AZHO Kirtland July 09

Wendy Kirtland

Described as “real, genuine and totally trustworthy,” Wendy Kirtland enjoys an enviable reputation as an agent who truly treats her clients as she would like to be treated - with care and concern topped off with a generous helping of honesty and respect.

As a native Arizonan, having been born and raised in Phoenix and having attended ASU, Wendy is a good resource for “All Things Arizona.” Consider her your go-to source for anything Arizona related! Especially real estate!

This dedicated real estate professional says that while successful transactions are obviously the name of the game, what’s also paramount is earning her clients’ confidence and trust. “Sales come and go, but a reputation is with you for a lifetime,” she says.

In today’s market, it is critical for an agent to be prepared to handle a broad spectrum of transaction types, and Wendy regularly attends classes and seminars to enhance her body of knowledge. This continual pursuit of professional education is right in step with Wendy’s philosophy of taking the best care possible of her clients. In fact, she recently completed courses to earn her Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) Designation. In addition to becoming a Foreclosure, Short Sale and REO Specialist, she’s also earned designation as a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE). “A CDPE works with homeowners who are facing foreclosure,” she explains. “I will list the property, negotiate with the bank on my client’s behalf and work very hard to get the property sold as a Short Sale rather than have the property go into foreclosure.”

With interest rates at historic lows and the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit many people that didn’t think they could ever afford to purchase a home have the opportunity to do so.

Wendy is enjoying the privilege of working with first-time home buyers and investors as well as traditional buyers and sellers.

“I find this to be a very exciting time to be practicing real estate. Every day is different, every transaction is different and I learn something new every day,” says Wendy.

WENDY KIRTLAND

REALTOR®, CDPE-Certified Distressed Property Expert Office: 480.473.5427 • Fax: 480.624.3654 Wendy.Kirtland@RussLyon.com 23733 N. Scottsdale Rd. #200 • Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Cell: 480.215.0959

Arizona Homeowner July / 2009

Sold in 12 Days!

Bigger, Better & Beautiful 4252 E. Molly Ln., Cave Creek 1925 Sq. Ft. • 3 Bed | 2 Bath • Sold for $276,000 9749 N. Fireridge Tr., Fountain Hills 6188 Sq. Ft. • 4 Bed | 6 Bath Offered at $1,425,000 Escape into your own hideaway in this beautiful custom in FireRock Country Club. A secluded courtyard leads into this luxuriously appointed abode filled w/warm interiors of travertine, granite, hardwood floors & French doors. The main level offers a greatroom w/retractable glass door, fireplace, a chef’s own kitchen w/Wolf/Subzero appliances, beverage cooler, a den w/built-in wardrobe center & a spa including dual vanities, large jetted tub & glass/stone shower. The second level offers two more en-suite bedrooms, a greatroom w/wet bar & beverage cooler, a home theater, flex room & covered patio w/access to pool/spa. Gorgeous!

28777 N. 95th Way, Scottsdale 3138 Sq. Ft. • 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath Offered at $789,000 Experience the Arizona lifestyle with this impeccably maintained home located within the gated community of the Monument in Troon North. Breathtaking Pinnacle Peak views from your expansive covered patio with multiple entertaining areas. Open and entertaining greatroom floor plan with fireplace and built-in decorator niches. Your master retreat is complete w/its own sitting area and cozy fireplace. Master bath w/soothing jetted garden tub, dual vanities, glass block shower and large walk-in closet w/Classy Closet built-ins. Welcome home!

24350 N. Whispering Ridge Way, Scottsdale 2579 Sq. Ft. • 4 Bed | 3 Bath Offered at $689,000 This fabulous single-level home in Whispering Ridge has views to the valley, sunsets and surrounding mountains. The greatroom plan is perfect for entertaining with living/dining space opening to the family room and kitchen. The kitchen was recently updated with granite and tile. Find refinished wood floors, carpet and tile throughout. Master bedroom has city light views. Guest room with mountain views has its own closet and full bath. Separate laundry room with ample storage.

Garage floors with epoxy finish and storage cabinets. Enjoy magnificent views from the patio, with BBQ and several seating areas. Desert living at its best!

