The SunWest Life - August 2022

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August 2022

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Summer:

Tips on how to Beat August Heat

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

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Health:

How can Yoga Benefit your Life

Weather:

Desert Showers in Southern Utah

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CONTENTS Lifestyle + Home + More

06 KANARAVILLE FALLS Kanaraville Falls is great hike with a refreshing reward.

Learn some awesome tips and tricks for when you go on this hike.

09 BENEFITS OF YOGA Feeling low on energy? Just one hour a day can be life changing. Give your body some extra love and see how yoga can change your life.

10 SPURGE CONTROL

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HOW TO BEAT THE HEAT

Spurge is getting out of control. So, we have some information for you. Read why spurge control should be your top priority.

13 EXCLUSIVE!

A DIVE INTO THE WATER 15 COOL OFF WITH Summer is coming in hot. We have some shared some of our favorite smoothie recipes to cool you off. Check out these refreshing snacks.

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DESERT SHOWERS IN SOUTHERN UT.

WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR HOME

Monsoon season is as beautiful as it is dangerous. But what is a monsoon? And what to do so you can stay prepared for any weather thrown at you.

The heat of summer is among us which means it’s time to refresh. See what’s in style and how to add these fun, new pieces to your home.

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16 FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE Everyone deserves their own happy place. Sometimes, you need some help finding it. Follow some awesome tips to discover your own happy place.

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Living in one of SunWest Management’s communities is more than just having a place to rest your head — it’s where you call home. At SunWest Management, we know it’s a privilege to say, “Welcome home!”

In our wide variety of communities that meet virtually every need, the perfect fit for your lifestyle is just through the front door of your next dream home in one of our Southern Utah communities.

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WAYS TO

bring a fresh, new feeling into your home Bring the nature in.

Refresh the space with some rattan.

Use natural, raw materials including, leather and plants.

Try using some lighter wood accents to brighten up the space.

Mix up some textures with some new throw pillows.

Give your walls some love by adding tons of frames.

Statement rugs are in.

Gold and copper decorations will create a brighter space.

Layering— whether you layer using pillows, rugs, or throw blankets

01 Very simple design is something that is timeless and it will always be appealing to the eye. This room is simple, but cozy.

There is the use of layered, wooden tables, a woven basket which is holding a plant, and rattan light fixture. Along with those elements, there are different textured throw pillows and gold decor, creating an inviting space.

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01

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03 02 There is plenty of wood. This includes the desk, chair, and the wicker wall decor. That is paired with all of the greenery, including the framed pictures of plants and everyday house plants. The window also adds just the right amount of natural light to brighten up the area as well.

03 The white frames and candles are beautifully balanced by the use of the dark woods around them. This is another example of an inviting space.

The mirror, smaller wooden frame, and the copper candle holders create a contrasting element to the clean, white walls, candles and the bigger frame.

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KanarRA Falls: By: Chamaine Wollenzien

The NON-REFUNDABLE permit fee is $12.00 PER PERSON (children ages 3 and under are free) and includes free parking at the trailhead and all processing and handling fees. We do not offer group or non-profit discounts. If the daily limit of hikers has not been reached, hiking permits can still be purchased at the trailhead and credit/debit cards are preferred. CASH purchases are discouraged.

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know what you’re thinking, “Hiking in August?

Why would I ever do that?” But let me tell you, this hike will be one of the most refreshing things you can do this summer. So buckle up, and let’s talk about Kanarraville falls.

It’s got it all. River trail hiking, chains and ladders to climb, towering slot canyons, even a natural water slide make this a perfect adventure for the whole family. Kanarraville is about 30 minutes north of St. George. To find the parking lot, you’ll take the exit to New Harmony/Kanarraville. Turn right on Hwy 144 and take an immediate left onto Harmony Ridge Dr/Old US 91. Continue about 4.5 miles into Kanarraville and turn right onto 100 North. Follow 100 North 3.5 blocks until you see the parking lot on your left. Now, you can park here for $10 or you can turn around and park at the church down the street for free.

The first 3/4 of a mile follows a wide dirt road.

Keep in mind there is no shade in this portion of the trail. So, DO NOT forget your water. It is very hot during this section of the trail. Don’t worry though, there are a few stream crossings to cool you off. Just a few little streams that you can hop over pretty easily.

