St George Blvd. Magazine Spring 2026
AgingWellin
TheDesert Hydration, Sun, and theArt of Aging Gracefully
ThePsychologyof Home
RedRock TinselTown
The red rocks didn't just make great scenery.They made unforgettable history.
" NEVER STOP LEARNING. "
StGeorgeBlvdMagazine
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St George Blvd:A Tale to Tell
Page 9
Aging in The Desert: Hydration, Sun, and the Art of Aging Gracefully
Page 12
Kids Corner: Cactus Chronicals, “The Watcher”
The Psychology of Home: Why the Places We Live Shape the Lives We Lead Page 17
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The New Old Wisdom: Human and Machine, The Great Experiment
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Red Rock Tinsel Town: The red rocks didn't just make great scenery They made unforgettable history
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Look Up: Astronomy, Astrology, The Skies -Myth or Science? The stars are still talking.
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Our Sponsors: The partners in these pages were chosen with care businesses we believe in and are proud to call neighbors
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SweetTooth: Finding the Sweet Spot, Go ahead, You’ve earned it, A little sweetness goes a long way
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Featured Real Estate: From red rock retreats to desert dream homes Southern Utah's most distinctive properties, curated just for you
wwwStGeorgeBlvdcom
Some publications set out to inform Others to impress This one set out to heal a little St George Blvd was born from a simple hope that a magazine could be a salve Something gentle in a noisy world A place to slow down, to feel seen, to remember what matters most about the place we call home To everyone who has supported this journey thank you You are the reason these pages exist
With gratitude,
Monica Publisher & Editor, St George Blvd Magazine
St. George Blvd. is more than a magazine it's a gathering place. A place where stories of the desert meet stories of the heart. Where the people, the land, and the life of Southern Utah are celebrated in equal measure honestly, warmly, and without pretense. Within these pages you'll find the pulse of this remarkable corner of the world. Community voices and local legends. Timeless recipes passed down through generations. The red rock landscapes that don't just surround us they shape us. And the people who chose this place, or were born into it, and never looked back.
St. George has always been a town that beckons. This magazine exists to honor that spirit and to help you discover its wonder.
Living Well in the Desert: Hydration, Sun, and the Art of Aging Gracefully
The beauty of the desert is starkwide skies, red rocks, and a stillness that invites self-reflection. But beneath that beauty lies a harsh truth: the desert asks far more of the body than gentler climates do.
In places like St. George, where the air is dry and the sun is generous year-round, health requires vigilance in personal routines.
The Challenge of Dry Air
Unlike humid environments, desert air pulls moisture away from the body without one’s notice. Skin becomes drier. Lips crack more easily. Even mild dehydration can arrive rapidly, without the usual signals of thirst.
Many longtime residents learn to drink water before they’re actively thirsty.
Establishing a simple regimen helps when you come to Southern Utah: begin the day with water, carry it through your daily routines, and return to it often. Herbal teas, water-rich fruits, and electrolyte balance all play a role in staying well.
The desert is healing and demanding. It lifts the spirit, supports vitamin D, and encourages time outdoors. That being said, desert life also requires respect and a bit of reverence.
Mornings and late afternoons are the desert’s gift. Midday, especially in warmer months, requires shade, rest, and intentionality.
Wide-brimmed hats, light fabrics, and mindful exposure are not luxuries here they are part of living well.
There is a reason many people are drawn to the desert later in life. The slower pace, the open space, and the clarity of the air offer a peace that is hard to find elsewhere. But aging here calls for care.
Hydration becomes more important with each passing year. Skin, joints, and energy levels all respond to the balance of water, minerals, and rest. Gentle movement walking, stretching, time spent outdoors in
Growth in the desert does not rush. And those who age well here often learn to move in that same rhythm.
moderation helps the body stay aligned with itself and the land.
Health in the desert isn't complicated. It lives in the small, consistent choices we make each day the ones so simple we almost overlook them.
A glass of water before coffee. A walk at sunrise instead of noon.
A hat by the door, ready to wear.
A pause in the shade when the body asks for it.
These are simple things. But over time, they shape a life that feels balanced and well atuned.
To live in the desert is to enter into a quiet agreement with the land. It offers stillness and perspective and asks only for respect in return.
