tracey l. davis
March | April 2013
Luxury Properties Marketing Director | Professional Realtor & Dedicated Buyer Representation There’s no question that buying and selling luxury real estate in today’s market
Featured Front Cover Property
requires the assistance
Available For Purchase Or Lease
of professionals with
This well-priced home with million-dollar views in the luxury community of Windgate Ranch is expected to be snapped up quickly!
the right experience, capabilities, and
3549 Sq. Ft. | 3 Bed + 2 Bonus Rooms | 2.5 Bath | $825,000 Sale or $4,000/month Lease
commitment. Tracey Davis, a proud member of the
ArizonaAtHome.com Tracey.Davis@RussLyon.com
RH Nathan team, also understands that it’s
480.734.8404
about much more than a house - it’s about your lifestyle and well-being.
Contact Tracey to be included in her MLS Neighborhood Watch Program.
Searching for your
Tips on Updating & Renewing
You could call this luxury property in an ideal location HOME! Highly livable and enjoyable, this home boasts mountain views and a private yard facing acres of natural wash. Once you step inside, you’ll appreciate the spaciousness and amenities of this home as well. Features include cherry cabinetry, a warm color palette, preferred fixtures, high-end window coverings and all the goodies of a dream home come true. Enjoy a chef’s kitchen, retreat backyard, bonus rooms galore - perfect for entertaining and living in comfortably.
Properties Offered By Tracey Davis
perfect home is personal; listing your home should be about more than the Multiple Listing Service. When you retain Tracey Davis, you get the benefit of both worlds. Davis offers highly personalized home buying services and knowledge of luxury properties. In addition, Davis brings to bear her background as a Marketing Director combined with the global reach of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty for successful home sales.
Recently Reduced By More Than $75,000
Sold In 3 Days!
FireRock Country Club
Scottsdale Mountain
4075 Sq. Ft. | 3 + Bed | 3.5 Bath | $1,099,000
2600 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 2.5 Bath | Listed for $528,000
Luxury Market Snapshot Statistics compiled by Tracey Davis, Realtor*
The RH Nathan team was recently ranked as one of the top teams in Phoenix by The Business Journal and in the nation by the Wall Street Journal. Robert Nathan
RHNathan.com
NORTH SCOTTSDALE SALES • PROPERTIES LISTED FOR $1M-$2M Prior 3 Months’ Sales: 70 2013 YTD: 41 Average sold price: $1,353,058 Average sold price: $1,354,574 Average sold price per sq. ft.: $279 Average sold price per sq. ft.: $279 DOWNTOWN SCOTTSDALE/SOUTH OF SHEA SALES • PROPERTIES LISTED FOR $500K-$1.5M Prior 3 Months’ Sales: 78 2013 YTD: 44 Average sold price: $685,796 Average sold price: $685,941 Average sold price per sq. ft.: $285 Average sold price per sq. ft.: $299 NORTH PHOENIX SALES • PROPERTIES LISTED FOR $500K-$1.5M Prior 3 Months’ Sales: 34 2013 YTD: 20 Average sold price: $629,944 Average sold price: $618,404 Average sold price per sq. ft.: $192 Average sold price per sq. ft.: $193
Title Insurance Company
PARADISE VALLEY SALES • ALL SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES Prior 3 Months’ Sales: 75 2013 YTD: 39 Average sold price: $1,334,478 Average sold price: $1,394,074 Average sold price per sq. ft.: $282 Average sold price per sq. ft.: $299 Source: Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service.
If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net
living your life!
The Ultimate “To-Do” List
satiate your chocoholic cravings The Capital Grille’s Chocolate Espresso Cake cover property photo provided by tracey davis
Event Calendar March| April 2013 La Cage Aux Folles Phoenix Theatre, March 13th – April 7th 602.254.2151 | PhoenixTheatre.com Some call it “The Birdcage,” others say it’s “A Menagerie of Crazies.” We call it worth the wait! La Cage is a tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together, stay fabulous and above all else, stay true to themselves! With a glorious score of hummable melodies, written by Jerry Herman of Hello Dolly, Mame and Mack & Mabel fame, La Cage is an indisputable musical comedy classic.
