Regardless of when you read this blog, it's safe to assume you're close to a home or office window in Saskatoon. Take a moment to look at the window and the blinds that currently exist in that space. 

Do the blinds control the light? Do they add style and fashion to the room?

Chances are you've never truly considered window coverings as part of your home's fashion. But they actually play a key role beyond the control of light and privacy in a room. The Hunter Douglas Alustra blind collection provides the best of functionality and style for your home.

Watch this short video for several before and after pictures showcasing the fashion these high quality blinds create.

To touch and feel this collection visit our showroom and experience the only Hunter Douglas Gallery in Saskatoon.

All of this and you still receive the top Hunter Douglas warranty in Saskatoon only available at Braid Flooring & Window Fashions.

BRAID FLOORING AND WINDOW FASHIONS

 Are you hosting a house full of family this Christmas season? While you are busy shopping and preparing for the big day, call Mr. Green Cleaning Services for the cleaning!

Mr. Green Cleaning Services is a green cleaning company with 3 years of commercial and residential cleaning experience. We use advanced equipment and eco-friendly methods to clean your space. Our passion is a cleaning job well done, and a satisfied customer. 

We take great pride in providing professional services, reliable quality and very competitive pricing to our clients. 

We invite you to make our company your one-stop for both residential and commercial cleaning. When you invite Mr. Green Cleaning Services into your home or business, you can rest assured that your space will be cleaner and greener than ever before. 

If you are looking for residential and commercial cleaning services. Call us at: 306.382.1700. 

For more information please contact us online. 

You can check out Mr. Green's Cleaning Services Spotlight Profile here.

Upgrading the windows on your home is a major project. However, the benefits of having new, modern windows on your Saskatoon home will pay you back in more ways than one. If you're thinking about replacing your home's windows, here are five signs it's time to do it now.

1. Broken Glass

Damaged windows are the most obvious sign that it's time to upgrade. Not only are your possessions at risk from thieves, but your home is open to harsh weather conditions and unwanted pests. Of course, a single window glass repair is always an option, but it might be an excellent excuse to freshen up your entire home.

2. Boost Curb Appeal

If your home sticks out like a sore thumb because the windows are tired and dated, it is definitely time for an improvement. Your home will look great, and your neighbours will thank you!

3. Noisy Neighbourhood

If your once-quiet neighbourhood has become a bustling hub of activity, you don't have to move just to get a little peace and quiet. Upgrade to insulated glass units to block that unwanted noise and return your home to the cozy sanctuary you remember.

4. Button Up a Drafty Home

If your heating and cooling system is working overtime to compensate for your old drafty windows, an upgrade is definitely in order. Plus, your home will be much more comfortable when you do not have one room that is far too warm and another that is far too chilly from all the air leakage.

5. Cutting Energy Costs

It is easy to go green and save a little cash on your monthly energy expenses when you upgrade to energy efficient double pane windows. These work by sandwiching air between two panes of glass. The air acts as an insulator so your expensive heated or cooled air stays inside where it belongs.

Upgrade Today!

Whether you need a simple window glass repair, or you are ready to upgrade all the windows in your home, Glass Doctor® of Saskatoon will help. We offer an in-home consultation with no obligation to purchase. Call or schedule an appointment online today.

Glass Doctor

Kitchen Refacing with Kitchen Magic Inc., a locally owned and operated company, is an inexpensive and environmentally friendly option to replacing your kitchen cabinetry. It is an option that has been used in the USA and Eastern Canada for decades. The experts at Kitchen Magic Inc., are using the same technology and high quality products to provide homeowners and contractors with an opportunity to rescue an old, tired kitchen.

Whether you are planning to sell your home, or stay and enjoy it for a few more years, refacing your kitchen will ensure a renewed feeling of warmth and home; there's no place like home! 

