Take a look at our November newsletter!
602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com November/December 2024 North Valley Pride
THE BEST HOLIDAY GIFT OF ALL How We Share the Holiday With Clients and Loved Ones
The holiday season is always a special time of year for us. This time of year is when family traditions — old and new — come together to create memories that we cherish year after year. With our work, life can get busy, and we often struggle to juggle everything, but over the holidays, we make a point of slowing down to enjoy the moments that matter. This holiday season feels even more special than usual, because we are about to become grandparents! Our son and his wife, Lixu, are expecting their first child, a little girl, right in the middle of the holiday festivities. We are over the moon with excitement to welcome her into the family and cannot wait to introduce her to all of our traditions! Our holiday season always kicks off about two weeks before Thanksgiving, which is Dennis’ cue to hang the outdoor holiday lights. Lisa likes the festive and glowing lights to come on Thanksgiving evening to transition into the Christmas spirit. While not a small task, Dennis does look forward to hanging the lights, because they set the tone for the whole season. After the big feast on Thanksgiving Day, we appreciate the magic of flipping the switch and lighting up the house for the first time. Speaking of Thanksgiving, this holiday has always meant a lot to us. Growing up, Lisa’s family never lived close to relatives, and travel was too expensive. Instead, her mother would open their home and celebrate with friends, neighbors, and anyone who needed a place to go. When we got married, we adopted that same tradition. Now, every Thanksgiving, we welcome friends and clients who may not have family in the area to join us. What a rewarding experience to invite clients we have recently helped find homes in Arizona and who are new to the area. We try to invite one or two every year, and though we might surprise them with a Thanksgiving invite from their real estate agents, their Thanksgiving is much more meaningful. Sharing a meal with people starting a new chapter in their lives is something special, just like we did when we moved to the area.
Then, once Thanksgiving has come and gone, the weekend is dedicated to putting up our Christmas decorations! Lisa is in charge of indoor Christmas decor, including our mantle garland, nativity scene, and our “Christmas Villages” featuring a mini real estate sign to display in front of one of the homes, as you see in the photo! After, we make space for the Christmas tree and finally “trim the tree,” decorating it with ornaments we have had for 30 years or longer from all around the world.
Another tradition that means a lot to us is ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. For the four Wednesdays, called Real Estate Wednesday, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we spend a few hours at the local Fry’s market, ringing the bell and spreading some holiday cheer. We have rung the bell for years, and we love this small yet meaningful way we give back to the community. As Christmas approaches, Lisa dedicates an entire Sunday afternoon to baking and decorating cookies. She has carried on this tradition since our kids were little, and even though they are grown now, the tradition continues. We are especially looking forward to introducing this tradition to our granddaughter when she is old enough to join in the holiday fun. From family gatherings to church caroling, the holiday season is full of love, laughter, and, most importantly, traditions that bring us closer together. Whether something as simple as decorating the tree or as exciting as welcoming a new grandchild, the holidays are all about cherishing the moments that make life special. We would love to hear about your holiday traditions, too — feel free to email us and share how you celebrate this wonderful time of year!
–Dennis and Lisa Jones
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Extraordinary Realtors
602-677-4130
Dennis & Lisa Jones
ELEVATE YOUR END-OF-YEAR HOLIDAYS The end-of-year holidays are festive but famously stressful, with fighting crowds and busting budgets. Here are five ideas to elevate your holidays by embracing new, simple family traditions. Shop-Local Friday Avoid door-busting Black Friday crowds by shopping locally. Visit nearby shops as a family and try out their offerings. Or stay even closer to home by gamifying Black Friday into an online scavenger hunt. Make a shopping list and see who can find the best deals on each item. Go Hunting Outdoors Work off that Thanksgiving meal by visiting a nearby park or trail for a hike and scavenger hunt. Give each family member a list of items to find. Small children might look for a pinecone or sparkly rock, while teens could hunt for a bird’s nest or a particular tree species. Your kids will learn about nature while enjoying some adventurous competition. Friendsgiving If you are not overwhelmed by relatives during Thanksgiving, consider letting your children plan their own Friendsgiving celebration. This relatively new holiday has become a popular way to relax with your besties, and hosting a kids’ version can help children strengthen social ties. Serve Thanksgiving leftovers or let the kids plan the menu.