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, March 22nd – 23rd 480.499.8587 | AspenSantaFeBallet.com Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s bold vision – top global choreographers, distinctive groundbreaking works, and virtuoso dancers – has fostered a jewel of a dance company in the American West and beyond. ASFB’s unique pioneering spirit arises from a paired set of home cities: Aspen, nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, and Santa Fe, gracing the majestic Southwestern plateau. For 16 years, the company has served as a prestigious incubator and a showcase for choreographic invention to popular and critical acclaim. 6th Annual Dine With Your Dog PERA Club Tempe, April 13th 602.933.2663 | DineWithYourDog.org Woof, Wine and Dine! Don’t miss this “fur-filled” fundraiser. The evening includes a gourmet dinner with wine, a gourmet canine dinner for your pooch, a fashion show highlighting the latest trends in Canine Couture, raffle, vendors, doggie activities and more. Benefiting the PetSmart Paws Can Heal animal assisted therapy program, this magical evening will help many in need, including Phoenix Children’s Hospital patients. Monterey Jazz Festival 55th Anniversary Celebration Mesa Arts Center, April 26th 480.644.6500 | MesaArtsCenter.com Monterey is the longest consecutively running jazz festival in the world. Celebrate the Festival’s legacy expanding the boundaries of live jazz presentation, an All-Star Jazz Collaboration. This 55th Anniversary Tour reflects Monterey’s “traditional-untraditionalist” attitude, jazz-with-a-purpose exuberance, and joyful fun that continues to be the hallmark of the Festival to this day.
Life is so precious and we want to make the most of our time here. Our world offers wonders galore, and it’s the experiences in our lives that make up who we are and tell the story of how we spent our time here. While you may have your very own checklist of experiences and achievements you’d like to accomplish, perhaps a few of these suggestions may inspire you further.
• Watch every Oscar winning film, in order, all 84 of them Do you dream of a functional, attractive kitchen but feel overwhelmed by the actual process of making your dream a reality? Put your mind at ease and work with an interior designer to come up with a good kitchen plan. Designers are not only savvy about products, layouts, and trends, but their experience is invaluable in guiding you through what works and what doesn’t. They understand how to work with various elements in your kitchen, and they can save you money by suggesting similar products in a variety of price points. Vicki Bergelt, principal of Vicki Bergelt Interior Design, LLC, offers some sage advice for transforming the “heart of your home.” Bergelt advises, “Discover your favorite styles, study layouts to determine what would work best for your kitchen and consider the special needs of family members, especially the cooks!” She adds, “Don’t forget to ask friends what they like and dislike about their own kitchens – it’s easier to see the principles of good kitchen planning in familiar spaces. After all, kitchen planning is much more than making your kitchen look good – it’s also about creating an inviting gathering place that celebrates your individual personality and style.”
Splurge-Worthy
What’s the one thing you should splurge on? Bergelt suggests the cabinetry. Cabinets get used constantly and are made of wood products as opposed to metals or glass that appliances are made out of. Middle-to-high-end cabinets are designed to last for about 20 years. “While appliances may be the ‘workhorse’ of your kitchen, the cabinetry is always your ‘show horse’ – it’s the part of the kitchen that appeals to your aesthetics every time you walk into the room,” says Bergelt. You can cut back and save money in light fixtures, and even appliances. In fact, there has been real progress in appliances with new technological features in the middle price point, so it’s not necessary to buy the most expensive products anymore to get the good looks and desirable features you crave, while often sacrificing value. If you want to update your kitchen, but you’re not sure where to begin, start with a consultation with an interior designer…you just may fall in love with what they can “cook up”! Vicki Bergelt, ASID, IIDA can be accessed at ScottsdaleDesigner.com or 480.513.9210.
