By Cassaundra Brooks

Let’s tackle that unruly or bland backyard and transform it into a lively, user-friendly place for you and your family—or the next family who’ll reward your efforts by meeting or exceeding your asking price! Creating a luxury yard that maximizes space and functionality and maintains balance doesn’t always require a huge budget—just knowledge of the needs and general interests of families. You’d be surprised at the versatility your yard possesses. With a little planning and work, it could be that extra room for your house that you’ve always wanted!

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Before shot

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A spa is a luxurious, space-efficient way to relax with family or friends year-round. The six-seater Gulf Coast Spa LX 8000 (approximately $10,200) fits well into the average-sized backyard. The Better Homes and Gardens Westhaven canopy ($148 at WalMart) provides the much-needed shade and protection from the hot Arizona sun.

The bistro table with chairs benefits from the canopy’s shade ($100), and are well-positioned for viewing children playing in the pool or chatting with your spa-loving companions. A synthetic lawn is a great way to get the look of grass and conserve water during the blistering heat of the Arizona summer ($8 per square foot at Echelon).

This custom-made pool by DreamScapes Custom Pools and Spas fits this smaller yard like a glove and is suitable for a relaxing dip, a splashfest with your kids, swimming laps, or entertaining a small group of friends. Its streamlined rectangular shape maximizes available space. It’s gas-heated, uses an in-floor cleaning system and saltwater chlorination, and sports a pebble-sheen interior and hand-painted tiles from Italy. This size pool starts in the high $20,000s; the tiles cost anywhere from $16 to $20 apiece. A basketball sleeve and volleyball sleeves make even better use of the space and make for fun athletic activities regardless of season.

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These wok-pot fountains are aesthetically pleasing and ecologically conservative as they circulate the water already in use. The columns are made with real stacked stone. The fountain and columns run about $1,100 each. They are available through DreamScapes. River rocks add the final touch.

Rather than spending a fortune and a headache on planting full-grown trees to create a natural privacy screen from the two-storey neighbors, invest in the baby version, like these Italian Cypress trees from Home Depot.

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A combo of faux Saltillo tile and acrylic lace was custom created by DreamScapes to match the existing patio. These river rocks, available at Home Depot, are relatively inexpensive and not only provide an aesthetic finishing touch but solve the problem of cracks between the newly laid and existing patios.

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A Baja step is ideal for small children and for enjoying the refreshing water without submerging oneself under water. The umbrellas, available at JC Penny, are a solid investment at $170 each, providing shade and protecting your skin from the sun.

A convenient way to find fitting furniture is to check out amazon.com, which is where these Strathwood chaise lounges ($189.99 each) and Strathwood Talbot hardwood double sun lounger ($540) were located. The eggshell Strathwood Talbot double sun lounger cushion is $280; the single chaise lounge cushions by Delahey are from WalMart ($49.99 each). Striped chaise lounge towel covers are $25 apiece, protecting the cushions from fading and providing useful pockets for storing sunscreen and poolside snacks. Fun, striped cushions from Kohl’s complete the look and the comfort.

What backyard would be complete without a barbecue? This three-burner gas grill by Uniflame is a complete yet compact necessity for entertaining friends and family with a proper backyard barbecue feast. $399 at WalMart

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This fun, attractive putting green, ideal for all members of the family, utilizes the “dead” space at the side of the house. A custom putting green from Echelon runs $11 per square foot.

Echelon Synthetic Lawns and Putting Greens: (602) 615-0328 or echelongreens.com

DreamScapes Custom Pools and Spas: (623) 587-7665 or dreamscapecustompools.com

Home Depot: homedepot.com

WalMart: walmart.com

Kohls: kohls.com

Gulf Coast Spas: gulfcoastspas.com

JC Penny: jcpenny.com

By Diana Bocco

According to a recent poll, 88 percent of Americans make health or weight-loss resolutions once summer gets near. According to that same poll, more than 60 percent of those resolutions are already out the window by October 1. Why? Because most of them are plain unreasonable.

Is there anything sensible you can do to make yourself healthier, thinner, and stronger year-round? “Forget about fad diets and strict fitness regimens, which do not take into account your own unique metabolism, preferences and overall goals,” says weight-loss authority Dorie McCubbrey, MSEd., PhD. Instead, “focus on developing a routine of self-care that takes you to your goals and feels so good that you’ll maintain it—and your weight success—for life.” Here are ten great examples:

CUT 100 CALORIES FROM YOUR DIET. While this may not sound like much, an extra 100 calories a day adds up to 10 pounds a year! Switch from regular to light mayo (and save 100 calories per tablespoon), steam your food or use nonstick cooking spray (instead of oil or butter), eat cornflakes instead of granola, or take the croutons out of your salad.

