Articles Tagged "holidays"

Looking for some fun and exciting things to do in Riverfront Park this December? Our real estate agents have you covered. Many Spokane homes for sale put you within minutes of this bustling hub of the city's social scene. There's always something new to see and do, especially around the holidays. And the surroundings are truly beautiful!

Let's take a look at some December Riverfront Park events you won't want to miss:

• Riverfront Market – 574 West North Howard Street, Spokane, WA 99201
  Found at the Spokane Pavilion on Wednesdays, including December 14 and December 21, Riverfront Market is one of the most popular events around Riverfront Park. With an eclectic assortment of all kinds of local vendors, live musical performances, and delicious food, it's a lovely way to spend a day. What a perfect opportunity to wrap up your holiday shopping with gifts you can't find elsewhere!
  
  
• Skate for a Cause – 720 West Spokane Falls Boulevard, Spokane, WA 99201
  Taking place at the Numerica Skate Ribbon, a popular Spokane ice skating rink in Riverfront Park, this year's ultimate Skate for a Cause held on December 14 will benefit the Spokane Parks Foundation. Guests will strap on their skates for an amazing time between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., with all ages welcome. Whether you're new to the ice or a pro, you'll find a friendly environment with rental skates available.
  
  
• DJ Night on the Ice – 720 West Spokane Falls Boulevard, Spokane, WA 99201
  Also at the Numerica Skate Ribbon is this popular Friday night event: It runs at 6 p.m. December 16, 23, 30, and on New Year's Eve. One-hour admission for adults is $9.95, while kids 3-12 pay $6.95. Children aged 2 and under attend free. Skate rental is $6.95 for all, while helmets are available at no charge. There'll be themed costumes, lights, contests, and more, so don't skip DJ Night on the Ice!
  
  
• Learn to Skate Group Lessons – 720 West Spokane Falls Boulevard, Spokane, WA 99201
  Once again, the Numerica Skate Ribbon is where it's at for Learn to Skate Group Lessons. Ever wanted to learn how to skate but felt a little bit intimidated? The experienced coaches from Lake City Figure Skating are here to help. All ages are welcome, and lessons will continue from December 17 into the new year. Be sure to pre-register on the website, and note that other locations are also available.
  
  
• Coaches Corner – 720 West Spokane Falls Boulevard, Spokane, WA 99201
  Need something a little bit more informal than the Learn to Skate Group Lessons? Stop by the Numerica Skate Ribbon on December 17 for the very last Coaches Corner of the year. At Coaches Corner, the staff of Lake City Figure Skating will individually coach emerging skaters. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., kids aged 2 through 18 can swing by for pointers. Standard admission and ice skate rental fees apply.

Contact us to discover more of all that Spokane, WA, has in store for you.

Wishing You All the Joys of the Season

When eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York's SUN newspaper, the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial on September 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history's most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials, as well as on posters and stamps.

DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.'   Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

VIRGINIA O'HANLON
115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET

***** 

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little.

In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Really!

Believe it or not, fruitcake is a well-loved dessert known throughout the world. It is only in the United States that this cake is the butt of jokes, probably because they were, at one time, mass-produced for mail order and tended to be dry and of questionable age. Some say the ridicule can be traced to Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show, but research shows "fruitcake trashing" occurred much earlier in the 20th century.

Though celebrated by some as the delicious tradition it is intended to be (National Fruitcake Day is December 27), others applaud this dense loaf laced with fruit and nuts only when it is flying through the air on National Fruitcake Toss Day, January 3 (or the 7^th, depending on which website you visit).

Historically speaking, some believe that ancient Egyptians sent fruitcake to the afterlife with their deceased loved ones. We do know that they did not become common, though, until Roman times, when pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and barley mash were mixed together.

Preserved fruit, spices, and honey were added during the Middle Ages. Sugar became a main ingredient in the 1500s in the American Colonies, and alcohol was widely used starting in the 1800s. Somewhere along the way, nuts became a staple, as well.

Today, fruitcake is served year 'round in Australia, but is generally enjoyed as a Christmas cake across Europe, India, and parts of the Caribbean.

So, will you buck the trend in the U.S. and give this recipe a try? If you don't like it, you can always save it for January 3!

No-Bake Graham Cracker Fruitcake

3/4 c. sweetened condensed milk

3 c. mini marshmallows

1/2 c. orange juice

1 box + 1 inner seal pkg graham crackers

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. allspice

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

1 c. raisins

1 c. dates, chopped

1 c. nuts, chopped

16 oz. assorted candied fruit, chopped

DIRECTIONS

Combine milk, marshmallows, & orange juice in large bowl. Let soak 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until marshmallows soften & dissolve slightly. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs & mix with spices. Add fruits & nuts, stir. Slowly add liquid mixture and stir by hand until well combined.

