Jane Blacker | Arizona Homeowner | April 2021 Digital Newsletter

Vol. 8 Issue 4

BACKYARD GARDENING

Spring Cleaning 4 Tips For More Clean

City of Solvang Solvang, CA

Waffles with Spiced Pears GoodNes

TRAVEL TIME City of Solvang Solvang, CA

KEEPING CLEANING SIMPLE

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This quaint town crafted to resemble a classic Denmark village is known as the “Danish Capital of America.” Full of unique architecture and culture, visitors can tour a windmill decorated with twinkling lights or indulge in baked goods and wine. Explore Danish-themed souvenir shops selling wooden shoes, cuckoo clocks and more.

This sweet town is located in beautiful Southern California wine country, in the Santa Ynez Valley outside Santa Barbara.

Source: SantaBarbaraCa.com/?s=solvang

pring often sparks the desire to clean out our homes, garages and offices. An organized space can lead to a clear mind and create an environment we thrive in for the rest of the year. If you have trouble knowing where to start or you have a hard time saying goodbye to the things you’ve held onto, here are some tips to get you going.

1) DEFINE YOUR REASONS – Knowing why you want to get organized before you start to get rid of things is a good motivator. Will clearing out your bonus room allow you to create a peaceful yoga space? Maybe you get to add that new kitchen appliance to your collection once you’ve made space. If you simply want a fresh, tidy home – that’s okay, too! Define your goal ahead of time and keep it in mind as you work.

2) PASS IT ON – If you tend to get sentimental even over things you rarely (or maybe never) use, try to shift your perspective to something positive – sharing the love you had for an item with someone new.

A favorite coat you’ve outgrown may find new adventures with a granddaughter. An old suit may not be your style anymore, but it could be the thing that scores its new owner a promotion.

3) FIND THE RIGHT TIME – Choose a time to clean that works for you. At the end of an exhausting day, you probably won’t make much progress. Take on these tasks when you’re most energized and excited about the end result. If your schedule allows just one day per week for you to focus on cleaning, roll with that. Don’t create stress by imposing a strict schedule.

4) SEPARATE IT OUT – During a deep clean, you’ll come across a wide variety of belongings. The good news is these can generally be separated into three categories: keep, trash and donate. You may also want to add options for storage, yard sale, etc. The important thing is you have a separate collection area or clearly labeled box that makes it simple to organize as you sift through all your items.

Keep in mind that while it’s great to take inventory of what you no longer need, it’s okay to hold onto things you still really love. If you’re feeling unsure or unsettled about letting certain items go, don’t make any hasty decisions.

Set those few sentimental things aside and revisit them in a month or so and see if you still feel an attachment. Take it at your own pace to ensure your process is satisfying and truly productive.

LIFEWISE

will thrive in a raised bed while others need their own space. If you choose a potted plant, learn if you will need to provide a new home as it grows. Mature plant size and housing options are elements to consider when you’re planning your garden or landscaping.

GARDENING IN THE DESERT

Plan to monitor the weather closely throughout the seasons. During the hottest summer months, plants may need extra protection.

Consider a companion plant that will help shade the more delicate greenery. You also can buy a sunshade from places like Home Depot, your local garden store or online retailers. Though most the year you will contend with sun, you also need to be aware of winter dangers. Cold snaps can come on suddenly and destroy all your progress and hard work. Be prepared to cover your plants with frost guards when the time comes.

Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance when you’re purchasing a plant. Even if you buy somewhere else, visit a nursery in your area.

The people who work there are typically well-versed in plant knowledge and are happy to answer your questions and walk you through which plant might be right for you. A skilled nursery worker knows which plants attract certain insects and birds, which give off fragrant aromas and which are harmless to curious pets. With the right research and guidance, you can find your perfect plant.

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pringtime is full of new life and new beginnings. If you’ve thought about gardening but aren’t sure you’ve got a green thumb, there are some simple suggestions to getting started that can make a big difference in the long run. Even in the desert, it’s possible to grow a lush garden. But before you get your hands dirty, it’s important to do your research.

It may be tempting to start digging right away, but it’s crucial to lay the proper groundwork for your backyard garden to flourish.

With all the TLC you’re showing your garden, you’re sure to become a proud plant-parent in no time.

FLAVORFUL

Consider all the elements. Map out where in your yard you’d like to place a new plant and monitor how much natural sun and shade that spot gets throughout the day. Try to find a plant that works best with whatever environment you can provide. When it comes to water, you should ask yourself how much maintenance you’re willing to put up with. A drip irrigation system may be worth the investment if you don’t have the time to carefully water each day. Soil factors include potting and plotting ahead. Some plants

BELGIAN WAFFLES WITH SPICED PEAR COMPOTE

INGREDIENTS 1 tbs ½ tsp ¼ tsp 3 large

Unsalted butter Ground ginger Ground cardamom Pears

¼ cup ¼ cup 12-16 1 large

Honey Water Frozen Belgian waffles Grated orange peel

DIRECTIONS Cook butter, grated orange peel, ginger and cardamom in medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Stir in pears, honey and water. Cover; cook for 15 minutes.

Uncover; cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Cook waffles according to package directions. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of warm pear compote over each waffle. Dust with powdered sugar, 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.

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