D.L. Jones Home Team - July/August 2022

D.L. Jones Home Team - July/August 2022

602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com July/August 2022 North Valley Pride

REFLECTING ON THE POWER OF TRAVEL Summer Is Here – And Adventuring Too!

The panic of the pandemic seems to be behind us. While the pandemic may not be completely eradicated, many of the changes and restrictions that became part of our daily lives have come to an end. We are back to doing so much of what we love: dining out, attending live concerts and sporting events, and spending time together with our family and friends. Something Dennis and I have missed is traveling! While we love living in Arizona, we also love seeing the rest of the world! We are blessed to have traveled to places like Australia, Canada, Italy, Austria, Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Africa, Costa Rica, and the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. We stayed on a lavender farm in Provence for 10 days on our honeymoon. The south of France has always held a special place in my heart (part of my soul resides there!), and we have returned six times together.

cultures, speaking foreign languages, shopping in the local bakeries and groceries, and eating regional foods all serve to enhance the experience. As a graduate of Thunderbird School of Global Management, I have a passion for global affairs that is revitalized when I set foot in another country. Globetrotting is an exciting way to travel, and we look forward to boarding an international flight again very soon! In the meantime, we have resumed traveling here in the United States with several trips to visit family. Last year, we traveled to Orlando to attend the wedding of Dennis’ son, Dan, and Lixu. Last summer, we drove to Utah to help our daughter, Ashley, settle into her physician’s assistant graduate school. In the fall, Dennis visited his brother in Florida to help celebrate his birthday and see his brand-new home. Most recently, I traveled to Richmond, Virginia, to visit my parents who have been married for 56 years.

In 2004, we sat on the curb of the Champs-Élysées for 11 hours waiting on the professional cyclists to ride into Paris and crown the winner of the Tour de France. We have dined at the top of the Eiffel Tower, wandered the halls of the Louvre, and swam in the Mediterranean Sea. Just writing about those adventures has us craving a return visit! International travel can be very eye-opening. Since I lived, studied, and worked abroad, we love to live like locals and typically rent a house (Vrbo or Airbnb style) to avoid busy hotels packed with tourists. Living among the locals, experiencing their different

For most of us, summer is synonymous with vacationing and travel, and we hope you and your family enjoy a vacation soon post- COVID-19 as we return our lives to some semblance of normalcy. Do you have a special place you have visited or are planning to visit this summer or this year? We would love to hear all about your travel plans. Email [email protected] and share your story with me!

–Lisa Jones

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Dennis & Lisa Jones

Prevent Pimples … With Aloe? 3 WAYS TO USE ALOE VERA FOR ACNE

The aloe vera plant has been used for medicinal and skin care purposes for centuries. Because the ingredients in aloe are less irritating than other acne treatments on the market, it can remove bacteria from your skin and even reduce the risk of acne. Here are some ways to use aloe to prevent and treat acne. Use the plant itself. If you have mild to moderate acne, using aloe is a gentle way to soothe your skin. If you have the plant, you can rip off a tiny portion of the thick leaves to access the powerful gel. If you do not have the plant, a tube of aloe will work just fine!

these three together is like a triple threat. Start with 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of pure aloe, and 1/4 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Mix these ingredients and apply them to your face. Keep the mask on for at least 5–10 minutes, then thoroughly wash it off. Make your own face scrub. Add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera to a clean container and mix in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 3 tablespoons of white or brown sugar.

Mix the ingredients and apply them to your face like a cleanser, then gently wash off your face. The grains of the sugar will remove dead layers of skin, while the coconut oil and aloe will fight acne. However, you should only use this

For existing acne, you can apply aloe to pimples or zits and leave it on overnight. You can also use aloe to replace your daily face cleanser. Simply apply the gel to your face, massage it into your

scrub once or twice a week, as overuse can cause skin irritation.

skin, then wash it off. You will notice a cooling sensation and soothing effect on your skin. Create a face mask.

These aloe vera treatments will help your skin stay radiant and acne-free

without a hefty price tag. Who knew this popular house plant had all of these great benefits?

