Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
January 2019
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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 623.594.9283 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. 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
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January 2019
From Me To You... I asked my Dad once, what was the invention during his life that he thinks changed the world the most. Now bear in mind that since he was born we have nuclear reactors, disposable diapers, space travel, car seat belts, disposable contact lenses and microwave ovens. His answer? The internet. He believes that it has radically changed everything it has touched. And he could be right.
The world is constantly changing and evolving and we need to keep up. I spent a very frustrating morning recently helping my dad ‘keep up’ with technology. He loves to have the latest and greatest but unfortunately doesn’t always understand how to use all the gadgets he acquires. You don’t know frustration until you have to help someone in their 70’s install a video doorbell from 6,000 miles away. If it wasn’t for the internet I couldn’t have looked up the instructions and video-chatted with him until we got it sorted out. So perhaps he is right on that one. He was also one of the first pensioners to purchase the ‘new fangled’ Apple computer. And I-Phone - although he only turns it on to make
phone calls. Along with these purchases Dad also opted to join the Apple Care program, where they hold classes to teach you everything you need to know, and offer unlimited help in the store for the first year. Anyone who knows Apple stores knows that they feature a lot of glass windows and walls. Dad told me that he went in so many times for help that when they saw him strolling towards the store, computer in hand, they would scatter. He thought it was very amusing because he could see them too. Our first Facetime was over Christmas a few years ago and Dad was very proudly showing relatives in America and the UK how amazing his tech was. Wonderful use of the internet. Until he decided that he couldn’t hear me over all the noise so he held the phone up to his ear to improve the connection. The technology was so amazing we could see the individual hairs in his ear canal. At the beginning of a new year I always wonder what marvels will appear in our lives. In ‘73 it was cell phones, in the late 80’s the world wide web, once those two came together everything changed. What is on the horizon for us in our future? I am still holding out for the Hover Boards promised on Back to the Future, assuming I will be young enough to use one when they finally get here! Catherine Uretsky Editor, The Hamlet magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623-594-9283 Photo credit for our cover goes to Brian Kelly, he managed to capture the wildlife in our backyard beautifully.
Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
January 2019
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Home Sweet Home Whether you’re selling in a few months or a few years, there is one strategy that gets noticed in real estate markets across the United States: green home improvements. Green homes can sell faster and for more money than comparable houses without eco-friendly features. Better yet, green homes are increasingly in demand. What are some of the most in-demand features that can boost your home’s value now and prepare it for a higher sales price in the future? Here are five improvements to consider to green your home and help it stand out from the competition. Solar panels: Solar panels are extremely attractive to buyers who like that a system is already in place, and they can simply move in and enjoy the benefits. Plus, there’s a $5,911 resale increase per installed kilowatt, according to the USGBC, which means a 3.1 kilowatt system could improve your home’s resale value by about $18,000.
Landscaping and treescaping: Strategically planting trees and shrubbery can provide bountiful ecofriendly benefits. During the hot months, shade from trees and other large plants can help keep a home cooler, so your HVAC systems don’t have to work as hard. During cold months, these same plants can serve as windbreaks, cutting those chilly gusts and helping protect your home from heat loss. Smart thermostat: Savvy homeowners looking to get the most out of green home improvements during resale should consider a smart thermostat. These types of thermostats go beyond simple programming and are able to analyze home usage trends, make energy-efficient setting suggestions, and can be controlled remotely. When it comes time to sell, these updates are sure to capture the attention of the modern homebuyer.
Smart water-leak detection: Home water leaks waste 1 trillion gallons of water per year, according to the EPA. Fixing detectable leaks is a no-brainer, but what about hidden leaks? Use intelligent-water technology like the Phyn Plus smart water assistant + shutoff, which is installed on the main water line after the meter. Not only can you target invisible water leaks and make repairs to reduce your water footprint, but the device also shuts off the water in an emergency, so you never have to worry about damage from things like a burst pipe. New windows: Heat gain and loss through windows are responsible for 25 to 30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy use, according to the U.S. Energy Department, which recommends looking for the Energy Star label and reviewing ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council.
