Take a look at the latest edition of North Valley Pride!
602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com November/December 2023 North Valley Pride
We Are Very Grateful for All Those Around Us! A Holiday Filled With Thankfulness
Gratitude weighs heavy on both of us this Thanksgiving, as we have just so much for which to be thankful this year. 2023 has held many ups and downs, and we write to you now happy, healthy, and ready to celebrate! Besides prepping our turkey and stuffing, we thought we would share the top five blessings for which we are grateful this year and wish to thrive in 2024. Health We are incredibly grateful for the gift of health and second chances. After Dennis’ open-heart surgery in June, we have a fresh appreciation for each new day. Despite such an intensive operation, everything went well, and Dennis was able to come home in only four days. We honestly are thankful for this miracle. After such a critical emergency, our health has become even more important to us, and we cherish the good health we are in now. This holiday season, we will reflect on how precious life is, strive to make the most of every moment, and enter the new year with gratitude and optimism. Family Our family is very important to us, and of course, our children are our most cherished gifts. This year, we were able to see both our son and daughter flourish in their careers. We are grateful that Dennis’ son, Dan, has a remodeling business that is thriving here
in Anthem and that his wife, Lixuanly, just successfully opened a new salon.
many in our community are not as fortunate as we are this holiday season, which is why we always do our best to volunteer and support those around us. When we can uplift one another, we can create a better life for us all. We cannot be any more thankful to be in a situation where we can help and appreciate others. Clients & Vendors Lastly, we cannot even begin to express our gratitude for our clients and vendors. The DL Jones Home Team could not do what we do without our clients and vendors. We know buying or selling a home is not easy for anyone, and we also do not take what we do lightly and appreciate that you put your trust in us to help you. For that reason and more, we will be hosting our annual Client Appreciation Open House on Saturday, Jan. 6, from 5–8 p.m. in our home. We want to show you that we care about and value you! If you want to learn more about our Client Appreciation Open House, then give us a call at 602-677-4130! We hope we see you there and to celebrate another year filled with countless reasons to be grateful. Happy holidays from our family to yours! –Dennis & Lisa Jones
For those of you who have watched Ashley grow up, we are thrilled that she has finished her Physician Assistant studies and is now officially a licensed PA-C. Celebrating her graduation in person was a special treat after her pandemic undergrad virtual graduation. We feel fortunate to be able to enjoy these special times together!
Celebrating our new PA!
Community Our neighbors, team members, doctors, caretakers, service workers, and everyone here are vital to our community, and we are incredibly grateful for all those who work hard every day. We also understand that
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Extraordinary Realtors
602-677-4130
Dennis & Lisa Jones
BOOST YOUR CHILD’S COGNITIVE SKILLS WITH ORIGAMI
If you are looking for a family activity requiring minimal supplies and effort, origami should be next on your to-do list! Origami might seem too challenging or even not stimulating enough for children, but there are plenty of accessible and delightful shapes to keep your kids endlessly entertained. Plus, they will not be able to stop themselves from filling your home with paper swans, dragons, and more! Not only is origami a simple activity that just requires paper, but it also offers a variety of benefits to children and adults alike. Discover how origami can boost your family’s brains and the perfect way to start folding! Practice patience and mindfulness. No running, jumping, or yelling involved. Children can partake in a soothing activity requiring their undivided attention when practicing origami. Origami is even considered a form of focused attention meditation, which involves concentrating on a single object to induce a relaxing state. Calmly focusing on folding a piece of paper into a unique shape requires you to be present in the moment and can be a fantastic way to introduce mindfulness to your family. Improve hand-eye coordination. Origami also helps younger children better understand spatial concepts such as measurements, shapes, and directions. Studies show that origami helps children improve their dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and spatial reasoning skills.
Encourage a mathematic mindset. The shapes and measuring involved in origami are also an incredible way to implement geometric concepts, terms, and formulas. For older kids, you can make origami a geometry lesson! Use different geometric formulas and apply them to various paper shapes. This will help students better visualize and understand these mathematical concepts. Get started. There are endless resources online or at your local library to create age- appropriate origami activities. While you can purchase special origami paper, you can also use standard paper and scissors to cut sheets into the proper size. Fill your table with a rainbow assortment of colored papers and let your kids pick the origami shape of their choice. Before you know it, origami rabbits and birds will be lining your shelves!
