ArizonAHomeowner
Vol. 6 Issue 12
Roll Out the Bar Carts
Mind-Blowing VR Virtual Reality Gets Real
Johnson Space Center Houston, TX
Hash Brown Bake GoodNes
TRAVEL TIME Johnson Space Center Houston, TX
ARMCHAIR TRAVELER
E
ver wished you could climb Mt. Everest, deep-sea dive in Tahiti, or travel to the Colosseum … all without leaving your sofa? Thanks to significant advancements in virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR), you can (almost) do just that. And a whole lot more. Here are a few ways to make the most of your virtual journey.
NASA’s Johnson Space Center has served as a hub of human spaceflight activity for more than half a century. It is home to the nation’s astronaut corps, the International Space Station mission operations, the Orion Program, and a host of future space developments. Space Center Houston, the official visitor center, shares the thrill and wonder of space exploration. Source: VisitNASA.com
Virtual reality has come a long way in the last few years. But what exactly do you need to get in on the fun? To enjoy the new tech sensation, you’ll need a smart phone that supports VR apps (i.e. the latest iPhone or Android) and for a truly immersive experience a VR headset or goggles, though you can use some of the VR tech solely with your phone. Many headsets support both iPhone and Android phones, but some are specific to one platform. Once you select the right set, just pop your phone into the headset to enjoy the VR experience. Android users will want to check out vr.google.com, where visitors can travel to remote corners of the world in 3D. Feel as if you are walking around Vatican City or soaring above the Matterhorn. Many independent VR companies are also creating their own content, with games and interactive story experiences that allow you to journey through the Grand Canyon or even feel as if you’re walking on the moon. The tech company Timelooper offers a different spin on augmented reality. When visitors download their app, they will be virtually transported to actual sites in New York City, London, Tokyo, and many other cities and historic venues. For example, pop into modern-day Times Square in New York City and suddenly the era and people around you change to 1945 and you witness the iconic Times Square kiss celebrating the end of WWII. It is a unique and ground-breaking way to experience history and travel. And for those looking for a more practical use of virtual reality, check out YouVisit.com. This is one web site high school juniors will definitely want to bookmark. Offering virtual and 360-degree tours of more than 600 of the country’s top colleges and universities, YouVisit is a one-stop shopping experience for students and parents alike. Simply log on, click the school you want to learn more about and sit back and feel like you are walking the campus, all while learning about the history and offerings from the online tour guides. College visits have never been so easy!
LIFEWISE
THE ESSENTIALS Once you have your trolley, it’s time to stock and decorate it before your next soiree. Here are some of the suggested musthaves: • Start with 3 preferred spirits, such as whiskey, gin, rum or vodka. • Mixers and liqueurs. Keep non-refrigerated mixers like vermouth and bitters handy, and perhaps one liqueur that comes in an interesting bottle. • Cocktail shaker and bar accessories like whisk, corkscrew, bottle opener and stirrers.
W
hether entertaining a large group of friends or hosting an intimate gathering, there’s one piece of furniture that will declare you as the host or hostess with most-est: a fashionable, well-appointed bar cart. Also referred to as a drink trolley on the other side of the pond, this stylish accessory has seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years and we are here for it! Bar carts first started appearing in homes after the end of prohibition when people were able to celebrate with spirits out in the open again. Rolling ahead into the 1950s and ’60s they really came into their own – just watch an episode of Mad Men and you’ll be ready to break out the crystal decanters and matching tumblers – hold the ashtrays. It’s easy to find all styles of bar carts at major retailers like Crate & Barrel or online outlets. Ideally, you want at least two levels for storage and display, and some carts include extra features such as slots for hanging wine glasses or a rack for bottles. It can also be as simple as the ubiquitous metal utility caddy that can be found at IKEA or craft stores. Elegant carts and authentic mid-century pieces in metal, wood or bamboo are waiting to be discovered in your local flea market or antique malls. Just add elbow grease and maybe some spray paint to restore it to glory and load it up.
• Glassware. Tumblers and wine glasses depending on drink preference. • Carafe or pitcher for serving decanted wine or Bloody Marys.
EXTRAS A few fun additions can really designate the cart as party central and help to fit seamlessly into the style of whichever room it resides. • Ice bucket. Go vintage, classic or cute and don’t forget the tongs. • Bar towel and napkins. • A classic mixology book for easy reference and one with new ideas. • That extra flourish, in the form of a plant, fresh flowers, twinkle lights or objet d’art.
You’ve found the perfect corner for your new cart and you’re ready to get social – so head over to social media and really get inspired! A “quick” search on Pinterest or the Instagram hashtag #barcart will send you spiraling down a rabbit hole of ideas. Hmm, better pour yourself a drink first.
FLAVORFUL
HASH BROWN BAKE INGREDIENTS 9 cups
Hash brown potatoes
2 tbl
Dijon mustard
4 cups
Cooked ham
20 oz
Frozen spinach
2 cans
Cream of potato soup
2 tsp
Black pepper
2 cans
Evaporated milk
2 cups
Shredded swiss
DIRECTIONS Combine potatoes, ham, evaporated milk, soup, mustard and pepper in large bowl. Pour half of potato mixture into greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with spinach and top with remaining potato mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 400° F for 40 to 45 minutes or until heated through and lightly browned. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
GoodNes.com
KIRK
“ You can’t have
everything
you want, but you can have the things that
really matter .” to you
- MARISSA MAYER
Chris Kirkpatrick
Realtor ®, CRS, ABR, e-PRO, SFR, RSPS, CNE, CSSN Chris.Kirkpatrick@RealtyExecutives.com Cell 480.326.2454
Dawn Kirkpatrick
Realtor ®, CLHMS, SFR, CNE DawnKirkpatrick@RealtyExecutives.com Call Chris and Dawn today if you are thinking about a new home! If your home is currently listed, this isthis notisanot solicitation for that If your home is currently listed, a solicitation for listing. that listing.
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