The Park

From Me To You...

“Love is in the air” - the song has been running amok in my brain all day. With the February editions front and center on my computer I keep thinking of Valentine’s Day and love. Not that the two are combined in my head, I get really annoyed at the commercialization of the holiday, and the price gouging that goes along with it. You can’t go to a restaurant or buy flowers or chocolate, without seeing dramatic price hikes just for the occasion.

In the spirit of the upcoming celebration I googled ‘Most romantic movies’ and I was surprised to see that I have not watched that many on the list. Don’t tell anyone but I have yet to watch, or even read, The Notebook. I know, sacrilege! What it boils down to is that I don’t like to cry and these love stories are real tearjerkers. I am sure the plots and characters are great, they must be to make it to the top of all these lists, but I can’t bring myself to watch them because of the crying that will inevitably follow.

I have been binging the TV show Bones recently, and I love the kitschy drama with a side of schmaltz, but there is one episode I have been

dreading. (Warning - Spoiler Alert ahead!) If you have not seen season 10 there is a chance I am about to ruin your day. Just kidding, everyone knows that Sweets is murdered. I hated that episode, not because of his death, but because of the way the writers wrung every sad emotion and angry tear from me. And it continued for the next few weeks! Not content with killing off the character, they also went on to investigate his murder (understandable, it is a crime drama) and then mope around for his funeral. Even worse than that, his girlfriend was heavily pregnant and we had to talk about ‘Lance’ for every moment of the birth. Ruined a perfectly good season.

Don’t get me wrong, crying has its place but why do we need it in a love story? Does every couple have to face adversity to prove their love? Can’t we all just get along? I think for this Valentine’s Day I will be watching a classic, like Mission Impossible, that sounds more appropriate to me.

Catherine Uretsky Editor, Estrella Publishing info@estrellapublishing.com 623-398-5541

The Sniffles

Do you suffer from itchy eyes, a runny nose or a scratchy throat during winter? Chances are you may have indoor allergies. Indoor allergies are a year-round problem, but you’ll notice them more during the winter because you spend more time at home. Also, because of the colder weather, you’re likely keeping doors and windows shut to keep the cold out. By doing that, you’re also sealing allergens indoors with you, and your heating system will recirculate the indoor air and any allergy triggers. You don’t have to accept indoor allergies as an inevitable fact of the winter season. Using these five tips from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, you can be proactive and manage your winter allergies.

1. Clean regularly

Cleaning house is one of the easiest ways to deal with indoor winter allergies. Dust, mold, pet dander and dust mite and cockroach droppings can hide anywhere and cause sneezing, coughing and congestion.

2. Reduce pet allergy triggers

While you may enjoy snuggling with your pets

before bed, keeping them out of the bedroom will help with any allergies you experience at night that can disrupt your sleep. During the day, keep the door to your bedroom closed, so your furry family members aren’t tempted to go in. When petting your cat or dog, make sure to wash your hands afterward, so you don’t accidentally touch your face and provoke an allergic reaction.

3. Protect your bedding from dust mites

Even if your home is visibly clean, dust mite allergen particles are too small to be seen. Use mite-proof zippered cases for your mattress and pillows to limit your exposure to dust mites. Every week, wash and change your sheets, blankets and other bedding in hot water.

4. Find and prevent indoor mold

Many molds aren’t visible to the naked eye, and mold spores can cause allergic reactions when they become airborne. If you suspect you have indoor mold, it’s best to contact a professional who can find and clean up existing mold in your home.

5. Find an allergist

Your allergist may perform tests to diagnose your allergies and identify potential causes. An allergist can also prescribe a variety of treatments to give you relief from your allergic symptoms. Visit ACAAI.org for more information.

Just In Case

Whether you’re racking up the miles for work or planning a relaxing getaway, look for luggage that can keep up with the journey. To uncover what luggage will last and still be easy to use, look to the advice of those who are always traveling for work and leisure - like Ofelia Silva and Ken Sosko, executives of Travelpro, the pilot-founded luggage brand used by airline professionals from more than 90 airlines globally. Silva and Sosko share their top four tips and tricks that every traveler should know.

1. Quality over trend

Before buying take the time to research the quality of the item. Look at the materials and check it has reinforced stitching, resilient zippers that stay on track and closed, and handles sturdy enough to not bend or buckle.

2. Softside vs. hardside luggage

Looking for a little extra packing space? Softside luggage easily expands, allowing travelers a bit more packing flexibility. Searching for a suitcase that is incredibly sleek in its design yet ultra-

resilient to damage? A hardside suitcase with its clean lines and strong polycarbonate shell is the go-to option.

