Surprise Living

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.

From Me To You...

As another summer winds down and schools start back up for the fall did you find any relaxation in the last few months? I look back at the summer and see many people trying to cram as much as possible into their ‘free time’, when the children are home for long stretches and the days lengthen into endless possibilities. But do you really gain anything from all that forced activity? There is value in slowing down, taking it one day at a time, really appreciating the moments. This is probably the last year we will see our children come home for the summer and although I know there are many things we could have done we chose to just focus on a few things. We rewatched all the Indiana Jones movies in anticipation of seeing the latest (and most likely last) installment of the franchise. We set the goal of playing all the Indiana Jones Lego Wii games and getting the highest scores possible. We are taking a float down the Salt River with friends and that is about it.

To be honest that sounds like heaven to me. Having raced through so many summers ferrying kids from one summer camp to another. Making play dates at the pool and water parks, trying to

have the ‘best time’ is it really achievable anyway?

We took a trip to Disney World a few years ago and I planned every second of that trip. After 2 miserable days of forcing the kids from one ride to another I realized that there was no way to see everything so why was I making everyone stressed and miserable? At that point I gave up control and allowed the children to lead the way. Did they ride the Muppets 3D ride over and over again? Yes. Did they have the best time doing that? Absolutely!

I am so looking forward to my float trip in a few days, we can relax and catch up without social media or the pressure of having to be anywhere else. And in the meantime I think I will attack my ‘to-be-read’ pile of books; making a dent in that is as much pressure as anyone should have in the summer.

Catherine Uretsky Editor, Surprise Living Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541

Money Matters

Most investors are aware of the different types of stocks: big-company, small-company, technology, international and so on. And it may be a good idea to own a mix of these stocks as part of your overall investment portfolio. But the importance of diversification applies to bonds, too — so, how should you go about achieving it?

To begin with, individual bonds fall into three main types: municipal, corporate and government. Within these categories, you’ll find differences in the bonds being issued. For example, government bonds include conventional, fixed-rate Treasury bonds as well as inflation-protected ones, along with bonds issued by government agencies. Corporate bonds are differentiated from each other by several factors, but one important one is the interest rate they pay, which is largely determined by the credit quality of the issuer. Municipal bonds, too, are far from uniform. These bonds are issued by state and local governments to build or improve infrastructure, such as airports, highways, hospitals and schools.

How can you use various types of bonds to build a diversified bond portfolio? One method is to invest in mutual funds that invest primarily in bonds. But you can also diversify your bond holdings by owning a group of individual bonds with different maturities: short-, intermediate- and long-term. This type of diversification can help protect you against the effects of interest-rate movements, which are a driving force behind the value of your bonds. But by building a “ladder” of bonds with varying maturities, you can take advantage of different interest-rate environments. When market rates are rising, you can reinvest your maturing, shorter-term bonds at the new, higher rates. And when market rates are low, you’ll still have your longer-term bonds working for you.

A bond ladder should be consistent with your investment objectives, risk tolerance and financial circumstances. But if it’s appropriate for your needs, it could be a valuable tool in diversifying your bond holdings. And while diversification — in either stocks or bonds — can’t always guarantee success or avoid losses, it remains a core principle of successful investing.

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

Splish Splash

Bath time can sometimes feel like a daunting experience, especially for first-time parents. But bath time with your little ones is so much more than just another chore on the list. It provides parents the opportunity to bond with their child while making sure they’re happy and clean. With some expert advice you can turn bath time into a happy, developmental activity for the whole family. Bath time expert Ashley Sousa, registered nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Baby Magic ambassador, shares her top tips to help create a fun and relaxing bath time experience for babies and parents.

1. Choose the right bath time

Routine is essential to baby’s health. A daily routine helps baby transition into a rhythm, which in turn, helps them to feel comfortable and

secure. You can help your baby expect bath time by selecting a time in the day when they’re most relaxed and happy. Once you find a time that works best for your family, do your best to stick to it.

2. Create a bath time ritual

Establishing a bath time ritual creates cues that let your little one know it’s time to relax while you bathe them. As the tub fills, begin play time with your baby so they associate bath time with fun time. After a bath, dress them in their pajamas and enjoy some cuddle time so your little one feels calm and relaxed before you tuck them in.