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January 2019
Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is popping up everywhere, poised to be a top food trend in the new year. You may have seen it on the menu of your favorite coffeehouse or in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store, but what exactly is cold brew coffee, and why are people raving about it? Cold brew coffee is commonly confused with iced coffee, but the name comes from how it’s brewed rather than how it’s served. Cold brew coffee is slowly steeped in cold water using coarsely ground coffee beans. While you can brew a pot of traditional hot coffee in a few minutes, cold brew takes hours - 12 or more - to achieve the signature result.
aroma yet only dissolve in hot water. The cold brew method doesn’t extract the bright flavors associated with these acids but extracts the rich chocolate and caramel notes that result in the rich and smooth beverage with a difference that you can taste. Cold brewing from scratch at home can be quite the task, but that doesn’t mean you must choose between expensive coffeehouse cold brew and cold brewing at home. The smooth, rich taste of cold brew can be savored by itself all year long. The caramel and chocolate notes extracted are characteristic features of cold brew and not something you’ll naturally find using other coffee brewing methods.
When you taste a high-quality cup of cold brew coffee, the difference is apparent. Coffee made using the cold brew method has a smoother, naturally sweeter result that tastes less acidic than traditional hot-brewed coffee. The reason for this is the solubility of the organic acids inherent in coffee are extracted at higher brewing temperatures. The organic acids are a signature aspect of hot-brewed coffee’s flavor and
Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
January 2019
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Vacation Savings Looking to spend time away without spending a ton of money? Your wanderlust doesn’t have to directly compete with your desire to save. With a few smart tips and tricks, you can cut costs and make the most out of your trip. These seven savings strategies make travel more accessible, enjoyable and affordable than ever before. 1. Pre-pay your hotel stay and save: Plan ahead to get the best rates at hotels. 2. Shop and purchase tickets in advance: Consider researching tickets for museums, tours, amusement parks and other travel activities to see if advanced purchase discounts are available. 3. Create a balance between eating in and eating out: Other travel expenses beyond
the hotel rate are also worth considering. The cost of dining out, particularly for a family, adds up. The convenience of having a fully equipped kitchen at your fingertips helps you save money. Additionally, look for hotels that offer onsite complimentary breakfasts. 4. Bring along furry family members: Boarding pets or hiring a pet sitter can add up quickly. If your hotel is pet-friendly, that can be a big savings, plus Fluffy or Fido will be there with you making memories that last long after your trip has ended. 5. Focus on the essentials you’ll need during your stay: Other hotel necessities to seek out include free Wi-Fi with enhanced speeds, premium cable and on-premise laundry facilities. 6. Be flexible on timing: Weekend rates are typically higher than other days of the week, so consider adjusting your stay when possible or staying longer to take advantage of cheaper rates. Some hotels offer length-of-stay discounts, even during peak travel periods like school breaks and holidays. 7. Take advantage of other discounts and rewards: Hotels and attractions often have a variety of discounts available, so the simple step of asking could unleash hidden savings for seniors, military and government personnel, and even group rates. Even if you don’t qualify for a special category discount, look into hotel, restaurant and general rewards programs available to anyone. One useful example is the Extended Perks program that does away with points and instantly gives members great savings on hotel stays, rental cars, theme parks, entertainment, dining and more so guests can save more while doing more. Guests can join for free today and start saving immediately via ESA.com, as well as take their savings with them when they travel by downloading the mobile app.
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January 2019
Kids & Pets
Kids instinctively love animals. Children begin learning about animal species, their habitats and behavior during elementary school, and this is when children also become more interested and involved in caring for family pets. They may even become pet owners for the first time at this age. Learning about animal care is fun for kids, while also teaching them life lessons about empathy, compassion and responsibility. Here are five important facts that children need to know about pet care. * All pets need water Water is essential for every pet, every day (some even live in water). Keep water dishes or bottles clean so their water is always good to drink.
