Sky Observations  The months ahead promise some astounding sights. By Steve Kates The Earth has completed another orbit around our amazing star, the sun. The month of December is full of amazing sights to see, along with some great events taking place in 2018. December skies begin with a discussion of the most amazing moon of all of 2017. The super moon will occur on the night of Dec. 3. The super moon is t ...

Far From Home Scottsdale pharmaceutical company raises funds to help hurricane victims. By Julia De Simone Photos by Steven Fellheimer The devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico is personal for Sean Lonergan of Scottsdale. The PruGen Pharmaceuticals’ founder of the Scottsdale-based company not only has a home on the island, but so do several of his employees. “We’re trying to help in any way w ...

Nursery Finds  Nice custom favorites for baby’s room. By Nadine Bubeck Photos by Melissa Mulera, Studio No 5, studionumber5.com Trending in the wonderful world of nurseries––custom and contemporary. For my baby boy number three, I wanted to create a simple and uncluttered living space equipped with unique finds, personalized décor, and quality furniture. Here’s a look inside my son’s new room, and nine of m ...

Winter Winederland  Sips to celebrate the season. By Alison Bailin Batz Seeking something special to help celebrate the holidays or ring in the New Year? We’ve got you covered with some of the latest, greatest in wine and champagne, all available now at Total Wine and fine liquor and grocery stores across the North Valley. Chandon Winter Limited Edition by Rebecca Minkoff In recent months, the award-winning ...

Symphony of Light   A new drive-thru holiday attraction lights up the North Valley. By Michelle Talsma Everson Photos by Shannon Fisher Photography While we may not live in a winter wonderland, imaginative locals still find ways to make the holidays memorable. One new North Valley attraction that is poised to become an instant holiday mainstay is Illumination: Symphony of Light, the state’s newest and large ...

A New Chapter  Desert Foothills Library continues to expand in the North Valley with innovative programing and building upgrades. By Michelle Talsma Everson David Court, executive director of Desert Foothills Library—alongside the library’s staff, board and volunteers—have some impressive visions and goals for the library. “Desert Foothills Library is a public library so we have all of the assets that you w ...

Well Set  Elegant Hanukkah tablescapes that glimmer and gleam. By Joyce Laszloffy Photos by Stephanie Heymann Photography If you’re like me, you’re tired of seeing the same old Hanukkah decorations year after year on the end caps in the big box stores. Since décor options are so limited, I decided to think outside the box for inspiration, even stealing a thing or two from the Christmas aisles. This gave me ...

Top Strength  Build a toned and defined upper body with these exercises. By Kim Miller, Shannon Dougherty, and Scott Keppel Photos taken at Scott’s Training Systems (STS), scottkeppel.com Photos by Brock Elliot, brockelliott.com Everyone enjoys having a strong, fit upper body and this can be achieved by incorporating a variety of weight lifting exercises into your fitness routine. Lifting weights builds str ...

Floral Fascination Scottsdale’s Gallery Andrea showcases the work of mother-daughter duo. Owned and operated by international artist Andrea de Kerpely-Zak and her daughter Andrea Zakrzewski, Gallery Andrea has been a staple of the local art scene in Old Town Scottsdale since 2004. Andrea de Kerpely-Zak has been creating and exhibiting her mesmerizing artworks for over 35 years and her pieces are internation ...

Livin’ the Lake Life  Ranked sixth in the world, wakesurfing pro Connor Burns shares his passion for the sport. By Michelle Talsma Everson Photos by Chadwick Fowler Like many teens, Connor Burns, 16, a junior at Northwest Christian School, balances school and sports. What’s unique about Burns though is the sport he dedicates most of his free time to—wakesurfing. It isn’t just something Burns does for fun, h ...

Farm Fresh  The MIM’s Café Allegro hits high notes with local ingredients. By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Chris Lenza is a firm believer in “shop local.” As the executive chef of the Musical Instrument Museum’s Café Allegro, Lenza and his staff serve creative dishes they’ve made from farm-fresh, Arizona ingredients. “I start with what’s in season,” Lenza says. “That’s our priority: what are we getting that’s ...

Genesis G90  [caption id="attachment_2911" align="alignright" width="300"] 2017 Genesis G90[/caption] The flagship Genesis comfortably wears its crown, says auto writer Greg Rubenstein. A premium auto manufacturer’s flagship vehicle must set the company’s tone and serve up its corporate promise, be that technological innovation, performance, style, comfort, prestige, or any combination thereof. The challeng ...

Cookie Craving   Mama G’s Pumpkin and Orange cookies are the perfect way to welcome fall. Pumpkin and Orange Cookies Yield: 20 cookies Prep Time: 15 min Cooking Time: 10 min   1/2       cup honey 1          cup packed canned real pumpkin 1          tsp. pure vanilla 2/3       cup brown sugar 1 1/2    sticks cold butter, cubed small 1 1/2    tsp. cinnamon 2          large room temperature eggs 2         ...

12-Minute Cardio Blast  Try these explosive moves to jumpstart your fitness. By Kim Miller and Shannon Dougherty Photos by Stephanie Heymann Moves like jumping and lunging help improve your cardiovascular abilities and build strong muscles. They can be done inside or outside and require no gym equipment. You can even get children involved and do these moves as a family. Try the following four exercises. Rep ...

Get ready for the holidays––and beyond––with these rejuvenation trends. By Dr. Jennifer Geoghegan   The holiday season is almost upon us, which means everyone’s asking, “What’s new in beauty treatments?” and “How can I get my body ready for 2018?” Here’s a rundown of the latest beauty technology and hottest trends that we’re seeing at Oasis Plastic Surgery. Breast augmentation and liposuction top the m ...