Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies and article reproductions can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing.com
Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor
Talia Uretsky, Assistant Editor Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com
I heard a story once of three older women who had been friends for many years, and as a result often repeated stories that the others had heard before. In order to save embarrassment, and probably a lot of time, they came up with a system. If someone started to tell a story that had already been told the listener would hold up one finger. If she had heard it twice before she held up two fingers, and so on. I thought this was a efficient and kind way to handle the situation.
As we age we will all start to forget things. I have begun to watch my dad carefully to make sure his occasional forgetfulness is not something more serious, but the fact is, I am noticing that I forget or mix things up on a regular basis too.
I often think of things to write when I am driving, or in the shower — you know those times when your mind sometimes wanders. By the time I get to a computer or paper and pen to write down my inspiration, I generally forget to do so and I am left with that niggling feeling of having forgotten what was of course going to be an amazing piece of writing. The forgetting occurs on a regular basis when I go into a different room, intent on getting something, but once I am there I have no earthly idea what I came in for. Sound familiar?
My greatest fear is that I will end up repeating part (or heaven forbid all) of a previous editorial. I could do as my husband suggested and go into my computer
and organize them all. The horror! That is 15 years of writing. After a quick tap on my calculator app, that comes to 180 articles to find, sort, read, title, and store in a file that I will remember to use going forward. That feels insurmountable to me right now. I suppose I will have to attack it at some point, I will just have to think of the quote, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!” That should make it more manageable.
In the meantime I am sure you will tell me if I am repeating myself. Perhaps you could be kind and just hold up one finger.
Catherine Uretsky Editor, CB Living Magazine
Money Matters
Questions to Ask Your Financial Advisor
When preparing for your annual review with your financial advisor, ensure you can ask as many questions as needed. Thoughtfully consider what you want to discuss to maximize the meeting’s value.
Here are a few suggestions:
• “Are my goals still realistic?” You likely set financial objectives when you began working with your advisor, such as funding your children’s education, retiring early, or traveling in retirement. During your review, confirm if you’re on track to achieve these goals. If you’re progressing well, you can maintain your current strategies; if not, or if your goals have shifted, you and your advisor may need to adjust your approach to address new priorities like emergency savings, insurance, or estate planning.
• “Am I taking on too much—or too little—risk?” Market fluctuations impact your portfolio’s value, and constant monitoring might leave you questioning your risk level. If markets decline, you may worry about
excessive risk; if your portfolio lags during gains, you might consider more aggressive investments. Discuss your risk tolerance with your advisor to ensure your investment choices align with your comfort level
• “How will life changes affect my investment strategy?” Life events like marriage, job changes, or illness can alter your financial goals. Share these developments with your advisor to adjust your strategy accordingly, ensuring it supports your evolving needs.
• “How are external forces affecting my portfolio?” Factors like interest rates, inflation, or political events may influence your investments. While short-term news shouldn’t dictate long-term decisions, consult your advisor to ensure your portfolio remains aligned with relevant external factors.
By asking questions like these, you stay informed about your financial picture and any necessary adjustments to keep progressing toward your goals. Your advisor is there to guide you—leverage their expertise fully to make confident, informed decisions.
Submitted by Michael Gray & Brian Polk, Financial Advisors, Edward Jones
Cook With Zona
Chicken Stir Fry
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and super tasty dinner, chicken stir fry is a total winner. This meal is a staple meal in my home. It’s so easy, very little prep, extremely customizable, and always tastes so good! Juicy chicken, veggies, and a flavorful sauce—all tossed together in one pan—what’s not to love? The best part? You can mix and match whatever vegetables you have in the fridge. Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms—anything goes! Serve it over rice or noodles, and you’ve got a satisfying meal the whole family will love. It’s perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time but still want something fresh and delicious.