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

cool kitchens

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996

suitcase strategy

Pack Like A Pro!

a four seasons resort exclusive

Talavera’s Jicama Crab Tacos

Event Calendar

the heart of the home goes

July 2009 Wicked ASU Gammage, July 1st - 26th 480.965.3434 or asugammage.com Long before Dorothy drops in, Wicked is the “untold story” of the Witches of Oz. Beautiful and popular Glinda the good witch meets Elphaba. Smart and mysterious, Elphaba with emeraldcolored skin is known for her wicked ways. This creative new addition to the classic Wizard of Oz story just may have you sympathizing with that horrible witch who antagonizes poor Dorothy! This captivating musical is winner of 15 major awards, including three Tony Awards and a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album. Don’t miss this one!

Monsoon Madness Queen Creek Founder’s Park, July 11th 480.358.3700 or queencreek.org What better way to beat the summer heat than slippin’ and slidin’ into this wet and muddy event! Bring the family out to soar down the inflatable water slide, glide along the 100-foot soap and slide, and of course you can’t miss Queen Creek’s signature Monsoon Mudslide. Once you’ve thoroughly worn yourself out, grab a bite to eat from a diverse selection of food vendors.

Winter in July Phoenix Zoo, July 18th 602.273.1341 or phoenixzoo.org Chill out at the Phoenix Zoo as they bring in tons of snow for the animals as well as zoo visitors to enjoy. As part of a regular behavioral enrichment program, the zoo will dump fresh snow in the exhibits and treat the animals with frozen goodies and iced snacks! What fun for everyone! Arrive early, as the snow fun is scheduled for 7 am-11 am.

Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx US Airways Center, July 22nd 602.514.8333 or wnba.com/mercury Who says girls can’t play sports? Not only do these ladies know how to play, they know how to win with two Conference Championships under their belts. Cheer on these women as they battle it out against the Minnesota Lynx and be entertained during half time by the Hip Hop Squad and Scorch the lovable mascot.

Before the game the Lexus Club offers Wine Down Wednesday with wine tastings and specials.

Cirque du Soleil presents Saltimbanco Jobing.com Arena, July 29th - Aug 2nd 623.772.3100 or jobingarena.com Like most Cirque du Soleil performances, the beauty and artistry of Saltimbanco is indescribable. This signature Cirque du Soleil show borrows from theatre, dance and music to introduce the audience to the heart of this dreamlike city. Fifty highly talented performers work in tandem to present a show like no other.

Whether you’re a Cirque veteran or new to the art, audiences are sure to be amazed.

Kitchens have always been the heart of the home. Now, in today’s economy with more people dining at home than ever before, homeowners are searching for ways to make their kitchen even more comforting and convenient. So, what’s cookin’ in today’s kitchens?

A Place For Everyone Now more than ever, families continue to congregate in the kitchen. So highly personalized and larger kitchens – with comfy sitting areas, media and computer stations, and family-oriented amenities – are a top priority. Plus, with the increasingly popular Food Channel and cooking shows, more and more people are spending time actually cooking in those kitchens. So function and convenience are equally important.

Dressed For Success Ready for a bit of an update? Simply incorporate some of the newest trends in kitchen color and finishes. 2009 brings us soft and neutral tones with shades of gray, subtle blue, and green-gray as the newest hues. Black and white is always timeless. A trend from the past couple of years that remains popular is multiple wood stain/colors for cabinetry. Task lighting that is functional but also aesthetically pleasing is key.

For countertops, granite is still king. “Granite works with many styles. It is a natural product with motion in the veining that creates interest,” says Marsha Madres, a kitchen interior designer. She adds, “Medium to darker tones such as deep chocolate are popular, as are clean lines and soft contrasts in off-white and greens.” New options, however, include stained and sealed concrete, rustic limestone and stainless steel which works well with matching appliances.

Backsplashes get a lift with glass mosaics, bamboo, pounded copper and even cork. Flooring made of reclaimed wood, natural stone and decorative insignias are especially beautiful when combined together in pleasing patterns. Stainless steel appliances continue to be popular and now you can have smudge-proof stainless steel to keep those annoying fingerprints from marring your look. Some kitchens have a refrigerator door designed of chalkboard – perfect for keeping track of busy family activities or a clever way to display “today’s specials”!

With more than just cooking happening in the kitchen, stand-alone furnishings, restful alcoves, homework stations, crafting areas and dedicated hobby spaces are often incorporated. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (www.nkba.org) touts natural stone fireplaces as the hot trend for 2009.

