'Tis the Season! Here are some fun things to do this weekend to get you in the Christmas Spirit!

There is one more shopping weekend before Christmas so we are guessing that you might just have a few last minute stocking stuffers to pick up. And to you we say “best of luck to you in the mall parking lots.” However, if you are one of the prepared few and have literally wrapped up your holiday shopping, here are some festive, family friendly events worth checking out!

A Christmas Carol
Guthrie Theatre
818 South 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415
November 12 - December 27, 2015
Cost: Tickets range from $40-100 with special pricing for children, students, and seniors 

Click here to check ticket availability

The Guthrie's production of "A Christmas Carol." (photo credit: Michael Brosilow)

This year marks the 40th annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the perennial favorite that received a new adaptation by Crispin Whittell in 2010 and continues the Guthrie’s holiday tradition for families across the region. Now is the time to experience this cherished production with your loved ones!

A miserly and miserable man, Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with a “bah humbug,” until he is visited one Christmas Eve by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. Through a restless night, the spirits show him happy memories from his past, cruel realities from the present and the grim future should he continue his cantankerous ways.

In keeping with the spirit of sharing in A Christmas Carol, the Guthrie invites you to bring a non-perishable donation of food or household products to be collected by The Food Group (formerly Emergency FoodShelf Network), a partnership they have held since 1982.

Wells Fargo WinterSkate
109 4th St. W., Saint Paul, MN 55102
Open November 21, 2015 – February 7, 2016
Open Skate Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Cost: Free! see below for skate rentals

photo source: visitsaintpaul.com

Skaters are invited to experience the unique urban setting of downtown Saint Paul. Located in the heart of the city, Wells Fargo WinterSkate creates a fun, winter experience for visitors of all ages. The historic Landmark Center creates a beautiful backdrop for the outdoor rink, showcasing Saint Paul’s charming European architecture and old-world ambiance.

Dust off your skates and head to downtown Saint Paul. The outdoor rink will be filled with noontime skaters, after school groups, youth hockey scrimmages and practices, broomball teams, corporate events, and family open skating.

New this Season ~ Cub Foods Learn to Skate Events in Downtown Saint Paul
December 5, 12, 19 and January 9, 16 and 23
Professional figure skating coaches will be on hand to help you learn some new moves or brush up on your basics. Free and open to the public.

Don’t have your own skates? Never fear! Skate rental is $4 per person. Receive free skate rental by showing your Wells Fargo debit card or credit card (one card=one skate rental). (Other Wells Fargo accounts, documentation, or correspondence are not accepted for free skate rental.) Figure skates and hockey skates are available from little tyke up to adults’ size 13.

Small Town Charm in Historic Excelsior
Water Street Excelsior, MN
339 Third Street
Excelsior, MN 55331
Cost: Free

photo credit: Al Whitaker

Do you still need some last minute gifts? Consider spending a few hours in charming downtown Excelsior! With all kinds of trendy new shops popping up, Excelsior has been likened to the North Loop neighborhood. Offering everything from infused olive oils and active wear to antiques and bicycles, this historic little town has something for everyone. Come for lunch or dinner at one of the new restaurants or grab a pizza for takeout and head over to the Excelsior Brewery for some live music.

For a full list of shops and dining options, check out the Excelsior- Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce’s website!

Weekly Market Update: December 5, 2015

Low unemployment and cheap fuel are conspiring to help people spend money this holiday season, but not necessarily more than last year at this time. Early analysis of year-end shopping habits indicates a fairly average amount of purchases being made across the board, with items like clothing and electronics doing well, while automobiles and home goods are in mild sales decline. It all adds up to a mostly fiscally sound bunch of Americans who will not be coaxed into purchasing more than they want or can pay for. We have come a long way since the Great Recession, and the housing market is benefiting from smarter spending.


In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending December 5:

• New Listings increased 3.2% to 875 
• Pending Sales increased 10.8% to 903 
• Inventory decreased 16.7% to 13,097 

For the month of November:

• Median Sales Price increased 7.3% to $219,900 
• Days on Market decreased 7.6% to 73 
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 1.3% to 95.9%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 28.2% to 2.8

Source:  Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors

Tips for Showing Your Home During the Winter

Winter is a great time to sell your home. Buyers who are looking during the winter months are many times serious buyers, plus there is less competition in the market so you have a greater chance for your home to be shown online or in person to buyers.

