The Hamlet

�e HamletŽ A magazine for Palm Valley residents

August 2019 1 From your neighbors, for your neighbors

Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

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 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com All contents Š 2010-present Estrella Publishing LLC. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission from Estrella Publishing LLC is prohibited.

Estrella Publishing accepts freelance contributions, there is no guarantee that materials will be used or returned. Some content is provided by Brandpointe and Family Features. Estrella Publishing is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Advertisers. Estrella Publishing reserves the right to restrict all advertisement to their proper classification and to edit or reject any copy at its sole discretion. Neither this publication nor Estrella Publishing is an agent of or in any way affiliated with the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association, or any of their respective affiliates. This publication has not been approved by, sponsored by, or endorsed by the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association in any way.

Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor

Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec

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August 2019

From Me To You...

I’m back to baby proofing. At the grand old age of almost 50 my life has taken a U-turn and I am trying to stay ahead of any crazy thoughts that pop into the head of my 5 month old puppy.

Chew this! Pee here! What is that and how does it taste? Can I fit in this space? Why is everyone yelling at me?

So far we have removed all carpeting from the ground floor, boxed in all the outlets (not because he chews the wires but because when he runs past them he barrels into the plugs, bending the prongs that go into the walls), provided every chew toy known to man in an attempt to distract him from the table or chairs. Thrown away all the disembowelled and eviscerated toys we find every morning, and resorted to containing him in a play pen most of the time. That play pen has been the best thing we have bought in years.

I had no idea of my anxiety level until he was safely contained and it dropped. Finally I didn’t have to worry about stepping in pee or something worse!

Then there were the stomach issues. He is a

lab and wants to eat all the time.

All. The. Time. Even when he has finished his food he looks at me like I am starving him.

Consequently I was overfeeding him. He didn’t get overweight or sick it just went right through him. Not knowing the cause of his stomach issues I took him to the vet, had samples tested for parasites and bacteria. Put him on antibiotics. Changed his food. Changed his food again. Fed him a bland diet of rice and eggs. Changed his food again. Then it finally occurred to me that I should just give him less.

Surprise! It worked. He still finishes his food in less time than it takes me to put the scoop away and looks at me like I am the worst mother in the world, but 4 children in I can withstand that.

In order to slow him down I bought him a puzzle toy to put the food in. They come in stages, the first one involves putting the food under pegs which he has to lift out to get to the food. Took him 10 minutes the first time then 20 seconds the next. Stage 2 involves hidden compartments and spinning covers. More entertaining for us but considerably louder as he scrabbles at the plastic to get to the food. That one he has down to less than a minute. I am now looking at one that is basically a very deep shag rug where you push the food into it and he has to forage to find it. Could be interesting. Could be destroyed in a couple of days too.

As I watch him solve these puzzles and meet all these challenges I wonder, what am I training him for? In the attempt to slow him down physically I am speeding him up mentally. That is the next stage I have to look forward to, finding him gainful employment so he can use his powers for good instead of evil. Wish me luck!

Catherine Uretsky

Editor, The Park Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283

Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

August 2019

3

Inclusive Playgrounds

Playgrounds have evolved over the decades, becoming safer and more varied in design.

But children with special needs were left out of traditional playground design. A movement began to ensure children of all abilities would be able to use playgrounds.

But initial attempts often fell short. Accessibility, as defined by the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), simply meant being able to get to a playground. Children with physical disabilities, like those needing mobility devices, were unable to experience playgrounds using sand or wood chips for safety surfacing, while the needs of children with sensory processing disorders were often overlooked completely.

What do children with varying abilities need in a playground to help them play, learn and grow?

The experts advising the playground designers at Landscape Structures Inc. re-imagine playgrounds to be not just inclusive, but inspiring and fun for kids of all abilities.

Physical environment.

Inclusive playgrounds for children with disabilities need to be designed not just for accessibility, but inclusivity. * Unitary surfacing with one type of material, amenable to wheelchairs and other mobility devices, eliminates mobility barriers.

4 Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

* Borders or fencing can help define and contain the activity area, providing a sense of comfort to children and their caregivers. * Seating should be strategically located around the play area (preferably in shaded spaces) and must be usable for children and adults of differing abilities. * Pathways and ramps must be extra-wide and accessible, for more than one child in a wheelchair to pass each other comfortably. * On-deck transfer ability delivers equitable access and encourages interactive play among kids and adults of all abilities.

