Viva

Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing.com

Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor Talia Uretsky, Assistant Editor Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com

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From Me To You...

I have an issue with quantities, I order too much food at restaurants and my online assessment of sizes leaves much to be desired. There was one amazing deal I found for 100 red solo cups on the internet. Turns out they were red solo cup shot glasses. That incident was over 10 years ago and we still have at least 50 knocking around in the kitchen cabinets somewhere. Then there was the TV console that I bought 3 times before I got the one that was the right size.

My spatial awareness in person, however, is phenomenal. I can buy exactly the right amount of food to fit in our freezer and I can pack anything into a suitcase or car trunk. One time I went on a cruise to Alaska with only a carry on bag, including evening wear, a winter coat and boots. In hindsight though I would not recommend that one, if you are cruising you should not have to limit your clothing options, it takes all the fun out of travelling in style.

As some of you know we have been travelling since January, living out of a small RV and visiting our children who decided that Tennessee and Washington State would be ideal places to live. I planned on bringing a capsule wardrobe and managing with less. Let me tell you, packing 4 months of clothes in a medium sized suitcase has put even my skills to the test. We have suffered through frozen nights (and pipes - but that is a story for another day), spring showers, hot, humid days, snow (thanks Montana) and even dodged a few tornadoes.

By the time you read this we will be home, (complaining about the heat, I am sure) having travelled across the country and back - and it has been amazing. We have stayed by mountain lakes, in river valleys, on snow capped mountains and checked out a few nice hotels along the way (sometimes you just need to stretch out!). I crossed off a bucket list item and visited Mount Rushmore, well worth the trek, and most importantly got to spend time with our children who moved away. We may not have always been able to get the quantity of time with them that we wanted, but we certainly made up for it in quality; and that my friends, is priceless.

Catherine Uretsky Editor, The Hamlet

Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541

Father’s Day

This year Father’s Day falls on Sunday June 16th. A day dedicated to honoring fathers or the father figure in your life and celebrating fatherhood. The history of Father’s Day dates back to the early 20th century when a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd wanted to honor her father, William Smart, a Civil War veteran who raised his six children as a single parent.

In 1909, Sonora proposed the idea of Father’s Day as a way to show appreciation for all that fathers do for their families. Her idea was embraced by many, and the first Father’s Day was celebrated in Spokane, Washington on June 19, 1910. Since then, Father’s Day has become a tradition in many countries around the world.

Father’s Day is a time to acknowledge the important role that fathers play in the lives of their children. Fathers are not only providers and protectors but also mentors, role models, and sources of love and support. They teach their children valuable lessons, instill important values, and offer guidance and encouragement throughout their lives.

On Father’s Day, many people show their appreciation for their fathers by giving them gifts, cards, or spending quality time together. It is a day to celebrate the unique bond between fathers and their children and to recognize the impact that fathers have on their families.

So this Father’s Day, take the time to honor and thank the special fathers in your life. Whether it’s your own father, stepfather, grandfather, or another father figure, let them know how much they mean to you and how grateful you are for all that they do. Happy Father’s Day!

Cook With Zona

Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Do you ever have one of those weeks where you decide you’re going to eat really healthy so you buy a bunch of zucchini, and tell yourself you’re going to eat zoodles all week, and then you just eat take out instead because it’s easier? I don’t know, maybe that’s just me, but if that’s you too, take that zucchini and turn it into double chocolate zucchini bread.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the double dose of chocolate from the cocoa in the batter and the generous helping of chocolate chips. The zucchini makes this bread so moist, and has a ridiculously fudgelike texture. In my opinion, I would much rather get my veggies from chocolate bread, than any other way!

Ingredients

1 ½ cups zucchini, shredded and pressed

¼ cup Greek yogurt

⅓ cup vegetable oil

½ cup brown sugar

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 eggs

¾ cup all purpose flour

¾ cup cocoa powder

1 tsp baking soda

¼ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided

Steps

Preheat your oven to 350°

If you have any recipes you’d like to share with me I would love to try them out! Email me at ArizonaCooks71@gmail.com.