Press fruitcake into non-stick, lightly greased, or waxed-paper-lined bread pan or mold, cover with plastic wrap, and then with foil. Refrigerate for 2-3 days for flavors to combine. Slice & enjoy.

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS

Instead of the listed fruit, experiment with craisins, dried apples, peaches, mangoes, blueberries, and/or strawberries, or get crazy and use gumdrops, gummy bears, gummy worms, and/or chocolate chips. If you use dried fruit, soak it in additional orange juice (or brandy) in a glass or ceramic bowl (not metal) a few hours or overnight to soften.

Decorate Safely This Holiday Season

Delta Media Group

Decorating for the holidays is one of the fun perks of being a homeowner, because your whole property becomes a blank canvas. Decorating is a great opportunity to get in the spirit of the season, show off your sense of style, and get your kids (even more) excited for the holidays. No matter how you choose to decorate your home this holiday season, just remember that it's also important to keep home safety in mind as you deck the halls. We've put together 5 decorating tips to help keep your home safe, without cramping your holiday decorating style.

1. Check It Twice – Holiday lights are among the most popular decorations, and for good reason! They're bright, beautiful, and can transform the look of your entire property. Before you start stringing up those lights, however, be sure to check for any signs of wear. If there are broken lights or exposed wires, it's time to purchase some new outdoor holiday lights. Remember that outdoor lights are exposed to the elements, so even minimal signs of wear can pose a risk.  Bonus Tip: If you're in the market for new lights, try LED lighting rather than incandescent bulbs. LED lights are more energy efficient, burn cooler than incandescent bulbs, and come in just about any color you can imagine.

2. Don't Overload Outlets – Overloading a single outlet is a fire risk, even if you're plugging in new, energy efficient decorations. Avoiding tangled wires is also good for holiday decorating safety, and it's easier to do when you use multiple outlets. Always plug decorations into outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, which are designed to shut down the circuit automatically if certain signs of electrical danger are detected.

3. Indoor/Outdoor – That giant, inflatable Santa Claus won't fit in your living room, so it's probably a safe bet that he can be used outside. But not every decoration makes the distinction so clear. For any decorations that rely on electricity, always check whether they're rated for outdoor use before you plug them in outside. This is a great step to take care of while you're shopping for decorations, as the necessary info should be available right on the packaging.

4. Rooftop and Ladder Safety – For many homeowners, the holiday season is one of the few times each year when we take our ladders out of long-term storage and venture onto our rooftops. Stay safe by taking your time, having a plan, and wearing sturdy boots (or sneakers) with strong treads. If you do plan on climbing on your roof or using a ladder to decorate, never do so alone. Make sure there's someone on the ground to "spot" you and aid if you run into trouble.

5. Clean Gutters – Since you're likely to be spending time up there anyway, it's a great idea to clean your gutters before stringing up any holiday lights. Dried leaves and plant matter in gutters can serve as kindling when a faulty wire leaks electricity. As a bonus, keeping your gutters clean is a great way to lower your risk of water-related roof damage throughout the year.

The biggest thing to remember for holiday decorating home safety is that electricity can be dangerous, especially if you're using older decorations. Check any decorations for signs of wear before putting them up, make sure that any decorations you wish to use outside are rated for outdoor use, and keep your gutters clean to reduce fire risk. And of course, don't forget to have fun!

Terrific BBQ Recipes

Fantastic recipes just in time for your late summer get-together!

Tequila Baby Back Ribs

Combine all the above and season 2 full slabs of ribs, each cut in half. Refrigerate 2-4 hours.  Put half of 1 slab in 1-gallon ziploc bag, layer with onion, cilantro, and garlic. Place other half on top, repeat with onion, cilantro, and garlic. Pour in half bottle tequila. Add juice of half lemon and 1 lime. Seal. Repeat with other slab. Marinate at least 4 hours. Grill with onion, cilantro, and garlic at 350 degrees until done.

Honey Mango-Glazed Baby Back Ribs

Remove ribs from packaging, rinse and pat dry. Remove membrane from backside of ribs. Place ribs in shallow pan, sprinkle salt and pepper evenly and set aside. In a small saucepan, add chipotle/adobo, mango and honey. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until cooked down and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Using the slow and low method of BBQ'ing, set temperature to 225-240 degrees. If using coals, let them burn off and move over to one side of the grill. Wrap the ribs and 2/3 of the sauce mixture in aluminum foil tightly and place on grill. Close lid. After 2 hours, flip the ribs and let cook for another 2 hours. Open the aluminum and remove ribs, place them on grill and brush on remaining sauce and let cook another 30 minutes.

