Archives for January 2020

WINNING SUPER BOWL RECIPES

January 31, 2020 by rteague Leave a Comment

Are you gearing up for your own Super Bowl celebration at home this Sunday? From killer chicken wings to over-the-top guac, dips and desserts, these top Super Bowl food picks will help you win the party on game day.

Mains: Not sure what mains to serve up at your Super Bowl Party? With a little bit of planning, these crowd-pleasing dishes will have your guests standing up and cheering in no time. Click on the below links to view each recipe.

Buffalo Chicken Wings: Did you know that chicken wings are the MVP of the Super Bowl? According to the National Chicken Council’s Annual Chicken Wing Report, Americans are expected to eat a record-breaking 1.4 billion wings this year…that’s 27 million more wings than at last year’s game. So it’s fitting to have a killer wing recipe this year. Try out these easy yet delicious Buffalo Wings.

Ribs: These saucy, fall-off-the-bone ribs are fit for a Super Bowl feast!

Chili: Need a halftime pick-me-up? This award-winning chili is just what you need! Serve with a homemade cornbread for the ultimate pairing.

Mac & Cheese Bites: With endless food options, plates can quickly pile up at Super Bowl parties. These bite sized Mac & Cheese bites allow your guests to enjoy all the tastings with enough room for dessert.

Mini Meatball Subs: Meatball subs are another Super Bowl favorite. Enjoy them on a smaller scale here.

Tater Tot Nachos: This fun app is a mixture between classic nachos and loaded potato skins…AKA everything you need to enjoy Super Bowl Sunday.

“Pigskins” in a Blanket: “Pigskins” are your traditional pigs in a blanket but with a game day twist! Click here to view the recipe.

Football Pepperoni Pizza: This football pepperoni pizza is a fun idea for people of all ages to enjoy!

Beer & Cheese Pretzel Bites: Beer and cheese pretzel bites anyone? Get your hands on them here.

Pass The Dip: Get your chips ready because Sunday is chip-dipping day! See what delicious dips made the cut below.

Guacamole: Pass the guac? California-based Has Avocado Board predicts that 153 million pounds of avocados will be eaten this Super Bowl Sunday. Here’s one of our favorite guac recipes.

Buffalo Chicken Dip: Fun Fact: According to a new report from Google, Buffalo Chicken Dip is the most searched game day recipe since 2004. Wow guests with this recipe.

Slow Cooker Queso: In queso you’re wondering what other dips to serve at your party, we’re just going to throw this recipe your way…

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: This cheesy warm dip will have guests replaying their last bite.

Super Bowl Party Veggie Tray: With all of the heavy foods available on Super Bowl Sunday, it’s a good idea to stock up on some fresh veggies with some ranch dip. Click here for some inspiration.

Final Food Touch Down:

Peanut Butter Football Cookies: These peanut butter and chocolate football cookies will be a hit at your party.

Touchdown Brownies: Rich, chocolate brownies in the shape of a football? It’s a win-win! Get the recipe here.

Stuffed Super Bowl Cupcakes: Add an element of surprise with these stuffed super bowl cupcakes! Add opposing team colors as the filling.

Ready…Set…Break (for Drinks): You may already be stocked up on beer and cocktail essentials but I have a few fun Super Bowl-inspired drinks that you may want to try out as well.

Touchdown Punch: Your team scored and it’s time to celebrate! Click here for this winning drink recipe.

Dilly Dilly Drink: Get the party started and raise your glass with this Dilly Dilly drink!

The Michelada: This beer cocktail is sure to be a huge hit. Get the recipe here.

Sparkling Strawberry Punch (Non-Alcoholic): Trying to keep the dry January train moving into February? This sparkling strawberry punch should help you stay on track!

Do you have any favorite Super Bowl snacks or recipes of your own? Let me know in the comments section below!

Celebrate National Pie Day in Sacramento!

