Chip is a 2-year-old domestic shorthair. He is outgoing, friendly, and unafraid to ask for attention. His adoption fee is $50. This includes his microchip, neuter, and vaccines.

Rosalie is a beautiful eyed 1-year-old female domestic shorthair. She may get along with other cats but does not like dogs. She is also a special-needs girl and will need some extra attention. Her adoption fee is $50, which includes her microchip, spay, and vaccines.

Rummy is a 3-year-old domestic shorthair. She is a very curious girl. Not only does she like to investigate her surroundings but she also likes to investigate people! She would prefer to be the only cat. Her adoption fee is $50. This includes her spay, microchip, and vaccines.

Dana is a 2-year-old pit bull. She is friendly and playful and loves attention, which she will repay with lots and lots of affection. She loves toys and fetching. While she is not recommended as a companion for cats, she may get along with other dogs. She is also great with high school kids and up. Her adoption fee is $125, which includes her spay, vaccines, and microchip.

Kix is a 1-year-old Australian shepherd. She is a sweet girl and can be a bit shy at first. She is very smart and enjoys learning tricks. She may get along with cats but is not recommended as a companion for other dogs. She does very well with elementary school children and up. Her adoption fee is $125. This includes her spay, vaccines, and microchip.

Tebow is a 1-year-old Chihuahua. He is a very affectionate guy and wants nothing more than a nice lap to spend the day on. He may get along with cats and enjoys other dogs as long as they are willing to hang around with him. His adoption fee is $150, which includes his microchip, neuter, and vaccines.

The Sour Apple Gallery has an unusual name, and the art within its doors is just as unusual. Located at the Shops at Norterra, the storefront gallery is simplistic in style and contemporary in design, the better to showcase an eclectic collection of paintings, vases, and metal wall sculptures.

“I was trying to think of something that was fun, kind of trendy, and easy to remember and tell your friends about, instead of a weird complicated name,” Lizanetz says of naming the gallery. “Also, my son’s favorite food is green apples.” Lizanetz’s five- year-old son has his own piece of framed artwork on the counter—a sign that reads “Welcome to Sour Apple Gallery” with a drawing of a green apple for a logo.

Lizanetz opened Sour Apple in October 2011. He designed the inside himself, painting the walls, installing a bright green-and-silver metal back wall, laying down the floor, and making benches. He prefers the mall location to an art district for his gallery’s location; when people visit Norterra, he says, they don’t expect to see an art gallery among stores like Charming Charlie, Coldwater Creek, Smashburger, and Harkin’s Theaters. “They find out that I’m the artist and owner, and it’s even more of a novelty for them to meet the artist,” he says. “If they do decide to get something, they can work with me directly versus just a gallery owner.”

Lizanetz was born and raised in Arizona and graduated from ASU with a bachelor’s degree in fine art. After receiving his degree, Lizanetz worked with Phoenix Art Group. Through the organization, he learned the business side of art by creating bright, colorful abstracts of decorative art that are usually placed in hotels, corporate offices, and private collections. In 2002, Lizanetz formed his own art company, Studio Pictor LLC. He has studied every aspect of art and is extremely versatile. He describes his own style as “transitional contemporary,” focusing on landscapes, abstracts, and figures.

Lizanetz uses only acrylic paint. It’s the easiest medium for him to use, especially since the drying time is very quick as compared to oil, which sometimes can take weeks or months to completely dry. He also uses a spray bottle to keep the paint moist on the palette, and he sprays the canvas so that he can blend the colors and create drips.

One of the coolest paintings he designs features vinyl records and CDs. The pieces combine both a grunge and pop-art flair with illustrations of old cars and musicians like Jimmy Hendrix. The Hendrix painting is in bright blues, yellows, and reds and has a record with a drawing of Hendrix surrounded by CDs and a peace sign. “A lot of people are drawn to them,” Lizanetz says. “And using recycled materials—records and CDs—makes them kind of green. They are easily placeable, whether it’s in a game or music room.”

Lizanetz’s art is showcased in print by a company called Editions Limited as well as in advertisements like Vitamin Water featuring Steve Nash, television shows like HGTV, and movies such as Get Shorty.

Sour Apple Gallery also contains a studio where Lizanetz works on his custom creations and other projects for his own personal enjoyment. He just finished a copper sculpture in the form of a three-dimensional wave that features a leopard-print design that he created through torching. In his spare time, he enjoys drawing comic book art.

