Jane Blacker | Arizona Homeowner | May 2021 Digital Newsletter

Vol. 8 Issue 5

Get Camping

Must-Haves

Biosphere 2 TUCSON, AZ

Potato & Rosemary Pizza GoodNes

LOCAL VENUE

CAMP WITH

Biosphere 2

CONFIDENCE

Tucson, AZ

I The University of Arizona offers a unique look at a 3.14-acre research facility designed to mimic natural biomes found throughout the world – all on one campus. Visitors gain educational and exciting insight into Earth’s environments including ocean with coral reef, mangrove wetlands, tropical rainforests, savanna grassland and fog desert. Guided by the new Experience App, visitors can explore the one-way path through the interior and around the exterior of Biosphere 2. Check out the Virtual Tour before your visit to preview the site’s wilderness areas!

Source: Biosphere2.org

t’s finally time for summer fun and after this difficult year many of us are ready to get outside and explore. After so long hunkered down at home, the call of the great outdoors is stronger than ever. Whether you’ve picked out your dream camping destination or are simply headed to the campsite around the corner, we’ve got the latest and greatest must-pack gear.

First and foremost, you need a tent. Many new models on the market are bigger than ever before, with six feet of headroom so super tall trekkers don’t have to crouch. Some tents can even comfortably fit up to nine people, allowing you to invite family and friends along on your road trip. If you’re shopping for a tent, consider one with a mesh top, which allows for stargazing all night long. And for those who can never figure out how to pitch the tent, some of the newest models come with the poles permanently installed making 60-second set up a breeze.

As for your sleeping bags, how about a supersized version made for two so you and your honey can snuggle under the moon? Other sleeping bag options include foot-vents to aid hot sleepers and built-in inflatable sleeping pads to make it feel a little more like you’re back home in bed. For those spending more than one night al fresco, a camping pillow really is essential. Look for one that can be compressed to a smaller size and material that won’t squeak when you roll over during the night.

Other new and noteworthy camping essentials include slim flashlights that can also power cell phones; solar-powered lanterns that are ready to use come nightfall; a campfire cooking grill that rolls up into a bundle for easy packing; biodegradable toilet paper rolls that fit in the palm of your hand; pop-up camp site trash cans; portable mosquito repellent devices that cover 15-foot areas; and a blanket that folds up to the size of a wallet. There are even tents that can be suspended from trees to truly elevate your camping experience, as well as backpacks that serve double duty as campsite showers and clothes washing devices. The only thing you still need when waking up in the fresh morning air? A handheld no electricity needed espresso or coffee maker (yes, they exist!). After all, there’s no need to forego your morning caffeine rush just because you’re camping.

Happy trails!

LIFEWISE

Prefer an old-school approach? Hand-draw your calendar outline or create cards with calligraphy features. However you choose do it, you’ll end up with a product that makes you feel accomplished.

LEATHER TOOLING – For a truly hands-on hobby, leather tooling and carving is an interesting choice. Although it may seem overwhelming to jump into with such a wide variety of tools and techniques, there are many online resources to guide you. Experts suggest veering away from beginner kits and instead picking a project you’d like to complete, such as a leather-bound journal or wallet, and building your workshop around that. Do your research online to find out what tools and equipment you need, along with where to buy it.

ASSORTMENT ART – Maybe you’re not sure what you’d

A

re you missing out on the revival of arts and crafting?

From coloring books to paint sets, artsy hobbies aren’t just for kids anymore. Whether you’re looking for something soothing or a project with precision detail, there are abundant options available.

ART THERAPY – These simple activities are the ideal blend of calming and creative, regardless of your inherent artistic ability.

Adult coloring books and paint-by-numbers ask your mind to clear while focusing on a singular task. Since the basic set-up is already outlined for you, you can enter an almost meditative state while working. Art therapy isn’t about a perfect finished product; it’s all about the process.

EMBROIDERY – This skill requires a bit more patience but remains accessible to different skill levels. Beginner embroidery patterns and kits are a great introduction for newcomers to the craft, while more experienced sewers can create their own designs or try more advanced stiches. Showcase your art on pillows, handbags, custom hats, or even framed fabric. The possibilities are only limited to your imagination.

FLAVORFUL

PRACTICAL ART – If you like the idea of creating something you’ll actually use, consider personal calendars, planners or greeting cards. Tech-savvy artists can use software to design unique layouts with personalized colors, graphics and details.

like to try or where you’d like to start. Luckily, you’re not alone.

Subscription services like Adults & Crafts send beginner-friendly kits each month that give you a feel for crafts such as candle making, wood burning and clock making. Find what suits you best or keep switching it up to add new skills to your crafting repertoire.

Whichever route you take in the adult world of arts and crafts, you’ll see positive side effects as your new hobby helps relieve stress, encourages creative thinking, and improves dexterity and focus. Choose from the numerous types of chimes from the comfort of their homes. As spring and summer arrive, why not greet the weather with a new outdoor accent. You won’t regret it.

Potato & RosemaRy Pizza INGREDIENTS 1

Frozen 5 cheese pizza

1 cup

Thinly sliced potatoes

1 tsp

Extra virgin olive oil

1 sprig

Fresh rosemary to taste Salt & ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400° F. Toss potatoes with oil; season with salt and pepper. Arrange over pizza in a single layer. Sprinkle with rosemary leaves over top.

Bake according to package directions for 14 to 16 minutes. Top with additional rosemary, 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

DIGITAL

About Jane