January 23, 2020 by rteague Leave a Comment

Need an excuse to indulge? Then you’re in luck because today is National Pie Day! In honor of this delicious holiday, I scoured the area to find the top four places in town to grab a slice…or whole pie

Real Pie Company: As its name suggests, this artisan bakery is known for its yummy pies, which are created with handmade, all-butter crusts and fresh, seasonal fruit and nuts. If you’re craving something sweet, try their Jumbleberry Pie (marionberries, cherries, wild blueberries & raspberries). If you’re opting for savory, try their homemade chicken pot pie. They also offer pie milkshakes… Need I say more? Click here to view their full menu.

I Love Pie: I Love Pie is another great pie shop to check out in Carmichael! Yelpers call their first pie-eating experience here “love at first bite!”. The shop is charming and welcoming and its pies are even more impressive! Dig into their apple pie (one of their more popular flavors) for an unforgettable experience.

Ricks Dessert Diner: This retro diner is known for serving up some delicious desserts! After all, they’ve been voted “Best of Sacramento for Dessert” every year since 1986. Some of their most popular pies include their old fashioned apple pie and chocolate peanut butter pie. Click here to see their expansive pie menu.

Freeport Bakery: Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and Freeport Bakery has got you covered with their delicious Hand Pies, which consist of a flakey pie pastry filled with your choice of apple, cherry or berry filling. A thin layer of marzipan makes these exclusive Freeport Bakery specials.

Do you have a favorite pie shop in Sacramento? Let me know in the comments section below!

10 Ways To Upgrade Your Home’s Style…Without Breaking The Bank

January 22, 2020 by rteague Leave a Comment

So you’ve got a new house – congratulations! There’s just one problem…It’s not quite your style. But with all the money you just dropped on closing and moving and new furniture, you don’t have a lot of cash to spruce it up.

Or, maybe you’re just about to sell your house and you wish you could spruce it up a bit before putting it on the market, but you don’t want to spend a ton. Basically, you need a lot of look for not a lot of dough, right?Don’t worry! These quick and usually DIY upgrades will make your home look and feel like a million bucks (for just a small chunk of change).

You can upgrade your home’s style with these easy projects.

1. Remove The 90’s Ducks

Maybe your home doesn’t have literal country blue ducks all over the kitchen, but if you have an older home, chances are good there’s some equally cheesy decor hanging around. Just removing the wallpaper or covering up the hokey paint — will make your home look and feel much fresher.

2. Get Rid of Grime

Take a close look at the surfaces that often get ignored. Places like the base molding and window sills often have a layer of grime that needs to be removed or even repainted. Get your elbow grease on and try a Magic Eraser on these surfaces. If that doesn’t work, fresh caulk and a new coat of bright white paint will go a long way to help make your place look bright and clean again.

3. Paint!

A new coat of a light, neutral paint will make any room look and feel invigorated. Not sure what to choose? Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige works just about anywhere if you like neutrals. Not into beige? That’s ok. Agreeable Gray is a great cooler neutral, and Alabaster is the perfect white but not TOO white.

4. Highlight One Wall

If you’re already working with a neutral palette, you can add in some personality and pizazz. Add an accent wall in a fun spot like your breakfast nook or powder bath. You can use wall stickers or removable wallpaper for a low commitment look, or go simple and slap on the paint. Just this one simple addition will make you smile whenever you walk in the room.

5. Add Art

Adding art to your home is a great way to add style. But not just any art…Add some large scale art that you LOVE.

What does large scale mean? Well, think of the biggest piece you have, and then find something bigger. If you LOVE it, it belongs on the wall, and a big piece will set the tone for an entire room. This doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either. You can get great pieces at Living Spaces or IKEA for around $100.

Want to spend a little more? Scroll around Instagram. You can find fantastic original art there AND you’ll be supporting small business owners. Win / Win.

6. Show The Ones You Love

When you’re moving into a new place, it can be a little unsettling. Nothing will bring a sense of home like the faces of your loved ones. You can add professional portraits if you like, or you can share your happy memories of more candid moments in a big ol’ grid like the one below. Again, this doesn’t have to break the bank. Mixtiles will ship you ready to hang photos for $12 apiece (sometimes even less)! Best of all, these babies don’t damage your walls, and they can be moved again and again.

