Tracy Fitzgerald | Arizona Homeowner

SnowBowl Flagstaff, AZ

according to Comichron.com where last year’s sales also showed an astounding 56 percent increase over 15 years ago. In spite of the accessibility on the internet, brick and mortar comic book stores have seen an increase as well due to the boost in demand.

Spark joy

T

T

he new year means a new you … and a fresh take on your home. Time to organize and declutter. You know the drill! But for some of us, the ability to let go and clear our home of unnecessary objects can be, well, difficult.

If you struggle to part with your possessions, consider checking out the book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo, the Japanese decluttering and lifestyle expert.

Sun, fun and snow at 9,500 feet!

With fresh powder, blue skies, and breathtaking views, Arizona Snowbowl is a haven for the seasoned skiers and boarders, as well as the first-timer. Located on the majestic San Francisco Peaks at 9,500 ft. above sea level, Arizona Snowbowl lies just 14 miles outside of Flagstaff, 2 hours from Phoenix, and 70 miles from the Grand Canyon. For 80 years, Snowbowl has been the best destination in the state for skiing and snowboarding since the sport’s arrival in Flagstaff in the early 1900s Source: Snowbowl.ski

Hardcore collectors may prefer the old school version that can be lovingly held, read, or maybe signed by the creators, but many fans are enjoying the medium online in a digital format. Both Marvel and DC have adopted the platform comiXology to share their titles – along with numerous others – which helped boost overall digital sales to $90 million last year.

You may have heard of Kondo’s unusual cleaning technique, called the KonMari Method: You move through your home, room by room, closet by closet, and take all of your items out (literally, you dump your stuff on the floor), and hold each possession in your hands. And here’s the key: If the item “sparks joy,” it’s a keeper. If it doesn’t spark joy, it’s time to toss it (after you thank the item for its service in your life). If this notion seems silly, all we can say is, you have to try it. Because choosing to live amidst the items you truly love is very rewarding. And after all, the millions of KonMari adherents can’t all be wrong.

Obsessed with organization since she was a small girl, Kondo has turned decluttering into a business empire. She not only has written several decluttering books, but she also offers online courses, seminars, and trains consultants who then go into homes to help people carry out the KonMari method. Of course, certain items such as computers and TVs, while they may not “spark joy,” are obviously essential to a modern home and thus do not fit into the traditional decluttering method. The book has special sections that deal with streamlining book collections (why do we keep so many?), managing endless piles of papers (Kondo says to toss them … yes, all of them!), and gifts we’ve been given by friends and family (how many of us are holding onto things we don’t love simply because a special person gave it to us?).

For those interested in giving it a try, pick up a copy of the book, head to www.konmari.com, or get the KonMari app on your smart phone. By decluttering unnecessary objects, Kondo says people are also able to see what is a priority to them in their home. The method helps bring clarity of purpose to one’s life. And what could be a better way to start off a new year?

hor and Wonder Woman may be crushing villains on the big screen but your favorite superheroes are also helping to rejuvenate an entire industry. Yes, before Marvel and DC were boasting billion dollar movie receipts, they could credit their colorful origins back to the printed pages of comic books.

Holy Demographic, Batman!

Although tracing back to 18th century Japan, the first modern comic book in the United States was a compilation of newspaper strips called Famous Funnies, released in 1933. Superman soon burst onto the scene faster than a speeding bullet, ushering in both the Golden Age of Comics and the superhero archetype. The ensuing years saw Marvel Comics expand the universe of comic books, and numerous television shows and movies have kept many a superhero busy throughout the decades.

Kapow!

While most areas of publishing took a big hit in the digital age, the comic book and graphic novel industry has found new life and is thriving to the tune of $1.085 billion! These 2016 stats are

The blockbuster superhero movies have also succeeded in building a broader audience for comic books and graphic novels. No longer the sole domain of teenage and young adult males, readers and collectors now include all ages and genders. And you could say the genre itself is evolving into true literature as it continues to attract noted writers and artists.

Renowned writer and social critic Ta-Nehisi Coates recently wrote an 11-issue run of Marvel’s Black Panther. Bestselling YA author Rainbow Rowell has penned the Runaways revival – also for Marvel – and March, the graphic novel autobiography of Congressman and civil rights activist, John Lewis, won a National Book Award and is being adopted as required reading in schools.

