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CON T E N TS Your Urge to Collect Goes Way Back

Curated Collections

When the Intrepid Hunt

Use and Adaptability Define What’s Worth Keeping

A Look behind the Scenes at Elite Auction Houses

Collectible Cars Win Hearts, Wallets of the Superrich

Don’t Put off Collecting Memories

LIFEST YLE

DESIGN

Editing your Life is an Art

Let your Senses Guide the Wellness of your Home

Entertaining-Friendly Floor Plans Allow Room to Breathe

Never Underestimate the Value of Friends at any Age

More Men and Younger People Embracing Aesthetic Improvement

Treat Your Home, Treat Yourself

Here’s Help Decoding Today’s Dress Codes

After you Lose all that Weight

Custom Millwork Tailors your Dream Home to You

Sky-High Beauty: Master Winter Skin Care in Northern AZ

Homes with Views Should Complement the Outdoors

Shop Independent Bookstores to Free Your Imagination

Treat Muscles with Care and Make Time for Recovery

Systems and Services Can Protect your Home Investment

Make the Year’s Last Week Your Own Kind of Special

Everyday Habits Protect Brain Against Decline

Design your Bedroom to Lead to Wellness

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Creating Beauty Delivering Happin

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A NOTE FROM LAURIE

A GREAT FIND:

SCIENCE JUSTIFIES D

Collecting

id you know the urge to

PUBLISHER Barbara Krause, Publisher/CEO Laurie Fisher, Associate Publisher Becky Peck, Vice President of Publications

SALES & MARKETING Laurie Fisher, Vice President of Sales & Marketing Joeline Bergman, Executive Sales Assistant Jill Robbins, Advertising Coordinator/ Client Services Specialist

EDITORIAL Julie Turetzky, Editorial Director Christia Gibbons, Senior Editor

collect is backed by science?

Blake Herzog, Staff Writer

We’re so glad to find this out

Vickie Austin, Staff Writer

since the urge hits us quite regularly. Whatever prompts us to consider collecting, turns out the brain actually lights up when we come across something unusual. This edition is devoted to the why and how we collect from thrift stores and swap meets to elite automobile actions. Psychologist Thomas Henricks, Ph.D., tells us there are five types of collectors: investors, sentimentalists, curators, players and identity-seekers. We even take you behind the scenes of auction houses. Just

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this year a Jackson Pollack painting went for $181 million and the first Ferrari Luce EV “Tailor Made” chassis went for $40 million. What comes before the bidding starts? The most important collecting, though: memories. If the dream is to hike the Grand Canyon, visit all the Major League Baseball stadiums or explore as many National Parks as possible, don’t put it off. Lastly, think of the seeming lull between Christmas and New

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Year’s. It presents so many options from visiting independent

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Northern AZ Luxury Living is a publication of Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. Gary E. Nei, Chairman; William Turner, President; Barbara Krause, Publisher/CEO. Editorial content is provided by affiliates, community members and local organizations. ©2026. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be republished, reproduced or reprinted without the prior express written consent of the publisher. The publishers assume no responsibility for errors or omissions of any advertisement beyond the actual cost of the advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for inaccuracies, errors, omissions, or damages from the use of information contained herein. Submitted articles do not reflect the opinions of the publisher or management. Information contained within submitted articles has not been verified and readers are responsible for forming their own opinions.

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Advertiser Index Allan’s Flowers....................................................................................................... 7 Amish Home Decor..........................................................................................15 Black Arrow Jewelry & Art...........................................................................35 Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona..................................................33 Coldwell Banker Northland – Peter Fife..............................................4 Crystal Creek Builders, Inc............................................................................ 2 Dermatology & Skin Care by Shelly.......................................................51 DeYoung European Motors........................................................................ 19 Findlay Toyota Prescott...................................................................................8

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YourUrge FEATURE

TO COLLECT GOES

WAY BACK by Vickie Austin

here’s a current meme on social media, a video that scans a store crammed with antiques, and the voiceover says, “So a lot of people ask me why I buy so many antiques and the truth is that I have a genetic disorder whereby my body does not produce its own antiques, therefore I have to supplement.”

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

FEATURE

Meant to be funny, it hits collectors right where they live. Collecting isn’t just a hobby: it’s a lifestyle. THE URGE TO COLLECT “Collecting is a fundamental aspect of human existence,” says Andrew Dillon, professor at the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Information. Writing for Art Basel, an organization founded in Switzerland with international art shows that connect galleries, collectors and artists, Dillon says there’s archaeological evidence that people in the Middle Paleolithic age had personal collections of valued objects. This suggests there’s more to collecting than establishing dominion like museum pieces “looted” from conquered countries. The roots of collecting are tied to having enough resources to begin to trade, he writes, combined with our human abilities to plan and count.

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

Collections also help us learn, provide emotional comfort and security and mark our lives in more personal ways. That old hope chest that belonged to your great-aunt connects you to previous generations. “Further,” Dillon writes, “the underlying human process of collecting can be viewed as consistent regardless of type,” whether the collector is a lover of fine art or collects beer cans, Beanie Babies or glass hearts. Getting a smoking deal is another highlight for collectors. A DIFFERENT RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI) The Art Basel crowd is trading in high-end art that, like financial instruments, may or may not prove a prudent investment. However, Dillon writes that only 28% of people within a survey of nearly 3,000 said they collect for financial investment. Collectors do so for a variety of reasons, including

social and emotional benefits that cannot be measured. Shirley M. Mueller, M.D., is a neuroscientist board certified in neurology and psychiatry. An avid collector herself, Mueller wanted to learn more about why people collect. In Psychology Today she writes that “not only can there be an instigating factor or factors for collectors to collect at all… there are also reinforcing contributors that make the activity worthwhile and pleasurable for which we now know the scientific basis.” She cites studies of brain activity that show certain areas of our brains light up when presented with something we deem “unusual.” Mueller says this may be why we seek unique objects when we collect, adding that not only does the quarry connect to our brain’s pleasure center but that there may be an evolutionary benefit to exploring something new.

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FEATURE

WHEN

Hunt

THE INTREPID

or those who always have been inveterate thrift shoppers, it’s satisfying to see that vintage shopping is now de rigueur, or in fashion. Thanks to the glory of the internet, you can shop online anywhere around the world, visit Facebook Marketplace or buy and sell clothes on Poshmark. That Birkin bag you’ve been lusting after can be found “pre-loved” on eBay, or you can bid against other collectors in an online auction. Nothing can compare to the thrill of the hunt. HEADHUNTER TROPHIES Instead of the heads of stuffed safari animals on a wall, the collector has their corner, display case or shelf of treasured items, objects of affection that when rounded up together form a satisfying array of like shape, era or origin. More satisfying than the display itself was the acquisition. Sourcing, scouring and prowling for the items that light up your heart is the real game. The more elusive the object, the more thrilling the hunt. Watch any episode of Antiques Roadshow (or even better, Antiques Roadshow UK, which often has much older stuff) and you’ll note the common thread in evaluations is scarcity. The fascination is in watching those doleful participants nearly fall over when an old painting that hung behind a door for decades turns out to be an early Diego Rivera, worth thousands of dollars. The most delighted participants

are those who picked up the object at a charity shop for five bucks, and now that thing they “just liked” turns out to be a rare Tiffany vase. Rarity plus scarcity equal cha-ching. METHODS OF ACQUISITION Thrift shopping, swap meets, flea markets and auctions are all ways to hunt for the object of your dreams. You may begin with a purpose — say, to complete that small collection of perfume bottles from the ‘40s and ‘50s on your bureau — but there’s also the satisfaction of seeing and touching your objects of prey. While a lot of trade is happening online, there’s a physical and visceral satisfaction to combing through the aisles of a thrift store (some say junk shops but that’s so… wrong). Psychologists like Thomas Henricks, Ph.D., say “Collecting is less a pattern of self-absorption than a venture in worldly learning and display.” In Psychology Today he writes that there are five different types of collectors: investors, sentimentalists, curators, players and identity-seekers. For the latter group, collecting is a social activity. Like a band of marauders, companion collectors head off to convention centers, open fields, auction houses or estate sales to pick and paw through things they may or may not want. When that one certain item lights up the brain, filling the collector with dopamine and a feeling of slight euphoria, you know they hit the jackpot.

Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

FEATURE

USE AND Adaptability

Define

WHAT’S WORTH KEEPING

veryone reaches a time when it’s necessary to pare down and simplify their lives, whether it’s physically, emotionally or financially. Your home and storage locker runneth over with stuff, your bandwidth is tied up with frustrating relationships and/or you have so many investments even your financial adviser can’t keep them straight. But when you’re used to holding on to everything in your life it can be difficult to know what to let go of. Today’s world of engineered obsolescence makes a lot of these decisions for us; everything that endures becomes a decision to be made at some point. The things we tend to keep are those that have been used enough that they’re a part of our lives and are adaptable enough to gain strength and meaning from repeated use. POSSESSIONS: USE THEM OR LOSE THEM Heirlooms are rarely the most expensive, fanciest version of whatever they are. Those tend to be wrapped in bubble paper and put behind glass, a showpiece instead of a workhorse. The china our ancestors ate off of has more emotional value than a never-touched Bernardaud set. Many possessions depreciate with use, but others gain appreciation, like the wooden guitar that deepens its tone over decades or the waxed cotton jacket that conforms to your movement. RELATIONSHIPS: LET THEM EVOLVE Friendships, acquaintanceships, familial or romantic relationships that fulfill us aren’t devoid of conflict, but ruptures are repaired if people have humility, respect and don’t allow arguments to fester. Relationships that endure allow room for growth and change on both sides because they aren’t transactional, reliant on each person to fill a particular role or function for

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

the other. Friends with genuine camaraderie easily pick up where they left off because they don’t have parts to play. INVESTMENTS: BUILT FOR SURVIVAL If you want to consolidate your holdings and get out of some of your investments, look for those in businesses with the right foundation to go the distance — low debt loads, diverse revenue streams, flexible leadership. The fastest-growing companies may be built on bets that haven’t paid off yet. Likewise, index funds usually outperform actively managed ones over time because they let time do the work, rather than gyrating around every soft quarter.

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FEATURE

Collectible Cars

WIN HEARTS AND WALLETS OF THE SUPERRICH

by Blake Herzog

Photo courtesy Barrett-Jackson

ine, watches and fine art are among the collectibles favored by the wealthy, but when you look at the habits of UHNWIs, or ultrahigh net wealth individuals, a bigger type of conversation piece has become almost as ubiquitous. Almost one-third of people with at least $30 million in assets own at least one classic car, and 35% of them plan to expand their collection in the near future, according to a study by AssetClassic. The increasing ranks of the superrich and changing demographics as younger people make fortunes in the tech industry or inherit from older generations guarantee this market’s dynamism will continue for years. THE GLOBAL MARKET The estimated worth of all the world’s collectible cars is as high as $1 trillion, with about 10% of those changing hands every year. This has led many experts and owners to consider it an alternative asset class as conventional investments become more volatile. This is a shift from earlier decades, when collecting vehicles was regarded as more of a passion project, with restoration and maintenance costs expected to eat up most if not all the potential profit. The thrill came from purchasing and refurbishing, say, a 1959 Series 62 Cadillac convertible, then driving it around town for the appreciative stares and comments from the community. These beloved design-forward cars still are in high demand, but the growing contingent of Gen X and millennial buyers have their own dream

cars they remember from the ‘80s and ‘90s, and post-2000 models are rapidly gaining value. Younger buyers generally aren’t into the same level of conscious consumption as their elders, seeking authenticity and ties to historic designs and events. WHERE THEY BUY Collector auto auction giants set up marquee events like Barrett-Jackson’s in Scottsdale (coming up in January), R.M. Sotheby’s in Pebble Beach or Mecum’s in multiple cities, including Glendale in March. These can be weeklong extravaganzas that draw top buyers, celebrities, influencers, spectators, media, hangers-on and many more in a circuslike atmosphere. Yet only 15% to 30% of unlisted collectible cars are sold at auctions, according to McKinsey and Company, though the numbers are believed to be rising as sellers and buyers gain new appreciation for the communities that spring up around them. The amount of information now available about every car and auction means prospective buyers are more confident in this setting, particularly online. About 40% of collectible cars are sold through public listings, such as a dealer’s notice or a classified ad. About half of unlisted transactions are between two or more private collectors, often assisted by third-party agents, but online platforms are becoming very competitive, linking the parties at a fraction of the cost. However sales are conducted, the elegance of the autos and the sums being exchanged are staggering.

Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

FEATURE

A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES AT

Elite AUCTION HOUSES W

ith an infusion of AI and other new-tech money taking bids to new heights, high-end auction houses have had a banner year in 2026, breaking records selling everything from a Jackson Pollack painting for $181 million (tripling the previous record for a Pollack painting) to the first Ferrari Luce EV “Tailor Made” chassis to come off the line for $40 million, the most expensive new car ever sold at auction. Auctioning a single lot at a live luxury auction usually takes mere minutes but preparing it to go on the block can take months of frenzied work. Here’s a quick look at the process of putting an item up for bid at Christie’s, Sotheby’s and other top-tier auction houses: CONSIGNMENT Most auction houses, whether they’re selling fine art, jewelry and watches, classic cars, antiques or other favorites of those with high net wealth, take items from sellers on consignment, either because the seller brings it to their attention or the house goes hunting for exciting new pieces. The house typically offers a complementary valuation estimate by its specialists, looking into the item’s condition, provenance or ownership

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

Christie's auction house, London

history, rarity and market demand. If the seller and auction house decide to go forward, the house takes delivery of the item for further review and determines a pre-sale estimate before the final contract is signed.

house proves its mettle. The auction process drives up the price, and once sold the previous owner pays a predetermined percentage of the “hammer” or final price to the auction house.

MARKETING AND PREPARATION At this point, the auction house schedules the item for an auction where it believes it will best perform. It procures high-quality digital photos and detailed text descriptions and begins rolling it out to the audiences it thinks will find it most attractive and splurge-worthy. The skill involved with valuation and marketing is where the auction

AUCTION DAY(S) Many auctions are held fully online, with bids accepted during a window of around five to 10 days, while others are livestreamed for the benefit of remote participants. Nothing compares to the excitement of live auctions where all the parties are in the same room, jumping up and waving their paddles, so go to those whenever you get a chance.

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FEATURE

DON’T PUT OFF

Collecting

MEMORIES by Vickie Austin

o much of our lives are spent “getting and spending,” as English Romantic poet William Wordsworth wrote, and we may become enamored with things. The objects we collect are intended to enrich and expand our lives. Sometimes, though, the “collection” we gather is a collection of memories rather than things. WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS If going to Paris has always been on your “Someday I’ll” list, drop everything and book your ticket right now. The collection of memories, not to mention photos, treasures and Metro card receipts will meet and exceed your expectations. Things rust and mold, but a trip to Paris is forever. As Audrey Hepburn said in the movie Sabrina, “Paris is always a good idea.” Maybe your dream collection is photos of the fish you caught while up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, fly-fishing with your buddies. You might be an arts aficionado (OK, addict) and you’ve always wanted to visit The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. Go. Take that trip that’s been in your head and heart.

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

DIFFERENT STROKES Some people we know set their sights on visiting every Major League ballpark in the United States. Another family might have a tradition of visiting national parks. Others may have connections abroad, and they make annual visits to their motherland to visit family and friends. Inspired by music, some folks attend as many concerts as they can while others join a birding group to learn more about our feathered friends. If you want to meet someone passionate about an interest, meet a birder. Golfers often have that vision of playing Pebble Beach; that’s a collection of memories worth the trip. Following your favorite sports teams, being a fan of heavy metal, getting early-bird tickets to the Olympics no matter where it is in the world, these are deeply committed collectors. Birds of a feather truly do flock together. Lifetime friendships and business connections can be made through mutual interests, passions and yes, sometimes obsessions. There’s an urgency to life that we sometimes forget about until we’re stopped by a major life disruption. It’s a good idea to create your memories and collect them now.