“I probably wouldn’t have a gallery if I couldn’t work in the back,” he says. “Most of the orders I get are for custom commissions. Somebody will see something on the wall they like, but then they’ll want it in a different size or maybe slightly different colors. That’s probably 75 percent of my business right now.”

Along with Lizanetz’s own creations, the gallery features a variety of original animation cels from his personal collection. Some of his favorites are Mighty Mouse (1970s), Masters of the Universe (1983–1985), Disney, and the Smurfs. These cels are available for sale.

Take a stroll through Norterra some afternoon and be sure to stop in The Sour Apple Gallery. You will see some pretty sweet works of art.

The Sour Apple Gallery is located between Paradise Bakery Café and BevMo at 2730 W. Happy Valley Rd., Suite 1065, Phoenix, AZ 85085, (623) 582-9408.

Arrested Development

The Bluths are back! Fans of the beloved comedy have been waiting for more since the show was taken off the air in 2006. After months of recent speculation, brilliant creator Mitch Hurwitz and the equally imaginative writer Jim Vallely officially confirmed the rumors and announced that all ten of the original cast members are back on board. They’re working at writing ten new episodes as well as a feature film to follow them. Now all we have to do is wait it out until early 2013, when the new season is expected to air on Netflix.

Donít Trust the B**** in Apartment 23

This new comedy coming to ABC on April 11 seems like it has all the elements to work—love-to-hate characters, a relatable premise, and general dysfunction. The story revolves around the odd, unlikely relationship between Chloe (Krysten Ritter) and June (Dreama Walker), who find themselves stuck as roommates in New York City. After June’s big city dreams are crushed, the manipulative and sneaky Chloe finds out that perhaps June is not as naïve and stupid as she thought. June, on her part, tries to learn how to survive in the city by grace of Chloe and her group of oddball friends, one of whom is familiar face James van der Beek, who plays himself.

MUSIC

Neon Indian, April 12, The Crescent Ballroom

Neon Indian is an electronic group coming out of Texas and led by indie darling Alan Palomo. After countless rave reviews for his debut LP, Psychic Chasms, Palomo followed up with Era Extraña in September 2011. That collection saw even more commercial success than the first, and with spots at South by Southwest, Pitchfork, and Sasquatch!, Neon Indian is one of the hottest tickets in town.

Andrew Bird, April 18, Mesa Arts Center

American singer-songwriter Andrew Bird released his latest album called Break It Yourself on March 6 as the follow-up to his 2009 album, Noble Beast. Break It Yourself has got everything we know and love about Bird, from his deeply personal lyrical quandaries to his simple and beautiful melodies. If you buy a ticket to the show, you’ll get a free download of the new album.

Florence and the Machine, April 20, Comerica Theater

As soon as the incredibly catchy “Dog Days Are Over” hit the radio last year, America fell in love with the voice of fiery-haired songstress Florence Welch. The success of her first album, Lungs, was huge both in her native UK and across the pond, and now she’s looking to multiply it with her latest, Ceremonials.
We love everything about this lady.

Death Cab for Cutie, May 6, Mesa Arts Center

Death Cab for Cutie continues to be one of the only bands out there that can go platinum, get nominated for a Grammy, and still be considered indie. That’s because they’ve never really strayed too far from their Pacific Northwest college-town roots and have maintained what so many diehard fans love about them—Ben Gibbard’s poignant lyrics and vocals. Though their latest, Codes and Keys, may not be their most powerful work, the ingredients are still the same, and their live show is not to miss.

MOVIES

The Three Stooges, in theaters April 13

To take on a feature film version of the Three Stooges seems like one of the hardest projects conceivable in the realm of American comedy. Moe, Larry, and Curly are icons of a still-living generation, well-known and adored for their particular brand of slapstick humor. How the famous trio will be adapted to a 2012 audience is yet to be seen, but we think this film has as good a chance as any with Sean Hayes playing Larry, Chris Diamantopulous playing Moe, and Will Sasso playing Curly.

The Dictator, in theaters May 11

King of political incorrectness Sacha Baron Cohen has really outdone himself with this one. In his newest film, he plays a Middle Eastern dictator clinging to absolute power of the people he has oppressed for decades. It’s clear that former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi must have been an inspiration behind this character, which means that we can expect that the film will be a subject of controversy, considering the tensions in that region of the world. Politics aside, it’s safe to assume that Cohen will play the role impeccably and deliver plenty of laughs.

