Surprise Living From Your Neighbors, For Your Neighbors
Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine
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December 2023
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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 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com All contents © 2010-present day 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. 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.
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Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine
December 2023
From Me To You... The holidays can be a challenging time, family get togethers are wonderful but they also bring tension. All those personalities in one place can sometimes be more than one room can hold. The uncle who thinks he is funny, the cousin who boasts about everything, the sister you spend your life competing with, these are some of the characters that pop up in most people’s lives. It is so easy in life to see the worst in people, to lean towards the negative in a situation but this month I challenge you to find the glimmer. The opposite of a trigger. Those moments when happiness can shine through the gloom and spark joy not fear. Coined by Deb Dana, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in complex trauma, in her 2018 book “The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy,” “glimmers” refer to small moments when our biology is in a place of connection or regulation, which cues our nervous system to feel safe or calm. So now that Thanksgiving has passed, I challenge
you to use the next family gathering to find the good in people. Those moments that ‘glimmer’ with positivity and joy. Uncle Steven’s jokes may not hit the mark but he is bringing humor and life to the festivities. Your cousin may be boastful, but she is proud of her accomplishments and is looking for affirmation and acknowledgement. And that rivalry with your sister? Perhaps it is time for you to be the bigger person and let that animosity go - you will eventually feel better for it and at the very least you will have ‘won’ the best sister award for the night. In amongst all that positive thinking, save some for yourself. Look inside and see what you have improved on this year. Hold your head up at that family gathering, strong in the knowledge that you are the best version of yourself. That you may not be perfect, but you are a person worthy of love and understanding. Find the glimmer inside, and let it shine.
Catherine Uretsky
Editor, Surprise Living Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541
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Home Updates
If you’ve been thinking about making improvements to your home and dreaming of the possibilities, you may be imagining expensive renovations or a complete design overhaul. But the truth is, you can start with smaller projects that offer a big impact. For example, one simple but effective and budgetfriendly project that’s frequently overlooked is updating your window coverings. This easy upgrade can have a significant effect on the aesthetics, energy savings and even safety of your living spaces.
Here are four compelling reasons why you should consider updating your window coverings first. 1. Enhanced aesthetics. Window coverings serve as both functional and decorative elements, and they are highly visible both
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indoors and from the outside. You’ve probably already observed how outdated or worn-out curtains, blinds or shades can bring down the overall appearance of a room. By updating your window treatments, you can instantly infuse a fresh look that will complement your interior design style. 2. Improved energy efficiency. One smart move is upgrading to energy-efficient window attachment products. The products will help with regulate home’s indoor temperatures, as well as improving comfort for you and your family - while also helping to reduce your utility bills. 3. Ease of use. With today’s advanced technology, you can get even more out of your window coverings. Motorized and automated options with remote or smart home integration make adjusting your window treatments easier than ever, and you can even make adjustments right from your smartphone. As an added bonus, you can even close your blinds remotely while you’re away from your home, for additional security and privacy. 4. Safety improvements. Kids in the home? If you have corded window coverings, you may not realize that you have what the Consumer Product Safety Commission calls one of the “top hidden hazards in the home” as they may pose a strangulation risk to infants and young children. It’s important to take notice of the window coverings wherever children live or visit, and make necessary safety updates. Refreshing your window coverings can be a straightforward, quick and impactful first step in renovating any of the rooms in your home.
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December 2023
College Applications With many moving parts and high stakes involved, it’s essential to approach college applications with a well-thought-out plan. From planning to budgeting to submitting your application, here are seven tips for navigating the typical college application process.
* Create a timeline for your college application. When you begin applying, create a timeline with clear deadlines. This way, you’ll know when you need to finish each step and won’t get overwhelmed by the number of tasks ahead. * Identify key milestones related to your applications. Some schools offer Early Decision or Early Action options, with different deadlines from the standard decision deadline. * Research your schools. Not all colleges are a perfect fit. That’s why it’s important to find a school that aligns with your academic, personal and career goals. Dive into what makes each institution unique and how it may line up with your values and interests.
Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine
* Figure out your financial aid options. Note the cost of tuition as well as things like room and board, books and program fees. Look into whether the school offers scholarships, grants, financial aid or work-study opportunities. * Build a budget for your college applications. In most cases, there are costs involved, including school application fees, fees to send test scores and fees to send high school transcripts. * Prepare your application to help you stand out. Colleges will look at your test scores and GPA, but they also want to know more about who you are as a student and professional. * Submit your application to the school. As your deadlines approach, double-check your applications for accuracy and ensure you have all the materials you need. Take pride in knowing you’ve put your best foot forward. The college application process is an adventure, but with careful planning, you’ll find the perfect school that fits your goals for the future.
December 2023
5
Legal Advice
TRUSTING YOUR TRUST WILL WORK The proper use of a trust will allow your estate to avoid a court probate. Probates add administrative requirements such as giving notice to all heirs–even heirs you may be omitting from your estate plan. A trust allows one person to have centralized control to collect your assets, pay last bills and make the distributions the way you plan. A revocable trust can be amended and changed over time – as your goals for family or friends change. Trusts avoid the need for a court conservatorship when leaving money or property to minors, whether children or grandchildren. A court conservatorship is more costly and burdensome than a probate. Also, trusts can provide incentives for minors for education and employment.
