June Snippets

PLUMA SNIPPETS June 2026

When Death Finds Me, Let it Find Me Living…..

in Scottsdale

A favorite client, in her eighties, still working as a therapist, a world traveler and weekend kayaker at nearby lakes, when asked what motivates her active life, answered with the quote, ‘When death finds me, let it find me living.”

I could not agree more and have decided to fully live and explore my community of Scottsdale and why it is frequently ranked as a top 10 city to live in for 2026.

Scottsdale was ranked the 3^rd happiest city in the US and named the #1 city for jobs in 2026 due to low unemployment and high quality of life.

Whether living in Scottsdale or visiting, there is much to enjoy in one of the happiest cities in our country. Here is a short list of Scottsdale and surrounding areas to explore and enjoy:

OUT & ABOUT in SCOTTSDALE - FREE (or Nearly Free)

Scottsdale ArtWalk Old Town — Thursday evenings strolling galleries, wine in hand, totally free and social.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve Trails — 200+ miles of scenic desert hikes from easy to inspiring.

Pinnacle Peak Park Sunset Walks — Gentle hike with spectacular golden-hour views.

Scottsdale Waterfront Walk — Easy stroll with public art, canal views, and cafés nearby.

Old Town Scottsdale Wandering — Western charm, shops, and people-watching in a walkable district.

SEASONAL FAVORITES

Old Town Farmers Market (Oct–May) — Fresh produce, artisan goods, lively morning outing.

Scottsdazzle Holiday Events (Dec) — Lights, markets, and festive performances. (Old Town Scottsdale)

Spring Training (Feb–Mar) — Baseball + sunshine = classic Arizona experience.

Desert Botanical Garden Free Day (2nd Tuesday monthly) — Stunning desert blooms at no cost. (Experience Scottsdale)

Full Moon Hikes (various parks) — Guided evening hikes under desert skies. (Scottsdale)

ARTS & CULTURE

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) — Modern art + free entry times weekly.

Taliesin West (Frank Lloyd Wright) — Iconic desert architecture and guided tours.

Scottsdale Arts District Galleries — Rotating exhibits and artist receptions.

Public Art Walking Tour Old Town — Self-guided discovery of sculptures and installations.

HIDDEN GEMS

Penske Racing Museum — Free, beautifully curated racing history experience.

Arizona Canal Path (early morning) — Peaceful walk or bike ride with desert serenity.

Arcosanti Originals Foundry — Watch bronze bells being made in a surreal setting.

Scottsdale Civic Center Park — Recently redesigned green space with art and fountains.

MUSEUMS (Free days or modest entry)

Phoenix Art Museum (Free Wed afternoons) — Major collection without the price tag.

Heard Museum (Free First Fridays) — Deep dive into Indigenous culture and art.

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West — Engaging storytelling of the American West.

Musical Instrument Museum (Phoenix) — Surprisingly fascinating global collection.

Museum of Illusions (Arizona Boardwalk) — Interactive, fun, and conversation-starting.

GREAT WITH KIDS / GRANDKIDS

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park — Train rides, playgrounds, and nostalgia.

OdySea Aquarium (Arizona Boardwalk) — Immersive marine exhibits and experiences. (Arizona Boardwalk)

Butterfly Wonderland — Walk among thousands of butterflies indoors. (Arizona Boardwalk)

Pangaea: Land of the Dinosaurs — Animatronic dinos = instant grandparent hero status. (Arizona Boardwalk)

Family Wildlife Programs (local parks Scottsdale) — Live animal education pop-ups and events.

EASY DAY TRIPS (≤ 2.5 HOURS)

Sedona Red Rock Scenic Drive — Jaw-dropping views + lunch + light hiking.

Prescott Historic Whiskey Row — Western charm, boutiques, and cafés.

Tonto National Monument — Cliff dwellings + short hikes + history.

Jerome Ghost Town — Artsy, quirky hillside town with galleries and views.

