Are you looking for a great night out this New Year's Eve? Join your friends at Leyda's for delicious food and live music! Check out what Leyda's is serving on New Year's Eve here.  Skip the wait in the lobby and book online, one of Leyda's newest feature!

Leyda's weekly food specials, focusing on whole foods, gluten and nut free foods.  

Head to Leyda's Spotlight Profile for more information on the cafe, social media, hours and location.

Coming back for their second time, Little Bird Patisserie & Cafe is excited for another year of exposure and a profitable week to their business at Taste of Saskatchewan.  Kim Butcher, owner and baker, says that  "The neighbourhood (20th Street) is changing so quickly right now that there is always an influx of new people stopping by the shop but each spring has always proven to be very busy and the winter months is when things slow down. Being a vender in the festival is a big cash injection for the bakery so it fuels us to keep going in the leaner months," says Kim. Bringing back some of last year's favourites, the french macron flavours are vanilla, salted toffee and pistachio and the sweet crepes are cinnamon sugar and lemon sugar.

Rather than having  a drink  like the year before, a gluten-free savoury crepe is new to the menu, offering people of Saskatoon a lunch item option. With bacon and caramelized onions topped with gruyrere cheese, arugula and roasted garlic dressing, this item will be a hit down by the river this week! When asked what sets Little Bird Patisserie & Cafe apart from other bakeries and cafes in Saskatoon, Kim says, "We don't consider ourselves restaurant style service. We have very simple service with a variety of items that are baked fresh daily. Some of our items you can get throughout Saskatoon but the difference here is the huge selection of the delicacies that we love so much." Kim and her staff are hoping for good weather this week and are looking forward to the break away from the shop, they had  a lot of fun last year and are expecting it to be the same this time!

If you are looking to try Little Bird Patisserie & Cafe's  famous french macrons or would like a sweet or savoury crepe, find their tent at Taste of Saskatchewan from Tuesday-Sunday this week! They are open from 11:00am-10:30pm on Tuesday and then until 11:30pm for the rest of the week, closing at 8:00pm on Sunday when the festival is finished. Little Bird Patisserie & Cafe is located at back row, closest to the river and the first row in front of the Bessborough Hotel, you don't want to miss this tent this summer!

View the Little Bird Patisserie & Cafe Spotlight Profile

Ah, the fresh start of a new year. Whether you've written down specific goals and aspirations for the year or just have something in the back of your mind that you'd like to change in 2015, most everyone contemplates a New Year's resolution in some way. We all know that sticking to that resolution beyond the end of January is rare. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to ensure success, such as setting realistic goals, writing them down, and making gradual changes. Another key is to seek outside help. Finding a friend who shares the same goal can keep you accountable, and involving an expert to provide you with advice can make all the difference. We've paired some of the most common New Year's resolutions with great local experts who just might be the resource you need to achieve long-term success. 

Manage Debt & Save Money

A resolution to save money and reduce debt is most effective when specific commitments are made and measurable goals are set. If this sounds daunting, you may need some guidance regarding your finances. It's the perfect opportunity to call in a financial expert like Janea Dieno of JBD Financial. Janea is a certified financial planner, and her experience and advice will be invaluable to you on your quest to achieve financial stability. Read our recent interview with Janea to find out exactly what a financial planner does and how she can help, no matter your financial situation!

Lose Weight

It's no secret that physical activity is a key factor in weight loss. If this is something you've resolved to do in 2015, there are a ton of great local experts in Saskatoon who are here to help you. The fitness gurus at Snap Fitness and Fitness Focus (both locally owned and operated in Saskatoon) will set you up with everything you need to achieve your goals. Both gyms offer trial passes for first-timers! If you'd prefer to work out at home, stop by Fitness Solutions on Circle Drive to explore a huge variety of indoor fitness equipment and accessories. From cardio machines, to free weights, to CrossFit gear, Fitness Solutions has it all. In need of some new workout duds and nutrition support? Pay a visit to Believe Fit in The Mall at Lawson Heights for a fantastic selection of quality fitness attire, protein powders and nutritional products.  

Eat Healthy

After a holiday season laced with sugary treats and overeating, its no surprise that one of the most common New Year's Resolutions is to eat healthier. Staying on track can be a challenge, especially when it comes to social gatherings. Fortunately, there are some great local restaurants who cater to the health-conscious, providing the perfect opportunity to go out on the town and enjoy yourself without derailing your diet. Leyda's Cafe on 20th Street strikes the perfect balance between healthy and delicious with organic, local, seasonal produce and carefully selected meats and seafood. There are awesome vegan and vegetarian options, and the entire menu is nut-free and gluten-free. Owner Dr. Dee Dee Maltman is a proponent of an anti-inflammatory diet, and she shares some great information about anti-inflammatory foods on Leyda's website. 

Spend More Time Giving

The intention to give more to charity and spend more time volunteering resides within most of us, and the start of the New Year presents a great time to put these plans into action. If you're thinking about a long term volunteer commitment, you may want to consider filling a mentorship spot at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon- or browse through the categories on Give Back Saskatoon to learn more about some of the other local charities and non-profits who are making a difference in our city.  

We wish you all the best with your 2015 resolutions! You can do it! :)