Kathy Loeffler | VOS Lifestyle

JULY | AUGUST 2015

MAIL

VA L L E Y O F T H E S U N

All the World’’s a Fair Big Wheels

Solar Dividends Harness Sun Power

Summer Delight

Sunfare’s Vegan Lasagna

Summer Fair Fever

In Good Taste Sunfare Sunfare.com | 623.434.7280

Who can’t remember a magical summer night at an outdoor fair, looking up at the dazzling Ferris wheel and dreaming of what it would be like to be at the very tippy top? There’s something incredibly nostalgic and uniquely American about the summer fair experience and the cherished childhood rides and attractions that accompany them. Something that makes each one of us feel young, carefree, and full of summer anticipation.

Vegan Lasagna INGREDIENTS 4 oz 1 oz 1 tsp 2 oz 1 tsp 6 oz 1.5 oz 2 oz 2 tsp 1 tbsp 1 1 1 6-8

sun-dried tomato basil (chopped) garlic (chopped) olive oil pine nuts macadamia nuts cashews water lemon juice apple cider vinegar zucchini (sliced thin) squash (sliced thin) tomato (sliced thin) basil (whole leaves) dash of oregano dash of onion powder sea salt and pepper

The first Ferris Wheel was designed and constructed by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois, where it opened to the public on June 21, 1893. It was the largest attraction at the event, and was built to rival the 1,063foot Eiffel Tower, the centerpiece of the 1889 Paris Exposition. This first “pleasure wheel” was an engineering feat for its day: It carried 2,160 people at a time, with some 38,000 passengers circling daily. It took 20 minutes for the wheel to make two revolutions, allowing riders ample time to take in the ever-changing scenery.

Time would tell that the glittering, spinning wheel would soon overshadow the linear tower in popularity, with numerous “Big Wheels” being built soon after Ferris’ revelation. In recent years, the Ferris wheel has had a resurgence of popularity, as well, with the circular structures popping up in London, Beijing, and Orlando, and countless other cities around the world. Today, every city seems to want its own permanent observation wheel to attract tourists and tout that their town is indeed

PREPARATION Place the sun-dried tomato, basil, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor and pulse until well mixed then season with salt and pepper. Leave the mixture chunky and set aside to use as the sun-dried tomato pesto. Place the macadamia, cashew, water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, onion powder and sea salt in a food processor and puree until smooth. Set aside and use as the nut cheese. Season the squash and zucchini with sea salt and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out the moisture. Pat the vegetables dry with a paper towel. Start stacking with the zucchini first, then the squash, nut cheese, basil leaf, slice tomato, then finish with pesto. Repeat the process to get to 3 inches and garnish with basil and a sprinkle of dried oregano on the top.

on the map.

Of course, Ferris wheels aren’t the only big attraction at summer festivals.

Traditional summer fairs are filled with classic arcade games, charming animal shows, and more funnel cake and cotton candy than anyone can eat, offering up wholesome fun that harkens from an earlier, simpler time. Families can gather together and all find something that entertains them while enjoying the great outdoors. Fair fare has even gone more upscale in recent years, with a variety of intriguing BBQ and even gluten-free options often available. If nothing else, a summer fair can help reacquaint you with a summer breeze while you celebrate the warm weather and enjoy some all-American fun with your family and friends. Why not head to a summer fair in your area and take a spin on the big wheel? We think you’ll be surprised at how much you enjoy the view.

Harness the Power of the Sun There are many misconceptions about solar energy for residential use. When we think of solar panels, many of us have the vision of large, somewhat unattractive, panels attached to all or most of the roof. In addition, homeowners may consider solar energy is only for the wealthy due to the prohibitive cost of the panels themselves.

A new appreciation for the principles of solar

thermodynamics has produced higher efficiency, greater performance, improved appearance and better return on the solar investment. Higher efficiency means that fewer solar collectors are needed to do the job and they do not necessarily have to go directly on the building. In addition, homeowners can subscribe to “community solar gardens,” and generate solar electricity without actually having solar panels on their own rooftops.

