Diego Jaramillo | Texas Homeowner

JARA

TexasHomeowner Vol. 5 Issue 12

A Memoir to Remember All About You

All Aboard!

The Alaska Railroad

Slow Cooker Apple Cider GoodNes If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Produced by DLP Marketing • (877)660-0996 • DLPmarketing.com

TRAVEL TIME

Blast from the Past

Alaska

GOOD READS W

Winter in Alaska isn’t for everyone – but for those who set forth with a sense of adventure (and a warm jacket!) are rewarded with a true winter wonderland. Thick blankets of snow make for a pristine landscape and long dark nights are a perfect stage for dazzling displays of the aurora borealis. The Alaska Railroad operates yearround connecting Anchorage, Talkeetna and Fairbanks throughout the winter season. The Alaska Railroad offers several different winter packages that range from a quick weekend getaway to a five-night exploration far north, but they are all sure to make your trip to Alaska a fun and memorable adventure.

Source: AlaskaRailroad.com

hat do Tina Fey, Drew Barrymore, Stormy Daniels, Chelsea Handler, and Trevor Noah have in common? They are just a few of today’s celebrities who have recently penned their own memoirs. And they are not the only ones (don’t forget Rob Lowe, Leah Remini, Carrie Fisher, and Amy Schumer, too, who have also shared their life’s moments with fans). So why so many memoirs … and why do people like to read them anyway?

The word memoir comes from the French word “memoire,” meaning memory or reminiscence. It differs from a straightforward autobiography, which usually details a person’s complete life and follows a logical birth-to-death arc.

Memoirs, on the other hand, offer particular moments or glimpses of a person’s story that they wish to share with the reader (think of it as a highlight and sometimes lowlight reel). These bits and pieces that are recorded are often more forgiving and usually more entertaining than an autobiography. Memoirs usually shed a more flattering light on someone’s life, though certainly that’s not always the case nor the purpose of the book.

It probably should come as no surprise in this day of reality TV, Twitter, Facebook and live streaming feeds that people want to share—and readers want to know—more intimate details of the lives of people they like. After all, we “follow” celebrities on social media and feel as if we know them personally. Today’s memoirs give another peek into the lives of those we want to feel closer to, a way we can understand who they are and how they got to where they are in life. While it may be the voyeuristic aspect that makes this genre of writing appealing to some readers, it may also be that many people’s stories have an element of instruction and inspiration to them. The celebrity who overcame adversity by conquering drug addiction or weight loss can share their trials and tribulations and offer secrets and how-tos for those struggling with the same problems.

In the end, memoirs are probably so popular these days because we all long to feel connected to people. In our fast-paced lives, it’s nice to read about the mundane elements of a celebrity’s life so we can relate. It’s also fun to read about the wild and unpredictable events of their lives which help us to feel amused and perhaps even inspired to try to achieve our own life goals or passions.

LIFEWISE

H

oliday gift giving is fertile ground for nostalgia, especially in a world where kids no longer circle items in a catalog but simply send a URL link of their wish list. So, it’s not that surprising to see the magical, memorable toys and games of bygone days appear on those very lists. Even today’s youth, with their technology of choice seemingly soldered to their hands, find pleasure and curiosity in mom and dad’s childhood obsessions.

GAMES Monopoly has seen changes over the years but remains a popular way of getting out of jail for free. Twister has returned as a riotous party game for kids and adults alike. And if you dare to play The Game of Life – America’s first popular parlor game – you’ll make your way to success or bankruptcy while navigating careers, marriage, kids and you know… life!

You needn’t look any further than Netflix to see that vintage and retro toys are still big business. Their wildly popular documentary series “The Toys That Made Us” covers some of the most famous brands, franchises and playthings from conception into iconic toy history.

CREATIVE TOYS With its recognizable red frame, Etch A Sketch continues to spark creativity and imagination in all ages since its invention in 1959 – and without a USB port. Another favorite returning to the shelves is Spirograph, which combines math and art to create an endless variety of geometric designs using only plastic discs and colorful pens.

