Arizona Homeowner September / 2008

Your Advocate in the Luxury Home Market

From the first moment I experienced the hypnotic beauty of the desert, I knew I was home and that a new life had begun for me. I had been a successful matrimonial litigator living in New York, believing I could never leave that life and the excitement it generated.

The magic of the desert and its environs changed that forever.

Though the lifestyle may be different, the excitement remains. Representing clients in the luxury real estate market has enabled me to utilize my skills as a negotiator and communicator to their fullest extent.

Both buyers and sellers expect not only to be listened to and responded to, but to be represented by someone who places their interests and needs above all else, whose personal integrity demands that. “Selling” or “buying” a luxury home requires far more than those words themselves. It requires a skilled professional who takes pride in what she does, who has a depth of knowledge of the market…and who honors the very specific needs of her clients.

It is an ever-changing profession, with each client bringing a new challenge. That is the excitement: to meet that challenge in an uncompromising way and to form new and ongoing relationships because of the mutual respect and trust that are the products of each transaction. I pride myself on consistently accomplishing this. And that is why I so love what I do.

Featured Properties

37245 N. Holiday Ln. Carefree, AZ 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath • 4,800 Sq. Ft. Offered at $1,975,000

Arizona Homeowner September / 2008

8445 E. Sombrero Rd. Carefree, AZ 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath • 5,058 Sq. Ft. Offered at $1,850,000

dining outdoors

42595 N. Spur Cross Rd. Cave Creek, AZ 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath • 3,900 Sq. Ft. Offered at $1,699,000

7440 E. Ridgeline Rd. Carefree, AZ 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath • 3,200 Sq. Ft. Offered at $995,000

7500 E. Boulders Pkwy.

Scottsdale, AZ 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath • 2,086 Sq. Ft. Offered at $910,000

36601 N. Mule Train Rd. #15D Carefree, AZ 2 Bed / 3 Bath • 2,284 Sq. Ft. Offered at $580,000

SOLD

SOLD

8343 E. Spanish Boot Rd., Carefree, AZ 4 Bed / 4.5 Bath • 4,102 Sq. Ft. Sold- 6/27/08

7800 E. Boulders Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ 3 Bed / 3 Bath • 2,387 Sq. Ft. Sold- 5/15/08

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 Paula Solomon 10458 E. Jomax Road Scottsdale, AZ 85262

ISSN-1939-9693

One Of Life’s Little Pleasures

is your home lacking curb appeal?

Driveway Improvements That’ll Do The Trick!

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

paula solomon 10458 e jomax rd scottsdale, az 85262 phone: 480.221.9023 www.paulasolomon.com paula@paulasolomon.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

mouth-watering appetizer The Bamboo Club’s Lettuce Wraps

September 2008 A Chorus Line Gammage Auditorium, Sept. 2nd - 7th 480.965.3434 or asugammage.com If you love live theater, don’t miss this show stopper! Performed since 1975, A Chorus Line shares the stories of 17 performers who all just want a job and the chance to dance. Before the final cut is made, Zach, the brilliant yet manipulative director, asks each performer to pour their heart out and share their story. The production has become the longest-running show in Broadway history and was nominated for 12 Tony Awards.

Jazz Soiree Series Estate House, Sept. 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th 480.970.4099 or estatehouseaz.com Whether you’re a dedicated lover of jazz, or simply in the mood for a delightful evening, follow the swanky and sultry sounds of jazz to the upstairs lounge at the Estate House restaurant. Enjoy some of the best jazz music from musicians such as Dennis Rowland or the Pam Morita Trio every Wednesday night in September. The Jazz Soiree Series is a great way to wind down and treat yourself to a mid-week pick-me-up.

22nd Annual Lincoln Guild Invitational Camelback Golf Club, Sept. 10th 602.870.6060 or jcl.com Tee off in support of the John C. Lincoln Health Foundation.