Stimulating activities.

Inclusive playgrounds provide activities to engage children on many levels, in terms of physical, cognitive, sensory and social development.

Play areas reinforcing cognitive concepts with games, mazes, maps, tracing panels and more can be included in playground structures.

Physical play structures invite children of differing abilities to take risks and challenge themselves, creating a sense of mastery and achievement.

While not all children will be able to use all equipment, children can challenge themselves in ways that they can control and manage.

Social activities.

Ideal playgrounds are designed for children to interact, with no child feeling excluded, and incorporate a variety of gathering spots within the playground structure - some that can accommodate several children, plus smaller, quiet spaces for just a few. These social spaces benefit everyone, including families and caregivers.

To see inclusive playgrounds and how children use them, visit playlsi.com/inclusive-play/.

August 2019

Money Matters

backed by private MI. Purchasing a home with less down using private MI can also help ensure you continue to have prudent savings, and can free up funds that you can use for other important home purchases - such as renovations, appliances and furniture.

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest financial milestones, but people often think it’s out of reach because of the costs involved, including the myth that you have to put 20% down. The fact is, you don’t necessarily need to deplete all of your savings to qualify for a mortgage and you can purchase a home sooner than many people believe.

There are other mortgage options available to you as well, such as government-backed FHA loans that allow you to put down as little as 3.5%. However, unlike private MI, which can be canceled once you reach 20% equity in your home, the mortgage insurance premiums attached to FHA loans typically can’t be canceled and remain throughout the life of the loan.

There are several low down payment mortgage options available to you, such as conventional loans with private mortgage insurance (MI) or government-backed loans like those insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

It’s important to know what home loan option is best for you, and you should speak with a mortgage lender to help inform your decision. The bottom line, however, is that there are affordable low down payment home loan options out there, which could mean the difference between getting into your home sooner, allowing you to build wealth through home equity, or waiting for years while renting. By taking advantage of home loans backed by private MI, you can spend less time worrying about a down payment and more time enjoying your new home www.LowDownPaymentFacts.com to learn more.

For example, a qualified borrower can get a conventional loan with private MI for as little as 3% down. If he or she waited to save for a 20% down payment, it could take up to 20 years to save that amount, plus closing costs, for a $262,250 house - the national median sales price in 2018, according to the National Association of REALTORS(R). That wait time is trimmed down to seven years when buying a home with 5% down, where the loan is sustainably Michael O’Connell Owner/Operator

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August 2019

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Yum Yum

Planning a party doesn’t have to be difficult.

Instead of agonizing over appetizers, opt for serving delicious wine with a charcuterie board - a variety of cured meats, cheeses and condiments that can range from simple to sophisticated. Todd Knoll, executive chef at Jordan Vineyard & Winery, offers expert tips on combining select cured meats and cheeses with balanced wines to bring out the best in a charcuterie board.

Choose great wines To keep it simple, offer one red and one white.

Choose wines to complement a range of flavors and seasonings in meats and cheeses, so you can offer an interesting variety to tempt your guests. Chardonnay is popular with wine lovers, and for good reason, with its crisp, fruity notes and vibrant acidity. Another great selection for charcuterie is Champagne, which has just the right acidity - and bubbles - to refresh the palate while sampling meats and cheeses with a higher fat and salt content. Don’t overlook a robust Cabernet Sauvignon for the red.

This means choosing harder, salty and spicy cured meats, such as salami. Then add softer salted meats, such as thinly sliced prosciutto, for textural and flavor contrast. Finally, provide a creamy pate, terrine or rillette that guests can spread on bread or crackers.

Choose delicious cheeses Sheep’s milk cheeses, such as Roquefort, Manchego and Pecorino Romano, pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon. A creamy Camembert is a good match with Chardonnay, as is Brie and other soft cheeses, according to Knoll. Chardonnay can also be paired successfully with creamy goat cheeses. Champagne complements washed rind cheeses such as Taleggio, Limburger and Epoisses, as its acidity cuts through the richness of these more pungent cheeses.

Add delectable condiments A fabulous charcuterie board is not complete without an array of flavorful condiments. Source good mustard like whole grain Dijon, plus quince paste or pear mostarda. Add olives, fresh or dried fruit, nuts or pickles to taste, plus fresh, warmed crusty bread or crackers.

Select flavorful meats For a charcuterie board that is as Instagrammable as it is edible, provide a variety of contrasting flavors and textures, Knoll advises.