Some toys have survived the test of time and some faded away only to roll back into our hearts like a classic Hot Wheels Camaro.

Thanks to a theme park and a movie franchise, Lego has only gotten bigger and better over the years. Barbie has had her bumps, such as divorce and anatomic impossibility, but she marches on in stilettos pursuing endless careers and licensing deals. Here are a few blasts from the past and perennial favorites:

DOLLS AND PETS GI Joe may not have all the hot accessories Barbie does, but that hasn’t stopped grownup fans from fervently collecting the 54-yearold action figure on sites like eBay. Move forward a few decades and you’ll see a renewed buzz for Tamagotchi – the digital handheld pet of the 1990s. Cabbage Patch dolls are back up for adoption and Furby is startling parents again with unintelligible muttering.

It may be a challenge for today’s toymakers to lure 21st Century kids away from their electronic devices, but it doesn’t appear to be as difficult as solving a Rubik’s cube. And with a little help from nostalgic adults, they have a better chance. The question is, will parents love playing with the toys more than their kids? Magic 8 Ball says, “It is certain.”

FLAVORFUL

Alaskan Train Ride

SLOW COOKER

Apple CranberryCider INGREDIENTS 10 cups 2 cups 2 cups 2 tbsp 3

Apple juice Cranberry juice Fresh orange juice Granulated sugar Cinnamon sticks

2 tsp 1/2 tsp 1 1 1 cup

Whole cloves Whole allspice Navel orange, sliced (optional) Lemon, sliced (optional) Fresh cranberries

DIRECTIONS Combine apple juice, cranberry juice, orange juice, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves and allspice in 5-quart slow cooker. Cover; cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 3 ½ to 4 hours.

With slotted spoon, remove and discard whole spices. Add orange slices, lemon slices and fresh cranberries to slow cooker for garnish. Keep slow cooker on low setting for serving.

GoodNes.com

TRAVEL TIME

Blast from the Past

Alaska

GOOD READS W

Winter in Alaska isn’t for everyone – but for those who set forth with a sense of adventure (and a warm jacket!) are rewarded with a true winter wonderland. Thick blankets of snow make for a pristine landscape and long dark nights are a perfect stage for dazzling displays of the aurora borealis. The Alaska Railroad operates yearround connecting Anchorage, Talkeetna and Fairbanks throughout the winter season. The Alaska Railroad offers several different winter packages that range from a quick weekend getaway to a five-night exploration far north, but they are all sure to make your trip to Alaska a fun and memorable adventure.

Source: AlaskaRailroad.com

hat do Tina Fey, Drew Barrymore, Stormy Daniels, Chelsea Handler, and Trevor Noah have in common? They are just a few of today’s celebrities who have recently penned their own memoirs. And they are not the only ones (don’t forget Rob Lowe, Leah Remini, Carrie Fisher, and Amy Schumer, too, who have also shared their life’s moments with fans). So why so many memoirs … and why do people like to read them anyway?

The word memoir comes from the French word “memoire,” meaning memory or reminiscence. It differs from a straightforward autobiography, which usually details a person’s complete life and follows a logical birth-to-death arc.

Memoirs, on the other hand, offer particular moments or glimpses of a person’s story that they wish to share with the reader (think of it as a highlight and sometimes lowlight reel). These bits and pieces that are recorded are often more forgiving and usually more entertaining than an autobiography. Memoirs usually shed a more flattering light on someone’s life, though certainly that’s not always the case nor the purpose of the book.

It probably should come as no surprise in this day of reality TV, Twitter, Facebook and live streaming feeds that people want to share—and readers want to know—more intimate details of the lives of people they like. After all, we “follow” celebrities on social media and feel as if we know them personally. Today’s memoirs give another peek into the lives of those we want to feel closer to, a way we can understand who they are and how they got to where they are in life. While it may be the voyeuristic aspect that makes this genre of writing appealing to some readers, it may also be that many people’s stories have an element of instruction and inspiration to them. The celebrity who overcame adversity by conquering drug addiction or weight loss can share their trials and tribulations and offer secrets and how-tos for those struggling with the same problems.

