Green Valley, NV December 2019 by Lifestyle Publications

DECEMBER 2019

GreenValleyLifestyle.com

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CHRISTMAS

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2019 PUBLISHER

Nick Lodhi | nick.lodhi@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Kris Lodhi | kris.lodhi@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe

For Auld Lang Syne AS THE SAYING GOES, TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN. And time sure has flown by this year as we can’t believe we’ve put together the final issue of Green Valley Lifestyle in 2019! It seems like just yesterday we were sitting down to write our January letter to all of you—talking about resolutions and renewal—and yet,

LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor COPY EDITOR

Kate Baxendale CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kris Lodhi, Zak Lodhi CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Zak Lodhi

here we are, almost time to do it again. There’s a unique perspective that working in publishing brings. While we certainly don’t want to wish our lives away, we’re always looking toward the future. Whether it’s planning our next issue or developing story ideas for the next year, we’re often already fast forwarded to future months before the current month has even begun. The fast-paced lifestyle this industry calls for can often make it difficult to really settle down and absorb what’s going on around us and, before we know it, the year is over and it’s time to move forward again. So this December, with the holiday season upon us, we hope you take the time

CORPORATE TEAM

to slow down a little bit. Enjoy your time with family and friends, and bask in

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

the magic of the season.

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin

Nick Lodhi, Publisher Nick.Lodhi@LifestylePubs.com

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

GreenValleyLifestyle.com

Green Valley Lifestyle | December 2019

Proverbs 3:5-6 Green Valley Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Green Valley areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Green Valley Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2019

FEATURES 10 The Spirit of Christmas The Las Vegas Rescue Mission Serving Our Community

20 It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! A Very European Christmas

24 Tips From the Experts What to Keep in Mind This Time of Year

28 20

28 Warm Soups for Cold Days Simple Recipes You’ll Want to Try

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Giving Back

Travel Destination

24 Financial Buzz 28 Culinary Creations 30 Water & Woods 32 Lifestyle Calendar

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GOOD TIMES 1.

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Green Valley Lifestyle | December 2019

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GIVING BACK

the spirit of christmas THE LAS VEGAS RESCUE MISSION SERVING OUR COMMUNITY

Green Valley Lifestyle | December 2019

EVERY YEAR THE LAS VEGAS RESCUE MISSION FOCUSES ITS EFFORTS ON SERV-

VALERIE WEIDERMAN

ING OUR COMMUNITY’S STRUGGLING AND DISPLACED FAMILIES TO PROVIDE FAMILIES WITH GIFTS, CLOTHING AND SHOES, COOKIES AND COCOA, CHRISTMAS

Senior Manager of Donor Relations

CAROLS, CHEER AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, HOPE! As a survivor of “the streets,” I have

Cell: 702.849.6374

been blessed to grow personally and professionally over the years. It was, and is, because

Office: 702.932.8186

of places like the Las Vegas Rescue Mission that I am now able to serve and extend the true

480 W. Bonanza Road, Las Vegas

Spirit of Christmas to the families that are now where I once was. I have the support of

VegasRescue.org

Vineyard Henderson, Valeo Senior, and Valeo Groupe Americas to support our true mission to “Work Hard, Have Fun, and Help Others” this Christmas season to truly influence the lives that are so heavily affected at this time. There are too many families that see Christmas come and go without a tree, a present or a place to call home. As a community, we cannot stand for this. Our goal is to collect 5,000 gifts for ages 6 to 17 through the support of our community and business partners. All gifts will be given out to families in need at the Las Vegas Rescue Mission on Saturday, Dec. 14. We are proud to spearhead this initiative, and I know that as businesses and fellow professionals, we are approached for donations and contributions all year long; however, I challenge the “I’ve Met My Quota to Give” leaders and companies of our community to get involved professionally and personally. While we are enjoying a holiday season with lights, gifts, heat, a bed, a roof over our heads or simply a place to call home, imagine that all of your comforts were suddenly gone. This community’s homeless is built of individuals and families that have lost their jobs, grandparents that have assumed their abandoned grandchildren, abuse victims and more. The true meaning of Christmas is giving, being of service and most importantly, compassion for mankind. Will you step out of your comfort zone to touch the lives of those who have already lost so much with the gift of love this holiday season? Let’s give support and take our community by storm and demonstrate hope for all the hearts we will warm on Dec. 14. Everyone deserves to know that their life matters, and this Spirit of Christmas is being built on the foundation to do just that. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP: COLLECT NEW TOYS/ITEMS NEEDED The Las Vegas Rescue Mission can drop off 55-gallon bins, with customized flyers, immediately for your business to gather new toys (wrapped or unwrapped) and collect items listed further below. Items will be picked up on Dec. 13 to be placed in “Santa’s Workshop” to hand out to families in need the following day