We Are Ringing Our Bells Once Again! Let Us Uplift Our Community Together This Christmas
While the sun is still simmering here in Arizona, no one can help themselves from getting into the Christmas spirit! Amid the sunshine, we are still listening to Christmas carols, decorating our Christmas tree, and lighting our favorite holiday candles. Of course, another seasonal tradition in which we always participate is ringing our bells to help raise money for The Salvation Army. You will find us ringing the bell from the Wednesday after Thanksgiving to the Wednesday right before Christmas! We have been volunteering for The Salvation Army for years now, and you may have read about the history of The Salvation Army’s red kettle some newsletters ago. We have long supported The Salvation Army because instead of money going all over the country to unknown places, all the donations are used to support our local community. For the holiday season, the dollars and change that go into the red kettle bring toys, food, and
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Dennis & Lisa Jones
Sugar Cookies LISA’S KITCHEN
• 2 1/2 cups flour • 2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 cup butter, softened • 1 cup sugar • 1 egg • 1/4 cup milk • 2 tsp vanilla extract INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS We love making holiday cookies, and this recipe is our family favorite! We always double the recipe! From the kitchen of Linea Heiny.
Unconventional Items to Pack on Your Next Flight Elevate Your Travel Experience
When preparing for your flight, it is essential to pack the basics, such as clothing, medications, toiletries, and your travel documents. However, there are some surprising and often overlooked items that can greatly enhance your flying experience. These unexpected additions in your carry-on can make your air travel experience more comfortable, enjoyable, and stress-free. Electrolytes Flying is dehydrating! Because airplane cabins are kept at a lower humidity level, your body dehydrates quicker than normal. To help keep your body hydrated without a dozen trips to the bathroom over the course of your flight, pack some electrolyte packets to mix into your water. Speaking of water, pack an empty water bottle with you, and after passing through security, you can fill it up at a water fountain! Noise-Canceling Headphones Flights can be noisy. You can never predict crying babies, loud talkers, or hyper kids traveling alongside you. Noise-canceling headphones can provide a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the airplane. They block out ambient noise and allow you to relax, listen to music, or enjoy in-flight entertainment without any distractions. Compression Socks Wearing compression socks on an airplane is crucial for maintaining healthy circulation during long flights. Prolonged periods of sitting can lead to blood pooling in your legs, causing swelling, poor circulation, and even deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Compression socks apply gentle pressure to your legs, reducing discomfort and circulation complications. Portable Charger
1. In a large bowl, cream butter, gradually adding sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, milk, and vanilla extract and beat well. 2. Mix together flour and baking powder. 3. Add flour mixture to wet ingredients in small amounts, beating after each addition. Once all ingredients are combined, chill thoroughly 4-6 hours. 4. Preheat oven to 425 F. 5. Roll out dough to 1/8”-1/4” thickness (3/16” is perfect!) using as little additional flour as possible and cut cookie shapes. 6. Place on lightly greased (sprayed) cookie sheets. clothes for low-income families who need a helping hand during rough times. Year-round, The Salvation Army has numerous programs to help those in need with services like emergency shelters, job training, child care, financial assistance, and so much more. Sometimes, falling into the shopping frenzy this time of year can be easy, and we know all too well! Yet, the holiday season is such an incredible time to help those less fortunate and give back to our community, which is why we ring our bells every year! 7. Sprinkle with sugar (if not icing cookies). 8. Bake for 5–7 minutes. Do not brown!
On Realtor Wednesdays from 4–6 p.m., you will find us in front of Fry’s Marketplace in Anthem, and we would love for you to come by, even just to say hi or drop off the change in your car cup holder! If our time spent raising money for The Salvation Army this year were to help even just a single family, we would be overjoyed. Let us all come together this Christmas to make it the best one yet for our community! –Dennis & Lisa Jones
While you may have remembered to pack your plug-in phone charger, bringing along a portable charger and power bank is a lifesaver! Sometimes, finding an available charging station in a crowded airport can be tricky. But having a backup power source on the plane makes it possible to keep your devices charged throughout your journey! When packing for your next flight, don’t forget to include these trip-saving items in your carry-on for a more pleasant travel experience — you will be glad you did!