Men in Black III, in theaters May 25

Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones return for the third installment of the Men in Black series, the part-Fresh Prince, part-James Bond, and completely entertaining series that became an instant classic in 1997. The weird-looking aliens, signature matching black suits, and Agent J and Agent K’s constant bickering is what we love about this series. Here’s to hoping the third one does it justice!

Can you hear it—the empanada, sizzling as it comes out of the fryer, soon to be yours, all yours. It’s coated with a thick, glossy layer of condiment nirvana—a smoky mango barbecue sauce begging to make your tongue prickly. A plethora of aromas like warm cinnamon and cumin complement the deep flavor of the roasted chipotle peppers drenched in the rich adobo sauce that gives roundness and depth to this bite-size indulgence. And to balance the spice with sugar, golden raisins blend with the pork.

The flaky, crackling dough provides the texture that’s a companion to the rich flavor of the succulent pork loin, and you can smell the bouquet of this flavorful cut of meat as it hits the fiery pan and begins to sear. Ah—yet another perfect dish to add to your list of simply delicious entrees as well as a home-run hors d’oeuvre and a perfect snack. Now, go ahead and make it yourself as I wipe my forehead. You’ll be as carried away as I am. Just be forewarned—you might regret not doubling the recipe.

Pork Filling

2       tsp olive oil

12    
oz pork butt, rough-ground through medium die (ask butcher to grind it for you)

2       jalapeños, seeded and minced

2       tsp chili powder

2       tbs cumin, ground

1       tbs cinnamon, ground

½      tsp allspice, ground

½     
cup golden raisins plumped in water

½     
cup almonds, toasted and chopped

2      
freshly squeezed limes

¼      cup sour cream

¼     
cup barbecue sauce (recipe below)

         salt as needed

         pepper as needed

Heat a large sauté pan to medium-high heat. Add the oil until it starts to smoke lightly. Add the ground pork butt and develop a deep-brown sear on the meat. Once the meat is brown but not fully cooked, add the jalapeño, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, and allspice. Cook until the spices are fragrant. Remove the pork mixture from the pan, and transfer to a bowl. Drain the plumped raisins. Fold the raisins, almonds, and lime juice into the pork mixture. Adjust salt and pepper content to your liking. Fold in the sour cream and chill the mixture. Once chilled, fold in the chilled barbecue sauce. Chill the mixture again until ready to fill the empanada dough. (Filling can be made one day in advance.)

Barbecue Sauce

2       tbs vegetable oil

½      lb minced onion

3      
garlic cloves, chopped

4      
ancho chilies with stems and seeds removed

3       chipotle chilies in adobo sauce

1       peeled ripe mango

20     oz ketchup

¾      cup hoisin sauce

10     oz chicken stock

4       tbs bourbon

¼      cup rice wine vinegar

¼      cup Worcestershire sauce

8       splashes Tabasco sauce

2       freshly squeezed lemons

1       tsp fresh ground black pepper

Heat a medium saucepan to medium-high heat. Add the oil and wait for it to smoke slightly. Once the oil is slightly smoking, add in the onions. Deeply caramelize the onions, stirring often to avoid burning. This will produce a naturally sweet flavor to the sauce. Once the onions are caramelized, add in the garlic and cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Reduce the heat to medium low, and add in the rest of the ingredients. Let mixture simmer slowly for 30 to 40 minutes. The longer and slower the sauce simmers, the more flavorful it will be. Once the desired flavor of the sauce is obtained, puree the sauce by running it through a blender until smooth, and then chill it in the refrigerator. (Sauce can be made 3 days in advance.)

Empanada Dough

2       cups all-purpose flour

2       cups masa harina

2       tsp sugar

2       tsp salt

²/³      cup pork lard

1–1½ cups water

In a large bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Add in the lard, and with your hands (be sure to use your hands), squeeze the dry ingredients and the lard together until the lard is distributed evenly throughout the dough. Gradually add in the water, and again with your hands, mix dough until moist and homogenous. The amount of water is determined by the dryness of the air that surrounds the dough. Knead the dough for 2 minutes, and let it rest for 20 minutes. Dough is now ready to be filled. Use immediately.

Egg wash

1       egg

1       tbs heavy cream

In a small bowl, beat together both the egg and the cream until thoroughly combined.