Here are some ways to help make buyers feel at home during a home showing:

• Shovel a path – You want potential buyers to find it easy to navigate from the driveway or street into your home. Make sure your driveway is shoveled and there is a cleared path from the driveway to your front door.

• Have coat racks clear – You want potential buyers to feel comfortable walking around your home and want them to take time to look around, wearing an over sized heavy coat can get in the way. Keep a coat rack by your front door for people to hang their coats on as soon as they walk in, and if you already have a coat rack make sure its cleared off and open for people to use.

• Open blinds/curtains – Now that the winter months are upon us the days are shorter and it gets dark out earlier. Brighten up your home and every room in it by opening the blinds and/or curtains. It will shed some light on the situation and also lighten the mood and make it more comfortable.

• Provide booties -Snow, slush, sleet, rain, mud are all things we are no strangers of come this time of the year and they can leave our homes a giant mess. Providing disposable booties for people coming to view your home ensures the floors will stay clean and it is a much better alternative to the sometimes awkward task of asking people to remove their shoes in your home.
• One more idea that will help once we get our impending White Christmas, is to invest in an over-sized rug for your entry way to help cut down on the water, salt, and sand that will make its way into your home during these showing.

Happy Selling!

Events in the Twin Cities this Weekend!

Here are some great events to check out this weekend!

European Christmas Market at Union Depot

214 4th St E, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55101

December 4, 2015 – December 6, 2015

Entry is Free 

The European Christmas Market in St. Paul is being held on the East Plaza at Union Depot this year over two-weekends. The market is based on the traditional, charming, and festive open air Christkindlmarkts that spring up in Germany, Austria and other countries during the Advent season.  Shop for unique, handmade holiday gifts and decorations from local vendors, drink Glühwein (spiced mulled wine), and taste European-inspired food and delicacies.

Holiday Vendor and Craft Fair

Excelsior Brewing Company

Sunday, 10 AM - 5 PM

421 3rd St S, Minnetonka, Minnesota, 55331

Entry is Free

Join the Excelsior Brewing Company while they host this first ever one-stop shopping event! Admission is FREE and the first 25 shoppers get a free swag bag!

In addition to a fun day of shopping, they will also be collecting non-perishable food items for ICA Food Shelf. Bring a non-perishable food donation and receive a free entry into a drawing for a Winter themed gift basket!

Additional drawings for prizes will be available at the event as well. $2 per ticket to enter or 3 tickets for $5! There is something for everyone on your list, plus you can enjoy one of Excelsior Brewing Company's tasty beers while shopping! Nothing makes holiday shopping more fun than craft beer!

Films at the Fitz: Elf and Christmas Vacation

The Fitzgerald Theatre

10 East Exchange Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101

Tickets: $10 to $15

Celebrate the holidays with MPR members, friends and family at The Fitzgerald Theater. Come see festive holiday comedies Elf and Christmas Vacation. The bar will be open. Talk and sing at the screen, dress up and spin the wheel for prizes. We’ll have live holiday songs from the Prairie Fire Lady Choir. So bring the family for Elf and the friends for Christmas Vacation. Or get away from the family and holiday and take a break from shopping with Films at the Fitz.

5:00-6:00 – Festive Happy Hour

Holiday music, beverages, candy, and popcorn and games

Prairie Fire Lady Choir performs holiday songs and new classics

6:00 – Elf

7:45 – Prairie Fire Lady Choir

8:00 – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Events in the Twin Cities this Weekend!

The holiday season is upon us and if you are looking for some wonderfully Christmassy to do this weekend, we have some options for you that will make your weekend merry and bright!

