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AZHOUSEMAN TEAM

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20862 W WESTERN DR BUCKEYE, AZ - $1,100,000

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From Me To You...

There is something mesmerizing about nature. I can watch waves crash on a beach or leaves blowing in the wind for hours. It is soothing and relaxing for me. I can watch the movement and let my thoughts drift. Many years ago I played an online multi-player game, and even though I had to concentrate on my quests (and honestly trying to remember how to move, jump, run and fight) it was equally relaxing. Stepping out of the world we live in and being in a space where your responsibilities fade away can be rejuvenating. Reading can accomplish the same thing but for that I need a quiet room and a comfortable chair - two things I cannot always guarantee in my house.

The game was fun, I eventually rose to become a level 74 Night Elf, which tells many of you exactly which game it was. The amount of detail in the world of gaming is incredible and allows for the suspension of belief. I truly believed I could cast a spell and command my pet to help me fulfill my missions. I did avoid fighting as much as possible, partly because I don’t generally enjoy violence, but mostly because I would panic and

forget how to use my sword at the same time as casting a spell and jumping out of the way of my opponent. My skirmishes usually involved pressing any combination of buttons I could imagine until I either won or was annihilated.

As I think about it, perhaps it was not as relaxing as looking at the wind blow gently through the trees, but it certainly allowed me to escape to another place, even for a short while. Games promise a world where if we follow the rules and try hard enough, anything can be overcome – a comforting idea that particularly resonates when we’re making our way through hard times. Whether your hard times are monetary, familial, or situational I can certainly see the appeal.

Now if I could just remember my username and password for that Night Elf, I suddenly have a hankering to cast a few spells.

Catherine Uretsky Editor, Main Street magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623-398-5541

On Our Cover

Robson Reserve at PebbleCreek opened their doors to provide upscale independent and assisted living with quality care and services to the West Valley four years ago. Today, the nearly 337,000 square-foot community offers worldclass amenities, 224 condo-style residences and an abundance of life enrichment programs for residents to enjoy.

The independent and assisted living residents receive quality care along with a variety of services including everything from chef-prepared meals and housekeeping to transportation and concierge services. These services take the stress out of mundane chores so residents are able to enjoy an engaged lifestyle with peace of mind.

From the cozy common areas to the luxurious dining room, Robson Reserve has many luxurious amenities to love. Residents can enjoy the resort-style pool complex, catch a movie in the private theater, socialize at the dog park, pamper themselves at the salon or invite friends over for a drink in the bar and lounge. The amenities at Robson Reserve are truly outstanding!

The residences within the community range from 696 sq. ft. to 1,184 sq. ft. with 1 & 2-bedroom options and offer a perfect balance of size, upscale design, location and high-end features. Each of the six floorplans come upgraded with gorgeous quartz countertops, full size stainless steel GE ® appliances, upgraded wood cabinets, a full kitchen, in-suite washer and dryer, patio/ balcony, individually controlled heat and A/C, plus additional upgrades throughout.

To keep residents engaged and entertained, the Life Enrichment Team at Robson Reserve plans a well-balanced whole person-centered monthly calendar around the seven wellness dimensions: emotional, environmental, intellectual, occupational, physical, social and spiritual. Common activities on the monthly calendar include aqua fit, cranium crunches, entertainers and guest speakers, creativity classes, Wii bowling, shopping outings, and much more.

From the moment you arrive at the community, you will feel the welcoming warmth of the dedicated team. Victory at Verrado resident, Jill Romo is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Robson Reserve and is passionate about helping potential residents and their families discover Robson Reserve. “I love touring the community with prospective residents and helping them find their next forever home for themselves or a loved one,” says Romo.

To learn more about Robson Reserve at PebbleCreek including the services, amenities and incredible leasing options for independent and assisted living, call 623-440-6800 or visit www.RobsonReserve.com.

Overcoming Roadblocks to Change

The initial obstacle we face on our journey of personal development is what we refer to as the “90% Rule.” This rule suggests that we have a 90% likelihood of inheriting traits or tendencies from our parents, stemming from a blend of our genetics and our upbringing. Common sayings like “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” “From one generation to the next,” and “History repeats itself” all allude to this concept.

The second significant challenge we encounter is our own habits. To effect real change in our lives, it’s crucial to focus our energy on overcoming this second roadblock. Research by NASA has shown that it takes roughly 27 to 29 consecutive days for the brain to rewire itself and establish a new habit or behavior. The keyword here is “consecutive.” If you miss a day, let’s say on day twenty-two, the brain’s progress resets, necessitating that you begin again. This is where the popular notion that it takes 30 days to create a habit originates. So, how can we successfully navigate this process?