Year-End Gift Fest Three gift-giving holidays — Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa — all fall near the end of December this year. Consider making gifts rather than buying them. Purchase supplies for a crafting or baking session and encourage your kids to create keepsakes or treats for loved ones, such as beaded jewelry, photo albums, trinket trays, original storybooks, artwork, cookies, or candy. Your kids will see that many recipients value their effort in making gifts more than the money spent on purchased ones. A Year of Memories The year’s end is a time to remember special people and events. Decorate a glass Memory Jar and ask each family member to recall a few favorite happenings or activities from the past year. Record each one on a slip of paper, drop them into the Memory Jar, make it the centerpiece for a family meal, and take turns pulling out and reading each other’s memories. This simple ritual can spark plenty of fun, plus warm conversations about the abundance that families share.
When I read that the first Thursday in November is National Men Make Dinner Day, I could not help but laugh. While I do not make dinner all that often, I definitely do it more than once a year! Let us be real — I am not the head chef in our house by any means, but I do like to challenge myself in the kitchen now and then. And hey, if nothing else, I can at least order a pizza from Domino’s, right? Growing up, my dad was a pastor, and my mom was a housewife. That was the traditional setup back in the 60s and 70s. But today, most families have two working parents, meaning dinner is a team effort. These days, the conversation in our house is less, “What is for dinner?” and more, “Should I grab something on the way home, or should we just order takeout?” WHY EVERY GUY SHOULD TRY COOKING DINNER
Step Up to the Plate!
But, guys, we should step up! Even if we are not the best cooks, taking on dinner duty from time to time is worthwhile. Dinner duty might not be your strong suit, but trust me, preparing dinner is a great way to contribute and can even be a lot of fun. You can even help by setting up the table, preparing beverages, or cleaning up afterward!
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Dennis & Lisa Jones
LISA’S KITCHEN
Bacon Mushroom Risotto
INGREDIENTS
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3 tbsp olive oil
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1 1/2 cups arborio rice 1/2 cup dry white wine 5 cups chicken broth 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1 medium onion, sliced 5 strips of bacon, diced 8 ounces sliced wild mushrooms
DIRECTIONS
SCORE BIG WITH FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOUCH FOOTBALL
1. In a heavy bottom pot (such as a Dutch oven), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 3-4 minutes until soft and slightly transparent. 2. Add the bacon and stir constantly. As it crisps, add the mushrooms and cook for an additional 2 minutes. 3. Add the arborio rice and cook for one minute, stirring constantly so the oil coats the grains. Stir in the white wine and simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. 4. Add one cup of the chicken stock and simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the rice absorbs most of the liquid, continue to add 1–2 cups of stock at a time until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through, 25- 30 minutes total. (The risotto should be al dente and fall back in on itself when you run the spoon along the bottom of the pot). 5. Stir in the parmesan cheese and remove from the heat. Serve warm and enjoy!
Ready to tackle some family fun? Nothing beats a good old- fashioned game of touch football when the weather outside cools. It is the perfect way to get everyone running, laughing, and scoring a few points — without needing to be a pro quarterback. So, grab some comfortable shoes, and let us dive into the playbook for the MVP of family games! Make Balanced Teams To get started, create two teams among your family, with at least two players on each team. While letting kids choose their teams is fine in most cases, remember that the more balanced the teams are, the more fun everyone will have. If you have an uneven number of players, you can follow an old playground rule and have one of the older players be the quarterback for both teams, ensuring everyone gets to play while the game remains balanced. Once you form teams, create the playing field by setting up small cones or beanbags to mark boundaries and end zones. Follow the Rules Before you start playing, ensure both teams agree on the rules. There are obvious ones, like where the end zones are, how many points a touchdown is worth, and how many downs each team has — either to get a touchdown or, space permitting, a first down. You also must determine what constitutes a player as “down” — when one or two hands touch the player with the ball, whether they need to be touched on the torso or anywhere, etc. You also have to decide if a team does not score, whether the opposing team takes over from where the ball ended up, or whether each team has a set starting point for each drive.