After another mile or so the trail starts to become a little tricky. You’ll be tempted to avoid the water because we moms like to keep our kids feet dry as much as possible but just go with it on this hike. Go nice and slow to avoid slippery rocks but my advice is just to hike right in the river. Your feet will be getting used during this hike.

Now, you’ll read on the internet that this hike is categorised as “moderate” but, if I can do it while carrying two babies anyone can do this hike!

My mom even came along and thought it was the highlight of our trip.

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We hiked through the river trail for probably another 2 miles. Then, all the sudden, the slot canyon pops up out of nowhere. This was my kids first time seeing anything like this and they were completely blown away. It can be cool and windy in the slot canyon so be aware of that.

Within about 10 minutes you come to “kanarra falls.” It can be really loud and windy right here. Just kind of a fun surprise to tired little hikers. Again, if my 67 year old mom and me holding 2 babies can make it up this ladder anyone can!

Just above the falls the slot opens up and it’s warm and sunny again. This is a perfect spot to rest a minute. I brought lunchables for the kids and trail mix and beef jerky for the grown ups.

Now this is a perfectly acceptable place to turn around. But, we like going as far as we can possibly push it! So, after a little recharge we pushed through the canyon a little further. The water gets deeper and slightly more difficult to boulder through. But, after about 15 or 20 minutes of that you get to the water slide! As if the slot canyon and sneaking behind the waterfall and climbing the ladder wasn’t enough, you get to slide down one of the best natural water slides I’ve ever seen. I had saved a bag of mini oreos from lunch so that I could entice the nervous ones down the slide. Works like a charm!

Directions: Take the exit to New Harmony. Turn right on Hwy 144 & take an immediat left onto Harmony Ridge Dr/Old US 91. Continue about 4.5 miles into Kanarraville & turn right onto 100 North. Follow 100 North 3.5 block until you see the parking lot on your left.

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The Benefits of

Yoga:

One hour in exchange for More Energy, Better Sleep & Pretty Much a better life.

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oga is a form of exercise and relaxation. It includes physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation or relaxation.

Yoga is a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science, which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. It is an art and science of healthy living. The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite’.

Some of the main benefits to yoga include:

Yoga is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S., with 36 million Americans currently practicing it. Yoga can help you build your strength, bring harmony between your mind and body, and, overall, be more healthy.

Just an hour a day can be absolutely life changing. Research shows that the brain’s GABA levels spike after just about 30 minutes to an hour of yoga. Higher GABA levels are associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety. It can even start improving your mood significantly which means more energy.

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improving strength, balance and flexibility. helping with back pain relief. can ease arthritis symptoms. benefiting your overall heart health. helping you sleep better. helping you feel more energetic & happy. managing stress. may reduce inflammation. promoting better self-care. connecting with supportive community.

It never hurts to try something new. Yoga will, 100%, change your life for the better. Go try it!

Tree Pose

Balance on one foot, while holding the other foot to your calf or above the knee (but never on the knee) at a right angle. Try to focus on one spot in front of you, while you balance for one minute.

Downward Dog Pose

Get on all fours, then tuck your toes under and bring your sitting bones up, so that you make a triangle shape. Keep a slight bend in your knees, while lengthening your spine and tailbone.

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Spurge Control: The New Top Priority In Your Yard By: Nick Boulton

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here are plenty of weeds that we deal with on a daily basis throughout the year, but the one that drives most crazy is spurge.

Spurge starts off as a very innocent looking plant. If not dealt with quickly it can become very unsightly and can easily take over your garden or yard before you know it. Spurge is a summer annual weed, but in warm climates it can begin growing as early as February and grow all the way into September and October! After about roughly 5 weeks of warm weather, spurge can produce flowers and begin dropping multiple seeds. The seeds will need sunlight and warm temperatures to germinate, but if they are buried more than 1/2 inch deep, they will not be able to sprout. As long as warm weather continues, seeds will continue to sprout and make new plants. As weather cools, the unsprouted seeds will lie dormant to await the following year.

Getting rid of spurge is not an easy task. It takes time, energy and continued persistence, just as any weed does! The main root on some types of spurge can grow up to 2 feet deep. Small spurge plants can

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be difficult to spot, especially if it is in the grass or below the gravel bed. A good strategy is to take a daily walk through your yard and look really hard for these weeds. As soon as you spot the tiny weed growing you can gently pull it out. Each of these long strands of spurge carries tons of weeds, so be mindful to not spread your headache even more.