With the introduction of flexible thin-film solar cells, solar power can even be integrated into building materials.

Sharp, a solar panel manufacturer with headquarters in Japan, recently introduced transparent solar power windows.

The size of a solar panel in 1953 was a bulky 213 inches by 130 inches and only converted 4.5% of available energy into electricity. Today a solar panel is a trim 64 inches by 39 inches and can convert 15% of available energy to electricity.

In 2015, the average US home will use around 300 kWh in electricity per year. Twelve 280 Watt solar panels generate at least 300 kWh each year. The result is energy independence for the household with an initial investment of around $12,000 for the solar system. With the introduction of net metering and feed-in tariff (FIT) schemes, homeowners can now “sell” excess electricity, or receive bill credits, during times when they produce more electricity than what they actually consume.

In addition, most homeowners today choose leasing or power purchase agreements to finance their solar panels. This drastically reduces, or in some cases completely eliminates, the upfront costs of a solar panel system, and allows homeowners to start saving money from the first day.

Event Calendar JULY | AUGUST 2015 Glendale Summer Band Concert Series Murphy Park, Glendale | July 9, 16, 23, 30 VisitGlendale.com | 877.800.2601 The city’s favorite summer tradition is back for its next season in downtown Glendale. Music lovers of all ages will be entertained by this community band of approximately 100 musicians with its renditions of marches, polkas, movie medleys and other worldly tunes. These free concerts are the perfect night out for the entire family, or bring your friends, neighbors, the whole gang! Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.

Summer Maricopa County Home & Garden Show University of Phoenix Stadium | July 17 – 19 MCHomeShows.com | 602.485.1691 One-stop home improvement shopping! Shop, compare and save with more than 1,000 exhibits of the Valley’s reputable companies. Thousands of products and services for your home improvement needs.

Tequila Sunset Limited-Tequila Tasting Train Verde Canyon Railroad | July 25 VerdeCanyonRR.com | 800.320.0718 The Tequila Sunset Limited pairs premium tequila tastings with festive Southwestern specialties and signature drinks. No drink exemplifies the rich and varied character of this region like tequila, harvested from the agave plant. You’re encouraged to let the complexity of the spirit unfurl across your taste buds as you marvel at the glittering canopy of stars overhead.

12th Annual Art Unraveled Embassy Suites Phoenix-Scottsdale | August 4 – 11 ArtUnraveled.com | Info@ArtUnraveled.com Join in the camaraderie and forge life-long friendships while learning and creating in workshops taught by internationally known artists. With over 125 workshops to choose from, there’s something for everyone – mixed media encompassing painting, book making, jewelry making, metal work, journaling, fiber/fabric arts, sculpting, assemblage and much more.

Tarzan Hale Centre Theatre | through August 22 HaleTheatreArizona.com | 480.497.1181 The compelling story of a boy raised by apes in the wild African jungle. When a father-daughter team of scientists arrives to study the flora and fauna of the area, Tarzan learns for the first time that there are others like him in the world. He must then decide whether he belongs with the family who raised him or with the one he has quickly fallen in love with. Music and lyrics by Phil Collins.

According to Greentech Media, a solar energy system is being installed every 4 minutes in the US today. By 2016, a solar system will be installed every 83 seconds. The obvious primary benefit of solar energy is its renewability.

Plus, harnessing solar energy generally does not cause pollution. But maybe solar power’s greatest strength is that it can easily be deployed to consumers everywhere, thus making it “The People’s Power.”

Summer Fair Fever

In Good Taste Sunfare Sunfare.com | 623.434.7280

Who can’t remember a magical summer night at an outdoor fair, looking up at the dazzling Ferris wheel and dreaming of what it would be like to be at the very tippy top? There’s something incredibly nostalgic and uniquely American about the summer fair experience and the cherished childhood rides and attractions that accompany them. Something that makes each one of us feel young, carefree, and full of summer anticipation.