I have a special recipe that I like to make a couple of times a year — my one-pot risotto. Now, I will admit risotto is a bit of a process. If you have ever made risotto,
you know that the preparation requires constant attention, but I love this dish. I lay out all the ingredients in order, and once I start cooking, the kitchen is mine. Lisa knows not to set foot in the kitchen, because I have the process down to a science! In honor of National Men Make Dinner Day, I am challenging all the guys out there to step up. My challenge to all men reading this article is to be more proactive in the meal preparation at your home, which includes taking control of dinner preparation more than just one day every year! And for those who want to give risotto a shot, I have included my recipe above. If I can do it, you can too! You may even surprise yourself!
Once you prepare everything, it is time to hit the field. You can determine which team gets the ball first with a game of rock-paper-scissors and play until one team reaches a predetermined score … or it is time to go inside and enjoy a family meal. Remember, the best part of family touch football is not just the touchdowns — the laughter, teamwork, and fun make every play memorable.
Click the QR code above to watch a step-by-step video on how to make this meal for your spouse and family!
–Dennis Jones
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Extraordinary Realtors
602-677-4130
Lock in a Fail-Safe Savings Plan
Let It Sell, Let It Sell, Let It Sell! Thinking of selling? Give your home the gift of maximum exposure this holiday 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!
Budgeting and saving are skills many Americans learn late in life, if at all. Only 36 states require high schools to offer personal finance courses. While that is a marked increase from seven states in 2000, it still leaves many Americans adrift. Many consumers benefit from setting up regular automatic deposits to each of the four key savings and investment accounts, either through paycheck withholding or via their bank. With this system, growing their savings requires no conscious effort. Start an emergency fund. Deposit 2% of your paycheck into an emergency fund, either a high-yield savings account or a money market fund. These accounts currently yield about 4% annual interest or more, so your money will be working for you. Work toward setting aside enough to cover at least three months’ expenses to avoid using high- interest credit cards. Automate retirement savings. If possible, put 10%–15% of your paycheck into a retirement account, such as a 401(k), Roth IRA, SEP-IRA, or another investment account. To help you meet this lofty goal, take full advantage of any matching program your employer offers. That’s free money! Open a brokerage account. A regular investment account gives you access to stocks, bonds, and other instruments. Most advisors recommend a low-cost index fund as an initial investment, but if you are uncomfortable with stock market volatility, consider certificates of deposit or bonds. If you hold investments for at least one year, your earnings will be taxed at the long-term capital gains rate — far less than the tax on your ordinary income. Set up a health savings account. Health savings accounts (HSAs) are a powerful way to set aside income tax-free to pay medical bills. They offer a triple tax advantage in that deposits, earnings, and withdrawals are tax-free if you use withdrawals for eligible medical expenses. You can sign up for these plans through an employer or HealthCare.gov by opting for an HSA-eligible health insurance plan. To determine how much to deposit, search online for “HSA Contribution Calculator.” Unlike other tax- sheltered savings vehicles, HSAs do not have a “use- it-or-lose-it” requirement, so you can accumulate funds for the future.
Anthem Country Club — 2 Bedrooms, Den, 2.5 Baths, Golf and Mountain Views Asking $735,000
Anthem Country Club — 3 Bedrooms (incl. Casita), Den, 3 Baths, All New Flooring! — $575,000
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Dennis & Lisa Jones
No house is complete without a dedicated space for entertainment. You need somewhere to play board games with your kids, watch a movie for date night, or finish the evening playing your favorite video game. Most houses don’t have a game room, so we usually have to turn a spare bedroom, basement, or den into one. You can design your dream game room in many ways depending on your interests. Here are three ideas to inspire your gaming paradise. The Movie Theater Treatment Going to a movie theater for a family night out or date night is a great way to spend an evening, but you don’t have to leave the house to capture the same magic. All you need is a big-screen TV or a projector, dimmable lights, a few recliners, and a way to play your favorite movies and TV shows. Not only will this become the ideal place to watch movies, but it will also be a fantastic video game room for gamers of all ages. Transform Any Room Into Your Ultimate Entertainment Hub
Anthem Country Club — 3 bedrooms (incl. Casita), 3 Baths, View Lot Just Listed at $739,000
Anthem Country Club — 2 Bedrooms, Den, 2 Baths Just Listed at $500,000
A Space to Watch the Big Game Is the Super Bowl a can’t-miss event for you and your family? How about the Stanley Cup playoffs or the NBA Finals? If so, you should turn your game room into a dedicated place to watch your favorite teams take the ice, court, or field. Of course, you need a screen to watch the game, but you’ll also want to decorate the room with some of your favorite athletes’ jerseys, pictures of pinnacle moments in your team’s history, and an air hockey or foosball table. This room will quickly become your friends’ and family’s favorite place to watch games. A Tabletop Paradise For some, gaming screenless is their preferred style. If so, you’ll want to create the perfect space for board and tabletop games. You need a large table that can easily fit everyone playing, comfortable chairs that promote good posture, and plenty of board games. You’ll also
benefit from bright lighting in the room, or if you’re looking for something to shake up game night, add colorful lights that reflect the mood of any game.
