ArizonaHomeowner
Vol. 6 Issue 11
Jane Blacker
J
ane Blacker has been a widely-respected member of the Valley of the Sun real estate industry since 2000. With over 30 years as a real estate professional, her track record remains spotless-something she attributes to always placing her clients’ interests first, providing unsurpassed service, meticulous attention to detail, and staying abreast of market trends and changes affecting the real estate industry. Jane joined Russ Lyon Realty Company in March 2001. She achieved a top-producer ranking within two years and continues to be a top producer with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Originally from England, her career in real estate began when she joined a commercial real estate company in London and worked for ten years as the Executive Assistant to the Managing Partner. Her many community activities include serving on the Board of Directors of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. In 2013 and 2014 Jane was recognized by the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce for her outstanding contributions to the community and has been the recipient of two prestigious business volunteer awards.
Jane Blacker REALTOR | SRES
Cell 480.283.3009 Fax 480.624.3711 Jane.Blacker@RussLyon.com Call Jane today if you are thinking about a new home for 2017! If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Produced by DLP Marketing • (480)460-0996 • DLPmarketing.com
Holiday Spirit s
LOCAL VENUE
THE FUTURE OF
Chandler, AZ
W
ill 2020 be the year travel changes forever? From self-driving cars and bullet trains to supersonic jets, we’re seeing lots of innovation afoot. But what can we really expect in the next few years ahead? Here’s a sneak peek.
Some things are simply synonymous with the holidays — pumpkin pie, peppermint mochas, gingerbread houses, and of course, the City of Chandler’s Annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights. Celebrate the holidays in Downtown Chandler, visit with Santa, enjoy music, vendors and a pageantry of lights on December 7, 2019. Admission is free. Source: ChandlerAZ.gov
Many U.S. cities are already home to self-driving cars. But as we head into a new decade and beyond, more and more autonomous cars will be seen navigating city streets. Google’s Waymo and Uber’s self-driving vehicles have already sprouted up in some parts of the country. The thinking is, the more the population gets used to seeing these driverless cars, the more comfortable we will be with them. Still, there are a lot of logistics and learning that needs to be done before they can be in every town across the U.S. For now, the future is clearly semi-autonomous cars that can park themselves, and offer steering, braking, and lane-changing assistance. Up in the sky, things may get real speedy in the decade ahead, thanks to the company Boom Supersonic, which says it will be the fastest commercial airplane in aviation history—and its 55 seats will also be affordable with prices comparable to business class on today’s commercial airlines. (They say you will be able to get anywhere in half the time.) Only drawback is many countries (including the U.S.) will not allow the plane to fly over land due to the sound of the sonic boom. Two additional airline companies are entering the fray; both Spike Aerospace and Aerion Supersonic will offer ultra-fast trips on smaller (more expensive) flights but without the sonic boom noise, opening up travel paths. Stay tuned on how this all plays out. And when it comes to our outdated railroad system? A new, cleaner, faster railway system is sorely needed. Just ask Elon Musk, whose Hyperloop has generated much excitement, as has Richard Branson’s Virgin Hyperloop One. Both modes of transport involve pods or capsules that float on air in tubes that rest underground or just above ground. The capsules are propelled through the tubes at high rates of speed, upwards of 760 mph, making a trip from LA to SF a mere 35 minute trek. Or how about getting from DC to NY in just 29 minutes? Although progress has been made, experts still expect it to take at least a decade for the Hyperloop to become a reality, if at all. Imagine an end to traffic? Perhaps there is light at the end of the tunnel.
