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Valentine’s Day with Your Special Someone
Love is in the air and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! What are you going to do for your sweetie this year? Whether you want to get them something special or do something special, there’s lots of options. We’re here to help make your day exceptional.
Avoid The Same Old Same Old
Do you tend to get your special someone the same thing each and every year? Maybe some roses and a box of chocolates? This is the year to break that trend and avoid the ordinary!! Check out these great gift ideas that are better than flowers and candy. It’s guaranteed to surprise the one you love:
What a Difference a Day Makes Burlap Print – Personalized Family Dates
This personalized gift is a great way to look back on your relationship. From the day you met, first date, got married, and the birth of your children.
Polaroid Camera
What better way to capture each and every moment as they happen? You can treasure those moments forever. Stick them on your fridge, in a photo album or scrapbook.
Spa Set
Bring the spa to her! With several different scent options, you can treat your love from the comfort of their own home.
Date Night Bucket List
Switch up the usual with this date night bucket list. Lots of creative date night ideas, both fun and intellectual. Avoid the dreaded “What do you want to do tonight?” question.
Your Vows as an Art Print
Remember your special day in this unique way. Pick the best line from your vows and put them on display.
Edible Bouquet
Satisfy their sweet tooth with a twist. So gorgeous they’ll never want to eat it… if they can resist.
You Know Them Best
When it comes right down to it, you know your love the best. This is an excuse to treat them… maybe spoil them with a spa day. Keep them grilling with a BBQ Set. Make them laugh with a silly mug. Keep them cozy with a new blanket & pillow or PJ set. Get them a little buzzed with their favorite wine. Keep things smelling fresh with a candle. Help them feel pretty with personalized jewelry. Even if it’s the classic flowers & chocolates, get them what they want.
A Night on The Town
Want to take your sweetie out on the town? Beautiful Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding area is never short on events, even for the day of love. And also some great date night ideas you could do on Valentine’s Day or any other.
The Chocolate Affair – On February 8th at the Resort Plaza Shops from 5-8pm
Valentines Bazaar – On February 9th at Garden Plaza in Post Falls from 11am-3pm
Love on the Lake Dinner and Cruises – On February 14th boarding at The Boardwalk Marina at 5pm or 7:30pm
Valentine’s Chocolate Fountain Buffet – On February 14th at the Coeur d’Alene Resort at 4pm
Valentine’s Day Acoustic Dinner – On February 15th at Cruisers Bar & Grill from 7-11pm
Sweetheart’s Ball – On February 15th at The Best Western from 5:30-9:30pm
Ice Skating at River Front Park in Spokane – Make an entire night of it and have dinner at an elegant restaurant downtown, catch a movie, go ice skating, and then stay at a nice hotel.
Pinot’s Palette Date Night – You paint half a picture on a canvas and your partner paints the other half, making one giant gorgeous picture. Don’t forget the drinks.
Ski/Snowboard Day – Enjoy the slopes at any one of the great resorts near us!
There are tons of romantic restaurants in the Coeur d’Alene & Spokane area. Click here for a great list in Coeur d’Alene! And here for a list in Spokane!
Romantic Getaways
A getaway with the one you love is needed every now and then. And what better time than Valentine’s Day? Celebrate your love together and enjoy a small vacation. You’ll still be close to home, yet in a world of your own.
Western Pleasure Ranch
Located in gorgeous Sandpoint Idaho, this is a must stay. Visitors get to enjoy astounding views of the surrounding mountain ranges and beautifully constructed log cabins. Don’t forget the horseback riding, outdoor activities, and all the history that comes with it.
Blackwell Hotel
The Blackwell Hotel is located in Downtown Coeur d’Alene. It’s full of elegance, history, and many unique touches. First built in 1904, it still has the original artwork. A very romantic place, a must see!
Coeur d’Alene Resort
Located on the North Shore of Coeur d’Alene Lake, it’s become a top place to stay for visitors. At the resort you will never be bored with accommodations like golfing, spa, pool, restaurants, nightlife and more! Check out their lake front rooms today.
Northern Quest Dinner & Movie Plus Resort & Casino
This is a one of a kind experience! Dinner & a movie, then dessert & drinks after the credits roll. Don’t forget the gambling & luxury rooms to stay in. Everything you need in one place.
Davenport Hotel
Located in Downtown Spokane, Historic Davenport Hotel is right in the center of everything. With gorgeous city views, a romantic design, a spa, and even jetted tubs and fireplaces in some rooms you’ll never want to leave! Great balance of modern amenities and a historic charm.