Pebble Beach golf course, hole 7, Monterey, California, USA

Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

LIFESTYLE

EDITING Your Life

Art

IS AN

by Vickie Austin

n the world of graphic design there’s a concept called “white space.” White space is used in typography to make reading easier on the eye, and in art, white space may be the defining aspect of a masterpiece. Just as powerful as what is in our lives is what we choose to eliminate — or ignore altogether.

Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

LIFESTYLE NOT JUST ORGANIZING Professional organizers are worth their weight in gold. They can help with clutter, systems and getting the optimal return on your space and resources. However, the art of the edit is more than just organizing. The need to purge, cull and curate is based on how you feel when you walk into a room, put on a jacket or arrange your bookshelves. Since social media has hijacked the word “curate,” let’s define it. Curate as a verb means to choose and arrange items with a specific theme or purpose. Curators in museums are responsible for putting together exhibitions based on collections within the institution. They can’t exhibit everything at once, so they have to choose what to bring out to the public. Like those museum curators, we can pick and choose from our

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

collections, and we don’t have to show it all at the same time. ONE OF THESE THINGS IS NOT LIKE THE OTHER We learned it on Sesame Street: how to discern what fits and what doesn’t. That’s the essence of editing your home, closet, wine collection or curio objects. Are they adding to your life or do they feel heavy, something to fuss over, dust and rearrange? Collections have a tendency to run wild without some sense of order or control. A trio of flying pigs is adorable; 52 of them is bordering on a hoarding situation. There’s a buzz of videos on social media about young people inheriting loads of stuff they don’t want, don’t need and don’t want to be burdened with. One way to cull the herd is to take a photo of whatever area you want to edit. There’s something about seeing

things anew in a photograph that snaps your mind to attention. What’s that doing there? Out it goes. The photo gives us a kind of distance that allows us to see things in a different light. If the image isn’t pleasing, it’s time to sort and discard whatever isn’t serving you. Another tool for editing your life (wardrobe, spice cabinet, record/CD collection, Star Wars memorabilia) is to have a good friend, one who isn’t judgmental and who will sit or stand by your side as you wade through your belongings. Wardrobe edits especially need someone to help with fashion clarity and ruthless compassion. Thumbsup or thumbs-down, a second opinion is sometimes needed before recycling that jacket with 1980s shoulder pads. A fresh perspective from a friend can make the decision surprisingly easy.

In our community, too many kids miss out on experiencing the outdoors. To help close this gap, the curriculum of our local Boys & Girls Clubs has been expanded to offer opportunities for youth to be active and enjoy adventures. Clubhouses now offer a wide range of outdoor activities—including mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and archery—all designed to build confidence, foster teamwork, and inspire a love for nature. At the same time, our Clubs remain committed to core indoor educational programs, such as homework tutoring, STEM, arts, sports, games, and more. As the capacity to serve grows, so does the need to provide. We invite you to be part of the movement to give local youth the best in learning and recreation. Please scan the QR code or visit our website to help create life-changing opportunities for local youth.

From all of us, thank you!

Adventures

within reach

“I've been on a kayak in a video game, but never in real life.” —Club Member about their first lake trip

Admin Office 335 E Aubrey St Prescott, AZ 86303 928.776.8686 bgccaz.org

LIFESTYLE

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE

Value of

Friends

AT ANY AGE

uch has been written and spoken about a crisis of isolation among young men. Perhaps because men are raised to be competitive, they may not have the same strong bonds that women know how to create and nurture. Success as we grow may shift from who’s got all the goodies (consumption) to who’s got all the good friends (connections). Deborah Tannen wrote a book called You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation. In it, she shares data that our gender orientation is shaped by language from a very early age. Research showed that while little boys will duke it out on the playground over playing cards or turf, a little girl will throw a game just to stay friends with her fellow players. The cost of losing face (or money!) was shown to be harder on the boys while the girls wanted to maintain their relationships above all else. BUILDING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER What began as a crazy idea morphed into a community — now more than one — of women who were single by choice, divorce or widowhood. Instead

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of living in isolation, they took on communal living that now serves as a built-in support team. Not everyone is best friends with everyone else, but together, they manage a garden, have communal meals and care for those women in need. The job of building community used to be a function of the mainstream church, but with denominations shrinking, other forms of community have emerged. Social circles based on golf dates, poker games or barbecues can fulfill those cravings for connection. Knitting circles (“Stitch & Bitch”), wine and watercolor classes, swingdancing and jumping out of airplanes are all hobbies that morph into communities. The more esoteric the hobby, the more community is needed. Don’t go spelunking without meeting some expert spelunkers. Join the local scuba club to learn more about scuba diving but also to make new friends on trips to the Great Barrier Reef. At the end of the day or the end of a career, what’s left is not just the balance in the bank, although financial security is a noble pursuit. Count your friends like you count gold.

Great Barrier Reef

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LIFESTYLE

, DECODING TODAY S HERE’S HELP

he rules of the road have changed when it comes to dress codes. Something about the pandemic changed our thinking. All of those Zoom meetings in a shirt and blazer with pajamas bottoms off-camera messed with our sense of decorum. Thanks to Collectif, a website for vintage-inspired collections, we have clear definitions of what is and what is not acceptable. FROM FLIP FLOPS TO TAILS The casual dress code allows us to play loose and fast with our fashion judgment. T-shirts, polo shirts, jeans

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Dress Codes

and sandals are all part of the casual category and depending on the occasion, sandals or flip flops are acceptable. This code is most applicable when relaxing with friends and family, going on vacation, shopping or enjoying your weekend. But wait, there’s a new category thanks to increasingly relaxed rules in the workplace. Smart casual is now a thing, just short of business casual, which we’ll get to in a minute. This level of dress is most appropriate in offices that don’t have strict suit rules. “Chic but also relaxed” would include classic but

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comfortable clothes, nondistressed denim (no gaping holes) and basic blouses and blazers. On to business casual, the dreaded category that still challenges the imagination when it’s included in a meeting invitation. Think polo shirts and chinos. Lots of companies have responded to employees’ discomfort with business casual by providing fleece jackets, athletic shirts with logos and company “merch” that goes with neutral palettes and upscale jeans. Business casual is like golf attire without the cleats. THE NEXT STEP UP Full business dress is highly dependent on geography, profession and expectations of companies and organizations. Long gone are the days when work dress codes required that women wear hosiery or, worse yet, required dresses and prohibited pantsuits. Large cities may have more elevated dress codes and different professions may have different standards. The tech bros can be spotted by their Patagonia vests, attorneys by their suits and ties. Cocktail attire requires some effort and sparkle, and black tie is exactly that: dark suits, sometimes tuxedos, and elegant dresses that sweep the ground for the ladies. Black tie is typical for galas and fundraisers. White tie is rare and mostly associated with royalty.

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Barbuda

Seychelles

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

LIFESTYLE

Romantic WINTER GETAWAY BOOK A

AT THESE DESTINATIONS

T St. Moritz

hanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and the other early winter holidays are widely regarded as family-focused occasions reserved for multigenerational gatherings and tradition-bound rituals. But some years you may need a break from all those obligations, look at your significant other and say, “Let’s get away from it all.” Choosing a romantic couple’s trip can be a good idea for your pocketbook as well as your sanity depending on the location, with some price breaks available for the days immediately surrounding major holidays. These idyllic destinations will delight you two and draw you closer together, far from the holiday madness. ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA The trade winds grow stronger here in December, lowering the humidity and boosting the comfort you will find at these islands where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean. There are multiple adults-only resorts on these small islands and many activities perfect for a party of two like snorkeling, Jet skiing, horseback riding, hiking and even swimming with pigs and piglets!

