Definitely Downton

David Downton, an internationally recognized fashion illustrator, has been on my radar since the late ’90s. Capturing a likeness with just a simple, fluid line is his trademark. Making it look effortless is his gift.  When he was in the Valley to speak at the Arizona Costume Institute’s Luncheon, I had the pleasure to meet with him and gain more insight into his professional journey.

The Next Generation

Nearly 50 years ago, The Who’s famous tune, “My Generation,” became the stuff of musical legend, a rebel cry of young people struggling to find their way in a changing world. In the years since, every generation has made its mark in new and different ways…

Beauty Breakthroughs

It is no surprise, women want to look as young as they feel. “The biggest concern women have when they come to the cosmetic counter definitely is aging,” says Renee Karakey, Department Manager of Fine Fragrance and Cosmetics at Saks Fifth Avenue, Biltmore Fashion Park.

Childsplay – Theater On A Mission

As with most brilliant innovations, it began with an idea and a mission. David Sarr, Founder and Artistic Director, used the concept of merging teaching and the dramatic arts to create a new and exhilarating way to educate children.

Daniel Schay

“There’s a lot of activity here for a place where nothing is supposed to happen.”

Daniel Schay, late of Phoenix Theatre’s management team, is talking about his newest professional home, Theater Works, the ambitious but frequently ignored company located in the West Valley. The non-profit enterprise makes it home in Peoria, a place where, as Schay points out, “nothing is supposed to happen.”

Necessary Luxury

A spa visit has always been an excuse for some well-deserved TLC. Add the benefits of reducing the stresses and strains of everyday life, and this luxury becomes a necessity. You’ll not only leave relaxed and pampered, but also silky, supple and detoxified. Here are six of our favorite Valley spas and their signature services.

Heart Ball Kick-Off At Saks 5th Avenue

This year’s 2013 Heart Ball Kick-Off Breakfast and Fashion Show on February 13 at Saks Fifth Avenue brought together a group of dedicated women ready to make a difference. The event marks the start of the planning stage for one of the Valley’s premiere charity events.

Beautiful Destinations

The world is full of natural beauty.  You can appreciate it in a magnificent sunset or an incredible thunderstorm.   Here are of some of the most amazing destinations on Earth. From a desert oasis to a tropical island or an ancient city to a mountain passage, these wonders are worth visiting. They may be off the beaten path, but they are certainly worth the journey.

Mei-Ann Chen

Audiences see conductors from the back; orchestras see them from tahe front. In between is the thin sheet of energy that makes a performance what it is.

Transitioning Into Retirement

Having worked in the Financial Services for three decades, I have seen my clients move from career building to retirement. I have seen their parents grow old and die and their children move from college to building their own careers. It is truly incredible to see life go full circle right before your eyes. Through this, I have discovered an actual pattern of life that seems to repeat itself with great consistency and with significant impact originating at ages 50 to 65…

Just Do It

Adventures For The Thrill Seeker

Arizona is filled with opportunity for adventure and local escapes. Some are just around the corner, others a short drive away.  Run away to the circus or swing from the trees. Experience the feeling of free-fall, become a desert surf kahuna or unleash your inner vixen.

Spring Awakening

It’s spring.  You know what that means… time to wash the windows, organize your sock drawer and shampoo the rug.  Seriously? How about freshen up your look and update your wardrobe? That’s a project we can all get behind.

Gertrude’s At The Garden

The concept of farm-to-table cuisine has reached new heights at Gertrude’s.  This newcomer to the Valley’s innovative culinary landscape recently opened at the Desert Botanical Garden.  Executive Chef Stephen K. Eldridge believes in an “ingredient-driven” experience…

Hometown Escape

“Explore. Dream. Discover” was once spoken by Mark Twain and has been reiterated over time. These three words may be simple, but they can have a huge impact on the way we lead our lives.

Get Away – Key West

“Bodies in the sand, tropical drink melting in your hand;” The Beach Boys got it right.  “We’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow.”  While they ended up in Kokomo, …

The Pursuit Of Happiness

“It is so important to enjoy the process, the real meaning of the things you are doing,” says designer Nancy Gonzalez. “Sometimes you have so many commitments that it [is] easy to get sad because you can’t control everything.”