Arts & Culture
What’s in the Bag | Bill and Heidi Wood
Posted on 6/27/12 by Kate Kunkel » No Comments
Take a peek inside locals’ shopping bags and learn how they use health and beauty products in everyday life.
Names: Bill and Heidi Wood
Ages: 49, 36
Occupations: Consultant and therapist
Their Neighborhood: Mesa
Where spotted: Claudine’s Kitchen booth at the Phoenix Public Market
What they purchased:
• French bread from The Arizona Bread Company
• Kale chips (mixed with a cheese substitute) from The Health Foodie
• Pita bread from Claudine’s Kitchen
Why they chose these products: (Heidi) We’re here for a day trip, so we had to buy things that wouldn’t wilt in the car. We’ve been looking for good pita bread because it’s not easy to find. Also, I’m vegan, so I am really looking for healthier, all-natural foods.
Their must-haves: (Bill) The pita bread was something we had to get because it really is good stuff. It’s soft, fresh, and you can just tell that it’s quality food from a good company. (Heidi) The kale will be used as a salad topper, or I might just eat it out of the container. It’s made with nutritional yeast, which is the vegan substitute for cheese that makes it taste really good on salad.
How they benefit: (Heidi) The kale will be a great healthy snack for just anytime, and because it’s a superfood, it has a ton of health benefits. (Bill) The pita we will eat with hummus for a really healthy meal. Just rip and dip!
Why they fit their style: (Bill, with a laugh) We’re turning into those “crunchy granola people.” This is our first time here, but we’ll definitely be back because we love the foods and supporting the local economy by buying from local businesses. (Heidi) Since I went vegan in January, I’ve been cooking a lot more for myself and eating totally differently. I feel great and I’ve lost a lot of weight, but I need a lot of fresh foods and I’m really limited when I shop in grocery stores. A place like this is actually much cheaper than a Whole Foods, so I’m getting more quality foods for a lower cost.
D-backs Digest | Hottest Team in the NL West
Posted on 6/26/12 by Kyle Maki » No Comments
Photo courtesy of Arizona Diamondbacks.
Following a successful home stand, the D-backs have found themselves in legitimate pennant contention. The once insurmountable Dodgers lead has been trimmed to a mere five games. For most of the season, the math hasn’t been in the D-backs favor. The D-backs have struggled to regain their mojo from last season, while the Dodgers got off to an unexpectedly hot start. Even the most optimistic fan could see that the uphill climb may be too much to conquer.
Nonetheless, the D-backs continued to plug away and appear to have found that missing spark. The Dodgers on the other hand have cooled off considerably and come down to earth. The Dodgers have lost six of seven, while the D-backs have won five of six and are fresh off a three-game-sweep of the Cubs.
Upton on the verge
Last week was an interesting one for the the D-backs offense. There is no question that the D-backs need Justin Upton to live up to his potential if they are going to contend for a division title.
However, it was Aaron Hill whose bat lead the team during the home stand. Hill collected hit after hit throughout the week and hit for the cycle on Monday, but what happened on Tuesday may have been even more eye-opening. With two outs and runners on second and third, the Mariners intentionally walked Hill to face Upton with the bases loaded. Upton has MVP talent and should be one of the most feared bats in the big leagues. Like he has done much of the season, Upton responded by striking out. It didn’t take long for Upton to redeem himself.
On Wednesday, with a base open and no outs, Hill drew another walk. This time, Upton responded with a mammoth three-run homer. Fans have been waiting patiently for him to respond in a big situation. Maybe this is exactly what he needed to break out of the season-long slump.
The D-backs hit six home runs in the game on Wednesday tying a franchise record. The sixth was an inside-the-park variety courtesy of Ryan Roberts.
Trevor Bauer is expected to start the game on Thursday in Atlanta. This marks one of the most highly anticipated pitching debuts in franchise history. Bauer would also be slated to make his home debut next Tuesday against the Padres.
Wade Miley continues to impress and is the frontrunner to represent the team in the All-Star game. Miley has been pitching like and ace while Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson have struggled to reach expectations.
Mark your calendars for upcoming promos at Chase Field
July 4: D-backs 4th of July t-shirt giveaway to first 20,000 fans; Fireworks Night presented by Gila River Casinos, Mysteryball to benefit Pastime for Patriots.
From the Wire | Suns Launch Official Mobile App
Posted on 6/25/12 by DPJ Staff » No Comments
Some news items don’t need translation. That’s why DPJ launched the From the Wire series, so we could serve the destinations here by posting information and announcements – in their own words.
Are you tired of those Angry Birds in Space? Bored with Words With Friends? Confused by the stick figures your relatives make when playing Draw Something? Don’t worry. The Phoenix Suns are here to satisfy your app-etite!
Just in time for the 2012 NBA Draft, the Suns have launched their first-ever mobile app, powered by Verizon. Download the team’s official app for your Android, iPhone or Blackberry before June 28, 2012, and enter to win a personal phone call from the player the Suns select with the 13th overall pick!
Features include: Breaking news and official team blogs, Action photos and on-demand video, Suns Twitter and Facebook updates, Real-time scores and stats during games, Live audio of the Suns’ game broadcasts, Roster and player stats, Schedule and NBA standings, US Airways Center map and concessions.
In addition to the extensive feature set, Verizon mobile subscribers will receive additional exclusive content via their Android or Blackberry (not available for iPhone users).