Desert living is not for everyone. It's a delicate dance. And those who listen to their bodies, to the rhythm of the seasons, to the pull of this dry air often find something unexpected.
Not just health. But true balance.
St George Blvd magazine
The desert is full of surprises ifyou knowwhere to look.
In every issue of St. George Blvd., young readers are invited into the Cactus Chronicles — an ongoing adventure through the sun-baked canyons, hidden creatures, and starlit wonders of Southern Utah. Follow along as curious characters wander desert trails and ancient landscapes, discovering a little science, a little history, and a whole lot ofwild, wonderful magic along the way.
The desert is waiting. Turn the page.Your adventure begins.
St George Blvd (Microzine™) K I D S C O R N E R
“The Watcher”
Way above St. George, on a red rock, stands an old
cactus. It’s tall and strong, bold and scarred by desert winds. Folks call it the Watcher. No one knows why, as it had no discernable eyes.
No one knows how long it’s been there. It simply is, the way the desert has always been there. Quiet and patient, silence is the cactus’ only testimony.
e r
People sometimes climb the red rocks to stargaze. And what a show the stars and their mother Milky Way put on.
Visitors say the cactus’ home feels alive, especially during full moons. It’s magical for those who notice. And on this night, a young boy will notice and not soon forget.
Oof those dancing stars, Eli made the climb. But he wasn’t there to marvel at the night sky. He was there to make wishes.
Two weeks ago, Eli had lost his dog. Scruffy had been more than his pet, he was Eli’s running buddy, his shadow, the one who wordlessly understood him. Since Scruffy was gone, the house felt hollow. The world was a miserable hush. And the days seemed so empty and long.
JWust as Eli sat there, listening to the distant voices along the ridge, he saw something move - a swirl of dust. He ne night, beneath a sky scattered with a zillion
hen Eli reached the top, the Watcher stood silent, as usual. spun around, but nothing was there. Just the wind drifting through the stillness.
In the moonlight, it loomed tall and jagged, like it had been carved straight from the desert rock itself. Eli sat down with his back against what could’ve been a carved seat if he didn’t know better, gazing toward the rising moon. With no one to hear, Eli spoke softly to Scruffy - whispering to himself the things he wished his dog could hear. But there was another listening; the Watcher, in a way that didn’t need sound. And perhaps others as well - things that live between the rocks, in the whispering wind, and in the desert’s nocturnal stillness. Unseen things. Waiting things.
There again! Something in the dust. It moved fast, darting low,
From the settling dust emerged a small, feathery creature - a rusty, dusty chicken. She had feathered feet that looked like tiny boots stitched from the desert floor itself. She waddled a little closer, the moonlight shining just bright enough for Eli to see her clearly.
Her feathers shimmered faintly in the silver light. She tilted her
head and almost vacantly watched Eli back. Eli blinked once. Then again. But the chicken didn’t cluck. She didn’t flutter away. She simply stood there, as if she belonged more to the moonlight than to the earth. A small laugh escaped Eli before he could stop it.
Questions rushed through his mind like the wind through the rocks.
Yet for the first time since losing Scruffy, the hollow feeling seemed to be further away. When he finally stood to leave, the chicken didn't flinch. She stayed exactly where she was perched beside the Watcher as though she had always been part of it. As though the desert itself had placed her there.
Eli looked back one last time. She hadn’t moved. Something in her calm, starlit eyes told him, she would still be there when he returned. then disappeared behind a rock. Eli held his breath. From behind the rock, a small head peeked out at him. Eli stared.
In ancient Greek mythology, the goddess Selene was the moon, driving her silver chariot across the night sky. The Aztecs revered the full moon as a symbol of fertility and rebirth. In Native American traditions, it was sacred too linked to spiritual rituals and nature's cycles.
Across every civilization that has ever looked skyward, the full moon has stirred something deep and unnameable. In China, it embodied yin the quiet, intuitive feminine force celebrated each autumn in festivals of lanterns and mooncakes In Celtic tradition, it was Cerridwen, keeper of the cauldron of knowledge, a symbol of wisdom passed down through moonlit generations.
