Lifestyle January 27, 2023

Saskatoons Best Pasta Restaurants To Try For Valentine’s

 

Valentine’s Day is a lovely excuse to get together with your partner for a date night or go out and eat some delicious food with friends. Here are a few fantastic locally-owned restaurants specializing in pasta dishes located in downtown Saskatoon.

 

La Cucina

La Cucina is a locally owned Italian restaurant that uses elevated simple ingredients. It is located in the heart of downtown. The atmosphere is modern and romantic. The food is delicious, and the servers are super friendly.

Their Valentine’s Special Set Menu is available on Saturday, Feb 11th and Tuesday, Feb 14th—priced at $125.00 a person. See menu below.

 

 

Primal

Primal is another locally-owned pasta restaurant. Pasta is handmade with heritage grains and featuring meat forward dishes made with ingredients from locally owned farms—located on 20th street near downtown. The quaint and cozy atmosphere is sure to draw anyone in. Book into this place quickly because the tables fill up fast. The servers know the menu front to back and can help you choose something perfect. The food is fantastic, and I have always had a great experience.

Their Valentine’s Menu is $80.00 a person. See menu below.

 

 

Little Grouse on the Prairie

Little Grouse on the Prairie focuses on Italian fusion cuisine and is locally owned. They pride themselves on farm-to-table, locally sourced ingredients. Located downtown on a quiet street, away from the bustle. They have a uniquely classic atmosphere with large windows for people to watch. Their food is exceptional, and I always leave feeling fulfilled. 

Their Valentine’s Menu is $95.00 a person. See menu below:

 

 

If you are interested in any of these great choices. I recommend booking a table as soon as possible. If you are unable to make it for Valentine’s supper, enjoy fantastic food anytime at any of these restaurants.

Contact your local REALTOR® if you want to move closer to any of these great places!

 

October 7, 2022

7 Fall Decorating Trends

 

 

Autumn is a beautiful time to slow down, reflect and wear a scarf. Your wardrobe is getting cozy, and your home is also a place to add warmth. It’s time to change your summer decor for bold, dark colours, rich woods and textured blankets. Refreshing your home for fall doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are a few inspirational trends to help you get started.

 

1. Fall Porchscapes

 

Porchscapes are forecasted to be the hottest trend of the season. The easiest way to bring the fall to your doorstep is with pots of mum flowers and a scattering of pumpkins. To elaborate on this trend, try a mixture of lanterns, wooden signs and twinkling lights. Other than adding a lot of curb appeal to your home with porch arrangements, it also is the time when people get together outdoors.

If you have an oversized porch, you can quickly add a table and chairs, invite guests, and have an instant setting to entertain.

 

2. Earthy, Nature-Inspired  Colours

 

Oranges, reds, and yellows come to mind when thinking about Autumn, but if these colours are too vibrant for you, there are a few other colours to consider. If neutrals appeal to you more, try decorating with browns and tans. For a more rich colour palette, explore navy, greens and chocolates. Using these colours will elevate your space and add a sense of luxury. While these tones aren’t classic fall colours, they are worth trying. 

 

If you still prefer the classic colours for Autumn, try one or two earth tones to mix things up. Experiment with pillows in navy or greens, or line your table with a bold runner to contrast with the orange and yellow decor. Try integrating metals like gold and bronze to add more flare to your space. 

 

3. Entertaining-Ready Spaces

 

Following almost three years of enduring a pandemic, people are looking forward to the holiday seasons again by preparing their homes for entertaining. Living rooms and dining rooms should be the primary focus for autumnal decorating. This season engages all five senses by experimenting with textures, like comfy blankets and pillows, candles or oil diffusers, visually pleasing decor like pumpkins and fun place settings. Get all things cozy this fall and winter!

 

4. Textural Fabrics

 

Try laying out some throws and textured pillows for the ultimate cozy vibes as it gets colder. Think chunky knit blankets and pillows in velvet materials or with tassels, and incorporate rich colours to welcome the fall season. Refreshing your sofa or bedding can be as easy as adding a layer of bold-coloured pillows and throwing on various textures.