The key is to create a 30-day checklist. For instance, suppose you aim to overcome the habit of procrastination, which involves putting things

off until the last minute. The first step is to clearly define what you desire, which in this case is the opposite of procrastination – taking immediate action, or “doing it now.” On your checklist, you would include an item or a box labeled “Do It Now.” At the end of each day, you mark the box or record the number of consecutive days you’ve successfully completed this task. This approach is all about setting yourself up for success. Imagine reaching the end of your day and realizing you still have the opportunity to check that box – it’s a powerful motivator, and it encourages immediate action.

Now, let’s address the third and fourth roadblocks. The third roadblock is often dubbed the four-letter “F” word, and it’s not “food” – it’s “fear.” Fear is the primary reason people often remain stagnant and fail to change. Instead of confronting their fears and anxieties, many resort to Roadblock #4 – distractions or medication. We need to introspect and ask ourselves, “In what ways do I distract or medicate myself to avoid confronting the changes necessary for becoming the best version of myself?” This introspection is a crucial step in overcoming the fear that holds us back from personal growth.

Submitted by Larry Tracey, Executive Director of Youth4Youth, author, speaker, and Program Director of the WOW Coalition. For more information call (623) 208-3230 or email larry@ youth4youth.org

Ask Dr Jen

I am new to Arizona, and I am finding it hard to meet people and make new friends. I had plenty of family and friends where I used to live, and I thought I would find it easy to meet people here but I am struggling to make connections. What am I doing wrong? ~ Shannon

I’m so glad you’re trying to connect, Shannon. On a planet of nearly 8 billion people, we’re not meant to go it alone. In fact, social support is the best protection against mental health problems that is available to humans.

It’s all about putting yourself out there. I’m not sure what you’ve tried, but here are some suggestions I use with my patients who are looking to branch out socially:

1. Start close. Reach out to neighbors to get acquainted. Take over baked goods or a house plant or just go say hello. Get to know them and see what they’re interested in. Host a wine tasting, potluck or block party and invite them over.

2. Go to Meetup.com to search for gatherings in your area: book clubs, brunch, game night, hiking, meditation, stargazing, Bible study, football and so much more. You name it, there’s probably a free Meetup group for it.

3. Check out Groupon.com for offerings for discounted activities and events in your area. Even if you go alone, you’re putting yourself out

there in your community, and this creates the opportunity to meet people.

4. Click on the Facebook “Events” tab for information about goings on in your area: concerts, festivals and gatherings of all kinds.

5. Find a local house of worship and attend services. I always tell patients to go 3 times before they make a decision to stay or move on to the next one.

6. Get outside of yourself by finding a place nearby at which you can volunteer and meet kindred spirits.

It’s normal to feel anxious about meeting new people or putting yourself out there socially. There’s no magic, though; you simply have to feel the fear and do it anyway. If you don’t have the confidence to go behind getting out there, act “as if” you do and give it a try. Success breeds confidence breeds success.

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.

Yum Yum

There’s no better way to welcome the crisp air and colorful leaves of fall than with a comforting bowl of homemade butternut squash soup. Earthy sage and rich browned butter infuse freshly harvested butternut squash in this easy-to-make dish, creating a symphony of fall flavors.

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add onion and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 8 minutes to soften, but not brown. Stir in apples and butternut squash and cook until they begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to cook evenly.

Once the apples and butternut squash have softened, pour in chicken stock, bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper; cover and cook for about 45 minutes, or until the squash is very tender. Use an immersion blender or pour the soup into a blender, working in batches if necessary, and blend until smooth. Return to the pot and stir in heavy cream.

While keeping your blended mixture warm, melt a stick of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add sage leaves and pan fry for about 30 seconds or until crispy. Drain the sage leaves on a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt. Continue to cook the butter until browned and nutty, stirring to avoid burning. Transfer to a bowl after 1 to 2 minutes of cooking.

Once your soup is ready to serve, drizzle with browned butter and sprinkle with optional salted seeds and a few fried sage leaves and enjoy!