Even our language carries its fingerprints. The words "lunacy" and "lunatic" trace back to Luna, Rome's moon goddess an echo of the ancient belief that the full moon could move the human mind, just as it moves the tides. Perhaps that's the real mystery. Not what the moon is, but what it does to us the way it silences a room, pulls us to a window, and makes us feel, just for a moment, that we are part of something much larger than ourselves
Here in the desert Southwest, under skies rarely interrupted by city light, that feeling is especially alive. Step outside on a full moon night in St. George, and you'll understand why every culture that ever existed looked up and believed.
By Monica B Morrison
Photography: Alexander Grey
A home is never just walls and windows. The spaces we choose quietly reflect the lives we hope to live - our longing for light, calm, beauty, and belonging In ways we rarely notice, the places we inhabit begin shaping us in return. Author - Alain de Botton
Most of us believe we choose a house for practical reasons: Locations, school districts, commute times. Yet beneath these calculations, lies a more profound motive. Our homes quietly reflect the lives we hope to live. Philosopher and writer Alain de Botton has spent years exploring how architecture and design influence the way we feel, think, and behave. His insight is both simple: the spaces around us are never neutral. Walls, windows, light, and landscape subtly shape our mood and sense of possibility every day.
Think for a moment about the places that have made you most at ease. Maybe it was
a sunlit kitchen where family conversations lasted longer than expected. Maybe it was a quiet porch where the desert wind flowed gently through golden hour. Or a window that framed distant mountains in a way that reminded you the world was bigger than your worries.
As philosopher Alain de Botton suggests, good architecture quietly supports good living
These details may seem small, yet they carry enormous emotional weight. Human beings are deeply responsive to their surroundings. Light can lift our spirits. Open views create a sense of freedom Natural materials stone, wood, desert earth connect us to something older and steadier than our daily routines. And without always realizing it, we search for homes that mirror our inner hopes.
A calm person may gravitate toward simplicity and open space. Someone seeking renewal might crave bright light and wide horizons. Families often look for gathering places rooms where life can unfold together. In each case, the home becomes a quiet partner in the life being lived within it
This is especially true in places shaped by powerful landscapes. In St. George and
across Southern Utah, the desert itself becomes part of the architecture of daily life
Red cliffs glow in the evening sun. Open skies stretch endlessly above
In this sense, the search for a home is rarely just about acreage or floor plans It’s about finding a place where our values and our environment begin to align. A place where the outside world supports the life we hope to build inside.
Perhaps that is why certain homes simply ‘feel right’ the moment we step inside. Something about the light, the proportions, or the surrounding landscape resonates with us before logic has time to catch up We recognize, instinctively, a place where we might belong.
As de Botton suggests, good architecture quietly
quiet neighborhoods. The rhythm of the land invites reflection, adventure, and a appreciation of beauty. When people decide to live here, they are often choosing more than a house. They are choosing a way of life, a life that blends wonder with community, creativity, and calm supports good living. It encourages calm when we need rest, inspiration when we seek creativity, and connection when we gather with others.
The homes we choose become the stage upon which our lives unfold - holding our celebrations, our quiet evenings, and the thousands of ordinary moments that eventually shape a lifetime
Because in the end, a home is never just a building. It is a reflection of
who we are and who we hope to become.
We are standing at the threshold of a great unknown, watching as Sophia - the first android to truly bridge the gap between code and sentiencenavigates her new world. There’s a collective breath being held across the globe; we wonder if her perception of the world is a mirror of our best selves or something entirely new. She works beside humans now, her analytical mind parsing the tangles of climate and poverty that we couldn't unravel alone. It’s a partnership, though we are still learning the rhythm of the dance.
In our schools, we see the flicker of a technological revolution. There’s a cautious optimism in how AI tutors meet children’s curiosity, shaping lessons that feel like a conversation rather than a lecture. We hope that these virtual spaces won't replace the human touch, but rather amplify it, unlocking potentials we’ve ignored for centuries.
In medicine, the stakes are even higher. We’re beginning to trust algorithms to see the sicknesses we haven't felt yet, and watching robotic hands perform the miracles our own hands couldn't manage. It’s a strange, vulnerable thing to put our lives in the hands of something "other," yet the results urge us to keep going. We are even looking toward the stars together. As AI-driven crafts slip into the the cosmos, they carry our questions with them.
