2008 Hearts of Gold Casino Royale >> Save the Family, Fairmont Scottsdale Resort, 7575 E. Princess Dr.

Photography by Larry Rubino

The annual Save the Family event featured an extensive silent auction, a whiteboard auction that featured trips to Hawaii and Cabo San Lucas, casino-style gaming, and a program debuting Save the Family’s new agency video (courtesy of American Audio Visual and Show Me Oz Productions). Over 350 people attended and raised more than $120,000 for Save the Family. Among the top sponsors were Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Suns Wives, US Airways, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Pollack Real Estate Developments, and Del & Heather Lewis. Kari Lake of FOX 10 hosted, and Len and Debbie Gaby served as Honorary Chairs. savethefamily.org

By Greg Rubenstein
“Perfect” is as much a state of being as it is a state of mind. A moment in time, something felt, something you simply know. There are few perfect things, and most are intangible. A hot cup of coffee on Sunday morning. Finishing a favorite book, for the second time.

When it comes to things, who can name even a few? A wedding ring, a pair of glasses, or a favorite pair of shoes you hope will outlive you. The last car I reviewed that was perfect was the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG. I’ve driven scores of test vehicles since then, and even fell in love a time or two, but I haven’t found another perfect ride until I drove the 2009 Lexus RX 350. An evolution since it first went on sale in 1998 as the RX 300, this segment-defining car-based luxury SUV is now more finely appointed and powerful, quieter, better handling and safer than ever.

The RX 350 is equipped with a 3.5-liter 270 horsepower V-6 engine matched to a silky-smooth five-speed automatic transmission in either a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration. There is also a hybrid-powered RX 400h, which gets a continuously variable transmission.

I tested the AWD version that starts with a delivered base price of $39,665. Heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and headlamp washers, navigation system with backup camera and towing package added $3,475 for a nicely appointed sticker of $43,140.

Lexus didn’t stop there. The company added in $3,880 worth of Pebble Beach Edition fluff (special wheels, badges and floor mats, a rear spoiler, roof rack, and unique front grille) plus a few useful upgrades like power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel and high-intensity discharge headlamps for an as-tested total of $47,020.

Rated at 17 mpg city and 22 highway, expect something on the high side of 20 for mixed driving as long as you keep the quick starts to a minimum. The RX 350 offers nimble handling and very brisk acceleration, speeding up to 60 mph from a standstill in just over seven seconds. The all-season tires provide sure grip and agile cornering, thanks in part to a sophisticated limited-slip center differential that, working in concert with its electronic traction control, directs torque to the wheels with the most traction.

In addition to traction control, other standard safety features include stability control, which helps minimize loss of traction while cornering, as well as antilock brakes with brake assist, the latter a feature designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage ABS, the system applies increased braking power until the driver releases pedal pressure.

Inside, the RX 350’s beautifully appointed and quiet interior offers comfortable seating for five and provides an excellent environment for listening to the satellite radio-ready, eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio player with in-dash six-disc CD changer. The sound system is compatible with MP3/WMA-formatted CDs and is equipped with a digital signal processor, Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) and the Radio Data System (RDS). For audiophiles, an 11-speaker Mark Levinson audio system upgrade is available.

All of the safety features one might expect of a luxury vehicle are present in the RX 350, including a comprehensive supplemental restraint system, advanced driver- and front-passenger airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front-seat-mounted side airbags plus roll-sensor equipped side-curtain airbags which can inflate if a predetermined threshold of vehicle-roll angle is detected.

Based on parent company Toyota’s excellent Camry platform, the RX 350 delivers the expected smooth and dynamic ride of a passenger car with the up-high driving position and utility of an SUV. Add in the renowned Lexus reliability and luxury, and there it is—absolute perfection.

By Cassaundra Brooks

Our “golden” neighbor to the west recently passed legislation mandating the use of hands-free devices if using your cell phone while driving. While the Grand Canyon State has no similar current legislation, we may not be far behind. Perhaps you could more skillfully navigate Phoenix traffic in your Lexus while eating breakfast, downing a double espresso, and jabbering on your mobile phone all at once than can the driver of the Ferrari in the next lane who has no business being in the driver’s seat with both hands on the wheel and all senses go. Driving While Distracted (we’ll call it DWD), however, is always dangerous, and cases of DWD have increased exponentially since the introduction of our favorite modern marvel. There are a number of distractions while driving, but did you know that, according to a University of Utah study, distraction from cell phone use while driving impairs a driver’s reaction as much as does having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent?