Anthem Country Club — 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, Private Pool — $939,000
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602-677-4130
Spice Up Your Hydration Game With These Additives ‘Water’ You Waiting For?
Magnesium Magnesium is a powerhouse mineral that helps regulate blood sugar, maintain healthy blood pressure, regulate nerve and muscle function, and support a wide variety of other bodily processes. You can add magnesium supplements, including flavored powders, to your water to reap the powerful benefits of this nutrient. Magnesium can also boost your mood, help you sleep better, and improve your exercise performance. Ginger Ginger’s spicy, warm flavor is great in teas and can transform your daily water intake. This root contains antioxidants and anti- inflammatory properties to help reduce swelling. It can also reduce pain, aid in digestion, decrease nausea, and help you heal from colds more quickly. People have used ginger for medicinal properties for thousands of years, and it’s a tasty way to drink more water. So, why settle for plain water when you can turn it into a wellness elixir? Incorporating these flavorful and health-boosting additives will make staying hydrated more enjoyable and support your overall well-being. Drink up!
Hydration is essential for your health, but are you feeling a little parched in the flavor department? It is time to give your water a splash of taste with additives that fortify your health. From zesty citrus to invigorating herbs, these fun and flavorful enhancers will have you reaching for your water bottle in excitement. So, if you are thirsty for change, get ready to add a little pizzazz to your glass and stir up your wellness game with these refreshing twists! Lemon
Restaurants serve water with a wedge of fresh lemon for a reason. Citrus fruits are among the
most popular water additives thanks to their refreshing flavor and nutrients. Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts your immune system. Adding lemon slices or juice to your water can help increase your fluid intake and reduce the risk of specific health issues related to vitamin C deficiencies.
Transform Your Workspace With These Simple Tips CREATE A PRODUCTIVE SANCTUARY
Personalize If you want your workspace to inspire you, it needs to reflect your goals, personality, and values. Add items to your workspace that make you smile, whether pictures of loved ones, candles with scents you
How you set up your workspace can be the difference between being productive and falling into a pit of procrastination. If you have a cluttered, unkempt, and drab desk and work area, you may lack the inspiration to produce your best work, regardless of the project or task you are working on. If you are unsure how to improve your workspace, do not stress; we have gathered a few easy-to-implement tips to help refresh your area. Keep It Clean A cluttered, disorganized, and dirty
enjoy, or even a few toys like your favorite action figure or Funko Pop! Another great thing to include in your workspace is a vision board outlining your future
goals and desires. Looking at something to inspire and encourage you can go a long way toward accomplishing your goals. Add Color Avoid the dreary blues and blacks that make up most people’s workspaces. Instead, add your favorite colors to the area through your keyboard, mousepad, and decor. If you are feeling adventurous, add string lights to the bottom of your desk to give your workspace a colorful glow.
workspace will distract you no matter what. So, take a few hours at the beginning or end of every week to clean up your area by wiping down surfaces and putting everything in its home. A great way to make this easier is to have organizers or trays for all your items. That way, you will not have pens, papers, or other items all over your desk. Additionally, keep a small trash can in your room, preferably under your desk, to prevent garbage from piling up.
