Take a look at our latest newsletter!
602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com May/June 2023 North Valley Pride
HER WISDOM AND WIT REMAIN IN MEMORY OF MY MARVELOUS MOTHER
With Mother’s Day in May, Dennis and I decided that I should write a tribute to my mom, who passed away last summer after a 20-plus year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Claire Bloomberg Capel was a journalist her entire career and my entire life. Her father passed away from Parkinson’s disease when she was a little girl. Her then-single mom raised her and her sister to be independent women. Her mom wanted to ensure that her daughters went to college and could fend for themselves, if needed. With her independent streak, my mom had a way with words and occasionally a little sarcasm and sass. She was a wordsmith by trade and was constantly correcting our grammar in a positive way. My editing skills ( and red pen ) come compliments of her! As our family talked about my mom after she passed, we remembered her wit, her one- liners, her ability to remember the words of every single nursery rhyme, and many of her sayings that we call “Claire-isms.” I thought that I would share just a few of the classic Claire-isms with which I was raised. “Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.” A printout of this saying hung on the top right corner of our refrigerator throughout my childhood and into my collegiate days. Being a journalist, my mom always had deadlines to meet. Nothing annoyed her more than procrastinators. She would not hesitate to let people know their procrastination was not her
problem. She taught us not to procrastinate and to solve our own problems. “Give your mouth a rest and your ears a chance.” A journalist always has to LISTEN to hear the story. My mom taught us excellent listening skills and to be empathetic — to really listen to people. I use this Claire-ism in my real estate career daily.
meetings were pointless, unproductive, and often a waste of her time. She much preferred to work independently to complete the job promptly without the hassle. There’s that independent streak again! “Chocolate is the 5th food group.” My mom loved chocolate, and I genuinely mean...my mom LOVED chocolate. Solid, with or without nuts, milk, semi-sweet, dark — she would devour an entire bar, box, or package of chocolate in one sitting while reading a new James Patterson novel, leaving a pile of wrappers as the only trace. As part of her Parkinson’s treatment, her neurologist implanted a deep brain stimulator in her skull. When she awoke from the procedure, they asked what she wanted to eat. She responded with, “Chocolate.” The nurse explained that she was on a liquid diet and that chocolate would not be possible. My mom’s response: “Then melt it!” They reached a compromise with chocolate pudding. My mom was a pioneer in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease with her deep brain stimulator. She did not let the disease stop her from traveling the world with my dad by her side. She was able to watch her grandkids play basketball and lacrosse and perform in plays and orchestras from the time they were children all the way through college. She lived to see her grandchildren graduate from college — just like her mom would have wanted.
“Nothing good happens after midnight.” The newspaper reporter blood in her saw the stories time and again of late-night activities gone awry. The bad accidents, the break- ins, the DUIs/DWIs — they all seemed to happen late at night or in the wee hours of the morning. She confirmed this statement again when she worked for the Virginia State Police. She always wanted us home and tucked in bed by midnight as teenagers. As a mom, I concur with this Claire-ism. “There is no ‘we’ in committee, but there is an ‘I.’” My mom did not have much use for committees. She felt many committee
Continued on Page 3 ...
1
Extraordinary Realtors
602-677-4130
Dennis & Lisa Jones
The Best Way to Celebrate Mystery Month Host a Murder Mystery Dinner!
Did you know May is Mystery Month? There are dozens of ways to celebrate this enigmatic occasion, from playing Clue to rewatching “Glass Onion” — but why not bring those experiences to life and host your own murder mystery dinner at home? Thanks to a plethora of kits on the market, doing so is easier than ever! What is a murder mystery dinner? A murder mystery dinner is essentially a real-life game of Clue. You invite friends over for dinner and turn your home into the set of “Knives Out” — without the blood, of course. Each of your friends takes on the persona of a character in the story, and when one of them is “murdered,” you compete to uncover who dunnit. Step 1: Pick your kit. Planning a murder mystery dinner from scratch would take the ingenuity of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Luckily, you have several ready- made mysteries from which to choose! You can find boxes from Masters of Mystery and My Mystery Party at your local board game store, but you can find many options available online too. Night of Mystery (NightOfMystery.com), for example, sells both in-person and virtual kits with themes ranging from ‘80s prom to Christmas homicide.
