Sample 1 Lifestyle

Lifestyle

NORTH PHOENIX HOMEOWNER

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2020

Sleep Smarter, Live Larger

LESLEY VANN

REALTOR® , M.Ed.

480-599-1119

Island Hopping Center of the Home

Slow Cooker Lasagna GoodNes

EVENT CALENDAR NOVEMBER | DECEMBR 2020

Fall Colors Tour on Verde Canyon Railroad Clarkdale| Nov. 1-27 VerdeCanyonrr.com Catch the last of the Autumn colors set against the Red Rocks of Sedona and the Verde River as you chug along this scenic track. Mild temperatures bring out active wildlife that passengers can spot through panoramic windows or open-air viewing cars.

America’s Largest Virtual Turkey Trot Online | Nov. 1-Dec. 12 TheVirtualRunChallenge.com This annual event celebrates healthy fun, encouraging participants to complete a 5k Turkey Trot while offering maximum flexibility: the race can be completed at any location and within your own timeframe. Registered runners will receive race swag and a finisher medal. Additionally, The Biggest Flock award will be presented to the largest team. Connect with other runners on the event Facebook page @americaslargestturkeytrot.

Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market Phoenix | Saturdays Nov. through Dec. 18 ShopTheFarmersMarket.org This popular attraction brings together more than 100 local farmers, food producers and artisans that have prepared fresh produce, baked goods and more. Enjoy our beautiful desert winter weather and support small businesses as you fill your bags with goodies for you, your pet and your home.

Watercolor Online Workshop Virtual | Nov. 21-22 SedonaArtsCenter.org All skill levels are welcome to join this 2-day online workshop presented by the Sedona Arts Center. Students will learn from professional artist Karen Elaine.

Different styles, methods and materials will be explored as the group learns skills such as creating color swatches, glazing and color lifting.

Gather Round T

hink dream kitchen and what comes to mind? Maybe it’s shiny new appliances, more cabinet space, or a new soothing modern color. But for many, a large kitchen island tops the must-have list. What was once considered a small prep area for serious chefs has now gone mainstream. Perfect for everything from late-night homework sessions to Super Bowl snack spreads, today’s kitchen island truly is the hub of the home.

Those who have a kitchen island know that it’s truly indispensable for family living.

And most likely they’ll never buy another home without one! First and foremost, the kitchen island gives you extra counter space for cooking and baking. It is a kitchen, after all. But it can also provide additional storage space for dishes, linens, cookbooks, school supplies, and anything else you can think of that finds its way into today’s kitchen. After all, the island is also the perfect spot for doing school assignments, working at home, and completing numerous other projects. And when it comes to entertaining, the kitchen island makes a great area to serve meals and snacks buffet style. If you’re looking to gather with family or friends, the kitchen island with bar-style seating simply can’t be beat.

But what are your options if you don’t have a kitchen island in your home? If redesigning your current kitchen layout isn’t in the budget, you can create an island with something you already own, such as a vintage country table placed in the center of the room. Not only is this functional but it’s unique and will give your space that one-of-a-kind farmhouse look. Don’t have the perfect chippy antique table or cool old desk on hand? Search for kitchen islands online and you’ll find some with wheels that can be moved around the kitchen as needed, and others that look like built-ins with architectural moldings and marble tops making them as attractive as they are versatile.

While many kitchen islands are big, smaller workstations can provide just the extra space a kitchen needs. Add a few baskets and there is plenty of storage space below. Islands can also provide a fun place for a pop of color to break up the aesthetic of a monochromatic kitchen. Blues, greens, and creams are all popular island cabinetry hues for the years ahead. The only downside to a kitchen island that we can think of? Keeping it clutter free!

Virtual Star Party Stargazing Online | Dec. 5 TucsonAstronomy.org Explore the regions of space from the comfort of your living room! Steaming live on Facebook (@TucsonAstonomy), members of TAAA using telescopes and image-capturing software will lead roughly an hour and half star tour for viewers.

If you can’t make the live stream, you can view the recorded version at your leisure.

REAL ESTATE

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your arms and legs. Reduced sleep can also contribute to irritability, depression and the inability to recognize emotional cues from others, which can cause professional and personal relationship conflict.

Sleep also plays a major role in both short-term and long-term health. Your immune system is able to function better when you’re consistently getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of rest every night. In fact, regular sleep deprivation actually changes the way your immune cells function. Similarly, poor sleep causes irregularities in the hormones that control appetite, blood sugar levels and heart health.

