The number one request from you guys was ideas on how to raise independent kids.  I'm going to take the liberty of substituting self-sufficient for independent, because I don't necessarily want my kids to be independent from me.  I want them to seek my counsel and take my advice, but I also want them to do it THEMSELVES!  So we're going to use self-sufficient if that's okay with you.

I first realized that I, perhaps had a different mind frame when it came to raising kids when my oldest, Zack, was about 4 years old.  I was meeting with one of my old bosses from college about some consulting work and since he knew I was home with little kids, he came to me & we held the meeting in my home office.  My baby, Max, was sleeping, Olivia was having quiet time with a movie in my bedroom and Zack was heading to an art class being held in the neighborhood.  When it was time for him to go, I simply told him to get on his bike and explained where the house was.  It was literally on our same street, but it did require him to cross a street within our neighborhood to get there.  As I did this, my former boss who is about 10 years older than me, commented that his wife would never have let their kids just go on their own like that at his age.  

I shrugged my shoulders and assured him that I was sure of his capacity to accomplish this task.  I then remember saying, "If the whole point is for them to one day be self-sufficient this probably a good starting point."

For the record, Zack made it to and from that art class without any problems, and ever since, we've been building on those skills.  

The real crux of raising self-sufficient kids, is allowing them opportunities for ownership and to problem solve.  Passing the baton, so to speak, and allowing them space to figure it out.  Sometimes it works out, and other times it doesn't.  It often times includes frustration on my part and theirs and they struggle it out and failure often accompanies these endeavors.  At the end of the day, my goal is to allow my kids as much failure as possible within these four walls.  While they're here, under my roof, these failures fall into the category of low-risk.  I can't drum up too many scenarios where they're failures while living under my roof, are life-threatening or even life-altering.  Instead they tend to be of the 'forgot my homework' variety.  

For example, on our last family vacation to Mexico, before leaving I simply handed my kids a packing list.  I do this every time we travel, but I usually check Olivia's and Max's bag before loading them in the car.  This time, I'm not sure why I didn't, but I didn't.  Instead, they packed and I loaded.  When we arrived in Mexico, we found out that Olivia had forgotten to pack her underwear and Max had only brought one shirt.  You can guess we all had a good laugh, did some extra loads of laundry and when that still wasn't enough, Max went shirtless, just zipping up his jacket instead and, on occasion, Liv grabbed a bathing suit to wear under her shorts.  I'm certain next time they'll both double check their packing lists.  The reality is, it wasn't ever a problem for me, but I'm certain they were both frustrated quite a bit that they didn't have what they needed when they needed it.

A lot of these opportunities for ownership and problem solving are found in play.  In early years, this looked like Zack finding a wood palette in our backyard (remember when we all thought we were going to make amazing things with wood pallets?  That was awesome.) and deciding he wanted to build his own fort with it.  Instead of telling him every reason why he shouldn't, I said, 'okay.'  I helped him carry it from the backyard to the front yard, where he leaned it up against a wall, located right along the pathway to our front door.  It was pretty classy.  He got out the hammer, and I didn't stop him.  He got out the nails, and again, I didn't stop him.  He hammered and nailed on that thing for weeks.  I'm certain he hurt himself a few times, but I'm also certain he didn't dare tell me, in fear that I'd stop all the fun he was having.  From what I could tell, no grand fort was ever built, but I guarantee, if I asked Zack and Olivia about it, they'd tell me all the fun games and things they were doing because most of the fun was in their imagination and all it required of me, was getting out of their way.

Now that Zack is a bit older, it looks a little different.  He's got more experience under his belt and as such, more is required of him.  So much so, that I have to be conscious not to take advantage of him.  He often babysits, packs his own luggage when we travel and runs into stores to buy what we need quickly.  I've taught him how to use my debit card and how to sign for my credit card.  I'm also still letting him ride his bike to anything close enough and not minding when he's torn a pair of pants because he was hopping a fence or climbing a tree.  Those are the things I want him doing because it is where they learn to assess and manage risks, then problem solve.  Max is a great example of this too and I'll admit, there have been many occasions where he's made me awfully nervous, but over the years, I've learned to step back and let him judge what feels risky.  When he was 4, I remember being at the beach and secretly enjoying the total terror he put on the face of OTHER parents.  While he was a proficient swimmer in our pool, I didn't trust him in the ocean.  Max, however, saw zero risk and charged ahead, keeping up with his siblings.  I pulled him back more than once and each time he'd exclaim, "Mom!  I got it!"  So I stopped and just watched instead.  He'd swim out to where he couldn't touch, let a wave slam over top of him (remember he's 4!), I'd hold my breath waiting for his head to pop back up and sure enough, he'd pop up and swim in with the wave...in complete delight with himself.  After watching it a few times, I began to feel more comfortable with his new trick.  Then, I started watching the other parents watching him.  They'd anxiously look at me, time and again, wondering when I was going to rescue my child...in absolute terror when I never made a move.   

