Toltec Custom Homes orchestrates masterpieces for

Toltec Custom Homes orchestrates masterpieces for beautiful living.

Whether you own land to be built upon or you are looking for the perfect homesite to build your masterpiece, make Toltec Custom Homes part of your decision-making process.

For more information, call 480.244.6347 or visit www.tolteccustomhomes.com.

JUNE 2008

A Little About “Toltec”

The Toltec were an ancient civilization of Mexico. The name in Nahuatl means “master builders.”

Influenced by Teotihuacán and the Olmec culture, they were masters in the arts and architecture.

The Toltec civilization was materially far advanced. They smelted metals and their stonework was highly developed.

The Toltec were artists, architects and engineers far ahead of their time.

Later, the Aztec people used the term “Toltec” to refer to a person who was the embodiment of great knowledge and wisdom.

A Little About Toltec Custom Homes

Greg Hammond, President Toltec Custom Homes _________ Monica Hammond, CEO Toltec Custom Homes Owner/Agent

Greg Hammond, President and Owner of Toltec Custom Homes, has over twenty years of experience in the Arizona building industry. He has assembled an outstanding team of extraordinary professionals to deliver the pinnacle in quality, material, workmanship and service to meet and exceed clients’ expectations in the custom homebuilding experience.

Toltec Custom Homes prides itself in utilizing leading edge technology to expedite and enhance the building process. In the field, Toltec Custom Homes has all information concerning each project on hand through the Build Links technology; plans, blueprints, schedules, projections, progress photos, contracts, contacts etc. are all accessible through a password protected webbased management and communication system. Since Toltec Custom Homes’ field personnel are armed with wireless PC technology, this allows access to important information at all times to keep the projects moving; any time, anywhere.

It is both art and science in the building of a home that is both aesthetically beautiful and functionally practical, and Toltec Custom Homes embraces both aspects.

A Little About How Toltec’s Knowledge Can Help You…

Not only can Toltec Custom Homes create the home of your dreams, but their extensive knowledge of land/lots in affluent areas, and their real estate expertise is at your disposal.

Monica Hammond, CEO of Toltec Custom Homes and a licensed Realtor®, can aid you in locating and purchasing your ideal home site.

With years of experience in the custom home building industry, there’s added value in utilizing their services in your land acquisition endeavor…value that can save you a lot of time, frustration, and money.

With an eye towards the final product in mind, Toltec Custom Homes can address many important issues often not considered during the lot selection process. While views and vegetation are important, there are many other issues that can impact the home building process such as zoning (Environmentally Sensitive Land Ordinances, height restrictions, etc.), topography (washes cfs, elevation changes, etc.), soil condition (expansive soils, hard rock, etc.), site engineering (compaction, grading, drainage, etc.), lot/site preparation (excavation, retaining walls, etc.), and Home Owners Associations (CC&Rs, Architectural Committees, Design Review, etc) all of which can impact (1) the design/orientation of the house, (2) the landscape design and species of vegetation allowed, and ultimately (3) your cost for the homebuilding project.

Before launching your search for the perfect home site, contact Monica Hammond at 480-244-6347. Simplify your search and save time, frustration, and money. It doesn’t cost you a penny to access this specialized service.

Kitchen Bliss

CREATING THE KITCHEN YOU’VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF

Hit the Trails!

HIKING DESTINATIONS YOU’LL LOVE

Pure Decadence

CAPPUCCINO CHEESECAKE MAKES THE SPLURGE WORTH IT! COVER HOME BY TOLTEC CUSTOM HOMES If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Wine and Wii Night. Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas, June 5th. 480.377.8500 or jaaz.org. What better chance to act like a “big kid” than at this 1st annual charity event hosted by the Arizona Technology Council? Network with the Valley’s top business professionals as you compete on the Nintendo Wiis that will be scattered throughout the room. A wine bar will be placed in the middle, for those breaks in between games. The event also includes a silent auction and special surprise guest, all benefiting Junior Achievement of Arizona.

All Balanchine. Symphony Hall, June 6th-8th. 602.381.1096 or balletaz.org. A grand finale to Ballet Arizona’s season, All Balanchine is a tribute to the great composer George Balanchine and his work. The three pieces performed include La Sonnambula, The Four Temperaments and “Rubies” from Jewels. As the father of American ballet, Balanchine has given so much to the world of ballet, including co-founding the first all-American ballet company/school in 1934, American Ballet.

The Chronicles of Narnia Exhibition. Arizona Science Center, June 7th.

602.716.2000 or azscience.org. Narnia will be brought to life by the incredible new exhibit debuting at the Arizona Science Center this June. Visitors to the exhibition will view artifacts from C.S. Lewis’ personal study and travel through the famous attic and wardrobe that served as the portal into the land of Narnia. Once passing through, visitors will explore all the themes beginning with a wintry Narnia world, seen in the series’ first film as well as scenes from the upcoming movie, Prince Caspian.

Summer SMoCA Nights. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, June 19th.

480.994.2787 or smoca.org. Celebrate the opening of the new summer exhibit, “Branded on Display,” at this special SMoCA night event. The party and fashion show will express how our culture defines itself with marketing and advertising using logos and brand names. Book your tickets early for front row seats at the fashion show!

The Phoenician Dinner Series – El Tesoro Tequila. The Phoenician, June 26th. 480.423.2530 or thephoenician.com. The Phoenician’s Specialty Dinner Series is more than great cuisine and drinks. This is an opportunity to interact and hear from an expert while tasting their premium tequila offerings. As Master Distiller of El Tesoro Tequila, guest speaker Carlos Camareno will share his wealth of knowledge. This is an experience you would not want to miss!