If your friends and family do not like the idea of acting and dressing up, that is okay — you can still solve a mystery over dinner! Look into kits available through Unsolved Case Files (UnsolvedCaseFiles.com) or Hunt A Killer (Shop.HuntAKiller.com), which involve collaborative mystery-solving without the character work. Step 2: Curate your guest list. Most murder mystery dinners require at least four people, while some include characters for six, eight, or more! Check the number of players on your kit and invite your most creative, analytical, theatrical, and mystery-loving friends. Step 3: Decorate and plan the menu. If you choose a themed murder mystery, level up your event with a matching menu and decor! For games taking place in England, whip up a shepherd’s pie and make a cardboard cutout of Big Ben. For Havana Nights, plan a build-your-own Cubano bar and throw on an Afro-Cuban playlist. You can be as over-the-top as you like. Remember, May is Mystery Month!
A Life Lost Too Soon
MY UNCLE WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE
May 29 marks Memorial Day this year, which holds significant meaning for my family. You may already know that my uncle lost his life in the Vietnam War, and now I take any opportunity I can to honor his memory and service. I shared my Uncle Bruce’s story in this newsletter some years ago, and I would like to revisit his legacy this Memorial Day. Although the years pass and I grow older, his image and courage remain timeless. Second Lieutenant John Bruce Capel had a bright career ahead of him, but he decided to serve his country instead. My uncle was quite the figure in his hometown, both for his talent in football and his kind heart. He played alongside football legend Dick Butkus at the University of Illinois, and they even won the Rose Bowl together! Everyone knew that Bruce had so much in store for him. In addition to these accolades, he was also a Quantico Marine Athlete. Only a few know about these athletes, and I likely would not if not for my uncle. Quantico Marine Athletes were talented sportsmen in various varsity sports, including track and field, basketball,
and of course, football. Although these Marines were serving their country, they were also outstanding athletes who would have easily become professional legends in their respective leagues. Their paths were changed forever when the Vietnam War began. Each Quantico Marine Athlete was given a choice: to stay and play their sport at Quantico or to fight in Vietnam. My uncle, who always considered himself a Marine first and an athlete second, made the decision to fight for his country. Soon after, he lost his life in Vietnam.
This Memorial Day, and every one after, I will remember my uncle’s service and sacrifice. I never had the chance to meet him, but with so many tales and memories left behind, I can feel his bright spirit and lasting legacy. I am forever grateful to him and all those who gave their lives in battle to protect our country. My heart also goes out to everyone who lost loved ones in the service. I wish you all a meaningful Memorial Day.
–Lisa Jones
2
DLJonesHomes.com
Dennis & Lisa Jones
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with this great Mexican Black Bean Pizza. Great as an appetizer or a main dish! Add taco meat or keep it vegetarian! Delicious either way! Recipe compliments of Kim Manner-Appel of Christ the King - Feeding the Flock. Mexican Black Bean Pizza
In our line of work, we are often drawn to the most captivating and stunning houses on the market. We have become admirers of architect Frank Lloyd Wright over the years. The genius architect was born this month, and we cannot help but appreciate his work and legacy. Our fellow Phoenix dwellers are probably well aware of Wright’s artistic influence in Arizona. HOW FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S LEGACY LIVES ON An Artist’s Touch in Arizona
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
•
1 10-oz. can premade pizza crust 1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Lightly grease 12-inch pizza
•
pan. Unroll dough and place in pan. Press out with hands. Bake for 7–10 minutes until light golden brown.
• •
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp cumin • 1 tsp hot red pepper sauce • 1/2 tsp minced garlic • 4 oz. shredded Monterey jack cheese (1 cup) • 4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup) • 1 2 1/4-oz. can sliced ripe olives, drained • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
3. In food processor, combine beans, oil, cilantro, cumin, red pepper sauce, and garlic. Process until smooth. 4. Spread mixture over partially
baked crust. Sprinkle with cheeses, olives, red pepper, and onions.
5. Bake at 425 F for 7–12 minutes until crust is deep golden brown and cheese is melted. 6. Blend sour cream and taco sauce. Serve pizza with sour cream mixture and salsa.
• 1/2 cup sour cream • 1/4 cup taco sauce • 1 cup chunky salsa
Wright had a residence and studio named Taliesin West in Scottsdale, which he visited every winter. He resided in this dazzlingly designed home from 1937 until his death in 1959, when he was 91 years old. Taliesin West is now open to the public with a variety of tours that we highly recommend. We also suggest attending the Friday Night Film events at Wright’s wondrous winter home! You can watch classic films like “Casablanca” or “Rebel Without a Cause” in his charming personal theater. What an experience like no other! You can also find Wright’s unique influence throughout Phoenix in various homes he designed with his trademark style and the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, where he was the consulting architect. Wright also was commissioned to design a vast auditorium for Arizona State University. The Gammage Auditorium’s design is actually the layout for an opera house Wright was planning in Iran before it was canceled. We have the good fortune of experiencing his awe-inspiring work instead! Even in our community of Anthem, we have the opportunity to admire Wright’s iconic legacy throughout buildings, light fixtures, and street signs. Arizona’s distinctive landscape inspired Wright in his lasting career, creating more than 1,100 architectural designs. Now, his work continues to inspire us around every corner of this beautiful state we call home. We would like to thank not only Frank Lloyd Wright but also all the architects and designers who have had an incredible impact on our community and environment!