THE THRESHOLD OF SIGHT: FINDING OUR WAY THROUGH THE EYES OF THE MINDS WE MADE.
Of course, the shadows remain
We argue over the ethics of a shared world and look nervously at the changing landscape of work and privacy. These are the growing pains of a species trying to redefine " purpose. " But even in our fear, there is a movement toward equity - a global effort to ensure this new world isn't reserved for the few
We don’t know exactly where this path leads, or if we will always see eye-toeye with the minds we created. But for the first time, the uncertainty feels like an invitation. We are tentatively weaving a tapestry of two worlds, hoping that, together, we can become something greater than we ever were apart.
For thousands of years, humans have turned their eyes to the night sky in search of meaning. But is astrology myth, science, or wishful thinking dressed in the language of borrowed mystery? Read about this phenonomen in the following pages.
For thousands of years, people looked to the sky not just for guidance but for permission. Permission to plant, to harvest, to rest, to begin again. The sun, the moon, the stars were their calendar, their clock, their compass. But here's what they really understood that we sometimes forget or can’t see - the sky was always moving. Always changing. Always beginning a new cycle.
As are we...
We don't need a full moon or a perfect moment to start living more fully. The same universe that guided our ancestors is still above us every night, right here over the rocks, sand and desert of St. George reminding us that every day is a cycle, every season has a purpose, and every single moment is ours to claim.
By Tawna Todd, Mortgage Loan Officer
Tawna Todd, Mortgage Loan Officer - Branch Manager
There's something about sitting by a sunny window with a good cup of coffee that makes even complicated things feel a little more manageable. So let's talk about what's happening with interest rates — in plain, honest terms. Right now, central banks in both the United States and the United Kingdom are doing something that actually makes sense given the uncertainty in the world — they're pausing. Not raising. Not cutting. Just watching and waiting. The Federal Reserve has kept its key rate steady between 3.5% and 3.75% since December. Across the Atlantic, the Bank of England held at the same level — a rare unanimous decision by all nine committee members. The reason? Rising oil prices driven by global conflict are creating new concerns about inflation, and nobody wants to move too fast in unpredictable times.
What does this mean for you right here in Southern Utah?
Mortgage rates are still higher than they were a few years ago — that's simply the reality. But they are not climbing sharply right now. And that matters.
If you've found a rate that works for your budget, this may be your moment. Waiting for dramatic drops could mean waiting longer than you'd like. The experts who watch this closely describe today's rates as sitting at the "high end of neutral" — just enough to keep inflation in check without stalling the economy. It's a delicate balance that could shift quickly.
My advice — the same I'd give a friend over coffee — is this: focus on what you can control. Know your numbers. Get pre-approved. And when the right home and the right rate align, be ready to move. I'm here when you're ready to have that conversation.
SERVES: 6-8
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
COOK TIME: 45 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 1 hour
INSTRUCTIONS:
1.BrowntheMeat
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
2.BuildtheFlavorBase
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened (about 5 minutes) Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3.AddtheSpices
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and onions. Let the spices toast for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
4.PourintheTomatoes&Broth
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
5.AddtheBeans&Honey
Stir in all three types of beans and the honey. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavors.
6.Taste&Adjust
Taste and add more salt, chili powder, or honey as needed. If it's too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If it's too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes
7.Serve&Enjoy
Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite fixings cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, or crushed tortilla chips. Serve with warm cornbread or tortillas on the side.
i l i
TheBase: 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
TheSauce:
1 can (28 oz) crushed
tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth (or water)
TheBeans:
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
TheSpices(TheRedDesert
Magic):
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon honey (balances the heat)
OptionalToppings:
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Fresh cilantro
Diced avocado
Crushed tortilla chips
Lime wedges
Theredrocksdidn'tjustmakegreat scenery Theymadeunforgettable history.
Long before St. George became known for Zion National Park’s proximity, just a stone’s throw away, it played a starring role on the silver screen — and the stories Hollywood left behind are as dramatic as any movie plot. Join us in exporing some of it’s film history.