W
hat to serve and sip at this year’s holiday party or Christmas cookie swap? We all love eggnog and a good bottle of red during the winter season, but why not make your soiree extra chic by serving up a festive signature holiday drink or punch, alcohol optional. Here’s how to mix it up in style. First off, create a holiday mood by setting up an elegant bar. Bring out all those beautiful glasses you have but rarely use (make sure they all get a good wash prior to the big fete). While a bar or bar cart are fashionable, you can simply create a wet bar in one spot in your kitchen, on a cleared credenza or sideboard in the dining room, or even at a table top area near your entryway to greet guests as they arrive. Pull out all the stops with a festive table runner and a few classy holiday décor items in your beverage area to up the seasonal appeal. Maybe hang some mistletoe while you’re at it. Now, how to make the drinks super special? Concoct a signature holiday cocktail, punch, or spritzer that friends and family will adore. And at Christmas time, that means using cranberries and pomegranates for color, cinnamon and nutmeg for that holiday spicy scent, or looking for a drink recipe that leans more towards dessert than a simple sip. For inspiration, how about creating your own take on a Pecan Pie Martini or a Peppermint Bark Mimosa (get the recipes at delish.com) or Sticky Toffee Pudding Eggnog
or a Coquito (recipes can be found at foodandwine.com). HGTV offers up a recipe for a Pumpkin Pie Martini that is sure to be a hit or, for a cold winter night, perhaps a Cranberry Hot Toddy will do the trick (visit HGTV.com for recipes). Your guests are sure to get in the holiday spirit. Short on time? A classic holiday punch in a beautiful crystal bowl never fails to impress and really couldn’t be easier. Simply combine one bottle champagne, one bottle cranberrypomegranate juice, some lime or cranberry seltzer, and then add cut up citrus slices (limes or oranges look particularly festive). Or skip the citrus and add fresh cranberries and mint for a truly elegant look (make sure to add a few cranberries to each cup prior to serving). Need an alcoholfree/kids’ version? Simply replace the champagne with ginger ale. How’s that for easy entertaining? Cheers!
BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE
FLAVORFUL
TRAVEL
Tumbleweed Tree
INGREDIENTS 2 ½ lbs
Potatoes, cubed
2 cups
Shredded cheese
1 cup
Evaporated milk
½ cup
Sour cream
1 tsp
Salt
6 slices Turkey bacon
½ tsp
Pepper
2 tbl
Sliced green onions
DIRECTIONS Place potato chunks in large saucepan. Cover with water; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender; drain. Return potatoes to saucepan; add evaporated milk, sour cream, salt and pepper. Beat with hand-held mixer until smooth. Stir in 1 ½ cups cheese and half of the bacon.
LIFEWISE
Spoon mixture into greased 2 ½- to 3-quart casserole dish. Bake at 350° F for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Top with remaining ½ cup cheese, remaining bacon and green onions. Bake for an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
GoodNes.com
LOCAL VENUE
THE FUTURE OF
Chandler, AZ
W
ill 2020 be the year travel changes forever? From self-driving cars and bullet trains to supersonic jets, we’re seeing lots of innovation afoot. But what can we really expect in the next few years ahead? Here’s a sneak peek.
Some things are simply synonymous with the holidays — pumpkin pie, peppermint mochas, gingerbread houses, and of course, the City of Chandler’s Annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights. Celebrate the holidays in Downtown Chandler, visit with Santa, enjoy music, vendors and a pageantry of lights on December 7, 2019. Admission is free. Source: ChandlerAZ.gov
Many U.S. cities are already home to self-driving cars. But as we head into a new decade and beyond, more and more autonomous cars will be seen navigating city streets. Google’s Waymo and Uber’s self-driving vehicles have already sprouted up in some parts of the country. The thinking is, the more the population gets used to seeing these driverless cars, the more comfortable we will be with them. Still, there are a lot of logistics and learning that needs to be done before they can be in every town across the U.S. For now, the future is clearly semi-autonomous cars that can park themselves, and offer steering, braking, and lane-changing assistance. Up in the sky, things may get real speedy in the decade ahead, thanks to the company Boom Supersonic, which says it will be the fastest commercial airplane in aviation history—and its 55 seats will also be affordable with prices comparable to business class on today’s commercial airlines. (They say you will be able to get anywhere in half the time.) Only drawback is many countries (including the U.S.) will not allow the plane to fly over land due to the sound of the sonic boom. Two additional airline companies are entering the fray; both Spike Aerospace and Aerion Supersonic will offer ultra-fast trips on smaller (more expensive) flights but without the sonic boom noise, opening up travel paths. Stay tuned on how this all plays out. And when it comes to our outdated railroad system? A new, cleaner, faster railway system is sorely needed. Just ask Elon Musk, whose Hyperloop has generated much excitement, as has Richard Branson’s Virgin Hyperloop One. Both modes of transport involve pods or capsules that float on air in tubes that rest underground or just above ground. The capsules are propelled through the tubes at high rates of speed, upwards of 760 mph, making a trip from LA to SF a mere 35 minute trek. Or how about getting from DC to NY in just 29 minutes? Although progress has been made, experts still expect it to take at least a decade for the Hyperloop to become a reality, if at all. Imagine an end to traffic? Perhaps there is light at the end of the tunnel.
