I made sushi at home the other day for the first time ever. And it didn’t go that badly, surprisingly. I wouldn’t have thought so just 24 hours earlier.

I long ago fell in love with the clean, crisp, sweet taste of Meyer lemons. And recently, Mexican foods guru Rick Bayless reminded me why.

They might not be dressed in tuxes or have a martini in hand, but they’re your body’s go-to defense in the fight against aging.

You may now chug with the bride.

Light, chilled and refreshing with a toothsome texture, ceviche is summer in a bowl. Add tortilla chips and it becomes a cross between a meal and a snack.

To me, summer is margarita season.

When “Rules of Civility” appeared on several “Notable Books of 2011” lists, I thought I’d check it out. It turned out to be, if not the best, perhaps the most enjoyable read for me that year. I hesitate to say “best” because that is quite a superlative comment for a book to live up to, which may leave other readers disappointed, but I can at least say how I felt while reading it.

When “Rules of Civility” appeared on several “Notable Books of 2011” lists, I thought I’d check it out. It turned out to be, if not the best, perhaps the most enjoyable read for me that year. I hesitate to say “best” because that is quite a superlative comment for a book to live up to, which may leave other readers disappointed, but I can at least say how I felt while reading it.

Valley rock maven Stephanie Muscat pounds away on her drums in an Ahwatukee Foothills nightspot then cuts into the soaring vocals of “Sweet Child o’ Mine” as the dance floor fills.

Valley rock maven Stephanie Muscat pounds away on her drums in an Ahwatukee Foothills nightspot then cuts into the soaring vocals of “Sweet Child o’ Mine” as the dance floor fills.

Savor patio season by dining al fresco in the East Valley

Great movies and great food are box office gold, from Forrest Gump’s chocolates to “Silence of the Lambs” anti-hero Hannibal Lecter’s disturbing pairing suggestion for Chianti.

Great movies and great food are box office gold, from Forrest Gump’s chocolates to “Silence of the Lambs” anti-hero Hannibal Lecter’s disturbing pairing suggestion for Chianti.

Pasadena, Calif. • Joan Rivers has had a bad day.

Let's have a quick show of hands among the diet-conscious: Who is craving a plain baked chicken breast right now?

Let's have a quick show of hands among the diet-conscious: Who is craving a plain baked chicken breast right now?

ASU Gammage

ASU Gammage

ADDRESS: 6685 W. Beardsley Road, Suite 180, Glendale, on the southeast corner of Loop 101 and 67th Avenue in the Denaro 101 Plaza.

PHONE NUMBER: 623-561-NOSH (6674).

HOURS: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday-Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Mushroom bar is open 11 a.m. to close, lunch menu is available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

OWNER: Justin Davis.

ADDRESS: 6685 W. Beardsley Road, Suite 180, Glendale, on the southeast corner of Loop 101 and 67th Avenue in the Denaro 101 Plaza.

PHONE NUMBER: 623-561-NOSH (6674).

HOURS: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday-Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Mushroom bar is open 11 a.m. to close, lunch menu is available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

OWNER: Justin Davis.

Randy Reaves admits he isn't on Clive Cussler's level just yet. But the Ahwatukee Foothills resident just took his first step on that path when he published his first novel, "Eldorado."

Some people are sedentary, while others are obsessive in their mission for a leaner physique and go overboard with exercise. The number of people addicted to extreme exercise has risen. These individuals define themselves by their strenuous exercise routines. Little do they know, they're putting their health at risk, especially if they're radically cutting back on their food intake and watching every calorie consumed. Females who over-exercise and deprive themselves of proper nutrition can experience loss of menstruation cycles and ovulation. This sets them up for risk of osteoporosis, hormone dysfunction and stress fractures.

Some people are sedentary, while others are obsessive in their mission for a leaner physique and go overboard with exercise. The number of people addicted to extreme exercise has risen. These individuals define themselves by their strenuous exercise routines. Little do they know, they're putting their health at risk, especially if they're radically cutting back on their food intake and watching every calorie consumed. Females who over-exercise and deprive themselves of proper nutrition can experience loss of menstruation cycles and ovulation. This sets them up for risk of osteoporosis, hormone dysfunction and stress fractures.

The Wigwam invites guests to fall in love and make some history of their own at the newly rejuvenated West Valley resort this Valentine’s Day with arts, dining and sports experiences for both couples and families. Featuring 400 acres of recreation, The Wigwam will celebrate Valentine’s Day with four days of sweetheart fun for all ages. Enjoy an afternoon of fine art on The Wigwam’s front lawn while listening to live musicians, or meet up with friends for a game of doubles at the Matchmaker’s Tennis Tournament.