... continued from Cover
“Nobody should have to spend holidays alone.” We always welcomed a crowd into our home at Thanksgiving, Easter, and most holidays. To this day, I follow in those footsteps. Despite being a working professional, she always had a home- cooked meal for us for dinner. She managed to make all of our cross country, gymnastics, and track meets, all of our 4-H Club meetings, youth group meetings, and choral performances. My mom was very active in her sorority with charities and our church. She always had a meal to take to someone who had just had a baby, had just arrived home from the hospital, or was homebound. I know that my mom is skipping around heaven with a chocolate bar in her hand and another in her pocket, quietly correcting everyone’s grammar, reciting nursery rhymes to children, and listening to people’s stories with empathy, just like the amazing journalist who raised me. Treat your mom to a very special Mother’s Day this year! You never know if this year might be your last one to celebrate together!
–Lisa Jones
3
Extraordinary Realtors
602-677-4130
They say April showers bring May flowers, but sometimes, even with Mother Nature’s help, some sprouts have trouble growing. The natural next step for many people is to give their precious plants a little fertilizer. But traditional chemically formulated fertilizers “[run] off into waterways or [get] broken down by microbes in the soil [and release] the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide into the atmosphere,” according to a report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. If you are looking for a more natural way to help your plants grow, you can make your own fertilizer at home — with coffee grounds! This eco-friendly alternative uses cinnamon as a natural pesticide and club soda for extra macronutrients. What You’ll Need • 4-6 tbsp used coffee grounds Put Your Grounds in the Ground! HOW TO MAKE COFFEE FERTILIZER
Check Out These Hot Properties! Summer has arrived with an energized real estate market! As the days grow warmer, buyers and sellers alike are embracing the opportunity to make their move.
Our summer listings boast an impressive array of homes, each with unique charm and style.
We are continually on the lookout for stunning properties to feature on our “American Dream Valley of the Sun” TV show. Check out the latest episodes on our website at DLJonesHomes.com or scan the QR code with your phone camera to
visit our YouTube channel. Dive into the sizzling summer market and find the perfect home to match your lifestyle!
• 1 tsp cinnamon • 1 cup club soda Your coffee grounds must have gone through a brew cycle to make them less acidic to avoid harming your plants.
Anthem Country Club — Clean and Cozy 2 BR, Great Room — $435,000
You can save the needed amount of coffee grounds
throughout the week (depending on whether you use single-cup machines or drip pots) or brew a pot using 4–6 tablespoons specifically to use for fertilizing. Then, once your grounds have been brewed, mix them in a bowl with cinnamon and club soda. When these ingredients are combined, it creates a solution full of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other minerals that plants love! Apply this coffee mixture directly to the soil of your plants every two weeks, ensuring you spread the fertilizer over the entire surrounding area to distribute the nutrients evenly. This mixture is excellent for indoor potted plants, outdoor plants, and even different bushes or shrubs. With this easy DIY fertilizer, you can reduce waste, help the environment, save money, and help your plants grow happier and healthier!
Anthem West Side — Impeccably Maintained 4 BR, We Brought the Buyer — $499,000
Under Contract! Ant Lock and Leave 3BR, S
4
DLJonesHomes.com
Dennis & Lisa Jones
WE ADDED A FURRY FRIEND TO THE FAMILY!
