Recently, we were lucky enough to be able to spend a few hours stuffing ourselves silly at the Sanctuary on Camelback Resort. Don’t hate us, but we were invited to an intimate media dinner inside the resort’s posh new 12-person dining room named, wait for it, XII. Hosted by elements’ chef and budding Food Network star, Beau MacMillan, it was a belt-busting, four-hour food and wine extravaganza. Even cooler, the room features sliding window walls overlooking the kitchen, so you can watch Beau and his crew slice, dice and sizzle as they whip up his signature farm-fresh American cuisine with Asian accents.

However, if you’re not in the market for a sumptuous 12-person private dining experience, you can still live in the lap of luxury at the the resort’s super-stylish jade bar and adjacent cocktail deck, edge (pictured). Aside from serving up the Valley’s finest sunsets nightly, both spaces now feature a new happy hour called The Pour. Offering premium spirits, cocktails and chef-crafted small plates for only $6, it’s available seven days a week from 4 to 6 pm, with a “reverse happy hour” available from 10 pm to midnight. And be sure to save room for the luscious desserts prepared by elements’ pastry chef inside the new dedicated pastry kitchen.

Mountain Majesty: 5700 E. McDonald Dr., 480.607.2300

Who doesn’t love fresh-plucked produce and perfectly sun-ripened fruits? Looks great, tastes great, is great. Not to mention, fresh greenery makes us feel better about the belt-busting breakfasts and all-you-can-eat buffets that we hit up way too often. However, while we adore perusing the Valley’s various Farmer’s Markets (don’t miss Sundays at Singh Farms), we’re also really, really lazy. If only someone could box up a week’s worth of garden goodness and then deliver it to a convenient pick-up spot right in our neighborhood.

Meet Love Grows Farms, a boutique Mesa grower that offers just such a service. Called CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, Love Grow’s offers a variety of 10-week programs ranging from $18 to $38 a week. So what does that get you, especially now that we are in the heart of the scorching summer growing season? A lot says owner, Michael Thompson, adding that this week his customers will receive everything from summer favs such as melons and tomatoes, to more wintry selections such as squash, carrots and beets. That’s because, aside from his 6-acre spread in Mesa, which features an extensive greenhouse, he also sources from boutique farms around the state. Places where the higher elevation means you can savor fresh winter squash in the middle of July. 

Now entering its fifth year, Love Grows Farms has nearly 20 pick-up locations Valley-wide, including the charming Bertha’s Cafe in Phoenix.

Farm-to-Table To-Go: 561 E. Lehi Rd., 480-297-9829 (Please call before dropping by the farm)

As the co-owner of Mane Attraction Salon in Phoenix, Kendall Ong is always en vogue. Just ask the editors of InStyle or People, who’ve consistently ranked this iconic local salon as one of the nation’s best. Recently Ong, who co-owns the salon with his wife/partner, Beate Assmuth-Ong, put down his scissors just long enough to pass on some razor-sharp tips on the summer’s hottest looks. (Pictured is a recent Mane Attraction makeover.)

So what are the latest trends when it comes to tresses?
Summer in Phoenix is all about simple, casual cuts that are easy to style and don’t require a lot of effort or time with the hairdryer. That’s cruel and unusual punishment. Think shorter cuts and shapes that are cleaner, more structured versus the spikier cuts a few seasons back. Katie Holmes, although starting to grow her out out, remains a trendsetter for this short, layered bob. People still come in holding her picture.

Who are some other celebs driving this trend?
Agyness Deyn is a very fashion-forward model from England. Her signature hairstyle is short, but with longer layers that are razor cut. It’s all about a cleaner outline, but with lots of texture. Structured, but with movement and rounder shapes.

Help us out, are bangs in or out?
Still in, but also taking on a rounder, more side-swept shape. Everybody can look great with bangs; your stylist just has to adjust them to fit your individual features. The angles, the weight, or the distribution all combine to emphasize certain features and de-emphasize others.

And what about men?
Men’s fashions are usually 2 – 3 years behind women’s. So right now men are embracing lot’s of texture and less of a close-cropped clean-cut look. We’re also seeing longer lengths layered over shorter hair. That way you have the option to dress it up, or flop it around and really go wild.

Established in 1977, Kendall Ong and Beate Assmuth-Ong purchased Mane Attraction in 1998. Recently recognized by InStyle Magazine as one of the country’s top 25 salons, their work can been seen in national and international media and trade publications such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Arizona Republic, Glamour, Celebrity Shortcuts, Allure and Cosmopolitan.