W
hat to serve and sip at this year’s holiday party or Christmas cookie swap? We all love eggnog and a good bottle of red during the winter season, but why not make your soiree extra chic by serving up a festive signature holiday drink or punch, alcohol optional. Here’s how to mix it up in style. First off, create a holiday mood by setting up an elegant bar. Bring out all those beautiful glasses you have but rarely use (make sure they all get a good wash prior to the big fete). While a bar or bar cart are fashionable, you can simply create a wet bar in one spot in your kitchen, on a cleared credenza or sideboard in the dining room, or even at a table top area near your entryway to greet guests as they arrive. Pull out all the stops with a festive table runner and a few classy holiday décor items in your beverage area to up the seasonal appeal. Maybe hang some mistletoe while you’re at it. Now, how to make the drinks super special? Concoct a signature holiday cocktail, punch, or spritzer that friends and family will adore. And at Christmas time, that means using cranberries and pomegranates for color, cinnamon and nutmeg for that holiday spicy scent, or looking for a drink recipe that leans more towards dessert than a simple sip. For inspiration, how about creating your own take on a Pecan Pie Martini or a Peppermint Bark Mimosa (get the recipes at delish.com) or Sticky Toffee Pudding Eggnog
or a Coquito (recipes can be found at foodandwine.com). HGTV offers up a recipe for a Pumpkin Pie Martini that is sure to be a hit or, for a cold winter night, perhaps a Cranberry Hot Toddy will do the trick (visit HGTV.com for recipes). Your guests are sure to get in the holiday spirit. Short on time? A classic holiday punch in a beautiful crystal bowl never fails to impress and really couldn’t be easier. Simply combine one bottle champagne, one bottle cranberrypomegranate juice, some lime or cranberry seltzer, and then add cut up citrus slices (limes or oranges look particularly festive). Or skip the citrus and add fresh cranberries and mint for a truly elegant look (make sure to add a few cranberries to each cup prior to serving). Need an alcoholfree/kids’ version? Simply replace the champagne with ginger ale. How’s that for easy entertaining? Cheers!
BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE
FLAVORFUL
TRAVEL
Tumbleweed Tree
INGREDIENTS 2 ½ lbs
Potatoes, cubed
2 cups
Shredded cheese
1 cup
Evaporated milk
½ cup
Sour cream
1 tsp
Salt
6 slices Turkey bacon
½ tsp
Pepper
2 tbl
Sliced green onions
DIRECTIONS Place potato chunks in large saucepan. Cover with water; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender; drain. Return potatoes to saucepan; add evaporated milk, sour cream, salt and pepper. Beat with hand-held mixer until smooth. Stir in 1 ½ cups cheese and half of the bacon.
LIFEWISE
Spoon mixture into greased 2 ½- to 3-quart casserole dish. Bake at 350° F for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Top with remaining ½ cup cheese, remaining bacon and green onions. Bake for an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
GoodNes.com
About Jane J
ane Blacker has been a widely-respected member of the Valley of the Sun real estate industry since 2000. With over 30 years as a real estate professional, her
track record remains spotless-something she attributes to always placing her clients’ interests first, providing unsurpassed service, meticulous attention to detail, and staying abreast of market trends and changes affecting the real estate industry. Jane joined Russ Lyon Realty Company in March 2001. She achieved a topproducer ranking within two years and continues to be a top producer with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Originally from England, her career in real estate began when she joined a commercial real estate company in London and worked for ten years as the Executive Assistant to the Managing Partner. Her many community activities include serving on the Board of Directors of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. In 2013 and 2014 Jane was recognized by the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce for her outstanding contributions to the community and has been the recipient of two prestigious business volunteer awards.
Jane Blacker REALTOR | SRES
Cell 480.283.3009 Fax 480.624.3711 Jane.Blacker@RussLyon.com Call Jane today if you are thinking about a new home for 2017! If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Produced by DLP Marketing • (480)460-0996 • DLPmarketing.com