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Dennis & Lisa Jones
HOW TO HANDLE NEGATIVITY WITH GRACE The Power of Positive Input
Take a Break
As the year winds down and the holiday season kicks into high gear, it is natural to start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. For us, one resolution always tops the list — pruning negativity out of our lives. Everything we allow into our lives — whether it is the books we read, the social media we consume, or the people we spend time with — shapes who we are. There is a saying that goes, “You become a blend of the five people you hang around the most.” If you want to make changes in your life, that is where you need to start.
APPLE BASKETBALL BLACK FRIDAY FIREPLACE
GRATITUDE LEAVES NAP PARADE
PIE STUFFING TURKEY VETERAN
Think about it. If your goal is to become more athletic, you probably should not be spending all your time with people who love lounging around watching TV and eating bonbons. It is all about changing your input. What books are you reading? What shows are you watching? Who do you follow on social media? All of these things influence your outlook, mindset, and, ultimately, your life. That said, sometimes you cannot control who is around you, especially during the holiday season. Family gatherings can come with their fair share of political, religious, or personal debates that can leave anyone feeling drained. So, how do you survive these inevitable situations? One of the biggest lessons we have learned is that sometimes silence is the best option. You do not always have to engage in every discussion or argument. Being quiet can be a great strength and help keep the peace, especially when tensions are high. As we head into the new year, we suggest being proactive about pruning the negativity in your life. Look at your relationships and see where you can make subtle changes. You do not have to announce a dramatic breakup with negativity, but maybe you are ready to spend less energy on things or people who bring you down. As you think about your resolutions this year, remember that they do not have to focus on appearance or weight loss. Instead, consider how you can make your environment a more positive space. Thanksgiving and Christmas might not offer much flexibility in terms of who you see, but you can always choose how you react. Here is to starting the new year with a fresh outlook, less negativity, and more positivity. Trust us — this resolution is the best you can make.
–Dennis and Lisa Jones
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Extraordinary Realtors
602-677-4130
Inside The Importance of Family, Friends, and Festive Moments De-Stress the Holidays With These Simpler Traditions Time to Shine on National Men Make Dinner Day Bacon Mushroom Risotto How to Turn Your Backyard Into a Touchdown Zone 4 Must-Have Savings Accounts to Secure Your Future Homes for the Holidays
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
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How to Create the Ultimate Entertainment Room
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Healthy Hydration With a Twist How to Optimize Your Workspace for Success Why Pruning Negativity Should Be Your Top Resolution Take a Break A Big Wintertime Playground
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The Unique Allure of Big Bend National Park
Most national parks are full of visitors from spring through fall. Big Bend National Park turns that schedule upside down. The ideal time to visit this southwest Texas wonderland of wild river canyons and stunning mountain vistas is from October through May — the offseason for most national parks. But summertime temperatures in Big Bend soar to 105 degrees F or more, too hot for safe vacationing, while wintertime is mild and usually sunny. Many tourists and vacationers have recently discovered the park, driving visitation 16% higher since 2018 to more than 511,000 people annually.
feet along the Rio Grande River to almost 8,000 feet in the Chisos Mountains. Boating and rafting trips along the Rio Grande, which Congress designated as a free-flowing Wild & Scenic River, take visitors through the spectacular Santa Elena Canyon limestone cliffs. Options range from a leisurely float lasting less than a day to a seven-day wilderness adventure down the Lower Canyons. Big Bend is also a birder’s paradise, with 450 species sighted there on various occasions. The park also offers an abundance of family- friendly activities. A legal Port of Entry enables visitors who bring their passports to cross the Rio Grande River and visit the shops and restaurants of a rural Mexican village, Boquillas del Carmen. Families
also enjoy stargazing at the Sotol Vista Overlook, scrambling over the boulders on the Upper Burro Mesa, and trekking the Grapevine Hills trails to see Balanced Rock, a giant boulder seemingly teetering in midair between two smaller boulders. Kids can also see dinosaur remains at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit or explore the ruins of a mercury-mining ghost town, Terlingua. Five visitor centers are usually open through the winter. Construction of a new visitor lodge and water system will begin in late 2024, likely causing some disruptions. However, Big Bend has four developed campgrounds and many backcountry camping opportunities. Most campsites are filled six months in advance, so reserve a spot early for your winter camping adventure.
Big Bend offers a diversity of sights and terrain. Elevations soar from about 1,800
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