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August 2019

Cleaning Tips You wipe down the counters, clean the floor and run the dishwasher regularly. Your kitchen appears clean on the surface, but it’s time to pay attention to often forgotten items in your kitchen.

Make sure to include these kitchen items on the next round of cleaning so you get the sparkling kitchen you deserve.

Dishwasher Why would a machine with the main job of cleaning need cleaning itself? Because food debris and mineral buildup can clog important components, causing your dishwasher to work inefficiently. To thoroughly clean your dishwasher, start by removing the filter and cleaning it out.

Then fill a coffee cup with white vinegar and put it on the top rack and run on the hot cycle to remove soap scum and other buildup.

Microwave Food steams and splatters in a microwave every day, and even if it appears clean, there’s probably a lot of grime on the inside walls. Make it easy to get off the grime with a simple solution: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup water

and then slice a lemon in half. Squeeze the lemon in the water and then add the halves.

Microwave for 3 minutes and then let sit for 5 so the steam can penetrate the buildup. Finally, open the microwave, remove the bowl and easily wipe away grime with a washcloth.

Under appliances Just because you don’t look there doesn’t mean the dirt and dust goes away. Carefully pull appliances out and clean well underneath.

Start by vacuuming and then wipe down with soapy water. You should also look at the back of appliances and wipe off to remove dust and other grime. If the appliance has an air vent, make sure to vacuum it well to help it continue to run efficiently.

Kitchen knobs and handles You make it a habit of wiping down your faucet knobs when you clean the sink, but what about the other knobs in your kitchen?Start by wiping all knobs down with disinfectant wipes. For grimy buildup, use hot water with a touch of dish soap and wipe down with a rag to break down grime and leave knobs looking good as new.

Add these items to your next round of kitchen cleaning and you’ll have a sparkling clean space you can truly enjoy.

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Weekend Getaway It’s finally here! You can’t wait for the long weekend and all the fun you’re going to have together. But what should you pack? You’ll want to be practical and also think of easy ways to turn the weekend get-together into a real party, so here are some ideas for essential items to put on your list.

Health and safety necessities No trip is without its occasional minor mishaps.

Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, bug spray and a good, basic first aid kit. Items like extra batteries and chargers are also lifesavers.

All the best snacks and beverages Pack fun, warm-weather-appropriate meals, snacks and drinks you know everyone will love, and that are easy to transport and clean up, whether you’re headed to a cabin, a beach or someone’s home. Divvy up your food and beverage list with the other partygoers so you’ll know you’ve all got the essentials covered, without too many duplicates. Make sure to consider the weather in your planning - for example, if you’ve got ingredients for s’mores on your must-have list, store chocolate bars and marshmallows in your cooler to prevent them from melting en route.

Don’t forget the ice If your get-together will be located in a place where ice is readily available, you can pick up

ice at the last minute. If not, be sure to pack plenty of ice in a good quality cooler along with other cold items.

Grab a few ice packs for your cooler, too - especially if you’ve got a long drive ahead of you, or the temps are especially high.

Games and activities Depending on the age of your partygoers, you and the other guests will want to plan for plenty of fun things to do together, especially if the weather doesn’t cooperate all weekend. Include a few indoor activities like decks of cards and board games. Pack age-appropriate outdoor items like swimming gear, outdoor games like balls, hula hoops.

With just a little bit of planning, you and your friends or family can have a great, fun-filled weekend celebration. It’s all about enjoying your time together and making the most of the occasion for an amazing weekend.

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August 2019

Get Outside

Want to get the kids away from screens and outside for some fresh air? Many outdoor projects will not only lure your whole family outdoors once the jobs are completed, but the family may actually want to help you.

Here are some ideas for outdoor projects everyone will love.

1. Make a backyard movie theater Who wouldn’t love watching movies under the stars? You’ll need a DVD projector and a large screen. You can use a large drop cloth or blackout cloth stretched over a PVC frame or between two trees for a screen. Stretch it taut and secure so it doesn’t move with every breeze mid-movie. Provide plenty of blankets or rugs and pillows so everyone can relax during the movie, and pop up some popcorn!

2. Build wooden benches For kids - and grownups - who aren’t keen on lying on the grass to relax, offer outdoor seating options in shady spots. Sturdy wooden benches are not hard to build, and there are plenty of

templates online for different approaches. One creative method is to build a bench around the trunk of a favorite tree. Supply cushions for a comfy, shady spot for kids to read, talk and daydream.