You can also use mulch to kill it. Smother spurge with 3-4 inches of coarse mulch. Over time, your mulch will break down and it will need to be replaced.

Another natural way that you could try to get rid of this weed is pouring boiling water on them. If you are fine with using pesticides in your property, I would recommend Round-Up or Spurge Power to get rid of it. Just make sure that it will not over spray on to other plants such as flowers, shrubs, or trees as this will kill them. Lawn Doctor is a good resource and their trained technicians can help get your yard to where you want it. Good luck to you on your yardcare advendtures and I hope this information helps in your own personal battle within your yards to help get those weeds in check.

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BEAT THE HEAT St. George has been known to have temperatures averaging 102 degrees in the summertime. If you are struggling to find ways to beat the heat, here are a few tips people around the world have used to make the place they live a little cooler.

Hydrate regularly!

Water is low-cost, abundant and accessible.

Proper hydration can reduce fatigue and improve endurance. Eating fruits and vegetables full of high-water-content won’t tax and overheat your digestive system.

Eating Spicy!

The people of Mexico and India, two nations known for their sweltering climates, well know that eating hot stuff can help them stay cool.

For example, chili peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical compound that can make you perspire, which is the body’s natural airconditioning system.

cold compress!

Fill a cotton sock with rice, tie the sock with twine, and freeze it for two hours before bedtime. Then slide it between the sheets. The dense and starchy rice retains cold for a long period to help you sleep better.

Frozen Fan! Turn on and aim a simple house fan at a big bowl filled with ice. The cool air will circulate, lowering the room temperature to help keep you cool.

Make A Mist!

To a cup of brewed and chilled green tea, add 2 tablespoons of strained cucumber juice, 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and 1-2 drops of your favorite essential oil, like rose water or peppermint. Pour into a spray bottle, shake and store in the refrigerator. When you’re running hot, give yourself a cool, refreshing spritz.

Close those blinds!

Block the sun with curtains and shades. As much as 20 percent of summer heat enters you home as sunlight pouring through windows.

Doing this can help you house stay cooler during the summer months.

There are many other ways people can beat the heat when the temperature gets too hot. Try experimenting with some ideas if your AC goes out or if you are wanting to come up with something creative and new!

Make sure to stay safe and hydrated when facing that heat.

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A DIVE INTO THE

WATER By: Jared Brimer

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he first time I ever saw wake surfing was at lake powell with my friends. It looked so fun and I couldn’t wait to try it. The water was so smooth, it almost seemed like the person out on the board was sort of just flying to an invisible rhythm that only they knew and felt.

Everyone went before I did and they all made it look so easy, almost like they were professionals and that was their life’s calling. Even though everyone was good at it, they all had their own way they rode the wave and their own surfboard.

So, it was finally my turn.

The plan was simple: go out, just be myself and have fun. I wish this was a story of me having the time of my life, but sadly it is not.

I could not get up on that board if my life depended on it! I tried countless times.

Everyone who was having too much fun earlier was now frustrated because they had to watch me. I was like a fish out of water, or in this case a boy who had no idea what he was doing in the water.

I would like to say that my failures taught me several ways of how to not get up and I finally found one that worked, but if I said that I would be lying. I got out of the water and ventured to the house boat.

I told myself, out of frustration and defeat, that I would never do that again. I can’t be the only one who doesn’t know how to wake surf.

My new plan was even simpler, just not go, saving myself some embarrassment, if you will. I believe one

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of the boat drivers there caught on to my master plan and set out to make it his mission to get me wake surfing by the end of the trip.

We went out everyday that week, trying and failing over and over again. Finally the last day rolls around and we go out one final time. I had swallowed so much water, I probably lowered the lake a few inches.

Like I said, his mission was to get me surfing. So one final time I strapped on my life vest, grabbed the board and rope, and leaped into the water. After doing so, I could feel someone jump in after me.

He was coming out to help me in the water. So I got situated and went, my first try with someone in the water was a … failure, what a surprise. We went a few more times and still had no luck on getting up. He then sat in the water right behind me and basically pushed me up on my next run.

