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602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com September/October 2023 North Valley Pride
While it is not easy or “fun” to discuss, this topic is a matter of life and death. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States among men, women, and in most communities. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one person passes away every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease . Despite heart disease being responsible for our country’s leading cause of death, we seemingly do not do enough to effectively prevent heart disease, let alone have conversations on this matter! How does heart disease occur in the first place? Genetics can be a significant risk factor for developing heart disease, but lifestyle habits and preexisting medical conditions are some of the most prominent causes. Some examples include: UNMASKING HEART DISEASE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF HEART HEALTH The Gift of Good Health
What followed was quadruple-bypass surgery, an intricate procedure that involved cutting my sternum in half to open my chest cavity, removing my heart from my body, grafting veins from my thigh to my chest, putting my heart back into my chest, and wiring my sternum back together. To say this was a wake-up call would be an understatement. Finding myself back home within just four days after such a complex surgery seemed nothing less than miraculous. And now, I find myself with an urgent message to share with you: Heart disease is real, indiscriminate, and silent, often making its presence felt only when fairly advanced. I urge everyone, especially those over 50, regardless of gender, to discuss cardiovascular health with your primary care physician during your next routine visit. More than just raising the topic, heed their advice and follow the preventive measures they recommend. This conversation could tip the scales in your favor. Remember, every day of good health is a gift. Do not take your health for granted. I am fortunate to be able to share my story today, a privilege I attribute to timely medical intervention, unwavering support from my wife, Lisa, and the grace of our almighty God, whose hand was on my life the entire time. Let us all pledge to prioritize our heart health, which truly is at the heart of life.
• • •
High cholesterol
Smoking
High blood pressure
• Diabetes (adults with diabetes are twice as likely to experience heart disease than those who do not have diabetes) • Frequent alcohol consumption What we eat, how much we sleep, and the amount of physical activity we do are all factors that can impact our heart health as well. Surprisingly enough, living a healthy lifestyle is one of the most powerful ways to protect our heart health, but a healthy lifestyle is certainly much easier said than done. I know! Heart disease became more than just a medical term for me this past June when unexpected chest pains overtook me during a casual evening walk. That episode led to an unplanned visit to my cardiologist and a “no passing go” trip to the emergency room at Banner Thunderbird Hospital in Phoenix. After a series of tests, including an angioplasty procedure that revealed heart stents would be ineffective, the doctors advised me that open-heart surgery was inevitable.
–Dennis Jones
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Extraordinary Realtors
602-677-4130
Dennis & Lisa Jones
Parents want to raise kind, happy, fulfilled, and resilient children. And while thousands of parenting books discuss changing diapers, nutrition for growing tots, or even the ins and outs of a child’s brain, few resources exist to help parents raise mentally strong children. Before going any further, defining what “mentally strong” means is essential because teaching a child something you do not know yourself is nearly impossible. What is mental strength? BetterUp, the world’s largest mental health and coaching startup, defines mental strength as “the cognitive and emotional skill of reframing negative thoughts and adverse circumstances.” Essentially, it is a child’s ability to “turn that frown upside down” in a healthy way all on their own. Mentally strong children also experience less stress, more motivation, and increased adaptability. They are better at viewing challenges and setbacks as temporary roadblocks instead of end-all-be-alls, and they can self-soothe in times of fear or anxiety. By internally reframing negative emotions, mentally strong children will grow to become adults who are more connected to their true selves. They are more motivated to push through anything that may stand in their way. So, how do you raise mentally strong kids? The answer is simple yet challenging. All the benefits mentioned are available to children as long as parents follow one simple rule: Let children solve their own problems. Parenting for Resilience: Empowering Your Child’s Mental Strength
To many parents, the idea of leaving their children to suffer through hardship alone is terrifying, but the truth is that the more problems you solve for them, the less competent they become. Think about it. What does solving their problems for them teach? That when the going gets tough, their parents will sort it all out, and everything will be fine. As adults, however, we know this could not be further from the truth. So, next time your children come to you with a problem, give them the task of solving it themselves. Ask them, “What do you think we should do about that problem?” and refrain from giving any advice until they have come up with a few ideas of their own! Your guidance and encouragement will help them build confidence in their own problem-solving skills.
