Bonnie Burk | Rio Verde Foothills Lifestyle | September 2023 Digital Newsletter

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2023

Oktoberfest at the Fountain Fountain Hills | September 23-24

Tiny Kitchen, Big Potential EVENT CALENDAR

Experience the vibrant spirit of Oktoberfest at the Fountain 2023 in Arizona. With traditional attire, lively music, and delicious German fare, this event celebrates unity and fun. Join in games, dances, and cultural showcases for an unforgettable Bavarian-inspired experience. Prost to a joyous and memorable Oktoberfest celebration in Arizona!

Arizona State Fair

Phoenix | September 23 - October 30

The Arizona State Fair 2023 promises an unforgettable extravaganza of entertainment and excitement for all ages. As the iconic event returns, the fairgrounds will come alive with an array of thrilling rides, captivating live performances, and a myriad of mouthwatering treats. Don't miss out on this incredible experience filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments!

Free Family Fun Action & Adventure Festival

Scottsdale | September 24

Join us for the Free Family Fun Action & Adventure Festival in fall 2023! This exciting event offers a day filled with adventure and entertainment for the whole family. Get ready to embark on thrilling outdoor activities, interactive games, and captivating performances. From exciting obstacle courses to engaging arts and crafts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, indulge in delicious food and refreshments while creating lasting memories with loved ones. Don't miss this actionpacked festival designed to celebrate the joy of family and the spirit of adventure!

Rockin' Taco Street Fest

Chandler | September 24

Get ready for a flavorful fiesta at the 2023 Rockin' Taco Street Fest in Chandler, AZ! This vibrant event celebrates the love of tacos and the spirit of community. Whether you're a taco connoisseur or simply looking for a good time, the Rockin' Taco Street Fest promises a delightful and unforgettable experience that embraces the rich flavors of Arizona's culinary scene.

Dia de los Muertos Festival

Mesa | October 22-23

Celebrate the rich Mexican heritage and the colorful tradition of Dia de los Muertos at the 2023 Festival in Mesa, AZ! This cultural extravaganza brings together communities to honor and remember loved ones who have passed on. Don't miss this enchanting celebration of culture and remembrance!

3rd Annual Halloween Festival

Phoenix Premium Outlet | October 28-29

Experience a spooktacular time at the 3rd Annual Halloween Festival at Phoenix Premium Outlets!

Come dressed in your best Halloween costumes and enjoy trick-or-treating, creative pumpkin displays, and festive activities. With live entertainment, face painting, and a costume contest, it's a bewitching celebration for all ages. Don't miss this hauntingly delightful event at one of Phoenix's premier shopping destinations!

In the realm of kitchen design, size doesn't always matter. Even a small kitchen can be transformed into a functional and stylish space with some strategic planning and clever ideas. Don't let limited square footage limit your culinary dreams—let's explore how to make the most of a small kitchen without compromising on efficiency or aesthetics.

First and foremost, efficient storage solutions are key. Embrace every nook and cranny by utilizing vertical space. Install cabinets that reach the ceiling, providing additional storage for rarely used items. Consider incorporating open shelves or a pot rack on the walls to display your favorite cookware while freeing up cabinet space. Drawer dividers and organizers will help keep utensils and small items in order. By optimizing storage, you'll maximize the available space and ensure everything has its place.

Another essential aspect is smart organization. Keep your kitchen clutter-free by only keeping essential items within reach. Rarely used appliances can be stored in a separate space or cabinet. Embrace a minimalist mindset, focusing on quality over quantity. By streamlining your kitchen tools and gadgets, you'll create a sense of openness and efficiency.

A small kitchen layout requires careful consideration. Opt for a functional work triangle by placing the sink, refrigerator, and stove within easy reach of each other. Maximize counter space by installing a foldable dining table or a kitchen island with built-in storage. Consider removing non-load-bearing walls or creating an open floor plan to visually expand the space. The key is to create a layout that flows smoothly and allows for easy movement.

Lighting is another vital aspect. Brighten up your small kitchen with both natural and artificial light sources. Keep windows unobstructed to maximize natural light, creating an airy and spacious atmosphere. Install under-cabinet lights and recessed ceiling lights to illuminate the workspace effectively. Adequate lighting not only enhances functionality but also makes the kitchen feel larger and more inviting.

When it comes to appliances, opt for compact and multifunctional options. Look for slimline dishwashers and combination microwave and oven units that fit seamlessly into your small kitchen. Consider downsizing your refrigerator to a size that meets your needs without overwhelming the space. Compact appliances can provide all the necessary functionalities without sacrificing style or efficiency.

