CB Living

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CB Living

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From Me To You...

As I get older, I find that the challenges of today’s technology get harder and harder to navigate. For example, I recently tried to log on to a website, only to be stopped short by the seemingly obvious and simple question, “Are you human?”

In the past I have breezed past such queries with a basic check of a box, or by picking three pictures that included a traffic light. Not today. The obstacle presented to me involved a riddle that harkened back to an SAT test.

It began innocently enough. “Click on any images that resemble the example.” Hah, I can do that! But what was I looking at? There appeared to be two subjects, however, figuring out what those things were was not going to be easy. After a few minutes it occurred to me that I could be looking at a guitar and some sort of bird. Perhaps an owl? OK, I was getting the hang of it.

On to the second part of the riddle. Pick any images that contained a guitar and/or an owl. I tried looking directly at the nine possibilities, but nothing there seemed remotely bird-like, or musical for that matter. Then I thought that maybe it was one of those 3-D

images, where you have to unfocus your eyes a bit and let things swim into view. Nope, that just gave me a headache and made me feel a tad foolish. In despair I squinted a little and tipped my head to the right. Hold on, was that the curve of a guitar? It was possible I suppose... Well, what did I have to lose? I chose three of the pictures that contained that vague shape and, closing my eyes, pressed ‘enter’. I am not entirely sure if I was correct, or if the website just took pity on me, but it granted me access — only to place me immediately into a queue, as there were too many people trying to log in at the same time!

At this point I had lost the will to navigate any more prompts or intelligence tests and I closed my computer in frustration. I spent the rest of the afternoon with a cool compress on my eyes, and a soothing libation at my elbow, wondering when I had officially become too old to understand new technology.

Cook With Zona

Chocolate Lava Cake

If you’ve ever been on a certain cruise line, where they serve a chocolatey dessert consisting of a chocolate cake with a gooey center, served with vanilla ice cream; you know exactly what I’m talking about!

With Valentine’s Day coming up, I know some couples might scramble last minute to make a reservation or think of heartfelt gifts for their loved ones. Personally, I’d rather have chocolate cake at home over a fancy dinner, any night! Involve the whole family while baking these sweet individual cakes to feel even more love in your kitchen! Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you all!

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 14 mins

Total Time: 24 mins

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 cup Dark Chocolate Chips

1 ½ sticks of butter

4 Eggs

6 Tbsp Sugar

4 Tbsp Flour

Steps:

1. Melt the chocolate and butter.

2. Mix eggs and sugar in a separate bowl, whisk for a few minutes, then add flour.

3. Add the egg mix to the melted chocolate and mix.

4. Pour the mix into 4 individual greased ramekins.

5. Bake directly in the oven at 390°F for 14 minutes

6. Serve with ice cream and ENJOY!

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!

U N L I M I T E D G O L F !

CB Hiking Club

Hit the Trails with CB Hiking Club

If you’re looking to get outside, stay active and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts, then CB Hiking Club might be a fit for you. Whether you are an experienced hiker or just looking to get started, the club offers a range of options for everyone who are residents and friends of Corte Bella.

On Tuesdays and Saturdays, CB Hiking Club organizes hikes tailored to various fitness levels. You can enjoy a leisurely 3 mile hike with plenty of time to appreciate the desert scenery, or if you’re up for more, try a moderate 5-6 mile hike. If you’re looking for even more, the club also arranges hikes that cover longer distances with more challenging terrain. Regardless of your preference, each hike is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Arizona’s stunning desert landscapes.

with friends not only keeps you motivated, but also makes the miles fly by as you chat, laugh and share experiences. It’s a great way to make friends, deepen friendships and enjoy the outdoors as a part of a vibrant, supportive and active group. After the hikes, the Club continues the camaraderie by sharing a meal at various local restaurants, if you’re able.

Whether you’re there for fitness, friendship, or both, the CB Hiking Club has a place for you. So bring your water, lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails with a group that will make each hike fun, memorable and enjoyable.

If you’re a Corte Bella resident go to Meetup.com, look for CB Hiking Club and ask to join. If you know of someone who is not a resident and interested in joining, please, contact club coordinator Chris Hanson, chrishanson204@gmail.com. If you are having trouble joining also contact Chris.