With each of my kids these opportunities look a bit different, but if I pay attention, they're always there.  Olivia, for example, prefers to take ownership and problem solve cooking in the kitchen.  Give her a recipe and she's ready to serve you a meal.  The only thing you need to master is the over-arching message from you to your kids.  It is this: I have confidence in your ability to figure this out and if it doesn't work the first time, that's okay, I'm happy to help.  That help then looks like a handful of suggestions or ideas to think about it.  Sometimes it is painful not to step in and solve the problem for them, but as I've practiced stepping back, the satisfaction of them figuring it out, is a million times better!

Ever see those articles of all the 'best' beauty products people can't live without, then click to buy a few and quickly realize you're spending more on face creams than you do groceries, shoes and jeans...combinded?  Yeah, me too.  It's left me feeling a bit sorry for myself and my mostly drugstore routine, but I have to keep reminding myself that my goal isn't to have the BEST beauty routine, but to have my house paid off.  So like most things, I work to keep it lean and mean.  It's what I like to call loving discipline on myself, meaning I'm willing to sacrifice some short-term things for bigger and better long-term things.  Let's be honest, does anyone have time for hydrating facial masks anyway?

So here's what's actually in my morning routine, day in and day out.

Cetaphil.  Would you believe me if I told you this is all that I wash my face with?  No creams, no oils, no hydrating masks.  Just a simple wash every night and that's it.

Foundation.  Okay, so this isn't drug store, but I'm willing to pay a bit more for foundation and think you should too.

Primer.  I'm on a roll, also not drugstore, but I've really loved this product, it gives you that dewy look.  It lasts FOREVER because you don't use very much.

Eyeshadow.  Again, not drugstore and you're probably thinking I'm a liar by this point, but it is affordable.  I've had mine over a year and it comes with brushes.  Stays on, doesn't smudge and is a good simple palette that you can apply minimally or intensely for different looks.

Lips.  I'm addicted to these.  They are a matte finish, don't smudge and the best part, when you do go to wipe it off, it still leaves your lips a bit tinted, which I'll soften up with my favorite chapstick.  I've bought several colors, linked up my favorite, but I haven't been disappointed yet.

Mascara.  I've tried a handful of the drugstore variety and I can't quite this one.  It stays on and gives a full lash.

Leave-In Conditioner.  I love this, especially in the summer months, when we're in and out of the pool so much and my hair is so dry.  It works wonders.

Dry Shampoo.  Works good, smells better.

Texture Spray.  Better than hairspray, helps to give that Day 1 hair the feel of Day 2 hair.

Tanning Lotion.  I've used this for over 10 years and still love it.  It works, is easy to apply and never leaves me orange.  I've also used this spray when I need more coverage than just my arms and legs for those Spring Break trips.

Tinkle Razors.  Honestly, I've used these for over 5 years too and I love them to get all the fuzz off my face.  Your make-up goes on sooo buttery smooth after a quick swipe of the Tinkle...not too quick though, remember they're razors. 

Hair Ties.  A friend introduced me to these at a Favorite Things party and they have not disappointed.  

Hope you find some new simple favorites to keep you looking your best.

I love to exercise, I always have, but sometimes in different seasons, it's taken a back seat.  In seasons of pregnancies or Master's Degrees, it's fallen by the wayside, but at this point, I'm far enough along in this journey of mine, that I know when I need to prioritize it.

The first time it really took a back seat was after I had Olivia.  By any standard she was a hard baby and in the mix of my kids she was 100000% harder than all of them combined.  Although, when I write that, I alway wonder if that is actually true.  I wonder if the last 2 boys were that much easier, or I was that much stronger, not sure at the end of the day, but she definitely made me earn my stripes and I'll be indebted to her forever for it.

The days were long and the nights were longer.  She rarely slept and when she was awake, she wanted to be held.  I would walk the hallways with her at church and finally, a everyone would claim, "oh I'm the baby whisperer, give her to me."  Within 10 minutes, they'd hand her back and I'd get back to my lonely pacing.  Finally, a kind gentlemen, seasoned with 5 of his own kids, put his arm around me & said, "Just take her home and love her, no need to walk these hallways, you're doing enough."