Test Your Valentine's Day Knowledge

Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!  Today is the day for love and romance, heart-shaped chocolates and candlelit dinners.

What do you really know about Valentine's Day? Here are some fun trivia questions to test your knowledge.

1. When was the oldest-known Valentine's Day message written, and from where? 
2. When was February 14^th first declared as Valentine's Day? 
3. Who invented the first Valentine's Day candy box? 
4. What is the average number of marriage proposals on Valentine's Day each year? 
5. How much on average is spent on chocolate in America for Valentine's Day each year? 
6. How many roses are sold on Valentine's Day each year? 
7. How many Valentine's Day greeting cards are purchased in the U.S. each year? 
8. How many people typically purchase Valentines for their pets? 
9. If you send a snarky insult on Valentine's Day, what kind of "greeting" are you sending?
10. What year were the popular "conversation Sweethearts" not available?

Ready for the answers?

1. The oldest-known Valentine was in 1415, sent by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife from the Tower of London where he was imprisoned. 
2. Valentine's Day was declared an official holiday in 1537 by King Henry VIII. 
3. English entrepreneur and chocolate-maker Richard Cadbury created the first heart-shaped box of chocolates. 
4. 220,000 
5. It is estimated that over $1 billion is spent in the U.S. each year for Valentine's Day. 
6. 189 million 
7. Approximately 1 billion 
8. 9 million 
9. Insulting Valentine's messages are known as "Vinegar Valentines."
10. The ever-popular "Conversation Hearts" were unavailable in 2019 after their manufacturer Necco declared bankruptcy in 2018. Thankfully, the Spangler Candy Company purchased the rights, and the candies returned in 2020.

How'd you do? 

Whether you are celebrating with your beau, your best friends, your pets, or your neighbors, we wish you a day full of love!

Still need the perfect gift for that special someone on your shopping list? Our real estate agents are happy to help. 

We're always in favor of supporting local businesses whenever we can. Here in Spokane, we're very lucky to have a ton of great options when it comes to shopping local. Be sure to check out these amazing locally owned businesses in the Spokane area when you need a last-minute gift.

• Lolo Boutique - 319 W 2nd Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
  From clothes and accessories to home decor, garden gifts, and bath/body products, there's always something unique waiting to be discovered at Lolo Boutique. This trendy shop is located in a former factory on 2nd Avenue, a stone's throw from these Spokane homes for sale. It's a great place to find a gift for your fashionable friends!
  
  
• Auntie's Bookstore - 402 W Main Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
  Auntie's Bookstore is one of Spokane's greatest indie booksellers. In fact, they've been independently owned since 1978, which is pretty impressive. Their inventory is always changing, and it's a perfect place to find the latest bestsellers and old classics alike. Auntie's Bookstore also offers gift cards if you're unsure what your giftee has in their library. 
  
  
• Fern Plant Shop - 1526 W Riverside Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
  If you know someone with a green thumb, you'll find the perfect gift at Fern Plant Shop. They have an amazing variety of high-quality houseplants, including easy care varieties that are great for beginners, as well as an extensive selection of botanically-themed gifts. 
  
  
• Bottles - 3223 N Argonne Rd, Millwood, WA 99212
  If you need to grab a great bottle of wine to take to a holiday party, head straight to Bottles. They have one of the best selections of wine from around the world and right here in Washington. A membership to their wine club is a great gift idea too! Bottles is located in the Spokane suburb of Millwood, and they also offer an outstanding selection of craft beer. 
  
  
• Atticus Coffee & Gifts - 222 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201
  Atticus Coffee and Gifts is not only a beloved local coffee shop but also a great place to do a little gift shopping. They offer a wide selection of bulk coffees and teas, along with unique gifts and decor of all kinds. It's a fun shop to explore, and you'll probably leave with a little something for yourself too!
  
  
• Pirate Traders - 12415 E 1st Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216
  Shopping for a music fan? Head to Pirate Traders. This indie music shop is one of Spokane Valley's best-kept secrets, with a wide and ever-changing selection of guitars, instruments, new and vintage gear, turntables, vinyl records, and other goodies. You never know what you might find plus this shop is conveniently close to Spokane Valley homes for sale. 

Contact us today to learn more about celebrating the holidays in Spokane! It's an amazing place to call home in any season, and our real estate agents are always available to answer your questions and help you find your dream home in the Spokane area.

Whether or not the snow flies in time for the holidays, Spokane offers endless opportunities to get into the holiday spirit. 

Our real estate agents are excited to share their favorite holiday happenings in Spokane this season. From light displays and parades to craft markets and musical events, there's a lot to look forward to in Spokane during the holidays. Be sure to check out these upcoming events!