Your Home
• Go to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro • Talk on a CB radio and create your own “handle”
• Build a house with Habitat for Humanity • Attend fashion shows at New York’s Fashion Week • Rent your absolute dream car for a weekend
• Scuba or snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef • Observe a baby being born • Visit every state in America • Paint a self-portrait
• Hike, ride or helicopter to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
• Swim with dolphins
• See every painting in The Louvre
• Memorize the preamble to the U.S. Constitution
• Go shopping on Rodeo Drive with your own personal stylist
• Marvel at Old Faithful
• Try ice fishing
• Be a Big Brother or Big Sister to an at-risk youth
• Plant a tree
• Order dinner in Paris, in French
• Learn to sail a boat
• Run a marathon
• Rescue an animal from the shelter
• Write a song
• Send flowers to your favorite school teacher
• Hand a large sum of money to a homeless family
• Ride a bucking bronco – even if for just a second
• Watch a butterfly hatch from its cocoon • Double-down at a blackjack table in Monaco • Experience a July 4th at our nation’s capital
Latest Trends
The latest interior design trend in kitchens is a Classic Contemporary style associated with cleaner visual lines, while keeping the space functional. Many people think of an uninviting, sleek look when they hear “contemporary.” However, this Classic Contemporary style has straight lines, elegant wood pieces, upholstery with textured fabrics, and simple metals. “Wallpaper has made a comeback and is commonly used on accent walls to add a splash of character, bringing color and dimension to a room,” adds Bergelt. Homeowners are making smart choices to give their interior design longevity through changing trends. For kitchens, this translates into neutral finishes on big-ticket items such as cabinetry, countertops and flooring. Cabinet designs reflect an appreciation of nature through natural textures and finishes. Countertop colors are authentic and neutral, particularly the warm gray hues. With the increasing interest of open floor plans where the kitchen tends to be a social gathering place, built-in and concealed appliances and sinks are becoming very popular. Health conscious and environmentally-minded consumers have a renewed interest in faux materials due to technological advancements allowing them to look surprisingly real. For example, tile can be created to look like wood, or laminate flooring that appears to be natural stone.
• Teach a child how to tie their shoes
• Attend an Oktoberfest celebration in Germany
• Savor a mint julep at the Kentucky Derby
• Offer a compliment to a stranger every day • Ride a tandem bicycle with someone you love
• Dress in costume at a Renaissance Festival • Have high tea at The Empress Hotel in Victoria, B.C.
• Make a point to laugh every day
FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO CAKE INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. semisweet chocolate (coarsely chopped) 1 lb. unsalted butter (diced) 1 cup freshly brewed espresso 1 cup golden brown sugar 8 eggs (beaten to blend)
Local Flavor!
Agave on the Rocks Desert Botanical Garden, March 22nd 480.481.8188 | DBG.org Celebrate the essence of the margarita and the spirit of the Southwest at the 11th Annual Agave on the Rocks at the Desert Botanical Garden. Savor an evening of gourmet eats prepared by the Valley’s best restaurants and caterers, and samba under the stars to vibrant Latin rhythms.
Your Lifetime “Things-To-Do” List
Featuring The Capital Grille Phoenix 602.952.8900 | Scottsdale 480.348.1700 TheCapitalGrille.com
PROCEDURE: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line bottom of a 9-inch diameter cake pan with 2-inch high sides with parchment paper. Place all chocolate in large bowl. 2. Bring butter, espresso and sugar to a boil in medium saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. 3. Add chocolate; whisk until smooth and cool slightly. 4. Whip eggs till blended. Stir eggs into chocolate mixture until blended. (Do not whip)
5. Pour batter into prepared pans. Place cake pan in roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into roasting pan to come halfway up sides of cake pan. 6. Bake until center of cake is set and tester inserted into center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 45 minutes. 7. Remove pans from water and chill cake overnight. 8. Cut around pan sides to loosen cake. Using oven mitts as aid, hold pan bottom over low heat for 15 seconds, warming slightly to release cake. Place platter over pan. Hold pan and platter together tightly and invert. Lift off cake pan; peel off parchment paper and dust top of each cake with cocoa powder. 9. Cut cake into ten slices. 10. Optional: garnish with fresh raspberries and raspberry sauce.