Thailand

SEYCHELLES It’s a haul to get to this Indian Ocean island nation 1,100 miles off the coast

of Africa, but its isolation means there won’t be as many crowds competing for the same patch of powdery white sand. Crystal-clear turquoise water, deep lagoons, vibrant coral and pink granite boulders reminiscent of what you can find in Northern Arizona. Lively market towns and panoramic views compete for the attention you’re paying to each other. ST. MORITZ If you’re a couple of ski bums or simply crave the silvery beauty of a meadow or forest covered in snow and ice, you can’t do much better than this Swiss Alpine village in the midst of several ski areas, home to a lake frozen solid enough to support horse races and polo matches. With more than 300 days of sunshine every year it’s truly a winter wonderland, complete with horse-drawn carriage rides and an Olympic bobsled run. THAILAND’S ISLANDS December is the perfect time to visit these paradisiacal lands in far Southeast Asia because the rainy season will have subsided, leaving you with sunny days, calm waters and peaceful vibes. Check out Koh Yao Yai for unspoiled beaches, Koh Lanta for candlelit dinners on one of the endless expanses of sand and Koh Mak for remote lush rainforest, delicious seafood and tiny local bars where you can truly escape.

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LIFESTYLE

SHOP

INDEPENDENT Bookstores

Imagination

TO FREE YOUR

ookstores are magical places, unlocking new concepts, vistas, dreams, thrills, goals, recipes, images and more. Some of this is by virtue of stocking real, physical books and the charm of having pages to turn and glossy, nonpixelated images to admire. Yet they’re somehow brighter, sharper, more alive when you step away from the sameness of the centrally controlled corporate store and into an independent one. Most of these shops have a smaller footprint and may not have as many copies of the top 20 bestsellers, but they’re more likely to have a diverse selection of authors and topics, selected by an owner and staff who bounce ideas off each other and are familiar with the local market. Many have sections dedicated to local authors and feature them at book readings and other events. Indies’ smaller scale allows employees to talk to and make personalized recommendations to customers, often steering them to books they never would have discovered on their own but adore once they get their hands on them. The reverse can happen too, with staff learning about new trends and specific titles that broaden their inventory and appeal.

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

DIGGING DEEPER Of course, many independent bookshops distinguish themselves further by specializing in subjects that might warrant a shelf or two, if that, in corporate stores. A shop that specializes in stunning art, architecture or design books gives you a window into the creative process and its spectacular conclusions. Children’s bookstores create a world of whimsy and adventure accessible to all ages. Genre-specific spaces devoted to mystery, romance, scifi, fantasy and other categories give fans a chance to delight in new discoveries that reinforce their enthusiasm. Rare and antiquarian booksellers deal in the most valuable tomes, usually aged and always scarce. Worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, these generally aren’t browsable from a shelf; access is exclusive and carefully controlled, often extended to serious buyers only. Turning these pages, when permitted, can take you back centuries through ancient fonts and brilliant images of long-ago scenes. Northern Arizona’s best-known independent bookstores include Peregrine Book Company and The Purple Cat in Prescott, Bright Side Booksellers and Bookmans Entertainment Exchange in Flagstaff and ALT Gallery in Sedona.

Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

LIFESTYLE

MAKE THE YEAR’S LAST WEEK

YOUR OWN KIND

Special

by Vickie Austin

hat week between Christmas and New Year’s can be fraught. Cleaning up after Christmas and getting ready for a new year may feel overwhelming, but it’s also that blessed week between major holidays that allows us to stop and float. Some businesses close that week, and email traffic slows down. Phones don’t ring and texts don’t ping. It’s a good idea to have a plan, though, one that’s ambitious enough to satisfy your craving for celebrating while also honoring a deep need to relax. TAKE TO THE SNOW Depending on where you are and how the weather gods respond to changes in climate, you may have access to snow. Find it and frolic. You don’t have to be a skier to enjoy Arizona Snowbowl and San Francisco Peaks. Tourism sites will tell you there are plenty of places for what they call “winterplay,” with something for the elite athletes and the snow bunnies. Cross-country skiing is always an option, and we’ve heard recommendations for staying at the Arizona Nordic Village to enjoy a cozy yurt. The Grand Canyon always is a source of awe and inspiration, and if you can still get reservations in one of the lodges, you can enjoy snow on the rim if it’s there. Either way, it’s one of those places that is indescribable, defying even the sharpest of cameras. Just being in

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

the wilderness, enjoying a week of no responsibilities before the new year kicks into gear, can warm your soul. LOOK TO THE STARS The renowned Lowell Observatory (lowell.edu) based in Flagstaff, allows you to view the night sky and marvel at the cosmos during their evening stargazing sessions. Whatever you choose, whether it’s general admission with tours, exhibits and stargazing or adding the Dark Sky Planetarium show to your ticket, an evening with the galaxy may be just what you need in this fallow week between Christmas and New Year’s. The experience may help you discern what you want to put on your list of New Year’s resolutions. There’s always the chance to just look at the stars from home. Schedule a “staycation” and do all those homey things you’ve wanted to do. Organize a closet. Binge a series you’ve been dying to watch. Have a pizza party with family or friends, and don’t stress about having a clean house. No one expects order during the holidays. Book a spa day. Find a nook and read a book. Have afternoon tea with a friend and make it a tradition, celebrating “the week between” annually. Look around and find an art show or maybe a symphony performance. Sports aficionados may take to the stands to cheer on their local football team. We are in football season, right? Whatever you do, do it with gusto.

Lowell Observatory

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NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

M a g n u m TO CELEBRATE LIFESTYLE

POUR FROM A

Your Guests by Vickie Austin

f you’re a wine connoisseur, you probably know why magnums are superior when hosting a dinner party or soirée. But for those of us who just grab standard bottles of wine as gifts or to entertain, we may not understand the value, both implied and inherent, in showing up with a magnum of wine.

SIZE MATTERS For starters, a magnum is 1.5 liters of wine, twice as much as a standard bottle at 750 milliliters. Most experts, including Wine Enthusiast magazine, agree that magnums evoke a feeling of celebration, generosity and abundance. The large bottle allows everyone to drink from the same bottle, eliciting a feeling of connection and togetherness. Maybe there’s a bit of flash, showing that you live and think big. A magnum serves about 10 glasses, as efficient as it is flashy. Wine connoisseurs don’t debate the distinct advantages of serving from bigger bottles. Except for magnums, the bottles that get bigger and bigger are named after kings from Israel in the Old Testament of the Bible: Jeroboam, Methuselah, Salmanazar, Balthazar and Nebuchadnezzar. The Wine Cellar Insider writes that larger wine bottles are well-suited for longer aging of Bordeaux wine, Champagne and other wines. Wine Spectator has an “Ask Dr. Vinny” column that answered a reader’s question, “How did the large-format

wine bottle size ‘jeroboam’ get its name?” Dr. Vinny responded, “The ‘jeroboam’ you mention refers to either a 3-liter bottle of Champagne or Burgundy or a 4.5-liter bottle of Bordeaux. Biblically, Jeroboam was the first king of the northern Kingdom of Israel who ruled somewhere around 920 to 901 B.C.” Dr. Vinny says no one knows for sure why these larger bottles were named after Old Testament rulers, but there’s a theory that it came from a glassmaker who was a biblical scholar. Dr. Vinny adds, “Jeroboam was known as a man of great worth, ruling at a time when the region was flourishing with olive oil and wine production. It’s a good name for a larger bottle of wine.” PERFECT FOR AGING After the flair is gone there’s a real benefit to the larger sized bottle. The neck of a standard bottle and a magnum are the same. However, the magnum holds twice as much wine. Because cork allows wine to slowly oxidize, it means the wine in a magnum has had less exposure to that oxidation. That allows the wine to age more gracefully. Magnums particularly are good for Champagne, with “finer and more persistent bubbles,” according to the website The Last Bottle. Rather than pouring from the bottle, which is understandably heavy, experts recommend you use a wine decanter and pour from there after the wine has had time to “breathe.” You can replenish the decanter as you serve your guests.