ADD ONE NEW VEGETABLE TO YOUR DIET EVERY WEEK. If you always eat the same vegetables week after week, you can try switching to different ones in your salads, your sauces or your scrambled egg mix. If you’re already eating your veggies, simply try to add an extra serving or an additional vegetable to your diet every seven days.

DUMP ALL-LIQUID CALORIES. One of the best things you can do for your health (and your waistline) is to give up sodas, artificially sweetened juices, and sport beverages. These liquid sugars cost money, offer zero nutritional value, and are very fattening. “High-calorie beverages don’t contribute to satiety, so if you drink them routinely, you are likely to overconsume calories leading to weight gain,” says Catherine Christie, PhD, RD, director of nutrition programs at the University of North Florida. If water and unsweetened tea won’t do it for you, look for light or diet options.

TAKE A MULTIVITAMIN. You’ve heard this one before. Now, actually do it.

GIVE UP ONE CARB A DAY. Rather than switching to a low-carb diet (which often works but leaves you weak, tired, and with bad breath), find the worst carb you consume during the day and give it up. Is it the doughnut you eat every morning? Switch to a mini-bagel, preferably whole wheat. Better yet, have scrambled eggs and a piece of fruit. Keep the baked potato at lunch, but give it up if you’re eating it only at night.

MAKE RED MEAT A RARITY. Saturated fat can lead to heart disease and increase your chances for cancer, high cholesterol, and gout. Red meat is also high in fat and has no major nutritional value except for its iron content, which you can get anyway from other proteins and dark green vegetables. Instead of beef, choose skinless chicken, turkey, or fish.

SWITCH to the “better” version of your favorite “bad” foods. Love dessert? Switch from ice cream to yogurt. You’ll save about 150 calories and gain a ton of calcium and beneficial enzymes. Or, choose an omelet over fried eggs and you’ll avoid artery-clogging fat and actually have a chance to add veggies and mushrooms to the mix.

In the end, it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing thing. Even little changes can make a world of difference.

By Cassaundra Brooks
Photography by Mark Susan

Mesa’s Enmar Hardwood Flooring offers a design must-have for every Arizona home: reclaimed floors. The company culls the aged timbers from buildings left behind by the country’s pioneers. Prices vary. (480) 497-1633 or enmarflooring.com

Go for some rustic “green” with this “Dixie” demi wall table, made from reclaimed teak from northern Thailand, with a top formed from a solid wheel and legs made from an old wagon wheel hub. $369 at Valerie’s Furniture & Accents. (480) 483-3327 or valeriesfurniture.com

This Bradington & Young chair is named “The Cameron,” and would be a comfortable, stylish addition to any Western home. The pillow, decorated with bone, beads, and fringe, is the perfect accent. $2,519 and $259, respectively, at Valerie’s Furniture & Accents. (480) 483-3327 or valeriesfurniture.com

Cows beware: This tri-color Buckley sofa sports classic cowhide, along with a barn-wood finish, nailhead trim, and top-grain leather. Pillows are included in its $4,199 price tag. The horn-legged cowhide stool is sold separately for a bargain-price of $199. At Valerie’s Furniture & Accents. (480) 483-3327 or valeriesfurniture.com

Store your wine in this classy Western wine bar with cowhide accents, a solid walnut slab top, and hickory legs. $2,759 at Valerie’s Furniture & Accents. (480) 483-3327 or valeriesfurniture.com

Fittingly named “The Barb,” this lamp of hand-forged iron was created by a Tucson artist and is accompanied by a metal shade with mica reproduction inserts and a turquoise finial. $399 and $299, respectively, at Valerie’s Furniture & Accents. (480) 483-3327 or valeriesfurniture.com

Slip into some lizard with these unique Dan Post “Gunshot” boots, made from lizard skin and denim. $295 at Saba’s. (480) 595-0959 or sabas.com

Whether riding, walking, or dancing, these Ariat “Gem Baby” boots, sporting beautiful brown and blue leather, complete your ensemble nicely. $119 at Saba’s. (480) 595-0959 or sabas.com

Fringe fanatics can show off in this Cripple Creek leather jacket with metal buttons and beautiful embroidery. $220 at Saba’s. (480) 595-0959 or sabas.com

By Alana Stroud

Take this quiz to see where your loyalties lie!

