It always seems like once the summer season is over, a new year starts.  Homeowners are back to business and checking things off of their never-ending "to do" list. The yard always endures a major clean; leaf raking, pruning and putting things away and locked up for the winter.

With all of this in mind, let's not forget the home. Prepping your home for the winter is also very useful and the Fall season is the perfect time to do so as the dust is settling, literally and figuratively. 

The windows, carpets, baseboards and walls are washed of all the collected dust and dirt from the coming and goings of the summer days but what about all the dust in your furnace and vents? 

Having your furnace and ducts cleaned by a professional will improve your overall indoor quality, reduce house mold, allergens and dust. Not only does cleaning your furnace rids your house of unwanted dust, it also reduces energy costs. Use these useful furnace tips for your home.

 Contact Gary from Saskatoon Steam Dry, your local carpet and furnace cleaning professional. You can find his prices and current promotions here

Happy Wednesday!

Did you know that it is National Coffee Day today? Today, of any days, make sure you treat yourself to your favourite hot beverage by your local barista! Don't forget to tip them extra as they are the ones who put that extra effort in your lattes every morning.  

Fitness Focus has your gym bags! As per request by the many gym goers at the local gym, Fitness Focus now has either dark green or beige gym bags for purchase. T-shirts are coming soon!

Fonts and calligraphy are obsessions of many this year and if you are font lover then check out these cool calligraphy fonts!        

              Photo Source: Pinterest                                                                                              Photo Source: Pinterest

Prairie Sun Brewery is hosting their 3rd annual Oktoberfest this Saturday from 12-11pm. They are celebrating with food trucks, beer olympics, live music and premium craft beer from local microbreweries. Click here for more info on the event you don't want to miss! 

Paramount Day Spa and Salon has October discounts for Laser Hair Removal and EpilFree Permanent Hair Removal. Book your free consultation today and save! Check out the discounts here.      

It is said that the Super Moon occurs four times throughout the year and it is when the moon has its closest approach to the Earth. However, the Super Moon Lunar Eclipse is something much more rare. When word got out that the Super Moon Lunar Eclipse will be over Saskatoon between 8-9pm last night, everyone and their dog lined the streets to catch a glimpse of this extraordinary event!

We headed to the train bridge and it seemed like many other people had the same idea. Dozens of sky gazers had cameras, big and small, lining the bridge capturing the entire eclipse and then the magnificent colour afterwards.

Hundreds of Saskatoonians made way to the University of Saskatchewan Observatory for a free viewing and Wanuskewin Heritage Park also had a showing of this rare event. The next time we will see the Super Moon Lunar Eclipse is in the year of 2033 and it was last seen in 1982. 

We hope that you did not miss this glorious phenomenon in Saskatoon! 

 Photo Credit: theweathernetwork.com

Soup season is back! Now that summer is officially over, it is time to start getting cozy. Try out this quick and easy 5 ingredient soup recipe that will have you ready for Fall and embracing the pumpkin trend in your meals this season!

 Thai Pumpkin Soup: Serves 4

Source: www.foodiecrush.com 

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons of red curry paste

4 cups of chicken/vegetable broth

(2) 15 oz cans of pumpkin puree (If you choose to use a real pumpkin, pick a 2-3 pound pumpkin, peep and chop and cook it in chicken broth. Blend)

1.75 cup coconut milk, or a 13.5 ounce can, reserving 1 tablespoon 

1 large red chilli pepper, sliced

cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the curry paste for one minute. Add the broth and stir.

Cook for about three minutes and add the coconut milk and cook until hot.

Pour into bowls and drizzle extra coconut milk over top and garnish with cilantro if desired. 

You can find pumpkins at Robertson Valley Farm on Valley Road or Tierra Del Sol, both local establishments five minutes out of Saskatoon. 

Nuit Blanche is a free night time festival that celebrates the art and culture of Saskatoon.   Starting at 8pm this upcoming Saturday, 20th street will come alive with the artistic  expressions of talented local artists.

You will find contemporary art in the forms of light, sound, human movement and images. This festival is a chance for people of all ages to engage with YXE's unique art scene.

Aside from the art and culture that you will see, local eateries will also be offering food and drink so that you can fully enjoy your night out!

                                           Photo Credit: nuitblanchesaskatoon.ca

 Explore Saskatoon's iconic 20th street at night this Saturday at Nuit Blanche and be inspired and entertained all night long!  You can find more information on artists, performances schedule and food here.

 Planning a wedding this Fall? Add these cute ideas to your day to create a warm and cozy feeling for your guests.

1. Caramel Apple Bar

 Add a variety of fixings for that extra touch and guests will swarm this table all night. 

 Photo Credit: Pinterest

2. Hot Chocolate Bar

This addition will keep your guests feeling warm as they enter the ceremony or an option for the cocktail hour.

 Photo Credit: Pinterest

3. Blanket Basket

 In case of a chilly Fall day, offer cozy blankets to your guests in case the bride is running late!

   Photo Credit: Pinterest

4.  S'more Bar

Perfect if you have an outdoor reception! Have a fire going outside and have a S'more Bar nearby.

 Photo Credit: Pinterest           

5.  Beer"barrow"

 Keeping it simple with a touch of rustic will tie in the Fall theme nicely with this idea.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

This Saturday, grab a pumpkin-spiced latte and stroll the streets of 33rd and River Landing to take in some good eats, good music and good finds.

The YXE Street Food Festival is back again this year with mobile vendors dishing out the food we love so much.  Stretching down Spadina between 2nd and 3rd Ave, you will find more than twenty food vendors from 11:30am to 9:30pm.  You can find the list of vendors and musical guests here. 