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Homes for the Holidays We are in the most wonderful time of year, and our winter listings offer homes for buyers seeking a place to celebrate the holidays and start fresh in 2024! Thinking of selling? Give your home the gift of maximum exposure this holiday
It does not take much for your home’s gutters to clog. Whether a rainstorm washes debris down your roof or tree foliage sprouts inside your gutters, you may find yourself cleaning them out regularly. If not, clogged drains can lead to a host of issues, including water damage, sagging gutters, and even flooding. Gutter guards come in different shapes and sizes, but the primary purpose of these tools is to catch the residue and grime that falls off your roof to keep your gutters unclogged and functional. While gutter guards seem like a simple solution, they can also be another headache. But the benefits might outweigh the hassle. Benefits to Consider It is easy to see why homeowners should consider gutter guards. Your gutters must be blockage-free to stream water away from your home effectively. Yet, aside from keeping your gutters unclogged, these helpful guards can also ensure: • Fewer gutter cleanups: Spend less time unclogging your gutters since your gutter guards are catching most of the debris. • Insect infestation prevention: Wet foliage and stagnant water can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other insects. When your gutters are clear, this will not be a problem! • Delay in gutter rusting or erosion: With less water blocked in your gutters, you can increase the lifespan and minimize the need to replace rusted or eroded gutters. • Freeze and ice dam prevention: The sun can melt snow and ice that drips into your gutters before re-freezing and causing a blockage. Guards can help ensure that water is constantly flowing away from your home. Some of the Drawbacks The main drawback to remember is that no gutter guard is a one-stop solution. They will in no way allow you to stop cleaning your gutters. Even with gutter guards, you must check and clean your gutters regularly. These guards will not catch everything, and clogging can still occur with them in place. Cleaning your gutters with guards can also become more time-consuming than without them. While you will need to maintain and clean your gutter guards, they are still helpful in minimizing blockage and debris from damaging your gutters. Whether gutter guards suit your home and schedule is up to you! Gutter Guards: What You Should Know Before Buying
season by contacting us today. We will showcase your property’s unique charm and help you sell during the most wonderful selling time of the year!
4 bedrooms, private pool, golf course views, Anthem Country Club — Under contract $999k
3-bedroom condo lock and lea
Arizona paradise! — Under contract in 4 days, SOLD for $1.25M
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Historical home lovers cringe at the thought of painting or staining original brick, but there is no shame in it! In fact, it is one of the easiest ways to give your home a face-lift. However, deciding to refresh your brick facade or fireplace comes with a question: Should you paint or stain? Painting vs. Staining Brick Painting vs. Staining WHICH DIY METHOD IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
3-bedroom Arizona getaway with private pool — $549k
Painting or staining brick is very similar to painting or staining
wood. Paint will sit on the brick’s surface and transform it with a bold, solid color. Stain will sink
into brick and act more like a tint, adjusting the color to a lesser degree. Brick painting hides flaws like discoloration and crumbling, while staining lets the brick’s original texture show through, imperfections included.
5-bedroom Anthem Country Club estate — SOLD for $1.395M in 1 day!
If you paint your brick, you can choose from a rainbow of colors — everything from neon green to lavender is on the table! Brick stains are more muted but still come in various shades, including light blue, warm yellow, gray, brown, and charcoal. The Application Process With either method, you need to clean your brick first. For indoor areas, spray the brick with a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar, let it sit, and scrub it clean. Experts recommend power washing outdoor bricks. If you paint, you should prime the surface with masonry primer or use a 2-in-1 paint. Whether you paint or stain, you will need to apply multiple coats to achieve your ideal shade. Some bricks absorb stain more easily than others, and bricks that are sealed or painted will not stain at all. You can test this by spraying water on your bricks. If the water sinks in, they will absorb stain! Whether you plan to paint or stain, a paint sprayer will deliver the fastest, easiest application. If you do not own one, try renting from your local hardware store! Pro tip: Dampness on your bricks can prevent paint from sticking, so let them dry completely before painting. The Maintenance Painted bricks can flake or peel easily, so experts recommend repainting them every 3–5 years. Brick stain, however, does not need regular retouching. While costs of paint and stain vary, this difference in upkeep makes brick staining the more affordable option. Good luck, and happy renovating!
o, community pool, ave — $419k
Anthem Country Club, single level, 3-car garage — SOLD for $525k
Super clean 3-bedroom investment opportunity — $425k
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COFFEE CONUNDRUM: COULD YOUR MORNING BREW HARM YOUR HEALTH?
