A member of our My Saskatoon team recently had an amazing experience with a local business in a time of crisis. WINMAR, a property restoration service company owned by Selena Maes, specializes in water, fire, smoke, wind, and hail damage, mould remediation, and asbestos cleanup. Here’s what our team member had to say. 

"When we discovered that we had a flood in our home we were devastated to think we would have to put in an insurance claim as we had been claim free for years and were getting a nice discount on our premiums. Our insurance company suggested that we get in touch with a company that could come in with a moisture reader and let us know if the damage was extensive enough to put in a claim. I called WINMAR and they were at the house within an hour. They explained the severity of the damage and assured us it was well worth our while given the extent of it. Since filing the claim they have been out to remove all of the damage in an extremely professional manner. They have gone far and beyond to make sure our day to day routine has not been impacted, even though it would have been easier for them to rip everything out, leaving us without running water for quite some time. The staff was courteous and very conscientious about the impact this would have on our family. I am also very impressed with their knowledge and how they kept me informed along every step of the way." 

We just love hearing about local people who are passionate about the work they do and have developed a way to meet the needs of others in an efficient and friendly manner. There’s nothing worse than something like fire or water damage to a home, and its great to know that there is a business like this in Saskatoon that can be relied on to provide a quick solution and peace of mind. Way to go, WINMAR! More information can be found on WINMAR Saskatoon's website. 

Halloween is officially over, and this means that anything Christmas-related is now fair game. Holiday retail displays are already popping up all over Saskatoon, so it only makes sense that when browsing for upcoming events and activities in November, the majority we came across are holiday-focused. Here's what we have on our radar for this month. If there's anything we missed, let us know in the comments!

photo credit: Pinterest

Mendel Art Gallery | Sculpture Workshop for Adults

Sunday, November 9th at 2pm til 4pm // Mendel Art Gallery

All skill levels welcome, materials provided. Call Carol at (306) 975-8144 to register. 

Remembrance Day Service & Parade

Tuesday, November 11 at 10:30am til 12pm // SaskTel Centre

The general public is invited to attend a commemorative ceremony and wreath-laying to pay tribute to Canadian Veterans. 

Get more info here. 

Santa Claus Parade

Sunday, November 16 at 1pm // Downtown

A holiday tradition in Saskatoon, the Santa Claus Parade heralds the start of Christmas shopping, and is sponsored by Midtown Plaza. 

Get more info and see Santa's route here. 

Glitter | A Charitable Night of Shopping 

Tuesday, November 18 at 7pm til 10pm // The Mall at Lawson Heights

Glitter is a one-evening, three hour long, shopping, entertainment, food, and prize laden affair! Tickets are for purchase at select registered non-profits in Saskatoon, and 100% of ticket sales stay with the organization. 

Get more info about ticket sales and more here. 

Saskatchewan Blue Cross Light Walk

Friday, November 21st at 5:30pm til 9pm // Enchanted Forest 

Celebrate the season by touring the Enchanted Forest on foot. Washrooms, warm up, and Tim Hortons hot chocolate at the Forestry Farm House. 

Get more info here. 

Festival of Trees

November 23 - 29th from 9am to 9pm // Western Development Museum

Christmas Spirit, Saskatoon style. The 2014 Festival of Trees will benefit the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation.

Get more info here. 

November is the kickoff for the holiday season, and there are so many fun events to enjoy prior to the December craziness ensues. We hope you enjoy getting out and taking in all that Saskatoon has to offer for the next few weeks! If you capture your experience at any of these local events on Instagram, don't forget to hashtag and tag us @mysaskatoon!

#shoplocalyxe #eatlocalyxe #supportlocalyxe

Today, Halloween snuck up on me and I am currently costumeless. I usually enjoy flexing my creative muscle through building an elaborate costume from scratch, however this year time is not on my side. But I just can't bring myself to buy one of those pre-made plastic costumes. Putting together something homemade always takes longer than you think it will, and can become a little expensive when all is said and done. So, I did some digging for easy costumes that with a quick trip to a thrift shop (and a little bit of creativity) can be built around what you already have in your closet. With just a couple of hours of effort, you can make it to that Halloween party with a DIY costume you’re proud of. I thought I would share some of my favourites that I came across today. 

With an old camp t-shirt, shorts, a pair of tube socks, a whistle, and a clipboard, a Camp Counsellor costume is so easy! This one can fly solo or works great as a couples costume. 

Its not uncommon to see people wearing elements of this look on the regular. A Mary Poppins and Bert couples costume can probably be easily accomplished with clothing you already own, supplemented with a trip to Value Village for the extras. 

A glam skeleton costume just takes some black and white makeup and dark clothing. There's gotta be several YouTube tutorials for skeleton makeup out there, or use your own creative flare to come up with your own.

This Medusa look can easily be achieved with a few rubber snakes. The tutorial is here. Pair it with a white or black dress and you're good to go. 

A pop art makeup look will turn a basic bold blazer into a great costume. Step by step instructions can be found here, or there'll be heaps of video tutorials out there for this sort of thing. 

With a few faux flowers and an eyebrow pencil, get the Frida Kahlo look with a flowy belted dress and some jewelry. 

A red shirt or dress and some cardboard are all it takes to become this cute strawberry. 

