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
In a world where “five more minutes” is the battle cry of the masses, I stand before you as a reformed snooze-button addict to sing the praises of early rising. I seems I’ve crossed over to the dark side - or should I say, the blindingly bright side, of being up early enough to witness the sunrise.
BC (or Before Children) I would struggle out of bed around 8am, get a coffee and a book and burrow back under the covers for a few hours. Not anymore. Now in the AD years (After Divesting the house of college bound kids) I can’t seem to stop the habit of early rising - waking before my alarm clock blares and leaping out of bed, ready to tackle my to-do list with gusto, or at least good intentions.
Early rising does have some interesting benefits you may not have thought of. First and foremost, waking up at the crack of dawn allows you to experience the magic of a quiet house. It’s like being the last survivor in a zombie apocalypse, except instead of the undead, you’re avoiding your family’s morning breath and incoherent grunts. But the real perk? You get to witness the miracle of your coffee maker transforming from a useless hunk of plastic into your personal savior. It’s a religious experience, really.
Let’s not forget the joy of smugly updating your social media status at 5 AM. Nothing says “I’ve got my life together” quite like a photo of your kale smoothie (or in my case, coffee mug) with the caption “Up and at ‘em!” while the rest of the world is still drooling on their pillows. Early rising also gives you the opportunity to tackle your to-do list before your brain realizes what’s happening. It’s like productivity sleepwalking - you’re getting things done, but you’re not entirely sure how or why.
If you are one of those people who hits the snooze button so much there is a dent in your alarm clock, I encourage you to try catapulting yourself out of bed on the first ring. Embrace the eye bags, the coffee addiction, and the smug sense of superiority. After all, the early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. Wait, wrong metaphor. Oh well, I’ve been up since 5 AM - cut me some slack ;)
Catherine Uretsky
Editor,
CB Living Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com
623.398.5541
Cook With Zona
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
I don’t care what temperature the weather is outside; because inside my home it is officially fall! My house is decorated with fall colored leaves, pumpkins, and of course my fall themed gnomes. The only thing my home is missing is the glorious scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla! For just the scent of fall and autumn in my home I love to have a pot of apples, orange slices, cinnamon, and some other spices in water simmering for a few hours. However, I also have a bit of a sweet tooth; per usual, so let’s make some pumpkin chocolate chip muffins!
This pumpkin chocolate chip muffin recipe is so simple, you’re going to love it, and no need to get out your mixer. They come out of your oven extra soft and moist and the pumpkin flavor is heavenly! You can also make this recipe dairy-free by substituting with a dairyfree milk. This muffin recipe is very adaptable, add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries; sprinkle with coarse sugar; or leave plain. I hope I’ve convinced you. Now, let’s get baking!
Ingredients
1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 and 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1 and 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling!)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk (dairy or nondairy)
1 cup chocolate chips (other add-ins)
Steps
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or line with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, ginger, and salt together until combined. Set aside.
3. In a separate medium sized bowl, whisk the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, and milk together until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and then fold everything together gently just until combined and no flour pockets remain.
4. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips in the batter right before spooning into your muffin pan.
5. Spoon the batter into liners, filling them all the way to the top.
6. Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F, then, keeping the muffins in the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Bake for an additional 16–17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The total time these muffins take in the oven is about 21–22 minutes, give or take. Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the muffin pan before removing.
7. Cover tightly and store at room temperature for up to 1 week.
8. Enjoy!
We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins or tag us on social media @ EstrellaPublishing.
The Bug Guy
Spooky Pests and Where to Find Them: A West Valley Halloween Special
As Halloween approaches in the Valley of the Sun, residents are preparing for a different kind of scare – the kind that scuttles, crawls, and sometimes flies. Yes, we’re talking about the creepy-crawly world of pest control in the valley, where the line between Halloween decorations and actual infestations can get frighteningly blurry.
## The Scorpion King: Not Just a Dwayne Johnson Movie: Let’s start with everyone’s favorite arachnid, the scorpion. These little devils are like the ninja warriors of the pest world – stealthy, potentially deadly, and surprisingly good at hide-and-seek. Pro tip: If you’re planning to dress up as a scorpion for Halloween, make sure your neighbors don’t mistake you for the real deal and call pest control on you.
## Rodents: The Unwanted Trick-or-Treaters: Next up, we have roof rats. These furry fiends are the ultimate party crashers, showing up uninvited and refusing to leave. They’re like that one relative who always overstays their welcome during the holidays. This Halloween, consider leaving out some rat traps alongside your jack-o’-lanterns – you know, just to cover all your bases.
## Termites: The Silent Wood Munchers: Termites are the ninjas of the pest world – silent, deadly (to your home’s structure), and masters of disguise. They’re so good at hiding, you might want to check if that
wooden stake you’re using for your vampire costume hasn’t already been turned into a termite buffet.
