With all of the heart-shaped candy and Valentine’s Day cards appearing everywhere, it’s a total giveaway that February is in full bloom. And while this may be the shortest month of the year, it’s also packed with an exciting line-up of love, festivities, and of course, football. That’s why we’re sharing our top picks for the best places in town to cheer on your favorite team this Super Bowl Sunday. We also take a look at Valentine’s Day (which is just around the corner) and ways that you can celebrate with loved ones and friends. Last but certainly not least, we dive into the current real estate market to see what’s in store for 2022.

Love is in the air… and the Greater Sacramento area is gearing up with a sweet offering of events for people of all ages. Click on the links below to learn more.

Sacramento Kings 2022 Schedule

Front Street Carousel & Waterfront Wheel in Old Sacramento

February 10: Sacramento SPCA Benefit at Elliot Fouts Gallery

February 10: ArtTastes: Chocolate @ the Crocker

February 10: Galentine’s Passport Night in Old Folsom

February 12: 2022 Japantown Lunar New Year Festival

February 12: Second Saturday at Archival Gallery

February 12: 2nd Saturday @ The Art Studios “Love the Art”

February 12: Fair Oaks Historical Society Soup Night

February 12-13: Besties and Bubbles Sip n’ Shop

February 13: Sacramento Antique Faire

February 14: Love Hurts – Valentine’s Cabaret @ The Sofia

February 14: Valentine’s Day @ WHIRED

February 14: The Firehouse: Amuse Bouche Valentine’s Dinner

February 14: Valentine’s Day Carriage Rides at El Dorado Hills Town Center

February 14: Valentines Day: Laughs & Crafts @ Out of Bounds Craft Kitchen and Biergarten

February 17-21: 40th Anniversary of Disney on Ice

February 26: Bella Vista Marching Band and Color Guard Crab Feed fundraiser

February 27: Bridal Showcase @ Cal Expo

This Sunday, February 13th is Super Bowl Sunday and if you’re like us, you’ll be watching the big game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals. Lucky for you, Sacramento has all of the best spots for you to experience the game on multiple screens with delicious food and a great atmosphere! Below are our top five picks.
Public House Downtown: Experience the game on 25 HD TVs with 60 beers on tap! They will also have bar seating and standing room that is first come first serve or you can reserve a booth to make sure you get the best seat in the house! Reserved seating begins one hour before kick-off. Reserve your table here.

Republic Bar & Grill: Located right across from the Memorial Auditorium, Republic Bar & Grill is another great spot to have a beer (or two), and watch the big game. They have 12 taps of local craft beers, a full cocktail bar, and 16 HD TVs — not to mention an American-inspired menu with mouth-watering sliders, sandwiches, and wings.

Henry’s Lounge: You can’t go wrong by paying a visit to Henry’s lounge, located in Midtown Sacramento. This full-service bar and grill will be serving brunch all morning starting at 9 am. There is no cover fee but be sure to grab a seat early because it’s first come first serve. Try their sports-themed specialties such as their Corner Kick margarita while you’re watching the game!

Field House Sports Pub: With over 28 taps of rotating craft local and favorite beers, 17 HD TVs, an HD projector, and a full menu featuring classic takes on bar food, this sports pub is an ideal place for your Super Bowl hangout. Seating is first come first serve.

Sauced BBQ & Spirits: Last but certainly not least, check out Sauced BBQ & Spirits for some good old-fashioned, authentic BBQ with classics including sliced brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. Oh, and don’t forget the sweet honey cornbread, mac n’ cheese, and crispy fries. With plenty of flat screens and a fun and social environment just across the street from the Golden 1 Center, you won’t be disappointed.

This year Valentine’s Day happens to roll around on a Monday. If you’re opting to celebrate this holiday in the comfort of your own home with your favorite ladies or that special someone, then we’ve got you covered with our favorite appetizers, mains, and desserts…because the key to anyone’s heart is food right?