The Best Laid Plans If you’re planning a remodel, consider your cooking style. If you are the sole cook, the traditional triangle (stove, sink, refrigerator) is functional. With more cooks in the kitchen, workstations such as vegetable prep, baking centers, and sauce/spice stations add functionality. Your dream kitchen might also contain a dedicated coffee bar, wine nook; even a wood-burning pizza oven.

Islands create informal seating, extra workspace and storage. Today’s islands feature different levels and special amenities such as a second prep sink, an extra dishwasher, convenient shelves, built-in wine storage, refrigerated drawers for drink dispensing, and warming drawers.

Here Come The Jetsons George and Jane are on their way. Appliances will soon allow you to do things you never thought possible while watching those space-age cartoons. Not only will you get instant news and weather reports through controls on your microwave or refrigerator, but you’ll also be able to start cooking from your office.

The modern kitchen (only a few years away) will have connected appliances allowing you to remotely dial up appliances and preheat the oven. If you’re not sure about dinner, download recipes using only items the computer knows you have in your refrigerator. When you put food away, you’ll scan a barcode reader on the front of the fridge and scan again when you throw away the container. Don’t want to shop? Just have the list of depleted items sent to an online grocery store for home delivery. Although the kitchen can’t cook for you yet, your appliances will make it more foolproof. Once your refrigerator recommends a recipe, it will tell the oven the correct cooking temp to preheat to. By swiping the barcode on a food container over the microwave’s computerized reader, your food cooks to perfection.

Ease, comfort and technology seem to be the mainstays in modern kitchen design. With new innovations created constantly, there are more and more ways to customize the heart of your home to the room your heart longs for: Your dream kitchen.

Your Home

Put Your Suitcase On A Diet Gone are the days of steamer trunks.

Only pack what you absolutely need unless you are off to a place where you can’t buy emergency items (then maybe rethink where you are going).

Call ahead to your accommodations and confirm if there will be items at your disposal such as toiletries, a hairdryer, iron, beach towel, bathrobe or any other bulky items you’d rather leave at home.

Then check the forecast and consider the activities you’ll be doing and choose clothes accordingly. Be strict with yourself and don’t allow any “just in case” items.

one pair of shoes on & one off, one bathing suit for every other day.

6. Choose WRINKLE FREE with silks, nylon, polyester and wrinkle-resistant treated fabrics.

7. MIX & MATCH to avoid boredom.

8. RECYCLE with clothes you can wear more than once.

9. MINI-MIZE your toiletries or decant from larger sizes.

10. LEAVE SOME ROOM for treasures purchased on the road.

Roll, Layer, Tuck And Zip Packing is an art of minimizing wrinkles and maximizing space.

Rolling your clothing into cylinders helps accomplish both. Fold clothes in half then roll from bottom to top. Layer heavier items such as jackets, denim and slacks on the bottom, then layer tops, skirts and shorts on top. Items such as cocktail dresses and blazers shouldn’t be rolled, but rather folded and placed on top of your cylinders. Tuck plastic between layers to further prevent 1. STRATEGIZE your outfits and lay wrinkles and keep things clean – them out before packing. dry cleaning bags do the trick.

2. EDIT DOWN your items. No, you Ziploc bags are your new best can’t bring everything. friends. Bring them for dirty clothes, 3. COLOR COORDINATE around a use them for hygiene, makeup and neutral such as beige, navy or black. spillable items. If you’re travelling with 4. BRIGHTEN with lightweight kids, some parents swear by the daily accessories.

5. THE “ONE RULE”: one top per day, outfit method. Simply pack each day’s one jacket, one bottom per two days, outfit into a gallon-sized plastic bag;

socks, shoes, underwear, hair bows and all. It makes morning dressing a breeze and alleviates those end-ofvacation leftover clothes that never seem to match.

Organize your suitcases. Pack lingerie and belts in side pockets.

Arrange shoes heel to toe along the border of your suitcase. Carry essentials, medications, makeup and a change of clothes in your carry-on. If you’re heading to a beach or pool destination, wear your swimsuit under your travel clothes so that if your bags are delayed, your day can at least be salvaged out at the pool. Keep ID, tickets, prescription glasses, your camera filled with irreplaceable vacation photos and valuable jewelry with you.

You Can Judge A Suitcase By Its Cover In those grandiose days of luxury tours and porters galore, luggage’s durability and impressive looks counted most.

Now with DIY toting and surcharges for heavy luggage, weight is high on the list in choosing luggage when traveling by air. You need wheels for lugging and lightweight materials for lifting. Carry-ons should be no more than 10 lbs. and 22 in. long. Checked bags shouldn’t weigh more than 50 lbs. (Check with your airline for their specific requirements.)

