Tag Archives: twincities

Tips for Choosing the Right House Color

Choosing a new house color can be quite tricky. It takes some thinking and observation.  We’ve gathered some pointers that can hopefully help along the way to choosing the perfect color for your dream house.

1. Accentuate

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Photo by: Andersen Windows / Flickr: Creative Commons

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Photo by: Andersen Windows / Flickr: Creative Commons

That’s right. Accentuate architectural details like window trim in a contrasting color, which in return will add character and charm. It’s always a good idea to emphasize your entryway.

2. Trends

Unlike fashion or sporty car models, color houses seem to stay in style for years. For that reason, what you choose today most likely will still be trending the following day, or even year. Take a walk around your neighborhood, or other neighborhoods that have caught your eye and observe the colors other use. You might get new color ideas, and find they work perfect for your house.

3. Dark vs. Light

Photo by: John / Flickr: Creative Commons

Photo by: John / Flickr: Creative Commons

Consider that darker lights in the lower portion of a house can suggest permanence and stability. Lighter colors make a house appear larger in size and more inviting. Know what you want your house to portray and go from there. It is after all, a reflection of you.

4. Don’t accentuate the wrong things

If you have air conditioning units or gutters, you might want to work them into the house. Don’t work around them, make them work for you. Don’t accentuate them in anyway, just the opposite , try to drive the eye to the better assets your house has. Again, emphasizing on the entryway is always a must.

5. Don’t ignore the neighbors.

Photo by: Daniel R. Blume / Flickr: Creative Commons

Photo by: Daniel R. Blume / Flickr: Creative Commons

Be creative. If you’re one to always stand out, do so. However, when choosing a color don’t choose one that will clash with your neighbor’s. When you take a stroll around the neighborhood, look at the other colors the neighbors use and try to find that median, where you find a color you’ll be happy with, yet also mesh well with the neighborhood’s colors.

6. Don’t ignore the landscaping

Take into account everything that’s around your house. The color you choose might help bring out those beautiful flowers you work so hard to grow. Compare and contrast earth tones if you have a lot of greens growing around you.

7. Do not wing it

Photo by: Erik Söderström / Flickr: Creative Commons

Photo by: Erik Söderström / Flickr: Creative Commons

This is something that not only you’ll have to live with everyday but, also other people. Plan it out at the best of your abilities, and don’t be scared to paint a small portion of the house with the colors you’re considering. At the end, you’ll be sure you got the right one.

 

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Photo by: Loren Kerns / Flickr: Creative Commons

 

Well dear readers, this is where we end our post. Do let us know if any of these tips helped you out at all. Feel free to comment below the steps you took before choosing your house color, and why you decided on that color? We’d love to know!

 

Find the original article here. 

Top 5 Phone Apps for Realtors

Technology is a great resource for any professional today. For realtors, who are always on the go, what phone apps serve them best to make their jobs that much easier? Well, we’ve gathered 5 apps we suggest every realtor should have on their phones/tablets. Let us know if there is one you use the most:

1. Pro HDR

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View in iTunes store here

This app will allow you to take pictures of your properties, modify the lighting or little edits you can add to enhance the picture and make it a higher definition one.

2.  Storehouse

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View in iTunes store here

Imagine talking to a prospect buyer and pulling out a video and pictures with the virtual tour of a house right from your phone or tablet. This will make you look even more professional, but also one that’s eager and ready to get things done. Your clients will surely appreciate it.

3. Genius Scan

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View in iTunes store here.

 

Realtors, and agents are never in one single place. Odds are sometimes you might have to run back to the office to scan a document and end up losing time and gas. This app can scan your documents and turn them into a PDF or JPEG doc. Take a picture, and send it over through email as either format with no problem and no need to run to anywhere.

4. Waze

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View in iTunes store here.

 

Ever been stuck in traffic in a unfamiliar part of the city wishing you could know of a shortcut? Well, we’ve got one for you! Well, iTunes and Google has one, but we’re telling you this one is will make your life so much easier. This app will tell you the traffic updates  or road closures close to your location. Sounds like a perfect app for someone who’s always on the go!

5. Dashlane

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View in iTunes store here.