CONTINUED >

December 2019 | Green Valley Lifestyle

GIVING BACK

(CON TI N U ED)

AKE A DONATION: JustGiving.com/Campaign/SpiritofChristmas2019 All contributions made will help the Las Vegas Rescue Mission continue to provide free food, shelter, clothing and services to our struggling. We have also created a giving page that is directly linked to the accounts for the Las Vegas Rescue Mission for any financial donations and support SPREAD THE WORD! Encourage other business partners, friends and family to assist in your efforts to provide the Spirit of Christmas for those in need SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS COLLECTION ITEMS (THROUGH DEC. 13) + Winter Warmth/Clothing Items: New & Used; ALL Sizes! + Blankets, gloves, scarves, hats, coats, shoes + Cards of Encouragement (minimal time with incredible impact) I encourage everyone to imagine your life without any of the things you have in it and spending this holiday season without anything to give. Please share your message of hope with the parents that receive this card; you never know when your words could save someone! + Toy Items: Ages 6-8; 9-11; 12-14 = TOYS + Ages 15-17 = Gift Cards ($20 value) + 55-gallon barrels provided; 1 for Boys & 1 for Girls + Wrap gifts if possible and write in sharpie on the bottom (“B” or “G” and Age Group). + Toy Rules: All toys should be valued at $20 or less & NOT require batteries. The Las Vegas Rescue Mission has this rule in place due to the nature of the demographic they serve. + No bikes, scooters or skateboards + We cannot provide bikes to ALL children, so we don’t give out any + Toys = Easy for children to carry + Refrain from large toys because many of the families being served travel by foot or public transportation.

Green Valley Lifestyle | December 2019

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SPONSOR A FAMILY We are also proud and honored to be spearheading an additional program this year for up to five families that have been helped and saved by the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. We are seeking partners that are willing to truly bring the Spirit of Christmas to families to demonstrate what love and hope looks like this year. If you are interested in this program, please contact me directly. We are planning the following: + Christmas Feast – Sealed and uncooked to feed entire family we are sponsoring + Utensils/flatware + Cooking pots/pans/cookie sheets to prepare the meal + Dishware and glassware – paper, plastic, ceramic, etc. If providing cans without pop top,

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please include a can opener + Christmas tree, decor for the season, two gifts for each child + Coats for every member of the family + Card of encouragement for the adult(s) + Gift cards, grocery cards, food vouchers and non-perishables are also encouraged. Choose to be the light of hope this Christmas by getting involved.

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TRAVEL DESTINATION

ARTICLE ZAK LODHI

A W I N T E R H O L I D A

I N T H E B I G A P P L

CHRISTMAS TIME IS AN ICONIC HOLIDAYÂ SEASON. Yes, it is not just Christmas that makes its appearance during this time, QuanzaÂ and Hanukkah are both other staples of this season. But for such an iconic holiday, deserves an equal city to celebrate in. New York, New York! The backdrop for many a classic Christmas tale, like Elf, Home alone 2, and Miracle on 34th street. An amalgam of adventure and admirability, New York City is often held in high regard when concerned with holiday season hospitality. So why not take a trip through the concrete jungle this December and head up to New York, New York. This handy guide will be indispensable,

Y 14

Green Valley Lifestyle | December 2019

Rockefeller Center Christmas tree

as it leads you through the best events and locations for a healthy dose of holiday cheer. First up is a season classic, the Magic Flute play. Performed until Jan 2020 at the Metropolitan Opera, a family-friendly twist on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Magic Flute. This English-language version is full of holiday spirit and enchantment. Conductor Lothar Koenigs leads the production by Julie Taymor (from Broadway’s The Lion King). Fresh off the heels of the Magic Flute, why not grab a bite to eat? Birds of a Feather is a minimalist Sichuan spot in Williamsburg that you won’t often find on the best food lists of the city. This hidden Gem serves delicacies Radio City Music Hall in Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center Christmas tree

made with the utmost care; poached wontons in chili oil, mapo tofu, and sliced lamb with cumin and ginger are all staples on the menu. With your culinary and artistic palettes satisfied, let’s take a bit of a different turn with our next spot. As mentioned previously, New York City seems to be a magnet for the feel-good Christmas movies we have all seen and loved. So what list of holiday New York spots would be complete without the iconic Rockefeller center ice rink! Often called the world’s most famous ice rink, no trip to the big apple would be complete without at least a lap around its historic ice. And don’t worry about the lines,