7. Change Out The Faucets

Now that we’ve fully addressed the walls, let’s turn our attention to other areas. Those “crystal” faucets? They’ve got to go. Luckily, replacing them is a pretty easy project AND you can get some much better looking alternatives at your local Home Depot. This super simple faucet is a huge upgrade… and it’s less than fifty bucks! Watch a couple of YouTube videos, break out the wrenches, and kiss those acrylic cheapies goodbye.

8. Swap Out Light Fixtures

Now we’re getting a little more technical. if you don’t have a ton of knowledge in this area, you might want to bring in a pro. Don’t worry, though. You can find an electrician who will give you a reasonable rate for this task, and if you’ve got a couple lights to replace, they can help you with all of them at once. No matter who does the installation, you can find great looking lights to replace the brass builder basics. This alone will make a huge transformation in your space!

9. Change Your Light Switches, Too.

While you’ve got the electrician there… (or if you’ve decided you can DIY), change out your switches and outlet covers. There are so many options nowadays; there’s no reason to have yellowed, cracked switches. Also, the sky’s the limit on this. You can stick with simple new plates or you can add dimmer switches or switches with smart features.

10. Bring The Outdoors IN!

Adding plants brings a vibrant, happy energy to any room, and they can be super cheap, too. So, head on down to your local nursery and stock up on succulents and shade lovers.

There you have it — some great ways to spruce up a house that won’t cost you a fortune. Which one will you try first? Fair warning: Once you get started, it’s kind of addictive.

Happy National Bagel Day!

January 15, 2020 by rteague Leave a Comment

If devoting a whole day to the love of bagels sounds like a dream come true, then you’ll be happy to know that today is National Bagel Day! Whether you enjoy a simple yet delicious bagel with cream cheese or one with all the toppings, Sacramento has some great bagel spots in town.

Noah’s Bagels: This popular bagel chain is actually offering FREE bagels today until closing. Click here to find a location near you and grab a free bagel before they close!
Main Street Bagel Cafe: Located at 1580 W. El Camino Avenue in South Natomas, Main Street Bagel Cafe is one of the highest-rated bagel spots in Sacramento, boasting four stars out of 152 reviews on Yelp. They have a fantastic selection of homemade bagels and homemade cream cheese spreads. They also have some great bagel sandwiches such as their garlic and jalapeño bagel eggwich. Click here for more information.
Bagel Time: Bagel Time, which is located at 1607 10th Street is another great place to grab a fresh bagel and coffee on the go. This bagel spot is known for its delicious homemade bagels smothered in pecan-pineapple cream cheese. Visitors also rave about their lox and cream cheese bagels.

Do you have a favorite bagel spot in your part of town? Let me know in the comments section below!

8 Biggest Home Decor Trends For The 2020s

January 13, 2020 by rteague Leave a Comment

Whether you’re decorating your current home or looking for a new one, you’re probably wondering… what’s in style these days? Which ideas are just a flash in the pan, and what trends will stick around for awhile? After all, no one wants to change up their house just to find out that what they’ve picked is dated a year later.

Although no one has a crystal ball, the following home decor trends seem the most likely to happen based on the collective buzz in the home decor world.

1. Eclectic Design

As more and more people become conservation-minded, we’ll see less waste and fewer cookie-cutter catalog rooms. Instead, people will give old belongings and even hand-me-down collectibles new life by pairing them with a few new pieces.

2. Having Fun In The Bathroom

People always want to splurge a little, and the bathroom is a great place to do that. Since these rooms are small, you can dress them up on the cheap — a small amount of wallpaper or a splash of pricey tile goes a long way in a small space. You spend so much of your time in the bathroom every morning… why not enjoy it?

3. Greenery (The Real Stuff)

Faux plants are out (big time!), but their real counterparts are more hip than ever. Fill your home with plants to get a vibrant, lush feeling. This change won’t even cost you very much green.

4. Colorful Kitchens

This trend started to pick up momentum in the late 2010s, but we’re seeing more and more of it in the interiors mags, so in all likelihood, it’s here to stay. If you really love a color, then why not commit to it? Blue, green, or even red cabinets will make you smile every time you see them.