Submitted by Steve and Bennie Miller

One of the best parts of hiking with the CB Hiking Club is the camaraderie. The club has a diverse group of people who all share the love of the outdoors and a desire to stay active and connected. Hiking

Winter Health

Winter Respiratory and Stomach Viruses: What You Need to Know and How to Stay Healthy

As respiratory and gastrointestinal infections continue to affect communities across the United States, understanding how to prevent and manage these common viruses is crucial. Three notable viral infections - Norovirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Influenza - each present distinct challenges to public health.

Norovirus, often called the “stomach flu,” is highly contagious and causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The virus spreads through contaminated food, surfaces, or close contact with infected individuals. RSV primarily affects the respiratory system and can be particularly dangerous for infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Influenza, a seasonal respiratory illness, can range from mild to severe and spreads primarily through respiratory droplets.

Prevention strategies for all three viruses share common elements. Frequent handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is crucial, especially before handling food and after using the bathroom. For Norovirus specifically, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are less effective, making thorough handwashing essential. To prevent RSV and flu transmission, avoid touching your face, maintain physical distance from sick individuals, and consider

wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces during peak seasons. If you contract any of these viruses, proper management is key. For Norovirus, focus on preventing dehydration by drinking plenty of clear fluids to replace those lost through vomiting and diarrhea. Small, frequent sips are better tolerated than large amounts at once. With RSV and flu, rest is crucial, and over-the-counter medications can help manage symptoms like fever and congestion. Create a humid environment using a humidifier to ease respiratory symptoms. Maintaining a clean environment is essential for preventing virus spread. Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and electronic devices. For Norovirus specifically, use bleach-based cleaners as other disinfectants may not be effective. When caring for someone who is sick, wear disposable gloves and wash contaminated items thoroughly.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, inability to keep liquids down for 24 hours, or signs of dehydration. For high-risk individuals, including young children, elderly adults, pregnant women, or those with underlying health conditions, early medical consultation is recommended.

The Doctor Is In

7 Steps to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Last month, we explored signs of imposter syndrome. This month, I’m sharing 7 steps to overcome it. Let’s get to it!

1. Acknowledge your imposter feelings. Labeling your fear can help you feel some control over it. Instead of engaging with your thoughts of self-doubt, remind yourself that this is your own personal, normal response to the situation at hand.

2. Understand the root of the problem. Figure out where your anxiety is coming from so you can gain greater control over it. (Hint: It starts in childhood with the development of self-limiting beliefs based on your genetics, environment and experiences, and it may take a deep dive into your history or even doing some therapy to figure this out.)

3. Focus on facts, not feelings. When you start feeling like a fraud, focus on positive, alternative possibilities. Look for ways to dispute your negative automatic thoughts. For instance, what factual evidence do you actually have that you are a fraud?

4. Ask yourself if the thought that you’re an imposter helps or hinders you. Does feeling fraudulent

serve you in any way? What might happen if you didn’t have that thought?

5. Reframe your thoughts. Instead of telling yourself that you don’t deserve success, reframe your thoughts to give yourself more credit and enjoy the experience. Own your accomplishments instead of attributing them to luck. Accept that we all have to start somewhere. Successful people just feel the fear and do it anyway.

6. Accept that it’s normal to make mistakes, especially if it’s something new to you. Look for what you can learn from each mistake instead.

7. Reach out for support. Having a safe space to receive support will help you reduce feelings of being an imposter. When you feel imperfect or make a mistake, reach out to an encouraging mentor, coach, friend, colleague or therapist for support.

Imposter syndrome can make you feel like you’re not good enough, you don’t belong or you are undeserving or unworthy. But it’s important to remind yourself that learning and making mistakes does not make you a fraud—it makes you human.

If you struggle with imposter syndrome, your underlying self-limiting beliefs are getting in your way. It’s time to get over yourself and get on with your life and what you want to do with it! Head on over to ThePsychoeducationAcademy. com for help with overcoming your negative thoughts for just $7.

Submitted by Dr. J. PaweleckBellingrodt, 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.

Desert Romance

Arizona’s Valentine’s Day Getaways: Where Love Meets the Wild West

As February’s most romantic holiday approaches, Arizona emerges as an enchanting destination for couples seeking something beyond the conventional Valentine’s Day experience.