Event Calendar March| April 2013 La Cage Aux Folles Phoenix Theatre, March 13th – April 7th 602.254.2151 | PhoenixTheatre.com Some call it “The Birdcage,” others say it’s “A Menagerie of Crazies.” We call it worth the wait! La Cage is a tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together, stay fabulous and above all else, stay true to themselves! With a glorious score of hummable melodies, written by Jerry Herman of Hello Dolly, Mame and Mack & Mabel fame, La Cage is an indisputable musical comedy classic.
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, March 22nd – 23rd 480.499.8587 | AspenSantaFeBallet.com Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s bold vision – top global choreographers, distinctive groundbreaking works, and virtuoso dancers – has fostered a jewel of a dance company in the American West and beyond. ASFB’s unique pioneering spirit arises from a paired set of home cities: Aspen, nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, and Santa Fe, gracing the majestic Southwestern plateau. For 16 years, the company has served as a prestigious incubator and a showcase for choreographic invention to popular and critical acclaim. 6th Annual Dine With Your Dog PERA Club Tempe, April 13th 602.933.2663 | DineWithYourDog.org Woof, Wine and Dine! Don’t miss this “fur-filled” fundraiser. The evening includes a gourmet dinner with wine, a gourmet canine dinner for your pooch, a fashion show highlighting the latest trends in Canine Couture, raffle, vendors, doggie activities and more. Benefiting the PetSmart Paws Can Heal animal assisted therapy program, this magical evening will help many in need, including Phoenix Children’s Hospital patients. Monterey Jazz Festival 55th Anniversary Celebration Mesa Arts Center, April 26th 480.644.6500 | MesaArtsCenter.com Monterey is the longest consecutively running jazz festival in the world. Celebrate the Festival’s legacy expanding the boundaries of live jazz presentation, an All-Star Jazz Collaboration. This 55th Anniversary Tour reflects Monterey’s “traditional-untraditionalist” attitude, jazz-with-a-purpose exuberance, and joyful fun that continues to be the hallmark of the Festival to this day.
Life is so precious and we want to make the most of our time here. Our world offers wonders galore, and it’s the experiences in our lives that make up who we are and tell the story of how we spent our time here. While you may have your very own checklist of experiences and achievements you’d like to accomplish, perhaps a few of these suggestions may inspire you further.
• Watch every Oscar winning film, in order, all 84 of them Do you dream of a functional, attractive kitchen but feel overwhelmed by the actual process of making your dream a reality? Put your mind at ease and work with an interior designer to come up with a good kitchen plan. Designers are not only savvy about products, layouts, and trends, but their experience is invaluable in guiding you through what works and what doesn’t. They understand how to work with various elements in your kitchen, and they can save you money by suggesting similar products in a variety of price points. Vicki Bergelt, principal of Vicki Bergelt Interior Design, LLC, offers some sage advice for transforming the “heart of your home.” Bergelt advises, “Discover your favorite styles, study layouts to determine what would work best for your kitchen and consider the special needs of family members, especially the cooks!” She adds, “Don’t forget to ask friends what they like and dislike about their own kitchens – it’s easier to see the principles of good kitchen planning in familiar spaces. After all, kitchen planning is much more than making your kitchen look good – it’s also about creating an inviting gathering place that celebrates your individual personality and style.”
Splurge-Worthy
What’s the one thing you should splurge on? Bergelt suggests the cabinetry. Cabinets get used constantly and are made of wood products as opposed to metals or glass that appliances are made out of. Middle-to-high-end cabinets are designed to last for about 20 years. “While appliances may be the ‘workhorse’ of your kitchen, the cabinetry is always your ‘show horse’ – it’s the part of the kitchen that appeals to your aesthetics every time you walk into the room,” says Bergelt. You can cut back and save money in light fixtures, and even appliances. In fact, there has been real progress in appliances with new technological features in the middle price point, so it’s not necessary to buy the most expensive products anymore to get the good looks and desirable features you crave, while often sacrificing value. If you want to update your kitchen, but you’re not sure where to begin, start with a consultation with an interior designer…you just may fall in love with what they can “cook up”! Vicki Bergelt, ASID, IIDA can be accessed at ScottsdaleDesigner.com or 480.513.9210.