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LIFESTYLE

W ineries

VINEYARDS

WINE E XPERIENCES IN NORTHERN A Z

Alcantara Vineyards & Winery 3445 S. Grapevine Way Camp Verde, AZ 86322 928.649.8463 alcantaravineyard.com

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards & Tasting Room 1023 N. Main St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.639.2789 azstronghold.com

Back Alley Wine Bar

156 S. Montezuma St. (in back alley) Prescott, AZ 86303 928.706.1059 backalleywine.com

Caduceus Cellars

Creekside 45

Caduceus Cellars The Ventura Room

DA Vines Vineyard Tasting Room & Bistro

Cellar 433

D.A.Ranch Estate Vineyards

158 Main St. Jerome, AZ 86331 928.639.9463 caduceus.org

760 Verde Heights Dr. Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.639.9463 caduceusvscventuraroom.com

909 N. Main St., Ste. A Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.852.4002 cellar433.com

Cabal Cellars

Chateau Tumbleweed Winery & Tasting Room 1151 W. AZ-89A Clarkdale, AZ 86324 928.634.0443 chateautumbleweed.com

Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery 4053 E. AZ-260 Camp Verde, AZ 86322 602.859.7418 clearcreekwineryaz.com

Cove Mesa Vineyard Tasting Room 1210 S. Western Dr. Cornville, AZ 86325 928.301.9909 covemesa.com

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

1900 Dancing Apache Rd. Cornville, AZ 86325 928.247.6868 daranch.com

7000 AZ-179, A-100 Sedona, AZ 86336 928.284.2134 decantertastingroom.com

1341 W. AZ-89A Clarkdale, AZ 86324 928.634.0301 bodegapierce.com

705 N. Main St., Ste. A Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.634.6710 davinesvineyard.com

Decanter Tasting Room

Bodega Pierce Winery & Tasting Room

417 Hull Ave. 412 Main St. Jerome, AZ 86331 480.483.5051 cabalcellars.com

124 S. Granite St., No. D Prescott, AZ 86303 928.848.6140 creekside45.com

LIFESTYLE

Del Rio Springs Vineyard

974 N. Grandview Paulden, AZ 86334 928.554.5479 delriospringsvineyard.com

Four Eight Wineworks

816 N. Main St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.649.2007 four8wineworks.com

Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery

1565 N. Page Springs Rd. Cornville, AZ 86325 928.649.2681 javelinaleapwinery.com

Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria

770 N. Verde Heights Dr. Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.639.1001 merkinvineyards.org

Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery

1555 N. Page Springs Rd. Cornville, AZ 86325 928.660.6395 oakcreekvineyards.net

Oeno Wine Lounge

22 E. Birch Ave., Ste. 1 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 928.266.0330 oenoflg.com

Page Springs Cellars

1500 N. Page Springs Rd. Cornville, AZ 86325 928.639.3004 pagespringscellars.com

Passion Cellars

301 Main St. Jerome, AZ 86331 480.483.5051 passioncellars.com

Rafter Eleven

2985 Centre Ct., Ste. B Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 928.227.2050 raftereleven.com

Rubrix Wines

1040 N. Main St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.649.8733 rubrixwines.com

Salt Mine Wine

536 W. Salt Mine Rd. Camp Verde, AZ 86322 928.910.2075 saltminewine.com

Southwest Wine Center Yavapai College

601 Black Hills Dr. Clarkdale, AZ 86324 928.634.6566 southwestwinecenter.com

Tantrum Wines

918 N. Main St., Ste. C Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.634.2266 tantrumwines.com

The Art of Wine

101 N. AZ-89A, Ste. B9 Sedona, AZ 86336 928.203.9463 artofwinesedona.com

The Betsy Wine Bar

211 N. Granite St. Presscott, AZ 86301 928.515.4093 thebetsy.co

The Eureka Room

1012 N. Main St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.852.7394 theeurekaroomaz.com

The Original Jerome Winery

Vino Di Sedona

2575 W. AZ-89A Sedona, AZ 86336 928.554.4682 vinodisedona.com

VINO Wine Bar

Prescott Pines Inn 901 White Spar Rd. Prescott, AZ 86303 928.710.0063 vinowine.bar

Vino Zona

369 Main St. Jerome, AZ 86331 336 AZ-179, Ste. A207 Sedona, AZ 86336 vinozona.love

Winery 1912

Sinagua Plaza 320 N. AZ-89A, Ste. 3 Sedona, AZ 86336 928.282.0715 winery1912.com

Winey Cats Wine & Beer Garden

2515 N. Road 1 E. Chino Valley, AZ 86323 928.636.2003 wineycats.com

114 Jerome Ave. Jerome, AZ 86331 928.639.9593 theoriginaljeromewinery.com

Up The Creek Bistro Wine Bar 1975 N. Page Springs Rd. Cornville, AZ 86325 928.634.9954 upthecreekaz.com

Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

WELLNESS

Let yourSenses

Guide The WELLNESS OF YOUR HOME by Vickie Austin

ake a trip around your home using your senses. This is an invitation to stop what you’re doing (put down your phone), take three deep cleansing breaths and then ask yourself these questions: How do my surroundings make me feel? Am I giving myself the opportunity to luxuriate in all my senses?

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WELLNESS SMELL THE ROSES Perhaps our most evocative sense is our sense of smell. A particular smell can take you back in time, transporting you to the kitchen of your childhood or a part of the city you knew and loved. The smell of the lake may wake up memories of beach vacations with your family or that time you went to Maine and could smell the sea salt of the Atlantic Ocean nearby. The smell of suntan lotion creates a cavalcade of memories and beckons like an invitation to the pool. THE EYES HAVE IT Next to smell, our eyes drive what does and does not please us. Take a look around your living quarters. Whether you’re in a big home with multiple rooms or a tiny home, what you gather and collect speaks volumes

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

about you. Is your couch comfy? If not, ditch it. Are all your treasures displayed? Take a Saturday afternoon and focus just on that collection. Take photos and ask yourself, is this the image I want to project to the world — and to myself? REACH OUT AND TOUCH Home makes us think of cozy quilts, fluffy towels and cold tile that feels good on our feet during a hot Arizona summer. Touch what is around you and see if it gives you pleasure or pain. If you’re keeping furniture or mementos just to honor family members who have died, ask yourself if a photo would be just as potent. A comfy robe, fuzzy slippers and that college T-shirt that just won’t die all give us tactile pleasure. If something like microfiber gives you the shivers, ditch it. Or pass it

on to consider the earth. Vintage is as environmentally friendly as it is charming. AND WHAT’S THAT SOUND? You may be very sensitive to noise, or maybe you need a white noise machine to go to sleep. Sounds loud and soft, dissonant and in harmony, can make or break a quiet afternoon. There are studies that show people who sing in choirs, who make a joyful noise together, live longer! Whether it’s what they hear or what they sing, those vibrations have a life-changing effect on the body. That’s why live concerts are still a thing — people want to hear that music firsthand. Songs from our teens and early 20s seem to stick with us, so don’t be surprised if you hear renditions of the Rolling Stones at the nursing home or rehab center.

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DERMATOLOGY BY SHELLY

photo by Blushing Cactus Photography

I N P R E S C OT T

928.499.2915 www.dermatologybyshelly.com 3225 Lakeside Village Dr. Prescott, AZ 86301

WELLNESS

MORE MEN

and Younger People EMBRACING

Aesthetic Improvement

he saying made famous by department store founder Marshall Field was “Give the lady what she wants,” attributing his success to that marketing mindset in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The same might be said today about the increased demand for men’s plastic surgery: “Give the man what he wants.”

THE TREND IS GROWING The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that men represent 16% of all cosmetic procedures, double the number of procedures done over the past 10 years. In a January 2026 report, the society noted that the number of surgical procedures performed on men increased by 95% between 2018 and 2024. Nonsurgical cosmetic treatments like laser therapy, injections and chemical peels rose an even higher 116%. One of the most popular procedures is injecting Botox in men’s foreheads and crow’s feet, known affectionately as “Bro-tox.” “We have truly entered a consumer-driven approach to aesthetics, whereas 10

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or 15 years ago it was still considered very elitist,” says Laurent Brones, an economic expert from the International Master Course on Aging Science (IMCAS), a congress dedicated to bridging the worlds of dermatology and plastic surgery.