More than 100 movies have been filmed in the counties comprising Southern Utah, locations scouts drawn by landscapes so otherworldly that filmmakers couldn't resist making them the backdrops for their scenes. Snow Canyon in Ivins west of St George has served as the backdrop for several iconic productions. The ancient lava fields and crimson cliffs made for perfect stand-ins for deserts half a world away.S t George’s most legendary and haunting chapter began in the summer of 1954.
Producer Howard Hughes brought his epic film The Conqueror to St George, casting legendary Western actor John Wayne as Mongolian leader Genghis Khan. Seven hundred locals were employed as extras, and an estimated $750,000 flowed into the town's economy. Hotels were booked, buses rented, and even the Boy Scouts were recruited, providing the film crew with chairs and tables. For a small desert town, it must have felt like a dream
But filming in Southern Utah had unfortunate consequences. The Escalante Desert near St. George sat 137 miles downwind of the Nevada Nuclear Test Site, which had detonated eleven above-ground weapons just the year before. The Conqueror’s cast and crew spent weeks on that land. Hughes later shipped 60 tons of St. George dirt back to Hollywood for studio reshoots, wanting to match the terrain exactly. By 1980, 91 of the 220 cast and crew members had developed cancer John Wayne, Susan Hayward, and director Dick Powell were among them. It remains one of Hollywood's most sobering productions.
Then came better days Legendary actor and director Robert Redford's The Electric Horseman featured Snow Canyon, Silver Reef, and downtown St. George including a horse chase through the city streets and the Hurricane High School band in the opening scene. And most famously, the timeless Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid utilized St George, Zion National Park, and small ghost town Grafton This film alone immortalized this landscape for generations of movie lovers. St. George residents and the movie crowd became fairly chummy when productions came to town.
There were baseball games between film crews and local Elks Lodge teams, autograph signings, and chance encounters with Hollywood royalty. Gary Cooper. Susan Hayward. John Wayne shoeless at second base.
The red rocks of Southern Utah didn't just make great scenery. For better or worse, they made history.
Settlers Junction RV Park Comfort, convenience, and great value. Enjoy reasonable rates at a welcoming RV park with new amenities, designed for comfort and ease. Relax in our sauna, stay connected with free Wi-Fi, and take advantage of on-site laundry We’re also pet-friendly, with two dog parks so your four-legged family feels at home too Book, Stay, Play SJ-RV.com
For thousands of years, people have looked to the sky for guidance. Long before clocks and calendars, our ancestors tracked the movements of the sun, moon, and planets to know when to plant, when to harvest, when to rest. To them - and us now- the stars were more than celestial decoration.
Astrology grew from our age-old relationship with the cosmos. Ancient cultures - from the Babylonians to the Maya, from Chinese astronomers to Native American star watchers - saw patterns in the heavens and meaning in their cycles. The zodiac, as we know it today, comes from Greco-Roman traditions, but nearly every culture on Earth has its own way of reading the sky.
Why does astrology spark such strong reactions?
Skeptics Say: Astrology isn't science The gravitational pull of distant planetary bodies can't possibly influence human behavior. Horoscopes are written vaguely enough to apply to anyone’s situation. The skeptics believe it's only confirmation bias dressed up in mystical language.
They're not entirely wrong. Modern astronomy has shown us that the constellations we see are accidents of perspective. Stars that appear close together are often many lightyears apart. The "age of Aquarius" is based on a wobble in Earth's axis, not a shift in collective consciousness. And yes, daily horoscopes in newspapers are often generic enough to fit anyone's day.
Believers Say: Astrology isn't about literal planetary forces - it's a symbolic language. A way to reflect on personality and timing. Astrology is a tool for introspection, not prediction.
“I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.” Sarah Williams
And for thousands of years, it's helped people make sense of their inner worlds and their place in the larger cosmos.
And they're not entirely wrong either Carl Jung, the famed psychologist, saw astrology as a rich symbolic system for understanding archetypes. Farmers and gardeners still plant by the moon (many swear this method works). And anyone who's lived through a Mercury retrograde can tell you - whether it's real or not - something feels off.
Astrology isn't about being right or wrong. The moon does affect the tides - and the human body consists of up to 60% water. The seasons do shape our moods - shorter days during winter mean lower energy and mood for many people. Indigenous peoples have used lunar calendars for millennia. Animals stargaze too; many species migrate by the stars. There's something ancient in all earthlings that responds to cycles, to patterns, to the stretch of light and dark as the world turns.