With such notable creative talent involved and even more movies schedule for release, it doesn’t look like the comic book trend is hitting the recycle bin anytime soon. And that’s super news!

Steamed Artichokes with Lemon Aioli INGREDIENTS

FLAVORFUL

LOCAL VENUE

1 2 to 3 2 1/2 cup 1 tbsp

Lemon Thyme sprigs (optional) Large Globe artichokes Reduced-fat mayonnaise Fresh lemon juice

1 tsp 1 1/4 tsp

Finely grated lemon peel Small clove garlic, finely chopped Granulated chicken flavor bouillon Ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS Set steamer basket inside large pot; add water to just below basket. Squeeze juice from 1 lemon into water; drop lemon into basket. Add thyme sprigs. Bring water to a boil.

Using a serrated knife, cut about an inch off top of each artichoke. Trim off part of stems so artichokes sit upright; peel stems if desired. With scissors, trim sharp tips from leaves.

Remove any tough exterior bottom leaves. Rub cut surfaces of artichokes with half of remaining lemon. Use other half of lemon for aioli. Place artichokes in steamer basket, bottom side up. Cover; steam for 30 to 45 minutes or until leaves pull away easily and heart or stem is tender when pierced with knife. Add more water while steaming, if needed. Do not let pot boil dry. When artichokes are done, remove from basket and drain upside downfor 5 minutes.

For lemon aioli, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon peel, garlic and bouillon in small bowl; stir well.

LIFEWISE

Season with pepper. Serve with cooled or chilled artichokes.

GoodNes.com

SnowBowl Flagstaff, AZ

according to Comichron.com where last year’s sales also showed an astounding 56 percent increase over 15 years ago. In spite of the accessibility on the internet, brick and mortar comic book stores have seen an increase as well due to the boost in demand.

Spark joy

T

T

he new year means a new you … and a fresh take on your home. Time to organize and declutter. You know the drill! But for some of us, the ability to let go and clear our home of unnecessary objects can be, well, difficult.

If you struggle to part with your possessions, consider checking out the book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo, the Japanese decluttering and lifestyle expert.

Sun, fun and snow at 9,500 feet!

With fresh powder, blue skies, and breathtaking views, Arizona Snowbowl is a haven for the seasoned skiers and boarders, as well as the first-timer. Located on the majestic San Francisco Peaks at 9,500 ft. above sea level, Arizona Snowbowl lies just 14 miles outside of Flagstaff, 2 hours from Phoenix, and 70 miles from the Grand Canyon. For 80 years, Snowbowl has been the best destination in the state for skiing and snowboarding since the sport’s arrival in Flagstaff in the early 1900s Source: Snowbowl.ski

Hardcore collectors may prefer the old school version that can be lovingly held, read, or maybe signed by the creators, but many fans are enjoying the medium online in a digital format. Both Marvel and DC have adopted the platform comiXology to share their titles – along with numerous others – which helped boost overall digital sales to $90 million last year.

You may have heard of Kondo’s unusual cleaning technique, called the KonMari Method: You move through your home, room by room, closet by closet, and take all of your items out (literally, you dump your stuff on the floor), and hold each possession in your hands. And here’s the key: If the item “sparks joy,” it’s a keeper. If it doesn’t spark joy, it’s time to toss it (after you thank the item for its service in your life). If this notion seems silly, all we can say is, you have to try it. Because choosing to live amidst the items you truly love is very rewarding. And after all, the millions of KonMari adherents can’t all be wrong.

Obsessed with organization since she was a small girl, Kondo has turned decluttering into a business empire. She not only has written several decluttering books, but she also offers online courses, seminars, and trains consultants who then go into homes to help people carry out the KonMari method. Of course, certain items such as computers and TVs, while they may not “spark joy,” are obviously essential to a modern home and thus do not fit into the traditional decluttering method. The book has special sections that deal with streamlining book collections (why do we keep so many?), managing endless piles of papers (Kondo says to toss them … yes, all of them!), and gifts we’ve been given by friends and family (how many of us are holding onto things we don’t love simply because a special person gave it to us?).