3. Integrate bath toys

Babies love playing with toys, especially in the bathtub. Toys like rubber ducks, squirt toys or water scoops can make bath time fun and stimulating for baby. Having dedicated bath toys builds positive association with bath time so that your baby looks forward to getting squeaky clean. Be sure to pick out age-appropriate toys that are safe for your baby to use in water. Changing up bath toys from time to time can help keep them engaged during a bath.

4. Soothe fears with bubbles

Water can be a scary element for babies. The sound, temperature and sense of floating can startle them, making them feel unsettled or scared. Help soothe your little one’s fears by adding a playful element like bubbles.

5. Sing, talk and bond

Bath time is the perfect opportunity to bond with your little one. Talking and singing to them while they bathe can help them feel secure, entertained and loved. Try singing nursery rhymes, telling stories or simply talking to your baby. Your presence and voice will help them relax and make the time a more enjoyable experience. The sound of your voice will help you and your baby bond and create cherished memories to last a lifetime.

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.

Diabetes & Heart Health

Diabetes and heart disease have a direct connection, with the diabetic up to four times more likely to die from heart attack. The good news? It’s manageable, even preventable. High blood sugar is a known risk factor of heart disease, just like smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol increase the risk. Because it increases fatty material inside of our blood vessels, the danger of blockage is increased, along with the risk of heart attack or stroke. The vessels also become stiff and hard, making it easier for the fats to stick to the walls of the blood vessels. When a fat deposit hits a curve on its way into the heart, it’s more likely to cause a pile-up of other deposits behind it, much like a car accident at a freeway stack. But there’s another risk most aren’t aware of. Those with diabetes tend to develop heart disease at a younger age than those without the condition.

Diabetes has some rather frightening implications, but Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. Blood sugar levels can be reduced with healthier eating choices, increased physical activity and medications if necessary. Walking

or running are great examples of physical activity, and a great place to stretch those legs is at Sun Health Foundation’s 5K for Women’s Health on Sunday, Sept. 24, at Surprise Stadium. Participation not only supports your health and the women you love but also benefits diabetes prevention education and self-management programs through Sun Health Wellness. To register, visit SunHealthFoundation.org/5K

So why is it important to support diabetes prevention and management programs for women? Diabetes is a serious health concern for women. Did you know that nearly 1 in every 9 adult women is living with diabetes and that a diabetes diagnosis raises women’s risk of heart disease FOUR TIMES? Preventing diabetes is critical, although when that’s not possible, management is the key to prolonging life. Keeping the women in our lives informed and supported is positively life changing.

Submitted by Barbara Mason, Sun Health Vice President of Home and Community Based Services

The Bug Guy

Ah, August in the West Valley. The scorching sun, the melting pavement, and the delightful company of every pest imaginable. It’s like a summer party where the guests never leave! But fear not, because we have the superheroes of pest control ready to save the day. And let me tell you, their hilarious encounters with these critters are truly a sight to behold.

First up on the list of unwanted guests are the relentless ants. These tiny troops invade with bold confidence, acting like they own the place. But little do they know; the pest control experts are ready to put on their tactical gear and engage in the battle of a lifetime. It’s like watching a miniature ant war, complete with tiny ant-sized tanks and strategic maneuvers. The pest control professionals march in, armed with their arsenal of ant-killing sprays and gels, shouting, “For the glory of ant free living! It’s a comical sight that will leave you rooting for the humans in this epic clash of ant vs. exterminator.

But let’s not forget about the most audacious guest of all – the dreaded scorpion. These stingers seem to have an uncanny ability to appear out of thin air, sending chills down our spines. Yet, the pest control professionals fearlessly enter the battlefield armed with Flowzone Typhoon 2.5 backpacks, as if on a scorpion hunt in the wild. It’s like witnessing a bizarre version of Ghostbusters, where the exterminators are equipped with proton packs

specifically designed to kill these arachnid villains. And just when you think they’ve caught them all, one sneaky scorpion manages to escape their clutches, resulting in a chase scene worthy of an action-comedy film.

As the August heat intensifies and the pests multiply in the West Valley, let’s take a moment to appreciate the comedic side of pest control. Our brave exterminators embrace the heat as they fulfill their role as pest-fighting comedians, turning what could be a nightmare-worthy situation into a sidesplitting spectacle. With their ingenious gadgets, amusing battle cries, and comic mishaps, they can transform the battle against pests into a source of laughter and amusement.

