by Stephanie Peterson
With wedding ads everywhere it got me thinking about my wedding, or as my family so lovingly refers to it as my temporary reign as “Bridezilla”. Personally I didn’t think I was that bad, but if you listen to my loved ones tell the tale your imagination will take you to a beautiful meadow with flowers and twinkle lights everywhere and an insane dragon dressed in a fabulous tulle gown with a bouquet of pink roses in one hand and an ax in the other who spits fire …

On February 25th, J.J. Jacobs presented his annual Bridal Expo at Hon-Dah Resort & Conference Center. In addition to a number of other great local bridal professionals, the Doubletree Bridal & Pendleton Boutique debuted this year’s hottest apparel during the fashion show.

by Amie Rodgers
Although the “perfect wedding” may be a lot of different things to a lot of different people, there does seem to be a recipe of sorts that is generally followed. For instance, you start by taking two people, add their friends and family to a venue flavored by your choice of seasonings
(flowers, entertainment, decor). Once you’ve started that, you have to consider adding food, beverages and cake. Now you should have a party. If you’re going to have a party, you want to look good so you must …

by Amie Rodgers
When it comes to feeding your wedding party, its fun to really
dazzle your guests. For our shoot, we were thrilled to have Heather Broseman of Mia Piachi Bistro & Bakery in Pinetop share with us some great ideas and tips that are sure to please. “Our philosophy is food that is light and fresh so you feel good after you eat it,” smiles Heather, “Most of the dishes we prepared today are very fresh tasting and light. They are great for events because they are not too heavy, …

by Stephanie Peterson
After watching a weekend full of Hallmark movies, I started thinking about fairytale endings. Girls these days are surrounded by these amazing love stories that involve a girl meeting the guy of her dreams, falling for him, and then breaking up for several scenes and of course, the magical ending where they get back together and live happily ever after. Now those of us married woman are so busy laughing right now that you may need to pause from reading… Ok now that we have wiped away the …

by Peg Matteson, Maverick Historian
Happy Birthday to all of us… Whether we like it or not, we are 100 years old, February 14, 1912. Now there might be a few Arizona citizens who were alive that day (although I doubt it), but I would guess that the majority ofour readers might like to know what went on in our new state who, after 40 years of struggling to be recognized and accepted not only in Washington D.C. But also the whole east sid of the United States, and more. So …

Recipe appears courtesy of Classic Cookware (Your Local Everything Kitchen Store)
This is really easy to make and can be prepared days before a party. Helpful hint: If you double this recipe, it won’t set. For a large group, make two molds.
12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 ½ cups cold heavy cream
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Seeds scraped from 1 vanilla bean
Raspberry Sauce (recipe follws)
1 pint fresh raspberries
Place the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with …

by Liz Turner, Blue Apron Cooking School
One month into the new year and I’m still trying to keep to my goals to eat a little lighter and healthier. During the day I do pretty well, but find that I still crave something sweet after dinner. Store bought treats often leave me unsatisfied, whether it’s the tiny portion size, or the poor quality substitutions they come in. I’m not sure. So I’ve been making my own treats using good quality products and finding ways to lighten up traditional favorites. My family …

Arizona’s North Pole Experience™ Announces Partnership with The Elf on the Shelf®; A Christmas Tradition
Phoenix, Ariz. (September 20, 2011) – Santa has made an official proclamation this year, approving the partnership of The North Pole Experience and The Elf on the Shelf for 2011 and beyond. Santa’s little helper, The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition has teamed up with the North Pole Experience, (NPX), Santa’s unique and critically acclaimed, interactive workshop in Greer, Arizona.
Ranked in Inc. magazine’s list of top 500 fastest-growing companies in 2010 and 2011, The Elf …

by Amie Rodgers
On January 2, Helmut the Jeweler will celebrate 40 years as a family owned and operated business in Show Low. In honor of the occasion and this long standing family tradition, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to interview the Vaeth family starting with Helmut himself.
Helmut Vaeth was born in Germany seventy five years ago. He came to America in 1952. “Even as a little kid I was handy with my fingers and patient. I had three years in Germany as an apprentice. That is where I …