Cappuccino Cheesecake CRUST 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted FILLING 16 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar 3 Tbsp. flour 4 eggs

1 cup sour cream 1 Tbsp. instant espresso, or instant coffee 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 cup boiling water TOPPING 12 ounces semisweet or sweet dark chocolate, chopped 3 Tbsp. whipping cream

Whether you’re a Valley native, new to the area, a seasoned hiker or just looking for some weekend recreation, here is a guide to some popular hikes in our area. Try a new one, or enjoy an old favorite!

Sunrise Trail - McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Via Linda & 145th Way. Scottsdale.

From the trailhead, you can hike 1.2 miles to a scenic view at 2460’ elevation. For a bit more of a challenge, take the longer 2-mile hike to reach Sunrise Peak at 3069’. The entire trail is 4.9 miles long and takes you to the Lost Dog Wash area. You’ll encounter views of nearby canyons, distant mountains and even a panorama of the Valley.

Difficulty: moderate.

Summit (Echo Canyon) Trail - Camelback Mountain. McDonald Drive east of Tatum Blvd. in the Echo Canyon Recreation Area. Paradise Valley.

This is the more popular of the two trails on Camelback. A rigorous climb of 1264’ will bring you to the mountain’s 2704’ summit. Spectacular views of the entire Valley and the potential for some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see make this hike one of the most popular in Phoenix. Difficulty: moderate to difficult.

Pinnacle Peak Trail. 102nd Way & Alma School. Scottsdale.

One of the newest trails in the Valley, this hike proves to be enjoyable all around. The trail begins at the eastern foot of Pinnacle Peak and switchbacks its way up the side of the hill. It’s not a loop trail, but rather an out-and-back. The trail runs 1.75 miles one way and reaches its highest level at 2889’. It’s a climb of 320’ or so. Beautiful Scottsdale vistas await, and the giant boulders and plentiful desert plant life make this a hike to bring out-of-town visitors to. Difficulty: easy.

Cave Creek Trail - Seven Springs Recreation Area. Cave Creek.

There are many trails that make up the area, so be sure to refer to the wooden map sign at the trailhead before you start. A particularly nice loop to take is 8.9 miles in length and is the epitome of gorgeous desert hiking. From the Cave Creek Trailhead (Tr. #4), you’ll hike about 4 miles and meet up with the Skunk Creek Trail (Tr. #246). Take that trail until it loops back to Tr. #4 again and back to the trailhead. Expect to see the gurgling creek, a rare crested saguaro, and plenty of wildlife. Difficulty: moderate.

PREPARATION Heat oven to 325 F. Dissolve instant espresso with cinnamon in water.

Set aside to cool.

Mix graham cracker crumbs, pecans, sugar, brown sugar and butter and press onto bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, remove, and set aside.

Increase oven to 450 F. Beat cream cheese, sugar and flour at medium speed until well blended. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in sour cream.

Gradually add cooled coffee mixture to cream cheese mixture, mixing well until blended. Pour over crust.

Bake for 10 minutes and then reduce oven temperature to 250 F. Continue baking for one hour. Turn off oven and let cake cool inside for one hour.

Remove and cool completely.

For topping, combine semisweet or sweet dark chocolate and whipping cream and microwave at MEDIUM (50% power) one minute or until chocolate melts, stirring every 30 seconds. Pour over cheesecake. Refrigerate at least 3 hours.

If desired, garnish with whipped cream, chocolate sauce and chocolate covered espresso beans.

Creating culinary masterpieces is not something that everyone does; but while everyone may not be cooking in the kitchen, the kitchen has certainly proven to be the place where everyone gathers.

It always seems that people gravitate, and congregate, in the kitchen. The kitchen featured here was designed with both objectives in mind: cooking and hanging out.

This kitchen invites everyone in, simply by its sheer size.

There is plenty of counter space -- the massive island spans 13 feet by 7 feet. That’s almost 100 square feet of work space! Beautifully finished with Double OG edging, this Golden Crystal granite countertop withstands the punishment of extremely hot or cold dishes, as well as the harsh edges of sharp knives, and is well illuminated by two wrought iron “Old World” chandeliers.

The color scheme that runs throughout is also warm and inviting. The countertops all have soft, subtle earth tones, ranging from beige to copper. The cabinetry is made of clear alder wood, stained and glazed to bring out the richness of the grain, and to give it an “Old World” feel.

The Versailles pattern, tumbled-travertine floor is natural, durable, and forgiving -- giving both the host and the guests

peace of mind in jostling about with food and beverages.

On the practical side, the kitchen is equipped with three dishwashers, two microwave ovens, a standing range with two ovens, and a Sub-Zero side-by-side refrigerator/ freezer. To enhance the elegance, the dishwashers and refrigerator/freezer have custom wood face-fronts to match the cabinetry.

In creating your ultimate gourmet kitchen, the first thing to consider is the size and placement in relation to the rest of the house. Do you like to cook in privacy, or do you like to cook in the midst of everything going on in the house?

Do you prefer a cozy area to cut down on distractions, or do you prefer an open space where anyone is free to mill about? Do you envision a culinary sanctuary away from it all?

Or do you like having the living and entertainment area open to the kitchen?

The task of creating your “ultimate” kitchen (or any other room) in your custom home may seem daunting, but it can be enjoyable and exciting if you employ the help of well-established experts, such as Toltec Custom Homes.

To contact Toltec Custom Homes call 480.244.6347, or visit www.tolteccustomhomes.com.