By Jordan Houston A self-taught artist with an eye for statement pieces, Jamie Almaraz says she knew her hobby couldn’t support her family. So, she got creative. Now, with more than 20 years as a hairstylist under her belt, Almaraz has married her love of design to her blossoming career in one of her finest masterpieces to date—Cast Salon & Spa. “My background is in art; I have always loved it,” the Nor ...

By Jimmy Magahern With all the unprecedented volatility in the markets right now, it’s perhaps not surprising that many investors have become as fearful of checking the Dow as the rest of us have become reading the breaking coronavirus alerts on our smartphones each morning. “I’ve had clients—including some who’ve actually made money through this process—who have told me they’re afraid to look at their stat ...

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Pop-rockers Promise to Myself have a hard time keeping a secret. Before the North Phoenix-based band released its sophomore EP, “I Might Be Crazy,” the quartet was told to stay mum about the new music. Sometimes it was a little harder than the group thought. “Our manager and our label, 80/20, said we couldn’t tell anyone,” rhythm guitarist Zack Bruge says. “I would tell all of ...

By Alison Bailin Batz W hile self-care is critical to one’s health, physically and mentally, we all could use an extra hand when it comes to properly taking care of ourselves from time to time.  Thankfully, the North Valley features some of the top spas in the nation, each of which is always innovating, updating and reimagining its treatments and spaces to relax, rejuvenate and reinvigorate guests’ minds, b ...

By Christopher Boan Ayears-long prophecy came to fruition in mid-January, as Dana Mulé’s Hula’s Modern Tiki opened its High Street location. The restaurant is a stone’s throw from the Loop 101 at 5450 N. High Street. The company’s newest restaurant features a garage door opening up to a spacious patio, to go with floral patterned booths, tiki features on walls and other Hawaiian mainstays. It joins location ...

Surveying the Mexican border The storied Army Corps of Topographical Engineers was a hand-picked group of West Point graduates. In its short lifespan of only 23 years as a separate corps, it probably did more, in proportion to its small numbers, than any other group. The corps was a combination of science and romance, the prototypes of the original seven astronauts of the 1960s. When the Mexican War ended i ...

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Vernon Aviation business manager James Pera says when people hear the words “private jet,” they automatically assume it’s not within reach financially. They’re wrong, he says. “Once educated, our clients are pleasantly surprised to find out that there are various price points, aircraft and options for all budgets,” Pera says. “The business owners are pleased when they find out ...

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Just because Valley natives Nikki and Brie Bella are pregnant, it doesn’t mean they can’t throw a party. The former WWE Divas will kick off Cabanas After Dark, the Hotel Valley Ho’s poolside parties under the stars, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6. The party and a VIP rooftop meet-and-greet also introduce their new Bonita Bonita rosé, and signed bottles will be available. “We’re s ...

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Lloyd Cole and the Commotions found success with their 1984 debut album, “Rattlesnakes.” Since then, Cole has continually reimagined his career. Born in Buxton, England, Cole moved to New York to reinvent himself after a series of albums and tours with the Commotions. Arizona fans will get the rare chance to see a retrospective of his career during his show at the Musical Instr ...

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski E rin Naas was born obsessed with horses. From the time she could walk or talk, Naas and her mom attended Mommy and Me riding lessons in her home state of California. “I would ride sassy, little bad ponies and she would trot along next to us, leading me,” Naas says with a laugh. “That’s how I started, and I’ve ridden ever since.” A supermodel and actress, Naas has shown horses ...

By Joella Hopkins Yes, it is possible to stay healthy and fit during Christmas The holiday season is officially here and, inevitably, most of us gain weight during this time of year. ‘Tis the season to attend lavish holiday parties, eat to our heart’s content, and indulge in alcohol and sugary drinks that are not part of our normal diet during the rest of the year. It’s all fun and games—until it isn’t  Sud ...

Breakfast joints are sweeping the area By Kristine Cannon Earlier this year, Oregon-based Biscuits Café expanded into the northern Scottsdale area. In late spring, popular Phoenix-based Matt’s Big Breakfast announced its expansion into the Scottsdale area, to take place sometime in the fall. In September, Tucson’s popular brunch hot-spot, Prep & Pastry, celebrated its grand opening at the Scottsdale Wat ...

Ford Edge ST is truly a sharp ride By Greg Rubenstein When a segment offers no fewer than 50 different models, you know there is going to be fierce competition and something for just about everyone. So, it is among mid-size sport utility vehicles, where options include SUVs with two-row or three-row seating, unibody or body-on-frame platforms, FWD, RWD, AWD, or driver-selectable 4x4 drivetrains with turboch ...

The facility serves more community than coffee By Devan Sauer In the high hills of Cave Creek lies the town’s only roastery, the Roastery of Cave Creek. Surrounding ROC2, as it’s affectionately known, is the smell of the morning pot of brewing coffee, with subtle hints of chocolate. ROC2’s only roastery is a small, industrial-looking building with a shipping container in its parking lot. It distributes coff ...

Celebrating its third anniversary, Quench Naturel is all about love By Annika Tomlin Gina Mynatt-Galdi and her daughter suffered from severe eczema. The two struggled to find products that would help with it. So Mynatt-Galdi founded Quench Naturel and the Get Whipped Body Souffle to relieve the skin condition. But the next step for the North Scottsdale resident was to find a partner, someone who would help ...