Amy’s Invaluable Impact on DL Jones This Labor Day, We Want to Celebrate Our Integral Team!
Monday, Sept. 4, was Labor Day, and we hope everyone could thoroughly enjoy the holiday
positive work environment. Only a year has passed since she joined our team, but we now could not imagine our office without her! Team building is both an art and a science, and Amy aligns perfectly with our company values. Even at our busiest, she continues to strive with both efficiency and optimism. Her commitment has been instrumental in achieving our goals, making her an integral member of our future. Amy’s presence energizes our office, fostering camaraderie and productivity. Her passion for real estate and devotion to customer service shines through in her
interactions with clients. If you live locally, please stop by our office to meet Amy and experience her vibrant personality! She is more than delighted to get to know our clients better and chat about the weather, dinner recipes, or (of course) real estate. We acknowledge the spirit of dedicated workers everywhere and are especially grateful to the members of the DL Jones Home Team. They help us support our clients every day and make their home ownership dreams come true. We would not be able to do everything on our own! We sincerely thank Amy and our entire team for their commitment to our mission. –Dennis & Lisa Jones
while showing appreciation for their fellow employees. While many of you may have only spoken or met with us, we have a whole team behind us who makes the magic happen. This Labor Day, we want to honor the dedication of our team members and spotlight our newest member, Amy Pulver. Amy joined us as a Sales Associate and Contract Coordinator in 2022, and quickly became essential to our day-to-day operations. Her attention to detail and endless enthusiasm contribute to our
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Dennis & Lisa Jones
KEEP YOURSELF SAFE WHILE TRAVELING ALONE
Traveling alone can be a memorable and adventurous experience — it is a great way to step outside your comfort zone and continue learning about yourself. While solo travel is chock-full of exciting perks, staying alone in a hotel can be dangerous if you are not careful to take certain safety precautions. The next time you take a trip by yourself, keep these tips in mind! Check in the smart way. When you check in to your hotel, always ask for two room keys — this way, hotel staff and anyone else in earshot will automatically assume someone else is traveling with you. If they ask how many guests will be staying with you, do not admit you are alone. If you have the option, request a room that is not on the ground floor, as research shows they are the easiest to break into! Inspect your room. As soon as you enter the room, make a quick sweep to ensure no one is present in closets, in the shower, or under the bed and that nothing appears to be amiss. It is always best to be safe rather than sorry! Keep your eyes peeled. Any time you leave your room, even if it is just to scope out the vending machines, be alert for anyone watching or following you, and always keep your room number discreet. If you ever feel like someone is following you, get off on a different floor and avoid going to your room. Use the deadbolt.
Fall is around the corner! Our friend, Sylvia W., shared this delicious (and healthy!) soup recipe with us years ago. Enjoy a bowl once the weather cools! Sylvia’s Favorite Pumpkin Soup
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds • 2 tsp cumin seeds • 2 tsp dried oregano • 1 tbsp fennel seeds • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp whole black peppercorns INGREDIENTS
• 1 clove garlic • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided • 1 medium sugar pumpkin • 4 orange-fleshed sweet potatoes • 1 large onion, chopped • 1 1/2 quarts chicken broth
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). 2. In a mortar or spice grinder, grind coriander, cumin, oregano, fennel, red pepper, salt, and peppercorns into a coarse powder. Blend in garlic and 1 tbsp olive oil to form a paste. 3. Wash pumpkin and cut into 2-inch-wide wedges, scraping away seeds. Peel sweet potatoes and cut each potato lengthwise into 6 wedges. Smear the pumpkin and the potatoes with the spice paste and place in a baking dish. 4. Roast in preheated oven 30–40 minutes until tender and just beginning to blacken at the thinnest points. Meanwhile, in a large pot over medium heat, cook the onion in the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil until translucent. 5. Chop pumpkin and potatoes into smaller chunks and purée in a blender or food processor with some of the chicken broth until smooth. Be sure to scrape the roasted spice paste off the baking dish and include it in the purée. It may be necessary to deglaze the dish with a little chicken broth. 6. Pour the puréed vegetables into the pot with the onions and stir in as much additional chicken stock as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Heat through.