I finally did it.

Now that I was up, I had what felt like a million thoughts going through my mind. One of them being that I had never gotten this far before and I had no clue on what to do. It felt like I was up there for at least five minutes then I crashed.

I came up smiling only to hear that I had only been up for six seconds.

After that, I never had trouble getting up. I will forever be grateful that someone else was willing to make it their mission to help me so I could experience it with everyone.

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ACAI

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Cool Off With Strawberry Acai Smoothie

PREP: 5 MINUTES | MAKES: 2 BOWLS | CALORIES: 165 KCAL

Ingredients

1 Sambazon Açaí Performance Protein Superfruit Pack (strawberry flavor) 1/2 cup frozen strawberries 1 banana 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt

Directions

1. Mix Sambazon Açaí Performance Protein Superfruit Pack, frozen strawberries, banana and the plain greek yogurt into a blender 2. Blend until completely smooth.

3. Add any toppings of your liking. Some of my recommendations are sliced almonds, dark chocolate chips, granola, or chia seeds.

Serve immediately.

Berry Orange Smoothie

PREP: 5 MINUTES | MAKES: 1 BOWL | CALORIES: 167 KCAL

Ingredients

1 cup frozen berries 1/4 avocado 1 cup fresh spinach ½ cup coconut milk Zest & juice of 1 medium sized orange 1/4 cup mint leaves fresh 1 tbsp frozen raspberries Chia seeds 1 tbsp toasted slivered almonds

Directions

1. In a blender add frozen berries, avocado, spinach, coconut milk, orange juice and mint.

2. Cover and blend until smooth.

3. Pour into bowl and sprinkle on your chia seeds, orange zest, frozen raspberries and toasted almonds.

How to make your smoothie smoother:

- Add in some avocado or some kale - Use fresh fruit instead of frozen fruit to the smoothie, or use more fresh fruit and only a few pieces of frozen fruit.

- Turn blender on high speed for one minute, and scrape sides with a rubber spatula. Continue until smoothe.

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FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE Find Your Happy Place Follow these three tips to help reach a state of happiness on a daily basis.

Do you find that happiness is hard to come by on some days? With all the challenges of the past year, it’s sometimes just easier to find imperfections in everything and let crankiness rule your day. However, if you want to boost your mood and positivity, here are three things you can do to help find your happy place.

“There is no key to happiness; the door is always open.”

– Mother Teresa Get Moving If you find yourself grappling with negative thoughts and emotions, getting outdoors and exercising regularly can boost both your health and your mood. Whether you take a walk, ride a bike, or go for a run, aerobic activity releases moodboosting hormones within your body that ease stress levels and lift your spirits. When your muscles contract repetitively in exercises like jogging, yoga, or swimming, this increases your body’s production of serotonin. Increased levels of this brain chemical, targeted by many antidepressants, are linked to a happier mood.

Health experts suggest at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week or a vigorous 20 minutes three times a week. You can even start small — a brief 15-minute walk around the neighborhood may likely put you in a more cheerful mental space.

“Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

– Abraham Lincoln Don’t Overthink Did you know that the average adult makes more than 35,000 decisions each day? If this sounds mind-boggling (even crazy), you can Google it. Some prominent institutions stand behind it, including a scientific group at Harvard Medical School and Psychology Today. This may be why “decision fatigue” is a real thing. While having lots of choices may sound great, it can be mentally draining. Every day, you choose from a variety of options, from the time you select what to wear in the morning to the time you decide if you’re going to floss or not before bed. Not only do you have to make these decisions, but the choices can often lead to worry and regret — especially not flossing! Practice limiting your choices — and not putting too much pressure on yourself for making those choices. You can ask yourself: “will this decision lead to major, negative consequences?” If it won’t, make a quick choice and move on. Don’t second-guess yourself. Save the heavy-duty reflections for more significant issues that arise.

“I had an unexplained burst of happiness today. My doctor said not to worry, it will go away.”

– Albert Brooks Embrace the Small Stuff You get in your car and turn the ignition…and the car battery is dead. You order your favorite latte…and the barista seems like they are doing you the biggest favor in the world. You call a plumber about performing a minor repair…and they laugh at you, saying they are booked three months out. Let’s face it, these annoyances can steal the joy from our day if we let them.