Crafts and Cocktails at Tattersall Distilling
Tattersall Distilling
1620 CENTRAL AVE NE STE 150 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55413
Saturday, December 5th 12:00 – 5:00 pm 

Entry is Free

source: Facebook - created by Leslie Olson

If you are in the mood to check out some amazing, handmade items for gifts, this event is for you! This is the 8th annual Crafts and Cocktails Holiday Market and the good people of Tattersall Distilling are hosting! With a great line up of artists, you will be able to find something for everyone on your list! Complete with a food truck and the opportunity to check out one of the most talked about new cocktail rooms in Minneapolis; this is a great way to spend your Saturday afternoon. For a list of vendors and for more information, please check out the Crafts and Cocktails Facebook page.

Holidazzle
Loring Park ~ Minneapolis
Friday, November 27 through Sunday, December 20
Thursdays through Sundays:
Thursdays & Fridays from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Free

If you fondly remember the annual Holidazzle Parade thru Nicolette Mall and had made it a staple in your holiday traditions, your will need to check out the revamped Holidazzle! The Minneapolis Downtown Council and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board are excited to partner together and bring Holidazzle to Loring Park.

Minneapolis-centric vendors will provide options for prepared and packaged food, beverages and unique gift and craft items. This year’s programming lineup will include the outdoor skating rink, visits from Santa Claus, musical performances from bands and choirs, weekly movies featuring holiday classics, themed days, giveaways, surprise and delight moments and more.

Heat up and grab a beverage in our warming house, then continue your trek testing out some of Minnesota’s finest products. Vikings, moose, and abominable snow men alike are all welcome. Stroll through the festive lights and follow the savory smells as you enjoy your holiday experience in the heart of the city. Join us for the Opening Ceremony on Friday, November 27 at 6:30 p.m.—an event that will include a fireworks show at Loring Park, holiday music, brief comments from local leaders and the lighting of the Holidazzle tree.

Breakfast with Santa
Hosted by The Rotary Club of Chanhassen at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
Sunday, December 6th 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Cost: Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 12 or 65 and over. OR save $1 per ticket by buying online now through Saturday, December 5th. ​Your tickets will be waiting for you at the payment desk when you arrive.


Kids and adults of all ages will enjoy:

• Live reindeer
• Terrific entertainment, all you care to eat pancakes, sausage and toppings from the Chris Cakes crew.
• Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, offered by Chanhassen High School DECA club.
• A special gift for Christmas Eve from our Chanhassen High School Interact Club

Go Tub-Less: Dump Your Tub for a Dreamy Shower

Changing your bathtub to a shower is trending your house in the right direction. Here’s how to plan for a smooth transition.

Source:  easybathroom.ca

    

Source:  easybathroom.ca

If you’re thinking of converting your bathtub to a shower, you’re in good company. The American Institute of Architects says that the tub-less bathroom is growing in popularity.

Its annual Home Design Trends Survey found that more than 60% of homeowners preferred a stall shower without a tub in 2013. Compare that to 49% in 2012, the first year they specifically surveyed about tub-less bathrooms.

However, there’s a caveat: Even if you only use your tub to wash the mini-blinds, most real estate agents are adamant about having at least one bathtub in your house to preserve marketability.

A recent Houzz poll agrees, with 58% of respondents claiming, “you’ll never sell that house without a tub.”

The conclusion? Go ahead and convert your old tub or tub/shower combo into a cool, walk-in shower, as long as one other bathroom in your house has a tub for tasks such as bathing small children.

Do You Need to Relocate Your Shower?

If you’re planning a simple conversion (not a full bathroom makeover), then your project is straightforward.

If your old tub is in an alcove, you can remove it and be left with a space that’s about 30 to 34 inches deep and 5 feet wide — a good space for a shower. With minor modifications, your water supply and drain lines will already be in place, saving you money on plumbing costs.

If you have a free-standing tub, a bit more planning may be involved. Many free-standing tubs are positioned under or near windows — and you’ll want to avoid windows in your new shower enclosure.

That means putting your shower in a different location. But you’ll want to have it as close as possible to the existing water supply and drain lines to keep plumbing costs low. Moving plumbing to a new location can add hundreds of dollars to your project.

Will Your Dream Shower Fit?