Remember, it’s a round trip. Packing for your return poses extra challenges such as where to put all the goodies you bought. However, worries about wrinkles and matching outfits are behind you.

Just throw it all in and pray it zips up!

And while you’re at it, start dreaming of your next trip!

“Low Carb” Jicama Crab Tacos Taco Ingredients: 6 thin slices of jicama 6 oz. jumbo lump crab meat (Phillips brand) 2 radishes, julienned 1 lime, cut into wedges

Local Flavor!

Summer Spectacular Artwalk Downtown Scottsdale, July 9th 480.377.9366 or scottsdalegalleries.com Presented by the Scottsdale Gallery Association, this yearly art extravaganza is a great alternative to hiding indoors during our steamy July! Take a stroll while enjoying fabulous artist demonstrations, gallery show openings and live music. Make your mouth happy with all the delicious fare sampled from renowned area restaurants. It’s culture, cuisine and creativity all rolled into one!

Three-digit temps are upon us and we want out! Whether you are taking a long weekend or a long vacation, you can’t avoid the onerous task of packing.

Whether you are an “over packer”, a “chronic forgetter” or just plain have a packing phobia, take heed and learn some packing tips to get you on your way.

Slice jicama into paper-thin slices, using a small electric slicer or a mandolin slicer. Use slices of jicama as a “taco” shell to scoop crab meat. Sprinkle with pico de gallo (recipe to follow) and garnish with julienned radish and lime wedges.

Featuring Talavera at the Four Seasons Resort 10600 E. Crescent Moon Dr. • Scottsdale 480.515.5700 or fourseasons.com/scottsdale

Pico de Gallo Ingredients: 8 large roma tomatoes 1 small red onion 5 jalapenos 1 cup fresh lime juice 1 Tbsp. kosher salt 1/2 bunch cilantro fresh ground white pepper Dice all of the above listed vegetables. Then, chop the cilantro. Mix all of the diced vegetables and chopped cilantro with the lime juice and salt.

Let salsa marinate in the refrigerator overnight.

Serve chilled.

Serves: 2

Event Calendar

the heart of the home goes

July 2009 Wicked ASU Gammage, July 1st - 26th 480.965.3434 or asugammage.com Long before Dorothy drops in, Wicked is the “untold story” of the Witches of Oz. Beautiful and popular Glinda the good witch meets Elphaba. Smart and mysterious, Elphaba with emeraldcolored skin is known for her wicked ways. This creative new addition to the classic Wizard of Oz story just may have you sympathizing with that horrible witch who antagonizes poor Dorothy! This captivating musical is winner of 15 major awards, including three Tony Awards and a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album. Don’t miss this one!

Monsoon Madness Queen Creek Founder’s Park, July 11th 480.358.3700 or queencreek.org What better way to beat the summer heat than slippin’ and slidin’ into this wet and muddy event! Bring the family out to soar down the inflatable water slide, glide along the 100-foot soap and slide, and of course you can’t miss Queen Creek’s signature Monsoon Mudslide. Once you’ve thoroughly worn yourself out, grab a bite to eat from a diverse selection of food vendors.

Winter in July Phoenix Zoo, July 18th 602.273.1341 or phoenixzoo.org Chill out at the Phoenix Zoo as they bring in tons of snow for the animals as well as zoo visitors to enjoy. As part of a regular behavioral enrichment program, the zoo will dump fresh snow in the exhibits and treat the animals with frozen goodies and iced snacks! What fun for everyone! Arrive early, as the snow fun is scheduled for 7 am-11 am.

Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx US Airways Center, July 22nd 602.514.8333 or wnba.com/mercury Who says girls can’t play sports? Not only do these ladies know how to play, they know how to win with two Conference Championships under their belts. Cheer on these women as they battle it out against the Minnesota Lynx and be entertained during half time by the Hip Hop Squad and Scorch the lovable mascot.

Before the game the Lexus Club offers Wine Down Wednesday with wine tastings and specials.

Cirque du Soleil presents Saltimbanco Jobing.com Arena, July 29th - Aug 2nd 623.772.3100 or jobingarena.com Like most Cirque du Soleil performances, the beauty and artistry of Saltimbanco is indescribable. This signature Cirque du Soleil show borrows from theatre, dance and music to introduce the audience to the heart of this dreamlike city. Fifty highly talented performers work in tandem to present a show like no other.

