach, and some have their own plunge pools.

ZION NATIONAL PARK

The soaring peaks and cliffs of this part of southern Utah has enough mountain and wilderness trails to keep explorers going for days and has drawn comparisons to Machu Picchu, Peru. The Zion Lodge is within the park and is a gateway to this hiker’s paradise, where you can stay in one of 40 historic cabins or in a spacious room with private balcony in the rebuilt lodge.

Airbnbs Offer

ULTIMATE IN LUXURY

Airbnb revolutionized the hospitality industry by making the vacation rental industry globally accessible. Your choices range from a single room in an occupied home to the many properties being bought and furnished exclusively for guests. The most luxurious listings on the site promise premium space and service levels for a dozen guests or more, some employing butlers to coordinate the considerable staff. This will cost you, but given what you get in return, the rates seem almost reasonable.

• A four-story converted synagogue in New York’s historic East Village starts with a living room with 22-foot ceilings, a fully stocked chef’s kitchen and a grand woodpaneled library with a fireplace and eclectic book collection. It has three bedrooms with an optional fourth, with the master suite featuring a spectacular bathroom with steam room and a private terrace with a hot tub. This is one of three outdoor spaces for this unique home, including a rooftop deck with a garden and a full dining table. Designed by members of the world-famous Ian Schrager hotels team. (Cost varies, but a 30-day minimum stay for four adults could be $50,675 with the monthly discount (including cleaning or service fees).

• A 7,000-square-foot retreat on the Caribbean island of St. Bart’s sleeps up to 12 in six bedrooms, which together provide an astounding 180-degree view over Mont Jean and the shimmering sea below. And there isn’t a “bad bedroom” in the bunch, since all have California king beds, spacious bathrooms and access to exterior areas. Located just outside the town of Pointe-Milou, this property has private beach access, an open-air living room, fitness room, massage table, heated infinity pool and multiple terraces, both sunny and shaded. (Cost varies, but for a 7-night stay for four adults could be $23,238 (including service fee and occupancy/taxes and fees).

• A 12-bedroom private complex awaits you and your family and friends in the tropical paradise of Canggu, Bali. Each bedroom has its own bathroom with a shower surrounded by a lush garden and stocked with locally made, organic self-care products. All open up to a grand lounge with a 100-inch screen TV and a chef’s kitchen, with the added options of ordering a fresh, organic breakfast every morning or a chef to go with the kitchen. Its gardens have stunning views over the rice fields to Mount Merbuk. (Cost varies, but a 4-night stay for 16 adults could be $4,780 (including cleaning fee).

Family-Friendly Little Luxuries

VACATIONS WITH THE

Finding a vacation spot kids and adults find equally enriching is a little tricky. Many times, either the parents or their children will find themselves wandering off at least mentally when everyone’s at a theme park or an art museum, and grownups can find the services or food options to be lacking during a youth-oriented trip.

But there are spots around the country and world that can thrill and educate across the generations, with accommodations pampering parents and grandparents, too!

BARCELONA

The inhabitants of this beautiful cultural hub on the Mediterranean famously love the little ones, and there are play spaces everywhere for them to get their wiggles out while the grownups sip sangria. One of the best playgrounds of all is right in front of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia. The open-air Barcelona City Tour bus lets the whole family gawk and stop at the city’s top landmarks, a rolling schoolhouse everyone will be able to learn from. And the Spanish city is stocked with luxury hotels with tantalizing restaurants and sumptuous spas.

JACKSON HOLE

This area has evolved far beyond its ski-resort beginnings into a worldclass year-round destination with luxury resorts in the mix. And, as this Wyoming city has grown up, it’s cultivated a kid-friendly side with the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum. The National Museum of Wildlife Art has world-class paintings and sculptures to captivate all patrons, and there’s plenty of rollicking outdoor adventures to be had, especially with Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks so close by.

HAWAII VOLCANOES

NATIONAL PARK

Encompassing the peaks of both Mauna Loa and Kilauea, this is a magnificent place for older kids to learn about the unfathomable power of volcanoes to shape and reshape our planet. The excellent Kilauea Visitor Center’s exhibits are brought to life outside with steam vents, lava tubes, hiking trails and the 23,000 Pu’u Loa petroglyphs. Hilo, just 30 minutes away, has resorts offering golf, dining, fitness centers, nightclubs and more.