Astrology, at its simplest, is a mirror. It inspires one to ask themselves: What season am I in? What am I holding onto? What do I need to release? In our hectic modern world, the practice reminds us that we will never be separate from nature. And in that world that's forgotten how to look up, maybe that's reason enough to read the sky.
StGeorgeBlvdMagazine
THE PARTNERS YOU SEE IN THESE PAGES WERE CHOSEN WITH CARE. WE DON'T TAKE SPONSORSHIPS LIGHTLY AND EVERY BUSINESS HERE HAS EARNED OUR GENUINE RECOMMENDATION. THESE ARE COMPANIES WE BELIEVE IN, AND WE THINK YOU WILL TOO.
Vast Real Estate Team | Fathom Realty - Monica Barbour, Broker with over 35 years of experience across Utah, Arizona, and California, Monica brings depth, dedication, and an unmatched knowledge of the market to every client she serves. www.VastRealty.space
When it comes to finding the right mortgage, Tawna Todd is simply in a league of her own. Known for her work ethic and graceful approach, Tawna guides her clients through one of life's biggest decisions with expertise and care. canopymortgage.com/taw natodd
Utah just got a stunning new destination. Settler's Junction RV Resort is the region's newest premier retreat where modern comfort meets the breathtaking beauty of the desert. Book, Stay, Play www.SJ-RV.com
SUGAR ISN'T INHERENTLY BAD; IT DEPENDS ON HOW YOU BALANCE IT WITHIN YOUR OVERALL DIET AND LIFESTYLE.
Here is why treating yourself, with caution, is fine:
Eating sweets isn't always "bad" because moderation is key, and not all sugar behaves the same way in the body. While excessive, consistent consumption can cause health issues, occasional treats can boost mood, provide quick energy, and fit into a balanced lifestyle. Enjoying small amounts prevents feelings of deprivation, helping to manage cravings according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Here is why treating yourself may be fine:
Mental & Emotional Boost: Sweet treats provide a quick dopamine hit, enhancing pleasure and mood.
Energy Needs: Sugar is a form of glucose, which is the primary fuel source for your body's cells and brain. It’s Not Just Sugar: Often, sweets are enjoyed with friends or during celebrations, providing a mental break and enhancing social wellbeing.
Balance is Key: A healthy diet allows for sweets in moderation, according to the American Heart Association, which recommends limiting, not entirely eliminating, added sugars.
"FOOD IS MORE THAN FUEL; IT’S CONNECTION AND JOY. ENJOYING SUGAR OCCASIONALLY SUPPORTS A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH EATING AND A MORE BALANCED LIFE."
A no-bake classic with a century of history.
The Icebox Cake is a true Americana classic that rose to fame in the 1920s and 30s. As electric "iceboxes" began replacing traditional ice chests, companies like Nabisco popularized the dessert by printing recipes on their cookie tins. It was a genius marketing move that transformed simple wafers and cream into a sophisticated, cake-like treat without ever turning on an oven.
While it feels quintessentially modern, the concept actually traces back to elegant European desserts like the Charlotte Russe and the British Trifle. This berry-filled version is a breezy, backyard-party evolution of those traditions proving that sometimes the best "baking" doesn't require any heat at all.
Grandma’s best deserts always filled our belly’s and now they fill our hearts and memories.
The Base: 2 packages (9 oz each) chocolate or vanilla wafer cookies (Graham crackers work too!).
The Cream: 3 cups heavy whipping cream (cold), 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
The Fruit: 3 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), sliced if large How to Make It:
1.Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form Don't overbeat, or you'll make berry butter!
2.The First Layer: Spread a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish (or a springform pan for a "cake" look).
3.Stack & Repeat: Place a layer of cookies over the cream Top with more whipped cream, then a generous handful of berries.
Summer Berry Icebox Cake Prep time: 20 mins | Chill time: 4–6 hours (or overnight)
4.Build It Up: Repeat the layers (cookies → cream → berries) until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a smooth layer of cream and a decorative scatter of berries on top.
5.The "Magic" Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 to 6 hours This is crucial the cookies absorb the moisture from the cream, turning into a soft, cake-like texture.