Headsets provide one convenient way to avoid the balancing act, and Pro Wireless, Arizona’s largest Sprint-preferred retailer, is making an effort to encourage safe driving practices by promoting the use of headsets for your wireless phones when driving. In the months of February and March, when you visit any Pro Wireless locations in Arizona, mention North Valley Magazine to receive a free headset for your cell phone. You needn’t purchase anything to take advantage of this promotion. Pro Wireless has nine convenient locations around the Valley, Tucson, and Prescott Valley.

Phone conversations while driving impair your reactions and slow your travel time, whether you use a handheld or hands-free device. However, if you must use your phone while on the road, consider picking up a headset and helping to keep the number of distraction-related accidents down on our Valley streets.

For a list of Pro Wireless locations, visit eprowireless.com. Two convenient North Valley locations are 3134 W. Carefree Highway #4 in the Tramonto Shopping Center in Phoenix and inside Peoria’s Arrowhead Mall next to Dillard’s.

By Cynthia Boggs, Spa Director
Golf, tennis, mountain biking, hiking, that early morning jog with the dog and your iPod—many sports that Arizona men choose to participate in take place outdoors and are very challenging to your skin.

Arizona leads the nation in basal cell carcinoma diagnosis, the most common type of skin cancer, but many instances can be prevented through consistent use of sunblock, hats, and protective clothing, and by limiting the amount of time your skin is exposed to the sun. One of the most frequently asked questions about sunscreens and sunblocks is what the difference is between the two.

A sunscreen is an ingredient commonly used in moisturizers, hair products, and other daily-used external liquids and creams. Sunscreens provide a filter for limited (up to two hours) daily exposure to the sun, such as driving or walking to and from the car. Longer exposure requires a sunblock. Sports that take place in water or snow make necessary the use of a waterproof sunblock to prevent it from easily wearing off from moisture. The best waterproof sunblock has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 40 or more and is a zinc oxide-based product. Washable nonwaterproof sunblocks are often combined with a titanium dioxide base and a moisturizer and are recommended for long exposure to the desert sun—think golfing or hiking. They will protect the skin, can be easily reapplied, and are noncomedogenic—less prone to cause blackheads or whiteheads.

A great facial that deep-cleanses the pores and rehydrates your skin is vital to the prevention of premature aging in active men. It also protects against adult acne, a common term used to describe acne that appears past the adolescent years and often in men who stay active outdoors. Products that are effective on men’s skin are aloe- or seaweed-based, as they are the most compatible with skin, feel very light, and don’t leave a greasy sheen.

Most sports clothing lines carry active wear that is actually treated with sun-blocking material, a great breakthrough for all of us here in the desert and especially for our children, as sun-damage prevention is a lifetime commitment, especially in the North Valley.

So, get out and enjoy hikes in our beautiful Sonoran desert or play a round of golf at some of the greatest courses in the country. Remember also to protect your skin—it will in turn protect you for years to come.

MEN AT THE SPA

Spas are not for women only. Men can enjoy a variety of treatments tailored to their needs, and there is much relaxing to benefit from. Everyone loves a massage—or should!—and most spas offer a wide selection of massages featuring age-old secrets, aromatic oils, and tension-relieving techniques. Soothing facials and body wraps are refreshing and help rejuvenate and maintain your skin. Manicures and pedicures are often associated with women, but well-groomed hands and feet benefit both sexes. Occasionally, spas will also offer hair removal, laser treatments, and other specialty treatments.

The atmospheres in many spas continue leaning gender-neutral, and some spas even reserve specially decorated and outfitted rooms for gentlemen. Men-only spas continue to appear across the United States. Several Scottsdale resorts and establishments offer men’s spa treatments. If you gift the special lady in your life with a day at the spa this Valentine’s Day, you may wish to consider turning it into a couple’s day.