• Meet Santa at River Park Square - 808 W Main Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
  Many of us have memories of meeting Santa Claus at the mall when we were kids. This year, you have an opportunity to pass on that magical experience down to the next generation! Santa will be making daily appearances up until Christmas Eve at Downtown Spokane's River Park Square Mall. Kids can get pictures taken beneath the mall's majestic 50-foot Christmas tree. The mall is just minutes from these Spokane homes for sale. 
  
  
• Winter Market at the Pavilion - 507 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201
  It's not winter in Spokane until the Winter Market returns to Riverfront Park! Held weekly at the park's pavilion throughout the holiday season, the market offers an amazing opportunity to browse a wide selection of local and handmade goods. You'll find everything from arts and crafts to local produce and foods. It's a great place to get some holiday shopping done! The first winter market of the season is on November 10th, and it will take place every Wednesday until Christmas. 
  
  
• Free Horse and Carriage Rides - 620 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
  Wheatland Bank presents Free Horse and Carriage Rides beginning on Black Friday, November 26th. Rides will depart from the Downtown Spokane Visitor Center and follow a picturesque course through the city, with great views of the illuminated storefronts and holiday lights. There's not a more romantic way to experience Spokane for the holidays! Opportunities for a ride will be available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and although they are free of charge, reservations are required.
  
  
• Holidays at Riverfront Park - 507 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201
  Riverfront Park is a pretty spectacular destination any time of year, but it's at its best during the holidays. The park hosts a truly amazing light show and will be all decked out in holiday decorations including a Holiday Tree Walk of dazzlingly lit-up trees. This is also an amazing time to ride the Numerica Skyride above the illuminated Spokane Falls or go for a skate at the park's public ice skating rink. Stop but on "Cheapskate Tuesdays" to get a great deal on family ice skating. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in Spokane! It's a very special place to live during any season, but it really comes to life when the holidays roll around. Be sure to ask our real estate agents about finding your Washington dream home. 

Does selling your home during the holidays mean that you're doomed to spend the season with no decorations?

Fortunately, our real estate agents know that the answer is "no." Holiday decorations are encouraged when you're selling your home, but it's important to treat them as part of your home's staging. Here's what you need to know about staging your home during the holiday season. 

• You Need to Declutter Before Reaching for Your Decorations
  Before you start decorating, spend time thoroughly decluttering your home. Pack up collections, old paperwork, and toys. Remove items that feel overly personal, like photographs and sentimental displays. These items make it hard for a buyer to envision themselves living in your home. 

• Be Stingy with Your Holiday Decor
  Your decluttering mindset should also apply to your holiday decor. Less is more this year. You don't want your decorations to overwhelm your home or detract from your home's best features. Decorative displays with a lot of components, like a Christmas village or nutcracker collection, add too much clutter to your home. Avoid large outside decorations that take up a lot of room in your yard and potentially obscure your home. It's okay to put up lights on your home's exterior, but don't go overboard. Decorate your home's frame instead of every possible surface of your home's exterior. Illuminate a lovely tree or bush instead of decorating multiple components of your landscaping. 

• Set the Stage with Seasonal Decor
  When you add your home to the list of Spokane homes for sale, you don't know who your potential buyers will be. Holiday items that have universal appeal include wreaths, garlands, poinsettias, and other holiday plants, and classic seasonal figures (like reindeer, snowmen, and nutcrackers). Do put up a Christmas tree. A Christmas tree enhances the appeal of practically any living space. Check that your ornaments aren't overly personalized and have universal appeal. The round Christmas bauble ornaments are always a great choice. 

• See That Your Decor Matches the Rest of Your Home
  Your holiday decor should complement the colors and style throughout your home. For example, if your living room uses bright jewel tones, use decor that incorporates similar hues. If your home is decorated in a rustic style, ultra-modern decor that consists of geometric shapes and flashy colors will look out of place. 

• Use Holiday Decor to Highlight Your Home's Best Features
  Holiday decor is a valuable tool for showcasing your home's most desirable traits. Have a large dining area perfect for hosting lots of family and friends? Stage the space with place settings and a holiday centerpiece. Does your home have a fantastic window? Hang a wreath to make sure it draws the attention of your buyers. If your home has arches or cool architectural features, hang small bows or mistletoe to help show them off. 

• Watch Out for Holiday Scent Overload
  With holiday candles, baking, and your Christmas tree, it's easy to fill your home with festive scents. While a little bit of scent is fine (and even preferred), make sure your scents are complimentary and don't overwhelm the space. Stick with smells that tend to have universal appeal, like fresh cookies, evergreen, and holiday spices. 

Ready to list your home this holiday season? Contact us today!