them from escaping. Whatever habitat your pet requires, it’s important to keep it clean and give them toys to entertain them. * Pets need socializing Just like people, pets can get lonely. Dogs need lots of human time, and walks to go to the bathroom and exercise. While cats seem like loners, they’re actually quite social. Even a cat who doesn’t want to cuddle may sit nearby. Fish or gerbils are more contented with the presence of an animal of the same species. Adopting two pets together can prevent loneliness. * Just like you, pets need check-ups Finally, most pets need regular check-ups. Vet visits can be costly, so before becoming a pet owner, make sure you’re prepared. Pet ownership is a serious responsibility - their health and care is now up to you. Understanding these important facts about pet care for each type of animal can help every family find the right pet. According to the ASPCA, about 3.2 million cats and 3.3 million dogs are brought to shelters each year. Whenever you’re looking for a pet, remember that there are always many more available than human families to give them homes.
* Pets need particular food While some (like rabbits) eat fresh vegetables like you, most pets don’t thrive on people food. Feeding them scraps from your plate is not a good idea, as some food might be bad for them. * Each pet needs a different habitat While cats or dogs share our homes, others require special houses. Fish need aquariums with water that’s filtered, at the correct temperature. Smaller pets need cages - they’re not litter-trained, and they’re small enough to get lost in your house. Reptiles need glass enclosures called “vivariums” and require heat to be comfortable. Birds need cages to prevent Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
January 2019
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January 2019
Winter Driving Americans are more than twice as likely to drive as fly this year, according to Hankook Tire’s Gauge Index Survey. Wherever you are headed, bank on busy roads. Check out these five tips to ensure everything for your trip is well-oiled, wellmaintained and, well, worry-free this winter:
1) Check the tires Before settling in behind the wheel, don’t forget to look at your tires. Insert the penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down - if you can see all of his head, it’s time to replace your tires. 2) Stay tuned It’s also a good idea to give your entire car a quick checkup before taking any road trip. Look under the hood to ensure adequate fluid levels, including antifreeze and wiper fluid; check the headlights, taillights and brake lights to be sure no bulbs are burned out; inspect windshield wipers for signs of wear; and make sure there is air in your spare tire.
Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
3) Pack prepared Keeping an emergency kit in the car is always a good idea, especially if you’re driving toward inclement weather. A roadside emergency kit should include first-aid materials, as well as tools that can help in the event of an unexpected breakdown. Be sure you have jumper cables, flashlights and roadside flares, as well as drinking water and non-perishable snacks. 4) Map your route While nearly a quarter of Americans have built-in navigation in their vehicles, it’s still a good idea to scout your route before putting the car in drive. 5) Get in the groove A solid road trip soundtrack still wins as the top road trip entertainment for nearly half of Americans. Set your playlist before getting in the car, and make sure it can last the length of your road trip ... and then some, in case you do end up in a traffic jam. Keep your winter travels worry-free with these tips, and here’s to smooth sailing - or rather, driving - all season long!
January 2019
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Sports Pain
Pain is a part of everyday life for active Americans - whether as a result of their athletic pursuits or due to silly mishaps. Though pain can occur in the blink of an eye, it can linger for years and prevent sufferers from fully enjoying the sports and exercises they so love. Ben Shear, performance trainer and Golf Digest fitness advisor, shares his tips on how to minimize and treat pain resulting from physical activity, so you can get back to performing at your best. 1. Warm Up No matter the physical activity you’re partaking in, it is crucial to properly warm up to avoid injury and minimize pain. A good warm-up should increase core body temperature, making the muscles more receptive to stretching, and stretching keeps the muscles pliable and mobile.
