Book a Twin Cities FAVORITE for Valentines Day!
Travail Kitchen and Amusements:
Cuisine: Chef choice
Location: 4134 Hubbard Ave N, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
https://www.travailkitchen.com/
Young Joni:
Cuisine: Wood-fired pizza, inventive small plates.
Location: 165 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
https://www.youngjoni.com/
Spoon and Stable:
Cuisine: Modern American.
Location: 211 N 1st St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
https://www.spoonandstable.com/
Manny's Steakhouse:
Cuisine: Steakhouse, American.
Location: 825 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402
https://mannyssteakhouse.com/
Pizzeria Lola:
Cuisine: Pizza, with a variety of creative toppings.
Location: 5557 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
https://www.pizzerialola.com/
Revival:
Cuisine: Southern, Comfort Food.
Location: 4257 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55409
https://www.revivalrestaurants.com/
Borough:
Cuisine: New American.
Location: 730 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
https://www.boroughmpls.com/
Tilia:
Cuisine: American, with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients.
Location: 2726 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
https://www.tiliampls.com/
Alma:
Cuisine: Contemporary American, Scandinavian influences.
Location: 528 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
https://www.almampls.com/
Grand Café:
Cuisine: French-inspired, Modern American.
Location: 3804 Grand Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55409
https://www.opentable.com/r/grand-cafe-minneapolis
Creative Ideas for Utilizing an Extra Room + Maximizing Your Space
Unlocking Potential: Creative Ideas for Utilizing an Extra Room and Maximizing Your Space
Have you ever found yourself staring at an extra room in your home, wondering how to make the most of that untapped space? Whether it's a spare bedroom, a small nook, or a bonus room, there are endless possibilities to transform it into a functional and stylish area. In this blog, we'll explore creative ideas to help you unlock the potential of that extra room and maximize every square foot of your living space.
Home Office Haven:
With the rise of remote work, transforming your spare room into a home office is a practical and popular choice. Invest in a comfortable desk, ergonomic chair, and ample storage to create a productive and organized workspace. Consider adding personal touches such as inspirational artwork or plants to enhance the atmosphere.
Fitness Retreat:
Turn that extra room into a fitness haven to promote a healthy lifestyle. Install mirrors to create the illusion of space, invest in compact exercise equipment, and lay down some gym flooring. This dedicated fitness space will make it easier to stick to your exercise routine without leaving the comfort of your home.
Crafting Corner:
If you're a DIY enthusiast or enjoy various crafts, transform the room into a crafting haven. Install shelves for organizing supplies, set up a spacious work table, and ensure good lighting. This room can become your creative escape, whether you enjoy sewing, painting, or other artistic pursuits.
Library Lounge:
For bookworms and literature lovers, consider turning the extra room into a cozy reading nook or a home library. Install built-in bookshelves, add comfortable seating, and include soft lighting for a warm and inviting atmosphere. This is the perfect retreat for those seeking solace in the pages of a good book.
Guest Bedroom Glam:
If you frequently host guests, transform the extra room into a stylish guest bedroom. Opt for a versatile and comfortable sofa bed or a murphy bed to save space. Use neutral colors and tasteful decor to create a welcoming ambiance for your visitors.
Mini Home Theater:
Create a cinematic experience by transforming the room into a mini home theater. Invest in a quality sound system, a large-screen TV or projector, and comfortable seating. Decorate with movie posters and dimmable lights to set the mood for a perfect movie night in the comfort of your own home.
Art Studio Sanctuary:
For those with a passion for art, transform the room into an art studio. Set up easels, organize art supplies, and let your creativity flow in a dedicated space. The freedom to create without worrying about making a mess in the main living areas can be incredibly liberating.
Maximizing the potential of an extra room in your home is all about envisioning the possibilities and tailoring the space to fit your lifestyle. Whether it's a functional home office, a fitness retreat, or a cozy reading nook, the key is to create a space that adds value to your daily life. Get creative, personalize the space, and turn that extra room into an integral part of your home that reflects your personality and meets your needs.
it’s more than cookies…
As the holiday season approaches, the air becomes infused with the warm and comforting scent of freshly baked Christmas cookies. For many, this time of year is a celebration of cherished traditions and the joy of spending time with loved ones. One memory that holds a special place in my heart is the annual ritual of baking Christmas cookies in the kitchen with a late relative. The laughter, the aroma of sweet treats, and the shared moments of creativity have become a timeless source of comfort and nostalgia.
The Kitchen as a Haven:
The heart of our holiday festivities was undoubtedly the kitchen. It wasn't just a room; it was a haven of warmth and togetherness. As the snow fell outside, the kitchen became a place where memories were not only made but also preserved in the delightful aroma of baking cookies.
