Home + Design

Inspired Design

Shaunna Cooper Helps Clients Design Dream Spaces Article by Michelle Glicksman | Photography by Provided It was a personal experience that led Shaunna Cooper to her now-thriving career. She had moved to Arizona and, in the process of decorating her apartment, realized she was very drawn to interior design. After seeing her results, family and friends soon began asking her for help with their own spaces. Eventually, the now-interior designer launched Three & Me Designs (named for her three...

Home + Design

Maximize Your Space

LB Closets Offers Custom Closets and Organization Systems Article by Michelle Glicksman | Photography by Provided It was Nov. 6, 2017, when Brando Salazar began working at LB Closets. The job would prove to be fortuitous. Salazar didn’t intend to make the industry his career to begin with. He simply needed money and had been offered the job as a closet installer. “I never expected how much I would enjoy working with my hands and tools, and how naturally everything came to me,” he says. “The...

Home + Design

Sew Perfect

For Almost Four Decades, By The Yard Has Been More Than Just a Fabric Store Article by MIchelle Glicksman It was October 1987 when By The Yard first opened on Warner Road in Tempe. It’s been there—and been a community staple—ever since. “Many people say it’s a candy store!” says Colleen Simon, who has been working with the store for 24 years. “All of the beautiful in-stock fabric options coupled with our large resource room containing hundreds of books and fabric samples—it’s a one-stop shop...

Home + Design

Plumbing Made Perfect

Gold Star Plumbing & Drain Talks Ethics, Awards, and Advice Article by Michelle Glicksman Local family business Gold Star Plumbing & Drain is run by a husband-and-wife team, who is proud to say their son also works with the company. The company offers professional water heater service, drain clearing, toilet repair, and other plumbing services. “Our trained, licensed, and uniformed plumbers are standing by to assist with all of your residential and commercial plumbing needs,” says owner...

Life + Culture

Welcome Home

Foster360 Opens Doors in Tempe Article by Alison Bailin Batz | Photography by Provided Those ages 18-24 who are aging out of foster care now have a safe place in Tempe to call home. Foster360 opened a campus here in late 2023, due to demand and through support from funders. The demand, says the organization, stems from the fact that 900 children age out of foster care in Arizona each year—with research showing that 50% of them go on to become homeless within two years. Foster360 was founded...

Arts + Culture

Policing & Pageants

Meet Candace Kanavel—Tempe Police Officer and Miss Arizona USA Article by Michelle Glicksman | Photography by Provided Candace Kanavel, a Tempe police officer and Miss Arizona USA 2023, grew up in San Jose, California as the youngest of four, with two older sisters and a brother. Her family was very involved in sports and her parents always encouraged them to pursue their passions. At 18, she moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State University (ASU). Here’s what happened next.   You have a...

Life + Culture

Caring For the Community

Serving Up Meals and Friendships in Tempe Article and Photography by Jessica Parsons With all the flare of a hometown carnival—complete with music, cotton candy, popcorn, and salsa dancing—volunteers feed those experiencing food insecurity and homelessness in the most unique and festive setting. “This is our fun table,” Volunteer Manager Samantha Buffaloe explains. “Just because you’re experiencing homelessness doesn’t mean you don’t like to have fun,” she says. “That’s why we bring music...

Health + Wellness

Helping People Thrive

NEOS MedSpa Offers the Latest and Best in Skincare and Wellness Article by Michelle Glicksman “I love the industry,” says Sharlene Taylor. “I feel like I’m meant to work in this field—bringing people together and helping with not only skincare esthetics but helping people thrive and be happy in the skin they are in.” Taylor is the owner of NEOS MedSpa, a medspa that offers laser hair removal, skin treatments, photo facials, microdermabrasion facials, Dysport injections, fillers, weight loss...

Food + Beverage

Valentine's Day Date Ideas

Wow Your Date With One of These Local Activities Article by Michelle Glicksman A Swan Boat Sure there are regular pedal boats that you can rent to take onto Tempe Town Lake. But why not up the fun with a swan boat? Glide across the lake propelled by your own foot power. Add on the date night package for a box of chocolates and floral decorations. Boats4Rent.com   Escapology You must work together to solve puzzles—from finding hidden clues to cracking codes and more—and complete...

Food + Beverage

Perfectly Picazzo’s

A Fusion Approach to Modern Italian Cuisine Made With Healthy Ingredients That Meets All Dietary Requirements Article by Michelle Glicksman | Photography by Provided Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen is an Arizona-based, family-owned and -operated restaurant with locations in Tempe, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Arrowhead, and Gilbert. The restaurant was created with a commitment to meet all guests’ dietary needs, from typical dishes to extensive vegan options, gluten-free options, and more...