This has become quite an event with over 200 amateur golfers getting the chance to relax and play 18 holes for an amazing cause. Proceeds will assist thousands of Valley families through programs such as Children’s Dental Clinic, Food Bank and Community Health Center. Not a golfer? Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are available too.

Ballet Under the Stars Various Valley Parks, Sept. 18th - 27th 602.381.0184 or balletaz.org Spend a relaxing evening under the gorgeous Arizona sky as Ballet Arizona continues its annual season-opening tradition with “Ballet Under the Stars.” Bring the entire family and enjoy a combination of classical and contemporary works in a casual setting for free. Performances are scheduled for Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Fountain Hills, and Tempe. Bring a blanket, plenty of cool drinks and soak up some culture!

Kidsfaire — America’s Family Expo University of Phoenix Stadium, Sept. 20th - 21st 866.283.8600 or thekidsfaire.com Kidsfaire features interactive exhibits, entertainment, children’s favorite characters and excellent resources for every family!

There will be live stage performances from characters such as Barney, Cabbage Patch Kids and Strawberry Shortcake. Plenty of activities will also be set up for your children such as scuba diving, a princess pavilion, a Wild West attraction and many more! Bring the family out for a day of fun in the indoor, airconditioned stadium.

4th Annual Corks and Cactus Desert Botanical Garden, Sept. 26th 480.941.1225 or dbg.org Bring your sweetie to an evening to remember at the annual Corks and Cactus event. Guests will sample over 80 boutique wines from eight regions around the world. Pair your wines with delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Chat with the representatives from participating wineries and cut the rug with a little dancing to the live music.

If you’re interested in boosting your home’s appeal, look no further than your lowly, old driveway. As one of your home’s often-overlooked focal points, the driveway can make or break the entire look of your property.

Below are some ideas to give some pizzazz to your home’s entrance simply by improving your driveway.

Restore or improve your current concrete If tearing out and completely redoing your driveway is not in the budget, consider the big impact that a little restoration can make. Power washing your concrete can remove unsightly oil stains and tire marks, bringing a fresh, clean appearance back to your home. You may also consider a concrete coating, such as an epoxy or polyurethane product. Lastly, your driveway may have never been sealed before. After you’ve cleaned it up, a sealant can help it maintain its look and protect it from future stains.

Colored concrete Do away with your boring, standard gray driveway. Chemical staining involves special chemicals that react with the concrete to etch and bond color onto the surface. This process can be used on your existing driveway. Or, color can be added to a ready-mix concrete to provide a beautiful tint throughout the slab when poured. Because the pigment can fade with time and the elements, be sure to apply a sealant as well.

Stamped concrete Often referred to as patterned concrete, this process involves imprinting patterns in freshly poured concrete. It’s designed to resemble brick, tile, stone or slate and can be colored to blend with other architectural elements of your residence. Complex designs can easily be achieved and this process tends to be an economical option vs. more expensive materials such as stone and brick.

Exposed aggregate For that upscale, “pebbly” look, choose an exposed aggregate surface. Rocks or pebbles are “seeded” into the freshly poured concrete or actually blended into the ready-mix and then exposed by sandblasting the concrete surface after it’s been poured. There are a variety of looks and designs available depending on the shape, size and color of rock, and the degree of aggregate exposure. Sealing the surface with a clear acrylic resin brings out the natural color of the rock and insures a long-lasting finish.

Pavers and cobblestones A very popular option in Arizona, pavers create a distinct and high-end look. Driveways may be paved with mortared pavers which create a hardened surface, or they may be placed with a sand mixture between the pavers making the driveway more flexible and easier to maintain.

Pavers are hand-laid and can be set in an abundance of patterns and arrangements.

Cobblestone can give many homes an elegant, Old-World feel and can be laid in designs with grass (real or artificial) peeking up in between the stones. There are even reclaimed, antique cobblestones available to add a special allure. Choose cobblestones from the historic streets of Chicago or well-worn granite stones used in European cities hundreds of years ago.