Aspen Meadows Bed & Breakfast
This little bed & breakfast is located just 10 minutes from downtown. Close but away from all the crows. Very peaceful and quite location which makes it perfect for a romantic getaway.
No matter how you choose to spend your Valentine’s Day, make it memorable and celebrate your love!!
Credit: goodhousekeeping.com & countryliving.com & resortsandlodges.com
Activities to Enjoy This Winter
One thing you can count on in North Idaho and that is that Idaho has 4 great and very distinct seasons. Each having something fun and unique to offer. From the weather to events, food and clothes. Above all, there is always something to do in each season. Indoor or outdoor person, it doesn’t matter, there’s something for you.
Over the next few months there are enough activities in our beautiful city and surrounding area to make your head spin. Below are just a few of activities you might want to consider. You can always stay tuned to our What’s Happening Page for January, February & March for a full list. Including dates, times, locations and links!!
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Mamma Mia! – Aspire Community Theatre on Feb. 8 -17.
It’s a show you can’t miss! The only Pacific Northwest Company to hold this will have this production.
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The Chocolate Affair – Feb. 8 from 5-8pm
Can’t miss this chocolate tasting event & competition. Test chocolates with the perfect wine pairing with your valentine!
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The Sweetheart’s Ball – Feb. 15 from 5:30-9:30pm
There will be a buffet dinner, plus a silent & live auction
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Wallace Extreme Ski-Jor – Feb. 16-17
It’s known as the “Wildest Event in the Rockies”!! Check out ATVs Towing Skiers Down a Snow Covered Downtown Street Course
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Mardi Gras Krewe d’Alene – Feb. 16 from 5:30-10pm
Take a stroll through the streets of New Orleans where you can enjoy New Orleans Style Food from 10 Local Restaurants! Don’t forget about the fun street entertainment.
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Charter Academy’s Soup & Chili Cook-Off – March 2 from 5-8pm
Sample the Soup & Chili. Also Enjoy Auction Items, Game Room for Kids & Musical Performances
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Bartender’s Ball – March 2nd from 7:30-10:30pm
Check out this cocktail showdown with Local Mixologists!
The above is just a handful of the events happening over the next couple of months. And, there is always many to choose from each month and season. Get out and enjoy all our area has to offer this winter!! And don’t forget to drop by our What’s Happening Page for January, February & March for a full list. Including dates, times, locations and links!!
John and Tracey Chime In
We love north Idaho. We love the fact that every season has its own unique life. Festivities, events and change. You never get bored here. Just about the time you are ready for a change, Idaho delivers! Each season has so many fun and unique activities and many that you look forward to all year long. Idaho keeps it interesting and enjoyable and its just one of the reasons we call this our forever-home!
John and Tracey Tindall
Aspire Community Theatre Ushers in Mamma Mia!
Coeur d’Alene never ceases to amaze us. Not only do we get to enjoy the obvious beauty and all the lovely people who live here, but our Lake City offers so many other benefits! Like Theater!! But not just any Theater… Aspire Community Theatre.
Great Local Entertainment
Aspire Community Theatre (ACT) is unlike any other. How, you may ask? To start, they are a completely non-profit run organization with experienced theatrical artists in charge. It’s a community theater, staffed 100% by volunteers, yet working at a professional level. As a result, you can count on exceptional and entertaining performances each and every time.
Their Mission
Aspire was founded because many parents of children in theater were unable to find other options once their children graduated. Their only other option was acting at a professional level. Creating this theater was a way they could continue to learn and expand their acting abilities right here at home. Aspire is a conservatory theatre, which means, the students will learning through out each production because they are involved in each aspect of the production. Aspire incorporates a wide a wide range of groups and ages to keep things lively. Plus, they “not only develop artists, but theater enthusiasts through education and exposure”.
Aspire’s mission “is to enrich, entertain and educate our community through exceptional live theater which inspires the imagination and provokes contemplation of truth. Our goal is to honor, reflect and collaborate with the greater community we serve, creating leaders for the future, as we form partnerships today.” And they do just that!
Courtesy of the Coeur d’Alene Press
A Gift To The Community
Theater is a gift – for both the audience and artists and with 600 season ticket holders it seems like our community agrees. Bringing together experienced theatrical artists combined with young talent and community leaders; Aspire is determined to improve the lives of not only the artists and productions but this community. They provide a venue “For the next generation of characters”. Because of their local success, they are the only theater in the pacific northwest playing Mama Mia! First show is February 8th.
