All-Star Summer   Summer officially begins June 21, which is all well and good for most of the country, but for us North Valley residents, it’s safe to say, we’ve already been melting. If you have yet to get your home summer ready, check out these sizzling summer solutions to tie together your patio and backyard. Perk Up Your Patio Your patio will inevitably be an extension of your home for the upcoming mon ...

              Summer Spirit Swimwear separates draw inspiration from the dramatic beauty and history of the people and land of  Arizona. Photography by Chadwick Fowler Creative direction & wardrobe styling by Shannon Campbell Assistant: Michael Keatley Hair/Make-up: Rachel Taft Peterson Assistant: Karissa Jones Models: Daynalynn Wain, Michelle Davis, and Kaci Koch––The ...

July concerts, television, and movies  Compiled by Sara Goodwin CONCERTS/ JULY 11 The Smashing Pumpkins Comerica Theatre The Smashing Pumpkins and Marilyn Manson head to Phoenix for their End Times tour. The tour follows the release of the Smashing Pumpkins’ latest album, Monuments to an Elegy. Phoenix is only their fourth stop, so there should be plenty of energy on stage and an unforgettable set.   J ...

Top Dog  Introducing Gucci, North Valley Magazine’s Cutest Pet Winner! By Sondra Barr Photos of Gucci and his family by Chadwick Fowler Our second annual North Valley Cutest Pet Contest proved once again that pet owners from around the area love to snap and share photos of their beloved critters. This year, we received dozens upon dozens of adorable pet submissions from their doting owners. The contestants ...

Try this quick exercise routine that can be done just about anywhere.  By Kim Miller and Shannon Dougherty Models: Shannon Dougherty and Kari Burghardt and their daughters Photos: Stephanie Heymann, stephanieheymannphotography.com Exercise has a wealth of benefits, including reducing stress, preventing disease, helping to control weight, increasing life expectancy, and improving focus. Studies show that act ...

M.D. Thalmann weighs in on the dog versus cat debate.  As you can tell from this month’s cover, we here at North Valley Magazine are all about our furry little companions, though as usual, the dogs get all the glory and felines get shafted yet again even though us cat owners aren’t the ones picking up poo in a nanometer-thick bag. (Although when I owned a dog, I used a shovel.) I must admit, I was a staunch ...

North Valley Magazine––What to read in June & July By Julie Carlson THE CONSPIRACY OF US By Maggie Hall Young adults may find this debut novel intriguing. Main character Avery West continually moves from place to place with her mother. Avery wants to lay down roots, date, and make lifelong friends. It bothers her that she hasn’t been able to do so, especially when she meets Jack. But when her mother onc ...

Genera Garcia's ethnic heritage is the inspiration for this multimedia artist’s vibrant work.  By Nicole Royse Local chef, restaurateur, and advocate Gennaro Garcia is also an artist who creates bodies of work that explore various media that include painting, woodwork, prints, ceramics, wearables, and murals. Growing up in an artistic household, he has always had a passion for the arts. His style is a combi ...

Stylish Staycations As the season heats up, summer rates at Valley resorts take an affordable dive. Experience the best in luxurious, world-class accommodations at one or more of these amazing resort properties at a fraction of their in-season rates. What are you waiting for? Pack your overnight bag for a lavish weekend of relaxation, fine dining, plush accommodations, and much more. By Paige Bailey   ...

Interested dancers are encouraged to attend prep classes beginning June 29  The Phoenix Suns will host auditions for the 2015-16 Suns Dancers beginning Sat., Aug. 1 at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale. Those possessing the skill and enthusiasm to become a member of the 2015-16 Suns Dancers are encouraged to attend prep classes being held throughout the summer at US Airways Center, beginning on Monday, Jun ...

Celebrate Veuve Clicquot champagne during these delightful Valley events On Thursday, June 11 from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m., stop by The Montauk for the official launch of the Clicquot en Route nationwide tour! For $20, guests can enjoy a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label paired with a complimentary mini Maine lobster and blue crab cake with Veuve Clicquot champagne caviar sauce. For $25, guests will receive ...

A Refreshing Spa Party By Jamila Watson Photos by Kourtney Marie Photography We’re now in the lazy days of summer, and in the North Valley, life seems to slow down a bit. This is the perfect time to reconnect with friends, get pampered, and beat the heat. For this article, I wanted to show you fun and relaxing ideas on planning a spa gathering where you and your friends can unwind and be treated like royalt ...

Metal Worker  With a metal inert-gas tool in hand, writer Anissa Stringer tries her hand at welding. By Anissa Stringer   For this issue of North Valley Magazine, I tried something very different— took a welding class! Since I had zero experience as a welder, I had no expectations for the class other than the vague notion that I’d be wielding fire in an astronaut suit. The reality was a little differen ...

The Sean Mullaney Band Writer Lynette Carrington sits down with a gifted Valley vocalist. As with artists in any genre, musicians get their inspiration and training from a variety of sources. Musician Sean Mullaney would agree. “I look up to icons like Freddy Mercury, Robert Plant, and Mick Jagger for their front-man, vocal, and melodic talents,” he says. “Musically, I love the Black Crowes and Neil Young f ...

Treat dad this Father’s Day with a free round of golf at one of Wildfire Golf Club’s two world-class 18-hole championship golf courses located at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. Wildfire Golf Club is offering a Father’s Day Special on Sunday, June 21, for celebrating dad. Fathers play free when accompanied by a family member who has purchased a round of golf. The 18-hole, par 71 Faldo Championshi ...