Estate planning does not need to be complex or confusing. You deserve to have your questions answered when they arise. Our documents are drafted to provide the benefit of avoiding obstacles and disputes, whether you have multiple beneficiaries or one special heir.
Sharon Ravenscroft & M. Scott Rowan, Attorneys, The Cavanagh Law Firm, PA, Sun City and Phoenix offices, (623) 815-7451 or Sravenscroft@ CavanaghLaw.com; legal practice focused on Wills, trusts, probate and trust administration. For more information visit www.sharonravenscroft.com.
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December 2023
Covid Safety
Many people feel the need to shield their loved ones from harm’s way and preserve and protect what’s most precious - whether it’s a life partner, children, or elderly parents, and that includes protection from infectious diseases like COVID. Although COVID is no longer considered a public health emergency, it remains an ongoing health concern for Americans. However, COVID vaccine fatigue remains a major obstacle in maintaining immunity and keeping vaccination rates high. COVID vaccines play an important role in helping to protect people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and even dying from COVID. Vaccines are especially important for populations like the elderly and those with weakened immune systems who are at an increased risk for severe outcomes from COVID.
currently circulating variants,” said Dr. Jehan “Gigi” El-Bayoumi, MD, FACP, Founding Director, Rodham Institute and Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University School of Medicine. “I recommend that people discuss COVID vaccine options with their healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine the best option for them, including if you’re eligible to get other vaccines, like the flu shot, at the same time.” This season, updated COVID vaccine options are available, including protein-based and mRNA options. It’s important to know that people who received one type of COVID vaccine previously do not have to receive the same kind again. What you can do to help Choose to Protect * Learn more about vaccine options by visiting www.ChooseToProtect.com. * Download the discussion guide to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how to stay upto-date with COVID vaccination. * Share with your family and friends so they can also Choose to Protect.
“The good news is that we have COVID vaccine options available. As of September 2023, public Talk to your healthcare provider about the health officials stated they anticipate the updated COVID vaccine option that’s right for you COVID vaccines will be better at fighting
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Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine
December 2023
7
The Bug Guy
The December holidays are a time for joy, festivities, and quality time with loved ones. However, as we deck the halls and roast chestnuts on an open fire, uninvited guests may be scheming to crash our holiday parties – pests! Fear not, for I bring you a hilarious guide to keeping those pesky pests away during the most wonderful time of the year. First and foremost, let’s talk about the notorious Christmas tree invaders. These sneaky critters love to hitch a ride on your evergreen and unleash chaos in your living room. To combat this, we recommend performing a good oldfashioned Christmas tree shake-down. Vigorously shake that tree and watch as any creepy crawlers make a grand exit. Just make sure your pets are not startled in the process – the last thing you want is your furry friend playing fetch with a spider! While you’re busy putting up decorations, don’t forget to be vigilant against unwanted creepy crawlies that may take up residence in them. Check every nook and cranny for signs of pest infiltration. Imagine hanging mistletoe and finding yourself face-to-face with a spider instead of your significant other! Talk about an unexpected twist in your holiday romance.
souls can handle any pest predicament, and their extermination tales could rival the most gripping holiday blockbusters. Prepare yourself for stories about epic battles with legions of ants or daring squirrel rescues from chimneys. So, fellow festive folks, fret not about unwelcome critters dampening your holiday spirit. Armed with a sense of humor and these tips, you can chase away those pests and continue celebrating with a jolly heart and a bug-free home. After all, nothing ruins a holiday gathering like an unexpected visit by pests, unless, of course, you’ve invited Cousin Eddie – but that’s a whole other story! Remember, laughter is the best pest control strategy, so embrace the holiday season with a joyful spirit and a smile as you outwit those mischievous pests. Happy holidays and happy pest control adventures! Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control
Let’s not overlook the battle against those pesky fruit flies. They seem to have some magical teleportation powers and appear out of thin air once you’ve left some fruit out on the counter. To outsmart these tiny tricksters, we suggest engaging in a comical fruit fly swatting dance. Imagine yourself as a charming conductor, brandishing a fly swatter like a baton, orchestrating a symphony of fruit fly eviction. Finally, should your DIY pest control efforts fall short, it might be time to bring in the big guns – professional pest control experts. These brave 8
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December 2023
Invessng involves risk, including the potennal loss of principal. Any references to proteccon benefits, safety, security, lifeeme income, etc.]generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securiies or investment products. Insurance and annuity product guarantees are Estrella Publishing December 2023 9 backed-bySurprise the financialLiving strength magazine and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company
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December 2023
Giving
This holiday season is the perfect time to nurture your little one’s empathy, generosity, compassion and gratitude. Here are four ways, suggested by Joy Turner, Kiddie Academy’s Educational Child Care vice president of education, that parents can seize the holiday spirit and inspire it year round. Discuss the reason for the season Take some time this year to discuss what really makes this season special - quality time with loved ones and meaningful traditions. Consider holiday traditions you loved as a child and how you can share them with your own family. Maybe there’s a special recipe, craft or family outing that you always looked forward to. You can also use the occasion to create new traditions - this is a great opportunity to connect your children to their culture and family and foster a deeper sense of self. Encourage acts of kindness Encouraging children to perform acts of kindness is a great way to teach compassion and empathy. Try striking up a family conversation about
different ways you can show thoughtfulness to others, and invite your children to be active participants. After discussing, challenge them to put their ideas into action - it can be as simple as sharing their toys with siblings or friends or making homemade cards for a local nursing home. Fostering these practices of kindness builds children’s self-esteem and instills values that will last far beyond the holiday season. Redefine gift giving Inspire your children to actively participate in the gift-giving process - which doesn’t always have to include a physical object such as a toy or a gift. Giving can also involve discovering methods to bring joy to others through acts of kindness. For example, teach your children that they can display generosity by helping someone build their block tower or soothing a friend who’s sad. Practice gratitude Conversations of gratitude are often put off until families are gathered around the Thanksgiving table. Instead, try to make it a daily activity. Use this holiday season to kick off a family thankfulness practice. Over time, the practice will become a valuable habit that will continue to serve your children long after the holiday feasts have been eaten.