Fall in Love with These Appetizers:

• Baked Brie: Nothing says “will you brie mine?” more than this heart-shaped honey hazelnut baked brie. This flaky puff pastry is crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Need we say more?
• Valentine’s Snack Board: Take things to the next level with this adorable Valentine’s Day snack board. It’s loaded with all of the good stuff like strawberries, raspberries, and chocolate-covered pretzels.
• Honey Champagne Fondue: This special champagne fondue owes its wonderful flavor to the Swiss cheese and honey, which adds a hint of sweetness. The best part? It clings well to any kind of dipper. Pair with toasted French bread, asparagus, apple slices, or cooked shrimp.
• Sweet & Spicy Jalapeño Stuffers: There’s no faster way to get a party started than with these bacon jalapeno poppers. Make them ahead and bake just before serving!

Heat Things Up With These Beloved Mains:

• Sushi Stacks: You don’t have to be a sushi pro to make these homemade sushi stacks, which are packed with avocado, shrimp, cucumbers, and rice, and drizzled with spicy mayo. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also a great way to impress your “soy-mate”.
• Heart-Shaped Pizza: Celebrate love with these adorable heart-shaped pizzas. This recipe takes a few shortcuts with store-bought pizza dough and sauce but it’s safe to say that your loved ones will still see this pizza as a labor of love.
• Lady & The Tramp Spaghetti & Meatballs: Nothing screams “that’s amore” like homemade pasta! Remember that famous spaghetti scene from Lady and the Tramp? We found the perfect copycat recipe. You can thank us later as your special someone gazes at you adoringly while you share this delicious plate of spaghetti and meatballs.

All You Need is Love (And a Cocktail or Two):

We’re head over heels for these Valentine’s Day cocktails and drinks. Each one features shades of pink, red, or chocolate!

• Raspberry Martini: This drink is stunning and full of bright berry flavor. The sweet, tart, lightly floral flavor of raspberry is beautifully pure thanks to homemade raspberry syrup.
• Chocolate Red Hot Martini: This creamy chocolate martini has a hint of cinnamon that adds a kick and helps this drink stand out as a top Valentine’s drink contender.
• Cosmopolitan: This fun and flirty cocktail is all you need this Valentine’s Day. It’s also lower in calories for those who want to indulge without feeling guilty.
• Blood Orange Margarita: Upgrade your Galentine’s night with these delicious blood orange margaritas served over the rocks.
• Pomegranate Gin Fizz: Not only is this drink stunning but it’s equally delicious! Garnish with pomegranate seeds.
• Pink “Not Champange” Mocktail: This festive mocktail will add a little spark to any occasion.

Date Night Worthy Desserts:

• Chocolate Covered Strawberries: It’s not hard to fall in love with these simple yet gorgeous Valentine’s-inspired chocolate-covered strawberries.
• Candy Heart Bark: How adorable are these pieces of candy heart bark? Send a message to your friends or loved ones using your favorite conversation heart candies.
• Peanut Butter Explosion Cake: As its name suggests, these decadent molten cakes are filled to the brim with a creamy peanut butter center and can be made in the air fryer.
• Sugar Cookies: Make your Valentine’s Day a little sweeter with these heart-shaped sugar cookies topped with cream cheese frosting.
• Valentine’s Cheesecake: Nothing says I love you like this creamy, fruity, and chocolatey cheesecake.

Thinking about listing your home? According to Realtor.com, with buyers eager to purchase a home before mortgage rates climb even higher, now may be the perfect time. Read the full article here.

Turkey day is just around the corner…and if you’re hosting this year, you might be feeling the pressure right around this time with all of the work that goes into preparing a Thanksgiving feast. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate guide to help with all of your Thanksgiving needs – from local activities and events, to delicious food and drink recipes organized by category, to gorgeous table setting decor ideas and more. Read on for tips, tricks, and ideas for a gobblin’ good time!

Are you staying in town this year to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and family? Explore local events, happenings, and volunteer opportunities that are taking place this holiday season.