THE DOLOMITES

Italy’s northern mountain range offers spectacular views and amazing itineraries for active families with hiking, mountain biking (including e-bikes), adventure parks, ziplines, climbing and more in the summer, and downhill skiing and other sports with warm lodges to kick back in come winter. Located on the Austrian border, this is one of the lesstraveled areas of Italy for an unhurried introduction to this pivotal nation. Fivestar resorts with cushy rooms, outstanding regional fare and superb spas can be found here, including the Rosa Alpina.

BERMUDA

This island paradise is especially welcoming to the toddler set, with a Baby Beach tucked away in Horseshoe Bay, an expansive playground in front of the National Museum and Children’s Museum, which is right next to a dolphin attraction and an oceanfront mini-golf course modeled on the most iconic golf courses. Many restaurants serve kid-friendly, wholesome, locally sourced meals, and the island has earned its luxury bona fides at many high-end resorts over the years.

Ceramic Coating or Wax?

by Chasen Gibbel, Prescott Pro Wash and Detail

ith Arizona’s monsoon season going strong, the paint on your car or RV likely is in need of some protection. Heavy rain fall changing to a bright and sunny sky leaves your paint or gel coat weathered and likely covered with water spots.

As you walk the detail isles of any given auto parts store, you’re now overwhelmed with products, specifically ceramics and waxes. Both offer protection to your vehicle, but what are the differences?

Ceramic coating and car wax are designed to do generally the same thing, protect your vehicle’s paint. While wax is mostly made of natural materials, like carnauba, it bonds only to the top

layer of your vehicle’s clear coat or gel coat. Ceramics are a liquid glass that harden and lightly penetrate to the surface coat of your vehicle, filling in minor scratches and swirls. As such, the protection level of a ceramic is up to 10 times that of a wax, as its glass layer over the paint offers superior protection to UV rays and heat.

Traditional waxes usually wear off in a matter of a month or less, whereas store-bought ceramics can last months; professional ceramics, known as nanoceramics, can last years! And it’s not just protection that ceramics measure higher in. The anti-static nature of ceramics improve the ease of cleaning, while the gloss from these glass coatings gives your car that freshly painted look, even after a rain storm, or a wash.

With the application method of store-bought wax and ceramics being the same, it’s no wonder why ceramics are dominating the shelves and replacing the old gold standard for paint protection.

Step Up

D Chic Accessories YOUR OUTFITS WITH

o you have lots of great outfits from the last couple of years, but need to update them a bit before you trot them out again? You can always turn to the world of fashion to find ofthe-moment accessories to punch them into fall 2021 and extend their lives for hopefully years to come!

BAGS ARE BIG

Big bags are back! No need to go without that extra lipstick or brush, big purses are ready to reemerge on the scene. Slouchy curved hobo bags, totes, shoppers, buckets, messengers — they’re all huge in every sense of the word.

BOOT UP

Knee-high, slouchy leather boots are ruling the runways, using classic lines to announce that we’re back on the streets and ready for whatever the world throws at us. The other trendy footwear of the season: platform shoes. These are being offered up as a way to get the extra height we’ve been craving without having to go back to stilettos.

BLING IT

Make it long — chains, pearls and earrings. Drape multiple chains around your neck and waist; any attire, jeans to that LBD, with pearls of all sizes and colors; and let those earrings dangle and shimmer, whether elongated mono or chandelier. Don’t be shy this fall; be magnificently decked.

AVIATOR SUNGLASSES

The metal-framed classics are back, especially with gold frames that glisten with the sun and lenses with playful, high-tech colors. Other trends for shades this season include oversized frames, cat-eye lenses, sporty frames with a sleek half-moon look, and slimline rectangles or ovals straight out of the ‘90s.

TOP IT OFF

Wide-brimmed fedoras and other classic forms have dominated the headwear scene, along with big babushka scarves, balaclavas and their cousins the “snoods,” which leave your face uncovered but gives your head a snug, warm fit.