CONTINUED >

December 2019 | Green Valley Lifestyle

TRAVEL DESTINATION

(CON TI N U ED)

you can make individual reservations for your trip on the frost. The final location may be a surprising one, but it’s undoubtedly one up to par with the rest of this list. The New York Botanicanical Garden Holiday Train Show is a mouthful of a location, but an unforgettable experience. Small model trains crawl their way through a painstakingly crafted miniature New York City’s. The most incredible part? It’s all made entirely out of plant parts. The Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and the Woolworth Building. are all shown in the photos here and are among the more than 175 landmarks that line the train tracks. All built from seeds, bark, leaves, and twigs, serviced by a robust half-mile of track, all nestled within the stunning and historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. This year’s train show is inspired by Central Park, with replicas of popular features like Belvedere Castle and the Dairy. Other events coinciding with the train show include a cappella performances, classical music concerts, poetry reading, and activities for kids. These are just a few of the headliners from New York, a classic choice for a Christmas celebration.

Metropolitan Opera House 16

Green Valley Lifestyle | December 2019

Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

“ THE NEW YORK BOTANICANICAL GARDEN HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW IS A MOUTHFUL OF A LOCATION, BUT AN UNFORGET TABLE EXPERIENCE.”

December 2019 | Green Valley Lifestyle

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Green Valley Lifestyle | December 2019

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ARTICLE ZAK LODHI

IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR A VERY EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS IS A ONCE-A-YEAR OCCURRENCE. But every Christmas is also not the same. No, I don’t mean year to year, which would be another obvious statement. No, I mean wherever you go, Christmas is celebrated in a variety of beautiful and unique ways. How Christmas is celebrated here in Henderson is different than many places, and we’ll take a look at some of them here running up and down Europe. My favorite is Dresden, the picturesque Christmas German town, which is going on its 585 years of Christmas markets. Followed by London, whose perfect architecture is an excellent backdrop for some holiday cheer. Vienna, located in northeastern Austria, is overflowing with Christman festivities that could be ripped from a Hallmark movie. Copenhagen, the Danish capital, is practically made of ice in this season, so bring your skates. And finally France, with its delectable seasonal treats.

DRESDEN Dresden is a gorgeous little city in the state of Saxony in Germany. And it has the most extensive number of Christmas markets in the eastern part of the country and is one of the cities that can lay claim to the title of being the oldest seasonal event in Germany. Now in its 585th year, Dresden is still going strong, fresh as a page out of a Christmas storybook. Ore Mountain wood crafts, Lusatian blue-printed fabrics and Moravian stars are all classic products you can purchase at the market to bring a little bit Christmas market in Dresden, Germany 20

of that Christmas cheer home with you.

Green Valley Lifestyle | December 2019

Big Ben in London, England

LONDON A classic in European Christmas cheer, London is a big name across the pond. The renowned city offers a wide array of activities and tourist attractions. Marvel at the magnificent Christmas tree at Windsor Castle, get your skates out at Somerset House’s glorious 18th-century courtyard ice rink and watch Christmas films in sumptuous surroundings at the Rivoli Ballroom’s pop-up cinema. A host of other options await in this magnificent city; it seems almost as if around every other corner, another form of holiday cheer is springing up. Christmas Market near City Hall in Vienna Austria

Vienna, Austria

VIENNA Vienna is the perfect halfway point on this list. Another well-known Christmas market, Vienna is wreathed in holiday tradition. Enjoy a mug of mulled wine, taste a fancy toffee apple and breathe in the scent of frying sausages and Christmas cheer. But the market is not the only draw to this European town by the castle; unique brass and choir groups will be performing all month long throughout the city, but mostly by the town hall shown in the photos here. The common reasons to visit this tucked-away European village is still here: the museums, palaces and other attraction are always open and provide a slice of the olden days.