2. Stock Up When aches and injuries strike, it’s important to have items on hand that can combat pain quickly so that you can stay in the game. Be sure to stock up on a quick and effective topical pain reliever, like ThermaCare Ultra Pain Relieving Cream. 3. Massage Up Sure, massages are a great way to unwind, but they can also aid with managing pain. Massages can help muscles recover, stimulate blood circulation and alleviate local inflammation to improve mobility and flexibility. 4. Fuel Up Hydration is crucial when it comes to muscle and joint recovery; however, water isn’t the only fuel source to consider. The foods and drinks we consume can have a direct effect when it comes to minimizing muscle and joint pain post-exercise. Low-fat chocolate milk has the ideal recovery ratio of carbs to protein (4:1), so it can aid in faster muscle recovery. Nuts and seeds, as well as fish like salmon, contain omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation. Moreover, they’re packed with lean protein - a key element of muscle restoration. 5. Switch it Up Yes, you’re a golfer, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore other types of physical activity to up your performance on the course. By introducing other types of workouts, like swimming and running, you’ll utilize different muscles and allow overused muscle groups a chance to heal and recover. Moreover, core and flexibility training can actually help you improve your athleticism, whether on the golf course or the basketball court.
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For the 78 percent of people that participate in physical activity once or more a week, aches and pains are inevitable. Luckily, being equipped with thorough preparatory and recovery plans can make all the difference when it comes to getting back to feeling and performing your best. For more information, visit ThermaCare.com. January 2019
Immunity Boost While flu shots and rest are common advice for prevention, a strong immune system is critical to keeping you healthy all year long. According to Margaret Martin, a Registered Dietitian at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, “Your body’s ability to fight infection and disease depends on your immune system. Boosting your immune system during and after cancer treatment can help you feel better, maintain your strength, avoid treatment delays and speed your recovery. This goes for anyone fighting an illness, or preventing one.” Margaret offers these tips to help boost your immune system and keep it running smoothly. Choose foods first as your source of vitamins and nutrients. Unless your healthcare team directs you to take a vitamin or supplement, you likely do not need one. Make sure your meals incorporate a variety of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, legumes, beans, lean protein and healthy fats. Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to stay energized and to ensure your body is getting enough calories, proteins and nutrients. In addition, drinking eight to 10 glasses of fluids every day is one of the most effective ways to flush waste from your body and support the health of your immune system. Fruits, vegetables and other plants contain naturally Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
occurring substances known as phytochemicals. Phytochemicals give fruits and vegetables their color and flavor. Phytochemicals act as soldiers in the immune system to protect the body from damage. Studies show that phytochemicals help support the: * Immune system * Creation of healthy cells * Death of damaged cells (such as cancer cells) It can be harder for a malnourished body to fight off an illness or infection. Follow these tips to reduce your risk of malnutrition during cancer treatment: * Choose a variety of foods each week from all the food groups. Eat regularly throughout the day, every four to six hours. Even if you do not feel hungry, try to have a snack or mini meal. If you forget to eat, try setting a timer. * Include a protein source with every meal and most snacks. In addition to using nutrition to boost your immune system, you can also make changes to your lifestyle to help support health and immunity. These include: * Decrease your exposure to bacteria, viruses and germs. * Aim for 7 hours or more of sleep every night. If your sleep is interrupted, try a 30-minute nap during the day. * Reduce stress by taking time to do things you enjoy such as spending time with family, spending time outdoors or reading. If your feelings of anxiety or depression make it difficult for you to complete daily tasks, talk to your healthcare team. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offers PearlPoint Nutrition Services to all cancer patients and caregivers, providing free nutrition education and consultations. Visit www.LLS.org/ nutrition for more information. January 2019
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Financial Checks Now is an ideal time to reflect on your financial plan and review your savings and investing approach. Before you say goodbye to 2018, take these steps to maximize your savings and help position your portfolio for the coming year: 1) Max out retirement savings: To help build your savings, it’s a good idea to take full advantage of your employee retirement plan, at least to the point of any employer match. You can also use lump sums, like an annual bonus, to give your savings a boost. Also, if you’re age 50 or over, you are allowed to add another $6,000 in catchup contributions, for a total of $24,500 a year in your 401(k). 2) Rebalance your portfolio: With the increased turbulence in the stock market recently, it’s possible your investment portfolios have strayed from their original target asset allocation. Rebalancing simply means selling positions that have become overweight in relation to your target allocation and moving the proceeds to positions that have become underweight. This can be especially important for people nearing or in retirement, who might not be able to withstand sudden volatility.
contribute to one - consider opening one. You can set aside money in an HSA, free of federal taxes, to pay for qualified medical expenses like doctor visits and prescription medications. If you already have an HSA, try to contribute the annual maximum For 2018, those in high-deductible health-insurance plans can sock away as much as $3,450 before taxes. For families, the figure is $6,900, and those age 55 and older can contribute an additional $1,000. It’s easy to deprioritize your investments, but taking the time to evaluate your success and consider unexplored opportunities can put you on a better path for the coming years. To stay on the right track and make sound financial decisions over time, it’s also important to get a written financial plan in place. For help creating or updating a financial plan, visit a Charles Schwab branch.