Whether you’re a Cirque veteran or new to the art, audiences are sure to be amazed.

Kitchens have always been the heart of the home. Now, in today’s economy with more people dining at home than ever before, homeowners are searching for ways to make their kitchen even more comforting and convenient. So, what’s cookin’ in today’s kitchens?

A Place For Everyone Now more than ever, families continue to congregate in the kitchen. So highly personalized and larger kitchens – with comfy sitting areas, media and computer stations, and family-oriented amenities – are a top priority. Plus, with the increasingly popular Food Channel and cooking shows, more and more people are spending time actually cooking in those kitchens. So function and convenience are equally important.

Dressed For Success Ready for a bit of an update? Simply incorporate some of the newest trends in kitchen color and finishes. 2009 brings us soft and neutral tones with shades of gray, subtle blue, and green-gray as the newest hues. Black and white is always timeless. A trend from the past couple of years that remains popular is multiple wood stain/colors for cabinetry. Task lighting that is functional but also aesthetically pleasing is key.

For countertops, granite is still king. “Granite works with many styles. It is a natural product with motion in the veining that creates interest,” says Marsha Madres, a kitchen interior designer. She adds, “Medium to darker tones such as deep chocolate are popular, as are clean lines and soft contrasts in off-white and greens.” New options, however, include stained and sealed concrete, rustic limestone and stainless steel which works well with matching appliances.

Backsplashes get a lift with glass mosaics, bamboo, pounded copper and even cork. Flooring made of reclaimed wood, natural stone and decorative insignias are especially beautiful when combined together in pleasing patterns. Stainless steel appliances continue to be popular and now you can have smudge-proof stainless steel to keep those annoying fingerprints from marring your look. Some kitchens have a refrigerator door designed of chalkboard – perfect for keeping track of busy family activities or a clever way to display “today’s specials”!

With more than just cooking happening in the kitchen, stand-alone furnishings, restful alcoves, homework stations, crafting areas and dedicated hobby spaces are often incorporated. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (www.nkba.org) touts natural stone fireplaces as the hot trend for 2009.

The Best Laid Plans If you’re planning a remodel, consider your cooking style. If you are the sole cook, the traditional triangle (stove, sink, refrigerator) is functional. With more cooks in the kitchen, workstations such as vegetable prep, baking centers, and sauce/spice stations add functionality. Your dream kitchen might also contain a dedicated coffee bar, wine nook; even a wood-burning pizza oven.

Islands create informal seating, extra workspace and storage. Today’s islands feature different levels and special amenities such as a second prep sink, an extra dishwasher, convenient shelves, built-in wine storage, refrigerated drawers for drink dispensing, and warming drawers.

Here Come The Jetsons George and Jane are on their way. Appliances will soon allow you to do things you never thought possible while watching those space-age cartoons. Not only will you get instant news and weather reports through controls on your microwave or refrigerator, but you’ll also be able to start cooking from your office.

The modern kitchen (only a few years away) will have connected appliances allowing you to remotely dial up appliances and preheat the oven. If you’re not sure about dinner, download recipes using only items the computer knows you have in your refrigerator. When you put food away, you’ll scan a barcode reader on the front of the fridge and scan again when you throw away the container. Don’t want to shop? Just have the list of depleted items sent to an online grocery store for home delivery. Although the kitchen can’t cook for you yet, your appliances will make it more foolproof. Once your refrigerator recommends a recipe, it will tell the oven the correct cooking temp to preheat to. By swiping the barcode on a food container over the microwave’s computerized reader, your food cooks to perfection.

Ease, comfort and technology seem to be the mainstays in modern kitchen design. With new innovations created constantly, there are more and more ways to customize the heart of your home to the room your heart longs for: Your dream kitchen.

Your Home

Put Your Suitcase On A Diet Gone are the days of steamer trunks.

Only pack what you absolutely need unless you are off to a place where you can’t buy emergency items (then maybe rethink where you are going).

Call ahead to your accommodations and confirm if there will be items at your disposal such as toiletries, a hairdryer, iron, beach towel, bathrobe or any other bulky items you’d rather leave at home.

Then check the forecast and consider the activities you’ll be doing and choose clothes accordingly. Be strict with yourself and don’t allow any “just in case” items.

one pair of shoes on & one off, one bathing suit for every other day.