CONTINUED >

December 2019 | Green Valley Lifestyle

IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

(CON TI N UED)

Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark

COPENHAGEN The Danish capital, Copenhagen, is a heavyweight when it comes to holiday cheer. While most travel sites recommend you visit this picturesque European city in the summer or fall, I can confidently say that Christmastime is the best time to pay a visit. A snapping cold hangs in the air, whose ferocity could be mistaken for a stray dog, as the quiet air of content hovers over the city in the later months of the year. Sometimes called the ice skating capital of the world, Copenhagen has quite the sampling of skating rinks. The ice rink at Frederiksberg Rundel is at the very entrance of a gorgeous garden. The ice rink at Toftegårds Plads is equally beautiful and is in the very heart of the city. And my personal favorite, the ice rink in Tivoli, is at the Nimb hotel. Tivoli, Copenhagen, Denmark

Green Valley Lifestyle | December 2019

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

FRANCE While Paris was originally going to be the city featured in this spot, another small French Tudor town named Strasbourg almost stole the show. However, first to Paris. Paris, as we all know, is known for many things, but chief among them is the pastry delicacies.Â Maison Kayser is a Parisbased bakery that creates customizable sweets for the Christmas season. Hugo and Victor, the chocolate masters of Paris, make North Star chocolates that are to die for. Strasbourg, however, is a far cry from the luxurious sweets of Paris. Only 300 wooden Chalets built in classic Tudor style, it has a massive Christmas tree and is known as a world heritage site. Off the beaten path, this little French village is beautiful for the holiday season. Whether you are spending Christmas at home or abroad, we can all agree that the most wonderful time of the year should be spent with the people we love.

December 2019 | Green Valley Lifestyle

FINANCIAL BUZZ DIAZO WEALTH GROUP AT EK RILEY INVESTMENTS, LLC 10120 S. Eastern Ave. Suite 236, Henderson 702.745.1800 Justin.Long@DiazoWealth.com

DiazoWealth.com CHECK ON YOUR RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTIONS While you can contribute to both Traditional IRA and Roth IRA up to

the 15th of April the following year, if you are enrolled in a 401(k)/403(b)/457 type Justin Long

employer-sponsored plan, all of these

LOOK AT TAX-LOSS HARVESTING OPPORTUNITIES By taking a look at your positions and

discussing

them

with

your

have different capabilities. For those under

adviser, you can take advantage of where

50 years old, the limit for 2019 is $19,000,

your accounts are at the end of the year and

and for those over 50, they can contribute

potentially leverage the tax potential by har-

an additional $6,000 as a catch-up con-

vesting losses and using any losses to offset

tribution. For those unable to max out the

gains with other investments. Focusing on

contribution, the main focus should be, at

capital gains distributions and whether hold-

the very least, to ensure that you are taking

ings are considered long- or short-term can

advantage of any match that is available

impact your tax situation. This can create tax

through the employer-sponsored plan.

alpha and improve potential performance. Please consult with your tax professional to ensure these apply to your situation and how

these tactics could benefit your situation. USE ALL OF YOUR HEALTH ACCOUNTS AVAILABLE TO YOU There are two main options for health insurance and health spend-

ing accounts: Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts. Health FSA contributions are limited by the IRS to $2,700

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF Get

healthy,

gain

knowledge

wherever you can and create a positive environment to grow your career

expert Tips for your End-Of-TheYear budget

each year (up from the 2018 limit of $2,650).

or your business. Align yourself with an

The limit is per person; each spouse in the

adviser who has goals in line with yours

household may contribute up to the limit.

and who has a fiduciary duty to you. By

Your employer may elect a lower contribu-

investing in yourself, your health and your

tion limit. FSA spending accounts need to be

education while aligning yourself with like-

liquidated and used on health care expenses

minded professionals, you can set yourself

by the end of the calendar year. The other

up for a fantastic 2020.

ARTICLE JUSTIN LONG

Green Valley Lifestyle | December 2019

option is a Health Savings Account. For single-only coverage, the limit is increasing by $50, bringing the new 2019 limit to $3,500, and for a family, the limit is increasing by $100,

Disclosure: Registered Representative and

bringing the 2019 limit to $7,000. Again, for

Investment Adviser Representative of and of-

taxpayers over the age of 50, there are addi-

fers securities and advisory services in states

tional contributions available, which take the

where registered through E.K. Riley Invest-

totals to $4,500 for an individual and $9,000

ments, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC, Bro-

for a family. Maximizing these accounts may

ker Dealer and an SEC Registered Investment

also create tax deductions that can reduce

Adviser. Diazo Wealth Group is a division of

your overall tax liability.