• Asian sauce of choice. e.g. Teriyaki, Kung Pow, Korean BBQ
• Rice or noodles of choice. e.g. Udon, Cantonese egg noodles, chow mein, low mein
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• Salt pepper and onion powder to taste
Steps
1. Cube the chicken and marinate in Asian sauce of your choice for at least 1 hour.
2. Mince garlic, slice peppers, and chop broccoli into bite size pieces. I use baby carrots out of convenience but you could also use shredded carrots.
3. Add garlic to both pans with a little olive oil.
If you have a recipe you’d like to share with your community email me at ArizonaCooks71@gmail.com to be featured in the magazine!
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 35 mins | Total Time: 50 mins
Ingredients
• 1 ½ lbs chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 ½ cups carrots
• 1 large head of broccoli
4. Cook chicken in one pan, while cooking all veggies together in a separate pan. You want to be able to easily poke the broccoli. Season both with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
5. Combine cooked chicken and veggies together in one pan. Add a bit more sauce if desired.
6. Cook your noodles according to the package directions and add everything together.
7. Top with sesame seeds or green onions if you’re feeling fancy!
8. Enjoy!
We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your stir fry or tag us on social media @EstrellaPublishing.
The Doctor Is In
Respect is Earned, Not Owed
The way to get respect is to command it, not demand it. The difference is significant. It comes down to how respect is viewed and earned: Demanding respect relies on external validation like titles or power, often stemming from insecurity and breeding resentment. Conversely, commanding respect is an “inside job,” rooted in consistent character and observable actions, demonstrating qualities that inspire admiration.
Four fundamental qualities underpin commanding respect: competence, trustworthiness, empathy and humility. Competence signifies knowing your subject and delivering on your promises. Trustworthiness involves dependability, honesty and integrity. Empathy is the willingness to understand others’ perspectives, distinct from sympathy’s shared experience. Humility entails a modest self-view, openness to feedback, and a willingness to apologize and forgive. Commanding
these qualities fosters genuine admiration and loyalty, a hallmark of strong leadership.
Crucially, commanding respect begins with selfrespect. This internal confidence arises from valuing oneself, accepting imperfections and practicing self-forgiveness. Cultivating self-respect involves challenging negative thoughts, practicing self-kindness and nurturing positive, balanced relationships where one feels valued. Understanding and honoring personal wants and desires through identifying values, practicing self-care and being assertive are also vital. Commanding respect is about attraction, not expectation. While basic human rights warrant respectful treatment, earning further respect requires conscious effort in six areas. First, know your worth and behave accordingly, projecting confidence through poise, clear communication and upholding expectations. Second, set and maintain solid boundaries, valuing your time and energy and addressing disrespect immediately. Third, behave honestly and ethically, aligning words and actions, keeping commitments and taking responsibility. Fourth, be an effective communicator through active listening, clear and respectful speech, assertiveness and maintaining composure. Fifth, increase your competence and expertise through continuous learning, decisive action and a strong work ethic. Sixth, treat others with respect through empathy, courtesy and positive interactions.
Ultimately, commanding respect is a continuous process built on consistent, authentic behavior. By focusing on earning respect through your actions, you cultivate genuine admiration and loyalty, a far more sustainable and effective approach than demanding it.
Submitted by Dr. J. Paweleck-Bellingrodt, Psy.D.
DISCLAIMER: Material is for informational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for evaluation or treatment by a licensed professional. Material is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with written permission of Dr. Bellingrodt.
The Bug Guy
Pest Control Crisis: Phoenix Valley’s Summer Sauna Becomes Bug Bonanza
In the relentless June heat of the Phoenix Valley, residents face an annual invasion that makes the scorching temperatures seem like a minor inconvenience by comparison.
“June in Phoenix isn’t just hot—it’s like we’ve created the world’s largest all-you-can-eat buffet for insects,” explains Larry Cash, a veteran exterminator with Estrella Mountain Pest Control. “The scorpions think they’ve died and gone to heaven, which is ironic because Phoenix in summer feels like the opposite of heaven.”