So, my fellow West Valley dwellers, whenever those unwanted visitors come knocking at your door this August, remember to call upon the help of our pest control heroes. Sit back, watch the show, and let the laugh-filled battle against pests light up your summer days. After all, laughter is the best defense against even the peskiest of intruders!

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control, Estrella resident

Our Emotional Support Dog Vader

We Need You!

Helping Others Together Community Foundation (HOT) is looking for YOU!

HOT is an Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization made up of neighbors, businesses, and friends who care about struggling children and their families in the West Valley. During the holiday season, HOT’s Sugar Plum Fairies program creates magical Christmases by providing wrapped gifts of clothing, hygiene essentials, toys for the children, and grocery gift cards for the parents.

Since HOT’s inception in 2019, 400 children have benefited from the Sugar Plum Fairies program. It is estimated that between 250-275 children will be selected as recipients this year.

HOT is a 100% volunteer organization. We cannot do what we do without the generous donation of time by our volunteers. And HOT is looking for volunteers! Whether you choose to organize our fundraising events, shop for the children, coordinate auction activities, have a knack for decorating, or serve on a number of

other committees, HOT needs YOU!

Check out the number of volunteer opportunities available now. You’ll be inspired by your time with other HOT volunteers, and have fun too!

Scan here to learn more -

Genuinely yours, Susanna Bressner Community Outreach Team Lead

Email: susannab@HOTCommunityFoundation. org

Phone: (217) 377-7254

Website: HOTCommunityFoundation.org

Back To School

There’s something special about this time of year, no matter how old you are - with plenty of excitement and anticipation as the next school year approaches, mixed with just a little anxiety about the upcoming changes. Parents and kids of all ages, especially those who are college-bound, can sometimes feel overwhelmed by everything that needs to happen to be ready for this big transition. Fortunately, you can make preparing for the upcoming academic year a lot easier with some tips and tools to help everyone stay on track during the shift from summer to school mode.

1. Tackle time management

One of the biggest shifts from the lazy days of summer back to school again is keeping on top of everyone’s schedules. A tried-and-true tactic is to create and post one big family calendar where everyone can see it. That way everyone can add their appointments, extracurricular activities and upcoming events so the whole family knows what to plan for and look forward to each week. Try using color-coded markers so everyone knows which events are for which family member.

2. Make mealtimes easier

Preparing nutritious meals for kids takes some advance planning, so it’s a good idea to print out a useful tool like a printable meal chart from TwoPeasAndTheirPod.com. Involve kids in the planning by asking what they want to eat for each meal, while introducing different colors based on each of the food groups to show them what a balanced meal looks like.

3. Get ready for the move to campus

For college students, the move away from home can be a real test of their organizational abilities. Help ensure they’ll have what they need by printing a list of everything they think they’ll have to pack for the big move. Once their list is complete, they can print out their finalized list for shopping and crossing off items they’ve already purchased. They can also help reduce the homesickness they’re bound to feel their first year away from home by printing out pictures of beloved family members (and pets) from their phone so they can always have loved ones with them, while also making a welcome addition to their dorm room decor.

With these tools and tactics, you should all feel better prepared for the changes to come.

Yum Yum

Taco Puffs

I got this Taco Puffs recipe from a friend years ago. I still make these cheesy sandwiches regularly for dinner alongside a steaming bowl of soup or a fresh green salad. Any leftovers taste even better the next day for lunch. A helpful hint: Plain refrigerated biscuits seal together better than buttermilk types.

—Jan Schmid, Hibbing, Minnesota

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup chopped onion

1envelope taco seasoning

2 tubes (16.3 ounces each) large refrigerated flaky biscuits

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, 5-7 minutes, breaking into crumbles; drain. Add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions. Cool slightly.

2. Flatten half the biscuits into 4-in. circles; arrange on greased 15x10x1-in. baking pans. Spoon 1/4 cup meat mixture onto each circle; sprinkle each with 1/4 cup cheese. Flatten remaining biscuits; place over filling and pinch edges to seal tightly.

3. Bake until golden brown, 12-15 minutes.

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Thank you Estrella

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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