Normally, we avoid family reunions like the plague. But when it involves one of our fav chefs returning to his former roost, we’re all in. It all kicks off this Saturday at Peter’s house, aka Kazimierz World Wine Bar. Better known as Kaz Bar, this classy speakeasy (pictured)  is one-third of Peter Kasperski’s ‘Restaurant Row,’ a series of side-by-side-by-side eateries that also includes the longtime classic Cowboy Ciao and the critic’s darling, FnB.

And for one night only, Kaz Bar is hosting former chef, Bernie Kantak, who helped put both Ciao and Kaz Bar on the map with his bold-yet-wine-friendly creations such as elk tostadas and the iconic Stetson chopped salad (a mix it yourself salad where all of the ingredients are served lined up in tidy rows). Joining Chef Kantek at this six-course feast will be chef Gio Osso, who normally cooks across the street at the posh Estate House. Meanwhile, Kasperski will be doing his thing, perfectly pairing an eclectic collection fine wines with each sumptuous course. Best of all, all proceeds from this dinner are going to charity (guests are asked to donate a minimum of $50 per seat). 7137 E. Stetson Dr., 480-WINE-004

For something a little more rowdy, head over to Estrella Mountain Park in the far southwest Valley to celebrate National Cowboy Day. Round up the little buckaroos and try your hand at classic cowboy skills such as rope tricks and throwing a lariat. Meanwhile, real-deal AZ cowboy, Gayland Lockridge will be on-hand showing off his cowboy gear and telling a few (tall) tales from his days on the range. And naturally, he’ll be packing a horse  to teach the basics of horse care to the kids. (8 - 10 am on Saturday, July 24) 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear, 623-932-3811

The wait is over for all of us Valley residents - BuyWithMe, the website that serves up amazing deals every day, has finally arrived! Working with the best local restaurants, spas, yoga studios and more, BuyWithMe is able to offer you 50-90% off of their services.  Most important, each deal stays on the site for a week, so make sure you sign up today so you don’t miss out on the savings.

Even better, we have the inside Scoop on BuyWithMe’s first deal: noca restaurant. Boasting a stellar 4.5-star rating on Yelp, this stylish yet welcoming restaurant appeals to the foodie in all of us. Featuring organic and local ingredients, endless wine pairings and summer specials, noca has something to please everyone. Not to mention, you can get all of this for half the price! That’s right, you have 6 days to snag a voucher for $25 off of your next meal - and you have all summer to use it.

So sign up today and start saving on things you already buy (or always wanted to buy). BuyWithMe is sure to become your new BFF as you save on massages, fitness classes, great meals and more. Plus with all the money you’ll be saving, you won’t have to think twice about ordering that extra glass of wine or delicious dessert at noca!

For a quiet little speakeasy hidden in the heart of Scottsdale’s art gallery district, Mabel’s on Main sure has been on the tip of everyone’s tongue lately. Part of it is the timing: Classic cocktails and old-school lounges are hot right now, as seen by Mabel’s hosting a ‘Mad Men’ premier party this Sunday. Part of it is also the names involved: Mabel’s is co-owned by Aaron May, one of the Valley’s hottest chef/restaurateurs (Over Easy, The Lodge, Iruna). And while May is not involved in the day-to-day operations, his stamp can be seen in the delightfully-retro menu, including caviar-topped deviled eggs and filet bites served with house-made horseradish sauce.*

However, the main reason this luxe lounge is so scorching hot is that it plays a little hard to get. Unlike most Scottsdale scenes, there are no giant walls of flame announcing the entry, or kitschy gimmicks such as sand-lined beaches patios. Instead, Mabel’s used old fashioned word of mouth (and its own cutesy gimmick: a not-so-secret secret room hidden behind the bookshelf), to transform into the trendiest bar in town.

So here’s our advice, get there early (Mabel’s opens at 5 pm) and you’ll have the place to yourself. Sidle up to the bar and ask Casey (he’s the one with the tattoos, burly beard and pigtails) to make you a real-deal cocktail such as an Old Fashioned or a Sazerac. Made with throwback ingredients such as spicy Rye Whiskey, small-batch bitters and traditional garnishes such as a real aged cherries—no neon-red maraschino cherries here—these handcrafted, historic cocktails deserve a little elbow room.

Mabel’s Mania: 7018 E. Main St., 480-369-3665

*If you do want to hang with May, drop by Mabel’s on Tuesdays at 8 pm for the weekly ‘Stump the Chef’ contest, where this multi-talented chef actually comes out of the kitchen and mans the bar.