John and Tracey Chime In
“Our first Aspire experience was for “Catch Me If You Can”. We were intrigued when they said it would be a MUSICAL! We loved the movie and were so interested in seeing how it could be made as a musical. Aspire took that movie to a whole new level as a musical play. We loved it! Above all, it was so creative and a throughly enjoyable performance. We laughed and enjoyed every minute of it. Aspire offers a diverse and multi-faceted mixture of talent we have not seen in community theater. If you are looking for a great entertaining evening, go to a performance. Finally, Mamma Mia would make a wonderful treat for your Valentine!
John and Tracey Tindall
Contact us for special ticket discounts!!
Happening in February
Coming to Aspire this February!
Contact us for special ticket discounts!!
Only at Aspire!
Contact us for special ticket discounts!!
Visit Aspire here! Check out the upcoming shows and learn organization, donate, sponsor and volunteer.
Credit: https://aspirecda.com/
Street Eats ~ Food Trucks Rolling into Coeur d’Alene
Calling all Foodies!! One of the fastest growing food industries is coming to our own backyard. Food Trucks! The speed, convenience, quality and price is enough to draw a crowd to the up and coming food truck pavilion in Coeur d’Alene.
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A Great Idea Hatched
The owners of Premier Auction Center in Post Falls teamed up with the owners of the Jitterz Espresso franchise and hatched this great idea. Our area’s next food truck court will have just about everything! That includes 13 food vendors, a Jitterz Coffee stand, 39 parking spots with a large eating pavilion. “Prairie Pavilion” will be located at 7777 Heartland Drive and plans to be open by the spring of 2019.
Good For Your Tummy and Our Economy
It’ll be great for the consumer as well as helpful to our economy. Food Trucks and the food truck community invest into our local economy and they do so by creating jobs and help recharge underdeveloped areas. One may think they could be hurtful to the brick-and-mortar restaurants. Just the opposite, because food trucks draw patrons to the area which increases the amount of foot traffic to other restaurants and surrounding businesses. Not to mention, restaurants are opening food trucks of their own to keep up with the growing trend. Plus, food truck businesses are required to pay all the same taxes as other restaurants and this generate thousands in tax revenue for the city.
Their Vision
The owners say it’ll be a “happening spot where busy businesspeople can swing through for a quick bite, as well as a welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy a relaxing meal.” That will just be the start! Additional plans are “getting kicked around” about making this spot a cornerstone of the community. Possibly having farmer’s markets and music shows available alongside the pavillion. Overall, Prairie Pavilion will be a great spot for everyone and it’ll be right in our backyard!
John and Tracey Chime In
“We have enjoyed some pretty wonderful food from food trucks here in Coeur d’Alene and in other cities. Dining from a truck will surprise you because you just can’t imagine such amazing and sometimes gourmet food can be cooked up and served from a truck, but it does! We love this idea and how it brings a new layer and flavor to our area”. John and Tracey Tindall
Courtesy of Google Maps
Credit: https://www.cdapress.com/local_news/20190110/street_eats_coming_to_north_coeur_dalene?fbclid=IwAR2H7ELzQOXwSfsRIstFa7UaWw54hje8gnI6donQbybM1uu_jjEZtdFos70 & http://www.dmvfta.org/food-truck-facts
Rules for Saving & Paying Down Debt
Saving money can be such a challenge for most of us. When it comes time to buy a home or invest in real estate it can become even more of a struggle. With mortgage financing, we must be sure to keep our debts low, while having enough assets on hand to get our loan approved. We will need to consider the budget for new mortgage payments while paying of credit card or consumer debts each month. AND we must be mindful about putting money away into a 401K or other investments and maybe having a little extra to enjoy life.
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Below are 7 simple rules for saving your money and paying off debts. Following these rules will make it easier to get where we’d like to be financially before taking the steps to get your dream home.
1. Automate It!
Most places of employment offer direct deposit. Use that to your advantage. Set your direct deposit up for a portion of your paycheck to be deposited into several different accounts. One for your 401K, another into a savings account for the purpose of emergencies, also an account to save for home projects, vacations, etc. Then, set up your bills to be paid automatically. It would be beneficial to check with your loan holders to see if that would be an option. Ultimately, it comes down to this: if you can’t see the money then you won’t have the temptation to spend it.
2. Know How to Prioritize
Should you start paying down debt or saving first? Which debts should you start with? You need to know how to prioritize and compare the numbers. First, start by checking the interest rates on your loans and credit cards. The higher the interest rate, the more of a priority that should be to pay off. Save any extra money you get. Tax return? Put that into savings! Get a raise at work? Automatically deposit that extra percentage into savings each month. Eventually, you will have enough in that account for a nice down payment on your home.