By Diana Bocco

Tired of the same-old, same-old when it comes to sports? Here’s your chance to explore some unique activities:

CARDIO TENNIS

Cardio Tennis combines the traditional sport of tennis with a high-intensity cardio workout. This 60-minute group activity includes warm-up, cardio workout, and cooldown phases, and is always taught by a certified tennis professional. Best of all? The average 150-pound person can burn off up to 600 calories during a single cardio tennis class! Besides getting a full-body workout, Cardio Tennis will help firm and tone biceps, triceps, and shoulders to help everyone feel great! And, yes, you do learn real tennis techniques in this workout.

“We know Cardio Tennis is a better workout and, more importantly, is more fun than some of those boring fitness programs you find in gyms,” says Michele Krause, national Cardio Tennis program manager and Speakers team director. “It combines some of the tradition of an established sport with what Americans are looking for today: results.”

HELI-SKIING

Heli-skiing is just what the name suggests: skiing on an off-trail downhill path that can only be accessed by a helicopter. This often means remote locations but it can also mean higher terrains, steeper slopes, and a harder-to-control natural environment. Skiers who try heli-skiing, however, usually come back for one particular reason: virgin powder snow, which cannot be found anywhere else, no matter how state-of-the-art a ski resort is.

While all abilities of skiers and snowboarders are welcome, heli-skiing may not be the best approach for someone who has never skied before, as the rugged terrain and the many natural obstacles require some good technical handling and abilities.

EpicQuest, a Jackson Hole, Wyoming-based company organizing heli-skiing trips, says the sport depends largely on the reputation of the companies organizing the trips. “For example, our personal experience give us access to remote—even untouched—locations that few people have ever seen or experienced,” said Craig Pattee, chief executive officer at EpicQuest. Sun Valley, Idaho, and Alaska (especially the Tordrillo Mountain range) are top destinations.

ULTIMATE

Ultimate (formerly known as extreme or ultimate frisbee) has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with an estimated 100,000-plus competitors. According to Michael Baccarini, coauthor of Essential Ultimate, the game appeals to those new to team sports because the simple rules make it easy to learn.

“As with any sport, higher levels of play demand greater skill, physical conditioning, and athleticism, but participation is relative and learning the basics is easy,” Baccarini says. This means players as young as 8 and as old as 55 have been seen in organized official teams.

So what exactly is “ultimate”? Imagine playing Frisbee on a large soccer field, with scoring rules similar to those of American football and an end zone like the one in rugby. Now add lots of running (except when you’re actually holding the disc) and hanging throws, and you somewhat get the idea of what ultimate is all about. “Anyone who can throw and catch the disc can play ultimate,” Baccarini says.

KORFBALL

At first view, korfball looks a lot like basketball, except for the fact that there is no dribbling and the teams must be co-ed, probably to retain a sense of cooperation: two men and two women on each side of the court. Karla Wolters, a coach at Hope College in Holland, Mich. (coincidentally, the game has Dutch roots), introduced the sport in the U.S., but korfball has been around since the beginning of the twentieth century, when it was mainly played in Holland and was highly controversial (co-ed activities were not considered quite proper then).

Korfball baskets are higher than those in basketball (11 ½ as opposed to 10 feet). Unlike basketball, where a player with the ball who is closely guarded must pass, shoot, or move toward the basket within five seconds, there is no such rule in korfball. Also, unlike basketball, defenders are not allowed to touch their opponents or slap the ball out of their hands if the opponent is in possession of it. “No one player can dominate the game,” Wolters says. “Since there is no dribbling, the ball has to be passed from one teammate to another.” Korfball also employs the sportsmanship rule that says if a player falls down, play is temporarily stopped until the player can get up, even if the opposing team could take advantage of the fall. Korfball is definitely a kinder, gentler game than basketball.

By Cassaundra Brooks

Here Comes the Snow!

If you’re looking to escape the Valley for a few days, consider heading up to the White Mountains to Sunrise Park Lodge, where you and your significant other can cozy up for an evening in and hit the slopes during the day. Sixty-five runs provide ample fun for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, and there’s cross-country skiing through some beautiful Arizona territory. Horseback rides and sleigh rides are also available, depending on the weather. sunriseskipark.com

Hiking

The beautiful Sonoran Desert affords a number of scenic hiking trails that make a great day’s outing for athletic or nature-loving couples. Perhaps you and your love are looking for an activity outside your usual routine. Catch the sunrise or sunset, bring along a light picnic lunch, and don’t forget the camera! With winter lingering in the air, you may want to stay close to the warm Valley. Try Camelback Mountain or Vulture Peak (just outside Wickenburg), or check out arizonahikingtrails.com for a list of trails and their difficulty levels.