## Ghostbusters: When faced with these spooky invaders, who you gonna call? No, not the Ghostbusters (although that would be cool). It’s time to dial up your local Phoenix pest control experts. These brave souls are the real-life Van Helsings of the Valley, armed with sprays, traps, and a wealth of knowledge on how to send these creepy critters packing.
So this Halloween remember that the real horror show might be lurking in your walls or crawling across your patio. But fear not, West Valley residents! With a little vigilance you can keep your home free from unwanted guests – both supernatural and six-legged. Happy Halloween, and may your only visitors be the cute, candy-seeking kind!
Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control
Money Matters
Who knows where the time goes?
As an investor, time can be your greatest ally. If you hold some investments for the long term, you could achieve an impressive cumulative growth in value. Of course, when you own investments, you will experience market fluctuations, but in general, the longer you hold these investments, the more you can reduce the effects of market volatility.
But you also need to consider aspects of time in these contexts:
• Checking progress on achieving goals – When you establish a goal, such as saving for retirement, you know the end date of when you’ll need the money, but it’s also important to mark your progress. Each year, see how far along you are in meeting your goal. If you’re falling behind, you may need to adjust your investment mix.
• Choosing an appropriate strategy – The time needed to achieve a goal should drive your investment strategy for that goal. For example, when you are saving for a retirement that won’t happen for three or four decades, you will need to invest for growth by placing a reasonable percentage of equities and equity-based investments in your portfolio. You will experience some bumps along the way, but you likely have time
to overcome the “down” periods. On the other hand, when you are saving for a short-term goal, such as a vacation or a new car or a wedding, you’ll want a set amount of money available precisely when you need it. In this case, you may need to sacrifice some growth potential for investments whose principal value won’t fluctuate, such as certificates of deposit and bonds.
Keep in mind that when you’re investing for long- and short-term goals, it doesn’t have to be one strategy or the other. You can save for retirement with primarily growth vehicles but still have room in your portfolio for shorter-term instruments. And even when you’re specifically investing for some short-term goal, you can’t forget about your need to save and invest for retirement. And here’s one final point about the relationship between time and investing: Your risk tolerance probably will change over the years. As you near retirement, you may feel the need to adjust your portfolio toward a more conservative approach. That’s because you simply have less time to bounce back from down markets. When you invest, one of your biggest considerations is time — so use it wisely.
Submitted by Brian Polk, Financial Advisor, of Edward Jones
Furry Friends
Pet Pairings
Did you know your favorite dog breed can reveal a lot about your personality? According to celebrity dog trainer and certified pet behavioral expert Nicole Ellis, it can even tell you what kind of wine you’ll enjoy. To find out which wine is your “PAW-fect” match, Ellis evaluated and matched a number of characteristics.
Classic dogs and classic wine
Golden Retrievers are one of the most beloved, classic American dog breeds. Similar to the Chardonnay, they are versatile and well-loved due to their ability to excel in various roles, from family pets to service dogs.
Strong, loving spirits and robust, complex wine
Staffordshire Terriers often have layered and very endearing personalities. They’re known for their confidence and boldness, too - very similar to the strong characteristics of a Cabernet Sauvignon.
Lively wine for people who love cheerful dogs
If you enjoy the friendly and cheerful nature of Bichon Frises, then you’ll appreciate the smooth texture and fruity profile of a Sauvignon Blanc. A Bichon Frise’s fluffy white coat and playful personality align perfectly with the refreshing flavor of this wine.
Harmonious qualities in canine and wine alike
Affable and dynamic are great descriptors for the everpopular poodle mixes known as “Doodles”. Doodles are celebrated for their adaptable temperaments, combining the best traits of their parent breeds, just like the harmonious blend of flavors you’ll find in a Merlot.
Grace and sophistication
The look and spirited nature of a Sighthound - such as a Greyhound, Whippet or Saluki - turns heads wherever it goes, much like the elegant characteristics of a Zinfandel. With vibrant flavors it complements Sighthounds’ lively and agile nature.
Adaptable wine for mixed breeds
Mixed breeds often rescue their humans as much as their owners rescue them and can be highly adaptable to different environments, much like the diverse yet harmonious tasting notes of Pinot Noir, which pairs well with various foods.
You can purchase these and other wines while helping support Canine Companions by visiting StFrancisWinery.com. Please drink responsibly. For more information, visit Responsibility.org.
Home Sweet Home
Halloween Decorating Trends in 2024: Spooky, Stylish, and Green
Halloween decorations are becoming more elaborate and creative, with a shift towards both eco-friendliness and high-tech scares. This year, several trends stand out as people transform their homes into eerie wonderlands.