5. Everything Old Is New Again

From rustic tables to antique art, pieces that are aged (or at least look aged) will be big throughout the 2020s. Need to add something old-but-new to your home? Hit up your local antique shops and flea markets; the finding will be half the fun.

6. Mix It Up

Metals, textures, patterns… it’s all good. In the 2020s, you CAN mix metal finishes, you CAN layer pattern on pattern, and you CAN have multiple textures going on. Rather than a perfect-but-plain interior, this creates a luxurious but lived-in look, and that’s a good thing. Just remember: mix and match tastefully or it quickly becomes too much of a good thing.

7. Be One With Nature

From real wood details to textured stones, from water features to corals and crystals, natural accents are everything for the 2020s. No more plasticky, glossy, impersonal hotel-type looks! Instead, we want our homes to look like we’ve brought the outdoors in.

8. Live Large

One final trend is to go big with your art. Whether you pick huge pieces of wall art or large-scale wallpaper, bigger really is better these days… and this will continue into the foreseeable future.

So there you have it – some very liveable trends for your home in the 2020s. Which ones will you try, and which ones do you think you’ll skip?

See What Sacramento Has in Store for January…

January 7, 2020 by rteague Leave a Comment

The holidays have come and gone but Sacramento still has lots in store for residents and visitors alike. That’s why I have put together a list of local events, activities, weekend getaways and more to help you kick off the New Year!

Click on the below links for a round-up of local events and activities happening in and around the city!

Events and Happenings:

2019 Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink (Now through January 20)
Sacramento Kings Game Schedule
Dine Downtown 2020 (January 10-20)
Second Saturdays for KIDS @ DOCO (January 11)
Sacramento Antique Faire (January 12)
Crafting Kindness @ Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink (January 12)
Harlem Globetrotters @ Golden 1 (January 12)
Monster Jam @ Golden 1 (January 17-19)
National Geographic Live @ Harris Center (January 17)
Cirque Du Soleil’s AMALUNA @ Raley Field (January 22)
Sacramento Chocolate Salon 2020 (January 26)
Twilight Dinner Cruise Above the River City Queen (Select weekends in January)

Can’t seem to shake the post-holiday blues? One of the things that makes Sacramento so special is its central location – it’s just a short drive to the coast and Tahoe! So if you’re not ready to face reality quite yet, consider taking a quick trip to one of the below destinations!

Epic Weekend Trips and Deals:

Lake Tahoe: Skiers and snowboarders rejoice! It’s officially Winter—which means it’s time to start hitting the slopes. Lake Tahoe is the perfect winter wonderland this time of year and is also home to fantastic restaurants, shopping, and cozy lodges and hotels. Are you a fan of South Tahoe? Take a look at some of the local events taking place this month by clicking here. North Tahoe also has a helpful guide for hitting the slopes, stores and more. Check out their guide here.
Napa Valley: Looking to spend winter in the wineries? This season is a great opportunity to enjoy Napa Valley and all of its offerings without the large crowds. Calistoga is ushering in Cabernet season with its “Winter in the Wineries” passport, which offers fantastic savings! Take a scenic bike ride tour and soak in breathtaking landscapes, soar above the clouds in a hot air balloon, enjoy a culinary experience at one of their many award-winning restaurants or visit one of their 400+ wineries. Click here for a list of weekend events and here for lodging accommodations.
Half Moon Bay: Venture over to Half Moon Bay and enjoy over 300 miles of breathtaking coastal views and sandy beaches. Take a scenic hike or bike ride and enjoy dramatic views of ocean bluffs. Plan a beach day picnic at one of their many beautiful beach destinations. Savor delicious food and equally wonderful sights at one of their fine and casual dining spots. Thinking of planning a weekend trip? From romantic inns and luxurious coastal resorts to budget-friendly hotels and bed and breakfast inns, Half Moon Bay’s wide variety of lodging offers a perfect fit for everyone. Click here to plan your stay.

According to CNBC, “The severe shortage of homes for sale is upending the sales calendar for the whole housing market. Spring has historically been the busiest buying season, but as competition for homes heats up across the country, January is the new April. Spring starts now.” Click here to see why now is an ideal time to dive into the real estate market!