Vegan Lasagna INGREDIENTS 4 oz 1 oz 1 tsp 2 oz 1 tsp 6 oz 1.5 oz 2 oz 2 tsp 1 tbsp 1 1 1 6-8

sun-dried tomato basil (chopped) garlic (chopped) olive oil pine nuts macadamia nuts cashews water lemon juice apple cider vinegar zucchini (sliced thin) squash (sliced thin) tomato (sliced thin) basil (whole leaves) dash of oregano dash of onion powder sea salt and pepper

The first Ferris Wheel was designed and constructed by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois, where it opened to the public on June 21, 1893. It was the largest attraction at the event, and was built to rival the 1,063foot Eiffel Tower, the centerpiece of the 1889 Paris Exposition. This first “pleasure wheel” was an engineering feat for its day: It carried 2,160 people at a time, with some 38,000 passengers circling daily. It took 20 minutes for the wheel to make two revolutions, allowing riders ample time to take in the ever-changing scenery.

Time would tell that the glittering, spinning wheel would soon overshadow the linear tower in popularity, with numerous “Big Wheels” being built soon after Ferris’ revelation. In recent years, the Ferris wheel has had a resurgence of popularity, as well, with the circular structures popping up in London, Beijing, and Orlando, and countless other cities around the world. Today, every city seems to want its own permanent observation wheel to attract tourists and tout that their town is indeed

PREPARATION Place the sun-dried tomato, basil, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor and pulse until well mixed then season with salt and pepper. Leave the mixture chunky and set aside to use as the sun-dried tomato pesto. Place the macadamia, cashew, water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, onion powder and sea salt in a food processor and puree until smooth. Set aside and use as the nut cheese. Season the squash and zucchini with sea salt and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out the moisture. Pat the vegetables dry with a paper towel. Start stacking with the zucchini first, then the squash, nut cheese, basil leaf, slice tomato, then finish with pesto. Repeat the process to get to 3 inches and garnish with basil and a sprinkle of dried oregano on the top.

on the map.

Of course, Ferris wheels aren’t the only big attraction at summer festivals.

Traditional summer fairs are filled with classic arcade games, charming animal shows, and more funnel cake and cotton candy than anyone can eat, offering up wholesome fun that harkens from an earlier, simpler time. Families can gather together and all find something that entertains them while enjoying the great outdoors. Fair fare has even gone more upscale in recent years, with a variety of intriguing BBQ and even gluten-free options often available. If nothing else, a summer fair can help reacquaint you with a summer breeze while you celebrate the warm weather and enjoy some all-American fun with your family and friends. Why not head to a summer fair in your area and take a spin on the big wheel? We think you’ll be surprised at how much you enjoy the view.

Harness the Power of the Sun There are many misconceptions about solar energy for residential use. When we think of solar panels, many of us have the vision of large, somewhat unattractive, panels attached to all or most of the roof. In addition, homeowners may consider solar energy is only for the wealthy due to the prohibitive cost of the panels themselves.

A new appreciation for the principles of solar

thermodynamics has produced higher efficiency, greater performance, improved appearance and better return on the solar investment. Higher efficiency means that fewer solar collectors are needed to do the job and they do not necessarily have to go directly on the building. In addition, homeowners can subscribe to “community solar gardens,” and generate solar electricity without actually having solar panels on their own rooftops.

With the introduction of flexible thin-film solar cells, solar power can even be integrated into building materials.

Sharp, a solar panel manufacturer with headquarters in Japan, recently introduced transparent solar power windows.

The size of a solar panel in 1953 was a bulky 213 inches by 130 inches and only converted 4.5% of available energy into electricity. Today a solar panel is a trim 64 inches by 39 inches and can convert 15% of available energy to electricity.