Assembly of Empanadas

large, deep frying pot filled ¹/³ of the way

         with vegetable oil

parchment paper

paper towels

On a floured surface, roll the dough out to ¼ inch thick. Be sure to work the dough in batches and keep reserved dough covered with plastic wrap, as the dough will dry out if you do not. With a circular 3-inch ring cutter, portion out 30 circles of dough. In the center of each circle of dough, place 1 tbs of the pork mixture. With your index finger, outline half the dough with the egg wash. Fold over the side of the dough not covered with egg wash onto the side that is. (Don’t seal the dough yet!) Working from the center of the dough to the exterior, press out any pockets of air, and pinch both sides of the dough together. With a fork, lightly press the pinched sides of dough so as to give the empanadas an elevation for presentation.

Lay the prepared empanadas on a sheet tray lined with parchment. Heat the oil in the large frying pot to 350°. Fry the empanadas in batches, 4 to 5 at a time, for 4 minutes or to a golden-brown color. Turn the empanadas halfway through frying to brown evenly. On a sheet pan lined with paper towels, remove the empanadas and drain. Season with salt while they’re still hot. Serve immediately. By the time you are done frying all of the empanadas, some may get cold, so reheat them in a 300° oven.

1. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is a deeply touching, hugely successful 2006 New York Times best-selling memoir based on Walls’s unconventional childhood and upbringing. Born in Phoenix, she was raised by an alcoholic father and an eccentric and free-spirited mother who were both incapable of providing stability, financially or otherwise, for their children. But the novel is not about Walls’s parents’ deficiencies—it focuses instead on how being brought up in a somewhat peculiar way was the reason for her successes. Walls describes her parents with great affection and expresses gratitude for the nonconformist values they instilled in her by following their own dreams. It is a celebration of parenthood.

2. For the tech-savvy mom who’s on the go, Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Leather iPad Sleeve is a must-have. The Italian brand is best known for its signature luxury leather goods, so you can bet that this is no ordinary iPad sleeve. The intricately woven black leather and closing strap will ensure that her gadgetry is transported in style. This sleeve is ideal for the practical-thinking mom who loves having the best of the best. Find it and other gorgeous leather carriers at the Bottega Veneta boutique at Scottsdale Fashion Square at 7014 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale.

3. Mother’s Day is always extra-special for new moms. And a new mom will love anything that will save her time and be healthy for her baby. Babycook by beaba is a compact kitchen counter appliance that functions as a blender, a steamer, a warmer, and a defroster all in one package, making it simpler and easier than ever to whip up nutritious baby food right at home. In fifteen minutes or less from start to finish, all the vegetables, meats, or fruits will be ready to go, preserving all their natural flavor and nutritional value. You can even include the Babycook travel bag for easy transportation or the Babycook cookbook as add-ons when gifting to a new or expecting mom. Pick it up at local baby store Healthy Baby Happy Earth at 7149 N. 57th Drive in Glendale.

4. Family recipes are sacred. If your mom keeps her cookbook scribbled in an old spiral notebook that’s hidden in the back of the pantry, it’s time for an upgrade. This year, buy Mom this recipe box and card kit at uncommongoods.com. The maple wood square box holds 450 recipe cards and helps Mom get organized! In fact, sitting down to write out your recipes would make for a great activity for both of you to do together. The recipe box’s sleek design makes it a decorating piece for a kitchen that’s filled with your family’s memories.

5. If your mother is the entertaining type, she’ll love this Oxo Good Grips Uplift Tea Kettle. The stainless steel tea kettle come in a variety of bright colors, and it has a unique handle that, when lifted, opens the spout automatically. The handle is heat resistant and slip-proof, and the kettle can hold up to two quarts, which makes preparing tea for a group of guests a breeze. It’s the kind of kitchen accessory that’s she’ll love to have on hand whenever she needs it.