If the door in your room comes equipped with a deadbolt, use it! This extra safety measure keeps even those with a key from entering your room without your knowing! Share the hotel information. Let your family and friends know where you are staying! Provide them with
the hotel name, address, and phone number in case an emergency arises!
Traveling solo is a thrilling experience, but it comes with some extra steps to stay safe! Trust your instincts and use these tips to ensure your trip goes down in the memory books as safe and exciting!
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Nobody wants to live in a messy home, but staying organized is often easier said than done, especially when you have kids. Spending weekend after weekend cleaning up messes made throughout the week can get exhausting. Thankfully, you can implement some quick organizational hacks that will help you reduce your cleaning time. Make use of Command Strips. Many areas in our homes could better utilize space. Command Strips, or double-sided tape, can add more space and reduce clutter in closets and pantries. Place Command Strips on a desktop file holder and stick it to the inside of your closet or pantry door. This will give you a new area where you can store just about anything that will fit. If you have a standing paper towel holder, another helpful Command Strip hack is to place the strips on the bottom so it does not slide away when you use it. It only takes a couple of seconds to fix. Create a welcoming entryway. When people walk into your house, they need somewhere to hang their coats. After you walk your dog, you need a place to put their leash. Having an area by your door to hang things will help reduce clutter and make your house look nicer. And you can easily create a space for this. Buy a 12–24-inch picture ledge and a handful of hooks. Drill holes, affix the ledge to your wall, and screw the hooks into the bottom of the shelf. Now you have somewhere to hang things and display pictures or art to spruce up your entryway. Free up your kitchen cabinets. Why Lose Weekends Cleaning? Implement These Hacks for a Tidier Home!
Our Autumn Array of Arizona Properties! The arrival of fall in Arizona signifies an exciting season for the real estate market! Our autumn listings boast an array of homes in a variety of sizes and locations, each with a unique charm befitting the season.
Would you like to see your home showcased to a nationwide audience? Along with our newsletter, we are consistently seeking amazing Arizona properties to feature on our “American Dream Valley of the Sun” TV show as we celebrate the beauty of Arizona with our spectacular showcase of homes.
4 bedrooms, private pool, golf course views, Anthem Country Club — $999k
5 bedroom lu Anthem Country Club
If you keep your bowls, plates, and other dishes in a cabinet, how do you have them organized? If you want to make the most of your space, invest in a plate
organizer. Placing it in your cabinet will allow you to stack your different types of dishes in one area, freeing
Stunning 3 bedroom remodel, gated community — SOLD for $580k
Remodeled, 4 bedrooms, loft, priv SOLD in 1 day for $695
up space for other items.
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Dennis & Lisa Jones
Have you ever walked into someone’s garage and noticed how slick and clean the floor looks? Most of the time, the homeowner has applied an epoxy coating to their garage floor to give it a sleek look. When done right, epoxy protects against motor oil, gasoline, bleach, and other common chemicals, while also making the floor scratch and stain resistant. The best part about this product is that you can apply it yourself fairly easily for a much lower cost than if you hired a contractor. You will need to purchase a concrete degreaser, an epoxy flooring kit, painter’s tape, a 3-inch paintbrush, a 9-inch paint roller, and eye protection before starting. Keep in mind that epoxy works best when used on concrete flooring without serious cracks or chips. To start the process, you will need to clean your garage floor with a broom or shop vac. Next, wet the floor with a hose and apply a degreaser. Follow the instructions on the degreaser’s packaging. Once that is done, you will need to etch the concrete. Put on your safety glasses and wear long sleeves for this part of the job. Be sure to follow the directions provided by the etching solution manufacturer before applying it to the floor and working it into the concrete. FROM DRAB TO FAB DIY EPOXY COATING FOR A BEAUTIFUL AND RESILIENT GARAGE FLOOR
3 bedrooms, squeaky clean, large backyard — SOLD for $425k
3 bedrooms, pool, golf course, and mountain views — SOLD for $912k
uxury estate in b — SOLD for $1.375M
Anthem Country Club estate — Accepted contract in 1 day!