3) Take advantage of lesser-known savings strategies: If your employer offers a Health Savings Account (HSA) - and you qualify to
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January 2019
New Year Plans Let’s face it, while the holiday season was wonderful in so many ways, it also took a toll on our health. The days of excessive eating, drinking and sedentary positions, did nothing for our waistline or energy levels. In fact, the holidays made it easy to fall out of our healthy routines. Gym memberships went on hiatus and physical exercise was almost nonexistent. But don’t worry, it’s a new year and time for a fresh start! Perhaps you’d like to forge a new path, stay active and incorporate a bit more activity into your life. The gym is great but what about the rest of the hours in your day? It’s absolutely possible to create an active lifestyle and you don’t have to do it alone. Incorporate the entire family into your plan! Here are a few ways you can keep your mind and body active whether you hit the gym or not…
and easy wall push-ups in the hallway. 1 minute at each station and you’ll have the group energized to start their day. Clean the house contest – Chores are a great way to burn calories and if you incorporate a little competition, everyone wins! Friday Night Dance Offs – Who has the best moves? You? Your significant other? The kids? Put their skills to the test and settle the score once and for all. Making it a weekly challenge will motivate everyone to work on their moves! Breathe – While it may not be a physical activity, breathing is a must to keep your mind healthy. Carve out as little as 2 minutes to practice taking deep breaths in and out your nose. Close your eyes and count to 5 on the inhales and 5 on the exhales. Breathing can help you relax and serve as a reminder to be present in the moment. Don’t sweat the small stuff! Submitted by Sarah Merkle, an author, health coach, yoga teacher, and motivational speaker of Zen4.
Take a quick walk – Sometimes we skip the opportunity to go for a walk because we feel we have to gear up – change clothes, put on the right shoes, or wrap-up what we were working on. But don’t over complicate it! Even taking a short 5-minute walk outside or even around the house can get your muscles and mind stimulated. Resist the temptation to only spend time with family and friends sitting – suggest everyone gets up and take a walk together. Kitchen yoga – Don’t worry, you won’t need your yoga mat for this one. For those of you who spend stints in the kitchen, take advantage of the time you spend standing to work on posture, balance, strength, and even your core! Tree pose, chair pose, or mountain pose can all be done while you wait for the dinner bell to ring. Family circuit training – The reality is, it can be challenging to get the whole family to the gym. Consider putting together a fun and creative obstacle or circuit training course that both adults and kids can participate in. Gentle squats in the kitchen, leg lifts from the couch in the living room, Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
January 2019
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Winter Style
With cold weather already here, the winter season has officially started early for most Americans. As the weeks drag on, it’s the perfect time to refresh your style. But there’s no need to splurge on an entirely new closet full of clothes. Here are a few simple tricks to help you cure your winter wardrobe blues and invigorate your sense of fashion: Look to social media With so many fashion bloggers, it’s easy to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. Search Instagram for fashion bloggers that match your style - bonus points if they live in your area and share outfit inspiration that matches your current climate. These fashion gurus also often share sales and discounts that can help save you money when something catches your eye. Color coordinate your accessories If you’re bored of your basic, neutral pieces, energize your outfit by choosing a color theme for your accessories. For example, match red shoes to a pair of statement red earrings in an otherwise
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all-black ensemble or step up a sweater and jeans with a colorful printed scarf. Bold, bright colors reflect your personality. Animal prints and stripes can create an edgy, eclectic look. The possibilities are endless when you start to experiment with accessories and mix it up. Declutter your closet Many people stand in front of a closet full of clothes every morning but can’t find anything they want to wear. If this is you, it’s time for a closet overhaul. Spend a day going through every item of clothing you own. Keep what you love and wear regularly and donate the rest. You’ll be amazed at how refreshed you feel. Invest in new pieces Once you get rid of the clutter, you’ll have a better understanding of what you need. A few updated pieces can take you far. If your winter boots are looking tired and worn out, try a new style. If you donated all your jeans, shop for the perfect pair to add to your collection. You may be counting down the days until spring, but these tips will help you get through another stretch of cold weather. For more information on how to refresh your style and home, visit lg.com.