E.K. Riley Investments, LLC

WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY AND SAFE

Holiday Season

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FINANCIAL BUZZ

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Expert Tips For Your Home and Mortgage ARTICLE CHRIS BALATICO

Green Valley Lifestyle | December 2019

MORTGAGE CHECK-UP This would be anything to do with current rates, payments, escrow balances, titling and goal planning for

HOME EVALUATION AND MARKET TRENDS Check the value of your home, mortgage payment habits and market

the following year. You would want to look at

trends. Some questions to think about: Do

using your home as an asset and debt con-

we have another year in this home? What is

trol. Also, review liabilities and go over FICO

happening in our personal life? Do we need

changes. This can be an equity check-up for

to upgrade/downgrade? Do we have equity

PMI, MIP reasons. Having the peace of mind

in our property, and do we need to capitalize

that you are currently in the best mortgage

on it? These are all great questions to review

for your situation is priceless.

with your spouse at the end of the year.

NET WORTH CHECK-UP This will be involving your finan-

PREPARE FOR TAX SEASON Some questions to review would be: Are you in a position to need to qualify and lower your write-offs?

cial adviser to help plan for the end

Are you looking to qualify for a refinance or

of the holiday season into the new

another purchase? What else can we think

year. Along with this comes a check into

of to be prepared for the new year?

your emergency fund and making sure

Some of these questions and items to

things are in order for life events and worst-

review may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s

case scenario items. Also to create a “fun

always better to be vigilant than to regret a

savings account” for the following year.

missed opportunity.

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December 2019 | Green Valley Lifestyle

CULINARY CREATIONS

WARM SOUPS FOR COLD DAYS SIMPLE RECIPES THAT MOM MADE

Mama's Chicken Soup 28

Green Valley Lifestyle | December 2019

ARTICLE KRIS LODHI

TOR TE LLINI AND ITALIAN SAUSAGE SOUP

E ASY TOMATO SOUP

MAMA’S CHICK E N SOUP

INGREDIENTS

+ 1 pound bulk mild or hot Italian sausage + 1 medium onion, chopped

+ 3 pounds Roma (plum) tomatoes, quartered

+ 3 pounds chicken quarters (or chicken breasts)

+ 1 can diced tomatoes

+ 1 yellow onion, halved and quartered

+ 4 carrots, sliced

+ 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

+ 3 tablespoons olive oil

+ 4 stalks celery, sliced

+ 64 ounces chicken broth

+ 1 tablespoon sea salt

+ 1 large onion, chopped large size

+ 1 9-ounce package refrigerated fresh

+ 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground

+ 1/2 cup dill, chopped

cheese tortellini

black pepper

+ 1/2 cup parsley, chopped

+ 5 ounces baby spinach

+ 5 cups chicken broth

+ Salt and pepper to taste

+ 1 bay leaf

+ 2 teaspoons thyme

+ 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules

+ Salt and pepper, to taste

+ 2 bay leaves + Parsley for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a 5-quart Dutch oven, cook sausage, onion and garlic over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage is thoroughly cooked. Drain. 2. Stir in broth, bay leaf and tomatoes; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. 3. Add tortellini; reduce heat to low and cook 8 to 12 minutes or until tortellini are tender. 4. Stir in spinach and cook 1 to 2 minutes or until spinach is wilted. 5. Add salt and pepper to taste.

(optional) + Water to cover

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Put the chicken, carrots, celery and onion in a large soup pot and cover with cold water.

2. Spread tomatoes and onion in 1 layer

Heat and simmer, uncovered until the chicken

onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle

meat falls off of the bones (skim off foam

olive oil over tomato mixture and season

every so often).

with salt and pepper. Place in oven on middle rack and roast for 30 minutes. 3. Check tomato mixture; if it is tender, roast about 15 more minutes. 4. In a large stockpot, bring chicken broth, bay leaves and thyme to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer.

2. When the chicken is done, remove it from the pot. Pick the meat off the bones. 3. Season the broth with salt, pepper, dill, parsley and chicken bouillon to taste, if desired. 4. Return the chicken to the pot, stir together and serve.

