Mary Van Alstyne, Landmark Title | Arizona Homeowner | August 2023 Digital Newsletter

Vol. 10 Issue 8

Presented by Mary Van Alstyne

TRAVEL TIME Black Hills

South Dakota

A FASCINATING DIVE INTO PET

CCOMM OMMUUNNICATION ICATION O

ffering unwavering companionship and unconditional love, pets hold a special place in our hearts. While they may not speak our language, effective communication with our furry friends is indeed possible!

Developing a deeper understanding and connection with your pets can enhance your relationship and create a harmonious living environment.

Visiting the Black Hills in South Dakota is an experience that promises an exceptional blend of natural beauty, rich history, and captivating attractions. Nestled in the heart of South Dakota, this region boasts majestic granite peaks, verdant forests, and breathtaking landscapes that leave visitors in awe. The Black Hills offer a sanctuary of tranquility, where one can immerse themselves in the serene ambiance of nature. Whether hiking through the pristine trails, marveling at iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, or exploring the wildlife in Custer State Park, the Black Hills provide endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. The area also exudes a sense of history, with its connections to Native American culture and the Gold Rush era, inviting visitors to discover the past through museums, historic sites, and authentic Native American experiences. Embracing the unique blend of natural splendor and cultural significance, a visit to the Black Hills is an unforgettable journey into the heart of America's captivating heritage.

Although pets cannot communicate through words, they are experts in reading body language and nonverbal cues. Pay attention to their posture, tail position, ear movements, and eye contact. A wagging tail might indicate happiness, while a tucked tail suggests fear or anxiety. In order to convey a sense of calmness and trust, you’ll need to maintain an open and relaxed body posture. Also, nonverbal cues, such as a gentle touch, can communicate affection and reassurance to your pet.

While your pets may not understand your spoken words, they can discern the tones of your voice. Use a soothing and gentle tone to convey love and comfort. Speak with enthusiasm and excitement during playtime or when expressing joy.

Conversely, use a firm but gentle tone to communicate discipline and boundaries. Consistency in your vocalization and tone will help your pet associate certain sounds and patterns with specific emotions or commands.

Positive reinforcement is another powerful tool in pet communication. Reward your pets with treats, praise, and affection when they display desired behaviors. This method reinforces the connection between good behavior and positive outcomes. For example, when house-training a puppy, rewarding them with a treat and praise for using the designated spot will encourage repetition of the behavior.

Remember, consistency and patience are key when using positive reinforcement.

Observing and understanding your pet's needs and emotions are crucial for effective communication. Notice their preferences, routines, and changes in behavior. This allows you to respond appropriately and address their needs. Empathy plays a vital role in this process. Put yourself in your pet's paws and try to see the world from their perspective. This empathetic approach helps create trust and a deeper bond between you and your furry friend.

While words may not be exchanged, the language of love and understanding can transcend verbal communication when it comes to pets. By paying attention to body language, using appropriate vocal tones, practicing positive reinforcement, and empathizing with your pet's needs, you can establish a strong and meaningful connection that enhances the human-animal bond. Remember, patience, consistency, and love are the keys to successful communication with your furry companions.

LIFEWISE

embrace the a.m.

W

e all know the drill: Your alarm buzzes, you hit snooze, and even after its third chirp, you’re still not quite ready to face the day. How can you change into a less sluggish you and make morning something you look forward to rather than dread? Here are some tips and tricks to help you enjoy every day to the fullest.

For those who struggle with wake-up time, it may be comforting to know that being an early bird or a night owl might actually be in your DNA. Some of us are wired to be more alert in the morning and others come alive at night (it’s called your chronotype). But with new habits, you can tweak your genetic coding and learn to become a morning person.

One of the best ways to embrace the a.m. is to have a mental change of heart. What if you convinced yourself that you actually are a morning person? Make a mental note of all the positive things you can do if you just hop out of bed a little earlier: enjoy the quiet of the house, watch the sun come up, read a book, take your dog for a walk in the cool early morning air, do some quiet meditation, or make yourself a homemade cappuccino. Trick yourself into being a morning person simply by convincing yourself you are … and reward yourself with something good once you greet the day.

Of course, jumping out from under the covers may be easier said than done. That’s why it’s key to set yourself up for success the night before. Put your phone across the room so you have to get out of your comfy bed to turn off the alarm.

Set up your coffee pot to brew a few minutes before your alarm goes off so the mocha scent entices you to the kitchen.

Have your exercise clothes laid out beside the bed so you can hop right into it without even thinking.

Finally, before you slump back into your old habits, write down all the ways your life has improved since you’ve been getting up early: You feel more energy throughout the day, you’ve given yourself time to make a healthy breakfast, you feel less rushed, you actually finished that latest novel you’ve been wanting to read. This positive reinforcement should help you stick to your new morning routine.

Well done!

Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnut Crumble

FLAVORFUL

INGREDIENTS 8 cups

sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

2

large eggs

1/4 cup

granulated sugar

3 tbsp

packed brown sugar

1/4 cup

hazelnut flavor coffee creamer

3 tbsp

all-purpose flour

3 tbsp

butter, melted

1 tbsp

butter, melted

1/2 tsp

salt

1/2 cup

hazelnuts, toasted, skins removed and chopped

nonstick cooking spray

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.

Place potatoes in large saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until fork tender.

Drain; return to saucepan or mixing bowl and cool for 5 minutes.

Add granulated sugar, Coffee mate natural bliss Creamer, 3 tablespoons melted butter and salt to saucepan with sweet potatoes. With handheld mixer, beat until smooth. Add eggs; beat until incorporated. Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish.

Combine nuts, brown sugar and flour in medium bowl; stir in 1 tablespoon butter. Sprinkle over top of casserole.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. Remove from oven.

Preheat broiler. Broil casserole for 30 seconds or until top starts to brown. Cool slightly before serving.

Cook’s Tip: To toast hazelnuts, place in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking pan or stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until fragrant.

While nuts are still warm, wrap them in a kitchen towel and rub vigorously to remove the skins. It’s okay if a few skins cling to the nuts.

GoodNes.com

AZHO

Maricopa County

By The Numbers AUGUST 2023 6/15/23 –7/15/23

5,526 TOTAL #

CLOSED

60 AVG DAYS ON MARKET

AVG SOLD PRICE

601,437

$

99

YOU ARE WHAT YOU DO, NOT WHAT YOU SAY YOU'LL DO.

LIST/SELL PRICE RATIO

— CARL JUNG

Mary Van Alstyne

Business Development Manager

(623) 640-3664 | Mary.VanAlstyne@LTAZ.com YO U R G U I D E T O A Z R E A L E S TAT E If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

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