Using a cheese grater, finely grate zucchini over a paper towel. Wrap the zucchini in the paper towel and press it to release some of the moisture. Don’t completely dry it out because this is what makes the bread so moist. Firmly press the zucchini into a measuring cup to measure out 1½ packed cups.

In a large mixing bowl combine the Greek yogurt, oil, and brown sugar. Beat until combined. Add vanilla and eggs. Stir in the zucchini and set aside.

In a separate bowl combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the wet ingredients. Fold in ⅔ cup of chocolate chips, setting the other ⅓ aside for the top of the bread.

Pour the batter into your loaf pan and sprinkle the top with remaining chocolate chips.

Bake for 45 mins, or until the bread springs back when you touch it and when a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. ENJOY!

We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your gorgeous double chocolate zucchini bread or tag us on social media @ EstrellaPublishing.

Stay Cool

Summer is here and excessive heat can contribute to dangerous conditions. Dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are just a few of the things to be aware of, according to the healthcare professionals in the ERs at Abrazo Health hospitals. Staying hydrated is important whether you’re just sitting in the sun, exercising for recreation or playing sports. If dehydration sets in, you may start to feel tired and dizzy, have muscle cramps or lose consciousness, entirely. If you’re active outdoors, try to get outside during the cooler morning hours. This is particularly important for children as well as older adults who are most severely affected by heat-related illnesses.

Here are some tips to stay ahead of your hydration needs, especially for those who have an active lifestyle:

• Before exercise: Drink 17 to 20 ounces of water within 2 to 3 hours

• During warm-up: Drink 8 ounces of water within 20 to 30 minutes

• During exercise: Drink 7 to 10 ounces of water every 10 to 20 minutes

• After exercise: Drink 8 ounces of water within 30 minutes Staying cool this summer can be helped in several other ways. Here are some ideas to beat the summer heat:

• Wear natural fabrics, such as a loose-fitting, white cotton or linen shirt. Dark fabrics absorb light more than lighter ones.

• Replace the salt lost from excessive sweating with lemon water. One squeezed lemon provides 21% of a person’s daily required dose of vitamin C. The acid in lemons can damage your teeth so don’t forget to use a straw.

• Remember that foods rich in fat and protein take longer for your body to digest and therefore require additional metabolic heat. Go for salads to help you feel light and hydrated.

• Use frozen water bottles to cool down your pulse points including behind your ear, at the bottom of your throat, on your wrist, inside your elbow and behind your knee.

• Apply a moisturizer that contains aloe vera on sunburned skin. Sunburns slow the skin’s ability to cool itself off.

• Invest in room-darkening curtains to help keep the light and heat out more efficiently.

• Avoid using heat-producing appliances such as the dryer or oven during peak hours.

• Stay indoors or in an air-conditioned area as much as possible. Spending only two hours in an airconditioned space can help reduce your risk of heat stroke.

If you or someone you know is suffering from heat stroke or dehydration, go to the nearest hospital or call 911. Please do not delay care.

Submitted by Keith Jones, Abrazo Health Communications Manager

Control Yourself!

Welcome to the series on getting ahold of yourself! We’re here to talk about controlling emotional reactivity. When we think about big emotional reactions that are problematic, we’re generally talking about things like anger and defensiveness, so those will be the basis of our discussion here.

As I’ve said before, anger is the fake news you see or feel that covers up the true story of what’s really going on beneath the surface. I’m not saying you should never be angry. Anger is a normal human emotion, and completely suppressing it is actually a bad idea. The key is to work through your anger, process it, understand it and express it appropriately vs. blindly and recklessly expressing it all over unsuspecting victims. Taking your anger out on others is not fair to them.

When someone has a big reaction to something that another person says or does, it’s because they’re being triggered. That is, something about what that person

is saying or doing sets into motion the split-second thought of a past memory, which then sets into motion intense feelings and reactions. Often, the reaction seems to come out of nowhere, but this is just not true. Instead, that trigger has the person responding as though they’re reliving a past situation or event.