When it comes to improving your driveway, your options are many; from the process and materials you use, to the multitude of accents and designs that can be achieved. You can incorporate a style that complements the rest of your home and even make appropriate improvements to your walkways and front entry as well.

Your Home

As our stifling Arizona summer gives way to cooler mornings and evenings in September, attentions turn to one of our favorite Arizona pastimes— dining outdoors.

Although the Europeans have practically elevated dining outdoors to an art form, those of us living in Arizona also know the pleasures of bringing the indoors out. With so many months of fabulous weather ahead of us, now is the time to begin taking your meals outside.

The Italian term al fresco directly translates to “in the fresh.” There is something absolutely magical about a wonderful meal enjoyed en plein air, where diners take their sweet time enjoying the meal, the company and the ambiance of a beautiful natural setting.

The best alfresco dining combines long, lazy meals with simple and fresh food. Relax the rules, take your time; this is the perfect occasion to escape without leaving home.

Depending on the time of day you’ll be dining, there are several ways to make your alfresco experience all the more special: BRUNCH Set your table with vibrant and colorful table linens. In fact, it’s a perfect occasion to use your sunny French linens that just seem so appropriate in this celebration of le soleil. Decorate with flowers, flowers everywhere and if you’re poolside, enjoy the enchanting views as the sun sparkles off of the water.

Keep the menu casual and fresh. When planning your menu, it’s easier to serve dishes that can be enjoyed at room temperature. A luscious quiche, buttery croissants and fresh berries may be all you need for a delightful brunch. Of course, you may also add mimosas to the menu if you’re so inclined!

AFTERNOON TEA Sometimes a leisurely afternoon is just what the doctor ordered. Again, take a cue from our European friends and rest and relax over a nice pot

of tea. The British advise that there’s not a trouble that can’t be resolved over a cup of tea. Bring out a tray of scones, mini fruit tarts and perhaps some cucumber and cream cheese finger sandwiches.

Voila! You’ve created a wonderful respite in your day.

DINNER Ahh… the sun is setting, a cool breeze blows across your courtyard and you’re taking delight in one of life’s simplest amusements: splendid food and wonderful companionship to enjoy it with. Let the beauty of the evening be the star of the show and set your table with elegant and subdued linens

and tableware. Now is the time to break out the votive candles to add atmosphere as the Arizona sunset gives way to twinkling stars.

Create a menu that is back-to-basics. Dining alfresco is not meant to be fussy and supersophisticated. Instead, it’s a salute to the pleasures of all things simple and delicious. A caprese salad, lemon-garlic roasted chicken (that can be prepared the day before), roasted eggplant and zucchini, and a loaf of crusty Italian bread is heaven.

So, here’s to living in Arizona and to taking it outside! Enjoy the next several months of beautiful weather and take all the delight from it that you can!

Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Hoi Sin Sauce

Local Flavor!

Event Calendar

Ingredients: CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE FILLING 1/2 pound of ground chicken, cooked 1/2 pound of water chestnuts, dried and medium chopped 1 medium carrot, peeled and small chopped 12-15 green beans, cut into small rings 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1 tsp. sesame oil 1 head of iceberg lettuce, individual leaves trimmed to the size of your hand.

Featuring The Bamboo Club Asian Bistro Locations in Tempe, Scottsdale and Desert Ridge thebambooclub.com

HOI SIN SAUCE 1 cup ready-made hoi sin sauce 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar 2 Tbsp. sugar 1 Tbsp. sweet Thai chili sauce 1 tsp. minced ginger Whisk ingredients together.

Method: In a medium sized pan, heat the oil and cook garlic on medium heat. Add the chicken and vegetables to the pan and cook for one to two minutes. Add soy sauce and cook until hot. Remove from heat and mix in sesame oil.

To serve, place a spoonful of chicken and vegetable mixture into lettuce cup, like a taco, and top with hoi sin sauce.