1) On a scale of one (not very) to ten (extremely), how green is your home?
A One. I’m only one person. How much difference could I make?
B Four. I recycle.
C Seven. I make my own clothes and reuse water. However, there’s always room for improvement!
D Ten. I compost all food waste, cook with natural gas, and use junk mail for the fireplace.

2) How do you feel about plastic bags?
A I love them! Use ’em all the time.
B I’ve really tried to cut back since I found out how bad they were for the environment.
C I use only canvas bags at the grocery store.
D I’ve blacklisted all my friends that continue to use plastic bags.

3) If you have a dog, how conscious are you of its waste when walking it?
A Dog poo is biodegradable, right?
B I try to remember to bring along pick-up baggies.
C I always pick up my dog’s waste.
D I clean up all waste, and read others their rights when they don’t pick up after their dogs!

4) What kind of car do you drive?
A A gas-guzzling muscle car or SUV.
B A newer compact or subcompact, like a Toyota Corolla or MINI Cooper.
C A hybrid or Smart Car.
D I don’t own a car. I walk, ride my bike, and use public transportation.

5) What best describes your bathroom habits?
A Water is there for me to use and enjoy.
B I take short showers and turn the water off when I brush my teeth.
C I use a washcloth and buy only organic body care products.
D I use my bathwater for the plants and have a low-flow toilet and showerhead.

6) What kind of electricity do you burn?
A I like to leave lights on around the house for a warm feeling.
B I try to turn off lights when I leave a room.
C I have contacted my local power company and switched to a plan that best accommodates my energy usage.
D I unplug all things not in use, have timers on my lights, line-dry all clothes, and use solar energy when possible.

7) When it comes to cleaning agents, what do you lean toward?
A I have a maid come in and do it for me.
B I use stuff from the supermarket.
C I buy eco-friendly products.
D I clean with baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar.

How do you spend your free time?
A I add to my collection of magazines, books, DVDs, and CDs, and watch a ton of TV.
B I rent movies, borrow books from the library, and download music.
C I participate in outdoor activities.
D I head up the local environmentalist group and picket outside of power plants.

9) How do you show your “green” at work?
A With my favorite pistachio green shirt.
B I carpool.
C I recycle all my paper and bring my own coffee mug and lunch.
D I organized recycling bins in the break rooms, double-side my copies, and police my coworkers’ printing habits.

10) Are you bringing up “green” kids?
A They get the latest and greatest of everything, no matter the cost (including to the environment).
B I teach them to recycle.
C I shop in secondhand stores for clothing and toys.
D They have earth-friendly toys, I buy all recycled school supplies, and they ride their bikes to school.

Answer Key
Mostly As: Being green doesn’t seem to mean a whole lot to you, but at least you’re honest! Perhaps you could start recycling, or even try to buy items in bulk. Every little bit helps!
Mostly Bs: You certainly get an E for effort! You try, and that’s more than some people can say. You might consider trying to be more energy efficient or purchase more environmentally friendly products.
Mostly Cs: Wow! You certainly have the Earth’s welfare at heart. Hopefully your enthusiasm for the environment will rub off on those around you.
Mostly Ds: You live and die by being eco-friendly. While your efforts are empowering, you might try to take it easy on those around you who don’t quite feel as strongly as you do. Keep up the good work!

By Zak Wagner

SWM seeking tall, middle-aged female companion who enjoys running, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Ideally, she would have dark hair and be low maintenance. A happy disposition is a must. She must like cats and kids, as I have both. A few missing teeth is fine, but otherwise healthy with no serious ongoing medical conditions is preferable. Also, while I don’t mind having to do some training, I do have brand-new carpet, so she must be housebroken at least.

You’ve probably guessed that this isn’t a lonely gentleman looking for female human companionship. He is, however, looking for a happy lifelong relationship. This hypothetical ad covers many of the things that RESCUE (Reducing Euthanasia at Shelters through Commitment and Underlying Education) looks for in placing one of their rescued pets with a new family. The organization is serious about their matchmaking process, and with good reason. Many people see the cute doggie or kitty in a picture or at a shelter and just have to have it—at least until they get the animal home and it pees on the new carpet or chews up the favorite shoes. Suddenly, they realize they hadn’t bargained for some of the issues that owning pets involves, and so the animal goes right back where it started, in another shelter or possibly left on the street to a sadder fate.