 

5. Cozy Sanctuaries

 

In the past few years, most of us have been at home longer than usual and are seeking coziness over style—why not achieve both? Take the cooling of temperatures as a sign to create a comfortable place to rest after a long day. Outfit a chair or a window seat with a lush pillow and a textured throw, and add a few books next to it and a candle for the ultimate comfort.

 

6. Dark Kitchens

 

Dark kitchens are slowly returning in the last year or two, which is exciting. White kitchens have had their moment, but it’s time for a change. Autumn is a great time to renovate or experiment with bold colours in the kitchen. It’s time to update your kitchen with warm earth tones and deep jewel tones.

 

If you want a simple and inexpensive kitchen renovation, install a new dark tile backsplash in various colours or textures. Additionally, you could change out your faucets and lighting fixtures for bronze or gold tones to usher in those fall vibes.

 

7. Bold Patterns that Add Personality 

 

Bold patterns are a great way to add personality to any space. Start by adding patterns to smaller rooms such as mudrooms, bathrooms or even hallways to spark happiness. Adding a stunning texture wallpaper with bold colours and patterns is a surefire way to liven up any space. If hanging permanent wallpaper scares you, trying a vibrant paint colour will also do the trick. Add an accent rug to a hall or mudroom to bring coziness and a pop of colour.

 

Enjoy these autumnal ideas and decorating tips inside of your home this fall. It’s as easy as adding an earth-tone colour, various textures and a sprinkling of coziness.

Don’t forget to maintain the outside of your home and prepare it for fall.

Contact your local REALTOR® to find a fabulous home to decorate for fall.

September 16, 2022

How to Host Guests Stress-Free

 

Are you planning to host a group of people, and you feel the anxiety building up?

These helpful tips will guide you through everything you need to know about becoming the ultimate host.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Whether you are hosting a quaint get-together or an elaborate party, it is essential to remember that no one will notice minor mishaps along the way.

The trick to being a great host is having good energy and encouraging everyone to enjoy themselves. At the end of the day, people are there to have a good time, see you and eat some delicious food.

Simplify your Menu

You don’t need to cook a five-course meal to throw a great party. If you feel overwhelmed, try minimizing your menu to fewer and less complex items. Prepare a recipe that you have made a hundred times that always turns out fabulous; this will relieve the stresses of it turning out. 

If you are pressed for time, make the gathering a potluck and have everyone bring their favourite dish, or better yet, grab something from a local restaurant or catering company.

Ask for Help

Planning and prepping a large meal is no easy task. It is always better with friends and family to help make the meal. Whether in the form of a potluck or helping with simple tasks, like setting the table, lighting candles or tossing a salad, don’t be afraid to turn down help. Encourage your company to get involved and have fun while you’re at it.

Don’t Procrastinate

If you are a lot like me, you excel at procrastination. Stress makes everything come together within minutes—but I don’t recommend this.

Avoid leaving tasks and planning to the last minute. Try not to feel stressed when you are shopping for groceries. Go a few days before the big day and prep what you can ahead of time—frozen, ready-to-bake lasagna, anyone? Ensure you clean your home and clear out guests’ closets days before, so you aren’t scrambling to do it the same day. 

Set up DIY Drink Stations

Everyone has different tastes in food, and the same goes for drinks. A fun way to let your guests mingle is to set out a DIY drink station. Set out a variety of cut fruits, herbs and garnishes for mixing and matching. This will allow you to set out things ahead and save time once guests arrive. You can go all out with a full bar, drink dispensers, and even set out a drink mixing recipe book for those looking to get creative. Of course, set out a variety of tonic waters and non-alcoholic beverages as well!

Give Away Leftovers

Leftovers are bound to happen after a big meal, and the last thing you need in your fridge is half a cheesecake. Divide up the leftovers between guests to set them up for a nice lunch or supper the next day—keep some inexpensive plastic containers or takeaway boxes handy for these occasions. Not only is this a great way to free up your fridge space, but also to be generous.

 

Hopefully, with these helpful tips, you are ready to plan that next party with friends or a large family supper with ease. Remember to have confidence in yourself and project positive energy; everyone will feel at ease and enjoy themselves.

Contact your local REALTOR® to help you find a great home if you require a great entertainment space.