Or if you've got something yellow in your closet...

Combine the two looks for an adorable buddy costume. Pineapple tutorial is here. 

You could also pair the deer makeup look I shared previously with a pal in some hunting gear for another easy couples costume. 

I hope these ideas inspired you to create your own unique costume! Have a fun and safe Halloween weekend!

1. The University of Saskatchewan's Ghost Walk is this evening at 6:45.

2. Twisted Goods is starting to sell out of these gorgeous bags, so get yours while you can!

3. You can reverse that laundry mishap with these unshrinking methods.

4. Glass Doctor recently shared these tips for winterizing your home. 

5. Your kids will love this cuuute no-carve mummy pumpkin DIY. 

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Looking for something Halloween-ish to do this week in Saskatoon? A few fun events on our radar are listed below. Do you know of any other happenings this week or weekend? Let us know!

U of S Ghost Walk 

Wednesday, October 29th at 6:45pm til 8:15pm // Diefenbaker Canada Centre Lobby

Take this guided walking tour to learn about the spooky U of S history. Children are welcome, but those under 10 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so reserve your spot online. Refreshments will be provided after the tour! 

Boo Town

Thursday, Oct 30 at 5:30pm // Saskatoon Western Development Museum

Warm and safe Halloween fun for the whole family! 

Get more information here.

Trick or Eat with the Saskatoon Food Bank 

Friday, October 31st at 6pm til 10pm // meet at Upper Place Riel (U of S Campus)

Gather your friends and give back by joining this Canada-wide event! Contribute to this initiative by going door to door asking for non-perishable food items and raising awareness of hunger in Saskatoon. Last year over 250 volunteers collected and donated 7500 pounds of food for the Saskatoon Food Bank!

Get more information here.

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Friday, October 31st // The Broadway Theatre

Saskatoon's official Halloween tradition.

Get more information here. 

Pumpkins in the Park 

Saturday, November 1st at 6pm til 8pm // Rotary Park

Bring your jack-o-lantern to be lit up one more time down by the river. Show off your pumpkin carving talents while enjoying camaraderie and a warm bevy! Hosted by the Nutana Community Association. 

Get more information here. 

Have fun and stay safe this week! 

1. Pink Cadillacs just launched a new fall menu. Yumm!

2. Purchase the amazing new pet-friendly carpet at Braid Flooring, and you'll be supporting New Hope Dog Rescue!

3. How to get red wine out of anything. 

4. Fun Halloween decor and more here. 

5. Throwing a Halloween party this weekend? Wow your guests with glow in the dark pumpkins.

Enjoy your Monday!

1. Today, after 7 months of aging in tequila barrels, Cactus Tap becomes available at Prairie Sun Brewery!

2. Make your own baby leggings from recycled t-shirts with this fun DIY.  

3. Get all your nutrition questions answered at Believe Fit's active nutrition seminar on Sunday.

4. You can overcome your fear of flying with these simple methods. 

5. For those feeling ambitious, here is the ultimate painted pumpkin inspiration. 

Enjoy your weekend!

After several days of beyond beautiful weather in Saskatoon, looking out my rain drop spattered window this morning was a little bit of a downer. Within a few weeks that rain is bound to turn white, and the Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a colder and snowier winter than usual. Dang. But then I remembered how much fun it can be to embrace cooler temperatures! Warm blankets by the fireplace with a hot cup of tea after a hearty meal- its these sorts of things that make the first snowfall a time for celebration. The change in season also brings forth new opportunities to support amazing local Saskatoon businesses. I’ve put together a little list that I hope will inspire coziness as we head into sweater weather in Saskatoon. 

1. Tucking into one of these quick and cozy meals at home. 

2. Staying warm with an adorable knit headband from Twisted Goods. 

3. Cuddling up in front of an electric fireplace from Warm & Art. 

4. Picking up a bottle of wine at Ingredients and sharing it near said fireplace. 

5. Enjoying the luxury of an Equipment cashmere sweater from Era Style Loft.

6. Installing a Dynamic Bath massage tub for the ultimate at-home warmth and relaxation experience. 

7. Trying this cute felted elbow sweater DIY. 

8. Sampling the seasonal delicacies on the fall menu at The Hollows or Leyda's. 

9. Rocking a DIY faux fur vest, with a vintage brooch from Back Then & Again.

10. Taking a friend for a creamy latte from Collective or City Perks.

What are your favourite ways to stay cozy during the colder months?  

1. Poutine + Beer tonight at The Hollows. 

2. This fun wine cork bulletin board DIY will add personality and pizazz to your office or kitchen!

3. Getting these these four things started now will make your life a lot easier come December. 

4. A lint roller is great for picking up broken glass (this tip brought to you by Glass Doctor).

5. These "edgy chic" pumpkins are a must for any fashionista's front step.  

Enjoy your Wednesday!

1. The RoomScan app can draw an accurate floor plan for you in minutes as you simply walk around a room. 

2. This (naturally gluten free) slow cooker chicken tortilla soup is delicious and only takes about 10 minute to prep. 

3. Options by Trish just released brand new Fall 2014 pieces.

4. Right now, Paramount Day Spa is offering 30% off laser hair removal!

5. Let your creative juices flow with an eclectic grouping of patterned pumpkins like this. 

Enjoy your Monday!