West Valley FEB 2026 by The Grand Season

Victoria Phan,

FROM THE

EDITOR

February has arrived, bringing love into the air and excitement across the Valley of the Sun. From the buzz surrounding the Waste Management Open to football fans gearing up for the Big Game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, there’s no shortage of things to celebrate.

Valentine’s Day, in particular, reminds us of the importance of expressing love and appreciation for the people who matter most. This month’s issue of The Grand Season is filled with thoughtful content designed to help you do just that—love those in your life well.

We’re also thrilled to be celebrating 25 years of The Grand Season this year. Our magazine would not be possible without the continued support of our local advertisers. Whether you’re planning a home update or need something repaired or replaced, we encourage you to connect with the many locally owned businesses featured in our pages.

Thank you for supporting The Grand Season and our valued advertising partners.

Let love guide you!

Melissa Whitton Editor/Associate Publisher

Ronnie & Tom

Dr. Gasser and the team at Gasser Dental ease your fear concerns through award-winning

Our compassionate team is

for you whatever your dental needs. Dr. Gasser is a full-service provider and does it all in one location, placing convenience and comfort as a top priority for his patients.

5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “I realize the way your eyes deceived me, With tender looks that I mistook for love.”

Self-love is not about being happy all the time or having everything figured out—it’s about learning how to care for yourself consistently, even on difficult days. Practicing self-care means intentionally supporting your emotional, physical, and mental well-being so you can show up as your best self. The following steps highlight simple yet meaningful ways to build self-love:

1. Recognize and accept your emotional state

INVEST IN YOURSELF

No one is happy all the time. Nor are they positive or the best version of themselves every day. An important part of self-love is holding yourself to reasonable standards.

2. Take time for yourself

As great as it is to be around people and to socialize, it’s super important to take time for yourself so that you can evaluate your emotional state and dedicate some time to self-care. It’s not selfish to prioritize alone time so that you can focus on self-love, it’s a non-negotiable step of your self-care routine.

3. Exercise

Physical activity is tied to our moods as well as our physical and mental health. A key part of self-care is maintaining your physical health so that your body is functioning properly and serving you.

4. Eat right

Paying attention to your diet is an important part of self-care, because it contributes to how you feel as well as your energy level.

5. Forgive yourself

This means embracing self-compassion. We all make mistakes. Life moves on and so should you. Embracing self-compassion will allow you to reflect on your actions with kindness, empathy and support, which will allow you to forgive yourself for whatever happened.

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About Regency Specialties

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Our Services

Dermatology

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Plastic Surgery

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• Rhinoplasty

Sclerotherapy

Radio-frequency ablation

Matisse Med-spa

• Facials & Peels

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• Waxing, Lashes & Brows

Hair Transplantation

• Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

• Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)

• Hairline Restoration

VenaSeal

Micro-Phlectopmy

Dr. Betty Hinderks Davis MD, FAAD

Dr. Jason Mussman MD, FACS

DINING GUIDE

FOOD

WINE SLUSHIE

INGREDIENTS

1 c. sugar (less for a sweet wine, more for a dry wine)

1 1/2 tsp. citric acid

1/4 tsp. matcha (green tea) powder

1 bottle wine

3 c. water

DIRECTIONS

Blend sugar, citric acid, and matcha powder into a food processor for 1-2 minutes. Pour mix into large bowl. Add wine and water. Stir well. Freeze for 3 hours before serving.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

INGREDIENTS

8 oz. bittersweet chocolate (70% cacao or higher), chopped, plus chocolate shavings

30 regular-size marshmallows

2 c. heavy cream

DIRECTIONS

In large bowl, combine chocolate, marshmallows and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Microwave on High 2 minutes; stir until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth (if not melted after 2 minutes, microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between). Let cool to room temp, about 45 minutes. Once mixture is cool, whip remaining cream in bowl until soft peaks form; transfer 1/2 cup to small bowl for topping. Refrigerate. Stir half of remaining whipped cream into cooled chocolate mixture until fully incorporated, then gently fold in the rest. Spoon into eight 4-ounce ramekins. Refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours and up to overnight. To serve, top with reserved whipped cream and sprinkle with shaved chocolate, if desired.

FLASHBACK

Answers from pg. 11

1. Neil Diamond, in 1979. The single was first released on his “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” album the year before. Tommy Overstreet released a country cover in 1979.

2. The Dave Clark Five, in 1965. They were the second British band to appear on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” and would eventually appear 17 more times. The Beatles only appeared on the show four times.

3. Tom Petty, in 1989, on his “Full Moon Fever” album. It topped the rock chart for five weeks.

4. Pat Benatar, in 1980.

5. “Paper Roses,” by Anita Bryant, in 1960. The song was Bryant’s best success, going to No. 5 on the charts in the U.S. but reaching No. 1 in Canada.

Dinner and a Movie!

LOVE APPRECIATION

Do you appreciate your spouse every day? If you want your relationship to make it for the long haul, then you will learn that big gestures are nice, but it’s the little things that count. Never let an opportunity pass you by to tell someone how much they mean to you. If you need ways to help you appreciate your spouse more, then these ideas are sure to assist.

1. Say you love them every day.

Some people need to know how much they are loved and appreciated daily. As they pass you by, take time to tell them how you feel.

2. Leave love letters around your home. If you want to show how much you appreciate your spouse, why not leave little love letters around the house. Using sticky notes are a great way to put messages for them to find.

3. Offer massages.

Nothing feels better after a long day than a back and neck rub. You can take turns massaging each other’s feet, necks, and backs. It’s an excellent way to release tension from stress and feel the loving touch of the one who holds your heart.

4. Listen and communicate with them.

The best thing that you can do for your spouse is to listen and effectively communicate with them. Don’t interrupt them when they’re trying to tell you about their day. Listen to every word they say,and validate their feelings.

5. Be playful.

Never lose that playfulness that you had with your spouse from the

start. Help them cook dinner, put on some great music, and take a quick dance around the room.

6. Smile when they look at you.

Sometimes the best thing to do is to say nothing, but instead offer them a look that says it all. When your lover looks at you, grin. Not just any smile, but you want a smile so deep and genuine that it lights up your eyes.

Never let a moment pass you by where you don’t show the one you love how much you care. You’re not promised tomorrow, and life is but a vapor that can quickly be gone. Make sure that if tomorrow never comes, they know how much you loved them.

AAA SENIOR PLACEMENT AZ

A Message from Sue Royer

“I was born and raised in inner city Chicago, the sixth of eighteen children with fifteen brothers. Being the oldest daughter, I was always a caregiver which I believe influenced me to pursue work in the healthcare industry. Today, I have three daughters and five grandchildren.

Years ago, I volunteered for hospice and knew immediately that helping seniors was my calling. I was soon employed by hospice but I felt something was missing. I realized it was the limited time I was able to spend with my clients. Having my own business allows me to provide the intimate hands on service needed in our community. I am committed to our seniors throughout their lives and I thank the community for the opportunity to serve.”

Sue RoyerDirector

About Us

Since 2002, AAA Senior Placement AZ has been offering FREE services helping seniors find safe, affordable and loving assisted living.

When it becomes too difficult for you or your loved ones to safely manage daily living and/or manage medical needs, call Sue Royer for help navigating the many options available.

We are specialists in all levels of assisted living care resources with referrals to Arizona’s best:

• Group Homes

• Assisted Living Communities

• In-Home Primary Care Physicians

• Home Health Care Therapy

• Transportation

• Private Duty In-Home Care

• Respite Care

• Alzheimer’s Care

• Memory Care

• Hospice

• Support Groups