In 2015, the average US home will use around 300 kWh in electricity per year. Twelve 280 Watt solar panels generate at least 300 kWh each year. The result is energy independence for the household with an initial investment of around $12,000 for the solar system. With the introduction of net metering and feed-in tariff (FIT) schemes, homeowners can now “sell” excess electricity, or receive bill credits, during times when they produce more electricity than what they actually consume.

In addition, most homeowners today choose leasing or power purchase agreements to finance their solar panels. This drastically reduces, or in some cases completely eliminates, the upfront costs of a solar panel system, and allows homeowners to start saving money from the first day.

Event Calendar JULY | AUGUST 2015 Glendale Summer Band Concert Series Murphy Park, Glendale | July 9, 16, 23, 30 VisitGlendale.com | 877.800.2601 The city’s favorite summer tradition is back for its next season in downtown Glendale. Music lovers of all ages will be entertained by this community band of approximately 100 musicians with its renditions of marches, polkas, movie medleys and other worldly tunes. These free concerts are the perfect night out for the entire family, or bring your friends, neighbors, the whole gang! Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.

Summer Maricopa County Home & Garden Show University of Phoenix Stadium | July 17 – 19 MCHomeShows.com | 602.485.1691 One-stop home improvement shopping! Shop, compare and save with more than 1,000 exhibits of the Valley’s reputable companies. Thousands of products and services for your home improvement needs.

Tequila Sunset Limited-Tequila Tasting Train Verde Canyon Railroad | July 25 VerdeCanyonRR.com | 800.320.0718 The Tequila Sunset Limited pairs premium tequila tastings with festive Southwestern specialties and signature drinks. No drink exemplifies the rich and varied character of this region like tequila, harvested from the agave plant. You’re encouraged to let the complexity of the spirit unfurl across your taste buds as you marvel at the glittering canopy of stars overhead.

12th Annual Art Unraveled Embassy Suites Phoenix-Scottsdale | August 4 – 11 ArtUnraveled.com | Info@ArtUnraveled.com Join in the camaraderie and forge life-long friendships while learning and creating in workshops taught by internationally known artists. With over 125 workshops to choose from, there’s something for everyone – mixed media encompassing painting, book making, jewelry making, metal work, journaling, fiber/fabric arts, sculpting, assemblage and much more.

Tarzan Hale Centre Theatre | through August 22 HaleTheatreArizona.com | 480.497.1181 The compelling story of a boy raised by apes in the wild African jungle. When a father-daughter team of scientists arrives to study the flora and fauna of the area, Tarzan learns for the first time that there are others like him in the world. He must then decide whether he belongs with the family who raised him or with the one he has quickly fallen in love with. Music and lyrics by Phil Collins.

According to Greentech Media, a solar energy system is being installed every 4 minutes in the US today. By 2016, a solar system will be installed every 83 seconds. The obvious primary benefit of solar energy is its renewability.

Plus, harnessing solar energy generally does not cause pollution. But maybe solar power’s greatest strength is that it can easily be deployed to consumers everywhere, thus making it “The People’s Power.”

As a full-time, dedicated real estate agent, Kathy Loeffler is the definition

of a “trusted advisor” to her clients. Known for her professionalism and commitment, Kathy leads buyers and sellers to success time and time again.

Most clients want to work with an agent that is wholly committed to their clients’ needs. Kathy firmly believes that each of her clients deserves the best service in the industry and that’s just what they receive. Driven and dedicated, Kathy devotes 100% of her efforts towards achieving her clients’ goals.

An outstanding negotiator and an excellent communicator, Kathy fills the void that many other agents don’t: securing the most favorable price for your property and keeping you constantly apprised on the progress of your transaction.

As a true Valley native, Kathy has unparalleled knowledge of our area and the nuances of each part of the Valley. Turn to her for all of your real estate needs!

Kathy Loeff ler, abr realtor®

602.359.7270 mobile kathyloeff ler@realtyexecutives.com

www.KathyLoeff ler.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

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