3. Get out the s’mores Fire pits are all the rage, and for good reason.

They’re easy to make, and people love gathering around a fire to roast marshmallows and enjoy a summer evening. You’ll need to check local ordinances regarding fires before you begin.

Pick a spot well away from bushes or foliage, with no overhanging branches or structures.

You should also call 811 to check that there are no underground utility cables where you’re building. Fire pits can be dug into the ground, at ground level or raised slightly above ground level.

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4. Create a playhouse or gazebo To attract everyone in the family, create a little outdoor space for kids to play in or for adults to enjoy a beverage and relax. Depending on the size and design of your project, this can be a straightforward build or a more complicated structure. Online templates can give you ideas for different design options, so you can choose what works best for your space and skill level.

The entire family will find renewed interest in spending time together outdoors with your creative additions to the yard. Now is a great time to start a fun new project - before the summer flies by.

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August 2019

9

Senior Living The burdens of living alone were taking a toll on Joyce, who at 89 was the oldest resident in her apartment building. Though she’d spent a lifetime saving money, Joyce wasn’t sure what she could afford. Her daughter Sandy knew it was time to talk about senior living.

“It took some convincing to help her understand this was what she had saved for,” said Sandy.

“With the sale of her house and retirement savings, she could live comfortably in independent senior living. Plus, she would be around people her age, have plenty of activities and three nice meals a day.”

Joyce’s senior living journey isn’t unique. Most people are either not prepared for the potential costs of senior living, or think they’re not prepared.

Mary Sue Patchett, Brookdale’s executive vice president of community and field operations, recommends avoiding sticker shock by assessing current expenses. You may find that freeing yourself of expenses tied to living in a house mortgage, food, transportation, utilities, home maintenance and more - and incorporating these into one payment for a senior living community is more cost-effective than expected. Patchett recommends seeking a flexible pricing structure at a senior living community, as one size does not fit all. Making a choice that fits your situation means you won’t be paying for unnecessary services.

Current assets and income are what most people use to pay for senior living, just as they would pay for expenses staying in their current home: savings, pension or retirement plan funds, social security and annuities. One big source of funds comes from the sale of their current home.

Medicaid options may provide some assistance for assisted living, depending on where you live and if you qualify. Do not confuse Medicaid with Medicare, which does not cover assisted living costs. Family support is another source to consider for help with the cost of assisted living. In many families, children or other family members contribute to the cost of senior living.

It’s best to discuss possible support with family before the need arises.

Now is a good time to assess your situation and talk with your spouse or family about your needs and desires down the road. Planning ahead lets you tour communities and decide what services and amenities you want and need.

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August 2019

Mocktails!

There’s nothing better on a hot summer day than kicking back and relaxing with a cold, tasty and refreshing beverage - and there are so many great options to choose from. But why not add a little excitement to your summer by choosing something to drink that’s fun and colorful, super healthy and delicious, too?

Another great thing about mocktails? They are super easy to prepare, taking only about 10 minutes of prep time. All you need is a blender and the ingredients of your choice! Serve each mocktail over crushed ice or ice cubes in a fun decorative glass and add a tiny umbrella or a small fruit skewer with berries and banana slices for a festive and delicious party presentation.

for a delightfully refreshing, yummy mocktail: TropicalBanana Colada Shake with Coconut Water (serves 2) Ingredients 2 bananas 2 cups coconut water 2 cups mango juice 3 sprigs fresh mint 2 limes Directions Chop the bananas in pieces and blend them together with the coconut water, mango juice and the juice of one lime. Pour the juice into the glasses and garnish with the other lime (sliced or quartered) and the sprigs of mint. Enjoy and share your Banana Colada shake recipe using #Chiquita Banana.

For other fun and delicious drink recipes to add a festive touch to your summer get-togethers, such as Frozen Smoothie with Chiquita Bananas and Peaches, check out https://www.chiquita.com/recipes.

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August 2019

11

Wine 411

Choosing a great wine to pair with the menu is a thoughtful touch, but white wines aren’t the only options during the warmer months. Even as temperatures rise, versatile red wine deserves a place on the table, and these quick tips can enhance your understanding and enjoyment of wines all summer long.

Here are a few tips about red wine: Take a chill.

One of the first things many people hear about wine is that white wines should be chilled, and red wines should be left at room temperature.