September 2008 A Chorus Line Gammage Auditorium, Sept. 2nd - 7th 480.965.3434 or asugammage.com If you love live theater, don’t miss this show stopper! Performed since 1975, A Chorus Line shares the stories of 17 performers who all just want a job and the chance to dance. Before the final cut is made, Zach, the brilliant yet manipulative director, asks each performer to pour their heart out and share their story. The production has become the longest-running show in Broadway history and was nominated for 12 Tony Awards.

Jazz Soiree Series Estate House, Sept. 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th 480.970.4099 or estatehouseaz.com Whether you’re a dedicated lover of jazz, or simply in the mood for a delightful evening, follow the swanky and sultry sounds of jazz to the upstairs lounge at the Estate House restaurant. Enjoy some of the best jazz music from musicians such as Dennis Rowland or the Pam Morita Trio every Wednesday night in September. The Jazz Soiree Series is a great way to wind down and treat yourself to a mid-week pick-me-up.

22nd Annual Lincoln Guild Invitational Camelback Golf Club, Sept. 10th 602.870.6060 or jcl.com Tee off in support of the John C. Lincoln Health Foundation.

This has become quite an event with over 200 amateur golfers getting the chance to relax and play 18 holes for an amazing cause. Proceeds will assist thousands of Valley families through programs such as Children’s Dental Clinic, Food Bank and Community Health Center. Not a golfer? Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are available too.

Ballet Under the Stars Various Valley Parks, Sept. 18th - 27th 602.381.0184 or balletaz.org Spend a relaxing evening under the gorgeous Arizona sky as Ballet Arizona continues its annual season-opening tradition with “Ballet Under the Stars.” Bring the entire family and enjoy a combination of classical and contemporary works in a casual setting for free. Performances are scheduled for Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Fountain Hills, and Tempe. Bring a blanket, plenty of cool drinks and soak up some culture!

Kidsfaire — America’s Family Expo University of Phoenix Stadium, Sept. 20th - 21st 866.283.8600 or thekidsfaire.com Kidsfaire features interactive exhibits, entertainment, children’s favorite characters and excellent resources for every family!

There will be live stage performances from characters such as Barney, Cabbage Patch Kids and Strawberry Shortcake. Plenty of activities will also be set up for your children such as scuba diving, a princess pavilion, a Wild West attraction and many more! Bring the family out for a day of fun in the indoor, airconditioned stadium.

4th Annual Corks and Cactus Desert Botanical Garden, Sept. 26th 480.941.1225 or dbg.org Bring your sweetie to an evening to remember at the annual Corks and Cactus event. Guests will sample over 80 boutique wines from eight regions around the world. Pair your wines with delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Chat with the representatives from participating wineries and cut the rug with a little dancing to the live music.

If you’re interested in boosting your home’s appeal, look no further than your lowly, old driveway. As one of your home’s often-overlooked focal points, the driveway can make or break the entire look of your property.

Below are some ideas to give some pizzazz to your home’s entrance simply by improving your driveway.

Restore or improve your current concrete If tearing out and completely redoing your driveway is not in the budget, consider the big impact that a little restoration can make. Power washing your concrete can remove unsightly oil stains and tire marks, bringing a fresh, clean appearance back to your home. You may also consider a concrete coating, such as an epoxy or polyurethane product. Lastly, your driveway may have never been sealed before. After you’ve cleaned it up, a sealant can help it maintain its look and protect it from future stains.

Colored concrete Do away with your boring, standard gray driveway. Chemical staining involves special chemicals that react with the concrete to etch and bond color onto the surface. This process can be used on your existing driveway. Or, color can be added to a ready-mix concrete to provide a beautiful tint throughout the slab when poured. Because the pigment can fade with time and the elements, be sure to apply a sealant as well.