Combine aloe, honey, and cinnamon to create your very own face mask. Studies have shown that honey and cinnamon are other ingredients that help kill acne-causing bacteria, so using

We are actively filming the “American Dream” TV show! Our first episode aired on FOX in May. To receive show schedule updates, point your smartphone camera at the QR code!

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Whether I am grilling for family, friends, or just for Lisa, I know how easily I am distracted from personal safety while near the grill. Many of us have grown up with open air barbecues our whole lives, but we forget the real dangers that come with operating a grill ourselves. DENNIS’ TOP 5 GRILL SAFETY TIPS Fire Up the Grill — Safely!

I have been a “Taste of Home” subscriber for decades now, and their recipe for Southwest Burgers is one of our summertime favorites! Southwest Burgers LISA’S KITCHEN

INGREDIENTS

• 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chiles • 4 tsp ground cumin • 1 tsp chili powder • 3/4 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 2 lb lean ground beef • 3/4 lb bulk pork sausage

4. Top each burger with a cheese slice. Grill 1-2 minutes longer or until cheese begins to melt. 5. Serve on buns with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and salsa. Yield: 8 servings • 1 large tomato, sliced • 1 or 2 ripe avocados, peeled and sliced • Salsa • 8 slices Monterey jack or pepper jack cheese • 8 hamburger buns (toasted, if desired) • 8 lettuce leaves

Before firing up your favorite steak, here is how to stay safe on a grill — especially with little ones nearby.

No. 1: Position the grill a safe distance away from your home and potential hazards . Make sure the grill is several feet away from your home’s siding and deck railings as well as any overhanging branches, lawn games, play areas, or foot traffic. No. 2: Never grill indoors! Arizona is pretty hot, but taking the grill inside to enjoy the air conditioner is not a good move. Not only does grilling pose a fire hazard to your garage or enclosed spaces, but you also run the risk of exposing yourself and others to carbon monoxide poisoning. No. 3: Mind your distance and flammability. The last thing you want is to forget you have spilled an alcoholic beverage on your sleeve! To be safe, do not wear loose clothing while cooking at the grill, and always use long-handled grilling tools to give yourself plenty of clearance from heat and flames. No. 4: Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill. This will prevent the fat in the hot grill from igniting and causing hazardous bursts of flames. No. 5: Never add lighter fluid to an already lit fire. When you do this, the flame can travel quickly into the lighter fluid container and cause an explosion. No. 6 (bonus): Dedicate the grill’s 3-foot radius area as a kid-free zone. Make sure there are no lighters or matches in easy reach for children, either, in case they want to invent their own grill nearby! With summer temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees F in Arizona, you avoid grilling to stay cool, which is not the case at my house; I fire up the grill 2–3 times every week! Lisa and I love BBQ chicken, filet mignon, and kabobs on the grill. One of my favorite recipes is Lisa’s Southwest Burgers — see the recipe on this page to try them for yourself!

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients. 2. Crumble beef and sausage over mixture. Mix well. Shape into 8 patties. 3. Grill patties, covered, over

medium heat for 5 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 160 F.

I hope these tips help keep you, your loved ones, and your home safe this summer. Grill away, my friends. I will be doing just the same!

–Dennis Jones

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Concerts, Barbecues, and … Mock Funerals? THE EVOLUTION OF FOURTH OF JULY TRADITIONS