3. Imagine Your Future Self
Where do you want to be in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years? Owning your own home? Not drowning in debt? Studies show if you imagine where you’d like to be in the future that will motivate you to take the necessary steps for the purpose of achieving those goals.
4. Stop Unnecessary Spending
Take a good look at your finances and what you spend money on regularly. Do this with the intention of determining what can be dropped or scaled back on. Maybe a gym membership that you pay for monthly and only go once every 3 months or so. Another common unnecessary expense is cable TV; streaming services are cheaper, and they have a great selection. Additionally, rather than getting a coffee at Starbucks every day, make your own coffee at home. You may be surprised to know that could save over $100 a month. Also, eat meals at home instead of going out to eat. Even dropping one expenditure mentioned will make a huge difference on your bank account.
5. Reward Yourself
You can’t live your life to save and pay down debt. Every now and then you need a reward for all your hard work. Use that as a motivation to save. Got a bill paid off? Get yourself something! Reached your goal on an amount of money you wanted to save? Treat yourself! Be sure to make these rewards sensible, but you could be getting perks while saving and paying off bills.
6. Take Advantage of Bank & Credit Cards Offers & Rewards
Take a good look at your credit card rewards, it may surprise you what they offer. There may be an opportunity for you to receive a percentage of what you spend in cash back. Who wouldn’t benefit from that? Make sure your bank account doesn’t charge you a monthly maintenance fee. If it does, research how to waive it or get a different account.
7. Start Young (Its never early or late to Start)
If this applies to you, pay attention. Starting off at a young age will set you up in the future. Even if you’re working at your very first job, you can start taking the necessary steps. Apply the rules above and your savings will grow faster than you could ever anticipate.
By following these rules, you can save, pay off debt Whether your goal is to save for a home or prepare for the future, it’s all possible with a little hard work and knowledge on your side.
Think that your credit is hopeless and that you may never be in a position to buy a home? Don’t! There is always a way with a good plan and a good team. We have helped so many buyers get into homes when they thought it would never be a reality for them. We have a great team that can help you build the roadmap to get there. Want to know more about how to get started? Let’ Connect
Credit: NPR Public Radio – https://www.npr.org/2018/12/12/676120025/get-started-saving & http://time.com/money/4266906/save-for-new-home-tips/
Preparation for Winter Driving and Snow
Here in beautiful North Idaho we are lucky to have 4 very distinct seasons. Everybody loves the warmth of Summer, the freshness of Spring, the colors of Fall, and the coziness of Winter.
With winter comes SNOW and that can mean snow storms! Driving in the snow and knowing how to be prepared for winter driving can be a bit stressful.
Knowing what to do or even where to start preparation can be one of the biggest hurdles. There are simple preparations that can be done to your vehicle and with your family to get through the longest and coldest season. Check out the below tips to help avoid winter from sneaking up on you and those you love.
Preparation Tips for Successfully Surviving the Winter:
Get a Vehicle Winter Maintenance Check-up Before Winter Hits:
~ Don’t wait to check your battery, belts, hoses, radiator, lights, brakes, heater/defroster and wipers ~
~ Tire shops and mechanics are busiest just before and during winter storms, so get your check-up scheduled NOW ~
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Keep a Basic Winter Survival Kit in Your Vehicle: ~ Flashlight ~ Batteries ~ Blanket ~ Snacks ~ Water ~ Gloves ~ Boots ~ First-aid kit ~ |
Load Your Car with Basic Travel Gear: ~ Tire chains ~ Ice scraper/snowbrush ~ Jumper cables ~ Road flares ~ |
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Keep Your Fuel Tank Full: ~ Don’t let it fall below half a tank ~ |
Plan With Your Family ~ Create a plan that works well with your family ~ ~ Practice it each year before the snow falls ~ |
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Stay Informed: ~ Be sure to find your local station for traffic reports and emergency messages ~ ~ Know the weather approaching so you are prepared for its arrival ~ |
Check Your Tires: ~ Make sure your chains fit before the first winter storm ~ ~ Check tire pressure during cold weather ~ |
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Click on the Checklists Below for More Information:
Get Ready for Freezing Temperatures & Snowfall
Get Ready for Winter Weather Driving
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AND REMEMBER TO ALWAYS BE SAFE OUT THERE!!
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Sources:
Washington State Dept of Transportation https://www.wsdot.com/winter/emergencykit.htm
Take the Winter by Storm https://takewinterbystorm.org/