The matchmaking service helps to eliminate some of these issues by matching you with an animal in need of a good home that also fits into your lifestyle and matches your requirements. RESCUE’s three-step matchmaking process is a key to their low return rate. First, you fill out the matchmaker form, which is then assessed by one of their matchmakers. Next, someone will call you to follow up and go over with you what animals are available that match what you are looking for. Finally, you will have a face-to-face meeting. If at this point they don’t have the perfect match for you, they now have your criteria, and with their constant stream of rescues will most likely have exactly what you want within a few weeks.

Many of the dogs and cats helped by RESCUE have been previously considered unadoptable, a classification which can be something as simple as a broken tooth or as severe as a serious health or behavior issue. However, the staff at RESCUE has found that most of them just need a second chance at life with a loving family. In fact, RESCUE has saved over 9,000 cats and dogs from being put to death in pounds and shelters across Maricopa County since 1995. Their unique matching service has resulted in a low 8 percent return rate of their adopted animals, compared with the average of around 50 percent.

RESCUE is Maricopa County’s largest no-kill animal rescue organization, which is made more remarkable by the fact that it is a “virtual” shelter with no facilities of its own. The animals they rescue are kept either by one of 400 foster families or by friendly participating veterinarians. While this has been a highly successful method, it severely limits RESCUE’s ability to save even larger numbers of animals that are condemned to death every day at various pounds. They are now working to change all of that with exciting plans for their very own facility. This will enable them to save thousands more of these wonderful pets, as well as to help them to become financially self-sustaining—a crucial component, as their veterinary bills alone run into the tens of thousands every month. So far, RESCUE has raised $100,000 of the $500,000 price tag. The help of individuals and the community is key to reaching their goal.

If you are in search of that special one to complete your household and add a little extra touch of companionship and love, RESCUE can help you find the perfect match.

To learn more about donating to AZ RESCUE or if you’re looking for that special someone, contact the organization at donate@azrescue.org or visit their Web site at azrescue.org.

Gelato Matto

20260 N. 59th Ave., Suite 103
Glendale, AZ 85308
(623) 825-4543
gelatomatto.net

Smooth texture and intense flavor make this café’s traditional Italian ice cream high quality. Its thirty-eight flavors are made fresh on the premises every day. This gelato heaven also serves LavAzza Coffee (Italy’s favorite coffee), traditional cannoli, freshly made waffle cones and bowls, gelato spaghetti, affogato al café, granitas, biscotti cookies, gelato cakes, and more.

Paciugo Gelato

2530 West Happy Valley Rd., Suite 1271
Phoenix, AZ 85085
(623) 516-8749
paciugo.com

Paciugo Gelato has made us all happy by opening its newest location at the recently opened Shops at Norterra marketplace. With thirty-two flavors made fresh daily and over 200 recipes of traditional and unique flavors (try the rose—it’s good!) to shake things up, Paciugo Gelato will keep you coming back for more. Enjoy their free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV, or enjoy a treat before heading next door to the new Harkins Theater to catch the next blockbuster hit. Catering is available.

Arlecchino Gelateria

4410 N 40th St.
Phoenix AZ 85018
Phone: 602-955-2448
arlechinogelateria.com

“100% autentico gelato italiano!” Yes, this gelateria prepares its gelato entirely from scratch with a preserved authentic Italian recipe and the best ingredients available. Owners Moreno and Marian Spangaro were both born and raised in Trieste, Italy, a town famous for its gelato and coffee, and they are well trained in the art of making gelato. They boast a 100 percent natural product, often made with imported Italian ingredients that include chocolate, espresso, and nuts, as well as handpicked seasonal fruit. Their daily offering of eighteen flavors continually changes and ranges from traditional Italian flavors to their own creations. Gelato cakes and tiramisu are available upon special request.

By Alison Malone

Lemon, pancetta, and broccolini dazzle fettuccini in this breezy dinnertime dish.

Summer’s long gone, and the ritual of planning the evening’s al fresco feast is a pleasant memory. Autumn’s upon us, and it’s now time to beef up your arsenal of quick weeknight meals. In this fettuccini recipe, bright lemon and crisp broccolini awaken the palette, while pancetta—a cured meat so salty that no additional salinating is needed in the dish—hints at the robust flavors of fall. Dinner comes together with ease in fifteen minutes.