Create

a Luxury Spa at Home

Who doesn’t enjoy spending a couple of hours at a luxurious day spa for some pampering and rejuvenation?

Driving to and fro may create more stress to be worked out on the massage table. Plus we don’t always have the time for driving and a massage!

We need to put the self into self-care by taking full control over how we relax and unwind, the products and towels we use on our skin, and the aromas, music and other sensory input we need for the zen-like experience.

You can do this by relaxing, converting and adding on some relaxing touches to your current master bathroom or, if you have the space, converting another room or adding on to create a dedicated spa space. Whichever approach you take, the elements you should incorporate are the same:

NEUTRAL, SOOTHING COLORS

These are a must for any truly relaxing spa experience and can easily be included in a new space. If your current

bathroom is a little too dramatic for this purpose consider new paint and flooring or soften it with beige and pastel towels, bath rugs, smooth stones and other nature-inspired objects.

WATER

Every spa needs a place to soak, whether it’s a calming walk-in shower, elegant tub (preferably free-standing), or a small pool, the new standard in deluxe home spas. Whatever wet space you’re working with make sure it’s enhanced with aromas through sprays, essential oils and/or a few lovely plant clippings floating on the top or nestled at the bottom.

SOUND

A spa room should be built with speakers to keep the music or soothing sounds close and easy to hear, but keep the controls safely away from any water hazards. Waterproof WiFi speakers can accomplish much within a smaller bathroom.

PLANTS

They are nature and serve several functions in the spa environment through purifying the air, encouraging deeper rest and boosting concentration.

Many species thrive in a moist spa environment, including dependable favorites like peace lilies, English ivy and heartleaf philodendrons. There are many that will thrive even in windowless bathrooms, including most ferns, lucky bamboo, cast iron plant, Chinese evergreen, Dieffenbachia and baby rubber plants.

SUPPLIES

Buy all of your favorite spa implements to bring home and try a few you already may have. Dry brushes, hot towels, jade rollers, facial massage tools and most important of all, the robe of your dreams. If you have the space, add a massage table or two for home visits from professionals.

PRODUCTS

Beauty and relaxation products are the heart and soul of any day spa, so look for only the best-quality lotions and potions that have worked for you, your skin and your hair — moisturizers, facial and hair masks, eye creams or masks, salt scrubs, body wraps and more. Also, find a minimalistic, attractive organizer you can keep an arm’s reach away.

AutumnEase into SKIN CARE

We are finally seeing the light at the end of the Arizona summer tunnel and its uniquely challenging demands on skin health from potent UV rays.

Sunscreen is still a critical part of your daily skin care routine as you revamp your product needs for fall and the impending cold, dry air of winter. Here’s what you need to do:

CLEANSING

Many experts suggest switching to heavier skin products in the fall, starting with creamier cleansers that begin sealing your natural oils in against the colder, drier air. If you’re already using a substantial cleanser, you don’t need to go heavier, but if you exfoliate frequently, many advise cutting back for fall and winter. Summer humidity helps protect against the irritation exfoliation causes while winter dryness exacerbates it.

TONING

Toners are so customized these days that the best one to use really depends on your skin type, more than the season. In general, if you’re feeling tightness in your skin after cleansing and toning it’s probably too dry and you should be looking for something with a little more balancing power. Make sure it’s going to help your skin absorb all of the products that will be layered on after it.

SERUM

Vitamin C is the essential ingredient everyone should be looking for any time of year for its hydrating, collagenbuilding, hyperpigmentation-fighting and sun-damage-preventing qualities. Look for a highly moisturizing, nourishing one with plenty of hyaluronic acid to lock in lost moisture, plump up your skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

MOISTURIZER

As cold air begins to zap the moisture from your skin, a heavier, creamier moisturizer will not just replace the lost moisture but reinforces the skin barrier to keep it from escaping. For the best relief, the driest skin types can really benefit from products you can find on the shelf most anywhere like Vaseline or Aquaphor. Look for such ingredients as niacin, glycerin and ceramides to ensure both of these things happen. And don’t forget about moisturizing eye cream and to always carry sunscreen and lip balm with you.