Tthat’s constantly buzzing, people are exhausted. Maybe

he importance of sleep cannot be overstated; in a world

you’re used to rushing through your days with the power of coffee and determination, not even realizing how your sleep habits influence your everyday mood, productivity and wellness. If you’ve been viewing a good night’s sleep as a luxury you can’t afford, take a closer look at the vital role it plays in every aspect of health and happiness.

In a normal sleep pattern, your body cycles through five different stages that can be simplified to light, deep or REM sleep. Light sleep usually occurs as you fall asleep and your body starts to relax. In deep sleep, important physical and mental recovery take place. REM sleep is when your brainwaves are more active as they prepare to wake up. Your body will typically repeat these stages every 90 minutes throughout the night.

So, what can you do to help yourself get a restful night’s sleep?

Simple lifestyle changes can have a big impact on sleep patterns. Giving up alcohol or caffeine altogether may help your body readjust to a natural sleep rhythm. Additionally, establishing a consistent bedtime and arising time helps reset your internal clock. Give yourself a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet and a comfortable temperature.

If you’re able to, leave your windows uncovered so natural sunlight can come through and stimulate you in the morning.

As with any new routine, give yourself time to adjust and build new healthy habits. Give yourself permission to prioritize sleep, knowing it will help you be more present and positive in all aspects of your day-to-day life. Sweet dreams!

IN GOOD TASTE

Your emotions and cognitive function take a big hit when your sleep pattern is disrupted. If you’re finding yourself extra forgetful or clumsy, it might mean you didn’t have a restorative slumber the night before. This causes your brain to function less efficiently, whether its processing new information, recalling a stored memory or sending signals to

SLOW COOKER LASAGNA INGREDIENTS 12

Dry lasagna noodles

1 bag

Frozen chopped spinach

½ tsp

Ground black pepper

1 container

Ricotta cheese

¼ cup

Parmesan cheese

1 jar

Marinara sauce

2 cups

Shredded mozzarella

2

Large eggs, beaten

¾ cup

Water

DIRECTIONS Combine marinara sauce and water in medium bowl. Combine ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, spinach, eggs, parmesan cheese and pepper in a separate medium bowl.

Pour one-quarter of sauce mixture onto bottom of 6-quart slow cooker sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Top with 4 lasagna noodles, broken to fit and overlapping as needed. Spread one-third of cheese mixture over noodles. Repeat layers of sauce, noodles and cheese mixture 2 more times. Top with remaining sauce and remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese.

Cover; cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or until noodles are tender. Turn slow cooker off.

Keep covered; let sit for 30 minutes.

GoodNes.com

Lesley’s

REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY

SOLD - SELLER

SOLD - SELLER

SOLD - BUYER

SOLD - BUYER

33111 N 25th Dr | Phoenix 3 Bed | 4 Bath | 2,701 sqft | $520,000

33134 N 71st Way | Scottsdale 3 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,358 sqft | $636,000

1401 W Kerry Ln | Phoenix 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,656 sqft | $310,000

SOLD - SELLER

SOLD - BUYER 26710 N 24th Ave | Phoenix 4 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,903 sqft | $526,003

9378 E Sky Line Dr | Scottsdale 1.03 Acres | $264,500

10040 E Happy Valley Rd #230 | Scottsdale 3 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 3,650 sqft | $1,650,000

SOLD - BUYER

SOLD - BUYER

LEASED - SELLER

SOLD - BUYER

7430 W Maya Way | Peoria 10/24/2019 | $386,503

PENDING

7208 E Sand Hills Rd | Scottsdale 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,752 sqft | $494,950

17850 N 68th St. #2061 | Phoenix 10/07/2019 | $524,971

ACTIVE

6510 W Juana Ct | Phoenix 4 Bed | 2 Bath | $440,000

41621 N Bent Creek Ct | Phoenix 16608 N 46th Ln | Glendale 5 Bed | 5 Bath | 4,304 sqft | $655,000 3 Bed | 1.75 Bath | 1,852 sqft | $260,000

SOLD - BUYER

SOLD - BUYER

36879 N 38th St. | Cave Creek $6,386 / Monthly OR $2,120,000

17917 E Cindercone Ct | Rio Verde 12/30/2019 | $789,983

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

36XXX N Derringer Ct #185 | Carefree 7402 E Carefree Dr #301 | Carefree 1.63 Acres | $595,000 2 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,156 sqft | $280,000

Your La Solana neighbor and property specialist.

Call Lesley to get TOP DOLLAR for your Home Sale!

LESLEY VANN REALTOR® , M.Ed.

480-599-1119 LesleyVann.com LesleyVannRealtor@gmail.com

Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is

Independently Owned and Operated. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not intention to solicit the offerings of another real estate broker. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully.

If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling, call Lesley today at 480-599-1119!

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