A GENERATIONAL SHIFT Quoted on the Medical Press website, an IMCAS market analysis showed that the trend is “particularly pronounced in the Middle East and Latin America, reflect(ing) a profound transformation of social norms and growing acceptance of cosmetic procedures by men.” The analysis also reported that Generation Z and millennials are opting for cosmetic procedures much earlier than previous generations, getting a jump on slowing down the aging process — at least on the outside. The American Academy of Facial, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) issued an annual survey that highlighted “the great gender divide is disappearing.” According to Anthony Brissett, M.D., a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon

and president of AAFPRS, “Men are increasingly seeking eyelid surgery, injectables and facelifts.” One in four of their members report that otoplasty (ear surgery), nonsurgical hair restoration treatments, chin augmentations, facial implants, rhinoplasty and a host of other procedures related to fat reduction are now performed about equally between women and men. These doctors predict the trend for younger patients will continue. They look for a shift that has already begun as 57% of surgeons report an increase in patients younger than 30 requesting cosmetic procedures or injectables, with many asking for more subtle approaches that promote graceful aging over time. 60 IS THE NEW 40 Doctors agree that patients no longer define aesthetic choices by gender. Rather, as Brones from IMCAS said, these procedures have become more and more popular across the board and are consumer driven. If 60 is the new 40 at least some of that credit goes to the surgeons who take people’s faces and mold them, like artists carving a sculpture.

Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

WELLNESS

AFTER YOU LOSE ALL THAT

Weight

ith the popularity of GLP-1 medications, weight loss has gotten easier for many who couldn’t shed those pounds without support. Hollywood stars show dramatic transformations that change not just their bodies but the shape of their faces, too. While weight loss can be great for cardiovascular health, blood pressure maintenance and diabetes, the aftermath of a significant change can have a reverberating effect. ENERGY REQUIREMENTS CHANGE Banner Health’s blog includes an article by Stephanie Thurrott quoting Jennifer Meyfeldt, M.D., an obesity medicine specialist with Banner-University Medicine. She shared that changes in metabolism after weight loss, how your body uses calories for breathing, circulating blood and digesting food, are complicated. “When you lose weight, your body changes its nerve pathways and hormone levels to try to bring weight back,” Meyfeldt said. “Weight regain (may happen) because you are facing an uphill battle against your changing metabolism.” NIP AND TUCK After significant weight loss, it isn’t uncommon for there to be extra skin that now has nowhere to go. Body

contouring is a process described by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons as something that “improves the tone of underlying tissue and removes excess fat and skin.” Candidates mostly are adults whose weight loss has stabilized; those without conditions that impair healing; and those who are committed to leading a healthy lifestyle with a positive outlook. Costs for these procedures vary widely based on the area(s) being contoured, the types of procedures and where the office is located. Health insurance rarely covers body contouring, but most offices offer patient financing plans. Fees include tests, anesthesia, facility costs (outpatient or inpatient), surgeon’s fee and medication. Patients also need postsurgical garments to help with healing. A NEW YOU We all have an image in our heads of how we look. Losing significant weight can confuse that self-image. The people around you are going to respond to you differently, and that may rattle your cage. Getting support from family and friends is a must when having this kind of transformation. Having a professional licensed therapist is always a good idea but especially when someone has undergone a dramatic physical metamorphosis. Having someone to talk to makes a difference.

Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

WELLNESS

SKY-HIGH BEAUTY MASTER WINTER SKIN CARE IN

Northern

Arizona

atural beauty probably drew you to Northern Arizona, but it isn’t always easy to maintain your own looks in this high-altitude atmosphere and environment, particularly in the winter.

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NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

WELLNESS

During this season we all contend with the high UV levels, low humidity and wind, plus cold air outdoors and arid heat indoors. All this chaos plays havoc by breaking down the skin barrier, increasing inflammation and leading to redness, chapping, stinging, tightness, flaking and other symptoms of the dehydration that takes hold. Those with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea and eczema have an especially challenging time. The biggest culprit for all this havoc is transepidermal water loss, better known as the sucking of moisture through your pores, or at least that’s how it feels. This happens even in warm, humid weather but it accelerates when it’s cold and dry due to the heightened difference in the water vapor level between your skin and the atmosphere. Your skin barrier is already struggling with the low humidity and cold temperatures and is compromised further by the water loss. Living at 7,000 feet above sea level, Flagstaff residents are most vulnerable to the effects of transepidermal water loss, but those in Prescott and Sedona, which are at and just below 5,000 feet, also are susceptible to wintertime skin woes. Here’s our best advice for combating them: CLEANSE WITH CARE Winter irritation can erupt no matter what elevation, so experts recommend using gentle, silky nonfoaming cleansers with few or

no active ingredients that could aggravate any redness and tightness you’re already pushing back against. These focus on the basics of removing makeup, dirt and other impurities without complicating the picture with medical intervention. Retinoids, BHAs, AHAs, alcohols and sulfates are the biggest wintertime troublemakers that should be avoided. HYDRATE AND HUMIDIFY Clearly the ultimate transepidermal water loss remedy is moisturizing heavily, applying as soon as you can after stepping out of the shower to take advantage of any dampness still resting on your skin. Showers should be kept short and should stay warm at best, so it’s the same or slightly higher than your body temperature. Any water above 100 to105 degrees is going to start irritating your skin. Plugging in a humidifier, especially at night, will continue your fight even when you’re asleep. SLATHER ON THE SPF The thinner atmosphere seen at higher elevations absorbs fewer ultraviolet rays from the sun than the air and ozone levels found closer to sea level, so we can’t let our defenses down for winter — remember that snow magnifies the rays even more. Sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 is essential during daylight hours. Don’t skimp on it; a shot glass worth is needed to cover all exposed skin. Get all the extra protection you can from protective clothing and shade.

Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

WELLNESS

Treat Muscles

WITH CARE

Recovery

AND MAKE TIME FOR

ecovery is important in helping a body adapt to strenuous workouts. High-intensity workouts can be a great way for people to break through any plateaus they experience in their fitness routine, but it’s critical they understand what’s required in letting muscles recover. Matrix, a premier commercial fitness brand that provides equipment for facilities and homes, has this to say about maintaining a healthy balance between intensity and recovery so that folks won’t burn out or experience injury. TIME TO HEAL Overzealous workouts can require several days for full recovery, and that’s for both cardio workouts and strength training. Muscle tenderness shows up in the first 24 hours after a workout, then peaks at about 48 hours. Some workouts can take as many as four days for recovery. “While those who train consistently recover faster, even seasoned athletes experience muscle soreness and microdamage after intense effort,” writes Karlie Intelkofer, Ph.D., CNC, CPT, on the Matrix wellness blog. Intelkofer focuses on the benefits of exercise, nutrition and habit formation for brain health and well-being.

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

HELPING THE PROCESS ALONG Just because someone is having a recovery day doesn’t mean they have to become a couch potato. Sleep will help with muscle restoration, and according to Ubiehealth.com, sleep regulates the key hormones that control our body’s recovery, metabolism and appetite. It’s during quality sleep that the body releases hormones needed for muscle repair and stress management. Ambitious athletes who want to rush the healing process need to be warned that their muscles cannot perform adequately during recovery, so they need to plan for lower intensity days or rest altogether. They may see this as a setback, so it’s important they understand the physiology involved. High impact exercise may help with bone density but having a mix of options like rowing, using the elliptical or hopping on a stationary bicycle can reduce any risk of injury caused by repetitive use. A balance of high intensity exercise, cardio, conscious recovery times and a focus on sleep and restoration will keep athletes and amateurs happy with their progress. Understanding the connection between activity, sleep patterns and stress can help them make recovery a priority and get more from their workouts.

Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

WELLNESS

EVERYDAY HabitsProtect

BRAIN AGAINST DECLINE

here’s no silver bullet against dementia in any of its forms, probably the most feared chronic condition of all. That’s a fact everyone has to live with. However, advances in neuroscience have uncovered how daily choices and habits build our defenses against this dreaded disorder. Choices that benefit our entire body, as well as others that specifically boost brain function, are key to preserving our cognitive function. We’re never too young or old to begin battling for our future, though some research has identified midlife (ages 40 to 59) as a critical window for intervention. EXERCISE Consistent physical activity increases blood flow and tamps down inflammation, which affects the brain as well as every other system in the body. It also triggers the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), promoting production of neurons and strengthening communication between existing ones. DIET Consuming fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains rich with nutrients has been linked to longevity and a reduction in cognitive decline. The MIND diet, developed with aspects from the Mediterranean and Dash diets, focuses on brain health by emphasizing specific antioxidant-rich foods including berries and leafy greens. One 5-ounce

serving of wine is permitted, but it’s not recommended nondrinkers start. MENTAL STIMULATION Solving crossword and other puzzles, learning new languages and taking classes are among the specific brainbuilding exercises most recommended for people striving to preserve their cognitive function. Doing these, as well as reading, writing or picking up a new hobby strengthens neural connections and causes structural adaptations that boost performance and protect memories. SOCIAL CONNECTION Maintaining old relationships and starting new ones gets more difficult as we age, which leads to loneliness for many older adults. Socializing uses and reinforces important skills like memory and attention, while having supportive friends reduces stress. We can make new connections through classes, volunteering, apps and many other venues. SLEEP Memory and learning are consolidated during both non-REM and REM sleep, so it’s not surprising that sleep-deprived people tend to score lower on cognitive tests. We can protect our slumber through positive sleep habits like sticking to the same waking and bedtime hours, maintaining a restful sleep environment and limiting our caffeine and alcohol consumption.

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DESIGN

ENTERTAININGFRIENDLY Floor Plans

Room toBreathe

ALLOW

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

hen entertaining friends and family is a core part of your lifestyle, it’s frustrating when your house won’t cooperate. The dining room could be too small for guests to circulate or have no direct access to the outdoor patio or deck. The nearest bathroom may be too deep into the innards of your home for your comfort. The overhead lighting may have no setting between operating room and darkened movie theater.

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DESIGN

Today’s homes, particularly luxury custom homes, are being designed to accommodate how people naturally tend to gather and mingle, with wider and clearer paths from one room to another and between inside and out, along with more intimate pockets for guests who choose to socialize in smaller groups. Bars or beverage stations are placed strategically to relieve crowding in the kitchen, which may be split into a front kitchen for light prep and hanging out and a “scullery” for the heavy, messy work. Some of these layouts may be hard to implement unless you’re designing a new home or renovating the one you’re currently in, but you can draw inspiration from these ideas no matter what stage of homeownership you’re in. GO BIG OR GO HOME Your entryway should be as inviting as the rest of the house when your guests arrive. That means taking advantage of every square inch you’ve got to add at least one bench for removing boots or shoes, a segmented tray for keys and phones or cubbies that can hold bags, a speaker playing festive music, a dish of treats or party favors and a statement lighting fixture if you have the ceiling height.

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

Regardless, the lighting scheme should be layered and warm, pulling your visitors into a friendly hug. STAGING THE LIVING ROOM When you’re entertaining, your house becomes a sort of venue with music, lights and stages set up to encourage interaction. Your living room is usually right off the entry and where the socializing begins, so to get things rolling it doesn’t hurt to have a conversation piece or two. If the TV screen is the room’s focal point it’s easy to find an artful screensaver or a program that might draw a lively crowd, such as sports or a game show. TWO HEARTS Kitchens truly are at the heart of most homes, and that doesn’t change when you break kitchen functions into adjacent spaces. Typical blueprints put the refrigerator, display range and statement hood up front with a sink, plenty of counter space and an island for gathering, with high-end materials and finishes to glow in the photos. The scullery or working kitchen gets the oven and heavyduty range, along with the dishwasher, another sink and higher-grade ventilation to corral any odors or smoke that emerge from the labor.

DESIGN

TREAT YOUR HOME,

Yourself

TREAT YOUR

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

ith the gift buying and giving season upon us you may be filled with dread at the prospect of buying your significant other, kids, parents or anyone in your household another sweater or golf club or other gifts that aren’t big enough to displace something they already have, so they’re just going to add to the clutter. Many are re-evaluating the entire present process and looking for more creative, meaningful ways to be generous with those you love, and for the design-forward one option is to choose a new decorative element or furnishing that will make life a bit more marvelous. Coming together as a couple or a family, or even as yourself, to choose a specific design element for the house can get a little hairy as you iron out differences of opinion, which makes the eventual agreement and the object that results even more meaningful as a symbol of unity as well as a thing of beauty. Almost any kind of design upgrade could work as a gift from and to your household, but here are some suggestions to get you started: HANDCRAFTED FURNITURE If you go this route you’ll be creating an instant heirloom that will be beloved by everyone, especially if it’s a communal piece. A new dining room or kitchen table out of oak, mahogany or something exquisite and exotic like zebrano will draw family members like a magnet, whether it’s virgin or reclaimed wood. A bespoke

upholstered sofa, kitchen island or coffee table could serve the same purpose. STATEMENT LIGHTING This can come in the form of one or two chandeliers for everyone to focus on and ponder whenever they gaze upward. A staircase chandelier swirling down from the apex of a vaulted ceiling can espouse everyone’s ambition to ascend their ladder, be it professional, personal or spiritual. A modern linear chandelier mounted in a dining room could symbolize equal illumination and a seat at the table for everyone under your roof. COMMISSIONED ARTWORK This can go anywhere. First you must choose the medium — one of the innumerable forms of wall art, sculpture or a mixed media installation you haven’t been able to imagine yet. You must select an artist or artisan, preferably after you’ve decided the form it will take but maybe it’ll be easier to pick the person and give them free rein. The end result can be installed wherever you want; anchoring the front circular driveway for a public declaration or in the bedroom or bathroom for a secret and sacred totem. MIRROR IMAGE A statement mirror is an intriguing choice, with room for artistry on the frame whether it’s minimalist or maximalist, whatever fits with the rest of the home. The reflective surface allows any or all residents to see themselves in the context of the decision the whole made.

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DESIGN

CUSTOM MILLWORK TAILORS YOUR

DreamHome

hether building our home from the ground up or renovating 40 years after the fact, we want it to meet our needs as precisely as possible while each element in each room flows seamlessly from what comes before and after. Custom millwork — molding, baseboards, bookshelves, cabinetry, doors, desks, banquettes and other furnishings and storage produced to your specifications in a sawmill and fixed to a wall — frees up floor space and adds an elegant, bespoke dynamic to your space. Given that many stock pieces are now customizable millwork isn’t necessary for all homes, even ones with awkward gaps and measurements. Yet there are some cases where this level of customization will push the effect over the line into grandeur with the right level of craftsmanship: • Incorporate bespoke details in small but prominent ways, such as a Western-inspired design on the stringers (structural boards supporting the steps on a stairway) or the doors of architectural cabinetry. • Add customized storage for items that don’t fit neatly into standardized compartments, such as golf, ski or archery equipment, a wine collection, bulky musical instruments or large-scale seasonal decorations.

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

TO YOU

• Accommodate smaller dimensions and unique design demands of older houses.

• Create a statement piece or pieces, such as a mantel with ornate carvings, staircases with custom balusters and newel posts or architectural detailing like wainscoting or molding. When you’re willing and able to spend the additional money to bring custom millwork into your home it could be a showstopper. The front door can have a cutout for tempered glass windows, be adorned with geometric shapes or have patterns that mirror each other, in the case of double doors. The staircase, whether it winds through the entryway or runs against a wall, can have detailing that’s meaningful to your family, inspired by surrounding nature or bear a totally original design. “Invisible storage” won’t be an eyecatcher on its own, but will make the rest of the home look much less cluttered and more open, spacious and befitting of a luxurious abode. Thoughtfully designed custom millwork elevates every home it’s a part of through skillful decorative flourishes, curated seating and storage solutions or both for a classic, refined interior. These custom elements seamlessly bring beauty, function and distinctive character into the home.