As Kitchen Magic Inc grows, so does our awareness of what our potential customers need. Therefore, we are proud to announce that we now provide a partnership with a tile and flooring supplier. We can provide you with high quality products and installation for backsplashes and kitchen flooring, producing the full package. With a kitchen renovation project, you may need all or some of these items. Kitchen Magic Inc is the company that can take care of all your needs

• Flooring – Tile, linoleum, hardwood, or laminate
• Backsplash – Tile or Facade

Design Work

We are one of the leading kitchen renovation design teams in Saskatchewan. We can redesign your kitchen and, with the proper information, provide you with a quote to have the job completed. This can be accomplished by email or during a free in-home consultation. 

What sets us apart from our competitors? 

With such a large list of happy customers, We'd have to say it is a number of things.

• prompt service
• great quality products
• the ability to quote by email

Busy schedules don't always allow time to have someone come into your home to quote your kitchen renovation project. We provide this service by email, so you can view and ponder on your own time (even at midnight). Call Donna at 306-280-8232 to find out how this is done or email us at kitmagicinc@gmail.com . 

Our Mission Statement: We at Kitchen Magic Inc. believe in providing the best in customer service - period. Our mobile ability allows us to bring the showroom to you. Everything is done right in your kitchen. From the choices of style, colour, accents and countertops, this makes the process simple and ensures that each choice you make will compliment your existing decor. We are also able to keep costs down as we do not have a large, expensive showroom to man, stock, and upkeep. Therefore, we can pass the savings on to you! 

Below are two different project examples of BEFORE and AFTER 

For more information on Kitchen Magic's hours of operations, visit their Spotlight Profile.

KITCHEN MAGIC

You might be looking at Saskatoon gyms for the very first time; or maybe looking for a change from where you're at now.  We encourage you to come check out everything we have to offer at Fitness Focus.  

If you are a resident of Saskatoon or the surrounding area such as Martensville, Warman and Delisle, we welcome you to print your free 2-week trial pass.  For 2-weeks we'll offer you access to the Weight Room, the entire Group Fitness Class Schedule, Cardio Theatre, Tanning, Free Lockers and Free Towel Service.  You can see and experience everything else we have to offer including affordable Childcare, Personal Training, Sports Training and Conditioning, Diet and Nutrition Consulting, Massage Therapy, and if you ever need help just ask one of our Friendly Staff.  All this in a clean and mature atmosphere.  

At Fitness Focus you won't be just another number, we know you'll love your time with us, so ask about our memberships with No Contracts and flexible packages that you can customize anytime. 

Find out how to get your first month free... Before you start your 2-week pass, don't forget to ask the front staff about getting one month free on a membership! 