Owning a pet can be fun and exciting for the entire family. However, introducing animals to children can be stressful, and when your children meet your new pet, you want to start things on the right foot (and paw!). How do you go about introducing your pet to your children? Educating Children on Pet Care TIPS ON HOW TO INTRODUCE A PET TO CHILDREN
Anthem Country Club — Stunning 3 BR, Den, Pool, Golf & Mountain Views — $925,000
Before bringing your four-legged family member home, sit down with your kids and teach them how to treat and care for a pet. They should pet their new friend politely and make sure the animal is comfortable. Teach them what a cat or dog looks like when they are happy, scared, or annoyed. Next, establish boundaries on what is and is not okay for your pet to eat and how to play with and care for them. You can also take this time to discuss the potential risks of owning a pet and what could happen if your child improperly handles them. Remember to talk about dog or cat bites, scratching, and other behaviors. Preparing the Introduction When the time comes to bring your new family member home, inform your children about how nervous your new pet might be. They will be in a new environment with people they do not know — so you want them to be as comfortable as possible. First, allow your new pet to venture around the home and check out everything. Once they are acquainted with their surroundings, the pet is ready to meet the kids. If you have multiple kids, have each child meet your new pet one at a time. You also want two guardians involved during the introduction — one can keep an eye on the furry friend, and the other can help your child. Keep you new pet on a leash or harness in case you need to separate them from anyone. Remembering the Acronym PAWS Teach your children to pause before approaching the animal. Have them ask if they can pet or play with the new four-legged friend. After your child waits for permission, have them gently offer a hand for your pet to sniff to see if they want to interact.
Anthem Country Club — Golf Course Living! 2 BR, Den, Great Views — $595,000
Just SOLD! Queen Creek — 1 Year Old Contemporary, 4 BR, Den, Pool — $665,000
If you need further guidance on introducing a new pet to your family or want to know how to train your furry friend, contact your local veterinarian for additional information.
them Country Club — Swim Spa — $419,000
Under Contract in 12 Days! Anthem Parkside — Contemporary 3BR Remodel — $495,000
5
Extraordinary Realtors
602-677-4130
Our Go-To Road Trip in Red Rock Country HEAD TO SEDONA THIS SUMMER!
Summer is the season of road trips and making memories! Did you know that the Friday before Memorial Day is Take a Road Trip Day? Ahead of the long weekend, this day is the perfect time to squeeze in an exciting road trip, and we know just the place for you. Sedona is one of our favorite weekend getaways and only one hour away from our home! Red Rock Country is filled with endless activities for adventure seekers. Whatever you choose to do, from hiking steep trails to driving a Jeep through the rocky red landscape, will boost your adrenaline. If you are looking for a more relaxing way to witness the iconic Red Rock formations, you can climb aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad. This four-hour train ride will take you along the dreamy desert landscape (with air conditioning and beverages). Also, amidst the rocky red-tinged terrain is an architectural wonder. The Chapel of the Holy Cross was designed by Marguerite
Brunswig Staude, a student of the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The fascinating chapel lies nestled between the red rocks, creating an otherworldly view. Anyone who has even a slight interest in architecture should stop by the Chapel of the Holy Cross! Next, hop on a trolley, head to Sedona’s Main Street District, and marvel at the endless shops, museums, galleries, and eateries. If you want something tranquil and chic, we recommend Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, where you can admire the arts amid Spanish-style architecture. Since Sedona is one of our favorite road trip destinations, we know exactly which restaurants you need to try! For lunch, enjoy the locally sourced Mexican cuisine at Elote Cafe. The eatery overlooks the dazzling desert and offers some of the best cocktails you will ever have. Regarding dinner, no other restaurant can compete with the quality at Cress on Oak Creek. This fine
dining experience is right along Oak Creek and is considered one of Arizona’s Top Outdoor Dining Experiences. While the trip back to Phoenix is short, spending the night and saving the drive for the next morning is always a great idea. Our favorite hotel in this scenic city is L’Auberge de Sedona (where you can also find Cress on Oak Creek). Luxurious and serene, a night here will undoubtedly be a night you will not forget. Sedona Red Rock Country is our favorite road trip, and we want to know yours! Email Lisa, and we will assemble the best road trips our readers recommend and share them in our next newsletter. We look forward to hearing your road trip recommendations!
THE AGELESS BENEFITS OF YOGA HOW SENIORS ARE FINDING NEW VITALITY
For many seniors, maintaining an active lifestyle can be a challenge. Your body might not be as flexible, and new pains or discomforts seem to appear out of nowhere as time passes. This change can be problematic and will require some adjustment on your part, especially if you have lived an active lifestyle. Thankfully, there are some activities you can do to help you stay active, like yoga! You might think that yoga is just for young people, but that is not the case at all! Yoga is a low-impact exercise that can be modified to suit a wide range of abilities, making yoga accessible to people of all ages. Perfection is not expected, as each individual is encouraged to listen to their own body and move at a comfortable pace. Even if you have health limitations or concerns, yoga is a safe and pleasant activity. Plus, you will gain a host of benefits from participating. By holding poses and moving through sequences, yoga helps to lengthen and stretch muscles, increasing the range of motion and
reducing stiffness. You will also build muscle strength, particularly in your core. Your balance and posture will improve, which will help lessen physical discomfort and reduce your risk of falls. In addition to physical benefits, yoga is also mentally stimulating. The practice of yoga can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. By incorporating breathing techniques into their practice, seniors can improve cognitive function and memory. Yoga also has a social aspect. Many yoga studios offer classes specifically for seniors, which can provide a supportive and welcoming environment for everyone to practice together. Yoga is a great way to meet new people and have fun while staying active. Practicing yoga has advantages for people of all ages. If you have been interested in trying this activity for a while, now is the time to join a class. You may be surprised by how much you enjoy yoga!