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NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

DESIGN

HOMES WITH VIEWS SHOULD

Complement THE OUTDOORS W

by Blake Herzog

hen you’re fortunate enough to own a home that overlooks the bounty of Northern Arizona’s natural beauty, the last thing you should do is design your interior in a way that distracts from your views, whether they’re of ponderosa forest or high desert. Your vistas are so grand, you might think nothing could subtract from their impact, but there’s no reason to dishonor them with décor that clashes with or diverts from the soothing, healing essence of what’s just outside your walls. That said, every space doesn’t have to be oriented toward the windows like they’re the stage in a performing arts center. There are numerous ways to honor the great outdoors no matter what room you’re in. THE RIGHT TREATMENT When a window affords you a milliondollar view it may be tempting to leave it uncovered, but the strength and heat of the Arizona sun plus privacy concerns make this unrealistic. The best approach is to choose a treatment that will be as inconspicuous as possible, whether it’s open or closed. Roller shades slip discreetly into a compact casing at the top of the window and can be automated to provide more protection for the interior at midday. Drapery may work better on taller windows by softening their appearance. Solar shades protect the interior while keeping the view visible during the day but leave it visible from the outside at night, so supplemental drapery will be needed for windows facing neighbors’ property or public areas.

WARMLY MINIMAL The “warm minimalism” trend is tailormade for this scenario, combining clean lines and uncluttered surfaces with neutral earth tones; beige, taupe, cream, off-white, terracotta, clay, sage, moss, muddy brown, stone and warm gray. Conveniently, these shades are trending hard across all décor styles these days. Add visual interest by layering fabrics and pillows, keeping all materials as natural and classic as possible. Décor elements should be kept to a minimum and preferably echo natural images or concepts. LIGHT WITH CARE If you want to maintain a line of sight to the starry sky or other secrets of the nighttime, you’ll need to control your illumination so the lights don’t reflect back and turn your window into more of a mirror. Low-level lamps, task lighting and LED strips mounted underneath cabinets will diminish the reflections. Making as many of your light sources dimmable as possible will let you adjust them gradually to let the sunset’s rays overtake them, either manually or automatically. ORIENT FURNITURE TO THE VIEW Modern low-slung furniture that won’t intrude on the sightline is ideal for rooms with a view. If your tastes run more traditional, choose seating with shapes and lines that complement the natural scenery outside the window. Swivel chairs let people swing inward for conversation or outward for gazing into the wilderness.

Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

DESIGN

SYSTEMS AND SERVICES

Investment

CAN PROTECT YOUR HOME

he prestige and power of owning a luxury home comes with a massive investment, possibly the largest of your life. Time and technology have developed more and better ways to protect that investment so you, your family and guests can enjoy it with more peace of mind. In centuries past, country estates and large city households were fully staffed with servants dedicated to maintaining the premises, and a few ultra-high net worth residences still have live-in assistants. The rest of us need help too, and you’ll be able to find it through these services, among others. HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS They’ve existed for generations, gotten smarter with the online revolution and getting more precise and effective than ever with the onset of AI. They’re able to distinguish between family members and intruders, people and pets, and delivery people and intruders. Still, professionally monitored systems, where every alert goes to a dispatch center staffed by trained individuals, are considered a must for luxury homes with high square footage, acreage and valuable collections inside. Hybrid systems that use AI for detection and human monitors for verification are becoming the gold standard. LUXURY HOME INSURANCE High-value home insurance is recommended for those whose

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

houses or possessions carry more value than most typical policies can cover, usually homes valued from $750,000 to $1.5 million or so. It covers higher amounts and guarantees reconstruction of the house to the same standard or full cash back after a total loss. Customization of plans is one of the hallmarks of these luxury or high-value policies, which can be expanded to cover boats, valuable collections, kidnapping or extortion and risk consulting, where consultants can improve your defenses against wildfire or other disasters. Many waive your deductible for losses above a certain threshold, such as $50,000. COMPREHENSIVE HOME MAINTENANCE PLANS This type of proactive home care planning works for homes regardless of their monetary value, but luxury homes particularly benefit since they

by Blake Herzog

tend to have complex HVAC and water heating systems and custom features and finishes that require detailed attention and high square footage that makes it difficult to keep track of leaks, pests and other issues. An important component is setting up annual maintenance plans to cover as many parts of your home as possible. It will take a little bit of coordination but you can schedule one or two visits a year with your HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing, pest control, window cleaning and carpet/flooring cleaning providers, with home cleaners and landscapers coming more frequently. High-value homes come with more features that aren’t as frequently covered by annual plans but call for regular maintenance: water features, wine cellars; painting and maintenance of the facade, exterior and interior doors and the smart systems that keep everything else running.

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NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

DESIGN

DESIGN YOUR

BEDROOM

Wellness

TO LEAD TO

e’re in the middle of an epidemic, and it isn’t that virus caused by vegetables — it’s a sleep deficit wave. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 30% of adults have some kind of sleep problem and don’t get the recommended seven or eight hours needed for optimal health. SCREEN TIME BLUES Maybe it’s us? We are so attached to our phones, it’s hard to disconnect at night, even though we know the blue light is bad for us and inhibits the natural production of melatonin. That’s the hormone that helps us sleep at night. Even though we know better, we cling to our phones. Health experts recommend not only weaning yourself from watching YouTube videos into the night, but they also advise you to cover flashing lights on desktops and servers. PITCH DARK IS THE DESIRED STATE Is your room a vivid red? Is the sun streaming into your face? Go for cooler colors in all tones of blue and green to soothe you to sleep. Order some

blackout shades right away to give you the darkness your body needs. Room temperature should be cool, somewhere between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, although this is a turf war for couples who may run hot or cold in the night. Maybe royals have that separate bedroom thing right. WHAT’S THAT SOUND? Acoustics make a big difference when trying to get a good night’s sleep. The sounds of a house creaking, a faucet dripping, the nails of the dog on the kitchen tiles can all cut into your wellearned seven or eight hours. A white noise machine does a world of good when tuning out sounds around you while you’re trying to get some shuteye. Some people can’t sleep without it. That chatter may be annoying, but clutter can be worse. One therapist recommends that you clear the room of chaos. Others say don’t eat in bed: your bedroom should be a sanctuary for rest, renewal and, let’s just say, cuddling. If there’s a pile of to-be-read (TBR) books leaning precariously over your side of the bed it may be hard to relax and unwind in preparation for the night.

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DESIGN

Personalized

GALLERY WALL: MIX FAMILY PHOTOS WITH ART AND 3D PIECES

he gallery wall has been a forum for displaying not just art but curation in the luxury home for generations. Whether arranged in the traditional salon display or the more contemporary grid pattern, it’s a place for showing off our ability to collect and frame fine art pieces, generally two-dimensional sketches, photos or paintings. They tend to be pieces that aren’t directly related to our own lives, unless they’re a collection of artworks brought back from our travels. But the rules are loosening and people are combining family photos and memorabilia, including 3D objects, with art prints to create a display meaningful for you and unforgettable for your guests. ALTERNATIVES TO HANGING If you want to be able to make frequent additions or swaps in your display, you may not want to hang pieces directly onto the wall itself. Picture ledges are an easy and distinctive choice, while gallery hanging rails are more versatile. START AT THE CENTER The best way to build a gallery wall, especially one you expect to expand over time, is to start with the largest

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026

piece to anchor the collage. It can be used to establish an overall theme for the wall. It should be mounted about 60 inches above the floor for easy viewing. The other elements can fan out from it, 2 to 3 inches apart, with smaller pieces interspersed between the larger. FRAME WITH FORETHOUGHT When you’re combining diverse pieces on a gallery wall it’s important to create some kind of visual link between them, especially if there isn’t an obvious subject matter thread running through them. Framing is an easy way to do that, and they don’t have to be identical. Having a color, shape and/or texture in common can go a long way to introducing some uniformity. LET CREATIVITY RUN FREE Once you’ve got the basics down it’s time to get inventive! There are tons of themes that can tie personal memories with artistic creations like sports, fashion, travel, nature and food. Objects like plates, hats, baskets, musical instruments and matchbooks can be part of the array. Have fun with it while assuring it maintains an elegant, high-end aura.

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