However, the wine experts at CK Mondavi and Family explain that people typically over-chill white wines, while people usually serve red wines far too warm. Why does temperature matter?

Serving wine at the right temperature allows all of the aromas and flavors to be enjoyed at their best.

Take white wines out of the refrigerator for 1015 minutes, to bring the temperature to 49-55 degrees before serving. Red wines are at their

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best slightly cooler than room temperature, around 60-65 degrees. Place a bottle in the refrigerator or use a wine cooler to chill before serving, but not for too long. The bottle should not be cold, but cool to the touch. Once poured into a glass, any wine will warm up, so it’s always better to start serving at a cooler temperature to begin with.

Breathe.

Red wines typically benefit from some extended time to breathe or be exposed to air. This helps optimize its aromas and flavors. Swirling the wine a little in the glass is also a way to help release its aromas. Letting an open bottle sit for a few minutes will suffice for most wines. Pouring into a decanter not only looks fancy, but serves to further aerate wines, and will prevent pouring any sediment into a glass.

Go bold. When pairing wine with food, choose flavors that complement each other - think lighter wines with more delicate flavors, and bolder wines with stronger, spicier foods. That’s why red wine can be a great choice for your summer barbecue.

Plan your summer parties with a good red wine in mind, and you can’t go wrong.

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August 2019

Know What To Throw Consumers are trying to do the right thing by recycling, but they don’t always know what - or how - to recycle. In fact, about one-third of what gets tossed in curbside recycling containers doesn’t belong there. So, what does belong in the recycling bin? There are three main categories of recyclables: Paper and cardboard, metal cans including aluminum, and plastic bottles and jugs.

Also, recyclables should be empty, clean and dry. Even when an item is recyclable, like a soup can or plastic ketchup bottle, any remaining food or liquid becomes a problem. When those items come into contact with clean recyclables, that leftover chicken noodle soup will saturate otherwise good paper and cardboard. This is known as contamination, and once it happens, perfectly recyclable items become trash and wind up in the landfill. And don’t bag your recyclables.

The sorting process at a recycling center happens quickly, and most of what is bagged or bundled ends up in the garbage because sorters cannot see the contents.

leave the tops on bottles and jugs.

DO remember, when in doubt, throw it out. If you’re unsure whether an item is recyclable, put it in the trash.

DON’T recycle wet or food-tainted items. A greasy pizza box should go in the trash.

DON’T recycle cans that held hazardous waste.

Metal cans that contained paint, oil or any other potentially hazardous waste need special handling. Consult your city or county website for information on hazardous waste disposal DON’T recycle yard or food waste. Composting options for tree trimmings and other yard waste may be available in your community, but not via your recycling container.

DON’T bag it. Reuse plastic bags if you can, then return them to grocery stores for commercial processing.

For more quick and easy guidelines to becoming a better recycler, visit RecyclingSimplified.com

“With a few simple steps, we can all do our part to make environmentally responsible choices and help make a positive impact in our community for generations to come,” said Pete Keller, vice president of recycling and sustainability at Republic Services.

Make sure you know how and what to recycle with these simple Do’s and Don’ts from Republic Services: DO recycle paper products. Clean, dry, flattened cardboard, newspapers and magazines, office paper and mail are accepted. Break down cardboard boxes before putting in your bin and remove any plastic such as the see-through windows in envelopes.

DO recycle empty soda or food cans. Be sure any remaining food or liquid is removed and the can is rinsed and dry DO recycle “Empty, Clean, Dry” plastic. You can Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

August 2019

13

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August 2019

Self Care

Ever feel like the days just get away from you, and you don’t have time to do the things you need to do, much less want to do? Often wish you could just spend your evenings or weekends on your personal goals, practicing self-care or just relaxing? Sometimes it’s a question of prioritizing what you want to do - and outsourcing the rest.

Simplify meal prep and cooking. Unless cooking is enjoyable and relaxing for you, chances are you get home from work stressed and hungry.

Today many plans exist for ordering prepackaged ingredients and recipes for you to prepare at home.

Get help with pet care. Unless you have kids old enough to take care of Fido, or you enjoy taking him for his walks, it’s easy to find pet care services, or even a reliable neighborhood teenager, to help walk the dog or check on the cat, particularly if you work long hours or travel for work.

Outsource house cleaning. While we all wish we had beautifully organized, clean homes, it’s almost impossible to do everything we’d like to keep our houses in great shape. Imagine the hours of reclaimed time and peace of mind you’ll have, knowing you’re coming home to a beautifully clean home every night.