Briar Patch Inn

For some privacy and pampering, travel north to beautiful Sedona and reserve one of Briar Patch Inn’s lovely cabins, nestled in Oak Creek Canyon among towering trees, soothing Oak Creek, and brilliant red rock. Embrace nature from your private patios, during a romantic hike, or by delighting in the Inn’s selection of natural spa treatments and yoga sessions. It’s a great destination for couples looking to break away from the city and hoping for some seclusion, peace, and quiet. The friendly staff, which prides itself on excellent customer service, can provide you with what you need, be it a healthy breakfast, access to their library, a relaxing massage, or hiking and shopping suggestions. Visit briarpatchinn.com or call (888) 809-3030 for reservations.

Be Spontaneous!

With the current economy and the high price of short-notice airline tickets, you may not be able to pull a complete Yes Man move so that you and your sweetie can take the first flight out of Sky Harbor. However, who says you can’t grab an Arizona map, close your eyes, point at random, and head to the spot your finger chose for you? Fun can be had anywhere if you mix a little creativity with some spontaneity.

Bed and Breakfast

A night away in a bed and breakfast may seem an obvious option for a romantic Valentine’s excursion, but with the varying landscapes of Arizona and the array of B&B styles available, you can experience a new place and a bundle of fun activities that suit your needs and interests. Visit arizona-bed-breakfast.com for some great locations throughout Arizona.

By Jon Kenton
The often-quoted curse “May you live in interesting times” seems to aptly describe our current situation and fragile economy. While solid business planning and strategy should always be a prerequisite, many businesses forgo these essentials during positive economic times and manage to make money. When something is placed under stress, cracks and weaknesses are exposed that otherwise would not be apparent. It is clear that many businesses are now struggling due to a lack of strategic fundamentals.

A question I always ask clients is, “How do you make money?” This is often followed by a deer-in-the-headlights expression and a comment similar to “Well, I go out and sell as much of my (fill in the blank) as I can.”

While it’s true that nobody ever made much money by not selling something, this is not really what the question is all about. I can show you many companies who have sold plenty and maintain revenue streams we would all be jealous of, but who have still gone out of business!

It’s not all about selling, but having a well thought-out, sustainable, scalable business model that will allow your business to flourish and grow. A successful business is one that provides a product that meets a defined market and consumer need, delivers value and benefit, and can consistently keep revenues growing faster than costs.

It’s this last part that many businesses fail to consider until it’s too late. Many businesses falter as they begin to see success and stumble even more so when placed under the stress of a weak economy. This is due to a lack of scalability in their business model. In the startup phase, most of the work is done by the principles who don’t necessarily need to get paid—they see this as their investment or “sweat equity.” Once things are moving, staff are hired and they must be paid; this affects the business and cash-flow model significantly. No matter how much or little you sell, the rent must be paid and so must the staff. If you have a service-based offering, this issue can be extremely acute, as the revenue-to-staff relationship is 100 percent linear. With a product-based business, operational and manufacturing efficiencies can enable a more logarithmic staff-to-revenue and -profit relationship; however, unless balanced and managed appropriately, it can easily lead to negative cash-flow scenarios.

Understanding the fundamental relationships between all the cost and profit centers of your business is essential. A well thought-out business model will do this for you. It will help you plan for growth and allow you to do scenario planning—e.g., what will the effect on my business be in various economies, with differing staff and product-cost profiles? While a complete model can be complex, a good start can be made by identifying and separating fixed and variable costs. Fixed costs will be all those that you must cover, no matter how much you sell. Variable costs are those related to providing your product or service. To break even, the difference between your revenue and variable costs (sales margin) must equal your fixed costs. Accurately understanding your sales margin is key to making money. Once you have reached “break even,” your margin percentage will tell you how much you get to keep (your profit) from every dollar in sales. If you’re not making money, you have questions to ask and decisions to make. If your business model is viable, is it efficient and scalable, or are you overburdening the business with unnecessary fixed costs? How can you increase your ROI (return on investment) in marketing?