Realtors can have over 10 social media platforms. With all the names, addresses, information realtors receive in one day chances are you might forget passwords often. This app will solve that problem alone. Not only does it save your login information, but also receipts, payment methods, credit card information. Perfect app for a busy professional such as a realtor or agent.

 

Gym vs. Home chores: Which one burns more calories?

Do you ever feel guilty for staying home and cleaning your house instead of going for a jog, hitting the gym, or missing your yoga class? Well, fear not dear reader we have good news! You might burn more calories staying home and doing chores than lifting weights! Don’t believe us? No worries, take a look at this infographic and tell us if you were surprised as much as we were.

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Source: Yourgreenpal.com

Different Thanksgiving Traditions Around the U.S.

1. The Turkey Trot

It’s possible that most of us will be in a food coma after Thanksgiving dinner. Yet, there will be a few ambitious people out there who will want to enjoy a good run before the evening festivities even begin. Lucky for you the Turkey Trot is held nationwide. You have two options to either run the 5K, or if you’re feeling extra sporty you can choose to run the 10K. If you live in the Twin Cities and you’d like to burn those extra calories for the night’s upcoming feasts, then sign up here for Minneapolis or here for St. Paul!

2. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 

Now in its 88th year, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has become one of the most televised and most anticipated events of the holiday season. Held in New York City and attended by more than 3 million people, it is certainly one of the most popular events of the year. Worry not reader, if you can’t make it and join the other 3.5 million people in the Big Apple, there will be over 50 million tuning in to watch the parade on TV alone!

3. Plimoth Plantation (Plymouth, Massachusetts)

Serving as fun way to learn about history, the Plimoth Plantation offers various options from workshops for kids and adults alike to showcase what the 17th century celebrations might have resembled. We think a nice trip down memory lane would be an exciting new Thanksgiving tradition!

4. 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade

Parades are huge during Thanksgiving, both literally and figuratively! The 6abc- Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade is the oldest parade in the U.S., and has been widely known to have Disney stars performing in it. Can’t wait to see who’s performing this year!

5. Jamestown Settlement, Virginia 

If you’re all about history, you’ll love this place! The Jamestown Settlement has historical reenactments and shows, but also takes time to highlight the importance of the military’s involvement through U.S. history. Not to mention they have exact replicas of the settler’s ships – pretty cool!

6. Volunteering

This is of course a nationwide occurrence. Many philanthropists and do-gooders around the nation celebrate Turkey Day by either donating or volunteering to charities and special causes. If you’re one of them, then we have one more thing to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!

7. Blessing of The Hounds  (Aiken, South Carolina)

Aiken’s century long tradition is filled with history – the annual event dates back to almost the 8th century! This tradition gathers hundreds of foxhounds and huntsmen that are all blessed under one priest. It’s definitely different than any tradition we’re familiar with – let us know what you think!

8. Wine County Thanksgiving  (Willamette Valley, Oregon)

Are you all about that wine? Then you should definitely take a trip to Oregon! This vineyard opens its doors to families and friends, all gathered to celebrate the completion of another harvest!

9. Uptown Holiday Lighting  (Houston, Texas)

Are you a fan of pretty, twinkling lights? Then this is the place for you! This ceremony combines all the Christmas and Thanksgiving sprit in one big event. Fireworks, live music, and an exclusive Santa appearance makes this a great new potential Thanksgiving tradition!

10. The Hollywood Christmas Parade 

Want to be starstruck? Then you have to come to this event! This parade takes place the Sunday after Thanksgiving. So after all your Black Friday shopping is done, take a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard in your new outfit and you might get to see some of your favorite singers!

What are your favorite Thanksgiving traditions? We’d be thankful if you share them with us in the comments! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

Robbinsdale

Located just 15 minutes outside of Minneapolis, Robbinsdale has a small town feel with the convenience of a big city. Nestled in the northwest corner of Hennepin County, this city offers a variety of single-family homes, plenty of green space and two area lakes. While the city may be small, the spirit of this community is evident to anyone who passes through.

As you stroll along the downtown sidewalks, the height of the buildings allows you to peer inside shop windows while the street is just narrow enough for you to say hello to the person passing by on the other side. Overall, the close layout reinforces the tight-knit vibe of this community.