Most building codes say the floor of a shower stall should be at least 30-inches-by-30 inches. A 36-inch-by-36-inch-wide stall is recommended by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). If you’re building to the NKBA standards, an existing tub alcove probably needs modification — such as adding short sections of wall — to make the finished shower space 36 inches deep.


Other key measurements:

Finished ceiling height: At least 80 inches.

Distance from side of toilet to shower wall: 15 inches minimum measured from the center of the toilet to the wall; 18 inches is recommended.

Distance from front of toilet to shower wall (or any wall): 21 inches minimum measured from the front of the toilet bowl to the wall; 30 inches is recommended.

Shower door swing: Should clear all obstructions, especially the toilet and vanity cabinet. Sliding glass doors or shower curtains can help solve door swing problems.

Tear-Out Tips

Removing your old tub might not be simple. If it’s cast-iron, you’ll need some muscle to get it out of way. If it’s in good condition, you could sell it online or donate it to a ReStore outlet. Intact tile and any fixtures also can be donated or sold to stores that sell salvaged building materials.

During tear-out, you should:

Evaluate the condition of existing pipes and replace if necessary.

Check framing and subfloor for mold, mildew, and rot, and repair as needed.

Make sure your shower valve is in good condition — now is the time to upgrade to a single-handle, pressure-balancing valve that controls temps and volume ($100 to $160).

The Shower Floor: Curbs or Curbless?

The floor of your shower (aka the shower pan) has a lot to say about the style and cost of your conversion. You have a choice of two basic types of pan: one corrals water with curbs that you step over as you enter; the other is curbless.

Shower pans with curbs form a complete enclosure to contain water spray and channel it to a drain. The floor of the shower pan has the proper pitch to drain water. Showers with curbs are usually easier — and cheaper — to install than curbless installations.

Curbless shower stalls (aka barrier-free showers) are very au courant but trickier to make — the drainage slope of the floor has to be built below the level of the surrounding flooring surface. That means either raising the level of the surrounding floor, or lowering the shower pan.

If you raise the bathroom floor, it’ll be higher than any other floor that it meets, such as the floor of your master bedroom. You’ll need a transition threshold, which can be awkward and defeats the advantage of curbless shower if you’re wanting to be able to roll in a wheelchair.

What are the Options?

Shower stall kits are low-cost options. They’re typically made of acrylic or fiberglass, and include pre-made sides, a skid-proof floor pan with curbs and a drain hole, and a hinged glass door. They’re made to fit into corners and old bathtub alcoves.

The seamless, individual pieces make kit installation fast and relatively easy. The shower pan has curbs to contain water and a built-in slope for drainage. Kits are made in various sizes to fit all sorts of configurations, and some include extras such as built-in seats and shelves for bath products.

You can also find curbless kits, but the requirements are the same — you’ll either have to raise the level of the bathroom floor, or lower the floor of the kit for a seamless transition.

Tiled showers with curbs are built on site. The curbs typically are made with flat two-by-fours stacked on top of each other and finished with ceramic tile. Either a solid or glass wall sits atop the curbs.

Shower pans for use with tile are one-piece acrylic or fiberglass, or custom-made from poured mortar. The mortar is sloped by hand toward the drain, then covered with a waterproof rubber or vinyl membrane. Another layer of mortar — then tile — completes the job.

Curbless showers use specially-made pans designed to fit flush with the surrounding subfloor so that tile can be laid continuously over both the shower and bathroom floor.

If your floor is slab, you’ll have to remove a section of the slab to make room for the pan. That’s a noisy, messy job, but a concrete contractor should be able to do the work in two to three hours.

If not, an alternative is to cut down the tops of the floor joists so that you can install a shower pan slightly below the level of your existing flooring. That way, the tile of your new shower will be flush with your existing flooring and you’ll have a continuous, seamless floor. However, altering joists requires approval from your local building authority. You might be required to beef up supports before removing any wood.

What’s the Cost?

Shower stall kits with acrylic or fiberglass sides and a hinged door are $200 to $2,000; curbless one-piece shower enclosures are $2,000 to $4,000. A competent DIYer can install a kit in a weekend.