SPF FACTOR

Using a moisturizer that contains sunscreen on your face and neck will save you a skin-care step. Don’t forget to apply either the same product or sunscreen to your hands, arms, legs, ears and other places with high exposure including the part in your hair.

Toner S Prepares Face FOR PRIME TIME

kin toners got a deserved bad rep years ago for their high alcohol content and overdrying tendencies when used for their original purpose of treating oily skin and blemishes.

Since then, toner has been refined into hydrating liquids that remove the last of the grime and cosmetics left behind by cleansers.

Some skin care experts still regard toners as an optional step in the overall process, while others are coming to see it as an essential link in the journey to youthful, radiant skin, between cleansing and moisturizing.

Like any other skin care product worth its price, most toners have ingredients to address a constellation of concerns, usually focusing on a specific category of skin characteristics. Here are some of the properties everyone should be looking for based on the skin they’re in.

SAY NO TO EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL

This is a rule for all skin types. Many toners are alcohol-free, and any that list it among their top five ingredients can lead to excessive drying, even in oily skin.

DRY SKIN

Fermented yeasts and amino acids lead to deep hydration while aloe

vera, vitamin E, grapeseed extract and witch hazel soothe the dryness, and ceramides restore lost moisture.

OILY SKIN

Salicylic acid, which works deep into clogged pores and hair follicles after penetrating the skin’s lipid layer, is a key. Witch hazel can clean up excess moisture without dehydrating your skin.

SENSITIVE SKIN

You need soothing, natural ingredients and to stick to alcohol-free toners. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin work well along with chamomile, rose water and other gentle botanicals.

NORMAL SKIN

You can concentrate on simply finding the healthiest ingredients that boost any type of skin, including antioxidants like vitamins A, C, D and B3, green tea and curcumin to fight aging and damage from free radicals.

MATURE SKIN

Look for toners with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and don’t have any parabens, artificial fragrances or alcohol, as these irritate your skin as it naturally becomes drier.

InjectionsVitamin B12

MAY BE RIGHT FOR YOU

Vby Aymee Wilson RN, BSN, Owner & Founder, Wilson Aesthetics

itamin B12 injections provide essential nutrients to our body that play a key role in stimulating various functionalities.

There are 13 essential vitamins (vitamin A, C, D, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12) important for our body. Even if you follow a clean and complete diet, you risk your body being deprived of essential vitamins necessary to keeping healthy, especially after we age. Vitamin injections can come to the rescue. Are you feeling tired every day even after those energy drinks and several cups of coffee?

You may be an ideal candidate for vitamin B12 injections to boost the immune system and get a solid dose of focus and energy. Vitamin B12 injections may fight against:

• Tiredness

• Heart issues

• Neurological damage

• Muscle weakness

• Mood changes

• Variations in hormones

Such injections are one of the highly proven ways for the body to absorb B12 when related to oral supplements.

The recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin B12 is 6 micrograms per day. Deficiency is common, especially in people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet because B12 is only found naturally in animal foods. However, vegans and vegetarians are not the only ones who are deficient; even some meat-eaters don’t absorb it well. Unlike other vitamins, the absorption of vitamin B12 depends on a protein produced in your stomach called the intrinsic factor.

Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12 so you can absorb it into the blood.

People who don’t produce enough intrinsic factors can become deficient. Deficiency is particularly common in elderly people because the ability to absorb vitamin B12 can decrease with age.

Other people at risk of deficiency include those who have had intestinal surgery, including weight loss surgery. Those with diseases that affect the gut, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, also are at risk.

The frequency of taking vitamin B12 injections will change depending on the cause for actually opting for B12 injections and the tested B12 levels before starting the treatment.

Your vitamin B12 levels can be accurately checked by a simple blood test. It is important for your doctor to know what amounts of vitamin B12 are suitable for your health requirements.