5. Put half the tomato mixture into a blender. Cover and hold lid down; pulse a

Note: I like to make a big batch and freeze half

Note: I always like to add just a little half-and-

few times before leaving on to blend until

of it. When I reheat the soup, I like to add par-

half to round out the flavor. This is great to eat

smooth. Pour pureed tomato mixture into

cooked broccoli or pasta noodles to change it up.

the next day, or you can store it in the freezer in

the stockpot with the chicken broth. Puree

a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When

remaining half of tomato mixture and add to

reheating, I like to add angel hair pasta broken in

chicken stock mixture, mixing well. Simmer

pieces or already cooked tortellini.

for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley.

December 2019 | Green Valley Lifestyle

WATER & WOODS

WINTER \IN BLOOM BRIGHTEN UP YOUR AESTHETIC THIS SEASON WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL FLORAL ARRANGEMENT FROM KRISTEN CAISSIE, CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF MOON CANYON DESIGN CO.

PHOTOGRAPHY NICKI SEBASTIAN FOR JENNI KAYNE

Green Valley Lifestyle | December 2019

FORSYTHIA Named after William Forsyth, a Scottish botanist, Forsythia is an early spring flowering shrub often found in gardens and parks. Forsythia are well-known for their resilience and tenacity as much as the bright, cheery yellow of the branches’ blooms.

RANUNCULUS Also known as the buttercup, these spring bloomers are coveted for their delicate layers of petals, resembling ruffled tissue or crepe. In a wide range of vivid shades, ranunculus can bloom from late winter to early summer.

TWEEDIA This delicate perennial is coveted for its light fragrance and pale blue star-shaped petals. Found commonly in vines and trellises, tweedias are prime for an arrangement as they cut well and last long.

LADY SLIPPER Characterized by the slipper-shaped pouch (or labellum) that sits between the petals, these orchids range in color from white and yellow to a deep pink and purple. The lady slipper might take four to sixteen years to produce a bloom, but it’s worth the wait—in comparison to other, more temperamental orchids, this type can be considered fairly low-maintenance.

NARCISSUS Daffodils are instantly recognizable by their six petals surrounding a trumpet-like corona, most often in variances of white, yellow, or both. The ubiquity of the daffodil dates back to ancient times, both medicinally and botanically. They have been said to get their name because the image of languid daffodils along a stream evoke the image of Narcissus gazing into his reflection.

KRISTEN CAISSIE, CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF MOON CANYON DESIGN CO., created this beautiful flower arrangement as part of Jenni Kayne’s floral encyclopedia. This lush arrangement is comprised of early spring blooms arranged in a ceramic vase. The wabi-sabi aesthetic of the handmade vessel adds to the arrangement’s playful proportions. Earthy yellows, rich greens, and a touch of blue tell a color story that’s unexpected, yet warm and welcoming. Perfectly undone early spring blooms (Kristen’s favorite to design with) emphasize the meeting place of winter and spring.

December 2019 | Green Valley Lifestyle

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

HOLIDAY AT THE LINQ

1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22

The LINQ Promenade

Monday – Wednesday from 6–9 p.m.: Free live performances. Thursday – Sunday from 6–9 p.m.: At the top

SCUBA SANTA AT THE SILVERTON AQUARIUM Silverton Casino Hotel

Where: Winter’s Village located at the amphitheater in the pool area.

2 TEEN TIME – NCLAB CODING CLUB Paceo Verde Library

of each hour, enjoy a holiday show

The aquarium is free to the public.

Youth ages 11 to 17 can explore dif-

of lights and snow at the fountain

Bring the kids and take lots of pic-

ferent methods of computer coding!

stage. Snow is scheduled to fall by

tures of the Underwater Santa and

NCLab combines fun, self-paced,

The LINQ Fountain Stage at 6 p.m., 7

his elves. Santa is equipped with a

interactive learning with creative

p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.

microphone that allows him to listen

activities and competitions.

Free

to and speak with children. Hours: noon–1:15 p.m. and 2:15–

DEC 1–JAN 5

3:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays

HOLIDAY CACTUS GARDEN AT ETHEL M CHOCOLATE FACTORY

The Ethel M Cactus garden, with all its

WINTER’S VILLAGE AT GREEN VALLEY RANCH

Ethel M Chocolate Factory

Christmas lights, is a fun way to spend an evening in December. This free

in December

4 WINTER EVENING BALL Green Valley Library

Dress as your favorite princess, prince or knight in shining armor for the Winter Evening Ball! Listen to royal stories, enjoy fancy treats, play

Green Valley Ranch Resort and Casino

games and make crowns decorated

event will run until Jan. 5, 2020. But for

Fun for the entire family, the winter

in jewels. For ages 3 to 10.

the month of December, visits from

wonderland features a 6,000-square-

Free. 6–7 p.m.

