Some flowers capture the imagination like no other. Their sheer beauty makes them iconic, transporting gardeners in the remembrance of garden weddings, tropical destinations and secret forests. These flowers may seem exotic, but many can be grown right here in the mountains of Arizona. Here are the most beautiful flowers you can grow in local gardens starting in April. Bearded Iris is as tough and low maintenance as it is exquisite. Deep violets to solar yellow and everything between, these … [Read more...] about Featuring the Most Beautiful Mountain Flowers in the Garden
Columnists
Shopping Mall Reimagined
Foot traffic at malls across the country has been on the decline for 20 years. Consumers were changing their shopping patterns even prior to the pandemic and shopping online rather than flocking to their regional shopping mall. This change in consumer behavior means retail needs to adapt and be reimagined. The first air-conditioned indoor mall opened in Arizona in 1961. Malls were favored investments and heavily developed throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and they became a central area for the … [Read more...] about Shopping Mall Reimagined
Beneficiaries: Why are They Important?
A task often overlooked by many is making certain that a beneficiary is named for important financial assets. If you love your loved one, do it now. Get your affairs in order. It makes no difference how old you are. This must be done for a number of reasons. The No. 1 reason is to make sure that you have provided for your loved ones. A second reason is that your wishes will be followed. If you don’t do this, the state will decide. Your loved ones will need to show proof that they have a … [Read more...] about Beneficiaries: Why are They Important?
Making Your Home Clean for Spring
While taking a walk last month on the trails at Watson Lake, I looked all around at the dark, cloudy skies and the barren cold trees. As I looked at little closer, there was a hint of green on the very tips of the Cottonwoods. Could it be? I examined the trees up close, and sure enough, there they were, little green sprouts on the ends of the branches. Well, it was March after all, and the first day of spring was March 20. As do many people, I absolutely love spring. Everything is so fresh and … [Read more...] about Making Your Home Clean for Spring
Setting Goals for Success
It has often been said that unless we have goals in our personal or business lives, how do we know when we have had success? Many of us work hard, but our lives still lack fulfillment. What can we do to invoke change in our lives? Before you can change your life, you must change your thinking. It starts with visualizing what we want from life and setting goals that resemble that vision. Your vision is a detailed description of where you currently are and where you ultimately want to be. Your … [Read more...] about Setting Goals for Success
Research Shows Kindness to Others Helps Our Well-Being
A national report published by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) on Oct. 9, 2020, indicates that one in four older adults are experiencing depression and isolation during the pandemic. The report further states that older adults continue to be one of the populations most at risk for becoming seriously ill and dying from COVID-19. Adults 65 and older account for 16% of the U.S. population, but 80% of COVID-19 deaths. Arizona is reported to have a 74% share of the COVID-19 deaths in that age … [Read more...] about Research Shows Kindness to Others Helps Our Well-Being
Harnessing the Power to Not Give Up
Have you ever heard someone say that they grew up with strong family values? I have to say that I did. They were a bit unusual, however. My father, a blue-collar man, always instilled the power in my siblings and me to press on and give it our best. Whether it was with school, sports or jobs, my father always demonstrated a can-do mindset and that neither giving up nor failure was an option. Thankfully, I have found that as an adult, I am grateful for his leadership in our family. Now, we … [Read more...] about Harnessing the Power to Not Give Up
How Can You Improve Your Credit Score?
Your credit score is used by financial institutions and lenders to determine how much money you may borrow for a loan or credit card. A higher credit score may mean lower interest rates and better credit limits, while a low score could mean you get denied for credit. What does your score mean, and how do lenders – and even landlords and employers – use it to determine their decision? Here’s how. Your credit score is calculated based on several financial factors. Credit scores are based on … [Read more...] about How Can You Improve Your Credit Score?
Hot Stone Massage: Ancient Therapy Proven Effective
Prior to the 20th century, natural medicines and therapies were the only real medicines available. Within the last 100 years, science-based medicine has become the accepted model. Ancient practices were disregarded and were not part of standard medical care, also known as conventional or Western medicine. However, in the 1960s and ’70s, a new culture that embraced alternative, or non-Western, medicine began to emerge in the United States. Complementary Therapy, a term developed in the U.S. … [Read more...] about Hot Stone Massage: Ancient Therapy Proven Effective
Weekend Warriors Fight Back
If that Saturday morning bike ride or run left you limping into work on Monday sore and exhausted, you’re probably not alone. Welcome to the ranks of the “Weekend Warriors.” “Weekend Warriors” is the name given to people who are physically inactive most of the week, but then participate in rigorous physical activity during the weekend. Many times these folks overestimate their abilities and push themselves beyond what they reasonably should do. Many may have had active lifestyles … [Read more...] about Weekend Warriors Fight Back