Local homeowner Sandra Wilkins recounts her recent kitchen showdown with a brazen cockroach. “This thing wasn’t just surviving in my kitchen—it was thriving. It had the audacity to look at my can of Raid like I was offering it a refreshing spritz on a hot day.”
Even swimming pools, normally a blessed relief from the heat, become insect graveyards. “I spend more time fishing bugs out of my pool than actually swimming in it,” laments Dave Thompson of Goodyear. “Last week I found what I’m pretty sure was a scorpion riding on top of a dead cricket like it was a tiny apocalyptic jet ski.”
Pest control companies report a 300% increase in panicked calls during June, with many residents discovering that their homes have become the Studio
54 of the arthropod world. “The ants come marching two by two into your pantry, the scorpions find that one shoe you didn’t check, and don’t get me started on the mosquitoes breeding in that forgotten bucket with half an inch of water,” Cash sighs. “It’s like they’ve all synchronized their watches for maximum psychological impact.”
Cash offers some practical advice: “Check your shoes before putting them on, seal your food properly, and remember that gaps under doors aren’t just letting your expensive AC out—they’re rolling out the red carpet for six-legged squatters.”
Until July brings even more brutal temperatures that even the hardiest pests find excessive, Phoenix locals will continue their vigilant defense of territory, armed with nothing but flyswatters, diatomaceous earth, and increasingly creative profanity.
Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control
Furry Friends
Keeping Your Pets Cool in Arizona: A Survival Guide
Ah, June in Arizona—when the pavement reaches “medium-well” and your car doubles as a convection oven! While we humans can choose breathable fabrics and complain incessantly about the heat, our furry companions need our help to avoid becoming fourlegged hot pockets.
Dawn Patrol & Night Moves
Want to walk your dog? Say goodbye to beauty sleep! Those precious pre-sunrise hours (when it’s merely “warm” instead of “surface of Venus”) are golden. Evening walks after sunset work too—just bring a flashlight so you don’t mistake a cactus for a fire hydrant.
The Five-Second Rule (Not the Food One) Place your bare palm on the pavement for five seconds. If you don’t immediately yell something your grandmother would disapprove of, it’s probably safe for paws. Remember: if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their feet!
Booties: Fashion Meets Function
Veterinarians highly recommend protective footwear for pets during summer months. Yes, your dog will
walk like they’re wearing invisible flippers at first, but the alternative is burned paw pads and an expensive vet bill. Plus, the hilarious “first time in booties” dance is worth recording!
Pool Party Pups
Dr. Barker, DVM, suggests supervised swimming as excellent exercise that keeps pets cool. The key word is “supervised”—not all dogs are natural swimmers, and some will use your pool as a giant water dish if left unattended.
Indoor Alternatives (Vet Approved!)
* Treadmill Training: Start slow and use positive reinforcement. Your vet recommends no more than 15-20 minutes for beginners.
* Laser Pointer Olympics: According to veterinary behaviorist Dr. Whiskers, this provides mental and physical stimulation. Your cat gets exercise; you get entertainment watching them crash into furniture.
* Cooling Mats: These pressure-activated gel pads provide instant relief for overheated pets and are recommended by 9 out of 10 veterinarians.
With these strategies, both you and your furry friends can survive Arizona’s summer without melting into puddles of regret. Stay cool, pet parents!
Competition
With July 4th just around the corner and the barbecues and picnics, family gatherings and neighborhood pot lucks looming, our thoughts go to that favorite dish. You know the one. The corn bread, wings or potato salad renowned for being the first dish people finish or the desserts full of berries and love. Every family has one or even two.
Well now is your chance to share with the rest of us. Send in your recipe for your favorite crowd pleasing Fourth of July dish (pictures too if you have them). The best of the best will be published in our July editions and be eligible to win a gift card for either Bodega or Salt restaurants in Westgate.
Email your recipes to info@estrellapublishing.com before June 12th to be entered into the competition.
Puzzle Time
This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: each digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box. Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