In the end, memoirs are probably so popular these days because we all long to feel connected to people. In our fast-paced lives, it’s nice to read about the mundane elements of a celebrity’s life so we can relate. It’s also fun to read about the wild and unpredictable events of their lives which help us to feel amused and perhaps even inspired to try to achieve our own life goals or passions.

LIFEWISE

H

oliday gift giving is fertile ground for nostalgia, especially in a world where kids no longer circle items in a catalog but simply send a URL link of their wish list. So, it’s not that surprising to see the magical, memorable toys and games of bygone days appear on those very lists. Even today’s youth, with their technology of choice seemingly soldered to their hands, find pleasure and curiosity in mom and dad’s childhood obsessions.

GAMES Monopoly has seen changes over the years but remains a popular way of getting out of jail for free. Twister has returned as a riotous party game for kids and adults alike. And if you dare to play The Game of Life – America’s first popular parlor game – you’ll make your way to success or bankruptcy while navigating careers, marriage, kids and you know… life!

You needn’t look any further than Netflix to see that vintage and retro toys are still big business. Their wildly popular documentary series “The Toys That Made Us” covers some of the most famous brands, franchises and playthings from conception into iconic toy history.

CREATIVE TOYS With its recognizable red frame, Etch A Sketch continues to spark creativity and imagination in all ages since its invention in 1959 – and without a USB port. Another favorite returning to the shelves is Spirograph, which combines math and art to create an endless variety of geometric designs using only plastic discs and colorful pens.

Some toys have survived the test of time and some faded away only to roll back into our hearts like a classic Hot Wheels Camaro.

Thanks to a theme park and a movie franchise, Lego has only gotten bigger and better over the years. Barbie has had her bumps, such as divorce and anatomic impossibility, but she marches on in stilettos pursuing endless careers and licensing deals. Here are a few blasts from the past and perennial favorites:

DOLLS AND PETS GI Joe may not have all the hot accessories Barbie does, but that hasn’t stopped grownup fans from fervently collecting the 54-yearold action figure on sites like eBay. Move forward a few decades and you’ll see a renewed buzz for Tamagotchi – the digital handheld pet of the 1990s. Cabbage Patch dolls are back up for adoption and Furby is startling parents again with unintelligible muttering.

It may be a challenge for today’s toymakers to lure 21st Century kids away from their electronic devices, but it doesn’t appear to be as difficult as solving a Rubik’s cube. And with a little help from nostalgic adults, they have a better chance. The question is, will parents love playing with the toys more than their kids? Magic 8 Ball says, “It is certain.”

FLAVORFUL

Alaskan Train Ride

SLOW COOKER

Apple CranberryCider INGREDIENTS 10 cups 2 cups 2 cups 2 tbsp 3

Apple juice Cranberry juice Fresh orange juice Granulated sugar Cinnamon sticks

2 tsp 1/2 tsp 1 1 1 cup

Whole cloves Whole allspice Navel orange, sliced (optional) Lemon, sliced (optional) Fresh cranberries

DIRECTIONS Combine apple juice, cranberry juice, orange juice, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves and allspice in 5-quart slow cooker. Cover; cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 3 ½ to 4 hours.

With slotted spoon, remove and discard whole spices. Add orange slices, lemon slices and fresh cranberries to slow cooker for garnish. Keep slow cooker on low setting for serving.

GoodNes.com

JARA

TexasHomeowner Vol. 5 Issue 12

A Memoir to Remember All About You

All Aboard!

The Alaska Railroad

Slow Cooker Apple Cider GoodNes If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Produced by DLP Marketing • (877)660-0996 • DLPmarketing.com