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Speaking of a small town vibe, the city is able to maintain its charm by being selective about which businesses they allow downtown. For instance, Hackenmueller Meats is an old-time meat market that has served the residents of Robbinsdale with choice cut meats for more than 120 years. Known for their specialty sausages, this hometown business has built a reputation as one of the premier butcher shops in the metro area.

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Likewise, the mural found in Robbinsdale Plaza adds a splash of color to this historic downtown. However, the city has plans to update this mural with a design by local artist, Shawn McCann, at the beginning of September.

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Hungry? Well, you won’t find any chain restaurants in this historic district. Luckily, Robbinsdale offers a variety of unique restaurants including Pig Ate My Pizza, a pig-themed pizza pie shop and Nonna Rosa’s, a classic Italian restaurant with some famous fans (we ran into the mayor of Robbinsdale, Regan Murphy, enjoying a late lunch). However, if you are seeking a more upscale experience you may want to give Travail a whirl. While the menu is written on a simple chalkboard, the culinary experience to be had is quite the opposite. At the restaurant, which was recently named one of Bon Appetit’s nominees for America’s Best New Restaurant, you can embark on a culinary adventure while sampling a ten-course tasting menu. Though Travail may be on the pricier side, they do offer date nights on Wednesdays and Thursdays with the tasting menu at a reduced price.

The citizens here are so passionate about their local fare that they even started “The Birdtown Club.” On the first Friday of each month, residents meet at one of Robbinsdale’s bars or restaurants as a way to connect and reinforce their love for the city.  

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If you are in search of something more leisurely, you should check out one of the 14 parks in the city, including Lakeview Terrace Park. This sunny park adjacent to Crystal Lake lends itself to a variety of recreational activities with its baseball diamond, tennis courts, playground, numerous walking paths and opportunities for boating and swimming.

Additionally, the schools in Robbinsdale are known to be both dynamic and diverse. Both Robbinsdale Armstrong and Robbinsdale Cooper high schools repeatedly earn national acclaim for academic excellence. They offer one of the largest AP programs in the state, in addition to boasting a state and nationally recognized orchestra program.

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If an unexpected accident happens, look no further than North Memorial Medical Center. Featuring a Level I Trauma Center as well as cancer treatment, heart and stroke care, orthopedics, and women and children’s services, you are sure to be in good hands. Accordingly, they have won numerous awards including the Patient Safety Excellence Award for five consecutive years. Moreover, North Memorial Medical Center was the only hospital in Minnesota to receive Healthgrades’ recognition as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals in 2014.  

For those looking to become a part of the community, the housing market in Robbinsdale offers a variety of options. From charming historic homes, town homes and newer two-story homes, this town suits a wide variety of styles and budgets. Even more, it is evident that Robbinsdale is a place were many choose to plant their roots as 72% of the 14,000 who live there are homeowners. Overall, Robbinsdale is a city that prides itself on their high quality of life and works hard to promote relationships among its residents that last a lifetime. If you are looking for small town charm with big city convenience, Robbinsdale is the place for you.

Neighborhood Resources

NEIGHBORHOOD Schools

Faith Communities
Lakeview Elementary School Elim Lutheran Church
Robbinsdale Middle School Faith Evangelical Free Church
Sacred Heart Elementary School (Private) Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran Church
Spanish Immersion School (K-5) Olivet United Methodist Church
Peace Lutheran Church
Pentecost Church
Redeemer Luthern Church
Robbinsdale United Church of Christ
Sacred Heart Catholic Church

 

Public Parks

Local Restaurants
Grazier Park Athen’s Cafe
Hollingsworth Park Birdtown Cafe
Humphrey Park Canton Garden Restaurant
Kelly Park Eagles Nest
Lakeland Office Park First Crack Cafe
Lakeview Terrace Park Lodge of Robbinsdale
Lee Park Mai Thai Restaurant
Lions Park Nonna Rosa’s
Manor Park Pig Ate My Pizza
Mielke Park St. Petersburg Restaurant
Parkview Park Travail Kitchen and Amusements
Robbinsdale Park Wuollet Bakery
Sanborn Park
Sochacki Park
Sunset Park
Triangle Park

Unique Eats at the Minnesota State Fair

Find the original article here: 8 wacky foods you can eat at the Minnesota State Fair – Travel – TODAY.com.