6. The Spa at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale is offering a Mother’s Day special from April 23 to May 31. When you select three or more spa services, you’ll receive 15 percent off each one. Choose services from the huge selection of massage therapies, facials, and nail treatments from the experts who know all the tricks to release tension and stress from the body. The Spa uses the best and purest of products made with ingredients they harvest in their own gardens. The relaxing ambience with its white pristine lounge and magnificent views from floor-to-ceiling windows will surely be a long-overdue day of respite for a busy, hardworking mother.

talkingstickresort.com

7. You can never go wrong with jewelry for Mother’s Day. Find the perfect piece at Treasures Jewelers, where you’ll find a great selection of high-quality jewelry. Whether your mother loves classic and elegant pieces or modern and feminine designs, something is bound to catch her eye here. Surprise her with something like this two carat heart-shaped pink-sapphire ring accented with diamonds in white gold. And if your mother is picky about her gems, bring her in to the Glendale store to view the selection of rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings, and bracelets so she can take her pick.
20221 N. 67th Avenue, Suite E-2, Glendale
treasuresforyou.com

8. Give Mom the chance to indulge in something she wouldn’t normally do for herself. The experts at Physician Skin Solutions at Arrowhead have put together a special package just for the occasion. Their Anti-Aging Aesthetic Package includes a bundle of six aesthetic treatments like microdermabrasion, facials, enzyme treatments, and collagen infusions. This special package will leave her skin light, bright, and soft and will have her feeling fresh and youthful. Many mothers don’t have the time to take care of their skin the way they should, and this gift will repair the signs of past damage and lackluster appearance. physicianskinarrowhead.com

9. If Mom’s been talking about getting a dog, a cat, or a rabbit for a while, now’s the time for a very special outing. Don’t go to the shelter and pick one up for her—this event should be as special and blessed as you were when you first joined the family. Create on your computer or by hand a certificate or coupon entitling Mom to a trip with you to the nearest shelter or rescue to choose a new family member. A pet adoption will be as wonderful for the homeless animal as it will be for your mother. Oh, and one thing more: Just because it’s Mom’s pet doesn’t mean that you can’t help take care of it!

10. A great bouquet of flowers is the perfect way to brighten up Mom’s day this year. Try a bouquet from organicbouquet.com, the largest online provider of ecofriendly and organic floral gifts. This mission-based company only sells flowers that are grown in a manner that is not only environmentally friendly but also serves as a resource for farmworkers and artisans. The flowers come from Certified Sustainable Farms, where women from surrounding villages are employed with decent wages and benefits. They are also a carbon-neutral company, meaning that the work toward having a zero carbon emission footprint. These gerbera daisies are a thoughtful, meaningful gift for any mom who’s always looking for ways to care for others.

As citizens of the Earth, we have an obligation to treat our planet with kindness. That doesn’t mean that you have to give up using any sort of nonrenewable energy—but if you make even the smallest contribution, you’ll be part of a larger contribution from people like you.

With Earth Day coming up on April 22, take the opportunity to examine your carbon bubble. You may not make immediate changes to your lifestyle, but small steps will take us all a long way. Maybe you can switch out your gas-guzzling SUV for a more sustainable option. How about being more conscious about the trash you throw out both at home and at work? You’ll be surprised at how one change will inspire you to seek out new ways to live a more environmentally conscious life.

Earth Day is a chance to reflect on how you can be friendlier to the planet, but it’s also a day to celebrate her beauty. Do so with a trip to the Desert Botanical Gardens! The Gardens staff has been committed to the conservation of desert plants for over 70 years and is constantly researching the preservation of the natural beauty of the Valley. The staff is welcoming some of North America’s most beautiful butterflies back to the Valley with the 10th Annual Spring Butterfly Exhibit, one of the Garden’s many events, and it’s open for you to enjoy until May 13. Sue Lanker, the exhibit’s manager, says that visiting the butterflies is a great family- and kid-friendly activity.

The butterflies arrive in Phoenix from two butterfly farms in Florida. The creatures typically have a life span of two to three weeks, so they’ll be spending their lifetime safe from predators, with endless nectar in the large pavilion built to re-create their most comfortable habitat. The spring climate in the Valley is just right for the butterflies to fly around at their ease. Lanker says that wearing pastel colors and straw hats seems to attract the butterflies, which have a habit of landing on the guests. One of the favorites is the malachite, a green-and-black insect named after the beautiful mineral. Also, look out for the luna moths. They’re nocturnal, but the Garden’s staff helps visitors find their daytime hiding spots. The butterflies are sure to spark the curiosity of children of all ages.

If you’d like to support the efforts of the Desert Botanical Garden and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time, you’re in luck! From April 16–20, the week before Earth Day, Sprinkles Cupcakes is teaming up with the Garden and will be making special vanilla cupcakes adorned with little trees for the occasion. All proceeds from the sale of the cupcakes will go to the Garden. Sprinkles in Los Angeles was the first ever cupcake bakery and is responsible for starting the national cupcake craze. They’ve since expanded across the country, with a store in Scottsdale. Who knew helping the environment could be so easy—and delicious?

