Some places slow you down the minute you arrive. Your shoulders drop, your phone stays in your pocket a little longer, and you remember that life doesn’t have to be rushed to feel full. Sovereign Acres Farm , tucked into the desert landscape of Apache Junction, Arizona, is one of those places. Family-owned and lovingly cared for, this mini farm is part working homestead, part community gathering spot, and part gentle reminder that good food and meaningful connection often go

From Tom Jackson When your birthday is on Christmas, people always ask the same question: “Doesn’t that suck?” Time and time again, I keep telling them no. Usually followed by something clever, like I’m an ambassador of festiveness…in my own way.  The truth is, it always felt special to me. However, after being asked that question enough times, it does start to make a person think. I’ve come to realize that depending on one’s circumstances, having your birthday land on Christ

A Holiday Feature Recipe from Bubbles Don’t Count & Moments With Tammie As Thanksgiving arrives, it’s the perfect moment to bring something bright, festive, and flavorful to the table — and nothing captures that spirit better than a sparkling Pomegranate Smash. This version gets a North-of-the-border twist: we sweeten it with pure Canadian maple syrup, giving the cocktail a warm, caramel richness that complements pomegranate beautifully. It’s the perfect pre-dinner sipper for

Guest Post by Sarah Farley When was the last time you said, “I sleep great every night” ? If your answer is “not lately,” you’re not alone. Here’s the truth: sleep isn’t just downtime. It’s when our bodies heal, our brains reset, and our health is restored. Without it, we face everything from higher stress to greater risk of illness. The good news? Much of our sleep quality is in our own hands — in the little habits and rhythms we create before bed. I like to think of it as s

Sometimes, the best things grow quietly — tucked between neighborhoods, tended by good people who care deeply about the land. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Steadfast Farms , a 2-acre bio-intensive farm nestled right in the middle of the Eastmark community in Mesa, Arizona. I first discovered them a few years ago at the Gilbert Farmer’s Market . I remember picking up a few of their produce items (those carrots were something special) and a bouquet of flowers that brighten

Every November, right around the time the stores start stacking canned pumpkin into pyramids, I pull out my notebook and start dreaming up Thanksgiving dinner. I love the whole process — the flavors, the memories, the traditions we carry from year to year. But most of all, I love creating a day that feels warm, welcoming, and just a little bit magical. This year is no different. I’ve been thinking (and overthinking!) what will make the cut… and yes, I’m already deep into list

Sometimes, the best moments are found in the most unexpected places. On my recent visit to the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix (Rohoen) , I felt transported far away from the desert city I know so well. Nestled in the Roosevelt District, this tranquil garden is a hidden gem that blends culture, nature, and reflection—all within the heart of Phoenix. The moment you step inside, the world slows down. Beauty at Every Turn From the moment I entered, I was struck by the incr

There’s something about eating at Benihana that feels like a little event. The sizzle of the grill, the chef’s showmanship, the stack of onion rings turned into a smoking volcano — and then, before the main attraction even hits the table, that salad. Crisp iceberg lettuce with a tangy, gingery dressing that somehow steals the show. This homemade version, adapted from Maxi’s Kitchen, hits all those nostalgic notes. Bright, zesty, a little sweet, and full of fresh ginger punch.

There’s something about walking into a ballpark — even when it’s empty — that gives you goosebumps. The smell of the turf, the echo of footsteps in the stands, and the thought that just days earlier, some of baseball’s biggest names stood right where you are. For us, that place was Chase Field , home of the Arizona Diamondbacks  — and what a treat it was. Now, my heart might belong to the Dodgers  (especially during the World Series!), but I have to admit: the Diamondbacks kn

Cooler mornings, softer light — the perfect time to dig back into the soil. Fall in the desert has its own rhythm. The air softens, the sun dips a little lower, and everything feels ready for a fresh start — including my garden beds. While most gardeners across the country are putting theirs to sleep, here in the Southwest we’re just getting started. This year, I’ve been leaning on two of my favorite garden resources — Growing in the Garden  and Garden In Minutes®  — to help

Guest Post by Sarah Farley “If I should fall even a thousand times a day, a thousand times, with peaceful repentance, I will say immediately, Nunc Coepi [now I begin].”— Venerable Bruno Lanteri At 34 years old, 20 weeks pregnant with my first child, and heavier and less fit than I’ve been in years, I almost talked myself out of starting this project. Not the right season,  I told myself. Not the right time.  But then I realized—that voice wasn’t truth. It was Resistance. Stev

By The Bubbles Guy The Rhubarb French 75  — tart, floral, and sparkling. When the garden gives you the last of its rhubarb harvest, it’s time to turn it into something extraordinary. This Rhubarb French 75 blends jewel-toned rhubarb syrup, elderflower gin, and sparkling wine for a cocktail that’s equal parts elegant and playful. At Bubbles Don’t Count , we believe sparkling wine isn’t just for big celebrations — it’s for the everyday moments that sparkle, too. Step 1: Make th

There’s something timeless about a good scoop of ice cream — especially when it’s made with the same care and joy as it was 80 years ago. And that’s exactly what you’ll find at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream . Born in the summer of 1945, Alice Handel started her little ice cream legacy right out of her backyard garden in Youngstown, Ohio. Using fruit she’d grown herself and recipes she’d perfected with love, she created something special — the kind of ice cream that makes you cl

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that Halloween isn’t just for the kids. Sure, they get the candy, but we get the fun —and that includes getting a little creative in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a costume party, corralling little trick-or-treaters, or just watching a scary movie with the lights turned down low, these easy Halloween snacks are guaranteed to steal the show. They’re festive, kid-approved, and best of all—no fancy tools or cauldrons r

Some places you visit to see the sights. Others, you visit to feel something. The Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens in Encinitas, California  is one of those rare gems where beauty and peace come together, wrapping around you the moment you step inside. 🌿 Learn more: Self-Realization Fellowship Encinitas Temple A Garden for Stillness As soon as I walked through the gates, I noticed what wasn’t  there. No chatter, no phones buzzing, no coffee cups in hand. The ru

From 2025’s trending costumes to handmade favorites from Halloweens past, join me for a little sparkle, nostalgia, and family fun this spooky season.

If you’ve strolled through downtown Gilbert, you’ve probably noticed the little gem that is Studio 223 . It’s more than just a shop —...

Guest Post by Sarah Farley “If walking were a pill, it would be the most impactful pill we’ve ever had in all of modern medicine.”— Dr....

Football season has its own rhythm in our house. The jerseys come out of the closet, the TV gets claimed early, and the kitchen turns into my personal tailgate station. Somewhere between the pre-game chatter and the final whistle, there’s always food — not just any food, but the kind that makes everyone lean back, sigh, and say, “Now that’s a game-day spread.” And here’s the secret: it doesn’t all have to be heavy, fried, or dripping with cheese (though we’ll save room for a