It’s finally here! Every Minnesotan’s favorite summer activity – aka the Minnesota State Fair – is beginning this week and it lasts all the way through Labor Day. This year, along with some majorly cool concerts and classic carnival rides, there is some CUH-RAZY cuisine that all fairgoers (veterans and newcomers alike) must try. Does chocolate dessert salami sound a little out of your comfort zone? Not to worry. For you less gutsy gastronomes, there are novel dishes that are guaranteed to please, including a bacon-wrapped turkey leg and beer gelato. Now that we know we’ve got your mouth watering, finish reading about more of the fair’s new fare here.

Once you’ve wiped the drool off your keyboard (it’s okay, we understand), let us know: what new dishes are you looking forward to trying at the State Fair this year? What are your favorite standbys? Give us “the dish” in the comments!

Best Ice Cream in the Twin Cities

 

I Scream. You Scream. We all Scream for Ice Cream. Luckily, we don’t have to actually scream to be able to enjoy ice cream because the Twin Cities offers a plethora of options when it come to finding the perfect frozen treat.

Sebastian Joe’s is a family owned ice cream shop that began in 1984. They pride themselves in the fact that they use all natural ingredients to produce the highest quality ice cream available. Because their ice cream is made in small batches, the flavors rotate daily. However, the top sellers- raspberry chocolate chip, Oreo and Pavarotti -remain a constant. Additionally, Sebastian Joe’s has increased their seating for customers by remodeling their interior and expanding their patio to provide a space for humans (and their pets) to sit while enjoying their cones.

With locations in both St. Paul and Minneapolis  Grand Old Creamery’s reputation precedes them as the line often goes out the door. Yet, with flavors like “Black Hills Gold” and “Chocolate Malt Banana” many say the wait is well worth it. Critics agree, because Grand Old Creamery was voted as one of the top ice cream stores in the country in 2014. Feeling lazy and want delivery? No problem. Grand Old Creamery delivers both ice cream AND pizza to your door for a small fee. How sweet is that?

This husband and wife duo with a passion for ice cream opened Izzy’s doors to the Merriam Park neighborhood in 1984. While they offer a host of flavors that use local ingredients such as Summit Oatmeal stout and Wild Country maple syrup what makes Izzy’s special is the “Izzy” on top of each cone. Now you may be asking yourself, what exactly is an “Izzy”? Well an “Izzy” is a micro scoop of any flavor of your choice. This way the unsure can “venture out” and taste a flavor they have been secretly eyeing but too afraid to try. In addition, Izzy’s has continued to push themselves and have been open to embracing technology. They now offer their unique “Flavor Up! system” that allows them to send messages to customers when their favorite flavors are available. The mere thought of this new technology is fit to put any Izzy’s lover into a tizzy.

Yogurt Lab technically isn’t ice cream but this chain allows you to serve yourself and scoop up your own toppings. This mad scientist approach to froyo allows you to mix and match from a periodic table of flavors and toppings from the lab stations your hearts content. As an added bonus visitors can sample up to 12 flavors before making their final decision. But froyo lovers beware- you pay by the ounce here. So your gut busting brownie sundae creation may end up breaking the bank. One worker reported that the most expensive creation she ever rang up was a whopping $23.98! Now that is a true froyo fan!

Those with a more refined pallet or are looking for sorbet should check out Crema Cafe on Lyndale and 34th in Uptown. Exotic flavors such as jalapeno mango, blood orange or multi melon sorbet tempt taste buds while the more adventurous can try black pepper & cardamom. One reviewer on Yelp said “The best ice cream place I’ve eaten at, period”.  But don’t trust this reader- you better try it yourself.

Well there you have it readers. The scoop on some of the Twin Cities finest ice cream shops have been dished out for you, ready to enjoy. But you better check out these shops while its still hot outside, as many of them close their doors during the colder months. So what are you waiting for? Go out and enjoy a taste of summer!