So what flips the switch? Deep inside the brain is a tiny structure known as the amygdala. It’s responsible for constant scanning of the environment to detect threats. The problem is that it can’t really tell the difference between a psychological threat and a physical one, so we respond the same to both. Thus, we become defensive in the face of criticism because we don’t feel safe. That lack of safety and security triggers our fight or flight response, which means we need to protect or defend ourselves. Defensiveness comes out of fear and is an attempt to avoid pain and protect the psyche.

You CAN learn to control your reactions once you figure out where they’re coming from and why. You can work on not taking things personally and shifting your perspective to consider alternative interpretations and responses. Stay tuned for Part II next month…

Submitted by Jennifer Paweleck-Bellingrodt, Psy.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist

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.

Money Matters

Don’t let investments take a vacation

Summertime is almost here — and for many people that means it’s time to hit the road. But even if you decide to take a vacation, you’ll want other areas of your life to keep working — especially your investments.

So, how can you prevent your investments, and your overall financial strategy, from going on “vacation”?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Check your progress. You want your investments to be working hard for you, so you’ll need to check on their performance periodically — but be careful about how you evaluate results. Don’t compare your portfolio’s results against those of a market index, such as the S&P 500, which tracks the stock performance of 500 large U.S. companies listed on American stock exchanges. This comparison may not be particularly valid because your own portfolio ideally should include a range of investments, including U.S. and foreign stocks, corporate and government bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs) and other securities. So, instead of checking your progress against a market index, use benchmarks meaningful to your individual situation, such as whether your portfolio is showing enough growth potential based on a compounding rate of return to keep you moving toward a comfortable retirement and other long-term goals.

• Invest with a purpose. When you work intensely at something, it’s usually because you have a definite result in mind. And this sense of purpose applies to investing, too. If you buy a stock here, and another one there, based on “hot” tips you might have seen on television or the internet, you may end up with a jumbled sort of portfolio that doesn’t really reflect your needs. Instead, try to follow a long-term investment strategy based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, asset accumulation needs, liquidity and time horizon, always with an eye toward where you want to go in life — how long you plan to work, what sort of retirement lifestyle you envision, and so on.

• Be strategic with your investments. Over the years,

you will likely have a variety of competing financial goals — and you’ll want your investment portfolio working to help achieve all of them. That means, though, that you’ll likely need to match certain investments with specific goals. For example, when you contribute to an IRA and a 401(k) or similar plan, you’re putting away money for retirement. But if you want to help your children go to college or receive some other type of post-secondary education or training, you might want to save in a 529 education savings plan, which allows tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses. Or, if you want to save for a short-term goal, such as a wedding or a long vacation, you might choose an investment that offers significant protection of principal, so the money will be available when you need it. Ultimately, this type of goals-based investing can help ensure your portfolio is always working on your behalf, in the way you intended.

When you take a vacation, you will hopefully be more relaxed and refreshed. But if you let your investments stop working as hard as they should, the results could be stressful. So, be diligent about your investment strategy, monitor it regularly and make those moves appropriate for your situation. By doing so, you can’t necessarily guarantee a long day at the beach, but you’ll have a good chance of enjoying a sunny outlook.

Submitted by Brian Polk, Financial Advisor, of Edward Jones, Verrado resident

Business Spotlight

Protect Your Home with JBS

Roofing: The Ultimate Shield Against Nature’s Wrath

Your home is more than just a structure; it’s your sanctuary, your haven from the outside world. But what happens when nature unleashes its fury? Leaks, damage, and costly repairs can turn your safe haven into a source of stress and worry. That’s where JBS Roofing comes in, offering unparalleled protection and peace of mind for homeowners across Arizona.

With a legacy dating back to 1982, JBS Roofing (www. jbsroofingaz.com) has been a trusted name in the roofing industry for over four decades. As a familyowned and operated business, we understand the importance of quality, integrity, and personalized service. Our commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation as one of the leading roofing companies in the region.

At JBS Roofing, we take pride in our craftsmanship and attention to detail. Using only the finest materials and the latest technologies, our skilled professionals deliver roofing solutions that are built to last. Whether you’re in need of a repair, replacement, or new installation, you can trust JBS Roofing to exceed your expectations every step of the way.