The Desert Botanical Garden is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and is located at 1201
N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix. Find out more at dbg.org. Sprinkles is located near Fashion Square at 4501 North Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. Order online at sprinkles.com.

As the NFL Draft approaches, Cardinals fans and staff gear up for the weekend in eager anticipation. Michael Torres talks to two Cardinals insiders to get the scoop on what it’s like to make such big decisions under pressure.

The future of a team has the potential to be greatly affected by one weekend—the NFL Draft. Every April, when football fans are hungry for the game, they follow the Draft during a drought of actual competitive play. For NFL scouts, however, this is a time of great importance.

Steve Keim, director of player personnel with the Arizona Cardinals, has been with the team for thirteen years and has seen many NFL Drafts transpire. Although he knows how to handle the process leading up to the draft, the pressure and intensity never die down.

“From a personnel guy’s perspective, the draft weekend really is, essentially, your Super Bowl every year,” Keim says. “In terms of the rush and excitement you get, that would be the closest equivalent we’d have to running out onto the field.”

The reason why the NFL Draft is such a big deal for fans and teams alike is because it is a year-round process. From May up until draft weekend, scouts are constantly working to evaluate talent. Staffs work around the clock so that on draft day, they can make educated decisions without emotional conflict. The biggest tool for taking emotion out of the decision-making process is the draft board, an entity that ranks every available player on draft weekend.

“The draft day itself goes smoothly in general because of the way we set up our board,” Keim says. “That helps eliminate some of the draft day emotions which at different times can equate to making mistakes.”

Mistakes do happen though, which is why Keim and the Cardinals staff do such a thorough job when scouting players. Keim says that if there is a scout saying they have never made a mistake, they’re not being honest. Therefore, he needs the help of scouts like Dru Grigson. Grigson acknowledges that there is nothing like the pressure of draft weekend.

“It’s a culmination of literally a year’s worth all packed into three intense days because you never know how it’s going to fall,” Grigson says.

Grigson has been with the Cardinals for four years and is in charge of scouting the eastern half of the country. Two weeks after the draft takes place, Keim and Grigson meet in Florida to rank the next list of college football seniors.

Even though scouts go through many details while evaluating, the fact is that staffs are looking up hundreds of players and will only wind up with a handful of them.

“The whole idea is we have to get the best seven at our pick each time to help us become that much better,” Grigson says. “That’s why the evaluation process takes a year, because we have to dwindle that down to figure out who fits us, both from a schematic and talent standpoint.”

There are several things to consider once draft weekend has arrived, and the work Keim and Grigson do is invaluable. For them, drafting the best player available is the preferred method to consider when selecting them, rather than basing a choice on a need. When faced with this type of situation, the work Keim and Grigson have done to determine who the best players are makes the decision easier to handle.

Keim believes a team can never have enough good football players; this creates more depth for the team and helps their future.

“When you start picking players based off need, you leave players with significant talent on the board, and then it comes back to bite you in the end,” Keim says. “To some degree, need factors in, but how many times is your need in April the same in October?”

On April 26, when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces the first pick for the Cardinals, it will be a year’s worth of work coming into fruition.

Meat Market Vintage The newest vintage shop to pop up in the Valley, Meat Market Vintage started online as an eBay shop. It is owned by business and domestic partners Cory Martinez and Ben Funke, who opened up a brick-and-mortar  venue on Mill Avenue in February, much to the delight of their local followers. The couple started the endeavor over six years ago; with their new shabby-chic storefront, they’re able to interact personally with their customers for the first time. A good “vintage eye” can tell that Meat Market’s stock of men’s and women’s clothing has been selected with nothing but care and great style.