6. Choose WRINKLE FREE with silks, nylon, polyester and wrinkle-resistant treated fabrics.

7. MIX & MATCH to avoid boredom.

8. RECYCLE with clothes you can wear more than once.

9. MINI-MIZE your toiletries or decant from larger sizes.

10. LEAVE SOME ROOM for treasures purchased on the road.

Roll, Layer, Tuck And Zip Packing is an art of minimizing wrinkles and maximizing space.

Rolling your clothing into cylinders helps accomplish both. Fold clothes in half then roll from bottom to top. Layer heavier items such as jackets, denim and slacks on the bottom, then layer tops, skirts and shorts on top. Items such as cocktail dresses and blazers shouldn’t be rolled, but rather folded and placed on top of your cylinders. Tuck plastic between layers to further prevent 1. STRATEGIZE your outfits and lay wrinkles and keep things clean – them out before packing. dry cleaning bags do the trick.

2. EDIT DOWN your items. No, you Ziploc bags are your new best can’t bring everything. friends. Bring them for dirty clothes, 3. COLOR COORDINATE around a use them for hygiene, makeup and neutral such as beige, navy or black. spillable items. If you’re travelling with 4. BRIGHTEN with lightweight kids, some parents swear by the daily accessories.

5. THE “ONE RULE”: one top per day, outfit method. Simply pack each day’s one jacket, one bottom per two days, outfit into a gallon-sized plastic bag;

socks, shoes, underwear, hair bows and all. It makes morning dressing a breeze and alleviates those end-ofvacation leftover clothes that never seem to match.

Organize your suitcases. Pack lingerie and belts in side pockets.

Arrange shoes heel to toe along the border of your suitcase. Carry essentials, medications, makeup and a change of clothes in your carry-on. If you’re heading to a beach or pool destination, wear your swimsuit under your travel clothes so that if your bags are delayed, your day can at least be salvaged out at the pool. Keep ID, tickets, prescription glasses, your camera filled with irreplaceable vacation photos and valuable jewelry with you.

You Can Judge A Suitcase By Its Cover In those grandiose days of luxury tours and porters galore, luggage’s durability and impressive looks counted most.

Now with DIY toting and surcharges for heavy luggage, weight is high on the list in choosing luggage when traveling by air. You need wheels for lugging and lightweight materials for lifting. Carry-ons should be no more than 10 lbs. and 22 in. long. Checked bags shouldn’t weigh more than 50 lbs. (Check with your airline for their specific requirements.)

Remember, it’s a round trip. Packing for your return poses extra challenges such as where to put all the goodies you bought. However, worries about wrinkles and matching outfits are behind you.

Just throw it all in and pray it zips up!

And while you’re at it, start dreaming of your next trip!

“Low Carb” Jicama Crab Tacos Taco Ingredients: 6 thin slices of jicama 6 oz. jumbo lump crab meat (Phillips brand) 2 radishes, julienned 1 lime, cut into wedges

Local Flavor!

Summer Spectacular Artwalk Downtown Scottsdale, July 9th 480.377.9366 or scottsdalegalleries.com Presented by the Scottsdale Gallery Association, this yearly art extravaganza is a great alternative to hiding indoors during our steamy July! Take a stroll while enjoying fabulous artist demonstrations, gallery show openings and live music. Make your mouth happy with all the delicious fare sampled from renowned area restaurants. It’s culture, cuisine and creativity all rolled into one!

Three-digit temps are upon us and we want out! Whether you are taking a long weekend or a long vacation, you can’t avoid the onerous task of packing.

Whether you are an “over packer”, a “chronic forgetter” or just plain have a packing phobia, take heed and learn some packing tips to get you on your way.

Slice jicama into paper-thin slices, using a small electric slicer or a mandolin slicer. Use slices of jicama as a “taco” shell to scoop crab meat. Sprinkle with pico de gallo (recipe to follow) and garnish with julienned radish and lime wedges.

Featuring Talavera at the Four Seasons Resort 10600 E. Crescent Moon Dr. • Scottsdale 480.515.5700 or fourseasons.com/scottsdale

Pico de Gallo Ingredients: 8 large roma tomatoes 1 small red onion 5 jalapenos 1 cup fresh lime juice 1 Tbsp. kosher salt 1/2 bunch cilantro fresh ground white pepper Dice all of the above listed vegetables. Then, chop the cilantro. Mix all of the diced vegetables and chopped cilantro with the lime juice and salt.