1. Sustainable Spookiness ~ Eco-conscious consumers are leading the charge in sustainable Halloween decorations. DIY crafts using recycled materials like cardboard, glass jars, and old fabrics are making a comeback. Reusable decor, such as wooden pumpkins and metal lanterns, is also gaining popularity, allowing homeowners to avoid single-use plastic items. LED lights, energy-efficient alternatives to traditional bulbs, are being used to light up porches and yards in festive yet eco-friendly ways.
2. Minimalistic Gothic ~ In contrast to past years’ overly crowded displays, the 2024 trend is sleek and spooky minimalism. Dark hues like black, deep purple, and burgundy set the tone, while a few carefully placed skulls, ravens, or candelabras create a haunting ambiance. This aesthetic is popular for indoor spaces,
where people want to maintain a gothic vibe without overwhelming clutter.
3. Tech-Enhanced Displays ~ For those who love a high-tech scare, projection mapping is a standout trend this year. Homeowners are using digital projectors to cast moving images like ghosts or graveyards onto their homes, adding a 3D element without physical decor. Smart home systems that coordinate flickering lights with spooky sound effects bring a more immersive, interactive experience.
4. Whimsical Horror ~ Not all Halloween decor is designed to terrify. In 2024, there’s a playful approach to horror with whimsical, vintage-inspired decorations. Think cartoonish ghosts, retro witches, and classic movie monsters in bright colors. These items add a nostalgic charm, appealing to families who want fun rather than fright.
Incorporating a mix of sustainability, technology, and personal style, Halloween decorating in 2024 is both creative and conscious, offering a balance between oldworld gothic and futuristic fun.
Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor
Events EventsOctober October
ARIZONA STATE FAIR
SEPTEMBER 20 - OCTOBER 27
ARIZONA STATE FAIR & COLISEUM
MORTIMER FARMS, DEWEY
SEPTEMBER 27 - OCTOBER 27
7AM TO 7PM
SCHNEPF FARMS, QUEEN CREEK
OCTOBER 3 - 31
THURSDAY FROM 1 P.M. TO 9 P.M.
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
FROM 10 A.M. TO 10 P.M.
SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 9 P.M.
63RD ANNUAL PHOENIX GREEK FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 11-13
HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL
51ST ANNUAL FOUR PEAKS OKTOBERFEST
OCTOBER 11-13
TEMPE TOWN LAKE
SPOOKTACULAR HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 25-27
SALT RIVER FIELDS AT TALKING STICK
KIERLAND FINE ART & WINE FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 26-27
KIERLAND COMMONS
Autumn Wellness
Nurturing Body and Mind in October
October presents a unique opportunity to focus on personal wellness. This transitional month, bridging the gap between summer’s extreme heat and winter’s introspection, offers the perfect backdrop for nurturing both body and mind.
Embracing Seasonal Nutrition:
October’s harvest brings a cornucopia of nutritious options to our tables. Pumpkins, rich in beta-carotene and fiber, can boost immune function and promote healthy skin. Apples, abundant this time of year, are packed with antioxidants and can help regulate blood sugar. Incorporating these seasonal superfoods into your diet not only supports your health but also connects you to the natural rhythm of the earth.
Mindful Movements in Nature:
The crisp autumn air (hopefully) and stunning foliage (everywhere but southern Arizona...) create an ideal environment for outdoor exercise. Consider swapping your gym routine for nature walks or trail runs. The changing atmosphere potentially provides a feast for the senses, turning your workout into a more mindful experience. Yoga practitioners can take their mats outside, using this seasonal transition as an inspiration for balance and flexibility in their practice.
Cultivating Mental Clarity:
As the days grow shorter, many find themselves naturally inclined towards introspection. October is an excellent time to start a meditation practice or to journal regularly. The season’s inherent reminder of impermanence can inspire profound reflections on personal growth and life goals. Consider setting aside a few minutes each day for quiet contemplation, perhaps while watching the sunrise or sunset.
Boosting Immune Health:
With cold and flu season approaching. October is the perfect time to fortify your immune system. In addition to a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and D, consider
incorporating immune-boosting herbs like echinacea or elderberry into your routine. Adequate sleep becomes increasingly important; use the earlier sunsets as a natural cue to establish a consistent sleep schedule.
Creating Cozy Self-Care Rituals:
As the weather cools, indulging in warm, comforting self-care rituals can nourish both body and should. Try incorporating aromatherapy with seasonal scents like cinnamon or pine into your daily routine. A warm bath infused with essential oils can soothe tired muscles and calm the mind. Don’t forget the power of touch – treat yourself to a massage relieve tension and promote relaxation.
As we navigate the shift into autumn, October invites us to align our wellness practices with the changing season. By embracing this time of transition, we can cultivate resilience, vitality, and inner peace that will carry us through the months ahead.
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