3. The art of packing

Even if you have lightweight luggage,

overpacking is a common pitfall for travelers. Plan a capsule wardrobe you can bring, meaning interchangeable clothes that complement each other. Shoes are often heavy and take up space, so either wear your heavy shoes on the plane or replace them with something lighter. As for the act of packing itself, some travelers opt to roll clothing to save space and eliminate wrinkles, while others swear by packing cubes, allowing you to divide your suitcase into specific compartments. No matter the strategy, consider doing a practice run in the week leading up to your trip to see how everything fits.

4. Luggage set advantages

Since you’ll probably need both a checked bag and a carry-on suitcase at some point, why not buy both as part of a set? Not only will your luggage match, but the price is usually less than buying two single bags. This also gives you the flexibility to choose the right-sized suitcase depending on your packing needs and destination.

Heart Health

February is American Heart Month, and there’s no better time to take control of your heart health. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined.

Millions of adults are living with some form of cardiovascular disease or the aftereffects of a stroke. The fact that the majority of Americans don’t consider themselves at risk for heart disease is why educating the community on the importance of heart health is so important.

“Heart disease can lead to severe disability that can absolutely destroy quality of life for its victims and their loved ones,” said Dr. Timothy Byrne, medical director of cardiovascular services at Abrazo Health. “Left unchecked, it can lead to a wide array of serious and life-threatening health complications, including heart failure, heart attack, stroke and death.”

Fortunately, new discoveries are making a positive, measurable impact treating on those with heart disease. Breakthrough procedures and

research in treating heart valve disease, coronary artery and vascular conditions, atrial fibrillation and more are propelling the treatment of heart disease to a higher level. Medications and other treatments are also helping to keep the estimated 5 million Americans living with heart failure out of the hospital.

Smoking, poor diet, high stress, obesity, diabetes and a sedentary lifestyle are all things that can contribute to heart disease. “The most tragic thing about these issues is that they are not genetic or hereditary – we are often doing these things to ourselves,” said Dr. Byrne.

The greatest strides in the fight against heart disease will come from you. There are some simple steps you can take to control the effects of heart and cardiovascular conditions or avoid them altogether. Among them: a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, daily exercise, a smokefree lifestyle and techniques for managing stress. Taking charge of your health in this way not only will help you live longer, but also better. Heart Month is also a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on your health screenings which can alert you to health conditions that need addressing sooner rather than later.

Submitted by Abrazo Health

Meaningful Goals

Whether you’re a college grad, young professional or in mid-career, chances are you’ve already faced challenges that seemed overwhelming. Throughout your career, you’ll continue to face opportunities to choose one path or another, but without clear, meaningful goals - and the gumption to pursue them - you may find your path veering from the life you really want.

This is one of the key messages of Sharon Price John, author of “Stories and Heart: Unlock the Power of Personal Stories to Create a Life You Love,” and president and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop. Reflective exercises John guides readers through include:

* Brainstorming goals for the next five years.

* Listing wishes for lifelong experiences.

* Identifying values that are most important to you.

* Rejecting the negative voices in your head.

* Understanding how perfectionism can block achievement.

* Redefining failures.

* Listening to your own instincts.

* Imagining your goals being met - and taking specific actions to get there.

Harnessing your gumption to achieve what you want

“If you’re unfamiliar with the term, the word ‘gumption’ is a little different from determination. Gumption is a mix of drive, passion and creativity - not just sheer will,” adds John. “This is where the concept of being dedicated to your goals becomes important. The power to create a life you love is within you.”

The next crucial step is learning to harness your dedication, faith and gumption to take concrete actions in pursuit of those goals - even when you’re unsure of the outcome. Taking positive action toward those goals, even in small steps, provides the fuel necessary to achieve them.

Jonathan Maust

Yum Yum

Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me (or Engagement) Chicken has been around since the 80’s, but whatever you call it this dish is so good it will have people falling in love with your cooking.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken

breast halves

2 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon ground thyme

1/2 cup chicken broth, divided

1/2 pound bacon

1 (16-ounce) package angel hair pasta

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup whipping cream

1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1 pinch red pepper flakes

Salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

∞ Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

∞ To butterfly the chicken, place it on a chopping board. Put your palm on top of the chicken and slice it horizontally through the middle, leaving a small section on the other side uncut. Open out the breast to look like a butterfly.

∞ Melt butter in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Saute garlic, oregano, and thyme for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add the chicken and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. It doesn’t need to be cooked throughout at this point. Add in 1/4 cup of chicken broth.

∞ Bake for 15 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear.

∞ While the chicken is baking, brown bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, about 10 minutes. Let it cool on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease, then cut into small

pieces.

∞ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook angel hair pasta, stirring occasionally until al dente, about 4 minutes. Drain and keep warm.

∞ Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it onto a plate and keep warm.

∞ To make the pasta sauce, place the used skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Whisk flour with remaining chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and whipping cream until combined. Mix in sundried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and salt.

∞ Toss together the sauce and pasta until evenly coated. Top with chicken and bacon.