While I was discouraged and frustrated, I was really just so very tired.  I couldn't think straight and my patience was always thin.  Everyone else made it look so easy.  Night after night, I'd pray that tonight would be the night that she'd finally sleep.  That prayer was never answered.  Finally, I prayed a different prayer, I succumbed.  I committed to waking up with her for however long she needed me to.  Then I begged and pleaded for added strength, specifically at 3pm, when I was always ready to throw in the towel.  

The next day, at 2pm I had an insatiable desire to run.  I'd always been a runner, but didn't even try to accommodate that hobby in this phase of my life.  I was sleeping an interrupted 5 hours a night and the idea of adding running sounded ridiculous.  On this day though, I couldn't shake the desire.  So I laced up my shoes, loaded my 2 babies into the jogger and off we went.

That night was a bit easier to get through.

The next day 2 pm rolled around and again, I had an intense desire to run.  I didn't hesitate as long this time and we headed out.  Again, the night was easier to get through.  By day three, I was skipping for my running shoes at 2pm.  In hindsight, I can see the wisdom in exercising at that precise time, it got my endorphins all fired up and suddenly I could tackle dinner time, bath time and bed time with a smile on my face.

This routine continued for a solid 2 years and even now I look back and am so proud of the girl I chose to become.  I was so young and I had to show up, dig deep and fight for it, every single day.  While Olivia never became the sleeper I had hoped (she is still my lightest sleeper and earliest riser!), I became the mother I had hoped.  

Fast forward, 7 years and another baby and I was in the midst of a miscarriage.  A story I never thought would be mine to tell, was becoming my reality.  Emotionally, I was devastated.  Logically, I knew I'd be okay.  I was overcome with gratitude for my three kids and knew in time, my heart would heal over the loss if four was not meant to be, but emotionally, well, that was another story. There were days I couldn't get off the couch and nights that my skin would crawl.  My hormones were betraying me and the effects were physical.  Finally, in the midst of wringing my hands out of agitation, I declared, "I've got to work this out!"  

The next day, I joined our local gym.  After years of running, my knees are shot, and so I began lifting, anything and everything.  I ordered headphones, found a podcast I loved and every morning at 5am found myself in the gym.  I'd sweat it out, then I'd cry it out on the drive home.  While I was terrified that number four would never be a possibility, I was also willing to succumb to the Lord's plan.  Olivia had already taught me that lesson of submission to His plan.  I had already learned that He'd provide the strength I'd need.  

Exercise has never been about the physical benefits, even though there are many & I'm so grateful for them.  Instead, exercise has always been a means of getting my head junk straight.  After a long day, it's not uncommon for Scot the tell me to go for a walk.  He knows the fresh air, movement and, let's be honest, a good podcast will yield the results I need.  

Last week on Instagram Stories, you overwhelming asked for a list of things you should do before you list your home.  Keep in mind, this article will provide general advice that will apply to general situations.  If you have a glaring problem that I haven't mentioned on this list, please don't interpret that to mean you get to skip over that item! 

There are generally two types of listings, I'm going to make these pretty broad, but usually yours can fit into one or the other.  You're either selling a home that is 'move-in-ready' or a 'fixer-upper.'  Make no mistake, one is not more valuable than the other, as there are so many buyers that are looking for a 'fixer-upper,' so much so, that they will not look at anything that has been updated.  Their thought process is, that they don't want to pay 1 penny for a finish they didn't choose themselves.

You're going to want to get an experienced agents perspective on this as I can't come up with a. rule that I can't find an exception to, but you're typically in the 'fixer-upper' category if your home hasn't had substantial updates in the last 15-20 years.  Again, I can think of examples where this doesn't apply, so get an experienced agent's expertise on the matter.  If you're in the 'fixer-upper' category, I wouldn't make any substantial changes to the property, knowing buyers are going to come and re-do it anyway.  You'll want to stick to de-cluttering, deep cleaning and getting the yard in tip-top shape.

Most sellers, however, will find themselves in the 'move-in-ready' category.  Even if you feel like your home is dated or not quite the upgrades you'd like, there is almost always a buyer who loves that particular style, so don't re-deocrate your whole house. Instead, focus on these 6 things:

1. Consider Paint.  If you've decorated your space for your family that is wonderful.  If you've used non-neutral color palettes (reds, pinks, purples, even some greens and blues) consider repainting to a neutral palette.  Here's a list of gray tones and a list of white tones, test 3-4 samples and then get to painting.  Don't forget the baseboards!  You'll be amazed at what a fresh coat of paint can do to a space, it honestly makes it look brand new.  In the event you haven't used overly saturated colors, but haven't had your home painted in the last 5 years, you might want to consider this as well. 

