Allen Batson

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Allen Batson's Blog

Jean's September 2018 Newsletter

Posted On: September 12th, 2018 6:58PM

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September 2018
Labor Day, the first Monday in September (9/3/2018), is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.  Many families gather to celebrate the final days of summer, school starting and the welcoming of the Fall season.
  
Inspiration [as heard on a Today show interview recently]

Henry Winkler, "The Fonz," "I LIVE on tenacity and gratitude."  He said you must have tenacity to achieve your goals; and then you should be very grateful for the good that has come your way. We couldn't agree more.

Darlene Love: (back-up singer to many famous singers including Elvis) "I love to be happy."  She explained that when you look at life expecting to be happy while spreading that happiness, it helps you get through life’s bumps in the road – which we all have. Give a smile - you'll get one back!  We're also proponents of happiness and laughter.  In fact, we think one of the primary ingredients to a happy marriage/relationship is laughter.

Have a wonderful month – and if you have anyone you know who is buying or selling, we would very much appreciate a referral.  Please feel free to forward this newsletter to them by clicking on the left side (SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER).

Al and Jean

602-680-2791 (Al) or 602-228-0756 (Jean)


 
Trash it or Eat It?  Food spoilage questions
 

Food spoilage dates are confusing. In general, perishable foods such as meat, poultry, eggs and dairy get dates. But those dates aren’t always about spoilage. Some dates simply inform retailers when products are at their best for freshness, taste and texture.

The label types vary:

  • The "Sell by" date indicates how long a store should display a product on its shelves. But foods are still flavorful and safe to eat several days after this date if you store them properly.
  • The "Best if used by" date comes straight from manufacturers. The product will be freshest and have the best taste and texture if you eat it by this date. But this date does not refer to food safety.
  • The "Use by" date also comes from manufacturers. It’s the last date for peak quality. After this date, taste, texture and quality may go downhill, even if food safety does not.
  • The "Expiration" date is the only packaging date related to food safety. If this date has passed, throw the food out.

How long will it last?

Still confused or concerned? Use the following rules of thumb for foods in your fridge or pantry.

  • Milk is typically safe for two to three days after the "use by" date. Keep it in the back of the fridge, where temperatures are typically coldest.
  • Butter will keep for two to three weeks after purchase
  • Eggs are safe for three to five weeks after purchase. Keep them in the back of the fridge, where temperatures are typically coldest, rather than in the door.
  • Chicken, ground meat and ground poultry will last for one to two days after purchase.
  • Pre-cooked poultry should keep for three to four days.
  • Fish will last one to two days in the refrigerator after purchase.
  • Luncheon meat is safe for two to three weeks when it remains unopened. Use within three to four days after opening.
  • Dry pasta will last for one to two years after purchase.
  • Canned fruits and vegetables will last indefinitely. However, that rule goes out the window if they’re exposed to freezing temperatures or temperatures above 90°F. And be wary of damaged, dented or rusty packaging.

Also, remember that if you freeze something, it will last indefinitely, even if not at peak freshness, taste or texture.

Above all else, let common sense — and your senses —be your guide. If something smells rotten, curdles or turns a suspicious color, toss it in the trash.

By: Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials


Wondering How Much Your Home Is Worth?
 How has the price of your home changed in today's market? How much are other homes in your neighborhood selling for?

If you're wondering what's happening to prices in your area, or you're thinking about selling your house, let us know.  If you're interested in finding out more about your neighborhood or one you might be interested in, we can easily set you up on a regular report based on the frequency you prefer.  Easy for us - accurate information for you. WIN/WIN
Just reply to this email with the area you're interested in tracking.

What to do with SCAM E-MAILS

 In the past month, we received two horrific scam emails so you have to be on your toes.  One was represented as being from Bank of America asking us for personal information so they could send us a receipt.  We don’t bank there. The other was from a foreign name and email offering us a great deal - at least for them if they got our information.

Anytime you receive an email about receipts or with a link about a purchase that doesn’t look or sound familiar or sounds questionable – check the email address carefully.  One letter off can mean a trap or a scam. Never open a link from someone you don't know.  A bank is never going to need to verify your information or ask for fees online. Here's what you should do: 

Forward unwanted or deceptive messages to:

  • the Federal Trade Commission at [email protected]. Be sure to include the complete spam email.
  • your email provider. At the top of the message, state that you're complaining about being spammed. Some email services have buttons that allow you to mark messages as junk mail or report them spam.
  • the sender's email provider, if you can tell who it is. Most web mail providers and ISPs want to cut off spammers who abuse their system. Again, make sure to include the entire spam email and say that you're complaining about spam.

