Prime Source Print and Promotional | Arizona Homeowner | May 2023 Digital Newsletter

Bisbee Arizona

LOCAL VENUE

Yoga Your Way

The county seat of historic Cochise County, Bisbee, Arizona, is located just 90 miles southeast of Tucson, in the Mule Mountains. Once a bustling home to a thriving mining community, the town now draws visitors from around the world who appreciate its horistoric and welcoming spirit. Bisbee’s picturesque downtown has been well-preserved and his the perfect place to find relaxation and inspiration.

Source: discoverbisbee.com

Did you know practicing Yoga can actually increase your brain function? Yes, you read that right – studies have shown that the areas of your brain responsible for attention, neuroplasticity, executive function and motivation are all activated when practicing yoga. Depending on the type of Yoga you practice, there are other benefits as well. It can improve your posture, your cardiovascular function, balance, reduce anxiety, boost your immunity, reduce inflammation and improve your overall quality of life. Yoga isn’t just a workout, it’s a lifestyle, and one you can practice just about anywhere.

If you are a beginner, you might want to consider joining a yoga studio. Having that community can really build your confidence and help create a safe place for you to really focus. When you feel more comfortable, you can take your mat on hikes for a quick mountaintop session or stop at a park on your lunch break for a winddown before heading back to the office.

There are several different types of yoga. Try to find a style that best fits your intentions and desires for the moment. For example, if you’re looking to reduce stress and anxiety, Yin and Restorative are both good places to start. Yin yoga is one of the most relaxing styles. It focuses on bringing balance to your life by calming your mind, body, and spirit with quiet and reflective meditation. Restorative is very similar but focuses a little more on relaxing and soothing your nerves. Both of these will ignite your parasympathetic nervous system sending you into deep relaxation and leaving you feeling restored.

Hatha yoga is a great style for those just starting out. It teaches you the basics on breath, posing, relaxation and meditation. It is very popular and will help to build a foundation so you can easily transition to more skillful styles with continuous flow between movements. Vinyasa would be your next step up – incorporating both basic and advanced poses for a more athletic style. Vinyasa can also be called power yoga and can be quite the workout.

Many also enjoy the experience of Kundalini. This unique style focuses on the spiritual and emotional side of health. Breathwork adds to the rejuvenating effect of Kundalini, because the movements are most often synchronized to your breath, sometimes by using a mantra or chant. While some exercises are sure to be a bit of a physical challenge, the goal is to find a meditative space of peace and comfort.

With all the benefits Yoga has to offer and the fact that you can easily practice in your own living room, what’s stopping you from giving it a try? It might just change your life.

FUL

KEEP COOL AND CARRY ON

The heat is on … and we’re all looking for creative ways to cool down our homes without cranking up the AC. After all, air conditioning can be 50 percent or more of your electric bill. Try these ideas to keep cool without breaking the bank.

First off, it’s time to get accustomed with the south and west sides of your home, which is where things really get hot during the summer months. Plant low deciduous trees, such as mesquite, desert willow, and willow acacia, on these sides of your home and the leaves will help block out the sun. Studies show planting shade trees can cut cooling expenses by 15 to 35 percent, according to the Arizona State University Office of Climatology.

It may surprise you that up to 50 percent of the heat that enters your home come through the windows. Which is why installing awnings and shade screens is such a smart move. Even simply closing the binds and curtains can cool things down. At the very least, give your windows a weatherization check to ensure that heat isn’t creeping in through cracks and crevices.

Running appliances can also cause your home to warm up and increase the electric bill. Try using the dishwasher and washing machine early in the morning or after dark when it’s cooler. And opt for grilling out, rather than heating up the house by using the oven. And that ceiling fan? Make sure it’s blowing down (it should spin counter-clockwise to cool you). Fans use about one-tenth the energy of your AC. Just remember to turn ceiling fans off when you leave the room. Keep the lights off when possible and replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, which emit much less heat.

Of course, most of us will use the air conditioner. Just make sure your system is in good working order. Get a yearly inspection and replace air filters and repair any leaky ducts. New energyefficient AC units can also save money in the long run. When your AC is running, set it to 78 to 80 degrees when you’re home and try 85 degrees when you’re out. Installing a smart thermostat will allow you to set the temperature with the touch of your phone so you aren’t cooling an empty house. And finally, if the temps dip at night, open the windows to enjoy that cool air for sleeping.

SEASONED COWBOY BEANS

INGREDIENTS

1 lb dried pinto beans

1 pkg (5.5 ounces) hickory & sage bacon

1 lg onion, chopped

6 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp hot pepper sauce

1 bay leaf

2 cloves, minced garlic

1 jalapeño, minced

2 tsps Worcestershire sauce salt & pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Place beans in heavy large Dutch oven. Add enough water to cover by 3 inches. Boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand 1 hour. Drain.

In a lightly oiled skillet or pan, heat all 8 slices of Benevolent Bacon™ for 2 to 3 minutes on each side (bacon should not be too crispy), pull from skillet when still slightly ‘limp’ then chop into ½” pieces and set aside.

Return beans to Dutch oven after sitting for 1 hour. Add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Add all remaining ingredients. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer until beans are tender and liquid thickens, stirring frequently, about 3 hours.

Discard bay leaf. Season beans with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before serving.)

Ladle into bowls and serve as is or over rice, with or without cornbread. ENJOY GoodNes.com