Your Home
• Go to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro • Talk on a CB radio and create your own “handle”
• Build a house with Habitat for Humanity • Attend fashion shows at New York’s Fashion Week • Rent your absolute dream car for a weekend
• Scuba or snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef • Observe a baby being born • Visit every state in America • Paint a self-portrait
• Hike, ride or helicopter to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
• Swim with dolphins
• See every painting in The Louvre
• Memorize the preamble to the U.S. Constitution
• Go shopping on Rodeo Drive with your own personal stylist
• Marvel at Old Faithful
• Try ice fishing
• Be a Big Brother or Big Sister to an at-risk youth
• Plant a tree
• Order dinner in Paris, in French
• Learn to sail a boat
• Run a marathon
• Rescue an animal from the shelter
• Write a song
• Send flowers to your favorite school teacher
• Hand a large sum of money to a homeless family
• Ride a bucking bronco – even if for just a second
• Watch a butterfly hatch from its cocoon • Double-down at a blackjack table in Monaco • Experience a July 4th at our nation’s capital
Latest Trends
The latest interior design trend in kitchens is a Classic Contemporary style associated with cleaner visual lines, while keeping the space functional. Many people think of an uninviting, sleek look when they hear “contemporary.” However, this Classic Contemporary style has straight lines, elegant wood pieces, upholstery with textured fabrics, and simple metals. “Wallpaper has made a comeback and is commonly used on accent walls to add a splash of character, bringing color and dimension to a room,” adds Bergelt. Homeowners are making smart choices to give their interior design longevity through changing trends. For kitchens, this translates into neutral finishes on big-ticket items such as cabinetry, countertops and flooring. Cabinet designs reflect an appreciation of nature through natural textures and finishes. Countertop colors are authentic and neutral, particularly the warm gray hues. With the increasing interest of open floor plans where the kitchen tends to be a social gathering place, built-in and concealed appliances and sinks are becoming very popular. Health conscious and environmentally-minded consumers have a renewed interest in faux materials due to technological advancements allowing them to look surprisingly real. For example, tile can be created to look like wood, or laminate flooring that appears to be natural stone.
• Teach a child how to tie their shoes
• Attend an Oktoberfest celebration in Germany
• Savor a mint julep at the Kentucky Derby
• Offer a compliment to a stranger every day • Ride a tandem bicycle with someone you love
• Dress in costume at a Renaissance Festival • Have high tea at The Empress Hotel in Victoria, B.C.
• Make a point to laugh every day
FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO CAKE INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. semisweet chocolate (coarsely chopped) 1 lb. unsalted butter (diced) 1 cup freshly brewed espresso 1 cup golden brown sugar 8 eggs (beaten to blend)
Local Flavor!
Agave on the Rocks Desert Botanical Garden, March 22nd 480.481.8188 | DBG.org Celebrate the essence of the margarita and the spirit of the Southwest at the 11th Annual Agave on the Rocks at the Desert Botanical Garden. Savor an evening of gourmet eats prepared by the Valley’s best restaurants and caterers, and samba under the stars to vibrant Latin rhythms.
Your Lifetime “Things-To-Do” List
Featuring The Capital Grille Phoenix 602.952.8900 | Scottsdale 480.348.1700 TheCapitalGrille.com
PROCEDURE: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line bottom of a 9-inch diameter cake pan with 2-inch high sides with parchment paper. Place all chocolate in large bowl. 2. Bring butter, espresso and sugar to a boil in medium saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. 3. Add chocolate; whisk until smooth and cool slightly. 4. Whip eggs till blended. Stir eggs into chocolate mixture until blended. (Do not whip)
5. Pour batter into prepared pans. Place cake pan in roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into roasting pan to come halfway up sides of cake pan. 6. Bake until center of cake is set and tester inserted into center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 45 minutes. 7. Remove pans from water and chill cake overnight. 8. Cut around pan sides to loosen cake. Using oven mitts as aid, hold pan bottom over low heat for 15 seconds, warming slightly to release cake. Place platter over pan. Hold pan and platter together tightly and invert. Lift off cake pan; peel off parchment paper and dust top of each cake with cocoa powder. 9. Cut cake into ten slices. 10. Optional: garnish with fresh raspberries and raspberry sauce.