Lemon Fettuccini with Pancetta and Broccolini

Recipe developed by Hilary Malone

Ingredients
• 3 ounces pancetta, cubed
• 2 bunches broccolini, rinsed
• 9 ounces dried fettuccini
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon peel
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp pepper

Preparation
Sauté pancetta over medium-high heat until crisp and golden. Transfer to kitchen towel to drain.
Parboil broccolini in a large pot of salted boiling water for three minutes or until vibrant and green but still crisp. Transfer broccolini to ice bath and drain. Set aside.

Cook fettuccini in the same pot of boiling water used for the broccolini until al dente. Drain and return to pot. Add remaining ingredients and stir to coat.

By Diane Maier

Living your best life begins by designing an environment in your home that is conducive to creating happiness, success, and joy. Harmony, energy, and intention each play a role in creating a home that is a true reflection of the life that you want to create. When you “live by design,” you set the stage to bring abundance into every part of your life. Living your best life always begins at home.

The space you surround yourself with has a huge impact on your life. If you are feeling unmotivated or restless, it could be from negative energy that is lingering in your home. You may be holding onto items that you simply don’t care about any longer. Your surroundings should nurture and feed your senses, always.

Clearing the clutter will help you create harmonious spaces that work for the way that you and your family want to live. Start by carving out a space that will be uniquely your own—a place to retreat to when you are feeling stressed or tired. Your retreat could be a luxurious tub dressed with candles and thirsty towels. It could be a cushioned seat by the fireplace on a chilly day or a poolside table to enjoy your coffee while listening to morning bird songs. When you design a space that reflects your needs and intentions, you create an environment that will nurture your creativity and energy. All things become possible.

Here are five ways to design your life, one room at a time:

- Visualize a setting that you enjoy visiting, one that has a special ambience and is a place in which you feel completely comfortable and at home. Is it a lake house? A festive holiday setting? A room in a friend’s home where everyone loves to linger? The elements that are clearest in your mind will help you create your own design.

- Too often, we wait for company to visit to make the spaces in our home special. Don’t wait for visitors to put the good towels out in the guest bath or the flowers in the spare room. It’s your home. Enjoy it every day.

- Tackle your home one room at a time. Your master bath should be a sanctuary, the guest room a retreat, and the spare bathroom always ready for company. It’s your life. Take time to develop it.

- Pay special attention to your bedroom. The view from the bed is much more important than the view from the doorway. Does the sun come in and wake you each morning? Does your mattress need to be upgraded? Your bedroom should be comfortable and conducive to getting a good night’s sleep. It is where each day begins.

- Everyone who lives in your home should have a space in which he or she feels comfortable. A tall man and a short woman are not going to be comfortable on the same piece of furniture. Look at your life and what it needs, rather than decorating to mimic what others are doing.

Good design doesn’t just happen by accident. Your home should be a reflection of who you are and the way that you want to live. Make yourself the center of your universe, and your house will feel like a home.

By Cassaundra Brooks and Alana Stroud

Note: Miles based on Deer Valley Airport as a central location.

Arizona is a great state for enjoying pleasant fall excursions. In our search for autumn outings, we turned to the four elements: water, air, earth, and fire. If the price of another precious natural resource is making trips a little harder on you and your gas-guzzler, you needn’t drive far for some quality entertainment and relaxation. But if you don’t mind the drive and the few extra bucks, try out one of the more distant destinations for a nice extended weekend.

WATER

Lake Pleasant
peoriaaz.gov/lakepF.htm
Phone: (602) 372-7460
Approximately 24 miles
Fees: One day: $6 per car; $2 per watercraft. Developed campgrounds are $20 per night.
If you’re looking for fun, beautiful Lake Pleasant Regional Park offers recreational activities such as mountain biking, camping, and hiking, as well as developed sites for RV and tent camping. Visitors can enjoy waterskiing, Jet-Skiing, boat rentals, sailing, or fishing! While there, venture over to the educational visitors’ center that overlooks the New Waddell Dam.

Blue Ridge Reservoir
fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/mog_rim/blue-ridge-boat.shtml
Phone: (928) 477-2255
Approximately 128 miles
Fees: $8 per night/campsite
For a tranquil, scenic weekend away, this narrow reservoir winds gracefully between steep, forested canyon walls and is ideal for kayaking or canoeing. Try your hand at fishing for rainbow, brown, or brook trout—all are stocked by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The picturesque backdrop also provides ample opportunity for sightseeing, wildlife watching, hiking, and mountain biking.

Note to the physically impaired: The shoreline is very steep with large boulders. Plan to enjoy the reservoir on the water.