How to Troubleshoot a Malfunctioning A/C

Take These Steps Before Calling the Pros

The thermometer reads 100 degrees F outside. The sun is pounding relentlessly on the sidewalk. Vegetation is wilting. Meanwhile, you are huddled indoors, basking in the A/C … until the unit rattles to a stop. This stomach-dropping scenario happens to hundreds of people every summer. A/C units across America are overstressed right now, and when you run your unit at full blast, the system is more prone to malfunctioning. Fortunately, you do not have to call in the pros for every little issue. Here are a few DIY ways to fix an A/C problem. 1. Replace your air filter. The experts recommend changing the filter in your A/C system every month. An unchanged filter can get clogged and cause your A/C to turn off! Replacing the filter could kick start a nonfunctioning A/C. 2. Double-check your thermostat. While sounding basic, your A/C might have turned off because your spouse reset the temperature, the kids flipped the thermostat from “heat” to “cool,” or the device’s batteries died. Do not rule these silly problems out without checking them! 3. Clean your condenser coils. Dust, dirt, and pet hair can clog your A/C’s condenser coils and limit the unit’s function. If you are careful and handy, you can use compressed air or a shop vacuum to clean the copper tubing and aluminum fins composing the coils, which typically form the side walls of your outdoor A/C unit. 4. Test your circuit breaker. The entire circuit covering your A/C may have tripped, turning the A/C off. To test, turn off your thermostat, head to your breaker box and look for any switch in the neutral position. If you find one, push it to off (right) then on (left). Wait 30 minutes, then turn your thermostat back on and set it to cool. These four steps may be the only ones you need to fix your A/C problem! If you try them with no success, then call in the experts. Of course, you can also make that call from the get-go if you are not comfortable DIYing your household systems. We promise they will not judge you! It is always better to be cautious than accidentally worsen the problem.

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Dennis & Lisa Jones

Outdoor kitchens were trendy in 2021 — and they are still a must-have! If you plan to either build an outdoor cooking space or level up the one you have this summer, consider these game-changing features. Level Up Your Outdoor Cooking Space With These Handy Features!

The history of Fourth of July traditions is more interesting than you would expect — especially since there was so much debate on which day to celebrate our independence. On June 7, the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia. After Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion calling for the Colonies’ independence, a long, heated debate followed and postponed the vote. But on July 2, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Lee’s resolution for independence with a near-unanimous vote. By July 4, the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted. Some believed that July 2, the day of the final vote, should have been our Independence Day. At the time, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival,” and that the celebration should include “Pomp and Parade … Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.” Even after the U.S. was formed, Adams believed so deeply that July 2 was the correct date, that he would turn down invitations to appear on July 4th events in protest! Still, Adams’ imagination for future American independence celebrations remains quite true today, although they are slightly different from the very first parties. In pre-Revolutionary times, colonists used to celebrate the king’s birthday, which included ringing of bells, bonfires, processions, and speechmaking. In contrast, in the summer of 1776, colonists celebrated the birth of our independence by holding mock funerals for King George III.

1. The Flat Top Grill: With a flat top, you can cook anything outside. Imagine outdoor breakfasts with pancakes and eggs! You can also cook burgers with lots of toppings without worrying about food falling into the flames. 2. The Warming Drawer: Warming drawers make even the biggest barbecues easy to use. You can pre-grill your corn and stash it inside, keep sides toasty while you pour drinks and socialize, or warm up the buns for your dogs and burgers.

By the time of our liberation, festivities included concerts, bonfires, parades, firing of cannons and muskets, and usually included public readings of the Declaration of Independence. The very first commemoration of independence was held at the Philadelphia State House on July 4, 1777, while Congress was still occupied with ongoing war! You would think that fireworks became a tradition later in U.S. history, but that is not true. Fireworks were used during the very first celebration — that same place and day on July 4, 1777. The Pennsylvania Evening Post reported of the day: “At night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.” We are so excited and proud to continue that tradition, right here in our Anthem community. Every year, our tradition is to commemorate Independence Day with community fireworks and a huge event at the Anthem Community Park on the evening of July 3. We celebrate with live music, rides, fun activities, and festival food in addition to the traditional fireworks display. Everybody grabs a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the free evening.

3. The Outdoor Ice Machine: Install one of these, and you will never have to sprint inside for ice again. An ice maker is a particularly handy feature if you have an outdoor bar and love to mix cocktails for your guests.

We look forward to seeing you at the park!

–Dennis & Lisa Jones

Good luck and happy cooking!