Then block the sender.
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Newcomers Club

A friend of ours remarried about 18 months ago and while they’ve each lived in the area a while, they thought it would be fun to meet new people together.  They became active in the NEWCOMERS CLUB of SCOTTSDALE.  She explained that members are from all over the area – Desert Ridge, Cave Creek, north Phoenix, Scottsdale and beyond..  All are welcome.  They have luncheons, social events and a plethora of activities to suit varied interests.  Here’s a link for more information: https://newcomersclubofscottsdale.com/
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Maricopa County is The Fastest Growing County in the Nation:

Click on this link from the Phoenix Area Association of Realtors (PAR): https://paronline.com/maricopa-county-is-fastest-growing-in-nation-according-to-u-s-census-data/
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VENDOR OF THE MONTH:

Most people look to Realtors for recommendations relating to services for their homes – and we’re delighted to help.

All-Pro Carpet & Tile Cleaning – owned by Thomas Uhlenberg:  We met Thomas years ago at the SAAR (Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors) monthly broker caravan meetings.  He was then, and still is a sponsor.  Not only have we personally used their services, they have done magnificent work for our clients and friends.  We don’t run into smoke odors often these days but pet odors are not uncommon – they can handle that.  All-Pro does a great job!  In addition to carpet and tile grout cleaning, they also specialize in area rugs – and are the rare company that does Oriental Rugs.

Their prices are fair, they show up when they say they will and have made old carpet look fresh again.  They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and are approved by the BBB (Better Business Bureau).  And NO, of course we don’t get "kick-backs" when we recommend a service but we do get the satisfaction of knowing we’ve shared a valued service with you  - so tell Thomas that Al and Jean sent you and give them a try.

 We’re always interested in learning about valued services; we appreciate it so much when you send us names of people you’ve used – plumbers, electricians, handymen and so forth.  If you know of a wonderful service in the Phoenix area, please email the information to us at:  [email protected]

http://allprocarpetandtilecleaning.com/    480-239-1759
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Karen's Words to Live By:

 

 

"Live your life without regrets."

 

"When you make a mistake, admit it – fix it – move on."

 

"Always be honest, straight-forward, candid and kind."

 

"Never pay retail."

 

 
 
 
The Batson Team HomeSmart
Jean Batson
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home Smart
 
 
 
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Quick Quiz
 
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Just reply to this email for the answer.

Officinaphobia is the fear of what?
 

BROWNIES (with a hint of mint)
 

This genius idea came from one of my "Curves-Girls" who brought it to one of our weekly coffees.  So Lynne, hats off to you. 

 
Serves 9-12
 
  Box of Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix
  12 Andres Creme de Menthe thin mints
 
 
 
Directions
 

1)    Mix the brownie mix according to the directions (Lynne says to add an extra egg).

2)    Prepare pan (PAM); spread out half of the batter in the pan

3)    Unwrap (and try not to eat) about a dozen Andes thin mints – line them up on top leaving some space in between.

4)    Spread the remaining batter on top of the mints.

5)     Bake according to directions on the box.

It’s light and delightful with a hint of mint….and super easy.

 Oh go ahead - take this to your Labor Day event...be a hero, bring something homemade - but easy!

Note: You can buy a 6-pack of the brownie mix at COSTCO.


 
Pyrex/Glass pans

https://www.consumerreports.org/consumerist/why-pyrex-bowls-explode/

Our friend, Mary, asked if we’d ever had an incident with Pyrex or any Corning products. We haven’t!  She said the older products that say MADE IN THE USA should be perfectly safe but apparently there are concerns about newer products made with a different formula off-shore.  Check this website to be sure you’re following the directions carefully.  Mary was about to pull a Taco Pie in a glass dish out of the oven when it exploded - fortunately inside the oven. How frightening – and what a close call. Seconds later she could have been embedded with hot glass and food. Be careful out there.

 
   
 
 
  This newsletter and any information contained herein are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial or medical advice. The publisher takes great efforts to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this newsletter. However, we will not be responsible at any time for any errors or omissions or any damages, howsoever caused, that result from its use. Seek competent professional advice and/or legal counsel with respect to any matter discussed or published in this newsletter. This newsletter is not intended to solicit properties currently for sale.  
 
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