6
DLJonesHomes.com
Dennis & Lisa Jones
Take a Break
MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON WORLD GIVING DAY 3 Ways You Can Give Back to Others
We do not achieve success alone, but with the combined support of our community, which is why giving back to those around us is important. World Giving Day is June 15 and is the perfect opportunity for everyone, myself included, to help those in need or simply do an act of kindness to lift others’ spirits. World Giving Day began when Reed Sandridge lost his job during the 2008 recession. Thanks to his savings, he discovered he could survive a year without a job as he searched for new career opportunities. Sandridge decided to do something special for his community. For that one year, he gave $10 to a stranger every day. Sandridge started a movement after sharing love and kindness with just a $10 bill. This World Giving Day, you can follow in his footsteps by sharing $10 or share something even greater: your time. Save a Life, Give Blood Donating blood can be even more precious than money to those who need transfusions. I recently learned that one person’s blood donation could save three lives. I know most of us are a tiny bit scared of needles. Yet, donating blood only takes 10 minutes, and just 10 minutes of courage can save someone’s life. Spend World Giving Day by giving the most treasured gift of all! Flowers for a Senior Care Facility Everyone loves a beautiful bouquet! Older adults residing in senior care facilities live away from their loved ones, and pretty petals could be just what they need to brighten their day. When you stop by to take flowers, you can chat with those who would love some company. We genuinely do not always realize how a small gesture can spread happiness. Share Cookies This example is my favorite way to give. If I do not have time to bake homemade cookies, I love to head over to my local Crumbl and order 20 individual boxes of delicious cookies and deliver them to my clients and friends. What better way to show your appreciation than fresh-baked cookies? I simply leave a box at their doorstep, shoot them a text, and wish them a wonderful day. Just a little effort can make a world of difference. Doing something selfless feels great! World Giving Day is the time for you to wonder, “How can I make someone’s day better?” and put that plan into action. I hope you spend this special day well and can spread a little love. We definitely are sending our love and appreciation to you!
BLOSSOM DERBY EMERALD FERTILIZE
GEMINI HORSE LIGHTSABER MOTHER
NATURE PARADE
SEEDLING VETERANS
–Lisa Jones
7
Extraordinary Realtors
602-677-4130
Inside
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1
Mother’s Day Memories
2
Host an Unforgettable Murder Mystery Dinner
Lisa & Dennis Jones
2 3 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 8
Honoring My Uncle on Memorial Day
3668 W. Anthem Way, Ste. B-158 • Anthem, AZ 85086 602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com
Black Bean Pizza Recipe
Arizona’s Awe-Inspiring Architecture
Give Your Plants a Coffee Boost!
Hot Properties
3 Strategies to Help Introduce Children to New Pets
Get Ready for Take a Road Trip Day!
Healthy Aging Through Yoga
Spread Kindness With Selfless Acts
Take a Break
‘Valley of the Sun’ Creates Opportunities
Last spring, we were invited to a meeting with the executive producer of an Emmy-nominated television show “The American Dream.” They were rolling out a new series in Phoenix called “Valley of the Sun,” and we were selected (out of over 20,000 agents!) to be the hosts for their north Phoenix episodes. Home Team Meets ‘The American Dream’
This show is not fake reality; this show is about lifestyle, culture, the people of Phoenix, and, of course, real estate.
We look forward to expanding our relationships with your help!
What does this opportunity mean for you?
• Do you know someone who flies a plane into the Scottsdale Airpark? We want to hear from you! • Do you know someone who is thinking of selling? Please put us in touch! • Do you know anyone who runs a local business making a difference in the North Phoenix area? We want to know! • Do you know anyone heavily involved in an awesome charity making a huge impact here locally in Phoenix? This opportunity is huge for us to showcase everything great about North Phoenix and why people enjoy living here.
P.S. Point your phone camera to the QR code to watch our episodes.
8
DLJonesHomes.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator