Apples, almonds, a clip and September spelled out on wood squares 

September is here, and this month’s newsletter has a little bit of everything - from the never-ending surprises (and expenses!) of homeownership to fun things to see and do around town. I’ll share what Americans continue to see as one of the best long-term investments, catch you up on what’s happening in Scottsdale, and wrap things up with a rather unusual question: Who’s the smelliest? Trust me, you’ll want to see what ChatGPT has to say about that one!

Here's the September lineup:
One Thing After Another
September Sights
Americans Say This is the Best Long-Term Investment
The Scottsdale Scoop
Who's the Smelliest?

One Thing After Another

About two months ago, we discovered that one of our split HVAC units wasn't working in the basement. It…

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Your August Scottsdale Guide: Free Days, Market Updates, and Local Fun

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August is here, bringing plenty of reasons to get out, explore, and stay informed. In this month's roundup, I'm sharing a fun personal update (yes, our family grew by one more furry friend!), highlighting some of the best activities happening around the Valley, and rounding up seven days when you can visit local museums for free. You'll also find the latest local headlines in The Scottsdale Scoop and a look at an interesting housing trend as more cities see starter homes top the $1 million mark.

Whether you're looking for things to do, curious about what's happening around Scottsdale, or keeping an eye on the real estate market, I hope you find something that catches your…

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July in Scottsdale: Celebrating 75 Years, America's 250th, and the Latest Real Estate News

Happy 250th birthday to the USA

July is here, and with it comes plenty of reasons to celebrate, explore, and maybe even be a little nostalgic. This month's newsletter converted to a blog post is filled with a little bit of everything - from saying a heartfelt goodbye to one furry friend while giving a warm welcome to another, to celebrating Scottsdale's 75th birthday and all the history that comes with it. And don't forget, this Fourth of July commemorates the 250th birthday of the USA!

I've also rounded up some fun local events to help you make the most of July, along with a few Scottsdale news stories that could affect our community. And just for fun, we'll take a look at Elon Musk's…

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A pool with a bunch of summer toys and flipflops next to a pool in a home in Scottsdale

Summer will officially be here this month, and Scottsdale is heating up in all the best ways. This month, I'm tackling what it really takes to thrive during the sizzle, exploring some great escapes to beat the heat, and taking a closer look at the exciting luxury rental development shaping our community.

We're also diving into another cautionary tale that affects us all - how to protect yourself and your loved ones in an increasingly digital world - plus all the latest happenings around town.

Let's jump in!

Here's the June lineup:

  • Are You Ready for the Scottsdale Sizzle?
  • June Jaunts
  • Avala - An Upcoming Scottsdale Luxury Rental Project
  • The Scottsdale Scoop
  • Your Home Could Be the Next Target: What AI Romance Scams Are Doing…

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A small notebook with May written on it with a list of this newsletter's articles, surrounded by colorful roses

May is shaping up to be one of those months where there’s a little bit of everything going on—and we’re here for it.  From the growing influence of women in today’s housing market to a packed calendar of Cinco de Mayo celebrations, there’s no shortage of energy around Scottsdale right now. We’re also diving into big local developments like The Parque project, catching up on headlines in The Scottsdale Scoop, and taking a look at a fascinating (and slightly eerie) conversation around AI’s expanding role in our lives.

The Rise of Women Homeowners

I grew up with my family in a single-family home. My parents purchased their first house for $8,000, and they lived with my Mom’s parents to save up the cash.

I was 23 when my husband and I…

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April flowers

April has a way of sneaking up with a little bit of everything—and this month’s newsletter is no exception.

Right outside our window, we’ve been watching something pretty special unfold in our rose bush. What started as a quiet little nest has turned into a daily reminder to slow down and appreciate the small, fleeting moments that are so easy to miss. It’s amazing how something so tiny can bring so much joy—and perspective.

Of course, April also means getting out and enjoying everything happening around town. From local events to can’t-miss activities, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the season here in Scottsdale. Whether you’re looking for something festive, active, or just a reason to enjoy the beautiful weather, I’ve rounded up a few…

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This month’s newsletter is a little bit of everything: a fond farewell to my annual lederhosen moment, a roundup of can’t-miss March events in and around Scottsdale (hello NASCAR and MLB Spring Training!), a look at a new exhibit at Taliesin West, helpful local news links, and a snapshot of how domestic migration is reshaping our population here in Arizona. Whether you’re here for the fun, the facts, or a little of both—I’m glad you’re here. Let’s jump in!

Time to Trade in My Lederhosen

A group of men and women in lederhosen with a green Ireland landscape background

For most of my life, I proudly believed I was German. I even took German in high school. My brother and I are adopted (not related), and Mom always said one of us was German & English and the other German & Irish — she just couldn’t remember which. My brother had…

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Hello February with a pink background and flower petals

I hope you're staying warm and finding reasons to smile this February! Of course, you're probably laughing since it's not that cold here in the Phoenix area and we've gotten up to the 80's, so who's cold? Well, I am, which is why we moved here from the Chicago suburbs. And we're shivering just looking at the weather they've been having in the Midwest. This makes me appreciate winters in Arizona.

I'm excited to share what's been happening in our corner of the world. February has a way of mixing heart and history, and this month’s newsletter does exactly that. From a small Valentine’s Day confession to fun happenings around town, a real-life example of how $43,000 can make a major difference, and reflections from four decades in real estate, this…

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New year, new newsletter.

I haven't sent a newsletter in years, so I’m bringing it back as a simple way to share practical, local insight about Scottsdale and the surrounding areas - things I’d want to know if I lived here or was thinking about a move.

This was sent out as an email newsletter, and I've converted it to a blog post with some extra features and information.

Here's the January lineup:

A New Year's story featuring my crabby Grampa

Things to do in and around Scottsdale in January

It's an even drier heat (aka, the thermostat wars)

2026 Housing Vibes: No Wild Swings, Just a Smoother Ride - Or So the Experts Say

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Market Trends for Carefree, Cave…

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