A professionally installed, tiled shower enclosure is $1,000 to $3,500 depending on complexity, size, and the type of tile and fixtures you choose. Add another $500 to $1,000 for tear-out, new plumbing pipes, fixtures, and any custom carpentry.

In Closing, Some Fun Shower Facts:

42% of Americans pee in the shower.

52% sing in the shower (the most-sung tune: “Singin’ In The Rain”).

53% prefer to shower in the morning; 29% shower in the evening.

7% claim they never shower or take a bath — ever.

Source: 2004 American Standard study done to promote its VertiSpa line

Article from Houselogic.com

Today we simply would like to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

From Stafford Family Realtors

LED Holiday Lights: 6 Need-to-Know Tips

If you are anything like us, you are prepping your home for Christmas already! We can't wait to get the lights on - and once they are lit, they will be on all season long!

If you haven't made the switch to LED lights yet, here are some helpful tips to help you decide!

source: abidanshah.com

LED holiday lights vs. old-fashioned bulbs: 6 tips to help you decide which is right for you.

Should you chuck all your good old holiday light strings and buy new LED holiday lights? Here’s how to decide.

1. LED holiday lights save you money. LED lights use up to 90% less energy than traditional holiday lights, according to the U.S. government’s Energy Star program.

That could possibly result in a $50 energy savings for the average family during the holidays.

source: christmasonquiethills.com

2. But LED lights typically cost more than old-fashioned holiday lights.
100-bulb string of LED lights: about $20 to $46
100-bulb string of conventional lights: about $7 to $12

This cost can be offset by manufacturer coupons and sales!

3. LED holiday lights last and last. LED bulbs can keep your season bright for as long as 100,000 hours.

4. You can string a BIG strand of LED lights. Safety wise, you shouldn’t connect more than three traditional light strings, but you can connect up to 87 LED holiday light strings, totaling a whopping 1,500 feet. Put those Griswold's to shame!

source: clarkgriswoldcollection.com

5. LED lights reduce the risk of fire. They stay cooler than incandescent bulbs, according to Energy Star.

6. How about that hue? Some people stick with their old lights because they don’t like the brighter hue that white LED holiday lights emit. Manufacturers now offer a “warm white” bulb that more closely mimics the glow of an incandescent light. Be sure to read the label to choose a bright or warm white and to ensure what you’re purchasing is Energy Star-certified.

By: G. M. Filisko

Tips on How To Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guests

Is your home ready for holiday visits from friends and family? Here’s how to prepare for the invasion.

Even if you have a dedicated space for your guests, preparations for the troupes of visitors takes time and planning.

Prioritize

The day before guests arrive is no time to pull apart junk drawers and clean out linen closets. Declutter guest rooms and public areas - foyer, kitchen, living room, den, and dining room. Remove anything unnecessary from countertops, coffee tables, and ottomans. Here is a tip:

If you run short of time, bag up the clutter and store it in car trunks, basements, and out-of-the-way closets.

Light it Up: Even if you can walk thru your home blindfolded, remember that your guests can’t. Make sure your porch lights have fresh bulbs and consider adding motion-activated night lights in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms for anyone who might be sneaking to the kitchen for pie in the middle of the night. 

source: renovationconversation.com

Kid Safe: Ask your visitors with small children to bring hardware that keeps their small ones safe, such as baby gates and cabinet locks. Transfer toxic cleaners and medicines from base to wall cabinets.

Make a Good Impression

Your home’s foyer is the first place guests see.
· Polish and tighten door hardware, and oil hinges to prevent squeaks.
· Remove scratches from hardwood floors, stairs, and wood railings.
· Select a large Welcome mat for your front door to protect floors from mud and snow.
· Clear out shoes, umbrellas, and other clutter from your entryway closets.

Prep Kitchen

If you are like us, your Kitchen is the Home Base. It is where everyone will congregate throughout the day and evenings.

· Consider moving your coffee station in to your dining room so guests have more room to roam.
· If you like to visit while you’re cooking, place extra stools and chairs around the perimeter of your kitchen so guests can relax if they aren’t going to help.

source: PotteryBarn.com

Sleeping Arrangements
· While it may be simple, don’t forget to change those sheets and shake out the comforters.
· Make sure lamps are in working order & there are batteries in the remote for TVs.