Santa are on every Friday through

foot outdoor real ice rink (with real

Sunday 4–9 p.m. until Dec. 23

ice) and winter wonderland dis-

Free

play. Santa will visit every Saturday through Dec. 21. Admission: $25 per person ages 6 to adult, $15 ages 5 and younger, including ice skate rental.

6 LIBRARY TREE LANE GALA & AUCTION Paseo Verde Library

Kick off the holiday season with a

In The Future, You’re Younger Clinical Skin and Body Care ∙ Cosmetic Injections Body Fat Reduction ∙ Laser Skin Tightening Microneedling ∙ Chemical Peels ∙ PRP Lip Enhancement∙ Signature Facials Call For Promotional Pricing Exclusively By Appointment Only 10521 Jeffrey’s Street STE 220 Henderson NV 89052 702-710-1977 32

Green Valley Lifestyle | December 2019

special evening of fun and philanthropy at the annual Friends of Henderson

Libraries

fundraiser.

Friends of Henderson Libraries is hosting this festive night of fine

FUN WITH FROSTY

A DESTINATION TRAVEL’S HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

777 W. Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson

foods and beverages alongside a

Vegas Events and More brings you Fun

silent and live auction for fantastic

With Frosty, a small business and craft

A Destination Travel is hosting a

gift baskets. Tickets for the gala are

show, on Saturday, Dec. 7. You’ll enjoy

Holiday Open House from 9 a.m.–

$50 ($60 at the door).

holiday shopping with the talented and

5 p.m. Come meet their agents and

7–10 p.m.

dedicated VEaM family of vendors. Get

have some snacks while you mix

one-of-a-kind gifts from 11 a.m. to 6

and mingle.

A Destination Travel Office

DEC 7–JAN 4

p.m. for everyone on your list. Next to

BELLAGIO’S CONSERVATORY & BOTANICAL GARDENS

The holiday display is available for

NORWEGIAN LEFSE COOKING DEMO

Learn about the latest high-tech safety

Gibson Library

features for cars, including what new

day, seven days a week from Dec. 7,

Learn how to make lefse, a traditional

technologies are available, how they

2019 – Jan. 4, 2020.

Norwegian flatbread. Presented by

work and how they can make driving

the Sons of Norway.

safer and more enjoyable.

Free.

1–2 p.m.

1–2:30 p.m.

Bellagio’s Conservatory

guests to enjoy for free 24 hours a

the buffet on the way to bingo!

10 AARP SMART DRIVERTEK WORKSHOP Gibson Library

CONTINUED >

December 2019 | Green Valley Lifestyle

13–14 CITY OF HENDERSON WINTERFEST 2019

Henderson Events Plaza, Water

Friends & Family Visit the pediped® Boutique at Town Square Las Vegas

New In-Store Pricing

Baby Originals®

$28

Toddler Grip ‘n’ Go™

$32

Big Kid Flex®

$45

• Stylish, comfortable, high quality shoes for kids up to size EU 36 (US 4.5 youth) • Mention Green Valley Lifestyle Magazine for a chance to spin the wheel and WIN

Street District

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

A family-friendly event you won’t want to miss with Mayor Debra March and Santa heading the tree

lighting ceremony, craft and food vendors, live entertainment and a spectacular evening light parade.

Tree Lighting Ceremony: Dec. 13 at 6 p.m.

Festival: Dec.13, 6–9 p.m.; Dec. 14, noon–5 p.m.; Light Parade: Dec. 14, 5 p.m.

19 UNDERSTANDING ADHD: A PARENT SEMINAR Brain Balance Centers

Attend this free seminar, Understanding ADHD, to discover how Brain Balance can help you understand why your child struggles socially, academically or behaviorally. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Register online.

21 Did you know? Our best online prices are at our outlet.

SAFE KIDS CLARK COUNTY

The District at Green Valley Ranch

Join us for monthly car seat checks here at the District. Nationally certified child passenger safety technicians will be available to check your

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No flaws. No defects. Just GREAT prices!

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Green Valley Lifestyle | December 2019

installed incorrectly. Make sure yours isn’t one of them; have it checked! Parking lot behind REI.

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