2. De-Clutter.  By de-clutter I mean get rid of, or pack up 50% of your stuff.  All the cookbooks nicely displayed on the kitchen counter?  Pack them.  The pile of toys in your kids' closet?  Pack them or donate them.  The over-flowing linen closet?  Reduce it by 50%.  If you're moving in the summer time, pack up everyone's winter clothes and put them in a storage unit.  Open every cabinet, every closet and try to reduce it by 50%, you'll probably land closer to 30% and that's okay, but really reduce the clutter as much as possible.  This includes the garage too.

Reducing everything in the home will make your home appear larger and more spacious.  No buyer wants to open a linen closet that is over-flowing with beach towels.  It communicates to them that there isn't enough space which is always a turn off.  Opening a pantry door to reveal a tidy space with room to spare communicates that there is plenty of room and reassures buyer's that you took good care of the home.  It changes the feeling of the space and most buyers buy because of feelings, not logistics. 

3. Deep clean every inch.  I usually hire this out for my sellers, but while you're decluttering, take the time to deep clean your kitchen and bathrooms.  Wipe out drawers and cabinets, wipe down banisters and DOORS!  Your front door, your garage door, your kids' bedroom doors -- they're dirty and it's showing.  Wipe them down, along with the baseboards too!  Dust every surface and make it shine.

4. Clean your Windows.  This is a simple thing that makes a huge difference.  You might consider taking off the screens, but that isn't totally necessary.  Clean windows attract the eye outward, giving the impression of more space.  Open them up & clean them up.  If you have outdated, heavy drapery, consider removing.

5. Landscaping.  If you live in Arizona like I do, I can't stress this enough.  Edge your lawn, mow it meticulously, trim your trees, pull every weed and plant some flowers by the front door.  While you're at it put out a new door mat and sweep your front porch.  This is your first impression, don't blow it.  If you have a yard suitable for entertaining, just like a model home would, place furniture to showcase how to use the space.  If you have big sliding doors that open onto a patio perfect for outdoor dining, place a table there.  Put a table cloth on it and it simple plant and when buyer's see it, they'll envision themselves pool side with dinner on the back patio.  Again, it creates a feeling and tells the buyer a story of how they will live in the space.

6. Staging.  I rarely suggest outside staging, but I do suggest using what you've got and removing what's awkward.  If you've got an office/playroom/guest room in your house (don't we all?!) remove the excess and make it 1 designated space.  Too many big pieces of furniture make a space feel crowded and while we all tend to live that way, we don't want to sell that way.  So remove the guest bed or the awkward oversized desk and make it a dedicated space. 

While logistics play a big role, often times buyers are pushed over to purchasing because of a feeling.  Home is our most private space, the safety from the pressures of day to day.  Take efforts to make your space feel like a reprieve from the world, with well-thought out functionality and you'll have it sold in no time.

If you're interested in a FREE pre-listing consultation, sign up below.  This consultation is designed for homeowners who are considering listing their home for sale and want to position it in the best possible way to receive the highest return on investment.  The free consultation takes about 30 minutes, we'll go through your home room by room and at the end, you'll have a list of simple things to improve your home's show-ability. 

I cracked open a random cook book last week and made these Snickerdoodle Bars and they were so good!  I love a homemade cookie, but sometimes I don't have time to be watching the oven in 8 minute increments.  These hit the spot!  Here's what you'll need:

Snickerdoodle Bars

2 2/3 C flour
2 t baking soda
1 t salt
2 C packed brown sugar
1 C butter, at room temperature
2 eggs, at room temperature
1 TB vanilla

For Topping:
2 TB sugar
2 t cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and light grease a 9x13 baking pan.  In a large mixing bowl, mix together the butter and brown sugar, then mix in the eggs, one at a time.  Add vanilla.  Add in baking soda, salt and flour, while mixing.  Mix until blended.  Then spread evenly into the 9x13 pan.  

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle on top of the batter.  Back at 350 degrees fro 25-30 minutes or until the edges begin to lightly brown.  Remove from oven and let cool on a cooling rack.  Cut into squares and serve.