What sets JBS Roofing apart is our unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. We believe in transparency and honesty in everything we do, which is why we offer free, no-obligation consultations and estimates. Our team will work closely with you to understand your needs and preferences, guiding you through the process to ensure your complete satisfaction.

With JBS Roofing, you can rest easy knowing that your home is in the best hands possible. Don’t let worries about your roof weigh you down any longer. Take the first step towards peace of mind and protection for your home with JBS Roofing.

Visit www.jbsroofingaz.com today to learn more and schedule your free consultation. Experience the JBS Roofing difference for yourself and discover why homeowners have trusted us for over 40 years.

Submitted by Valorie Brown-

Miller,

President - JBS Roofing

The Bug Guy

In the scorching summer days of West Valley, an unseen enemy lurks within the shadows of homes and businesses alike - pests. The brutal heat of the desert only seems to amplify their presence, driving them to seek refuge in the cool comfort of our shelters. But fear not, for there are valiant warriors who have committed themselves to the battle against these invaders - pest control specialists.

Armed with knowledge and experience, these brave men and women navigate the sweltering streets of the West Valley with determination in their hearts and sprays in their hands. From cockroaches scurrying across kitchen floors to ants marching in unison towards forgotten crumbs, no pest is safe from their relentless pursuit. As the sun beats down mercilessly upon the city, the pest control heroes work diligently to protect the homes of the people of the West Valley. With each victory over a swarm of unwelcome guests, they bring peace of mind to those who fear the

invasion of pests. But the battle is far from over. As the summer continues its reign, the pests grow bolder in their attempts to seek refuge from the heat. The call for pest control assistance rings louder and louder, stirring the heroes into action once more. Through their unwavering dedication and expertise, the pest control specialists of West Valley stand as a beacon of hope in the war against pests. Their bravery in the face of adversity shines bright in the sweltering heat, offering relief to those who seek sanctuary within their homes. As the sun sets on another day in the West Valley, the pest control warriors rest knowing that they have once again triumphed over the forces of nature. And as the stars twinkle in the night sky, the people can sleep soundly, knowing that their homes are safe from the invasion of pests - at least for now.

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control

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. Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

Grandparent’s Day

Creating Cherished Memories on Grandparents’ Day

With Grandparents’ Day arriving on June 11th this year, summer presents the perfect opportunity for grandparents to spend quality time with their grandchildren. Whether your grandkids live nearby or are visiting for vacation, there are countless fun activities you can do together that will delight kids and seniors alike while creating memorable bonding moments.

At Home Activities:

• Host a bake-off or cooking contest to share beloved family recipes from generations past. Kids will enjoy measuring, mixing, and tastetesting!

• Put your heads together over jigsaw puzzles or classic board games like Candyland or Chutes and Ladders. Games inspire teamwork and conversation.

• Take a trip down memory lane by looking through old photo albums and sharing the stories and history behind the pictures.

• Read children’s books out loud, using different voices to embodying the characters. Kids will be enchanted by your performances!

• Make crafts like homemade greeting cards or summer artwork using construction paper, glue, and kid-safe crafting scissors. Display your creations proudly.

Out and About:

• Go for a nature walk and collect leaves, rocks, flowers or other natural treasures in a special keepsake box. Talk about your outdoor findings.

• Visit a local park to feed the ducks, play on the playground equipment, or have a picnic lunch under

the trees.

• Beat the heat by attending an air-conditioned movie matinee showing a fun, kidfriendly film you can both enjoy.

• Take a trip to the ice cream parlor and indulge in your favorite scoops or sundaes as a sweet treat.

• Pick fresh fruits and veggies at a local u-pick farm or orchard. Kids love plucking produce straight from the source!

The quality time spent creating new experiences is what really matters. Be sure to ask your grandchildren about their latest interests, hobbies and accomplishments too. With a spirit of curiosity, playfulness and patience, you can create grandparent-grandchild memories that will be beloved for a lifetime.

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