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POOL SAFETY — AND WHY IT MATTERS A HEALTH PSA FOR ARIZONA HOMEOWNERS LISA’S TOP 4 PICKS FOR LOCAL VACATIONS Looking for a Cool Weekend Getaway?

Flagstaff Want to go even higher? Flagstaff sits at 7,000 feet and, located in the high country mountains of northern Arizona, Flagstaff’s four seasons are phenomenal. The summer often sits in the low 80s with sapphire skies, and the fall offers panoramic views of reds, yellows and purples amidst the enormous ponderosa pine forest. You will even receive 108 inches of snow in the winter if you would like a snowy weekend for the holidays. Munds Park A hidden gem in Northern Arizona — just 20 miles south of Flagstaff — you will find a beautiful small town with a gorgeous 18- hole championship golf course and plenty of forest with every outdoor activity you can imagine! This option is perfect for any family, but if you love golfing, you do not want to pass up this one.

Pinetop-Lakeside Just like the name implies, you will never get enough of this town’s breathtaking forest and lakeside views. In winter, frozen lakes and streams become calls to adventure for anglers, boaters, and hikers alike. In spring, the green landscape blooms into colorful wildflowers. Yet, even into summer, you will find patches of snow among the colorful views of over 50 alpine lakes, and 800 miles of cold, crystal-clear rivers and springs. If you love water, forests, and getting away to a locale at 6,804 feet, I highly recommend it! If you are looking to purchase a cabin or vacation home, I can help you get started! Over the years, I have built relationships with many agents who are local experts in these high elevation cities. Give me a call and I will connect you with one of them!

When the Valley heats up in the summer, people take off to the high country of Northern Arizona for some reprieve. Truth be told, a weekend vacation is often a perfect break for many busy homeowners. Even an hour or two is enough to drive to some truly gorgeous, local getaways. Here are a few of my favorites. Prescott After being in the desert, you might want to spend time in a lush, cool forest for a while. Prescott is the perfect answer! At an elevation of 5,200 feet and an average temperature of 70 degrees F, Prescott sits in one of the largest ponderosa pine forests in America. Although small in size, this town offers a ton of options for activities, including horseback riding, golfing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, sampling local breweries, and more!

–Lisa Jones

MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY NOOK AND CRANNY As people spend more time in their houses, the boundaries between home, work, and leisure are blurred more than ever, which can impact mood and productivity. No matter where you live — a single-family suburban home or a one-bedroom apartment — you want to squeeze as much function as you can in an existing space. These tactics will help you get the most out of your abode. Fold it away. One of the first steps in creating more space is to utilize multifunctional furniture. These are pieces that can fold and free up floor space when they are not in use, or they can even transform into another piece of useful furniture. Instead of using a free-standing desk, you can go with a fold-away desk that disappears into your wall or can easily be hidden in a storage area or under the bed. There are also tables that transform and expand when needed. You can look into using a Murphy bed that folds into the wall, as they come with built-in storage options to keep extra bedding, clothes, shoes, and other space-hogging items.

Consider combining rooms. If you have an open-floor plan, combining rooms is a great way to make the most of the existing space. Combining rooms like the dining room and kitchen is ideal for social gatherings in one area where no one is cut off from the crowd while cooking. Another combination is a bedroom closet and office into a “cloffice.” A few shelves and a chair can morph a closet into a great office workplace, and you can even tuck it behind a curtain when not in use. You can also use this technique in an empty corner of a room. When creating a multifunctional area, you are not dividing the room in half. Instead you are allocating your space according to your usage needs. You can really use every nook and cranny of your home to your advantage, and you will have plenty of room for more activities.

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By now, most of us know how to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. We apply sunscreen, wear hats and sunglasses, and opt for shaded spots to enjoy a picnic or a break. But what if we told you there was a way to do more, and it involved some really tasty food? Many studies have found that antioxidants are the key to protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. While simply changing your diet will not eliminate the need for sunscreen, you can boost the effectiveness of your sun protection habits by making a few simple swaps. Note: These benefits have only been found in the consumption of the actual food, not the consumption of the food’s nutrients in supplement form. Discuss your supplement options with a trusted medical professional before taking them. Eat Away the UV Rays 3 FOODS THAT BOOST SKIN PROTECTION FROM THE SUN

July 1 may be National Drive Your Corvette to Work Day, but Dennis can celebrate that holiday any time! Here he is with his 2017 Corvette Stingray Z51.

