While meat lovers look forward to summer barbecues, many people might be looking for a vegetarian option.

Has the phrase, “I wish I would have …” ever crossed your mind? Well, I call it the “woulda, shoulda, coulda syndrome!” Most commonly, we face this reality when we don’t prepare.

One of the pillars of great cooking is ensuring that each dish features ample textural contrast, an element as important as flavor. Once you strike the balance of sweet, salty, acidic, bitter and savory, it’s crucial to consider creamy, crispy, chewy and more.

Reverse osmosis water purifying systems are prevalent in Arizona. To help us with all the facts about RO systems, we spoke with Jon Owens from Kinetico Water Systems.

In 2010, Frank Reyes had an idea, a vision. He wanted to honor Pinal County veterans who died in combat. It was personal, in part.

CASA GRANDE

Maybe you are thinking it is time for your pool to get a face lift. Michael Sandoval with Above and Beyond Pools has some suggestions. There are many aspects of your pool’s environment that should be examined with an eye to either upgrade or repair.

CASA GRANDE — Light and creamy, cottage cheese ice cream is a nice change from the regular, full-fat, sugary frozen treat.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve heard about the #NoMowMay movement that’s been gaining steam on social media and in eco-conscious circles these past few years.

If there is a steady, reliable workhorse of the breakfast world, it has to be oatmeal. Love it or hate it, oatmeal is nutritious, filling and versatile, making it adaptable to any taste.

The small things often escape my attention. Unless it’s something like the spider hanging upside-down from the bathroom ceiling.

Belinda and Neil Eerdmans pedaled north up the Spine Trail. They started out from the Arica Road Trailhead at Casa Grande Mountain Park.

Many of us in this great state of Arizona have some semblance of a water feature at our home and/or our place of work. In our vast desert-like environment, the sound and sight of water typically elicits a soothing response. This can be achieved by adding a fountain or pond to your property.

Phoenix Children’s Hospital reports that the typical medical costs for a child injured in a non-fatal drowning can cost as much as $250,000 per year for long-term care. A barrier, such as a pool fence, costs roughly $2,000 and can reduce drowning risk when properly used.

The dermatologist gave me the once over.

I’ll admit, there have been times I’ve gone to the store to buy a box of corn muffin mix and I’ve been known to keep some in the pantry. The little box mixes are inexpensive, easy to store and super versatile.

CASA GRANDE — Neil and Belinda Eerdmans unloaded the mountain bikes from their van at Casa Grande Mountain’s Arica Trailhead. They’re from Champlin, Minnesota. Neil teaches third grade. Belinda teaches math at a middle school.

Sometimes, nothing hits the spot like pancakes. As well as being delicious, pancakes are also one of the easiest breakfast foods to prepare.

What’s happening in the world of landscaping?

Sometimes as I walk our dog Maggie around the block, I think: If you don’t like diversity, this isn’t the neighborhood for you.

Every home should have a well-stocked toolbox. But what does a well-stocked toolbox consist of? Considering that most homeowners are not construction professionals, we have assembled a list of the tools each homeowner should have in their toolbox.

I revisited the sausage factory last Wednesday. The Arizona Legislature was more than a month into its 2023 session. I expected to see a food fight, Republicans and Democrats hurling sausages at each other over abortion, schools, cancel culture and drag shows.

Arizona boasts a bounty bird species, some that can been seen year-round and other that visit in the winter as they migrate from colder areas of the country.

My brother, Jim, is the athlete of the family. I was the guy chosen last in any pickup games.

Is your pantry stuffed with half-empty cereal boxes and duplicates of items because you couldn’t see what you already had before you went grocery shopping? Are your spices falling all over each other? Having trouble finding what you need when you need it?

One of the most common questions I am asked is, “How much will my project cost?”

This is a tale of two Black preachers. I sat across from one of them last Thursday. The Rev. Grady Whatley lives in Coolidge. His simple manufactured home is surrounded by fruit trees. A summer garden sits maybe 30 feet from the front door.

A chipped tile can be a safety hazard. You can cut your foot on the sharp edges or trip over. Chipped and broken tiles must be repaired.

Now that Christmas is over, it’s time to put away the decorations and take down the tree. If you have a live tree, consider recycling it or using it in other ways. Before we talk options, let’s talk about how a tree should not be disposed.

CASA GRANDE — With the holidays mostly over and a new year set to begin, many of us are looking for ways to cut a few calories from our favorite foods.

Peralta Regional Park fronts Peralta Road.

As Christmas Day approaches, you probably have plenty to do and not much time. Getting and staying organized is key to crossing everything off your to-do list in time for the holiday festivities. No need to add replacing a dried-out Christmas tree or vacuuming countless dropped needles multi…