For those interested in giving it a try, pick up a copy of the book, head to www.konmari.com, or get the KonMari app on your smart phone. By decluttering unnecessary objects, Kondo says people are also able to see what is a priority to them in their home. The method helps bring clarity of purpose to one’s life. And what could be a better way to start off a new year?

hor and Wonder Woman may be crushing villains on the big screen but your favorite superheroes are also helping to rejuvenate an entire industry. Yes, before Marvel and DC were boasting billion dollar movie receipts, they could credit their colorful origins back to the printed pages of comic books.

Holy Demographic, Batman!

Although tracing back to 18th century Japan, the first modern comic book in the United States was a compilation of newspaper strips called Famous Funnies, released in 1933. Superman soon burst onto the scene faster than a speeding bullet, ushering in both the Golden Age of Comics and the superhero archetype. The ensuing years saw Marvel Comics expand the universe of comic books, and numerous television shows and movies have kept many a superhero busy throughout the decades.

Kapow!

While most areas of publishing took a big hit in the digital age, the comic book and graphic novel industry has found new life and is thriving to the tune of $1.085 billion! These 2016 stats are

The blockbuster superhero movies have also succeeded in building a broader audience for comic books and graphic novels. No longer the sole domain of teenage and young adult males, readers and collectors now include all ages and genders. And you could say the genre itself is evolving into true literature as it continues to attract noted writers and artists.

Renowned writer and social critic Ta-Nehisi Coates recently wrote an 11-issue run of Marvel’s Black Panther. Bestselling YA author Rainbow Rowell has penned the Runaways revival – also for Marvel – and March, the graphic novel autobiography of Congressman and civil rights activist, John Lewis, won a National Book Award and is being adopted as required reading in schools.

With such notable creative talent involved and even more movies schedule for release, it doesn’t look like the comic book trend is hitting the recycle bin anytime soon. And that’s super news!

Steamed Artichokes with Lemon Aioli INGREDIENTS

FLAVORFUL

LOCAL VENUE

1 2 to 3 2 1/2 cup 1 tbsp

Lemon Thyme sprigs (optional) Large Globe artichokes Reduced-fat mayonnaise Fresh lemon juice

1 tsp 1 1/4 tsp

Finely grated lemon peel Small clove garlic, finely chopped Granulated chicken flavor bouillon Ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS Set steamer basket inside large pot; add water to just below basket. Squeeze juice from 1 lemon into water; drop lemon into basket. Add thyme sprigs. Bring water to a boil.

Using a serrated knife, cut about an inch off top of each artichoke. Trim off part of stems so artichokes sit upright; peel stems if desired. With scissors, trim sharp tips from leaves.

Remove any tough exterior bottom leaves. Rub cut surfaces of artichokes with half of remaining lemon. Use other half of lemon for aioli. Place artichokes in steamer basket, bottom side up. Cover; steam for 30 to 45 minutes or until leaves pull away easily and heart or stem is tender when pierced with knife. Add more water while steaming, if needed. Do not let pot boil dry. When artichokes are done, remove from basket and drain upside downfor 5 minutes.

For lemon aioli, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon peel, garlic and bouillon in small bowl; stir well.

LIFEWISE

Season with pepper. Serve with cooled or chilled artichokes.

GoodNes.com

FITZGERALD LUXURY GROUP TEAM

Representing Luxury Buyers & Sellers

OUR PASSION IS SERVING YOU

We offer guidance and outstanding market knowledge to successfully navigate you through the luxury real estate world. Give us your list of must haves, we’ll listen to your vision and bring it to life. Fitzgerald Luxury Group is passionate about matching our clients with homes that reflect their lifestyles. We value the opportunity to serve all your real estate needs throughout Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Carefree, Cave Creek and North Phoenix.

TO FIND OUT THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME VISIT FITZGERALDLUXURYGROUP.COM

or call

480.560.7000

FOR A COMPLIMENTARY IN-HOME CONSULTATION. Tracy@FitzgeraldLuxuryGroup.com Top 1% Agent In Arizona

Tim & Tracy Fitzgerald

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