Markets Outlook I hope you enjoyed your summer and are looking forward to a pleasant fall season. I am writing to give you a brief update on how financial markets have fared over the past few months. Financial markets continued to exhibit a higher degree of volatility than normal throughout the third quarter of 2015, with most equity indexes finishing the period with losses and the results for bond markets being mixed. Equity values declined in late August and remained choppy into the end of September due to a number of factors, including China’s decision to devalue its currency and a subsequent sell-off of Chinese stocks, slower global growth and uncertainty surrounding the U.S. Federal Reserve’s plans to raise interest rates. By quarter-end, the S&P 500 Index in the U.S. had rebounded slightly to post a 6.4% loss for the three-month period and a 5.3% decline for the year-to-date, while the MSCI World Index was down 8.3% for the quarter and 5.6% for the first nine months of the year, both in U.S. dollar terms. For Canadian investors, however, the weak global market results were mitigated as the Canadian dollar continued to lose value relative to the U.S. dollar and other major currencies. In Canadian dollar terms, the S&P 500 was up slightly for the quarter and up 9.4% for the year-to-date, while the decline in the MSCI World Index was trimmed to 1.6% for the quarter and it posted a positive 9.0% return for the first nine months of the year. The benchmark Canadian S&P/TSX Composite Index, meanwhile, continued to underperform other developed markets, with its resource-oriented sectors impacted by softer global demand for commodities. The index dropped 7.9% in the third quarter and was down 7.0% in the first nine months of the year. Given the equity market uncertainty and in light of weaker economic conditions, central bankers exercised caution throughout the quarter. The U.S. Federal Reserve opted to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged, in spite of evidence that the American economy continues on a path of modest growth and its stated goal to raise rates in the near future. In Canada, soft commodity prices continued to weigh on the economy, and two consecutive quarters of declining GDP prompted the Bank of Canada to cut its lending rate to 0.5% in July. Yields for developed market government bonds declined slightly through the quarter as investors sought out their perceived safety.   Heightened market volatility can be unsettling, but we know that financial markets cycle through periods of stronger and weaker returns. Market pullbacks often provide opportunities for investors to buy high-quality securities at attractive prices, and can help to build value over time. Although the underlying global economy still faces challenges, it continues to grow slowly. In the U.S., the economy expanded at an impressive annual rate of 3.9% in the second quarter of this year, corporate earnings are strong and the housing and job markets are stable. Early third quarter data indicate that the Canadian economy has also returned to positive growth. Overseas, the rising U.S. dollar is putting pressure on emerging economies, but China’s economy is still expanding – albeit at a slower rate – as are many developed economies including Germany and France.    From a longer-term perspective, it is worthwhile to note that most equity markets have been strongly positive over the last five years. For example, the five-year compound annual return (to September 30, 2015) for the MSCI World Index was nearly 9% in U.S. dollars and 15% in Canadian dollar terms. While we cannot predict how markets will behave in the future, the danger in reacting to the weakness of this most recent period is that you may miss a subsequent rebound. It’s important to remember that market volatility was taken into account when we developed your investment portfolio. A sound financial plan that includes a well-diversified investment program tailored to your individual objectives remains the best approach for securing your financial goals. Should you have any questions about your investment portfolio, my team and I are here to help. Please do not hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, Janea Dieno The information in this letter is derived from various sources, including CI Investments, Signature Global Asset Management, Cambridge Global Asset Management, Globe and Mail, National Post, Bloomberg, Yahoo Canada Finance, and Trading Economics. Index information was provided by TD Newcrest and PC Bond, and all quoted equity index returns are on a total return basis (including dividends). This material is provided for general information and is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to compile this material from reliable sources; however, no warranty can be made as to its accuracy or completeness. Before acting on any of the above, please contact me for individual financial advice based on your personal circumstances.

Check out JBD Financial Planning's Spotlight Profle for more information on Janea!

Reed Security recently launched their new and improved website, making it easier for readers and clients.  Here is what Virgil Reed, CEO and founder of Reed Security, has to say about your local security company:

"If you believe in Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Innovation, Family, and Fun then we share the same values and look forward to a long term relationship. 

Each member of the Reed Security team is hand picked by me. I look for people that Care and fit into the culture we have built. Our staff say "it feels like a family". You also have to be great at what you do. 

We are NOT a large corporation and staff are empowered to do what is RIGHT for the client and for the company. We also love to "ring the gong" to recognize our people for going the extra mile (and we ring it regularly). 

I guarantee that when you choose Reed Security as your security partner, you will receive innovative and reliable solutions at an affordable price from a local family that cares."

Virgil Reed

Founder, CEO - 

Here is why Reed Security's clients and dealers love them:

• A Proven Track Record – Since opening our doors in March of 2000, we have become one of the largest independent security providers in Canada.
• We protect 4000+ clients and We Pay Attention to them by providing Same/Next Business Day support and service.
• Reed Security Authorized Dealer Program - "Our Success Can Now Be Your Success".
• 20+ Award Recognitions: Young Entrepreneur of Saskatchewan, SABEX Best Customer Service (twice), SABEX Small Business of the Year, NSBA Quality Management, and NSBA New Direction.
• Our $5/mo. Monitoring Promo is the hottest deal in Canada (we checked).
• Five Interconnected 24/7 Rapid Response Monitoring Stations (ULC-listed) Burnaby, Calgary, Winnipeg, Concord, Montreal.
• 30+ Years Monitoring Experience protecting 400,000 subscribers across Canada.
• Innovative, Reliable, and Affordable security solutions such as alarm systems, ReedHD™ hi-def cameras, and access control systems.
• Refer A Friend program - Enjoy $50 everytime your referral becomes a new Reed client. Thank You!