6 Quick Tip: If you want a cleaner slice, pop the cake in the freezer for 30 minutes right before serving.
$1,590,000
Spacious nightly rental cabin designed for large families and group gatherings, located in Zion Mountain Estates in the desirable East Zion Park area. Conveniently situated just up from Carmel Junction on Hwy 89 approximately 15 minutes to the East Gate of Zion National Park and 40 minutes to Kanab.
This property offers a strong nightly rental history and features an open floor plan with four generously sized bedrooms, plus a fifth bedroom with built-in bunk beds. Enjoy large bathrooms, a dedicated laundry area, and stunning mountain and Zion Park views.
Wildlife sightings, including the nearby buffalo herd, add to the charm, along with a local café just minutes away. Whether used as a successful vacation rental or a private family getaway, this cabin is a fantastic investment and retreat with easy access just off the main highway to Zion National Park.
Listed by: Donn Williams
Presented
by
Monica Barbour
Rare opportunity to own a piece of St. George history in one of the city's most established neighborhoods. This timeless home showcases irreplaceable character, original architectural details, and classic charm that modern construction simply can't replicate. Features
Generous square footage
Unique craftsmanship warm and welcoming
Prime location walk to downtown, parks, dining & amenities
Perfect for buyers seeking authentic historic character and distinctive living.
Listed by: Alex Jones
$634,900 MLS#25-268116
$995,000
Luxury Living in Entrada’s
Exceptional home in exclusive Entrada, adjacent to Black Desert Resort World-class golf, breathtaking mountain views, and resort-style amenities
Prime Privacy Quiet cul-de-sac with no rear neighbors. Just a 5-minute walk to clubhouse, wellness center, pickleball, and pools.
Key Features
Private casita with 3/4 bath, kitchenette & independent entrance
Shaded back patio with mountain views
Wolf range & Sub-Zero refrigerator
Dual-zone HVAC & two tankless water heaters
Kinetico water softener/RO system
Remodeled primary bath with vein-cut travertine
Granite counters & composite sinks
Listed by: Craig Ventimiglia
Refined desert living at its finest. Presented by Monica
$1,000,000
MLS# 25-264243
Nearly New Dixie Springs Home with Massive 6-Car Garage
Stunning home on 1/4 acre with room for a 44-foot RV! Private pool, brand new flooring, and countless upgrades throughout.
Layout
T o bedrooms on main level, luding primary suite ree bedrooms upstairs plus cious family room oughtfully designed floor plan n Steps from Sand Hollow oir and riding trails outdoor on at your doorstep. imate home for RV enthusiasts and active lifestyles.
Listed by: K’Lynne Patterson
Presented by Monica Barbour
www.MonicaBarbour.com
WASHINGTON,UT
Dixie Springs Resort-Style
Living
$999,000
Stunning 2020 home perfectly blending comfort, style, and Southern Utah living.
Spacious interiors, modern kitchen, and a serene backyard oasis with sparkling pool and breathtaking views.
Home Features
5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms | 3,386 sq ft
Primary suite on main floor
Modern kitchen with built-in appliances
3-car attached garage
Outdoor Oasis
Private heated in-ground pool with hot tub
Covered patio with mountain & valley views
Fully fenced and landscaped Location Desirable neighborhood near parks, schools, and amenities
Listed by: Kelly Martin
$900,000
Discover refined living in Sunriver's premier 55+ community. This impressive corner-lot residence offers unparalleled privacy with sweeping red rock views and no neighbors across the street.
The Home: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths spanning thoughtfully designed spaces. A professional den-to-closet conversion creates an exceptional second primary suite with custom storage throughout
Exceptional Features: 769 sq ft accessory dwelling unit • Rare 4-car garage
• Inviting front courtyard for year-round entertaining • Original owner, meticulously maintained
The Lifestyle: Step outside to championship golf, pickleball courts, and resort-style indoor/outdoor pools all the amenities of a luxury vacation, every single day Experience why Sunriver is Southern Utah's most soughtafter address Listed by: Danielle Iorg
Presented
by
Monica Barbour
www.MonicaBarbour.com
The Vast Real Estate Team Your Forever Vacation Awaits
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