Looking ahead to the 2012-13 NBA season, the Suns plan to introduce a tablet version of the app for both Android and iOS platforms, as well as new game elements, contests, special offers and video replays for fans attending Suns home games.
Marisabel Estrada Shares Her Passion of Jewelry and People
Posted on 6/21/12 by Cortney Kaminski » No Comments
The Garfield Galleria is home to many talented artists, including three fashion-forward designers. I sat down with a T-shirt creator, jewelry maker and a gown seamstress and got an up-close look at their operations.
Marisabel Estrada loves color and people, both of which are the basis for her handmade jewelry collection, Marisabel’s Studio Gallery and Boutique. Estrada, 47, uses priceless stones and techniques to make sure each piece she creates is exceptional and unique to its owner.
Downtown Phoenix Journal: When did you first begin making jewelry?
Marisabel Estrada: I was around 14 years old when I lived in San Juan, Puerto Rico. My grandma was getting rid of some jewelry and I asked her if I could have it, and she let me. So I pulled apart all the necklaces and I made earrings that I hung by nails on a wood board. I went down to where the tourists hang out and sold every one of them! So that sort of started it all. People couldn’t just go to Michaels so I found places that made beads and invested in more beads then I made more designs and I just kept selling more. And I am very happy to say that I am still doing that today!
DPJ: What types of materials do you use to create the pieces?
ME: I primarily work with semiprecious stones, Swarovski crystals, Czech glass and Japanese seed beads; those are primarily where all the color comes from. As far as metals are concerned, I have silver, gold, copper, brass and gunmetal. It is just as important to me as an artist that the inside materials are the excellent quality because I want to make pieces that are durable and could be heirlooms in the future. Especially when we are dealing with woven pieces; the inside thread is silk like on your skin but is so strong that you could cut your finger with it if you tried to break it.
DPJ: What is your philosophy with your studio?
ME: What I do is more than just a business. What I do is an extension of me and my sharing with the world something that is handmade, with love and attention to detail. Something that makes another woman happy and feel unique. And I want to make pieces that are affordable for any woman. Every one of the pieces that I make are one of a kind. I don’t make two of the same thing. When you come to the studio you see many examples of pieces, but what I really love to do is making one of a kind, custom made pieces. I want someone to be able to walk in here and say ‘Marisabel, I have this dress that I want you to make something unique to go with it.’ Where the customer is as involved in the creative process as they want to be, from choosing their stones to choosing their length. Or they can just tell me to do whatever I want or they can choose from stuff that is already made.
One thing I have been known to be good at is when someone gives me a description of someone who I have not met, and they tell me about their features and personality and favorite colors and then I make three samples and when they walk in they are like, ‘Wow! This is her right there!’ So that is what makes it really fun.
DPJ: What do you love about making your jewelry?
ME: I love color. I love texture. People and how they relate to each other and relationships inspire me. I just love to work with weaving for that reason, each seed bead has an identity of its own but it doesn’t mean anything until it is woven with the other ones into a bracelet or jewelry piece. They are all interdependent on another to make a whole piece. I like beads and materials that have a little irregularity or that have a uniqueness because they remind me of people in a society and promotes that we need to accept each person and their individuality and that we need to work together to find that one thing that we have in common and start working with that and learn to love our differences and make something awesome out of it.
DPJ: Roughly, how long does it take to make each piece?
ME: This is so hard to describe because this isn’t like a factory where you do the same thing over and over again. Each individual piece is unique and different so it is a new process every single time and I can’t imagine how long that is going to take each time. However long it takes for it to be a piece you would sign your name to. I want my clients to walk out of here feeling special and elated, and if there is anything that will interfere with that feeling I want to give them their money back. It is not just a business for the money.
Marisabel is also offering the community a chance to learn her trade through small classes. She will be teaching both jewelry-making as well as fine arts in her studio. For more information on those contact her by telephone, (602) 574 – 6460.
What’s in the Bag | Crystal Botello
Posted on 6/20/12 by Kate Kunkel » No Comments
Take a peek inside locals’ shopping bags and learn how they use health and beauty products in everyday life.
Name: Crystal Botello
Age: 23
Occupation: Student at Phoenix College
Her Neighborhood: Coronado District
Where spotted: Bodega 420
What she purchased:
• Three apples
• One plum
• Bottled water
• Gatorade
Why she chose these products: I’m picky because I’m pregnant, so I picked simple fruits that are easy to digest. Last week they had blackberries and raspberries, which would have been my first choice, but those sold out.
Her must-haves: Apples are one of my favorite fruits and I eat them the most often. They are my go-to fruit because they are easy to eat and convenient. With the plum, I was being adventurous.
How she benefits: These are going to help me eat healthier. I’m about four and a half months along, and my midwife said I need to change my diet because I used to eat a lot of junk. Now, it’s no junk food and lots of fruit, fruit, fruit. She also encourages vegetables and whole grains, but fruits are first on my list.
Why they fit her style: My purchases show that I’m changing my diet—or at least trying to change it—to eat healthy. The main reason I’m doing it is because of my pregnancy, but it’s good because I need to eat right anyway. I’m thinking I will stick to it afterwards. It also shows that I like shopping local and supporting businesses in my neighborhood. I really like how the bodega has reasonable prices and allows people to make suggestions for items they want to see more of by writing them on a chalkboard.