Local Events and Activities

1. Now – December 31st: Friendsgiving at the Revival 
2. Now – January 16th: Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
3. November 24th – December 24th: Theatre of Lights at the Old Sacramento Waterfront
4. November 19th – 21st: Sacramento Fall Festival
5. November 19th – January 16th: Global Winter Wonderland 2021
6. November 19th – December 12th: Elf: The Musical
7. November 20th: Holiday Sip & Shop
8. November 23rd: Blooms & Bubbly: Thanksgiving Workshop
9. November 25th: Run to Feed The Hungry
10. November 25th: Historic Folsom Christmas Light Promenade
11. November 25th: Turkey Trot in Roseville
12. November 25th: Elk Grove Gobble Wobble
13. November 25th: Folsom Turkey Trot

Volunteer Opportunities 

1. Donate to Loaves and Fishes Holiday Headquarters
2. Donate to Animals at The Sacramento SPCA or Front Street Animal Shelter 
3. Donate to Toys for Tots (contact me today to coordinate dropping off a new, unwrapped toy to one of our office locations)
4. Donate or Volunteer at the Sacramento Food Bank

From tasty appetizers and main meal items to drinks and desserts, these Thanksgiving recipes are sure to impress everyone at the dinner table this year. So get ready to “gobble til you wobble” with these classic Thanksgiving pairings!

Tasty Appetizers: While the mains tend to steal the show on Thanksgiving, these tasty apps will keep your hangry guests happy until dinner is served!

1. Cranberry Brie Bites
2. Turkey Veggie Tray
3. Thanksgiving Deviled Eggs
4. Turkey Cheese Ball
5. Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip
6. Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
7. Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
8. Roasted Rosemary Cashews
9. Savory Pumpkin Hummus
10. Turkey Fruit Tray

Delicious Mains: You ain’t seen stuffin’ yet! These beloved mains will have your guests running back for seconds!

Let’s Talk Turkey:

1. Traditional Roast Turkey
2. Deep-Fried Turkey
3. BBQ Spice-Brined Grilled Turkey
4. Tofurky Roast

Mashed Potato Mash-Up: 

1. Buttery-Herbed Mashed Potatoes
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
3. Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole
4. Scalloped Potatoes
5. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
6. Sweet Potato Casserole
7. Sweet Potatoes & Marshmallows

Please Pass the Sides:

1. Green Bean Casserole
2. Popovers
3. Apple Bacon Cranberry Salad
4. Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing
5. Homemade Cranberry Sauce
6. Mom’s Famous Turkey Gravy
7. Parmesan Roasted Carrots
8. Easy Buttermilk Cornbread
9. Homemade Dinner Rolls
10. Garlic Mushrooms
11. Best Homemade Mac & Cheese

Festive Drinks: From festive cocktails and punches to delicious mocktails, we have a drink for everyone to enjoy!

1. Cranberry Champagne Cocktail
2. Thanksgiving Sangria
3. Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita
4. Apple-Brandy Hot Toddies
5. Thanksgiving Punch (Non-Alcoholic)
6. Apple Cider Mimosas
7. Pumpkin Spice Mules
8. Thanksgiving Jungle Juice
9. Cranberry Jello Shots
10. Cranberry Lime Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic)

Delectable Desserts: Give em pumpkin’ to talk about with these over-the-top Thanksgiving pies.

1. Thanksgiving Tri-Pie
2. Grandma’s Apple Pie
3. Perfect Pumpkin Pie
4. Best-Ever Pumpkin Cheesecake
5. Pecan Pie
6. Sweet Potato Pie
7. Cheesecake Apple Pie
8. Skillet Caramel Apple Pie
9. Brown Butter Maple Chess Pie
10. Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie

Whether you’re hosting for the first time or the tenth time, your table sets the tone for your Thanksgiving feast. Create a table that’s dressed to impress with these eye-catching ideas and designs. Bonus: they won’t break the bank.

1. Set the Scene with a Harvest Centerpiece: Set the scene for your Thanksgiving feast with this show-stopping (and all-natural) apples and leaves tablescape, this gorgeous DIY cranberry candle centerpiece, or this pumpkin planter centerpiece. You can also fill the center of your table with a colorful display of pumpkins, gourds, nuts, fruits, veggies, or seasonal blooms.

2. Go Rustic This Year: Add warmth to your Thanksgiving table with white pumpkins and candles to create this lovely rustic table setting. Carry on the rustic theme to each place setting with these rustic wood table name holders and these rustic napkin rings from Amazon.