Stamped concrete Often referred to as patterned concrete, this process involves imprinting patterns in freshly poured concrete. It’s designed to resemble brick, tile, stone or slate and can be colored to blend with other architectural elements of your residence. Complex designs can easily be achieved and this process tends to be an economical option vs. more expensive materials such as stone and brick.

Exposed aggregate For that upscale, “pebbly” look, choose an exposed aggregate surface. Rocks or pebbles are “seeded” into the freshly poured concrete or actually blended into the ready-mix and then exposed by sandblasting the concrete surface after it’s been poured. There are a variety of looks and designs available depending on the shape, size and color of rock, and the degree of aggregate exposure. Sealing the surface with a clear acrylic resin brings out the natural color of the rock and insures a long-lasting finish.

Pavers and cobblestones A very popular option in Arizona, pavers create a distinct and high-end look. Driveways may be paved with mortared pavers which create a hardened surface, or they may be placed with a sand mixture between the pavers making the driveway more flexible and easier to maintain.

Pavers are hand-laid and can be set in an abundance of patterns and arrangements.

Cobblestone can give many homes an elegant, Old-World feel and can be laid in designs with grass (real or artificial) peeking up in between the stones. There are even reclaimed, antique cobblestones available to add a special allure. Choose cobblestones from the historic streets of Chicago or well-worn granite stones used in European cities hundreds of years ago.

When it comes to improving your driveway, your options are many; from the process and materials you use, to the multitude of accents and designs that can be achieved. You can incorporate a style that complements the rest of your home and even make appropriate improvements to your walkways and front entry as well.

Your Home

As our stifling Arizona summer gives way to cooler mornings and evenings in September, attentions turn to one of our favorite Arizona pastimes— dining outdoors.

Although the Europeans have practically elevated dining outdoors to an art form, those of us living in Arizona also know the pleasures of bringing the indoors out. With so many months of fabulous weather ahead of us, now is the time to begin taking your meals outside.

The Italian term al fresco directly translates to “in the fresh.” There is something absolutely magical about a wonderful meal enjoyed en plein air, where diners take their sweet time enjoying the meal, the company and the ambiance of a beautiful natural setting.

The best alfresco dining combines long, lazy meals with simple and fresh food. Relax the rules, take your time; this is the perfect occasion to escape without leaving home.

Depending on the time of day you’ll be dining, there are several ways to make your alfresco experience all the more special: BRUNCH Set your table with vibrant and colorful table linens. In fact, it’s a perfect occasion to use your sunny French linens that just seem so appropriate in this celebration of le soleil. Decorate with flowers, flowers everywhere and if you’re poolside, enjoy the enchanting views as the sun sparkles off of the water.

Keep the menu casual and fresh. When planning your menu, it’s easier to serve dishes that can be enjoyed at room temperature. A luscious quiche, buttery croissants and fresh berries may be all you need for a delightful brunch. Of course, you may also add mimosas to the menu if you’re so inclined!

AFTERNOON TEA Sometimes a leisurely afternoon is just what the doctor ordered. Again, take a cue from our European friends and rest and relax over a nice pot

of tea. The British advise that there’s not a trouble that can’t be resolved over a cup of tea. Bring out a tray of scones, mini fruit tarts and perhaps some cucumber and cream cheese finger sandwiches.

Voila! You’ve created a wonderful respite in your day.

DINNER Ahh… the sun is setting, a cool breeze blows across your courtyard and you’re taking delight in one of life’s simplest amusements: splendid food and wonderful companionship to enjoy it with. Let the beauty of the evening be the star of the show and set your table with elegant and subdued linens

and tableware. Now is the time to break out the votive candles to add atmosphere as the Arizona sunset gives way to twinkling stars.

Create a menu that is back-to-basics. Dining alfresco is not meant to be fussy and supersophisticated. Instead, it’s a salute to the pleasures of all things simple and delicious. A caprese salad, lemon-garlic roasted chicken (that can be prepared the day before), roasted eggplant and zucchini, and a loaf of crusty Italian bread is heaven.