A former Mervyn’s located in the middle of Mesa might seem like an unlikely place for a retail revolution, but that’s just what’s happening at POOL. Opening later this month, this soaring space will house a carefully cultivated collection of 38 local entrepreneurs, artisans and restaurants. Not to mention a live music and theater venue, an indoor-outdoor farmer’s market, and a spacious, shade-filled garden lined with water features. Branded a ‘collaborative market,’ POOL’s diverse mix of merchants includes a full-service floral boutique, children’s clothing boutiques, a barber shop, a vintage and modern hat shop, an art gallery, an embroidery company, fine and costume jewelers, a music company, a home décor boutique, a children’s toy and book shop and a Mesa Police Department substation, to name a few.

Meanwhile, food options range from a coffee and tea shop, to authentic empanadas and the now de rigueur upscale cupcakery. Furthermore, the space will be subdivided into four distinct zones. Enjoy evening movies and community theater at The Living Room, or shop for fresh-plucked goodness at the aforementioned Farmer’s Market. Speaking of Earthy delights, The Garden is an indoor-outdoor oasis featuring a sprinkling of seating and dining areas, water features and plenty of blessed shade. Finally, the Meet/Gather/Rest/Learn zone is a collection of smaller spaces for hosting community events, cooking classes, etcetera.

Premiering to the public on a limited basis on Friday, July 30 (Monday-Friday from 10 am to 5 pm), POOL’s official grand opening is set for September.

Jump in: 1240 E. Main St., 877-565-MESA (6372)

Finally, our obsession with designer shoes and handbags is paying off. This Saturday, Flo’s on 7th is hosting a fab fundraiser featuring designer, vintage, casual and dressy shoes and bags offered at amazing prices. Best of all 100, percent of the proceeds from this one-day-only sale will support the non-profit Florence Crittendon of Arizona organization. Can’t make it to the event, but still want to support this worthy cause? Flo’s on 7th will also be accepting donations of new and gently used shoes and handbags from now until Friday, July 23. In other words, you can help make Florence Crittenton’s promotion a success and receive a tax deduction at the same time!

From an all-day party at our fav healthy marketplace, to an all-day smoker feast at one of our fav restaurants, we’re not gonna let the heat slow us down this weekend. Let’s kick things off at Luci’s Healthy Marketplace, a darling little sundry shop/food counter/coffee house in Uptown Phoenix. Best described as an LGO-lite with more of a heath food focus, Luci’s is an uber-charming place to hangout and watch the day roll by. Which is why we’re excited to drop by this Sunday for a full day of fun, specials, prizes and free food and drinks.

Get there early (between 8 and 10 am) and enjoy free house coffee and house iced tea for all. Meanwhile, sweets lovers will want to stick around until 11 am when Wicked Bakery chef, Slade Grove will host a sampling of her finest fresh-baked delights. Other highlights include live music, gift card raffles, fortune telling, and free face painting, milk and cookies and coloring contests for the kids. 1590 E. Bethany Home Rd., 602-773-1329

Now that you’re feeling all healthy, it’s time to indulge a little. OK, a lot. Housed inside a boutique resort in the heart of posh Paradise Valley, Lon’s at the Hermosa is a longtime local charmer that often gets lost in the shuffle of the flashier, celebrity chef-branded resort restaurants. Enter new chef, Jeremy Pacheco, a Las Vegas import who’s been charged with bringing a little sizzle to this handsome Western eatery. Look for a full profile from our pals at Desert Living Today early next week, but until then all you need to know about the new, improved Lon’s menu is Sunday Smoke. All day long, Pacheco and his staff slave over a hot smoker, firing up pecan- and applewood-smoked goodness such as chicken, scallops and whole prime rib. 5532 N. Palo Cristi Rd., 602-955-7878

It’s pretty hard to get lost in the shuffle when you’re a soaring 24 room, 17,000 square-foot mansion overlooking one of the Valley’s ritziest neighborhoods. However, that’s exactly the fate that’s befallen the Wrigley Mansion Club. Perched atop a rocky outcrop in the heart of Phoenix’s Biltmore area, this Spanish Colonial stunner was built in 1931 by chewing gum tycoon, William Wrigley Jr., and served as the family’s ‘winter cottage’ until his wife’s death in 1958.

More recently, the mansion served as a private function space for the adjacent Arizona Biltmore Resort, until another famous heir, Spam scion, Geordie Hormel purchased the home in 1992 and restored it to its former glory. However, despite adding the sleek Geordie’s Lounge, and featuring stunning 360-degree views out of its multiple dining spaces, the Wrigley is mostly forgotten by a younger generation of Valley residents. Instead, it serves as a wedding and private event venue, or a somewhat-musty dining spot for Valentine’s Day and other special occasions .