The Bug Guy

Ah, October in the West Valley! The weather is finally cooling down, pumpkin-spiced everything is in full swing, and oh yes, the pests are on the prowl. It seems like just when you’ve put away your shorts and brought out your cozy sweaters, the unwanted invaders decide it’s time to move in and crash on your couch. But fear not, for we have some hilarious tales and tips on how you can battle these unexpected house guests.

First up, we have the notorious spider invasion. Picture this: you’re sitting down to enjoy your favorite scary movie when suddenly, a spider rappels down from the ceiling and lands right on your popcorn. Talk about a jump scare! Make sure to keep your broom handy to send these uninvited guests back to where they belong –outside. And don’t forget the vacuum cleaner for those who decide to take up residence in your cozy corners.

Next on our list are the earwigs – those little critters that crawl out of the woodwork, literally. As soon as the temperature takes a dip, they slither their way inside and make themselves

comfortable. It’s like they have a radar for the coziest spots in the house. Remember that time you reached into your slipper to find a creepycrawly surprise? Yeah, that was them. Prevent these uninvited guests by sealing any cracks and crevices around your house. You don’t want them hiding in your underwear drawer!

Last but certainly not least, we have the surprising invasion of rats and mice. As if you needed any extra Halloween scares, these furry little devils decide it’s time to cozy up for the winter, right under your roof. Be prepared for unexplained rustling noises in the walls and the occasional nibble on your favorite sweater. Sealing any entry points and setting up traps should do the trick.

So there you have it, folks – the not-so-spooky tales of pest control in the West Valley in October. Remember, laughter is your best weapon against these unwanted house guests. Stay on top of your pest control game, and maybe, just maybe, you can turn these misadventures into hilarious stories to share at your next Halloween party. Happy pest hunting!

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control

Candle Care

As daylight shortens during the autumn months, this is the perfect time to “Candle with Confidence.” Here are tips to help everyone use candles safely:

1. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and make sure candles are not lit on or near anything that might catch fire. Always keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.

2. Prevent candle smoking. Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to 1/4 inch before every use, and be sure to place candles away from drafts, vents or air currents.

3. Beware of “make-your-own” candleholders. Not all glass is the same, so it’s best to avoid burning candles in glass containers that are not specifically designed for candles. Glass candleholders are specifically manufactured to withstand the temperature changes that occur when burning a candle.

4. Make votive cleaning easier. Add a few drops of water to votive holders before inserting the candle to make them easier to clean. Caution: Don’t add more than a few drops of water, and don’t add water unless you intend to burn the candle immediately afterward.

5. Prevent candle fading. Avoid placing candles where they will be directly exposed to sunlight or

harsh indoor lighting, as candles may fade if they are left in bright light for an extended period of time.

6. Store candles carefully. Keep your candles in a cool, dark and dry place. Tapers should be stored flat to preventing warping.

7. Keep candles clean. You can remove dust and fingerprints from a candle by gently rubbing the surface with a soft cloth that is dampened with water.

8. Care for your candleholders. Remove wax drippings from candleholders by by first placing the candleholder in the freezer for an hour or so. This allows the wax to shrink and easily pop out when the candleholder is removed from the freezer.

By following these tips from the National Candle Association, you’ll be able to light your candle, burn it safely and be confident you are getting the most out of each burn and every candle.

1st

1st Place Winner : $50 Target Gift Card

2nd Place Winner: $25 Target Gift Card

2nd Place Winner: $25 Target Gift Card

3rd Place Winner: $15 Target Gift Card

3rd Place Winner: $15 Target Gift Card

**All entries regardless of winning will receive a special treat!**

Trick or Treat

Halloween is a fun time for families and friends. Whether you’re shopping for costumes, planning a party or making a candy run to the store, are you ready to provide a safe and healthy Halloween?

Emergency Department doctors and nurses at Abrazo West Campus note that inexpensive healthy alternatives, such as stickers, bubbles, crayons and play dough can bring a fun twist to Halloween treats. Trick-or-treaters (and their parents) will appreciate staying hydrated mini bottles of water as they continue their candy quest, and waving glow sticks for visibility. Raisins and goldfish in factory-packaged snack bags are another option.

Your child’s health isn’t limited to the goodies they’re consuming, according to Abrazo West Campus Trauma Program Manager Tiffiny Strever, BSN, CEN, TCRN, FAEN.

• Carving pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns is a timehonored tradition. If you have small children in the house, consider having them draw faces with markers, then parents can do the carving. A

glow stick or flashlight can be used instead of candle to light the pumpkin.