Salt River Tubing (seasonal) — Float, relax, and maybe spot wild horses.

SOCIAL & “GO WITH FRIENDS” IDEAS

Wine Tasting Rooms (Old Town) — Walkable, relaxed, and easy to turn into an afternoon.

Scottsdale Quarter / Kierland Commons Stroll — Outdoor shopping + dining vibe.

Outdoor Yoga in the Park Scottsdale— Often free or donation-based community classes.

Local Vintage Markets (Phoenix area) — Treasure hunting + people watching. (Homes and Gardens)

Free Concerts & Community Events (Eventbrite rotation) — Constantly changing local lineup.

I hope you are inspired to enjoy your surroundings, whether in Scottsdale or any other community where you have chosen to live. There are good, talented people everywhere, creating, maintaining and excited to share the beauty of our cities. Hope to see you out and about generating happiness.

With love,

Hilda

QUOTE:

"Life is good. I wonder how it’s going to get better." Author unknown

Yes, We Wax!

Are your eyebrows a little out of control? A nicely shaped eyebrow adds lift to your face and makes the eye appear larger and more youthful. Contact us for an appointment.

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

Fortify Protein Spray - 20% off

Eufora’s best selling product. See and feel the difference using Fortify to strengthen and protect hair growth.

SNIP TIP:

Gateway Community College Cosmetology Foundation

Five years ago, I established the first-ever endowed scholarship for hair styling students at GateWay Community College through their Cosmetology Course of Study. The endowment coincided with my 50th year as a hair stylist and the scholarship will ensure financial support for students who need assistance to graduate and enter a career in the beauty industry.

I am impressed by the quality of education and high standards set by the school. The students are enthusiastic about the promise of a future in the beauty industry, and I am grateful for your continued support. We wholeheartedly appreciate your donations. Should you wish to donate, the information is below.

Love,

Hilda

Dr. Hilda Villaverde Hairstylist Scholarship Endowment:

mcccdf.org/Villaverde or by check payable to Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation.

Mail to Gateway Community College, 108 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ. 85034

Culinary Creations by Connie

Recipe of the Month

Some of the above events may require picnic foods. Why not make it healthy?

Healthy picnic food should be portable, refreshing, and nutritious, featuring finger foods like hummus with veggie sticks, fruit skewers, caprese skewers, and chicken salad lettuce wraps. Pack hearty salads like quinoa or three-bean salad, and protein-packed snacks such as hard-boiled eggs or energy bites. Use cooler bags to keep items fresh.

Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites

Ingredients

• 8 oz. (about 1 packed cup) chopped dates

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1 Tbsp. chia seeds (optional)

• 1 Tbsp. ground flax seeds

• Pinch of salt

• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats (dry, not cooked)

• 1 cup shelled pistachio nuts

• 1 cup dried cranberries

Combine the dates, honey, chia seeds, flax seeds and salt in a food processor, and pulse until smooth and combined. You should be able to stir the mixture -- if it is too thick, add in another tablespoon or two of honey.

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, and stir in the oats, pistachios, dried cranberries, and (optional) white chocolate chips until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Once the mixture is cool (and easier to work with), use a spoon or cookie scoop to shape it into your desired size of energy balls. (Mine were about 1-inch in diameter.) Alternately, you can line a small baking pan with parchment paper, and press the mixture evenly into the pan, let it cool, and then cut into bars.

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. (Storing them in the refrigerator especially helps the energy bites hold their shape)

A Very Special Thank You to All of YOU! We appreciate your support and loyalty to our salon and for your continued referrals. It means the world to us that you trust and depend on us.

If you are seeking services of any kind, we are a great resource for everything from counseling services, interior design, plumbing, upholstery, mortgage refinancing, painting and more. We've got someone for everyone and if we don't, we'll find them for you.

Mission Statement: At Pluma we create lasting, beautiful days in every client's life through healthy, gorgeous hair. We Anticipate-Listen-Connect and Deliver results.

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