As the autumn colors drop the last of their leaves, the gardens can feel naked. Without strategically placed evergreens in the yard, it easily feels like prying eyes look right through your home. Not only does your own privacy seemingly disappear, but that neighbor’s debris pile can be witnessed through winter. The solution to both of these unwanted invasions of privacy is not rocket science. November is an ideal time to plant a wall of living trees to block the messy view and to create the … [Read more...] about The Secret Garden: Living Christmas Trees Planted as a Natural Screen
Reflecting on Traditions
This month holds so many wonderful traditions for families and communities. The drop of the Flagstaff pinecone on New Year’s Eve, the lighting of the Courthouse Square in Prescott, the celebrations that bring neighbors together – our traditions unite us during this festive season. At Northern Arizona University, we understand the power of traditions to create a shared experience and common goal. We carry that throughout every day, because our tradition is not limited to any specific holiday … [Read more...] about Reflecting on Traditions
Enjoying Arizona’s Christmas City During the Holiday Season
Nothing symbolizes Prescott more than the holiday activities that occur in our great city at this time of year. The annual Prescott Chamber Christmas Parade, the Christmas Courthouse Lighting, both on the first Saturday of December and the Holiday Light Parade on the last Saturday in November bring thousands of residents and visitors to our historic downtown to embrace the spirit of Christmas. These widely anticipated events kick-off a festive and joyous time in our community. It is almost … [Read more...] about Enjoying Arizona’s Christmas City During the Holiday Season
Deciding on the Right Boat, Barge or Big Ship
There are big ships, small ships, river boats, yachts, barges and sailboats. How do you know which one is best for you? Our goal is to match the right person with the right experience! There are many options out there. A bad vacation is not just a waste of your hard-earned money but a waste of time, which is almost worse, right? There are many river cruise companies out there. They cruise on the same rivers, the vessels are very similar in size but the experiences can be very different. What … [Read more...] about Deciding on the Right Boat, Barge or Big Ship
Enjoying the Holidays
Preparing for the holidays can be so stressful. It is not uncommon to anticipate and love all the holiday happenings and activities and yet feel that it has almost done you in by the time it’s all over. There is even a real condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This condition affects millions of people each year. An article on health.com offers several tips to combat the feelings of stress during the busy season. Here are a couple of interesting ones: Get out and get some … [Read more...] about Enjoying the Holidays
Understanding the Impacts of Tax Reform Legislation
In early November, the House GOP leaders took their biggest step yet in their attempt to overhaul the U.S. tax code by releasing legislation that proposes sweeping changes to the current system. The proposal unveiled a new top tax rate, new tax brackets, a lower corporate rate and a compromise on the state and local tax deduction. The implications of tax changes are widespread. The question that most households are asking is: “How is it going to affect me?” One of the changes in the spotlight … [Read more...] about Understanding the Impacts of Tax Reform Legislation
Holiday Tech Buying Tips
With the holiday season fast upon us, it is extremely likely that new technology purchases will be happening. Whether you are buying that new computer or printer for a family member or treating yourself to an update, here are a few guidelines to help you make the best purchasing decisions. If you spend any time at all researching technology products, at some point, you will run across Moore's Law. In its most basic form, Moore's Law states that processing power of computers will double every … [Read more...] about Holiday Tech Buying Tips
A Wine Guide for the Holidays
When I think about the holidays, a lot comes to mind. First, the excitement of being with family and friends and creating wonderful and hilarious memories with them. Second, everything that needs to be done, the shopping and decorating and cooking and cleaning. And third, all the wine I’m going to drink! Wine is my secret weapon during the holiday season. It brings out the best in all of the delectable foods, makes a great gift and helps tremendously after a long day of putting up lights or … [Read more...] about A Wine Guide for the Holidays
Prop 443 Tax Increase Makes Possible Expanded Library Hours
Hundreds of Quad Cities residents already are benefitting from the Aug. 29 election, during which voters overwhelmingly approved a 0.75 percent sales tax requested under Proposition 443. The immediate benefit is the expansion of Prescott Public Library hours to include 1-5 p.m. on Sundays; and the hiring of four part-time library staff members, said Prescott Library Director Roger Saft. He explained that because of that tax increase, which will become effective Jan. 1, city officials were … [Read more...] about Prop 443 Tax Increase Makes Possible Expanded Library Hours
More Than A Broker
When Kyle Karstens’s name comes up, typical responses sound something like this: “She’s got the biggest grin, happiest smile and the best sense of humor. She makes even the toughest real estate decisions understandable.” Kyle Karstens is one half of the Karstens and Associates Realty team in Prescott. She and her husband of 35 years, Steve, have been handling real estate in Prescott for 22 of those years. Those involved in the real estate business may say it is often a frustrating, … [Read more...] about More Than A Broker