Jane Blacker | Arizona Homeowner | | December 2021 Digital Newsletter

Vol. 8 Issue 12

Say Thanks Put It In Writing

Historic Downtown Lexington, KY

Eggplant Parmesan GoodNes

TRAVEL TIME Historic Downtown Lexington, KY

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Downtown Lexington is the heart of Kentucky’s second-largest city. Whether you are searching for relics of past eras and interesting people, examples of architectural worth, or scenes of noteworthy events, you’ll find plenty of fascinating historic homes and places to explore in and around Lexington. Free audio guided walking tours of Lexington’s Historic Sites are also available at www.lexpublib.org/walkingtours/ downtown-history.

Source: VisitLex.com

hen was the last time you received a handwritten thank you note?

Had to think pretty far back, right? With texts and emails, it seems fewer and fewer people are taking pen to paper to thank someone for a gift, a kind gesture, or even a job interview. It’s time to bring back the art of writing a good thank you note. We guarantee it will be appreciated…and you will be remembered.

Of course, if you receive a gift in the mail, say for graduation, your wedding, your birthday, or for the holidays, you simply must send a thank you note to let your grandmother or friend know the gift arrived. If you received the gift in person, a note is not technically necessary, although it’s a lovely gesture. Job interviews? Yes, definitely send a thank you note. A friend brought you soup when you were sick or a neighbor threw you a going away party? Absolutely send a note. Of course, there are times when a thank you note may not seem necessary, like when a neighbor shovels your driveway or a coworker covers for you when you’ve been out sick. But actually these are all great reasons for putting your gratitude in writing.

But don’t send one of those dull thank you notes. Why not put some effort into it? Use descriptive language and details. Instead of, “Thanks so much for the shirt, I really like it,” try, “The beautiful shirt you sent for my birthday was the perfect emerald green color and matches so much of my wardrobe. I can’t wait to wear it out during the holidays.” Rather than simply writing, “Thank you for your time to discuss the job opening,” try, “Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me during this busy time of year. I really enjoyed meeting your coworkers and learning all about the role you are looking to fill.”

And be sure to write a draft on a scratch piece of paper so you won’t have to waste any nice stationery. Wondering how to end your note? Sign-offs such as, “Warmly,” or “Best,” are usually appropriate for business associates or acquaintances.

Also, be sure to proofread your note once it’s written to make sure there aren’t any errors or missing words.

Choosing polished, clean stationery and a crisp and clear black or blue ink pen will also make your note stand out. Have terrible handwriting? Ask a friend with great penmanship to write your words down for you. We guarantee no one will be the wiser.

Did you know there are even online services that use pen-holding robots to create multiple notes in a handwritten style? Once crafted, the companies will address and mail the cards for you.

Finally, try to send your thank you note within a few weeks of receiving the gift or having the interview. Even if you’ve waited too long, it’s always better to send the note late than not to say thank you at all. Your mother was right about that, too.

LIFEWISE

Easy Gift Giving T

a perfect present for those looking to eat better. Or why not send a subscription to a local farm share or healthy meal-kit delivery service? Recipients can always cancel after a few deliveries if it isn’t their thing. And when it comes to food, we’ve never seen a box of chocolates go to waste, have you?

Hey, chocolate is good for you!

he holidays are here again! Our advice when it comes to gift giving for those hard-to-shop-for people? Don’t over think it.

Not only are gifts not mandatory, but the most-wanted presents tend to fall into just a few categories. It’s all about streamlining your options … and giving people what they really want.

Tech. Let’s face it, most people—especially those hard-to-please teens—really just want something electronics-related. We’re thinking won’t-break-the-bank accessories, like a charging station to keep them organized, off-brand ear buds to replace the ones they lost last week, or a really long charging cable. Who doesn’t need another one of those? Or maybe consider a cool instant-print camera as a fun gift for a young person on your holiday shopping list. Tech is tops, so stick with it and you can’t go wrong. At least you know your gift will get used and won’t sit on a shelf gathering dust.

Looking for something a little more nurturing? Try giving a personal wellness gift … after all, who doesn’t need more wellness these days. Pick out an item that turns a home into a soothing spa or healing center. Choose a cordless portable infuser with organic essential oils for a friend in need of relaxation, a snuggly-soft organic bathrobe for a recovering aunt or uncle, or a massage “gun” for an aching athlete. A tea set with organic green and white teas is also a delicious and healthy present. Before you make a purchase, ask yourself, is this a gift my friend or sibling will actually want and use? If the answer is no, it’s a hard pass.

FLAVORFUL

Since so many people are home and cooking and living healthier lives these days, consider a great new pan or knife set to help inspire their inner chef. An easy-to-clean smoothie maker makes

If you’d like to send a gift that keepson giving, shop online and order up a subscription service for your loved one.

Some ideas: For your partner, a wine-ofthe-month subscription (yup, that will get used!); for your niece or nephew, a pickyour-own clothing service; and for your mom, flowers of the month. Awww! Still can’t find something that seems just right? How about a gift subscription to Audible, Netflix, or Disney Plus? Click, click, done.

And what about a gift for yourself? We know there’s plenty of cool new exercise and fitness equipment out there—from step-counting watches, to exercise mirrors and weights that fit in a wardrobe in your bedroom. Take our advice: Give yourself those awesome fitness gifts rather than giving them to your spouse or partner. No one really wants to be told they need to get in shape.

Eggplant Parmesan INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp 1 1 1 tbsp

olive oil garlic clove, minced small eggplant minced fresh basil

1 tbsp 1 1/2 cup

grated Parmesan cheese medium tomato, thinly sliced shredded mozzarella cheese

DIRECTIONS Combine oil and garlic; brush over both sides of eggplant slices. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 425° for 15 minutes; turn. Bake until golden brown, about 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack.

Place half the eggplant in a greased 1-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with half the basil and Parmesan cheese. Arrange tomato slices over top; sprinkle with remaining basil and Parmesan. Layer with half the mozzarella cheese and the remaining eggplant; top with remaining mozzarella. Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake until cheese is melted, 5-7 minutes longer. Garnish with additional basil, if desired.

GoodNes.com

J

ane Blacker has been a widely-respected member of the Valley of the Sun real estate industry since 2000. With over 30 years as a real estate professional,

her track record remains spotless-something she attributes to always placing her clients’ interests first, providing unsurpassed service, meticulous attention to detail, and staying abreast of market trends and changes affecting the real estate industry.

Jane joined Russ Lyon Realty Company in March 2001. She achieved a topproducer ranking within two years and continues to be a top producer with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

Originally from England, her career in real estate began when she joined a commercial real estate company in London and worked for ten years as the Executive Assistant to the Managing Partner.

Her many community activities include serving on the Board of Directors of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. In 2013 and 2014 Jane was recognized by the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce for her outstanding contributions to the community and has been the recipient of two prestigious business volunteer awards.

Jane Blacker REALTOR | SRES

Cell 480.283.3009 Fax 480.624.3711 Jane.Blacker@RussLyon.com Call Jane today if you are thinking about a new home!

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

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

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