Cool, Calm & Contentious by Merrill Markoe Consider Merrill Markoe the Tina Fey of the ’80s. She is perhaps best known for her writing on Late Night with David Letterman, which won her three Emmys. Markoe is one of the most notable female comedy writers in the nation. Since leaving Letterman, she’s written several hilarious best-selling books. Markoe is as clever as they come, and in Cool, Calm & Contentious, she reveals more about herself and her perspective on life than ever before. In this collection of personal essays, we see how her remarkable sense of humor came into being through years of observing all the various characters that filled her life.

fun. One member of the band fun. may be familiar to some of us in the Valley. That’s because the front man, Nate Ruess, used to be one-half of the Format, the Phoenix band that soared to local radio popularity during its heyday around 2004. Since their split in 2008, Ruess has moved on to fun., with Jack Antonoff of Steel Train and Andrew Dost of Anathallo. The band’s debut album, Aim and Ignite, introduced their theatric sound that’s also—well, fun. Late last year, fun. released its latest single, “We Are Young,” featuring Janelle Monae and saw their most commercial success yet, breaking into the Top 100 charts in the US. Their newest album, Some Nights, came out in February.

Morning Joint, aka Mojo The folks at Mojo are taking breakfast seriously—and why not? It is the most important meal of the day, after all. Mojo is the latest addition to the Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale. Think again if you’re picturing it as a ’50s-style diner—this place is 2,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor seating with a modern yet cozy feel to it. The menu has everything from breakfast pizzas, enchiladas, and lasagnas to all the good old-fashioned breakfast essentials. Feel free to sleep in, too—Mojo serves breakfast until 1 p.m.

Phoenix Comicon This year will be the tenth year of Phoenix Comicon, the annual comic book convention held at Phoenix Convention Center and Hyatt Regency, much to the delight of anime and graphic novel enthusiasts all over the Southwest. It will take place from May 24 to 27 on Memorial Day weekend, with appearances from special guests like William Shatner, Patrick Stewart, and Jon Bernthal. Phoenix Comicon has grown over the years to include many more genres like sci-fi and gaming and has become one of the most interactive events in the Valley. Participants can submit their work to art contests and the film festival and attend both adult- and kid-friendly organized parties. So, if you happen to see someone dressed up as Batman walking around on Memorial Day weekend, you know why. phoenixcomicon.com

Party at the Zoo It’s important to educate children about the environment and expose them to all the wonders of Mother Nature. Party at the Zoo, the Phoenix Zoo’s Earth Day event on April 23, is a way to do just that. Kids will learn about Bornean orangutans, one endangered species that has found a new home at the Zoo. You can also explore the Harmony Farm to see  how animals can provide ways to live more sustainably. Want to save $2 on your admission? Just bring in your old cell phones and other electronics for the Zoo to recycle. Old electronics usually have a mineral called coltan, which is found in the Congo forests. Recycling coltan will reduce the need to mine it and will in turn help gorillas and other forest animals live peacefully in their natural habitats. phoenixzoo.org

Why should you consider growing your own garden? LeAnne Bagnall digs into First Lady Michelle Obama’s White House Garden and explores how using your own fresh produce is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to transform your diet.

It can help you lose weight, improve your diet, exercise more, look and feel better, and even make your kids want to eat better, too. And it comes with an irresistibly low price tag.

No, it’s not the next fad diet or latest weight-loss reality TV show. What it is is the closest thing to having an all-accessible farmer’s market right in your own home. Starting your own garden will consistently give you a harvest of good vibrations in your family’s life, and statisticswise, it’s definitely worth the effort. If the First Lady can find time for it, surely you can.

The simple and basic concept of raising your own food is a great way to instantly start improving your family’s health and the environment. Since launching her historic “Let’s Move!” campaign, First Lady Michelle Obama has become a leading spokesperson for promoting better health to American families, and she sets a great example with her revolutionary White House Garden on the South Lawn. Mrs. Obama’s monumental crusade—and garden—is founded on one underlying theme: Healthy lifestyles begin at home. More than one-third of the nation’s children overweight or obese, and America’s unhealthy diet didn’t just start with our children’s generation but with several generations of parents’ poor nutritional practices. For many working moms and dads, some of whom work two jobs, it’s become easy and somewhat affordable to rely on fast food, instant meals, and convenience-store solutions for our children’s routine dinners. Meanwhile, the window of time available for outdoor activities or school athletics has persistently grown smaller in recent years as a result of budget cuts, shrinking family incomes, and lack of public resources. The root of the nation’s weight crisis grows in a number of directions.