Finally, color and design choices play a significant role in making a small kitchen shine. Choosing light and neutral colors on walls, cabinets, and countertops help create an illusion of space. Reflective surfaces, such as mirrored backsplashes or glass cabinet doors, can further enhance the visual expansiveness. Choose sleek and minimalistic designs that create a cohesive and uncluttered look.

In conclusion, a small kitchen can be a treasure trove of culinary possibilities. By embracing efficient storage solutions, smart organization, strategic layout planning, proper lighting, compact appliances, and thoughtful design choices, you can unlock the full potential of your small kitchen. Remember, it's not about the size of your kitchen, but how you maximize the space you have. With a little creativity and practicality, you can create a functional, stylish, and inviting kitchen that suits your needs perfectly.

Fun Fall Activities

If you’re looking for some family friendly ways to enjoy the fall season, look no further. These autumn activities will bring your whole gang together for a beautiful and memorable season.

Cooler weather means it’s time to get outdoors. Here are some ideas: Go for a hike. It’s easier than ever to map out a route. Just search for hiking trails near you and choose your level of intensity and length of climb. Or go camping with the whole gang and plan the whole trip online. For a truly autumnal outing, go to a farmer’s market or pumpkin patch. Pick plenty of pumpkins for your front porch and for baking into pies and sweet treats. Apple picking is also a great fall activity for a family. Try out different apple varieties and don’t forget to pick up cider and cinnamon donuts. Road trip any one? Jump in the car and go on a family fall leaf-peeping getaway (quick tip: the beach is cooler and less crowded in the fall), or learn some local history by visiting nearby historic towns and sites. Throw in some treasure hunting at local thrift shops or fall festivals. And what family wouldn’t enjoy a fall college or pro football game complete with tailgating?

Of course, you can have plenty of fall fun right at home. Make homemade Halloween costumes for you and the kids this year. While you’re feeling crafty, create some do-it-yourself decorations for your house using fall leaves, pinecones, dried flowers, and anything you can find outdoors. Or maybe it’s time to up your cooking or baking game. After all, it’s never too late to learn to make the perfect apple or pumpkin pie, spicy chili, or delicious fall soup. It can be your family’s signature dish to bring to holidays or tailgates for years to come! If you have a fire pit, get set for ghost stories galore and endless s’mores just outside your door under the stars.

Looking for a less labor-intensive idea? Simply snuggle up and learn to knit or crochet together or have everyone grab a classic novel from a “top 100 novels of all-time” list and actually read one. And if you’re really thinking ahead, now is the ideal time to snap that perfect family photo for holiday greetings cards. Even better, sort through all your Christmas and holiday decorations now so when December 1 rolls around, you are ready to roll!

ABUELITA CHIMICHANGAS

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

3 tbsp NESTLÉ ABUELITA Chocolate Syrup

1 tbsp cinnamon-sugar

1 tbsp granulated sugar

4 medium bananas, sliced Nonstick cooking spray

6 frozen phyllo dough sheets, defrosted according to package directions

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Combine bananas, nuts and Abuelita syrup in medium bowl; stir gently to coat. Place 1 phyllo sheet on flat kitchen surface. Fold in half; spray with cooking spray. Place about 1/3 cup banana mixture on bottom third of short end of phyllo sheet; spread to within 1 inch from each side. Fold bottom of dough over filling; fold dough in on both sides then roll up burrito-style. Repeat process with remaining phyllo sheets and banana mixture; place on baking sheet seam-side-down. Spray chimichangas with cooking spray; sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately.

GoodNes

FEATURED HOME

28421 N 159TH Street | Scottsdale, AZ 85262

4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,510 SqFt

Custom home on PAVED ROAD and SHARED WELL! The home is move-in ready and offers a great split floor plan with an open kitchen, large dining area & breakfast bar that opens to the great room. The property has beautiful mountain views of the Four Peaks, Weavers Needle and the Mazatzal Mountains.

Farmhouse style design, lots of natural light and tons of possibilities for additions on the clean slate 1 acre lot. The floor plan features a spacious primary bed/bath with patio access and a split En-suite 2nd bedroom that also has patio access. The 4th bedroom is ideal as an office. Tesla charger in garage. $10k front door being installed at the end of June. Great area for hiking, biking or horseback riding. Only 10 minutes to golf, restaurants, Verde River Recreation area.

The following lots have closed since last publication. Keep in mind the price is determined by location, water availability, paved or dirt road, floodplain, etc.