• When planning for costumes, avoid masks if possible. If your child must wear one, make sure it fits correctly, does not obstruct vision and is well-ventilated. Costume fabric, wigs and beards should be made of flame-resistant materials, and not pose a tripping hazard.

• Makeup can be an annual culprit of spoiled Halloweens. Be sure it is hypoallergenic as it could cause those with sensitive skin to break out with rashes and hives. Before going all-out, try testing the makeup on a small area of your child’s skin to determine if the makeup will be safe. And remove all the makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.

• Cosmetic contact lenses are popular with costumes, but they can actually cause corneal abrasions, infection and even vision loss.

• Remind everyone to put down the electronic devices, keep their heads up and walk, don’t run, across streets.

Once at home, all candy and treats should be sorted by parents or responsible adults. It’s a good idea to also dispose of homemade goodies.

Submitted by Abrazo Health

Money Matters

We all make mistakes in many areas of life. These mistakes are usually fairly harmless — we took a wrong turn while driving, used the wrong ingredients in a recipe and so on. But sometimes, our mistakes can be costly — especially those connected to investing.

Here are some of the most common investment mistakes:

• Too much buying and selling – Frequent trading can work against you in a couple of ways. First, it can be expensive — you could rack up taxes, fees and commissions. More important, though, excessive purchases and sales can make it difficult to follow a cohesive investment strategy. Such a strategy requires, among other things, careful construction and management of an investment portfolio that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

• Failing to diversify – If you only owned one type of asset, such as growth-oriented stocks, your portfolio could take a hit when the financial markets go through a downturn. Not all investments will respond the same way to the same forces — for example, stocks and bonds

can move in different directions at any given time. And that’s why it’s usually a good idea to own a mix of investments.

• Trying to “time” the market – “Buy low and sell high” might be the original piece of investment advice, but it’s pretty hard to follow — because no one can really predict when an investment will reach “low” or “high” points. Trying to “time” the market in this way can lead to bad decisions, such as selling investments whose price has dropped, even if these same investments still have good business fundamentals and strong prospects.

• Not understanding what you’re investing in For example, some companies, by the very nature of their business and the type of industry they’re in, may consistently pay dividends to their investors even though their stock prices may only show relatively modest price gains over time. If you bought shares of this stock, thinking it had the potential to achieve quite substantial appreciation, you might end up disappointed.

Investing will always have its challenges — but you can help make it easier on yourself by staying away from as many mistakes as possible.

Submitted by Wayne Polk, AAMS, Financial Advisor, of Edward Jones

We help children explore and discover their interests through play in a safe environment. Highly trained teachers gently guide and encourage children every step of the way as they grow, develop and achieve important milestones.

Grow Your Own

If you appreciate the taste and experience of fresh produce, it may be time to consider cultivating your own home garden. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a small balcony, you can grow your own fruits and vegetables and enjoy unparalleled taste, texture and freshness without driving to the grocery store. Here are the top five benefits of growing your own fruits and vegetables.

1. Freshness that can’t be beat

Produce can’t get fresher than what you grow and pick in your own backyard! Grocery store produce is chosen for its hardiness because it has to endure long journeys and handling before it reaches the store, where it may sit on display for days.

2. Nutritious and delicious

Homegrown fruits and vegetables are also more nutritious than their store-bought counterparts. That’s because crops begin to deteriorate as soon as they’re picked. The farther it needs to travel, the more nutritional content is lost.

3. Boosted taste and flavor

If you did a side-by-side taste test of a

homegrown tomato compared to a storebought one, chances are you’ll notice the one from your backyard tastes better and is more flavorful. You’ll enjoy a bolder flavor when fruit and vegetables are allowed to fully ripen on the vine.

4. A feast that won’t empty your wallet

By growing your own, you’ll save quite a bit of money. While there are initial expenses when setting up your garden for the first time, once you set up a garden, you’ll have the necessary tools to nurture it season after season, creating a self-sustaining food cycle.

5. Connect with nature and reap the rewards

Gardening is a fantastic stress reliever that allows you to connect with nature and discover the joy of maintaining your own little patch of Eden. You can escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, get your hands dirty and watch your plants grow into robust crops. Take in the soothing sights, sounds and scents of your home garden and reap the benefits to your well-being.

Planting and nurturing a garden is easier than you think and offers so many benefits to your palate, wallet and well-being. So grab your gardening gloves and spade and start your journey to a rewarding and nurturing harvest.

Samurai Sudoku

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. Good Luck!

Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

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