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Researchers say one key to happiness is to notice and appreciate the small pleasures in life. Shift your focus from your to-do list and your worries to the little moments of pleasure within your day. Notice the way your dog looks at you when you’re fixing breakfast. Enjoy the sound of someone laughing at something funny you said. Take in the smell of your favorite latte — preferably the one the snooty barista served you. The next time you find yourself fixating on what is going wrong with your day, concentrate instead on what is going right!

This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal or investment advice. If you are seeking investment advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

Kmotion, Inc., 412 Beavercreek Road, Suite 611, Oregon City, OR 97045; www.kmotion.com ©2021 Kmotion, Inc. This newsletter is a publication of Kmotion, Inc., whose role is solely that of publisher. The articles and opinions in this newsletter are those of Kmotion. The articles and opinions are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Nothing in this publication shall be construed as providing investment counseling or directing employees to participate in any investment program in any way. Please consult your financial advisor or other appropriate professional for further assistance with regard to your individual situation.

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Desert

Showers in southern utah By: Ally Thompson

monsoon is frequently associated with images of heavy rainfall, much like a hurricane or typhoon.

But there is a distinction: a monsoon is a yearly wind change that occurs over an area, not a single storm.

In the summer, the shift can bring on torrential rains, while other times, it might bring on a dry spell. Large amounts of seasonal rainfall

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Expect to see monsoons season From mid-June to September.

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and consistent seasonal winds that often and persistently change directions are characteristics of monsoons.

Where did the word “Monsoon” originate from?

The Arabic word “mausim,” which signifies season, is where the word “monsoon” first appeared. This term has been used by seafarers to refer to an alternating sequence of winds across the Indian and

Arizona receives

32%

of its total yearly rainfall during the monsoon.

Arabian Seas that blow from the north-east for six months and the south-west for the other six. Typically, there is a 120° seasonal wind shift, which is mostly brought on by the differing rates of heating of land and water.

Summer, in either hemisphere, is when monsoon winds are most noticeable.

East Asia, South Asia, Africa, and the northern regions of Australia are all affected by the monsoons.

Although less well-known than its tropical cousins in Southeast Asia and India, the North American monsoon is likewise created by common global weather patterns. The intense summer heat raises air temperatures, alters wind patterns, and drives clouds that are heavy with ocean rain far inland.

As a result, the Southwest experiences severe rainfall and thunderstorms, a reduction in air temperature, and an Click the links for more content!

increase in humidity. In the Southwest, the monsoon season “technically” starts in mid-June and lasts until September. Even though afternoons are when storms tend to occur, they may occur at any time.

Monsoons are critical to the ecology in the Southwest because they keep wildfires at bay and provide an important source of water for desert dwellers. Lightning strikes and flash flooding are the most prevalent monsoon storm threats. Hiking is somthing locals and visitors need to be aware of. Hiking in various canyons can be extremely dangerous due to the quick change in weather. Those quick changes can result in flash floods. So, if you are in Arizona or Utah, you need to be cautious of this. That being said, with appropriate preparation, monsoon weather is nothing to be afraid of.

Preparing for Monsoons

is extremely important. Some ways to prepare yourself and your home include removing any waste and junk from around your home, including plant pots, drainpipes, gutters, and pit latrines. Repair any faults with your roof to avoid leaks, as well as any locations surrounding your property that may be impacted by heavy rain or floods. Avoid flash floods by never crossing rushing water on foot or in your car, and by always checking the weather forecast before climbing into any canyon. It is also critical to assess the weather in locations “upstream.”

As beautiful as desert rain is, it is important to be prepared for anything.

Monsoons are not predictable so it’s best to stay prepared for anything. Stay safe and aware of your surroundings while you are out exploring all of what Southern Utah has to offer during the summer. www.swmlife.com I 19

SUNWEST MANAGEMENT? WHO ARE WE & WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL? SunWest Management specializes in helping you develop a strong sense of community and promote harmony in your community. Prudent financial management, the best governance practices and maintenance strategies, yeah, we’re good at that too! We work with you to keep your property values high and your community thriving.

Our digital magazine is another way we share our passion and commitment to serve community associations everywhere. Read on for best practices, tips and offers to enhance your home and community.

Contact us and discover how your community can start living the SunWest life! We can’t wait to hear from you!

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