Sedona’s iconic red rock formations create an almost otherworldly setting for romance. The dramatic landscape, with its towering crimson cliffs and spires, takes on an especially magical quality during sunset when the rocks glow in deepening shades of red and pink. Luxury resorts nestled among these formations offer specialized couples’ experiences, from private vortex meditation sessions to romantic spa treatments incorporating indigenous ingredients like prickly pear, desert sage, and local clay. Popular sunset jeep tours through the red rocks book up months in advance around Valentine’s Day, so early planning is essential.

In Scottsdale, high-end resorts transform their desert properties into romantic sanctuaries. Private candlelit dinners under star-filled skies become unforgettable experiences, often accompanied by live classical music

and champagne service. Many resorts offer signature Valentine’s packages combining hot air balloon rides over the Sonoran Desert with gourmet champagne breakfasts and couples’ spa treatments. The city’s vibrant arts district also provides opportunities for romantic gallery walks and intimate dining experiences at award-winning restaurants.

For couples seeking thrills alongside romance, Arizona offers countless options. Lake Powell’s hidden coves provide secluded spots for intimate picnics, while helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon create dramatic backdrops for proposals or anniversary celebrations. Private jeep tours through the desert conclude with gourmet dinners at sunset, often featuring wines from Arizona’s emerging Verde Valley wine region.

Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden transforms into a romantic haven during their annual “Love in the Garden” event. Illuminated pathways wind through native desert flora, while live music and wine tastings create an enchanting atmosphere. The garden’s special Valentine’s programming often includes intimate concerts and chef-prepared dinners among the cacti and desert blooms.

For those seeking complete privacy, luxury desert camps offer exclusive glamping experiences that combine comfort with adventure. These high-end camps feature private terraces for stargazing, heated outdoor soaking tubs, and personal chefs who prepare romantic dinners in complete seclusion. February’s mild temperatures and clear skies make outdoor evenings particularly appealing, with strategically placed heat lamps ensuring comfort on cooler nights.

Whether couples prefer luxury resort experiences, outdoor adventures, or intimate desert retreats, Arizona provides a distinctive backdrop for romance this Valentine’s Day.

Money Matters

You can put more into your 401(k) this year

Once you retire, you’ll likely need to draw on a variety of financial sources — and one of the most important ones may be your 401(k). And for 2025, you can put even more money into your plan than ever.

You can invest in your 401(k) in one of two ways, depending on your employer’s plan. With a traditional 401(k), you contribute pre-tax dollars, which can lower your taxable income, and your money can grow tax deferred. If you have a Roth 401(k) option, you can contribute after-tax dollars, which aren’t deductible, but your eventual withdrawals will be tax-free if you’ve had your account at least five years and you’re at least 59½.

For either a traditional or Roth 401(k), as well as similar plans such as a 457(b) (for government employees) or a 403(b) (for educators and employees of some nonprofit groups), the contribution limit has increased by $500 for 2025, to $23,500. If you’re 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $7,500, for a total of $31,000. And under the SECURE 2.0 legislation, if you are between 60 and 63, you have a

higher catch-up contribution — $11,250, instead of $7,500, for a total of $34,750.

If you can afford to contribute the full amount to your 401(k) or similar plan, consider doing so. Even if you’ve been in the workforce for a while, you may be putting away money for other things — such as your children’s education — as well as your own retirement. But even if you can’t “max out” on your 401(k), try to contribute at least enough to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered.

Regardless of how much you contribute to your 401(k), consider these suggestions on managing the money within your plan:

• Create a portfolio that fits your risk tolerance.

• Adjust your portfolio as needed.

By contributing what you can afford to your 401(k), and by carefully managing the investments within your plan, you can help maximize the value of this powerful retirement savings vehicle — and give yourself a key asset to help you enjoy your retirement years.

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

All About Accounting AZ

Bergen Financial Group

Edward Jones - B Polk

Ganyo Insurance

Arrowhead Air Conditioning & Heating

DesertHaus Home Watch Services

Estrella Mountain Pest Control

Honor Contracting

JBS Roofing

Nunez Painting TRU

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