         Reed Security

Dr. Lindsey Crook

Practicing since 2005, Dr. Crook is the co-owner of Foundation Chiropractic and Wellness. After first completing a Bachelors of History at the University of Saskatchewan, she went on to graduate from Life Chiropractic College in Marietta, Georgia in June of 2005. After completing her Canadian and American national board examinations, she returned home to her community in Saskatoon and began practice.

 source: Foundationchiropractic

"I began my life of chiropractic after spending a year working in a chiropractic office in northern Alberta. I was amazed at how great of an impact an adjustment could have on an individual’s outlook on life. They would arrive in so much turmoil and leave the office with a sense of relief and a smile. I truly have a love for people and enjoy spending my time in the office with so many interesting personalities. I see people of all ages and avenues of life with such interesting stories. I’ve had the honour of watching many families grow. It’s a privilege to be allowed to share in the joy of watching their children grow up into awesome little people.

I look forward to seeing all my current patients at the new location on Preston Avenue. I am also very excited to welcome new patients from the surrounding community, allowing us to continue serving families and individuals during their life stories.

In my recreation time. I enjoy spending time with my husband, family and friends.  I’m often in the company of my dogs, Diesel and Kanu. I enjoy all the city of Saskatoon parks and walking trails of the river valley. I love participating in Pilates classes and (in our warmer months) playing in the garden." -Lindsey Crook

Dr. Janine Johnson

Practicing since 2002, Dr. Johnson is the co-owner of Foundation Chiropractic and Wellness. After first completing a Biology Degree at the University of Saskatchewan, she went on to graduate from Northwestern College of Chiropractic in Bloomington, Minnesota in April of 2002. Passing Canadian and American Board Exams, she moved to Amsterdam, where she began her chiropractic professional life until Saskatoon called her back in October of 2003.

 source: Foundationchiropractic 

Treat everyone you see in practice the way that you would wish your family and loved ones to be treated.

"This motto was instilled in me from the very beginning of my chiropractic career by my mentors, and I live by it every day. I enjoy my vocation tremendously, and have the privilege to help all ages, shapes and sizes of people strive to reach their optimal spinal and overall health. My adjusting rooms are full of families, brand new infants, unsteady toddlers, school-age kids, growing teenagers, desk-workers, laborers, police, fire people, nurses, teachers, doctors, dentists, business people, seniors and everyone in between! I see it all and I love it!

In our new Preston Ave. location, I look forward to helping my patients of the past 11 years continue with their chiropractic health journey. I am also excited to have the opportunity to meet new patients who are seeking chiropractic care and the many benefits that it brings.

In my spare time, I enjoy downhill skiing, snow-shoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, mountain biking in Fernie, hiking, Pilates, running, reading and spending time with my husband and dog on the riverbanks of Saskatoon."- Janine Johnson

                                Foundation Chiropractic

Check out Foundation Chiropractic's Spotlight Profile for more information.

 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!

From September 2nd-6th, Riversdale District is hosting the first YXEeats food and drink festival. Proudly presented by the Commercial Group, YXEeats is a new festival to Saskatoon where you can try all the unique cuisine that the Riversdale District has to offer featuring set price menus and daily deals.

You can find some of your local favourite's like Collective Coffee, Leyda's, The Hollows, the Odd Couple and more!  Check out the rest of participating restaurants here.

Make sure you head out to the  PotashCorp Firework Festival this Friday and Saturday at the Friendship Park and the Amphitheatre at River Landing.  It is forecasted to be a chilly weekend so make sure you have plenty of blankets, friends and family around you to keep you warm,

 Photo Credit: Trip Advisor