January 2019
Flu Risks
During the 2017-2018 influenza (flu) season, nearly 80,000 people died and more than 950,000 people were hospitalized due to flu and flu-related illnesses, and less than four in 10 U.S. adults were vaccinated against flu, fewer than in previous years, according to the CDC. While those who are vaccinated may still get the flu, the vaccine helps prevent serious complications that may result in hospitalization, loss of independence or even death. It is particularly important for people with certain chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease to receive an annual flu vaccine, as they are at higher risk for flurelated complications. Surprisingly, there is low awareness of the connection between chronic health conditions and serious flu-related complications. A new survey from NFID revealed that: * Less than a quarter of U.S. adults recognize that people with heart disease and diabetes are
at greater risk for flu-related complications, and awareness is significantly less for people of color than white respondents. * Less than 20 percent of U.S. adults are aware that heart attack, worsening of diabetes, stroke and disability can occur as potential complications of flu. The dangers are real. Research shows that individuals with heart disease are up to 10 times more likely to have a heart attack within three days of flu infection and people with diabetes are at six times increased risk of flu-related hospitalization. “Flu causes inflammation in the body that can result in serious complications,” said Albert Rizzo, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, American Lung Association. “For the more than 31 million people living with lung disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, flu can worsen their condition and lead to a loss of lung function.” More information on the connection between flu and serious complications for those with certain chronic health conditions can be found at www. nfid.org/flu-chronic-health-conditions.
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January 2019
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Home Decor
Tips for using metals in home decor While trends in home decor often change, there is one constant design feature that continues to shine, literally: metals. Today, homeowners can find creative ways to incorporate a regal touch that produces a timeless look with modern appeal. Take the Temperature A first step in implementing metallic decor is understanding the temperature of the metals. Think of brass, copper and gold as warm, while silver and aluminum are cooler, and cast iron or black metals are neutral. When you couple up a warm metal with a cool metal, you’re golden. As a thought starter, step into the kitchen and balance copper or gold fixtures with stainless steel appliances. Heavy Metal Mixing It can be daunting to mix metals the right way, but understanding general rules can open the doors to creative approaches. A key tip is to avoid mixing the same color family - such as gold
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and brass, or nickel and silver. Rather, choose one metal that can serve as the dominant and another to complement it - remembering your temperatures. And, don’t be afraid to blend the same metal with different finishings to diversify the theme and pull a room together. The Gilded Age of Flooring Achieving the golden look isn’t done through metallic finishes alone. One way to bring the shine to a room is with flooring like Lumber Liquidators’ Gilded Reserve Chestnut, which reveals hints of a glimmering gold stain through its lightly wirebrushed chestnut base. Pairing decorations and fixtures with the sophisticated backdrop of a unique floor design creates an elegant space that’s rich in style. Add Elements of Luxury A smart way to use metals is to go for the subtle shine. Simple and strategic touches of metal can bring a big impact, such as in picture frames, drawer pulls or door handles, and sink fixtures. You can also add a bit of regal to a room with accents on furniture or other fabric items such as pillowcases or throws, and kitchenware on display. A Gold Medal for Metal Metallics in home decor are as durable and lasting as the elements themselves. Incorporating the shine of brass, the sleek of silvers and the burnish of bronze can give your home an opulent and refined look.