Wait 20-30 minutes after applying your etching solution, then rinse the floor again with a hose. Once it dries completely, apply painter’s tape along the bottom edge of the walls. Now it is time to mix your epoxy. Every mixture is slightly different, so pay careful attention to the instructions to ensure you wait the specified time before mixing, letting the mixture rest, and applying it to the floor. Factor working time into your project, as the epoxy will harden within two hours. Apply the mixture to the floor as soon as it is ready. Spread the epoxy on your floor with a paint roller and add color chips if you wish. Allow for 24 hours of drying time before applying an acrylic sealer. After you have finished applying the epoxy to the floor, you need to wait 24 hours before you walk on it and at least five days before you can park your car on it. After that, it is good to go and should last several years.
vate pool — 5k
Arizona paradise! Under contract in 4 days — SOLD for $1.25M
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REDEFINE YOUR SKIN CARE WITH DERMAROLLING!
Dozens of skin care devices claim to prevent or reduce wrinkles, improve the appearance of acne scars and fine lines, and help firm and rejuvenate your skin. One device that is currently trending is a dermaroller — but is it effective? What is a dermaroller? A dermaroller is a tiny handheld wheel with tons of short, fine needles. It is meant to puncture the skin and promote collagen — which, in turn, should improve the texture of your skin, reduce acne scars, stimulate new blood vessels, and prevent wrinkles. Does it really work? According to a 2022 study from the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, dermarolling is an effective method to enhance the look and feel of your skin. In their study with 32 subjects, 73% saw improvement in the appearance of their skin in 30 days, and 68% saw considerable
progress in 90 days. Almost 94% of participants saw high levels of improvement in their wrinkles, around 88% were satisfied with the results, and about 80% would recommend dermarolling to loved ones. How do you use a dermaroller? First, you want to wash your face and remove any oils or dirt. Then, gently hold the skin taut (not loose or flabby) and gently roll the device along the skin. You can use a dermaroller on your forehead, cheeks, under the eyes, and around the mouth — just remember to be gentle! Finally, use hyaluronic acid serums on your face afterward to calm redness and help your skin repair. This device is not just for your face; you can dermaroll your entire body! You can use it on your chest, stomach, legs, arms, back, feet, and hands. Dermarolling can also help with burn scars, stretch marks, dark spots, cellulite, and surgery scars.
You will need a dermaroller with a needle length based on your desired result. Therefore, before purchasing a dermaroller, contact your health care provider or dermatologist for more information. They can help determine which size needle you need, share what brands they recommend, and provide tips on how to use the device correctly.
NAVIGATE YOUR PURCHASE: EXPERT TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME CAR BUYERS
Research and weigh your options. The industry is vast! After you have established how much you are able to spend, you can begin to do your homework and find a car with the features that fit your needs. Pro Tip: Some questions to ask yourself are what will your vehicle be used for, how much commuting will you be doing, what are some necessary features, and how much space do you need? Do not skip the test drives. A test drive is essential, especially when purchasing your first vehicle. During this
For many, their first taste of freedom is purchasing their first car. It is an exciting milestone and a huge financial decision. To help make the process easier and ensure you know what to expect, here is a guide for parents and teens when purchasing their first vehicle. Establish a budget. What can you afford? Today, the price of a new set of reliable and safe wheels is high. Even the cheapest new vehicle on the market is about $15,000. Determine if a new or used car fits your price range and whether or not financing is a smart option.
check for roadworthiness, you will see that each car drives differently. It is important to get a feel for how each one handles and rides. Pro Tip: If you are purchasing a used car, do not forget to check CARFAX for the vehicle’s crash history, mileage, service history, and exterior and interior condition. Do not forget insurance and registration. As soon as you purchase a vehicle, you will need to insure and register it with your nearest department of motor vehicles!
Pro Tip: Do not forget this cost when considering your budget! These fees add up.
Pro Tip: Check out vehicle listings on Facebook, Craigslist, and OfferUp —
With these tips, purchasing your new car will be fun and exciting! Most
sometimes, you can land a great deal. Just be sure to do your research and bring a friend along when you test drive the vehicle, for both safety reasons and another opinion.
importantly, do not forget to buckle up and practice safe driving as soon as you exit the car lot!
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Dennis & Lisa Jones
Always a Proud Jayhawk!