Bathrooms
· Be sure to be well stocked with toilet paper, towels, and travel sized toiletries
· Fresh Towels are always a thoughtful idea ;-)
· Also, outfit each tub with a bath mat (to avoid falls) and each toilet with a plunger (to avoid embarrassment).

Original Article By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Weekly Market Update: November 16, 2015

In a continually improving economy, what we might expect to happen is happening in the housing market. Sales and prices are generally up in year over-year comparisons, and new listings are replenishing the market at a fairly steady clip. More sellers are still encouraged to enter the fray, as lower inventory continues to remain a point of some concern.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending November 7:

 • New Listings increased 7.5% to 1,183
 • Pending Sales increased 10.7% to 907
 • Inventory decreased 16.2% to 14,850

For the month of October:

 • Median Sales Price increased 4.4% to $217,000
 • Days on Market decreased 2.8% to 70
 • Percent of Original List Price Received increased 1.1% to 96.2%
 • Months Supply of Inventory decreased 25.6% to 3.2

Source:  Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors

Design Trend: Brick In Kitchens

One trend that is growing in popularity is the use of brick in kitchens.  Whether the home has a brick wall that has been exposed or adding brick to a new build, the result is always beautiful.

Brick adds instant texture, variations of color and a focal point, no matter where it is in the room.  Brick also can meld with almost any design style.  It looks great in industrial, modern, traditional, and rustic interiors.

Having trouble envisioning the look?  Today we'll look at some fabulous uses of brick in kitchens so you can see how wonderfully versatile this design trend is.

Source:  ciaonewportbeach.blogspot.com

Source:  homesoftherich.com

Source:  lizmarieblog.com

Source:  reclaimedthinbrickveneer.stonefarmliving.com

Source:  lushome.com

Source:  wooninspiratie.nl

Source: ombiaombia.wordpress.com

Source:  atticmag.com

Source:  countryliving.com

Source:  howtodecorho.me

Source:  the11best.com

Source:  casasugar.com

Source:  rcpblock.com

Source:  dreambookdesign.com

If you have an old home and you know you have brick walls in there somewhere, even if its the chimney from the old furnace, see if there's a way you can expose it.  Or consider adding some brick veneer as a backsplash.  There are so many ways to incorporate this beautiful trend.

Source:  Michelle Schwake for Stafford Family Realtors

Weekend Happenings: November 13-15

Autumn Festival

Canterbury Park

Thursday, Nov. 12, to Sunday, Nov. 15th, 2015

Cost: Adults $9; Seniors $8; Children Under 10 are Free.

* Use promo code afshow2015 for $1 off Shakopee advance purchase tickets

Hundreds of the nation’s finest artists and crafters come together at Canterbury Park in Shakopee to display and sell their handcrafted works. Consistently voted one of the Top 100 Shows in the Country, Autumn Festival offers patrons the opportunity to enjoy shopping the handcrafted wares for artwork, unique home décor and furniture, gifts personalized right at the shows, holiday furnishings, or baby and children’s treasures. Stage entertainment, hourly gift certificate winners, plenty of food and drink, lots of family fun, and free parking! 

A Nordic Christmas: Myths, Legends and Fairytales

Saturday, Nov. 14th - Jan. 10th.

American Swedish Institute
2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Holiday Museum Admission: $10 adults, $7 ages 62+, $5 ages 6-18 and students with ID.


The American Swedish Institute's 2015 holiday season highlights the joyful yet mischievous stories of tomte from Sweden, nisse  fromDenmark and Norway, joulupukki  from Finland, and of coursejólasveinar (13 yule lads) of Iceland. Years ago, many people truly believed in the power of these netherworld figures of the dark forests and foggy lakes and islands. Their stories have been passed down from generation to generation as honored tales that have become interwoven with Nordic wintertime celebrations. Each country’s myths, legends, and fairytales are showcased in the ASI Christmas Rooms – elaborately decorated rooms throughout the historic Turnblad Mansion.