ARIZONA

Home

Amp Up

Workouts WITH PULSE-POUNDING MACHINES

The time it takes to pack a bag, drive to the gym, wait on equipment, shower and drive back home makes creating a home gym pretty enticing. But how to best equip one? All of the usual suspects are at the party — treadmills, exercise bikes, home weight gyms, rowing machines, etc. More and more are coming with the latest smart technology to incorporate class and personal instruction, made by companies like Peloton and Mirror. Here’s what you need to be looking for in your home fitness equipment:

FOR CARDIO TREADMILLS

To bring your daily walk or run inside and make it endlessly customizable, buy a treadmill. Don’t be afraid to put some real money into your treadmill for durability and features. A 3.0 continuousduty horsepower (CHP) motor or higher will stand up to frequent runs by multiple users like a pro, with high maximum speeds for versatility. The standard belt length for a walking treadmill is 55 inches and 58 to 60 inches for runners. The belt should be at least 18 inches wide and come as wide as 22 inches. Large touchscreen monitors with integrated TV for interactive classes are awesome, but make sure they’re easy to read and use. Maximum weight ratings are an indication of how durable they are, as well as how they will function for heavier users. Automatic inclines now go up to 40% on trainer treadmills, which intensifies the workout dramatically for walkers as well as runners.

ROWING MACHINES

These are a great choice for a lowimpact workout that will have a

high fitness impact on your entire body. Again, you get what you pay for so don’t be afraid to invest. Most models use water, air or magnets to provide resistance, which provide different experiences in terms of feel and noise but don’t necessarily affect the kind of workout you get. More important factors include a comfortable seat you won’t need to readjust yourself on and isn’t so low to the ground that it’s difficult to get on and off; durable foot straps that adjust to fit your shoes well; and adjustable resistance levels, particularly if you have a specific goal to reach. Most include a display for basic body stats, while advanced options like outlets for Bluetooth devices, preprogrammed and streaming workouts, and syncing to third-party apps make workouts that much more appealing.

FOR STRENGTH HOME GYM

If you take your strength training seriously, you might as well buy a set that will train all your muscle groups to their zenith! You can buy a home gym machine with a well-rounded lineup of weights, racks and devices to kickstart your circuit or find individual components customized to your needs. Whatever your goals are, must-have basic home gym pieces for strength training include multiple sets of dumbbells, a pullup bar, medicine ball, barbells and a dependable bench. When shopping for a home multigym machine, keep sturdy construction at top of mind, and look for products that can deliver hundreds of different exercises.

Sizzle

ZAP YOUR

TRESSES

A Don't Let the

rizona heads can get hot in the summer. No matter what the style or substance of your hair, it is going to lose moisture. When your hair is naturally on the dry side, as curly hair tends to be, overly dry climates can lead to serious breakage and leave it uncharacteristically dull. Our dry heat exacerbates geneticallybased dryness and the damage done by heat-based styling, coloring, perming and everyday shampooing, so the solution is a combination of pulling back on these activities while applying moisturizing products — but not so much that they weigh your hair down and cause buildup.

Shampooing your hair less frequently to preserve its natural oils is one way to avoid dehydrating it and can be effective, but many people are too conditioned for a daily hair cleansing to feel comfortable going without it. You can try tricks for your “off” days like dry shampoos, cute updos and hats, which are a good idea for protecting your hair from the sun no matter how clean it is. There are many other ways to moisturize dry hair, which can help undo the damage done by shampooing, if that’s something you need to do every day.

FINE HAIR

Fine or normal hair is usually straight and there’s a fine line to walk between the dullness of dry hair and the oily, grimy look of over-moisturized locks. Wash it every day or every other day, and use lightweight conditioners as often as every other hair wash to moisturize, but go with about half the recommended amount. Since fine hair will absorb the moisture of hair masks more quickly, you can wash them out after 15 minutes or so.

THICK/CURLY HAIR

Curly hair can be washed less frequently, once a week or even less, and heavy, creamy conditioners are ideal for bringing the shine and bounce back, but be on guard against buildup on your scalp from using lots of moisturizing or leave-in products. Remember to use them only on the ends of your hair to avoid this.

A Few Minutes of Cold

COULD DO A WORLD OF GOOD

The emerging medical field of cryotherapy, or the use of subfreezing temperatures to numb pain or kill targeted areas of cells, has been around for thousands of years, since people started applying ice packs to sore muscles or injuries to reduce swelling and pain.