Colorful Fruits and Veggies The colors that make fruits and vegetables look so lively are the very compounds our skin loves. Foods like tomatoes, sweet potatoes, pomegranates, kiwis, and oranges all contain carotenoids, which can have sun protection abilities. Likewise, grapes and berries have their own compounds that do something similar. To add these to your diet, include fruit with every meal, swap potatoes for sweet potatoes for the summer, or snack on some fresh tomatoes! Fatty Fish

You have heard that omega-3s are great for your heart, but your skin loves this compound. Omega-3s

can limit the impact of a sunburn, which can lessen the damage sunburns do to your skin, due to the natural anti-inflammatory properties in omega- 3s. The best source of this nutrient is in fish, like salmon, herring, or trout. Try searing these delicacies on the grill for your next barbecue. Flavorful Drinks Your morning routine just got better. Studies have found that coffee and green tea can have tremendous health benefits for your skin. One study found that drinking coffee may lower your risk of developing melanoma (a common form of skin cancer), while green tea contains polyphenols, which, much like the compounds found in fruit, can offer skin protection. Pour yourself a mug each day to reap a few benefits for your skin.

Take a Break

As always, consult with a trusted medical professional if you have further questions or have concerns about your skin’s health.

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Post-COVID Travel Is Here! Inside

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

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Use Aloe Vera for Acne!

Lisa & Dennis Jones

The American Dream Update

3668 W. Anthem Way, Ste. B-158 • Anthem, AZ 85086 602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com

Lisa’s Kitchen: Southwest Burgers

5 Important Grill Safety Tips

DIY Tips for a Broken A/C

The Odd History of July 4th Traditions

Outdoor Cooking Inspiration You Need

Lisa’s Top 4 Picks for Cool AZ Vacations

Create Multifunctional Spaces

Help Protect Your Skin With Tasty Food!

Drive Your Corvette To Work Day

Go Back-to-School Shopping for Your Home Office!

Some affordable decor, like wall art or small potted succulents, can spruce up your office without making a mess. If you are looking to organize your space, consider buying desktop shelves to free up clutter. Then, you will not have to leave your desk to stay in the zone! Look out for Apple and PC sales! Replacing your current technology can be expensive, but back- to-school sales are the perfect way to spare your wallet. Have an amazing computer already? You can still benefit majorly from staying tuned! During last year’s back-to-school sale, Apple offered 20% off their AppleCare+ service, which gives you two incidents of accidental damage protection every 12 months. Dropped your laptop or spilled coffee on it? They will fix it, no questions asked. Invest in the new office chair you have been wanting. Do not sacrifice your posture just because you are working from home. Whether remote working has turned into a permanent or a part-time solution for your job, you deserve an office chair that can help keep your back straight, preventing pain and slouching. Many big-box stores will be offering sales on office chairs, so take the opportunity to sit in a healthier way today — before the expensive holiday season rolls around! Just because you are an adult does not mean you cannot have the joy of back-to-school shopping too. We hope you treat yourself to something that will make your remote routine even better.

Top 3 Tips to Take Advantage of Back-To-School Deals IS YOUR HOME OFFICE MISSING SOMETHING?

Everyone loves back-to-school season because of the shopping spree! Students can get tools they will actually use for the entire year while they are on sale and will save a few extra dollars in the process. But you can get that very same feeling as an entrepreneur. Here is how you can make the most of back-to-school deals this year for your home office. Upgrade your home office’s amenities. Are you a seltzer water fan? Every year, Amazon almost always has an “Off to College” sale, featuring various products that make dorm life a little bit easier and more convenient. If you want to do the same for your home office, look into a tabletop fridge — or an electric tea kettle, if tea is more your style.

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