Kevin Owens | Fireside Life | November 2022 Digital Newsletter

FIRESIDE L I F E S T Y L E

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2022

Market Update Presented

By Kevin Owens

EVENT CALENDAR NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2022 Treasures: Legendary Musical Instruments Phoenix | Nov. 12 – Dec. 31 mim.org/special-exhibitions/treasures The Musical Instrument Museum explores 6,000 years of music through history including performance traditions, significant music moments, and the development of musical instruments throughout the world. Eighty unique instruments make up the collection, with more than 20 specially obtained from distinguished museums, private collections, and musicians. This exhibition is a celebration of human creativity and sound.

It’s A Wonderful Life Scottsdale | Nov. 17 – Dec. 30 donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com/index.html An annual tradition beloved by locals, the stage production of It’s A Wonderful Life returns to the Don Bluth Front Row Theatre this winter. Based on the 1946 Frank Capa film that is a holiday classic, the story centers on all around good-guy George Bailey, whose life has become burdened by obligation and hardship. On Christmas Eve, a guardian angel appears to Bailey and reminds him that his good deeds have earned him a life full of love, friendship, and integrity – an all-round wonderful existence.

The Magical Christmas Journey Clarkdale | Nov. 25 – Dec. 24 verdecanyonrr.com Every Thursday through Sunday this holiday season, the Verde Canyon Railroad departs on a Magical Christmas Journey.

A one-hour roundtrip is full of festivities including jolly lights and ornaments, story-telling, and cheerful “elf” attendants serving seasonal drink specialties to guests in open-air viewing cars. At the depot before departure, passengers can enjoy treats and libations as well as a miniature holiday village to explore. The main event is a slow passage through Santa’s Village with a meet-and-greet for children.

BODYTRAFFIC Scottsdale |Dec. 9 scottsdaleperformingarts.org/event/bodytraffic Originating in Los Angeles, BODYTRAFFIC brings the city’s spirit of creativity on the road to inspire audiences simply to love dance. The concert dance company boasts some of the most diverse dancers and choreographers who excel in styles ranging from ballet to hip-hop. The group has received acclaim nationwide as compelling, accomplished and thoroughly entertaining.

Tucson Marathon Tucson | Dec. 10 tucsonmarathon.com Take advantage of the beautiful desert winter by joining the Tucson Marathon – all skill levels welcome! Early morning temperatures start in the high 30s and reach roughly 65-70 degrees by mid-morning. The course is mostly downhill on paved roads, beginning in the town of Oracle and ending in Catalina, set along the stunning Santa Catalina mountain range. Avid runners have named the course one of the prettiest in the country and very manageable to achieve a personal best.

HOT S SPOTS POTS W

ho doesn’t like to cozy up by the fire on a cool fall or chilly winter night?

Today’s homeowners have a plethora of choices when it comes to designing a fireplace—gas or wood burning, enclosed or open, modern or traditional. One thing most of us agree on? A house isn’t a home without a fireplace…and we want it to look spectacular.

For some people, nothing beats the cozy feeling of a wood-burning fireplace …the flickering flames, the crackling sound of burning logs, the glow of the embers. And the design and styling options are endless. There’s simply a timeless appeal to a traditional brick or stone hearth, vintage brass andirons, and a perfectly styled mantel. But along with the good of wood, comes the inevitable messiness, the smoke and environmental factors, and the need to store and haul in logs from outdoors. It can be hard to overlook the ease of gas fireplaces, which turn on and off with the flip of a switch. Whichever you choose to install in your home, we’re sure you’ll never tire of sitting fireside with a good book or glass of wine at the end of day.

Gas fireplaces have come a long way since their early days of faux logs and barely flickering flames. (Electric fireplaces are also an option for those without gas lines, although the aesthetics and heat output simply doesn’t compare to either gas or wood burning.) Many gas fireplaces now boast a modern edge, with sharp geometric linear surrounds and dramatic placement within the home. A frameless fireplace is a top choice that looks striking in a sleek modern setting. Even more dramatic are double-sided, glass-enclosed fireplaces which allow homeowners to see right through the fire to the space beyond. Often built without mantles, these see-through, seamless fires are often raised off the ground and have marble or stone surrounds. Some four-sided, all-glass fireplaces are completely see-through, boasting a dramatic fire from any angle, all with the push of a remotecontrol button. Talk about instant glamour! Outdoor spaces also really shine with modern gas fireplaces built into the hardscape.

Today’s fireplaces, both wood burning and gas, also come in various shapes and sizes. Some homeowners want taller and grander fireplaces to be the gathering place in the center of their abode. Others prefer longer and leaner looks, eye-catching linear gas fireplaces comfortable in more contemporary homes. The design is glamorous and modern, perfect for the choicest of casas.

