Mama G. (aka Leann Grunwald) woks up a healthy stir-fry dish in North Valley Magazine

Asian Beef and Peppers By Leann Grunwald   Stir-fry is a fantastic, healthy cooking method because it emphasizes vegetables and places less focus on the meat and uses minimal oil. Plus, the high heat prevents more delicate nutrients from being destroyed. Oils that are used for stir-frying are generally lower in saturated fat. An entree will generally yield 350 to 400 calories per serving in contrast to ...

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The Arizona sky unleashes spectacular sights in June and July

New Horizons By Steve Kates The blazing summer heat continues. Nature releases this heat energy in the form of our summer monsoons. As the accompanying rain clears out the air, we’re able to see some amazing sights. The skies of June and July are jam-packed with exciting celestial treats to view as we experience shorter nights. The summer solstice on June 21 at 9:38 a.m. marks the change of seasons and the ...

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Keep your family pets away from these toxins

The Dirty Dozen  By Ed Cohen, DVM Every home has an array of toxins that could potentially harm your pet. Knowing what can be harmful and what to do if your pet is exposed to any of these toxins can help to avoid a tragic situation. Although this list includes some of the most common toxic exposures seen in pets, it’s not all-inclusive. If in doubt as to whether your pet may have been exposed to a toxin, pl ...

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Festive ideas for your next pool party

Splish Splash  By Kimberly Huffed Photos by Heidi Lea Photography With spring break over, there are only seven weeks of school left! It’s time to start planning those end-of-the-school-year get-togethers and  fun summer pool party. The weather is just about right to take your first dip of the season. Things warm up fast, so plan ahead and be ready to invite some friends over for an afternoon, or get a group ...

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Scottsdale bibliophile Julie Carlson’s May Book Reviews

THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN By Paula Hawkins Are you a fan of thrillers like Gone Girl? If so, then you need to check out The Girl on the Train. Hawkins debut novel is filled with twists and turns that will have you riveted to your seat. The novel is told from the perspective of two women from the same London neighborhood. While riding the train every day to and from work, Rachel imagines the lives of the residen ...

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Tips to ride out living and working in one of the hottest spots around (aka the Valley of the Sun

If you’re unlucky enough to be stuck in the Valley during our nearly never-ending summer, writer M.D. Thalmann offers up some tips to ride out living and working in one of the hottest spots around.   It was recently pointed out to me that I’m a broken record around the holidays, and I couldn’t help but agree. As a satirical columnist, I try to make light of serious things; it’s a valuable weapon in my ...

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Writer Lynette Carrington discovers the sweet ’90s hip-hop sounds of Livewire’s spicy house band for North Valley Magazine

Behind the scenes with Vanilla Spice, Livewire's house band By Lynette Carrington Photos by Tavit Daniel New venue Livewire recently opened to much fanfare and now boasts its own specially created house band, Vanilla Spice. The large band encompasses stellar talents that will work the house Sunday nights and during special events. Steve LeVine, a partner in Livewire and owner of Steve LeVine Entertainment a ...

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You Can Do What with Melons? Mama G. (aka Leann Grunwald) whips up a fresh idea in North Valley Magazine

Fresh Melon Sauté Sautéing, from the French sauté meaning “jumped” or “bounced,” references a method of tossing while cooking. It uses small amounts of fat—in this case, heart-healthy fat—in a heavy, wide pan with sloped sides over moderately high heat. For optimal sautéing, ingredients are cut into uniform shapes and sizes to facilitate fast and even cooking. Size does matter when sautéing, so take your ti ...

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Total Body Blast: A workout fit for any vacation

By Kim Miller and Shannon Dougherty Summer is approaching fast, and many people are planning a vacation for themselves or their family. Staying on track with your fitness goals while traveling is very beneficial. Vacationing doesn’t necessarily have to detour you from your exercise routine. Wherever you are, try incorporating a quick cardio-and-strength workout into your day. If the weather is nice, head ou ...

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Team North Valley’s Kim Miller and Shannon Dougherty Present Amazing Arm Workouts

Team North Valley's Kim and Shannon Show An Amazing Arm Workout Kim Miller and Shannon Dougherty offer up an amazing arm workout. Shannon and Kim are the Fit Mom Diet Team. They’re nationally published health experts, and they also advocate locally on wellness at FitMomDiet.com. Photos by James Patrick Photos shot at AZ Training Lab If you’re looking to build firm, toned arms, it’s time to pick up the weigh ...

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Yummy Fall Flavors: Team North columnist Erika Monroe-Williams serves up a tasty seasonal treat

Yummy Fall Flavors Team North columnist Erika Monroe-Williams serves up a tasty seasonal treat––butternut squash risotto in a festive jack-o’-lantern.  Oh, how I love the fall! There’s a feeling in the air here in Arizona that things are about to get really great. I have always noticed that right around Halloween, the weather becomes absolutely perfect and there’s no other place in the country I’d rather be ...

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Nanette Makrauer––Say goodbye to an old standby

Say goodbye to an old standbye By Nanette Makrauer for North Valley Magazine  I’ve got something simple for you to take away today, that will reduce the toxic load in your home with one simple change… Get rid of plastic storage containers! Yep… you will substantially reduce your toxic exposure with this tip. Rummage through your drawers, kitchen and refrigerator, and remove and replace them with glass. You ...

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Jamila Watson––How to plan professional parties

How to plan professional parties By Jamila Watson for North Valley Magazine  I have been planning parties for a while now. It's truly a passion of mine. Ask anyone and they would tell you that Jamila loves parties! Before I started planning parties professionally, I would take my daughters on their "weekend journey" from party to party.  Way too often, I would see kids running around everywhere because ther ...

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Kathy Bass––Who are you?

Who are you?   By Kathy Bass for North Valley Magazine “Who are you?” seems like such a simple question, yet many choose to start forming opinions about someone by asking this question first: “So, what do you do?”  That seemingly innocent, yet commonly feared question causes people to avoid events, choke from anxiety and even stutter or stumble for words.  Anyone who has been laid off or fired and has ...

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Judith Herbig––Women over 50: How do we do it?

Women over 50: How do we do it? By Judith Herbig for North Valley Magazine There is everything wonderful about women in general, but when you get to the magic age when AARP starts sending you invitations to join, things get even better.  I know.  I‘ve been getting the invites for some time now. We get so much information telling us what we should be doing and not doing.  We’re offered diets, health warnings ...

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