3. Add a Pop of Color with Florals: Take your Thanksgiving dinner to the next level with flowers galore. Create a simple yet elegant table by pairing your best white dishes with seasonal flowers – think orange, yellow, and red – to add a pop of color to your table.

4. Create a Kid-Friendly Tablescape: Don’t forget about the kiddos! Entertain your younger guests with a kid-friendly tablescape. Simply cover it in craft paper and add crayons to each place setting to keep them drawing all night long.

Sending warm, heartfelt wishes from my home to yours this Thanksgiving!

While Saint Patrick’s Day is typically synonymous with parades, festive food and drinks, and large gatherings with friends and family, this year it looks like a quiet holiday at home is on the agenda. Staying in might not be what you had planned, but lucky for us, there are still plenty of ways to safely celebrate St. Paddy’s Day at home. From creative recipes and drinks to fun crafts for the whole family, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of the below ideas for inspiration!

Whether you’re relaxing at home alone, celebrating with that special someone, or trying to keep the kiddos entertained, everyone needs to eat. So why not make a festive meal at home? We’ve got you covered with St. Patrick’s Day-inspired dishes that will be sure to impress your St. Paddy’s Day crew.

Bring on the Appetizers: Looking for some tasty appetizers to go with that green pint of Guinness? Check out these mouth-watering dips, bites, and sliders.

1. Corned Beef and Cabbage Sliders: This ridiculously easy app is taken to the next level with Guinness-braised cabbage.
2. Hot Reuben Dip: This cheesy spread might be better than the actual sandwich….Learn how to make it here.
3. Pretzel Dog Beer Cheese Dip: With beer cheese, and homemade pretzels, what’s not to love? Click here to make this crowd-pleasing app.
4. Arugula Pesto: The striking green shade from the pesto makes this flavorful spread a great appetizer for the occasion!
5. Irish Nachos: Think nachos but with an Irish twist…This recipe calls for a heaping pile of potato chips, slathered in beer cheese, and topped off with crunchy bacon and fresh chives.
6. Zucchini Tots: Shredded zucchini makes this dish healthy yet delicious! Try making them in an air fryer for added crunch.
7. Bacon-Wrapped Cabbage Wedges: When in doubt, add bacon. Learn how to make these bacon-wrapped cabbage wedges here.
8. Irish Pub Cheese Recipe: This creamy cheese dish is loaded with Irish cheddar and pairs well with pretzels or pita chips.
9. Saint Paddy’s Dill Dip: Serve this delicious dip with raw vegetables or crackers of your choice.

What’s For Dinner?: These Irish-inspired dishes will take your Saint Patrick’s Day celebration to the next level.

1. Guinness Burgers: These Guinness burgers with Irish cheddar and crisp bacon are a sure crowd-pleaser. Pair with Irish chips for a complete meal.
2. Colcannon: This staple dish is a mixture of shredded cabbage, creamy mashed potatoes, and garlic.
3. Irish Stew: This comfort dish features tender lamb, hearty carrots, and potatoes topped off with herb butter.
4. Soda Bread: Soda bread anyone? Learn how to make this quintessential Irish side here.
5. Irish Seafood Chowder: This hearty chowder is a delicious combination of smoked and fresh fish in a light creamy broth.
6. Corned Beef in Beer (Crockpot): Let your crockpot do the work by trying out this tasty Corned Beef in Beer recipe.
7. Boxty: Similar to latke, Irish boxty is a potato pancake that is prepared by mixing grated potatoes into mashed potatoes before frying like a patty.
8. Irish Cabbage and Bacon: There’s nothing boring about this cabbage dish, which is loaded with bacon, onions, chicken broth, and mustard seeds.
9. Irish Shephard’s Pie: This layered casserole dish combines ground beef or lamb with buttery mashed potatoes.
10. Irish Pan Haggerty Potatoes: This dish is loaded with sliced potatoes, bacon, onions, and lots of cheese. Check out the recipe here.

Mix up a Green Drink: Get the party started with these holiday-inspired beers, mixed drinks, and mocktails!