 The 33rd Street Fair is back again for it's 3rd year and what started as a couple buskers and vendors is now better than ever! A community stage was added this year so be sure to check out some local entertainment!  The fair starts at 11:00am and ends at 9:00pm this Saturday and the admission is FREE. Check out the line-up here

Fall is among us and locally owned Twisted Goods wants you to have these trendy essentials for the new season coming up. We spoke with Lindsey, Operations Manager of Twisted Goods, and here is what she has to say about whats in stores.

"Right now our main focus in the store is Fall fashion. Matt & Nat is one of our top vendors for fashion bags this season. Matt & Nat is a vegan bag brand committed to sustainability and being environmentally friendly. This season we are carrying pieces from three of their collections: Dwell, Vintage, and Loom. Some of our top selling bags are the Jorja or Sheenan in Cocoa, Bordeaux or Gravel. The Raylan or Acadia make awesome work bags (from the vintage collection in Black, Fig, or Chill) and the Dunham in Sage or Grape from the Loom collection. You can find all of these trendy bags here. 

                                                             Photo Credit: Twisted Goods

 We also carry a variety of jewelry lines. Two of our most popular pieces are The Giving Keys and Lokai Bracelets.

Lokai bracelets have one bead that holds mud from the Dead Sea and one that holds water from Mount Everest. They remind us to stay humble when we are on top of the world and to stay hopeful when we are not. Lokai is releasing a limited-edition pink breast cancer awareness bracelet that we will be carrying in stores October 1st. We are thinking this will be a coveted item so hurry in to get yours!

 The Giving Keys are made by an amazing company based out of L.A who employ those who are transitioning out of homelessness. The line is a collection of bracelets and necklaces that feature a key with a word printed on it. The idea is to eventually give your key away to someone who you thin needs the word on the key.

 Another item that we are proud to have in the store and would look good on anybody this Fall is our Nancy Durham Scarves. Nancy is a local designer based out of Delisle, SK. She uses top fabrics to compose beautiful one of a kind scarves!

Aside from Fall fashion, our other focus this season is our hosting accessories. We currently have a "Fork & Cork" table up in our stores which is our wine and cheese hosting table. Some items featured here are our Corkcicles, Wine-to-go cups, Mice Cheese Knives by Kikkerland, Gurgle Pots and stemless "yours" and "mine" glasses. 

                                                                       Photo Credit: Twisted Goods

Twisted Goods is located in Lawson Heights Mall and The Circle and Center Mall. For store hours and information visit their Spotlight Profile.

West Jet announces a new travel route and it has everyone planning their next trip. With direct flights out of Calgary and Edmonton to London Gatwick airport five times a week, more Saskatoonians will be visiting the Queen this winter.

If you are planning a get away over the pond, use these steps to avoid serious jet lag after nine hour flight. Dailymakeover has these travel tips for you.

1. Stay Hydrated

Due to 20% humidity and recirculation of air flow on the plane the air is forced to draw moisture from wherever it can, and that includes your skin. It is recommended to drink plenty of water a week before travel and while travelling. Also, have lotion in your carry on and don't be afraid to use it throughout the flight. It is amazing what dehydration will do to your skin after that many hours. You want to look refreshed coming off the plane so keep up with the fluids.

                                Photo Credit: medicalnewstoday.com

 2. Stay Awake

Resist the urge to take a nap once you arrive in your new time zone. If you can adjust to the hours of your destination's normal bed time hours, you will beat the jet lag quicker and possibly avoid the look of tired eyes for the first two days.

          Photo Credit: Pinterest

3. Keep Moving

There is no easy way to be active on an plane but by taking walks up and down the aisles from time to time will help the blood flow while on a nine hour flight. Here are 18 exercises for healthy flying.

                                       Photo Credit: bostonmagazine.com

4. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

Everyone knows that alcohol dehydrates your body and coffee is a diuretic, which has a dehydrating effect. Your skin is restored when you sleep so resist the urge to have these beverages and take some Z's instead.

                                  Photo Credit: refinery29.com

5. Exfoliate

Once you have arrived at your final destination and before you race out to see the London Eye you must EXFOLIATE! Cleanse your skin and remove the dry skin that you acquired from flying. You will want a fresh face when you see the Queen.

                               Photo Credit: beautyhigh.com

 Let's face it, jet lag is real and it is almost impossible to avoid. However, if you follow these tips for flying long hours, you will look a little more bright eyed upon arrival and won't have to avoid any selfies.

Fall Season is just around the corner, literally next week.  It's time to part with that sun-kissed summer hair and make way for the season change. Give your hair a new lease on life with these fall trends.

The Low Profile

  It is back to business this fall so take down that  top knot and replace it with the low pony.  It can be worn many ways, from sleek and modern to messy and loose.  Just keep it low.

                                      Source: harpersbazaar.com

 Side profile

Parting down the middle, inspired by all of the spring 70's references, was a fresh and sleek way for spring and summer. However, adding volume and a new part is one way to feel like a new you.  

                                           Source: harpersbazaar.com                                   

The New Twist

The classic french twist and all its high society feeling is replaced by a much younger, looser and cooler look with embracing the not-so uptight vibe.

                                         Source: harpersbazaar.com 

Up Top

Top knots are not completely done for the season just yet, they are just reinvented. Although your top knot screams fun and messy, it needs a little more effect. The trend now is to have it just a little more "on top" and some quirky-ness to it.

                                            Source: harpersbazaar.com 

Back Story

Rather than focusing on the front like we all do so well, let the back of your head tell the story now. Half up hair is the best way to keep your hair down without having it in your face and add some funky detail to mix it up. Either keep it simple or add tiny braids or twists to it, let the focus be on the back.

                                      Source: harpersbazaar.com