Prioritize health and exercise. Hiring a personal trainer or signing up for a class that will inspire you to keep up your fitness level is an investment in yourself that will pay dividends in your future, and make you feel great right now. Then be sure to treat yourself with an occasional massage, sauna or spa visit - whatever helps you relax and feel good.

Take a time-out. When you are able, plan your next vacation. If a long vacation is not in the cards, plan a mini-break, even just for a weekend, to get away from the daily routine and let you focus on yourself, your significant other or your family.

The next time you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, choose to outsource those tasks that can take over your life, and give yourself the best gift - the gift of time.

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Morning Routine

Starting your day on a high note is simple when you adopt some tips and tricks for simplifying your morning routine. You’ll save time, be more efficient and really learn to cherish the first part of the day.

Tip 3: Plan a breakfast bar Save time and make mornings fun by setting out supplies for make-your-own creations, such as a yogurt bar. For example, set out yogurt, granola, dried fruit and the rest of your family’s favorite toppings - this way everyone in the family can quickly grab a bowl and make their custom healthy creations.

Tip 1: Select clothing the evening prior Check the weather forecast and figure out what the kids should wear the next day. Set out outfits in their room so they can wake up and get dressed without you even having to ask. What’s more, select your own outfit, too. Don’t forget to set out accessories, too! Socks, shoes, bags having everything all ready to go will save you and your family lots of time.

Tip 4: Stay organized with lists Lists are a great way to remind your family of various things to simplify the morning. For example, create a list of things that should be in your kids’ backpacks so they never forget to pack necessities. Create a laminated chart and use dry-erase markers so kids can check items off as they work through brushing teeth, combing hair, etc.

Tip 2: Pack bags early The more you can prep to pack everything you need for the day, the quicker you can head out the door. Consider making backpacks a part of the evening routine. Pack lunches the evening before and for your own bags (laptop, purse, workout), make sure to ready those early and set everything at the door for easy grab-and-go.

Tip 5: Utilize alarms to stay on task It’s easy for the morning to get away from you, which is why alarms can be helpful reminders for you and your kids to stay on task. For example, set one for a time when breakfast should start, another for when kids should be fully dressed, and a final as the five-minute warning before it’s time to hit the road.

T houghtfully chosen ingredients, assembled with experience.

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16 Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

August 2019

Indoor Air

Think about how much time you and your family spend inside versus outside. From your home to the car to work and to school, it’s not uncommon that the majority of your day is spent indoors.

This modern phenomenon means increased exposure to indoor air pollution. Fortunately, with a few smart, proactive steps, you can help protect yourself and your family.

Here are smart steps homeowners can take to make their living conditions healthier: Vent air while cooking Always remember to turn on the hood fan while you’re cooking and open nearby windows and skylights. Try cooking oils with higher smoke points, so you produce fewer fumes. Palm, peanut, grapeseed, avocado and sunflower oils all have smoke points higher than 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Use natural air flow Hot air rises and cool air stays closer to the ground. You can take advantage of this natural air

Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

exchange in your home by opening a skylight or window higher in your home while also opening one below it or on a lower level. As fresh, cool air is pulled in, the warmer, polluted air will escape at the top.

Avoid burning candles Candles provide ambiance and often a pretty scent, but they can have a negative effect on indoor air quality. Try opting for beeswax candles, which produce fewer airborne toxins.

Alternatively, check out battery-operated candles that look close to the real thing.

Clean regularly Create a home and pet cleaning schedule, and stick to it as much as possible. Vacuuming can help eliminate dust and dander.

Dry clothes outside When the weather is nice outside, take a cue from your grandparents, and dry clothes outside naturally with the sunshine and breeze.

Eliminating use of the dryer or dryer sheets decreases air-polluting fumes and moisture buildup in your home. Plus, who doesn’t love the smell of line-dried clothing?

Make home airing a daily habit Even if the weather only allows you to air out your home for a few minutes, it can make a world of difference. Make a habit of opening windows and skylights daily. If you think you’ll forget, just set an alarm on your phone to remind you.

August 2019

17

Puzzles & Games

2 Sudokus for August - Medium & Easy

Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box.

Good Luck! Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

Medium

Easy

1 4

9

9

3

4 1

7 2

6

1 8

8 9

6

9

3

3

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6 1

5 3

2 7

2 1

5

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8 5

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18 Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

August 2019

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