Another incarnation of cryotherapy that’s been gaining popularity over the last several years is whole-body cryotherapy (WBC), originally developed as a potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. It entails wearing minimal clothing and stepping into a tank or room typically cooled from about -110 degrees to as low as -140 degrees for 2 to 4 minutes though some providers state their chambers get as cold as -300 degrees. Proponents say the shock of the extreme cold triggers the body to go into “repair mode,” which fights

inflammation, triggers the release of chemicals that reduce pain and elevate mood and aids weight loss by raising metabolism. WBC has also been reported to improve skin health, asthma, migraines and other chronic pain, anxiety and other conditions.

Professional athletes, who earlier popularized the use of ice baths and other forms of cold therapy for postworkout recovery, began to try wholebody cryotherapy to treat injuries. Their self-reported results led celebrities and other influencers to seek it out for a myriad of health conditions.

Full-body cryotherapy tanks are being offered by an increasing number of spas and wellness centers as word of their potential benefits spreads. Do your research and consult your doctor to determine whether the procedure is safe for you.

FALL HUESIntegrate INTO

YOUR HOME

Autumn and its deep, powerful beauty is spreading across the Central Highlands of Arizona, bringing crisper temperatures and a revived appreciation of the word “cozy” and all it represents. Everyone with a home in the hills between Flagstaff and the northern edge of the Valley is getting ready to celebrate fall, and the season’s décor and design trends converge on the goal of turning up the luxurious warmth of hearth and home, just enough to start welcoming everyone in for the colder season.

DEEP TONES WITH NEUTRALS AND WHITES

It’s hard to go wrong with neutrals any season, and pairing them with bold autumnal hues that share the same grounding in nature — rich golds, burgundies, olive greens and rusty oranges — bring a renewed sophistication for the season without giving up the warmth you seek. You don’t have to give up soothing neutrals, which are especially suited to Northern Arizona, for tying into the

surrounding land and forest. Adding fall-toned rugs, pillows, table runners, florals and throws will make it even more of a piece with the outdoors.

TEXTURES EVERYWHERE

Layers add complexity and nuance — just think how piling thicker fabrics on top of yourself enhances snugness. Look for super-chunky woven blankets of wool, shimmery sheaths of cashmere and dependable quality cottons. Velvet is going to be particularly on trend. You can put texture on your walls too, with specialty textured paint, wallpapers, vinyl siding, Roman clay, limewash or other forms of paint and putty. This brings a homespun detail to any room that will embrace your family year-round but provide a special warmth in fall and winter.

USE NATURAL MATERIALS

Our yearning for nature’s earthy materials is a must any time of year, but perhaps even more so in the fall as the trees grab our attention and inevitably influence our home design. Rattan’s prominence over the last couple of years is carrying over into the fall, as people can’t get enough of its warm tone and association with the tropics and vacation. It walks the line

between classic and contemporary in a way few other materials can and will remain in style for years to come. Marble, granite, pebbles, branches, feathers, grasses, leaves, flowers and water also have been recruited to make homes feel more flowy, rustic and in tune with the land as the search for sustainable materials continues.

CHEER UP YOUR ATRIUM

As the outside chill begins to push more activities inside, the waning sunlight and high ceilings of your atrium may be leaving you cold. Adding rugs, upholstery or design accents in seasonal colors will be all it takes to bring the fun back to this centerpiece of your home. Fall is the perfect time to take action if this room is in need of some updating anyway. Maybe there’s room to add a fireplace to make it a truly year-round hub of your home, or you could start the process of adding a small indoor garden, which could reach full bloom by spring.

Play WITH NATURAL LIGHT

Natural lighting is one of the Holy Grails of home design.

Everybody wants it, it makes people feel happier and healthier; improves their focus during the day and their sleep at night.

Most modern schools of architecture maximize this commodity to increase comfort and energy efficiency, though the power of the Arizona sun must be dealt with responsibly to tamp down those air-conditioning bills.

It’s difficult to keep natural light uniform throughout a house, so most of us are stuck with at least one room that doesn’t have enough. But there are cosmetic and structural fixes to make the most of what it has or invite more in.