1. Green Beer: It wouldn’t be Saint Patrick’s Day without green beer. With just a couple drops of green dye, you can make your own. Get the recipe here.
2. Gaelic Grasshopper: This decadent Irish-cream-infused cocktail is both gorgeous and packed with flavor!
3. Irish Coffee: Any coffee lovers out there? Celebrate the occasion (and get your coffee fix) with this Spiked Irish Coffee.
4. Lucky Charms Shots: Try out these “magically delicious” shots with Bailey’s Irish Cream and Lucky Charms!
5. Shamrock Sour Cocktail: Whiskey sour gets a festive makeover by going green. Learn how to make this cocktail here.
6. Jameson Jello Shots: Saint Patrick’s Day isn’t complete without jello shots! Try making these Jameson Jello Shots.
7. Fuzzy Leprechaun: This fruity cocktail is made with peach schnapps, blue Curacao, and vodka.
8. Lime Sherbert St. Patty’s Day Punch (Non-Alcoholic): This delicious lime sherbert drink packs a punch! Learn how to make it here.
9. Irish Car Bombs: End the night with a holiday favorite….the classic Irish Car Bomb!

Make a Festive Dessert: Don’t forget the dessert! Consider making one of these decadent treats to celebrate the occasion.

1. Mint Chocolate Pudding Cookies: These mint chocolate pudding cookiesare the perfect way to end your meal. Pair with mint chocolate chip ice cream for the ultimate treat.
2. Saint Patrick’s Day Chocolate Covered Oreos: Up your Oreo game with these chocolate-dipped Oreos topped with sprinkles.
3. Irish Chocolate Pots de Creme: Not only is this dessert gorgeous but it’s also “melt in your mouth” amazing… Add two tablespoons of Baileys for that Irish touch.
4. Irish Blackberry Fool: Sweet lightly stewed berries and vanilla whipped cream and yogurt come together to create this delicious dessert.
5. Pot O’ Gold Cups: These little brownies prove that you don’t have to go to the end of the rainbow to find the perfect St. Paddy’s Day dessert.
6. Lucky Charm Eclaires: This recipe swaps your standard chocolate fair for a citrus filling topped with Lucky Charms.
7. Green Velvet Pops: Forget red velvet — green velvet will be your new favorite rich (and seasonally appropriate) flavor.
8. Shamrock Shake Cupcakes: This minty cake topped with a fluffy whipped cream mousse is what dreams are made of! Get the full recipe here.
9. Chocolate Guinness Cake: This silky, smooth chocolate cake has hints of Guinness and is topped with a rich cream cheese frosting…need we say more?
10. Irish Trifle: This fruit-filled treat is layered with ladyfingers, jello, jam, and fresh whipped cream.

Get Crafty: If you’re home with the kids due to school cancellations, set up a fun craft they can do on their own.

1. Leprechaun Traps: As seen on Instagram, Leprechaun traps are one of this year’s biggest holiday trends. And most of the designs can be made with materials that you can find around the house. Check out these 6 DIY Leprechaun Traps.
2. Pot of Gold Mason Jar: Create these adorable Mason Jars filled with chocolate coins and gift them to remind your loved ones that they make you feel lucky each day.
3. Paper Shamrock Wreath: All you need is some scrap paper to create this cute shamrock wreath.
4. DIY Tee: Working from home? You can still be festive and wear your green with this adorable Kiss Me I’m Irish shirt.
5. St. Patrick’s Day Pencil Toppers: Make homework a little more fun with these DIY Pencil Toppers.
6. Shamrock Coloring Printable: Coloring books are all the rage – and this shamrock printable is no exception. This activity is perfect for both kids and adults.
7. Fruit Loop Rainbow: This simple rainbow craft is a great way to keep your little ones entertained all afternoon.

As we transitioned into the new year, low mortgage rates and low inventory drove up real estate prices in markets across the country.

But exactly how much did home values increase at the start of 2021? According to Realtor.com, in February 2021 the median list price of homes in Sacramento was $399,500 – trending up 12.5% year-over-year. That means if you purchased a home for $350,000 in February 2020, by February 2021, that home would have increased in value by $43,750, bringing your home’s value to $393,750.

Demand for homes is high and inventory is low, which is driving up home prices—so if you’ve been thinking about selling, now is a great time to list and fetch top dollar for your home.