AIR

Turf Soaring School
turfsoaring.com/default.htm
Phone: (602) 439-3621
Approximately 16.5 miles
Fees: Scenic rides $109–$169; Sailplane rental $39–$59/hr.
Take your mundane day to new heights at Turf Soaring School. Your pilot will not only demonstrate basic flying techniques and draw your attention to points of interest, but will also hand the controls over to you so you can “taste the very personal freedom of flight,” as the Web site poetically states. When you’ve returned to solid ground, your flight will be entered into an official pilot’s logbook that you may take home as a souvenir.

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours
Phone: (888) 708-4706
Approximately 205 miles
Fees: $215.50 per adult and child for 50 minutes
Board a helicopter at the South Rim heliport and settle in for a narrated tour in the skies. Fly over the North Rim and Eastern Gorge and soar past the Dragon Corridor and Dragon’s Head. Check out the Kaibab Forest and the Kaibab Plateau as well as Zuni Corridor, where the Little Colorado River meets the Colorado River, Point Imperial, and Temple Butte.

EARTH

Arrowhead Desert Tours: Gold Panning
azdeserttours.com/gold.htm
Phone: (602) 942-3361
Approximately 23 miles
Fees: $89/adult, $69/child
Gold never goes out of style! Try to strike it rich as experienced prospectors teach you how to prospect for gold on Paydirt’s mile-long gold claim. You will be provided with equipment, and your guide will show you both where to look and how to sluice the pan for gold and garnets. Enjoy the four-wheel drive through wonderful desert areas in Arizona’s backcountry along the way.

Old Pueblo Archaeology Center
oldpueblo.org
Phone: (520) 798-1201
Approximately 124 miles
Fees: Field trip prices vary
Return visitors are not uncommon at Old Pueblo’s Archaeology Center. The guided tours of ongoing excavations of ancient cultural features bring out the curiosity of children and adults alike to see the progress being made and the new archaeological discoveries that continually surface. Tours typically last one to two hours.

FIRE

Hot Air Expeditions
hotairexpeditions.com/index.html
Phone: (480) 502-6999
Approximately 0 miles
Fees: $175 per person; $195 per person with hotel pickup; $8 fuel surcharge per person
The romantic individual and the adventure seeker will both appreciate the exhilaration and serenity of ballooning. At speeds of five or six miles per hour, you can hardly detect any motion as you fly with the wind. To commemorate your experience, you will be inducted into the ballooning society and awarded the Certificate d’Ascension en Machine Aerostatique.

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
hallofflame.org
Phone: (602) 275-3473
Approximately 27 miles
Fees: Adults, $6; senior citizens 62 and up, $5; students 6 to 17, $4; children 3 to 5, $1.50; members and children under 3, free
Honor the history of firefighting at the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting and the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes. Over 90 restored pieces of fire apparatus dating from 1725 to 1969 and brought in from across America, as well as England, France, Austria, Germany, and Japan, are on display.

By Alana Stroud

Local cowgirl Karin Johnson experienced a vision after finishing a trail ride near Tonto Hills in June of 2008. Having been on a journey of self-discovery for the past year, she had been searching high and low for a way to make a living doing what she loved. In San Diego, at an advanced training exercise with Jack Canfield, she realized that her passion was animals. It was a start, but she still had no idea how to turn this passion into a living.

Johnson’s search eventually led to her developing Cowgirl Designs, an artistic adventure in expressing her love of animals with the rest of the world. Initially, her idea was to design custom greeting cards. When a member of the Cave Creek/Carefree Chamber of Commerce suggested she broaden her artistic offerings, she readily agreed. Her now full-time specialty is personalizing photographs of people and their animals. Johnson’s creative photography focuses on the theme of the Western lifestyle, including but not limited to cowboys, cowgirls, horses, ranch work, and the Sonoran Desert. Johnson’s only goal is to be an inspiration and share her passion with everyone in the hope that they too will discover theirs and live their dreams as she is living hers.

Not wishing to keep her success all to herself, Johnson donates 10 percent of the proceeds from all Cowgirl Designs sales to Dreamchaser PMU Rescue and Rehabilitation, a horse rescue and adoption facility at Dunrovin Ranch in New River, Arizona. Dreamchaser PMU gives horses that would otherwise be doomed to certain death another chance at life by placing them in forever homes through adoption. The organization purchases the horses and provides all housing and feeding supplies. Together, Cowgirl Designs and Dreamchaser are in the saddle changing the world, one horse at a time.

For more information and ways you can help, visit dreamchaserpmu.org. For more information on Cowgirl Designs and to view artwork, visit cowgirldesigns.com.