Every year after the holidays have wrapped up and life begins to move forward, I begin to feel the pull towards more simple living.  Easy dinners on the patio (because we can do that in January in Arizona) and the return of simple routines that got overshadowed in December, but that ground me in January.  It never disappoints to rejuvenate my soul and motivate me to do a little better, be a little kinder.

5 things this week: 

1.  Have you watched Dumplin' yet on Netflix?  It's a cute, quick coming-of-age movie, with a Dolly Parton sound track.  Turn it on the next time you're folding laundry.  You want be embarrassed when your kids walk in and start watching it with you. 

2. I'm obsessed with these ladylike leopard flats. When I had Luke, my feet grew half a size (grrr) which hasn't been overly problematic, but I've been missing my leopard flats that became just a touch too small after he was born.  

3. My kids went back to school this week and I had high hopes for my gym time getting back on track.  Turns out only 2/3 went back to school the first three days of the week.  You can guess how my work outs went.  If you're still struggling to get back into your routine post holidays...me too girl, me too.

4. I came across this site a few years ago and haven't been able to quit it. It's a collection of images from a community of photographers and get this...you can download the images and print them for FREE!  No joke.  High quality and a huge variety. I've printed more than a few for my house.

​5. My Real Estate 101 Course is in less than a week and I'm giddy with excitement, mostly because I can't wait for this group to blow their own minds this year.  It's sure to be a good time.

With the weekend upon us, you know what that means, Open Houses!

These links are for those of you that love walking houses as much as I do or are in the beginning stages of looking for a home.  Use the links below to see the list of weekend open houses going on across the Valley.  If you haven't used these links before, I break each list into different cities, then they are sorted by price, so you can find what you're looking for fairly quickly. Once you find a property you want to walk, click on the 'open house' tab at the top right to see the date & time of the open house...and be sure to let me know if you find a gem!

​ Arcadia  ||  Gilbert  ||  Mesa   ||  Scottsdale

Looking forward to a slow weekend and hope you get a moment to relax and revive this weekend too!

This year for Christmas we convinced ourselves that we were skipping all the toys and taking a trip instead.  We mostly managed to skip all the toys and I'm happy to report the trip was a total success.

If you remember we were supposed to go to Rocky Point over Fall Break in October and at the very last minute it got cancelled.  By last minute, I mean our car was fully loaded, coolers, towels, treats,all loaded, when we found out the flooded road we had anticipated clearing up, had in fact, gotten worse.  We were devastated and more than a little frustrated to say the least. 

I'm happy to report we loved where we stayed.  You can head over to my Instagram (@sonny_daily) and see a full video tour on IGTV.  The house was right on the beach, with the big sliding doors I love leading out to a huge patio that overlooked the water.  One fun thing we realized was that while in California, you get to watch the sunset, in Rocky Point you get the sunrise and the sunset.  It was breathtaking.  The place was 4bed/4bath with 2 master suites that had patio doors overlooking the water as well.  The owners really did thing of everything...except a cheese grater.  For reals, that was the only thing I couldn't find that I wanted.  Pretty sure next time we go, I'll gift the property one. ;) ​ While we ended up paying a bit more for lodging, my thought is that if I get my lodging right, I spend less on food and activities because I don't end up leaving the house.  

We did head into town at least once every day and came across a few gems I thought I'd share with you!  

A few restaurants we loved were Koffee Haus -- yes it's spelled in the German fashion, while they serve Mexican and American style breakfasts.  Try not to think too hard on it and you'll love it.  The place is fairly small, so go early if you don't want to wait for a table.  

We also ate at the top of the lighthouse restaurant which is called something El Capitain.  I liked that this was off the main drag and easy to get in and out of.  It's a sit down place that overlooks the ocean, so snag a patio table if you can.  The food was incredible and the view over the top.

Pan y Vino (Bread and Wine) is located right next to the lighthouse restaurant and is an amazing Italian place.  We didn't get to try this, but our neighbors in the house next to us who travel to Rocky Point once a month, told us it was their favorite place.

We shopped for groceries at Super Ley and if you buy your meat there, they've got a guy that will grill it up for you outside.  He wasn't there while we were there, but I've heard great reviews and this is on our list for next time.  Be sure to also grab some Mexican Vanilla while you're there.  Not only is the flavor amazing, the price is even better.  What I can get for $45 at my Costco, I picked up for $1.50 there.  I bought 10 I was so excited. 

While the food was great the relaxing was better.  So much needed relaxing on this trip.  Scot and I both received massages right on the patio and I've got to tell you for $20, it was the best decision we'd ever made. 

Liv got her hair braided and of course, they all had to get henna tattoos...while I read my book and the baby napped.  When we got tired of being lazy we played endless games of ladder ball and did beach workouts (quite possibly one of my favorite things).  See how amazing a house on the beach is??  It's hard to beat in my opinion.

It wasn't perfect by any means, as no family trip ever is.  The night we arrived on Christmas Day (!) there was a huge down pour and we lost power in the middle of trying to cook dinner.  I was sweating it for a bit, but the power came back on and we all survived.  The kids still bickered and Luke skipped some naps and one day the weather didn't cooperate, but at the end of the day, those aren't ever the things I remember and we're looking forward to getting back soon!

I came across this image on Pinterest and it stopped me in my tracks.  As I walk home after home, I'm beginning to see the return of warmth to our spaces and I am LOVING IT!  Also loving the built-in furniture style pieces that are popping into homes more and more. This bathroom strikes a beautiful balance.  Taking note for when we re-do our builder grade bathroom down the road. 

5 things on my mind this week:

​1. You all know I love to read.  Came across this great list from Janssen at Everyday Reading.  Not sure I'll make it through the ENTIRE list this year, but will definitely be pulling some good reads from this.  Ordered the first book today!

2.  This is so silly, but one of my favorite gift this Christmas was a new phone case.  The hype around the Loopy cases is legit.  Best idea. Best case.  Can't live without it.  In the event you need a laugh today, let me tell you what happened to my old case.  It was a Kate Spade one that had water in it, I liked it because it was super thick and sturdy. Unbeknownst to me, the liquid had started leaking out.  Scot noticed it one day as I was out the door, asking me what was all over the butt of my black jeans.  I went to change and try to figure out what in the world it was, when I realized it smelled like lighter fluid.  I thought of the last time the lighter fluid was out, and of course, it involved my oldest and his friends lighting a bonfire in our backyard.  Naturally, I assumed he spilled some on the patio furniture, which I then must have sat it.  So he got an earful.  A week later, after I had already wiped everything down, my pants had the same mark on the butt...suddenly it dawned on me that the liquid was from my dang phone case!  I had to apologize to Zack, but in all honesty though, I was really asking myself, what parent let's 11-year-olds have lighter fluid?  Apparently me.

3.  Got my hands on some new artwork for above our family room couch.  We've had a gallery wall the last couple of years, but the frames ALWAYS look crooked.  Despite my efforts to tape down the corners, a door gets slammed & the light shifts & suddenly I'm standing at my kitchen sink squinting at the frames in utter annoyance.  So down they are coming & we'll scatter them throughout the house in other areas.  Replacing them with, and I'm LITERALLY SO EXCITED, an oversize print from my friend Jenny's shop, Juniper Print Shop.  This has been such a labor of love for her & guys, I can't tell you how incredible it is.  She's figured out oversize art at an affordable price and I've been doing the happy dance ever since.  The paper is absolutely  INCREDIBLE!!  Smooth as butter and it doesn't glare so you can hang it with or without glass!  Go check it out, she walks you through all the details.

4.  Pushing hard to get myself back into my morning routine that involves a 5 am wake up call, followed by getting dressed.  It's not going as well as I'd hoped and while I know once school gets going, I'll be forced into it, I'm missing that consistent wake up time.  It really sets a great tone to my day & I've been missing that! 

5.  This winter season I've found myself wearing the same version of 1 outfit over and over.  It involves my favorite $25 jeans, a cropped, cozy sweatshirt and sneakers.  Like, I can't quit it.  If I want to get real fancy, I might wear some loafers instead of sneakers. 

With the weekend upon us, you know what that means, Open Houses!  

These links are for those of you that love walking houses as much as I do OR are in the beginning stages of looking for a home.  Use the links below to see the list of weekend open houses going on across the Valley.  If you haven't used these links before, I break each list into different cities, then they are sorted by price, so you can find what you're looking for fairly quickly. Once you find a property you want to walk, click on the 'open house' tab at the top right to see the date & time of the open house...and be sure to let me know if you find a gem!

​ Arcadia  ||  Gilbert  ||  Mesa   ||  Scottsdale

If you're thinking about selling this this year, we are at the very front end of the sales season.  As the year progresses more buyers begin entering the market as more homes become available and the market tends to get more competitive.  If you're wondering what your home is worth,  click here for a free Home Value Report.  This report is usually close to 100 pages long and gives you the details about every home that has sold near yours and as you well know, information is king.  The more information you have, the better prepared you can be.