Still others want a smaller farmhouse style fireplace in the kitchen or keeping room, ideal for a cozy fireside meal or cup of cocoa. Also still in style are indoor-outdoor fireplaces, which offer a window to the great outdoors when inside. Now that’s bringing the outside in!

REAL ESTATE

corner

Unique Holiday Tr e a t s W

e all have our own family holiday traditions. And none are sweeter than special desserts that fill the home with the scents of the season. In addition to your must-make treats, try adding one of these unique desserts to your holiday repertoire. After all, who ever said there were too many sweets on the table?

No holiday feast would be complete without a pie or two. In Southern homes, that means pecan pie—try adding a splash of bourbon to make it truly memorable. Other holiday pies often sliced around the holidays include classic American apple and pumpkin … simply add a caramel sauce to elevate it to holiday status. And for Kwanzaa, the table needs to have a sweet potato custard pie, with cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the air. Yum! Gingerbread cookies are a fan favorite with the young ones, of course, but don’t overlook traditional old-fashioned gingerbread cake. This easy-to-make aromatic dessert, loaded with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves and topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, is a more adult sweet treat that will make the house smell of Christmas.

Finally, don’t forget the cheesecake. In some homes, it just wouldn’t be the holidays without one. To elevate plain cheesecake, consider adding some flavor to the mix: chocolate, Bailey’s liquor, or peppermint will all add holiday punch. Or top with strawberries or sugarcoated cranberries and mint leaves for festive color that will look lovely on the holiday table. Now that’s a sweet ending.

If you haven’t tried making a holiday Yule log—also known as a bûche de Noël—this could be the year to make something that will really wow your friends and family. This French tradition, also popular in Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada, dates back to the 19th century. The rolled-up cake, usually whipped cream frosting wrapped up in a chocolate sponge cake and topped with chocolate frosting and candied cranberries, resembles a log that French families would burn on Christmas Eve to bring good luck. A swirly slice on a fancy holiday plate is so impressive!

IN GOOD TASTE

For Hanukkah, traditional baked goods include delicious jelly donuts, which surprisingly, can be easy to make, and traditional babka loaves. Chocolate or cinnamon babka makes the perfect winter treat. Or try your hand a making rugelach, “little twists” in Yiddish. These pastry bites filled with nuts, apricot or raspberry jam, or chocolate, will hit the spot for the holidays.

YAM AND PECAN DESSERT INGREDIENTS 5 cups

Cooked and mashed yams (about 3 pounds uncooked yams)

½ cup

chopped pecans

1 can (14 oz)

NESTLÉ LA LECHERA Sweetened Condensed Milk

2 tbs

melted butter (optional)

3 large

eggs, lightly beaten

2 tbs

brown sugar

½ tsp

ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease ten 4-ounce ramekins or custard cups.

Combine yams, sweetened condensed milk, eggs and cinnamon in medium bowl; mix well. Pour in prepared ramekins; sprinkle with nuts. Drizzle with melted butter; sprinkle with sugar.

Bake for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and hot. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Source: Goodnes.com

GoodNes.com

#1 SELLING AGENT IN FIRESIDE

Just Sold By Kevin Owens In Desert Ridge!

3123 E. Tina Drive | $895,000 2,491 sf | 4 bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms

Your Referrals Give Us The Warm And Fuzzies!

KEVIN OWENS NAMED “2022 TOP PRODUCER”

By PHOENIX Magazine

Based On Total Sales Volume

In the changing market, having a professional on your side to help guide you through home selling or buying matters!

Whether you have worked with Kevin before or not, know that you can trust referring Kevin to your friends, family and co-workers!

As always, we appreciate your support!

KEVIN OWENS REALTOR ® 480.217.9184

FOLLOW KEVIN:

85050 STATS | LAST MONTH VS. LAST MONTH 2021 Positive/Negative Market Trend

THINKING OF SELLING?

See how Kevin will get your home SOLD at: YourFiresideRealtor.com

AVG PRICE PER SQFT

DAYS ON MARKET

MONTHS SUPPLY/ INVENTORY

# OF SOLD PROPERTIES

$323

50

2.2

43

2022 NOVEMBER 2022 NOVEMBER 2022 NOVEMBER 2022 NOVEMBER

2021 NOVEMBER 2021 NOVEMBER 2021 NOVEMBER 2021 NOVEMBER

$285

kevinowensrealtor

28

0.6

azrealtorkevin

55

fineAZliving.com

YOUR FIRESIDE AT DESE RT R I D G E R E AL E STAT E SP E C I AL I ST 480.217.9184 | kevin@fineAZliving.com | www.fineAZliving.com If your home is currently listed with a REALTOR, please disregard this notice. It is not our intention to solicit the offers of other brokerages. The listings presented here may or may not have been listed by North&Co. and data is provided by the ARMLS.

Produced by Prime Source & DLP • 480.921.0511 • PrimeSourceAZ.com