Enjoy!

Truth Vs Transparency

In my office, when it comes to truth, I always say that there are at least 3 sides to every story: yours, mine and the truth (which is generally somewhere in the middle). Over the years, I’ve come to see truth as largely an intellectual pursuit. Your truth comes out of your perception, which is based on thoughts you have in your mind about a particular situation. It’s a head thing.

Transparency, on the other hand, is the word I use to describe an element of a more evolved or psychologically mature relationship. Transparency involves full disclosure of not just the selfperceived truth but also the emotions that come along with it. It’s a heart thing.

Let’s say you and your spouse have a disagreement regarding parenting. In an effort to resolve it, you each share your perception of events based on the facts as you see them. Your perceptions are quite different, and you become gridlocked in your discussion because you just don’t agree on how things went. You talk more

about what each of your realities is, and, not seeing a mutually acceptable resolution, you agree to disagree. That’s not a bad thing, per se, but it’s not really a solution that is positive for or grows the relationship. To get that, you should also include transparency in your discussion.

Transparency involves stating your truth but also sharing the deeper emotional impact: you state how you see things and then how you feel as a result. That can help you get down to intent, and that’s part of what really matters in relationships. Continuing our example, let’s say you share with your spouse what you thought she was saying to you with her statements (head). Then, you share that her words offended you because they made you feel like you weren’t doing enough as a parent (heart). That gives her an opportunity to state that her intent was not to insult but rather open a discussion about how the two of you can form a better partnership in parenting, demonstrating a more united front.

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 Bellingrodt, Psy.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

For the full article, visit www. doctorbellingrodt.com.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with Helping Others Together (HOT) Community Foundation!

When: February 14, 2023 from 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Where: Tuscany Falls Ballroom @ PebbleCreek, Goodyear, AZ

The Party with a Purpose is HOT's primary fundraising event and supports our Sugar Plum Fairies program. Sugar Plum Fairies creates a magical Christmas for struggling children in the West Valley by bringing much needed clothing, hygiene essentials, and food to them and their families. The event’s Master of Ceremonies, actor and philanthropic-minded celebrity, RJ Mitte, who played the son of Walter White in Breaking Bad, will emcee guests through a reception and sit-down dinner, followed by a fun evening filled with casino games, a silent and live auction, and dancing.

HOT and RJ share philanthropic ideals. Growing up, RJ saved money each year to purchase Christmas gifts for needy children. Currently, he is a spokesman for people with disabilities. RJ educates and inspires others with cerebral palsy to see the disease not as a weakness but as a place of strength. When RJ heard about HOT's mission to provide help and hope for struggling children, he gratefully volunteered to emcee HOT's Party with a Purpose!

What an exciting opportunity to spend an evening with a like-minded celebrity and share time together while having the chance to improve life in the West Valley.

Scan the QR code to register today for the 2023 Valentine's Day Party with a Purpose! We look forward to seeing you there, Helping Others Together (HOT) Community Foundation

https://hotcommunityfoundation.org/events/valentines-2023/tickets/

Money Matters

If you’re interested in getting started with investing but you’re not sure what your first steps should be, you’re not alone. A recent survey by Magnifi found that one-third of Americans are planning to invest by themselves in 2023, but even though they want to invest on their own, nearly half of them (41%) don’t think they have the knowledge or confidence - and another onefourth of them (27%) don’t even know where to begin.

Fortunately, now it’s easier than ever to build a personalized investing plan and become a well-informed, confident investor backed by an investing assistant.

Here are some tips - and tools - to help you get started with investing this year.

1. Don’t be afraid to get started. Start small, with an investment that allows you to get a feel for the process of investing. Most brokerages offer fractional shares, which lets you dip your toe in when you’re just beginning. You can always add more investments as you further develop your plan and determine how much you want to invest over time.

2. Aim for diversification. This simply means not putting all your eggs in one investment basket. The truth is, diversification is easier than you may realize. You can accomplish this by buying a fund that holds a stock you’re interested in (as well as other investments) instead of just buying that single stock - or by adding a bond fund that will add fixed income and offset risk from equities investments. With an investment search engine, it can be easy to find a variety of investments and all the details about each investment to help you determine if it matches your goals.

3. Make a plan. Too often, investors will make one single purchase and never come back. Having an actual plan before getting started helps you determine how much you want to invest overall, and allows you to develop your strategy to invest regularly over time to take advantage of dollar cost averaging.

4. Invest in what you believe in. As you begin to realize how much more you can invest in, you might be surprised to find how easy it is to find investments that represent your personal values, such as social responsibility, and/or your interests (everything from electric vehicles to nanotechnology).

If 2023 is the year you plan to make investing a serious part of your financial future, try these tip. Remeber that any investment is a risk and you should only invest what you can afford.

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