So, here’s to living in Arizona and to taking it outside! Enjoy the next several months of beautiful weather and take all the delight from it that you can!

Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Hoi Sin Sauce

Local Flavor!

Event Calendar

Ingredients: CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE FILLING 1/2 pound of ground chicken, cooked 1/2 pound of water chestnuts, dried and medium chopped 1 medium carrot, peeled and small chopped 12-15 green beans, cut into small rings 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1 tsp. sesame oil 1 head of iceberg lettuce, individual leaves trimmed to the size of your hand.

Featuring The Bamboo Club Asian Bistro Locations in Tempe, Scottsdale and Desert Ridge thebambooclub.com

HOI SIN SAUCE 1 cup ready-made hoi sin sauce 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar 2 Tbsp. sugar 1 Tbsp. sweet Thai chili sauce 1 tsp. minced ginger Whisk ingredients together.

Method: In a medium sized pan, heat the oil and cook garlic on medium heat. Add the chicken and vegetables to the pan and cook for one to two minutes. Add soy sauce and cook until hot. Remove from heat and mix in sesame oil.

To serve, place a spoonful of chicken and vegetable mixture into lettuce cup, like a taco, and top with hoi sin sauce.

Your Advocate in the Luxury Home Market

From the first moment I experienced the hypnotic beauty of the desert, I knew I was home and that a new life had begun for me. I had been a successful matrimonial litigator living in New York, believing I could never leave that life and the excitement it generated.

The magic of the desert and its environs changed that forever.

Though the lifestyle may be different, the excitement remains. Representing clients in the luxury real estate market has enabled me to utilize my skills as a negotiator and communicator to their fullest extent.

Both buyers and sellers expect not only to be listened to and responded to, but to be represented by someone who places their interests and needs above all else, whose personal integrity demands that. “Selling” or “buying” a luxury home requires far more than those words themselves. It requires a skilled professional who takes pride in what she does, who has a depth of knowledge of the market…and who honors the very specific needs of her clients.

It is an ever-changing profession, with each client bringing a new challenge. That is the excitement: to meet that challenge in an uncompromising way and to form new and ongoing relationships because of the mutual respect and trust that are the products of each transaction. I pride myself on consistently accomplishing this. And that is why I so love what I do.

Featured Properties

37245 N. Holiday Ln. Carefree, AZ 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath • 4,800 Sq. Ft. Offered at $1,975,000

Arizona Homeowner September / 2008

8445 E. Sombrero Rd. Carefree, AZ 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath • 5,058 Sq. Ft. Offered at $1,850,000

dining outdoors

42595 N. Spur Cross Rd. Cave Creek, AZ 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath • 3,900 Sq. Ft. Offered at $1,699,000

7440 E. Ridgeline Rd. Carefree, AZ 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath • 3,200 Sq. Ft. Offered at $995,000

7500 E. Boulders Pkwy.

Scottsdale, AZ 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath • 2,086 Sq. Ft. Offered at $910,000

36601 N. Mule Train Rd. #15D Carefree, AZ 2 Bed / 3 Bath • 2,284 Sq. Ft. Offered at $580,000

SOLD

SOLD

8343 E. Spanish Boot Rd., Carefree, AZ 4 Bed / 4.5 Bath • 4,102 Sq. Ft. Sold- 6/27/08

7800 E. Boulders Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ 3 Bed / 3 Bath • 2,387 Sq. Ft. Sold- 5/15/08

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 Paula Solomon 10458 E. Jomax Road Scottsdale, AZ 85262

ISSN-1939-9693

One Of Life’s Little Pleasures

is your home lacking curb appeal?

Driveway Improvements That’ll Do The Trick!

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

paula solomon 10458 e jomax rd scottsdale, az 85262 phone: 480.221.9023 www.paulasolomon.com paula@paulasolomon.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

mouth-watering appetizer The Bamboo Club’s Lettuce Wraps