tracey l. davis
March | April 2013
Luxury Properties Marketing Director | Professional Realtor & Dedicated Buyer Representation There’s no question that buying and selling luxury real estate in today’s market
Featured Front Cover Property
requires the assistance
Available For Purchase Or Lease
of professionals with
This well-priced home with million-dollar views in the luxury community of Windgate Ranch is expected to be snapped up quickly!
the right experience, capabilities, and
3549 Sq. Ft. | 3 Bed + 2 Bonus Rooms | 2.5 Bath | $825,000 Sale or $4,000/month Lease
commitment. Tracey Davis, a proud member of the
ArizonaAtHome.com Tracey.Davis@RussLyon.com
RH Nathan team, also understands that it’s
480.734.8404
about much more than a house - it’s about your lifestyle and well-being.
Contact Tracey to be included in her MLS Neighborhood Watch Program.
Searching for your
Tips on Updating & Renewing
You could call this luxury property in an ideal location HOME! Highly livable and enjoyable, this home boasts mountain views and a private yard facing acres of natural wash. Once you step inside, you’ll appreciate the spaciousness and amenities of this home as well. Features include cherry cabinetry, a warm color palette, preferred fixtures, high-end window coverings and all the goodies of a dream home come true. Enjoy a chef’s kitchen, retreat backyard, bonus rooms galore - perfect for entertaining and living in comfortably.
Properties Offered By Tracey Davis
perfect home is personal; listing your home should be about more than the Multiple Listing Service. When you retain Tracey Davis, you get the benefit of both worlds. Davis offers highly personalized home buying services and knowledge of luxury properties. In addition, Davis brings to bear her background as a Marketing Director combined with the global reach of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty for successful home sales.
Recently Reduced By More Than $75,000
Sold In 3 Days!
FireRock Country Club
Scottsdale Mountain
4075 Sq. Ft. | 3 + Bed | 3.5 Bath | $1,099,000
2600 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 2.5 Bath | Listed for $528,000
Luxury Market Snapshot Statistics compiled by Tracey Davis, Realtor*
The RH Nathan team was recently ranked as one of the top teams in Phoenix by The Business Journal and in the nation by the Wall Street Journal. Robert Nathan
RHNathan.com
NORTH SCOTTSDALE SALES • PROPERTIES LISTED FOR $1M-$2M Prior 3 Months’ Sales: 70 2013 YTD: 41 Average sold price: $1,353,058 Average sold price: $1,354,574 Average sold price per sq. ft.: $279 Average sold price per sq. ft.: $279 DOWNTOWN SCOTTSDALE/SOUTH OF SHEA SALES • PROPERTIES LISTED FOR $500K-$1.5M Prior 3 Months’ Sales: 78 2013 YTD: 44 Average sold price: $685,796 Average sold price: $685,941 Average sold price per sq. ft.: $285 Average sold price per sq. ft.: $299 NORTH PHOENIX SALES • PROPERTIES LISTED FOR $500K-$1.5M Prior 3 Months’ Sales: 34 2013 YTD: 20 Average sold price: $629,944 Average sold price: $618,404 Average sold price per sq. ft.: $192 Average sold price per sq. ft.: $193
Title Insurance Company
PARADISE VALLEY SALES • ALL SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES Prior 3 Months’ Sales: 75 2013 YTD: 39 Average sold price: $1,334,478 Average sold price: $1,394,074 Average sold price per sq. ft.: $282 Average sold price per sq. ft.: $299 Source: Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service.
If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net
living your life!
The Ultimate “To-Do” List
satiate your chocoholic cravings The Capital Grille’s Chocolate Espresso Cake cover property photo provided by tracey davis