Take a Break
MY JOURNEY AS A TRANSFER STUDENT AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
College life creates some of the best memories of our lives and brings the best lessons we will ever learn both inside and outside the lecture hall. At my university, I made friends for life and even had a chance to travel the world. I want to share my experience at the University of Kansas since Sept. 1 was National College Colors Day! Although I spent my freshman year at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, as a Running Swede, I transferred to the University of Kansas and officially became a Jayhawk. I decided to transfer after finishing all the French language coursework available at Bethany during my freshman year, and I still had so much to learn. The choice was not easy, but I will never regret my days at KU. I was able to explore this beautiful romance language further by studying abroad in France for a semester during my junior year. Talk about an unforgettable college experience! I am a proud KU alumnus and will represent my college colors whenever I have the opportunity! While at KU, we won the NCAA National Basketball Championship under the leadership of Larry Brown and Danny Manning. I will never forget the incredible campus atmosphere that year. The Lawrence campus is already stunning, but the energetic environment made the university even more remarkable. As for sorority life, I was invited to join Alpha Phi sorority as a sophomore, where I made those lifelong friends I spoke of earlier. At KU, I achieved the full college experience and grew into the person I am today. Despite only being on campus for 2 1/2 years due to my study abroad in France and then the UK, I will always be a proud Jayhawk who can wave the wheat with the best of them! Everyone has their own college experience and jaw-dropping stories, which is why Dennis and I love hearing about different people’s personal college experiences. Please share your university colors and stories with us (especially if you are also a KU Jayhawk) !
ASTER BLUEBERRIES CITIZENSHIP GRANDPARENTS
HOMEWORK LABOR LEAVES MOONSTONE
PREPARE SCHOOL VIRGO WINDY
–Lisa Jones
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Extraordinary Realtors
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Inside A Wake-Up Call to Take Heart Disease Seriously
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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Guide to Raising Mentally Strong Kids
Lisa & Dennis Jones
Meet Amy Pulver: Our Newest Team Member Making a Difference
3668 W. Anthem Way, Ste. B-158 • Anthem, AZ 85086 602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com
Sylvia’s Favorite Pumpkin Soup
Keep Yourself Safe While Traveling Alone
Wave Goodbye to Weekend Cleaning Marathons — Your Solution Inside!
Our Autumn Array of Arizona Properties!
Your Garage Floor Makeover Awaits
Say Goodbye to Wrinkles and Fine Lines With Dermarolling!
Expert Tips for First-Time Car Buyers
Lisa Celebrates KU on National College Colors Day
Take a Break
Maximize Your Golden Years
MAXIMIZE YOUR GOLDEN YEARS: Understand the 4 Phases of Retirement
In the years leading up to your golden years, you will receive plenty of financial advice on preparing for retirement. You want to ensure you have enough money to last the duration of your retirement and maybe still have something left in your estate. This is incredibly important, but there is more to retirement than simply saving your money and waiting. Author and speaker Dr. Riley Moynes has contemplated the psychological challenges that retirees face and determined that there are four distinct phases of retirement. Understanding these phases and preparing for their challenges will help you maximize your retirement. Vacation This phase is exactly what it sounds like. You will feel like you are on vacation 24/7. You wake up when you want, sleep when you want, and do whatever your heart desires
throughout each day. We are free from responsibilities and can enjoy each moment as it comes, but many people grow bored of this stage after the first year of retirement. We begin to miss our routine and question if there is anything more to retirement. Loss This second stage begins when we start to feel like we have lost who we are. We lose our routine, our identity, many of the relationships we have built, a sense of purpose, and for some, a feeling of power. This is also the stage where retirees can face divorce, depression, and physical and mental decline. It can be traumatic when you do not see these losses coming, but this phase does not last forever. Trial and Error This phase is all about trying to make your life more meaningful. Often, the best path
forward is to invest more time into your favorite activities. Be warned that many of these activities will have lost their luster, causing you to experience some trial and error. Do not give up! Something will click to give you purpose, propelling you into phase four. Reinvention Not everyone will make it to this stage. To get here, you must ask yourself, “What is my mission in retirement?” Maybe you want to serve others by volunteering with a charity, or perhaps you simply want to improve your golf game. Finding that purpose and reinventing yourself around it will bring you more happiness during your golden years.
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