Millions of Americans start their morning with a piping hot cup of coffee. There is nothing like the familiar smell, comforting warmth, and hit of caffeine to get you ready for the day. But could this common habit actually harm our bodies? For some people, consuming caffeine on an empty stomach could cause unpleasant side effects. No definitive data suggests drinking coffee before breakfast will negatively impact you in the long term. Only limited research exists on the matter, and the results are inconclusive. However, some people anecdotally report feeling worse if they drink coffee on an empty stomach, and nutritionists and dietitians believe certain people may be more susceptible to adverse side effects. People with digestive problems should be the most cautious about their morning cup of coffee. Coffee stimulates acid production in the stomach, particularly when it is otherwise empty. That is not a big deal for most people, but it can be for those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or who are prone to acid reflux or heartburn. Coffee before food may make symptoms worse. Those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) might also beware. Scientists have long known that coffee stimulates our colon muscles and can help people have bowel movements. Some consider it a bonus, but IBS
patients are already prone to diarrhea. Coffee causes increased cramping for some, and the effect can be more noticeable on an empty stomach. Coffee can also affect us emotionally. The beverage gives some people jitters, particularly without food. Research indicates the effect is more pronounced in people with anxiety disorders, possibly because jitters mimic anxiety symptoms. Some studies suggest consuming coffee with food decreases the concentration of caffeine in our bodies and makes the effect less likely. Ultimately, whether you should rethink drinking coffee on an empty stomach is up to you. People suffering from GERD, IBS, or anxiety should consider whether their liquid pick-me-
up worsens their symptoms. The current research suggests that consuming coffee before food is probably fine for most other people, but it’s always wise to listen to your body for cues. If you feel less than your best after your morning coffee, see whether a change in routine improves the situation.
Step 2: Make the mead ‘must.’ Into your pot on medium heat, add about 1/2 gallon of filtered water. When it is warm but not yet boiling, add the honey (between 2 and 3 cups, your preference on sweetness) and stir until it is dissolved. Then, turn the heat off and add any fruit you would like. Using the funnel, carefully pour this mixture into your gallon jug. Top the jug off with more filtered water, leaving 2 inches of air at the top. Put the cap on and gently mix the jug’s contents. Step 3: Add the yeast. Check the temperature of the liquid in the jug; when it reads below 90 F, add about 1/2 of your yeast packet. Put the cap back on and shake the jug for several minutes. When you are done, add water to your airlock, then place rubber stopper and airlock on the jug. Step 4: Ferment and enjoy! Let your jug sit for 5–6 weeks so it can ferment. Then once it is ready, you can pour yourself a glass (through a filter) and enjoy! You can also bottle and age your mead, too, just like wine!
and wild yeast. You can also add fruit, herbs, and spices to your mead mix, creating unique flavors that suit your palate. Here is how to make mead. Making mead is incredibly easy and requires a few special pieces of equipment — and time.
The Art of Mead-Making
In total, to make one gallon of mead, you’ll need:
•
Sanitizer (You can find this on Amazon by searching “sanitizer for brewing.”)
• • • •
Large stainless-steel pot Large stainless-steel spoon
Imagine: It is a crisp fall night, and you and maybe your friends, partner, or family are sitting outside with a refreshing glass of homemade mead. Yes, mead ! If you like wine and also enjoy a little side project or two, mead-making is the hobby for you. What is mead? Mead is a fermented alcoholic beverage traditionally made with honey, water,
Large funnel
One-gallon glass jug (including cap), plus an airlock and rubber stopper
• Honey, about 2–3 pounds • Yeast — we recommend Red Star
Champagne (Premier Blanc) or Lalvin 71B 1122
• Thermometer
Step 1: Sanitize everything. Simply follow the directions on whichever sanitizer you purchase.