January 2019
Financial Planner A recent study finds that 52 percent of American households are at risk of not being able to carry their current lifestyle into retirement. The estimated retirement savings shortfall amounts to roughly $6.4 trillion. Many adults today actually know little about retirement planning because they weren’t educated on the topic during high school or college. For example, many people don’t realize that an individual retirement account, continuously funded at $3,000 per year - starting at age 20 and based on an estimated rate of return of 8 percent - will yield $1.16 million when they retire at age 65. That same account - started at age 30 instead - will only yield $517,000 at age 65. All of this underscores the importance of being smart with your retirement planning and adjusting your strategy based on your age. A good financial planner can help you do all of that. The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors offers these tips. * Look for a planner who is a fiduciary. Planners who are fiduciaries have a duty of loyalty to their
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clients and a duty of care. The duty of loyalty means they must always consider their clients’ interests above their own, even if that interest negatively impacts their own income.
* Focus on experience. Your retirement future isn’t something you want to leave to someone without the proper credentials. Look for planners with the CFP(R) certification. This certification means a financial planner has met rigorous professional standards and has agreed to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism and diligence. * Are they compatible with you? This last quality is certainly one of the most important. How comfortable does the planner make you feel? As you speak, do you feel the planner understands your goals and is a person you could trust longterm? Over the course of your relationship you will share plenty of personal information with your planner, and entrust them with your financial future. Listen to your gut and choose a planner you feel comfortable with. Visit NAFPA.org for more consumer resources on how to find the right planner for you today.
January 2019
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Puzzles & Games
2 Sudokus for January - Medium & Hard
Medium
Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck! Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
1
5 9
3
8
7
1
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9
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5
2 6 9
4
4
1
1 6
8
8 2
3
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6 6
Hard
2
9
1
4
1
2
9
3
6
6 9 1
6 5
4
8 1
2
6
4
8 5
8
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1 2
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18 Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
January 2019
Business Directory HOUSEHOLD SERVICES
ADVERTISING The Hamlet - Estrella Publishing
623.594.9283
AUTO SERVICES A Plus Auto Repair Daniels Total Car Care Litchfield Auto Repair
623.986.1586 623.873.0949 623.882.8700
BUSINESS & EDUCATION Estrella Partners Group Odyssey Prep Academy
623.594.9283 623.329.1757
FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES Farmers Insurance - P Lorenz Palm Valley Tax & Bookkeeping State Farm Insurance - T Gremillion The Insurance Lady - M Wilson
623.933.4312 623.329.5170 602.352.6683 480.370.1014 623.910.5183 623.977.6725 623.247.9252 623.925.5427 623.363.3536 602.377.1999 623.487.3147 623.487.3130
LANDSCAPE & POOL CARE 623.925.9411 623.512.4880 623.386.7767 602.799.8410
HEALTHCARE & BEAUTY Healthy Life Family Medicine Mariposa Point of Algodon Center PebbleCreek Medical Group Skincare Extraordinaire
Albrecht & Sons Al’s Plumbing Atlantic Relocation Systems Beckham Electric Desired Handyman Dirt Busters House Cleaning JBS Roofing J&H Appliance Repair SW Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning Urgent Air Younger Brothers Exterminating Younger Brothers Plumbing
623.889.3477 623.934.4411 623.332.2144 623.826.3726
Pool & Landscape AZ
480.9993348
RECREATION Elutheria Wellness Center
623.986.5110
RETAIL & RESTAURANTS Estrella Ordnance Haymaker Restaurant Co Pure Patio The Textured Closet
623.262.2154 623.536.9000 623.299.8000 925.494.1104
PLANS TO MEET YOUR EVER CHANGING NEEDS
■ Automobile insurance ■ Home insurance ■ Call to see if you can save
PAUL LORENZ Your Local Agent 15655 W Roosevelt St, Suite 237, Goodyear, AZ 85338 plorenz@farmersagent.com agents.farmers.com/plorenz
Call 623.925.9411 today! Get smart about your coverage. Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states.
Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
January 2019
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Here’s to a great 2019!
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“Let Our Family Cover Yours”
We’re Here To Answer Your Questions. Give Us A Call!
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20 Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
January 2019