Choosing the Perfect Recipe:
Each year, we would carefully select the perfect Christmas cookie recipe, one that embodied the spirit of the season. Whether it was classic sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or intricately decorated snowflakes, the process of choosing the recipe was an adventure in itself. As we flipped through cherished cookbooks and handwritten recipe cards, we shared stories and anecdotes, adding a sprinkle of nostalgia to the mix.
Ingredients of Love:
Baking Christmas cookies was more than just following a set of instructions; it was an art form passed down through generations. The kitchen transformed into a canvas, and the ingredients became the colors of our shared masterpiece. Flour covered the countertops, sugar sparkled like fresh snow, and the scent of vanilla extract wafted through the air.
Laughter and Traditions:
The magic truly unfolded as we began mixing, rolling, and cutting out festive shapes. Laughter echoed through the kitchen as we playfully argued about the perfect thickness of the dough or who could create the most intricate designs. These moments of shared joy created a tapestry of traditions that still warm my heart during the holiday season.
The Decorating Ritual:
Once the cookies emerged from the oven, the real fun began—decorating! Bowls of colorful icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter adorned the kitchen table. With each cookie, we poured a little bit of our creativity and a whole lot of love. The kitchen became a festive workshop where memories were shaped with every stroke of the icing bag.
A Bittersweet Legacy:
While the joy of baking Christmas cookies remains, the absence of my late relative is felt keenly during these moments. However, I've come to realize that our time spent together in the kitchen has left behind a bittersweet but enduring legacy. The recipes, the laughter, and the shared traditions have become a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds that transcend time and space.
Baking Christmas cookies is not just a culinary endeavor; it is a journey into the heart of cherished memories. As the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, I am transported back to those kitchen moments, surrounded by love, laughter, and the enduring spirit of the holiday season. Though my loved one may be physically absent, the kitchen remains a sacred space where their presence is felt in every sprinkle, every decoration, and every sweet bite. This holiday season, I invite you to create your own memories, savoring the magic of baking and the timeless joy of togetherness.
Christmas Mix
Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Spritz Cookies
Karissa's Swedish Favorites
D E C E M B E R
E M B R A C I N G
the winter wonderland
Benefits of moving during the winter
As the brisk winds sweep across the vast landscapes of Minnesota, December brings with it a magical transformation. The Land of 10,000 Lakes is blanketed in snow, turning it into a winter wonderland that sets the stage for festive decorations and heartwarming activities. Minnesotans make the most of this chilly month, from decking the halls to embracing the great outdoors.
While moving during the winter months may present certain challenges, there are also several potential benefits, especially when it comes to purchasing real estate. Here are some advantages of buying property and moving during the winter:
Potential Cost Savings: In some cases, you may find better deals on real estate during the winter months. There could be less competition among buyers, leading sellers to be more motivated to negotiate on price. Additionally, moving companies and services might have lower demand during the winter, potentially resulting in lower costs.
Less Competition: The real estate market tends to be less crowded in the winter, as many people prefer to buy and sell homes during the more temperate seasons. With fewer buyers in the market, you may have a better chance of securing your desired property without facing bidding wars.
Motivated Sellers: Sellers listing their homes in the winter may be motivated by specific factors, such as a job relocation or financial considerations. This motivation can work to your advantage during negotiations, potentially leading to more favorable terms.
Faster Closings: Real estate transactions may move more quickly during the winter months. With fewer transactions occurring, mortgage lenders, real estate agents, and other professionals involved in the process may have more availability, potentially expediting the closing process.
Accurate Property Assessment: Winter conditions can provide a more accurate picture of a property's resilience to the elements. For example, you can better assess the effectiveness of insulation, the condition of the heating system, and how well the home handles snow and ice.
Availability of Professionals: Real estate professionals, such as agents and inspectors, may have more time and flexibility during the winter, allowing for more personalized attention to your needs. This can result in a smoother and more thorough home-buying experience.
Potential Tax Advantages: Depending on your individual circumstances and local tax laws, purchasing a home in the winter may offer tax advantages. Consult with a tax professional to understand any potential benefits related to your specific situation.
Preparation for Future Seasons: Moving during the winter allows you to experience the property in adverse weather conditions. This firsthand experience can be valuable, helping you identify any potential issues that may arise during the colder months and allowing you to make informed decisions about necessary home improvements.
Availability of Moving Services: Moving companies may have more availability in the winter, making it easier to secure your preferred dates for the move. Additionally, some moving companies offer discounts during off-peak seasons.
Settling In Before Spring: By moving during the winter, you have the opportunity to settle into your new home and community before the busier spring and summer months. This can give you a head start on establishing routines, getting to know your neighbors, and enjoying your new surroundings.
While there are advantages to purchasing real estate and moving during the winter, it's important to consider your personal preferences, tolerance for winter weather, and the specific conditions of the local real estate market. Planning and preparation are key to ensuring a successful and smooth winter move.