So, what did the First Lady come up with to help solve the problem? She recruited local school children and started digging. What started as a 1,100-square-foot plot with 55 different types of vegetables and organic berries and herbs has sprouted a gardening movement across the country. The garden created by youth volunteers has become the redefining force behind the vamped-up, health-conscious White House kitchen. The garden supplies fresh produce for not only all of the First Family’s meals but also for the White House’s formal dinners for hundreds of guests. The cost of starting this impressively healthy garden—including seeds, soil, mulch, fertilizer, and natural pest control was around $200. With her eco-, budget-, and diet-friendly garden, Mrs. Obama hopes her efforts will teach children and families how simple changes to their everyday approach to eating can cause drastic improvements to overall health and well-being.

Is following in the First Lady’s footsteps worth getting your hands dirty? It doesn’t matter where you live—the city, a suburb, or a rural area—or what the climate, weather, or season of your region is—are the answer is a universal yes. A garden can save you multiple trips to the market and produce purchases. Homegrown produce is not only fresher and more organic but also tastes better and is readily available! Home gardens can provide the most hands-on learning experiences for children, too. Engaging children in harvesting teaches them food awareness and expands their knowledge of ingredients used to create meals, which in turn makes them more willing to try new foods. Getting yourselves outdoors to care for your crops is an ideal opportunity for family exercise, and afterward, you can enjoy what are literally the fruits—and vegetables, too, of course—of your labor. What’s more, recent studies have also shown that exercising in a natural setting can heighten mood and self-esteem. And gardening together with family, friends, and neighbors is a wonderful way to socialize and appreciate your community.

If you don’t have a lawn or space for raised bed gardens, patio planters, indoor potted plants, and the more than one million community gardens nationwide are good alternatives to a backyard garden. Perhaps the most pleasurable benefit you can crop from your garden is the joy of eating your favorite local or regional foods. Mrs. Obama’s garden contains ingredients for her family’s favorite regional meal, Mexican cuisine. Cilantro, hot peppers, and tomatillos grow alongside regional standards like rhubarb, collards, arugula, black kale, and chard. Mrs. Obama also raises berries for dessert platters, honey from the bee hives, and essential ingredients like mint, chervil, and Thai basil for specialty recipes. When choosing what to include in your garden, be creative and resourceful: select local foods commonly used in your family’s favorite meals.

Mrs. Obama is currently expanding her garden with roses and tulips for use in the White House and is also releasing a new book, American Grown (Crown), that describes what she’s learned from her White House garden experience. The First Lady’s planted the seed—now it’s your turn to pick up the reins—or, rather, the shovel—and reap the benefits of a homegrown healthy diet.

For more information on how to start your own home garden, visit the First Lady’s website at letsmove.gov.

Scott Bohall debunks the myths surrounding the value of old jewelry and advises how to make sure you’re putting your precious pieces in the right hands.

Most of us have something that was passed down from a relative. Art, jewelry, watches, coins, and furniture are most common. There is a saying that wine gets better with time, but if the wine is not good to start with, age will not help much. Same goes for jewelry—just because it was Grandma’s does not mean it is good. Sentimental jewelry is one thing and should be cherished, but many people are of the mind that because it is old, it must have value.

Appraisals should only be promoted if they are done by someone who has credentials. Being in the jewelry business or even having a gemology degree does not prepare someone for appraising estate and antique jewelry. There are only a handful of people in Arizona who are qualified to evaluate antique jewelry, though there are hundreds who will take your money for an appraisal.

Usually, strands of pearls need to be restrung, diamonds need some prong work, and earrings need new backs. Taking your jewelry to someone who has training in antique restoration does not have to be expensive—often it is half the price of a quote from a mall shop where they have no training in estate or antique jewelry. It is very important to keep the integrity of the original methods of manufacturing to keep the value for the family. Once you blob white-gold solder all over a platinum ring, it is much like trying to remove salt from a recipe that was supposed to have sugar.

Often, we mix gold a couple of times until we get a color match to a ring that is fifty years old or is made in Europe. Repairing a ring with a different color metal makes it stand out. Someone who is trained can also detect whether a stone is the original one in the setting. We recently saw a ring that was around eighty years old that the family thought was very valuable. The main stone was a blue topaz, which was not available until the ’70s, indicating that the original stone had been lost over the years. Another jeweler told them the stone was very old because the cutting was unusual. Actually, it was worth $40.

With metal prices up as well as demand for some gems, coins, and watches, many families are selling what has been passed down. Be very careful—most buyers pay little and hope you do not know what you have. If you have them appraised, ask the appraiser what the market should bring. If you don’t know jewelry, know your jeweler.