DESIGN

GOING GRAY

Light grays on walls, furniture and floors is an effective and elegant way to maximize whatever sunlight is seeping into your cave without the glaring effect of an all-white motif. Any other lighter shade also will reflect sunlight or at least not absorb it the way darker shades do.

TURN TO THE LIGHT

Angling all the furniture to face the natural light source, especially if it’s in neutrals or pastels, will magnify

the reflective effect for anybody who’s using the room. Putting white curtains or translucent shades on windows helps, too.

CHANDELIERS TO THE RESCUE

Any room that a crystal chandelier can work in, i.e. dining room, living room, great room, foyer or even the kitchen, will benefit from the sunlight reflected by and through its shimmering surfaces.

UPGRADE

SUN TUNNELS AND SKYLIGHTS

Both of these let sun in through the roof and are a good option when adding a window isn’t possible. The tunnels are smaller and easier to install for small rooms. For larger spaces, a skylight adds drama and appeal.

NEW WINDOWS

These can be added to almost any wall. The expense varies, but it’s generally a worthwhile investment if it’s hard for the room to be functional without it.

GLASS WALLS

Clearly one of the most invasive alternatives, but worth considering if there’s a stunning Arizona view waiting on the other side!

Ranch Homes

ARE IN ARIZONA’S DNA

Even if you don’t think you live in a ranch-style home, it probably has at least some elements of this classic design.

Much of Arizona’s residential landscape is dominated by this category of housing, which was born in San Diego and Los Angeles in the 1920s and exploded across the rest of the country after World War II.

It took on regional flavors but retained such hallmarks as the sprawling footprint, attached garage and sliding glass door opening to a defined backyard patio.

Designed for comfortable family living and that integration of the outdoors we’re still trying to perfect today, ranch homes’ flexible, open floor plans are ideal for showcasing the individuality of its inhabitants and the quality of the materials they choose to use.

As the “father” of the American ranch-style home Cliff May said, “The early Californians had the right idea. They built for the seclusion and comfort of their families, for the enjoyment of relaxation in their homes. We want to perpetuate these ideas of home building.”

Inspired by the haciendas and western ranch houses of the Southwest and fused with the philosophy of midcentury modernism, these houses are at home in Arizona whether they’re tucked away in the mountains or basking in the desert sun.

Here are some interior design tricks that can emphasize the “ranchiness” of your home!

DECLUTTER

Scattering too much furniture, display cases or décor throughout the house distracts from the clean lines and open feel of a ranch-style home with its minimalist inspirations. See how much you can delete from your floorplan without reducing the

functionality of your space; look into creative storage solutions to retain the convenience you’re used to in places like the kitchen and living room.

COLOR

Use one color scheme to unify the unfolding floor plan and airy feel created by the various rooms of your home. Disrupting the flow with too many color changes will seem jarring for many people, though a subtle change can sometimes be used to define an area with a particular purpose.

WALLS AND MOLDINGS

Removing frames and other adornment around windows can make them appear larger, letting them look more like the panoramic picture windows characteristic of the ranch-style home.

LONG, BROAD DINING ROOM AND COFFEE TABLES

Well-maintained wood, glass, granite, laminate or any other type of surface can reinforce the rectangular angles and spaciousness of any home, especially a ranch (sometimes known as a rambler) home.

PENDANT LIGHTING

If your ceilings are high enough, pendants and simple chandeliers accentuate the space above and around it, while bringing light closer to the floor. These are an easy way to define the tone and style for the rest of the room.

INDOORS OUT

The core idea of ranch homes is to dissolve boundaries between inside and outdoor spaces, so you should consider your yard an extension of your home. Comfort and functionality are just as important there and should be considered in the materials, furniture and lighting on your patio and beyond.

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & RESTORATION SERVICES

Protect, restore, resurface your floors and much more!

Concrete & Resurface Coating:

ROX Media REVEALS REMODEL

ROX Media practices what it preaches, so we have pressed our design ideas into service by remodeling our Prescott office!