Let salsa marinate in the refrigerator overnight.

Serve chilled.

Serves: 2

Wendy Kirtland

Described as “real, genuine and totally trustworthy,” Wendy Kirtland enjoys an enviable reputation as an agent who truly treats her clients as she would like to be treated - with care and concern topped off with a generous helping of honesty and respect.

As a native Arizonan, having been born and raised in Phoenix and having attended ASU, Wendy is a good resource for “All Things Arizona.” Consider her your go-to source for anything Arizona related! Especially real estate!

This dedicated real estate professional says that while successful transactions are obviously the name of the game, what’s also paramount is earning her clients’ confidence and trust. “Sales come and go, but a reputation is with you for a lifetime,” she says.

In today’s market, it is critical for an agent to be prepared to handle a broad spectrum of transaction types, and Wendy regularly attends classes and seminars to enhance her body of knowledge. This continual pursuit of professional education is right in step with Wendy’s philosophy of taking the best care possible of her clients. In fact, she recently completed courses to earn her Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) Designation. In addition to becoming a Foreclosure, Short Sale and REO Specialist, she’s also earned designation as a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE). “A CDPE works with homeowners who are facing foreclosure,” she explains. “I will list the property, negotiate with the bank on my client’s behalf and work very hard to get the property sold as a Short Sale rather than have the property go into foreclosure.”

With interest rates at historic lows and the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit many people that didn’t think they could ever afford to purchase a home have the opportunity to do so.

Wendy is enjoying the privilege of working with first-time home buyers and investors as well as traditional buyers and sellers.

“I find this to be a very exciting time to be practicing real estate. Every day is different, every transaction is different and I learn something new every day,” says Wendy.

WENDY KIRTLAND

REALTOR®, CDPE-Certified Distressed Property Expert Office: 480.473.5427 • Fax: 480.624.3654 Wendy.Kirtland@RussLyon.com 23733 N. Scottsdale Rd. #200 • Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Cell: 480.215.0959

Arizona Homeowner July / 2009

Sold in 12 Days!

Bigger, Better & Beautiful 4252 E. Molly Ln., Cave Creek 1925 Sq. Ft. • 3 Bed | 2 Bath • Sold for $276,000 9749 N. Fireridge Tr., Fountain Hills 6188 Sq. Ft. • 4 Bed | 6 Bath Offered at $1,425,000 Escape into your own hideaway in this beautiful custom in FireRock Country Club. A secluded courtyard leads into this luxuriously appointed abode filled w/warm interiors of travertine, granite, hardwood floors & French doors. The main level offers a greatroom w/retractable glass door, fireplace, a chef’s own kitchen w/Wolf/Subzero appliances, beverage cooler, a den w/built-in wardrobe center & a spa including dual vanities, large jetted tub & glass/stone shower. The second level offers two more en-suite bedrooms, a greatroom w/wet bar & beverage cooler, a home theater, flex room & covered patio w/access to pool/spa. Gorgeous!

28777 N. 95th Way, Scottsdale 3138 Sq. Ft. • 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath Offered at $789,000 Experience the Arizona lifestyle with this impeccably maintained home located within the gated community of the Monument in Troon North. Breathtaking Pinnacle Peak views from your expansive covered patio with multiple entertaining areas. Open and entertaining greatroom floor plan with fireplace and built-in decorator niches. Your master retreat is complete w/its own sitting area and cozy fireplace. Master bath w/soothing jetted garden tub, dual vanities, glass block shower and large walk-in closet w/Classy Closet built-ins. Welcome home!

24350 N. Whispering Ridge Way, Scottsdale 2579 Sq. Ft. • 4 Bed | 3 Bath Offered at $689,000 This fabulous single-level home in Whispering Ridge has views to the valley, sunsets and surrounding mountains. The greatroom plan is perfect for entertaining with living/dining space opening to the family room and kitchen. The kitchen was recently updated with granite and tile. Find refinished wood floors, carpet and tile throughout. Master bedroom has city light views. Guest room with mountain views has its own closet and full bath. Separate laundry room with ample storage.

Garage floors with epoxy finish and storage cabinets. Enjoy magnificent views from the patio, with BBQ and several seating areas. Desert living at its best!

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

cool kitchens

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996

suitcase strategy

Pack Like A Pro!

a four seasons resort exclusive

Talavera’s Jicama Crab Tacos