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Holiday Hosting Gathering together with your loved ones to enjoy the cheer and fun of the season is great, but don’t you wish there were ways to make it easier and less stressful to put on a festive celebration? Luckily, there are. You can have a blast hosting family and friends - and even enjoy the prep and cleanup - by following a few easy principles. Here are ideas for keeping your next holiday party merry and bright from start to finish. 1. Create the kind of party you’d want to attend Start by asking yourself what makes a party a success. Love getting dressed up and sitting down at a fancy table for a formal dinner? If so, that’s the kind of holiday party you should host. If not, think about what you’ve enjoyed at memorable celebrations from your past. What made it a hit? Was it a low-key, dress-as-youare party with cheerful music, kids’ crafts and informal games? Was the food simple but still tasty and comforting? Maybe there were party favors and gifts that were low-cost but silly and fun. Make a quick list of the high points from
different shindigs you’ve attended and see if you can include some of them in your party plan. The preparation will go much smoother and will be a whole lot more enjoyable when you’re entertaining in a way that you love. 2. Make it a family affair Get the whole family involved in party preparations by assigning tasks to kids that are appropriate according to their age level, such as making and putting up decorations, helping to create the perfect holiday playlist or decorating cookies. If you have friends who feel just like family, see if they’re willing to come early to help with the setup - and make sure to get them an extra-special holiday goody bag to thank them! 3. Designate specific party rooms Since it may not be possible to make every room in your home 100% clean for the party, make sure the central rooms are in good shape, then mark some rooms “off limits” for partygoers, using festive garlands or funny signs, asking people not to enter. If your front closet has no room for extra coats and bags, designate a guest room or office as a coat room so guests will know where to put their things when they arrive.
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4. Add festive decorations Create an immersive holiday atmosphere by decorating your entertaining space. Cover the room in festive decor, such as a decorated fireplace mantel, a special wall decked out in holiday lights, children’s artwork or a doorway framed in holiday greenery. The goal is to create a cheerful ambiance that delights your guests at every turn. Hosting during the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. Use these tips to help you relax and enjoy the cheer and fun of the season. December 2023
Yum Yum
This Savory Bread Pudding recipe is a perfect side dish for the holidays. The better the bread + cheese you use, the better this recipe comes out. You can also add pieces of ham, cooked bacon, or sausage if you like. Savory Bread Pudding Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees 1 tbs Butter 1 medium Onion (red, yellow or white), diced ½ tsp dried Oregano ½ tsp dried Thyme 1 tbs Olive Oil 8 ounces of Brown Mushrooms, wiped clean and sliced Salt + Pepper ¼ tsp Paprika 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper 2 Cups Milk 3 Large Eggs, beaten 2 tbs sliced Green Onion. 3-4 cups assorted Bread, cut into 1-2 inch cubes 2 cups mixed shredded cheese such as Provolone, Cheddar, Swiss, Gouda, Jack,
Parmesan, or whatever you have on hand. The more the merrier. Sautee onions in butter over medium-high heat. Add herbs and cook until onion is soft. Add the olive oil to the pan, turn up the heat and add mushrooms, cook stirring frequently about 3 minutes. Add ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, Paprika and Cayenne and remove from heat. Beat eggs thoroughly then add milk, ½ teaspoon salt and add green onions. Butter rectangle baking dish and arrange half the bread on the bottom. Top with the mushroom mix, and then half the cheese, then remainder of bread and top with the rest of the cheese. Pour milk mixture over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove cover and continue baking about another 10-15 minutes until custard is set. Don’t worry if some of the bread pieces start getting brown and crusty, it’s a good thing! Remove from oven and let sit about 5 minutes before serving. Serves 4.
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