This transformation was timed to coincide with the launch of Northern AZ Luxury Living so we could have a local office worthy

of the lifestyle options we’re bringing to you in these pages. What was a charming and eclectic space at 130 N. Granite St. in the city’s historic downtown has been overhauled to reflect all of the natural light we can bring inside, with neutral-hued

upholstery, beautiful luxury vinyl flooring, stenciled wallpaper, fresh white paint and elegant, modern light fixtures.

The desk in the front reception area has been moved behind the wall to create a more spacious aura within our small footprint.

That area is now opened up for comfortable seating for our clients and readers, a respite from busy streets and lives for mingling and recharging.

This also allowed us to downsize our conference table behind the wall and improve the environment and traffic flow for our staff and guests, highlighted by a dramatic but not overbearing ceiling light fixture. Still more seating has been added with a dramatic black and white backdrop for contrast.

We must take this opportunity to thank the wonderful contractors who have made this such an exciting and successful experience, from day one to the finish line!

FURNISHINGS AND LIGHTING

Bella Home Furnishings

115 W. Willis St., Prescott 928-458-7275

bellahomefurnishings.com

FLOORING

Totally Floored by Flooring America

2710 E. Glassford Hill Road, Prescott Valley 928-458-5613

totallyflooredprescott.com

WINDOW WRAPS AND LOGOS

Blind Dog Apparel and Graphic Design 9386 E. Florentine Road, Suite 100, Prescott Valley 928-202-4852

blinddogapparel.com

PAINTING AND DRYWALL

B & M Painting Chino Valley 928-636-8281 bandmpaintingaz.com

WALLPAPER

M D Painting

Matt and Donna Buta Prescott Valley 928-712-1309

WITH THE LAND KENDLE FIRM

K Designs

endle Design Collaborative’s office within a historic artists’ haven on Scottsdale’s Cattletrack Road is the birthplace for many a modern luxury home throughout Arizona — homes created with of-the-moment technology and timeless focus on people and their chosen property.

“We practice regional modernism,” Brent Kendle, president, says. “That is the design of homes influenced solely by their unique program, the personality and character of our clients, and are shaped by the climactic and contextual influences surrounding them. We don’t work in a style; style is a bad word in my book as it limits possibilities and stifles creativity.”

Kendle’s firm has worked on notable commercial projects including the Arizona Science Center addition in Phoenix. Today, though, the focus is on distinctive, expansive custom homes.

Prime examples are found in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and Peoria, as well as to the north in Sedona and Flagstaff. Since the terrain is different, the houses are different, Kendle says.

“Homes in Southern Arizona tend to have greater amounts of glass, shaded of course, taking in the views — blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living,” he says. “Homes in Northern Arizona need to open up to nature as well while providing greater shelter from the cold.”

“Material selections and detailing

is also quite different,” he adds.

“When designing in the shade of the tall pines, wood is an obvious choice. While designing in the desert, materials such as rammed earth and masonry are more appropriate.”

The firm designs renovations as well as new structures, taking the same basic approach with both kinds of projects.

“We try to determine the ‘spirit of the site,’ blending the client’s needs and personality into a unique solution. With remodels there is often the spirit of what came before. If you respect

the original spirit and the ‘bones’ of the old house, you will likely design a more cost-efficient solution that blends old and new,” Kendle says.

Kendle earned his architecture degree from Arizona State University and was an early adopter of LEED accreditation, launching his own firm in 2002.

“While proud of our previous achievements, I truly believe the work we currently have on the boards is the best we have ever done, and we could not do it without our amazing staff,” he says.

SHERIDAN PROPERTY GROUP

Sheridan Property Group combined experience has put over 1000 families in homes.

DJ, personally, has been on the cover of Top Agent Magazine, in America’s Top 100 1% in Arizona, was voted Best Realtor in Yavapai County in 2020 by Prescott Living Magazine, and has been the 2019-2020 Prescott Area Association of Realtors Bright Light Award Recipient.

Our team consists of select top-notch experienced agents that love what they do! We are looking forward to helping you with all of your real estate needs! Contact us TODAY!

MEDICAL CONCIERGE SERVICE

SERVING NORTHERN ARIZONA