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Take a Break
Candles Bring Comfort and Warmth to Any Space Why I Have a Candle Haul Every Year
Something about the warmth and scent of a burning candle brings me joy. That cozy feeling from something simple that wafts through the entire home can create such a welcoming feel. Especially around this time of year, a burning candle is almost a requirement for our home! With my love for candles, I am always looking for the best deals possible, which is why Candle Day at Bath & Body Works feels like a national holiday for me! Candle Day at Bath & Body Works is the first Saturday in December every year. With the best prices on their three-wick candles of the entire year, I load up, and I mean … I make a candle haul! We are not talking about a couple of candles. We are talking 12 DOZEN or more candles — basically a year’s supply. Sound like too much? I really do put these candles to good use! With these cozy home additions, I can burn a candle every evening when we are home to help us unwind and bring our favorite scents all around our home. With this many candles, I always gift as many as possible! I will add them to gift baskets and give them to those to whom I want to show my appreciation or just to share a little love. Finally, I also use them in our listings to help them feel more welcoming. Candles can help create a warm environment and give people a better sense of what the home would feel like if they were to really live there!
BALLOT CORNUCOPIA CRANBERRY DISTRICTS
MAIZE PILGRIM POLITICS RAKING
SHOPPING STUFFING THANKSGIVING VETERAN
For anyone wondering, I do have my favorite scents that I purchase every year! My top favorite scents have to be:
1. Cinnamon Caramel Swirl 2. Vanilla Bean Noel 3. Twisted Peppermint 4. Boardwalk 5. Eucalyptus Mint
When shopping, I literally walk around the store with the hugest smile and think about what scent I am buying for which friend or client. Joy — just pure joy!
I wish you warmth and comfort in your home this holiday season!
–Lisa Jones
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Inside An Abundance of Gratitude This Thanksgiving Paper Folding Fun for All Ages Our Holiday Tradition to Spread Christmas Cheer
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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Lisa & Dennis Jones
3668 W. Anthem Way, Ste. B-158 • Anthem, AZ 85086 602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com
Sugar Cookies
Pack These 4 Items for the Best In- Flight Experience Are Gutter Guards Worth the Investment?
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Homes for the Holidays
Brick Revamp: To Paint or Stain? The Truth About Drinking Coffee Before Breakfast
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Deliciousness in Every Drop: Your Guide to Crafting Homemade Mead Lisa’s Favorite Time of Year? Candle Day!
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Take a Break
Empty Nest, Full Flavor: Tips for 2-Person Meals
Master the Challenge of Cooking for 2
There is one part of empty nesting almost no one talks about: After feeding a family for years, how do you rethink your kitchen to cook for two? Classic recipes like pot roast and roast chicken are challenging to cook in two-person portions and will create a metric ton of leftovers. But that does not mean you have to eat from your freezer for weeks or survive on cereal and pizza rolls! Here are three tips to help you cook for two without compromising healthy eating.
If you are not sure where to start, consider using a digital meal- planning tool. The editors at CNN recently compared the top meal- planning apps and recommend downloading the premium version of Eat This Much (EatThisMuch.com). It costs $9 per month, and you can use it from your phone or computer. Once you choose your recipes, it will automatically create a grocery list and even give you the option to order grocery delivery! 2. Invest in a meal kit service. If you are exhausted by cooking and don’t want to build a new repertoire, you might want to use meal kits through your golden years. Dozens of companies will deliver ready-made meals or pre-portioned ingredients directly to your door, including Blue Apron, HelloFresh, Sunbasket, Home Chef, Dinnerly, EveryPlate, and Purple Carrot. Read up on each service (they are all recommended for two!), and choose the best fit for your diet and budget. A meal kit can be a permanent fix or a temporary tactic to find two-person recipes you love. 3. Turn to the experts. For more inspiration and advice, pick up books like “The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook” by America’s Test Kitchen or “One Pan, Two Plates” by Carla Snyder.
1. Meal plan like you are a young parent again. This will be a familiar tactic for big families. Back in the day, you probably had “Taco Tuesdays” and “Pizza Fridays” to keep your grocery shopping on track and your kids happy. Now, it is time to develop a new meal plan! Work with your partner or spouse to choose your favorite recurring meals and find new two-person recipes that fit your preferences.
If all else fails, buy backyard chickens (as long as your HOA allows them)! They’re fantastic at gobbling up leftovers!
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