January 2026

January

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January Activities

 Happy New Year

As we close the final chapter of 2025, we find ourselves reflecting on the journey that brought us here. Whether you have been with us since our first day or joined our community this year, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for being  part of our story.

Your trust and support are what drive our business forward. We are truly honored that you chose us this year.

Looking Toward 2026
We aren't slowing down. As we step into the new year, our commitment to being here for you remains our top priority. We have exciting plans in motion for 2026. 

Wishing you a prosperous, healthy, and happy New Year!

With a new year always comes some new changes.

Pricing

Rental increases are effective as of this month as well as overnight accommodations. Please check the website for the most recent price structure.

Celebration Dances

Starting now if you would like to celebrate anything at the dance, such as a Birthday or Anniversary it will be done on the 2nd Saturday of the month as one large celebration. The ranch will provide the appropriate refreshments, cakes, cookies etc and decoations. No outside decorations or food will be permitted during this time. If you would like to have a personal celebration you are welcome to do so, just not at the dance or karaoke.

Yoga

Rose is doing her 8 week yoga classes on Mondays at 11am in the clubhouse. Classes start on Monday January 5th with the last class being on Monday February 23rd. 

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’Twas the day before New Year’s
And all through the Ranch
Not a piece of timber was spared
Not even a branch
The firewood was stacked
By the chimney with care
In hope of warming
All those tushies so bare
When what to my sawdusted eyes should appear
But a bevy of merrymakers
With three two-fours of beer
The fire roared to life with a rosy red glow
To the idea of clothing came a resounding ʜᴇᴄᴋ ɴᴏ
The clock struck twelve
And soon the fête was a wrap
And time for me to take
A short winter’s nap
For in the morning there will be
Much paper and trash
And visions of scooping
Some lovely warm ash
So I jumped to my cart
’Ere I drove out of sight
HAPPY NEWD YEAR TO ALL
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!

Setting Resolutions for 2026

To set lasting resolutions for 2025, shift your focus from rigid outcomes to value-aligned intentions that prioritize the journey over the destination. Start by reflecting on your core values—such as connection, health, or creativity—and framing your goals as a positive extension of who you already are rather than a correction of perceived flaws. Utilize the SMART framework to turn vague desires into specific, measurable, and realistic actions, such as replacing "get fit" with "walking for 20 minutes three times a week". To build sustainable momentum, break these goals into "micro-resolutions" or tiny, achievable steps that feel manageable even on your busiest days. Enhance your success by "habit stacking"—linking a new intention to an existing routine—and creating a "rebound plan" that treats inevitable setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures. Finally, keep your resolutions visible by handwriting them, and enlist a support system or accountability buddy to stay motivated throughout the year

Diaper Drive for UMOM

Shangri La Ranch, in partnership with WINR, Women Helping Women Better Together, and AANR West, is hosting a community diaper drive to support families served by UMOM New Day Centers in Phoenix. Members and visitors are encouraged to donate urgently needed items including full-size hair conditioner, diapers in sizes NB, 6 and 7, 4T, 5T, pull-ups, pack and plays, toilet paper, baby wipes, and cash contributions. Donations can be dropped off at the Shangri La Ranch office daily between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. Every item collected helps UMOM provide stability and care for families facing homelessness. The drive runs January 31, 2026 through February 28, 2026, and even small contributions can make a big difference.

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The Kumquat Tree (Fortune Orange)

The Kumquat Tree (or "Fortune Orange") is one of the most quintessential plants associated with New Year celebrations, particularly for the Lunar New Year.
Symbolism and Meaning
  • Wealth and Prosperity: The Cantonese word for kumquat sounds like the word for "gold" (gam) and "luck" (gwat), making it a powerful emblem for financial success in the coming year.
  • Abundance: Its small, golden-orange fruits resemble tiny gold ingots or coins. Trees laden with fruit are highly sought after, as a heavy harvest is believed to represent greater prosperity for the household.
  • Generational Luck: In Vietnamese culture, the tree symbolizes multiple generations: the fruits represent grandparents, flowers represent parents, buds represent children, and new green leaves represent grandchildren.
Traditions
  • Placement: Families traditionally place potted kumquat trees near home or business entrances to "invite" good fortune inside.
  • Decoration: They are often adorned with red envelopes (hongbao) or festive ribbons to further enhance their auspicious energy.
  • Gifting: It is a popular gift choice to wish loved ones prosperity and growth
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Creamy Cheesy Beef Broccoli Orzo

 Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

Feel free to swap out the cheese or even the prtiend and broth to mix the flavor up a bit. This is also great with sliced up steak or even chicken instead of beef. You can also swap out the vegetables for a different favorite making sure it goes well with the type of cheese you decide to use. 

Directions. 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add garlic powder and onion powder to the beef, stirring well to combine.
  3. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the orzo, cover, and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Meanwhile, steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender, about 3-4 minutes. I like to do this in the microwave with a splash of water for convenience.
  5. Once the orzo is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet, mixing everything together until the broccoli is coated in the creamy sauce.
  7. For a little kick, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving. 

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Upcoming Events

Celebration Dance January 10th 8pm 

 

Diaper Drive Begins January 31st

 

Sweethearts Dance February 14th 8pm 

 

Diaper Drive Ends February 28th 

 

 

PLAN YOUR NEXT GETAWAY IN THE BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS OF SHANGRI LA TODAY.

Call us at
623-465-5959

Email us at
joinus@shangrilaranch.com