For the 2015 holiday season, ASI collaborates with The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) to share holiday traditions and fairytales from across the Baltic Sea in a sixth Christmas Room. Winter folklore lives on in the Russian legend of Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and his little helper, Snegurochka, a blue and silver clad snow-maiden (the daughter of Winter and Spring). The pair delivers holiday gifts to children across the vast country in celebration of the New Year – the honored time for merrymaking and singing.  TMORA docents will be on site each Saturday (1-3 p.m.) to share these stories and traditions.

Cottage Style Homes

In days past, cottages were found mostly in the woods or on lakeshores.  They were known for their small size and simple floor plan, usually two rooms up and two rooms down.  But in addition, they had unique properties that made them look quaint and charming, like steeply pitched roofs, dormers, and slanted-roof additions.

Over the years, this look has come to symbolize a cozy retreat, a haven away from the business of life.  With the advent of ginormous homes packed right next to one another in "executive" neighborhoods, its no wonder that many find this smaller but unique home appealing.

Rather than put their money into a lot of square footage, many are opting to put their money into a smaller footprint but with more quality and uniqueness in each square foot.  But unlike the simple and modest cottages of the past, these modern equivalents are packed with modern amenities in electrical, plumbing, and appliances, while keeping the quaint appeal of a simple cottage.

Today, we're giving you some beautiful cottage-styled homes to peruse.  Maybe you'll decide to incorporate some ideas into your home or build a new "old" cottage.

Source:  angieslist.com

Source:  Zillow Digs

Source:  Zillow Digs

Source:  Zillow Digs

Source:  Zillow Digs

Source:  Zillow Digs

Source:  Zillow Digs

Source:  Zillow Digs

Source:  myersink.com

Source:  talesfromcarmel.com

Source:  heydtdesigns.com

Source:  i-homess.com

Source:  Michelle Schwake for Stafford Family Realtors

Weekly Market Update: November 9, 2015

Weekly figures show seller activity switching between year-over-year gains and losses while buyer activity steadily marches higher. That type of environment has translated into inventory declines between 12.0 and 17.0 percent over the last several weeks. Interest rates are still around 4.0 percent, but a surprisingly strong jobs report could spell upward rate pressure.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending October 31:

 • New Listings increased 1.9% to 1,096
 • Pending Sales increased 0.6% to 933
 • Inventory decreased 16.2% to 15,440

For the month of October:

 • Median Sales Price increased 4.9% to $218,000
 • Days on Market decreased 2.8% to 70
 • Percent of Original List Price Received increased 1.1% to 96.2%
 • Months Supply of Inventory decreased 25.6% to 3.2

Source:  Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors

Media Rooms For Today's Families

For a few years, home theaters were the rage.  It was cool to have a big screen showing the latest movies, rows of seats and dim lighting.  And they are great if you are a huge movie buff.

Source:  davidrennert.com

But many families have found that they want to use the space for more than just watching movies.  Kids like to have their friends over for gaming, and families like to invite people over for the big game.  A home theater set-up isn't ideal for those situations.

As a result, many people have started converting their home theaters to more entertainment-friendly media rooms.

How is a media room different from a home theater?

Seating Is Flexible

Instead of rows of seats all facing the screen, media rooms have more flexible seating.  They may still have rows, but at least one of those rows will have the chairs facing each other so conversation can take place.  Other options include chairs and couches that all form a U-shape around the screen to allow for viewing and conversing.  Still others opt for seating that you can move around where you want it.

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Let In Some Light

Home theaters are notorious for their windowless dimness.  But when people are trying to hang out together and talk, they would appreciate actually seeing the faces that they are talking to.  Media rooms have ample lighting which can even include (gasp) windows.

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Cutting Edge Technology

Gone are the days of TVs with a DVD player.  With the cloud and streaming technology, the way we watch TV on any given night has drastically changed from even 10 years ago.  Today's media room should be outfitted with the latest in connectivity.  You may still have your gaming devices and DVD players, but you can just as easily stream the latest game and use your phone as your remote.

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Whether you have a home theater or a flexible media room, the main idea is to enjoy time with family and friends.  This is the perfect room for a quiet family night or entertain.

Source:  Michelle Schwake for Stafford Family Realtors