Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing.com
Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor Talia Uretksy, 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, The Hamlet 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!
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 21 mins | Total time: 41 mins - including cool down
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.
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
The Doctor Is In
Ask Dr. Jen: The #1 Ingredient for Success
“I own my own business, and I struggle with doing what it takes to have consistent success…. I know my confidence is somewhat of an issue, but I feel like there’s more to it than that…. What would you say is the primary ingredient for success?” - James M.
I love this question! I know there are lots of entrepreneurs and side hustlers out there, so I’m going to answer this in a multi-part series. Here’s Part 1…
Whatever you’re selling—an idea, a product or even yourself—the #1 ingredient for success is enthusiasm. Enthusiasm has 3 components: Excitement, Eagerness and Energy. Excitement is easy when you promote a product you love. Eagerness is fully expressed when you overcome your internal objections and let your passion show. Energy is cultivated when you know how to overcome external objections and show up in an authentic way.
Entrepreneurs tend to be thinkers, which is generally good when it comes to generating ideas and making things happen. It’s bad, though, when it leads to overthinking and letting negative thoughts create a lack of confidence that gets in the way.
But I’m going to say something about confidence that may shock you: Your lack of confidence is nothing but an excuse…an excuse that you use to keep you from putting yourself out there—posing a question, asking for a referral, sharing a product, sending a simple text about your event. This is the difference between you and those you admire. Successful people still put their pants on one leg at a time, just like everyone else. They’re not special; they just don’t use lack of confidence as an excuse. They feel fear like anybody else; they simply feel the fear and do it anyway.
No one is confident all the time. I’ve been a psychologist and coach for over 20 years. I’ve worked with very successful entrepreneurs, surgeons, attorneys,
millionaires, even motivational speakers. Trust me, no one is fearless.
Tune in next month as we unpack where fear comes from and reframe it in a way that will propel you forward past your internal objections. (Hint: It has to do with the way you process information.) If you want to get ahead, go check out my $7 course on Overcoming Negative Automatic Thoughts at www. thepsychoeducationacademy.com.
Have a question for Dr. Jen? Email it to AskTheDoc@ EstrellaPublishing.com.
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.
Submitted by Jennifer Paweleck-Bellingrodt, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Fall In AZ
The Wonders of Fall in Arizona
As the intense summer heat finally begins to wane, Arizona transforms into a cooler weathered wonderland. While the state may not be renowned for its autumn foliage like the northern states, those knowledgeable can find pockets of stunning fall beauty if they know where to look.
One of the best places to experience the magic of an Arizona autumn is Sedona. This picturesque red rock town in the high desert is famous for its incredible natural scenery, and the change of seasons only enhances its allure. Throughout October, the oak, sumac, and cottonwood trees lining the canyons and creeks put on a dazzling display, their leaves shifting from deep green to brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red. A hike along the trails of Oak Creek Canyon or a scenic drive up to the viewpoints of Schnebly Hill Road offers breathtaking vistas of the fall foliage set against Sedona’s iconic sandstone formations.
Further north, if you are looking for an even cooler atmosphere, the peaks near flagstaff provide a spectacular autumn showcase. As the aspens high up on the mountain slopes shift to their autumnal yellows and golds. The contrast between the evergreen pines and the rugged, snow dusted peaks are simply stunning. One of the best ways to experience this is by taking the Arizona Snowbowl’s scenic chairlift ride, which offers panoramic views of the colorful forest canopy below.
Even in the Sonoran Desert region around Phoenix, the changing of the seasons is evident. While palm
trees and cacti may not produce the most vibrant leaf displays of other regions, the urban parks and preserves of the valley of the sun come alive with the warm hues of Palo Verde, mesquite, and cottonwood trees. A hike through the trails of South Mountain Park or the Desert Botanical Garden provides a peaceful autumn respite from the city.
Of course, no article about fall in Arizona would be complete without mentioning the iconic saguaro cactus. As the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, these giants of the desert begin to bloom with delicate white flowers, providing a unique seasonal contrast to their prickly green forms. Popular destinations like Saguaro National Park offer the perfect opportunity to witness this natural wonder.
This often-overlooked season is truly a special time to explore the state’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes.
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. 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
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
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