The best business decisions are made by those with the most information. Don’t make decisions about your future business while shooting from the hip. Plan appropriately and create a business model that will show you exactly how you make money!

Phoenix Heart Ball >> American Heart Association, The Biltmore Arizona, 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix

Photography by Eric Fairchild

The 2008 Arizona Heart Ball marked forty-nine years of this heart-conscious event. The Ball raised substantial funds for lifesaving research and education programs that fight heart disease and strokes. This year, the Heart Ball Committee will focus its efforts on empowering women to be proactive and know their risk factors. phoenixheartball.org

Photography
Fiona Garden for NOBASURA.com

Makeup
Andrea Tiller for NOBASURA.com using MAC

Hair
Tania Becker for NOBASURA.com

Styling and Art Direction
Crystal Carson for Mode Models

Stylist Assistant
Jesselyne Regala

Photography Assistant
Miles de Courcy

Model
Lillian for lizbellagency.com

If you want to try something heartier than the mild Arizona winter or are making plans to cool off during the scorching Arizona summer, look to our neighbor to the North. Canada offers cooler temperatures and breathtaking scenery, cosmopolitan cities and remote wilderness, accessible coasts, and an increasingly diverse culture.

The Rocky Mountaineer Experience is a special way to experience Canada. Imagine taking in incredible views from the comfort of a train, setting out on adventures or escorted tours into Canadian cities and countryside, and checking key locations like the Canadian Rockies, Vancouver, Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, and Whistler off your travel list. Journey by rail to the regions that suit your fancy or take a ride across the world’s second-largest country. An enchanting variety of packages caters to your personal interests, needs, and desired length of travel. Connect with the Whistler Mountaineer Train or combine your Rocky Mountaineer Train experience with an Alaskan cruise. See what all the buzz is around tourist destination Vancouver; check out Whistler, where the 2010 Winter Olympic athletes will compete for coveted gold metals; or simply enjoy the old-time romance of the rail as you explore the Canadian Rockies.

Pleated collar brown blouse, Rory Beca, Ishara, shopishara.com, $220
Taffeta dress, Nicole Miller, Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com, $510
Belt, Penny Pull, Enda B, enda-b.com, $71
Olive patent-leather shoes, Prada, Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com, $935
Berry leather gloves, Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com, $195
Faux diamond ring, Fine Finds, finefindsboutique.com, $45

Picture 2
Knitted sweater vest, Lakshmi, lakshmiboutique.com, $42
Ruffled wool skirt, Fendi, Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com, $2,195
Victorian pendant necklace, Bueno Styles, Fine Finds, finefindsboutique.com, $57
Brown patent-leather platforms, YSL, $840

Picture 3
Brown jersey and chiffon dress, DKNY, Enda B, enda-b.com, $210
Two-toned gloves, Snowflake, snowflakecanada.com, $110
Brown patent-leather platforms, YSL, Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com, $840
Brown wool hat, Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com, $365
Belt, Michael Kors, Enda B, enda-b.com, $65

By Cassaundra Brooks

Many people across America are budgeting better and counting quarters during this time of employment and financial nervousness. On your own individual quest to cut some costs, looking to your energy, water, and gas uses may be a wise first step. In our increasingly green-conscious society, you may find that ecofriendly money-saving options are actually more accessible than you had imagined.

Niagara Conservation is a company that produces a range of conservation products, big and small. Their award-winning flapperless low-flow toilet is a popular choice, but low-flow massage showerheads and weather stripping are just two of many small products that could make a big difference in the size of your utility bills.

The company has developed an EcoKit series that is not only environmentally friendly but also is practical and easy on the pocketbook. Water, electric, and gas kits provide several little items that go a long way. To save money on water, try out the Deluxe Water EcoKit, which includes a massage handheld showerhead, a dual-spray kitchen swivel aerator, bathroom faucet aerators, a toilet water diverter, a water leak detection kit, a flow meter bag, a water conservation wheel, and a Toilet Tank Bank. Reduce your electric bill with the Electric EcoKit, which contains a refrigerator/freezer thermometer, limelight, mini-spiral CFL light bulbs, draft stoppers, furnace filter whistle, and energy conservation wheel.

By becoming even a little more aware of conservation methods, you can do your part to reduce waste of natural resources—and unnaturally large utility bills.

Check out these EcoKits and more at niagaraconservation.com.