February - A Month for Love

February can be a relief after the long month of January, but with winter still in full force it can be cold and begin to make us all feel a little stuck. Valentine's Day is a great reminder to be grateful and in love with our lives and those that surround us.

Whether you are celebrating your family, friends, a significant other, or just giving yourself some love this Valentine's Day, remember how important love is in our lives and how powerful it can be.

Avoiding the Winter Burnout

Winter is long and cold in Utah, and it can be easy to let it get you down. But, Utah is a big state with lots of warmer destinations! Here are some ideas of where to go and what to do to get out of the cold and switch your winter activities up a bit.

1. Head to the hot springs: If you are looking to warm up and stay fairly close to Salt Lake City, try local hot springs like Homestead Crater, Saratoga Hot Springs, Crystal Hot Springs, Meadow Hot Springs, Fifth Water Hot Springs, and Baker Hot Springs. For more information, click here.

2. Saint George, UT: Though it can get cold in Saint George, it's generally much warmer down south than it is here in SLC. With plenty of kid-friendly resorts, hikes, shopping, and outdoor activities, heading to Saint George is a great way to get away without having to fly to a warmer destination. You can learn more about Saint George and its activities here.

3. Festival of Colors in Spanish Fork, UT: The Holi Festival of Colors at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple is all about welcoming Spring and the new life and colors it brings. It's a fun event for the whole family, and a great way to kick off spring a bit early. There are music, food, dancing, and opportunities to learn about a different culture. You can learn more about the festival here.

4. 2020 Legacy Winter Fest: For a last celebration of Winter, join the Utah Olympic Oval and US Speedskating for the Legacy Winter Fest from February 14 to 16, 2020. In celebration of the ISU World Single Distances Speed Skating Championships being hosted at the Utah Olympic Oval. There will be a festival in front of the Utah Olympic Oval with food trucks, live music, a beer garden, vendors, and family-friendly activities for all. Admission and activities are FREE! Learn more here.

5. 6th Annual Balloons and Tunes Roundup: Thinking of heading out of town for Presidents' Day? 40 plus hot air balloons will be launching in Kanab February 14th, 15th, and 16th. You can find more information here.

Business Highlight - V Chocolates

Postcards for a special gift from V Chocolates have been sent out. If you'd like to be added to our mailing list for future gifts and discounts, reply to this email with your home address.

V Chocolates is a great local business for yummy treats like chocolate covered fruits, gift towers, toffees and truffles.

If you are interested in learning more, you can follow them on Instagram @v_chocolates, or visit their website by clicking here.

HOME SPOTLIGHT

265 N Vine Street, SLC - Under Contract

Listing courtesy of Monica Draper/ Windermere Real Estate

"A minimalist's dream" is the perfect description of this condo for so many reasons. Minimal maintenance? Yes, please. Minimal effort getting comfortable in a space hand-tailored to your style? Make that a double yes. When you strip away the dated and leave only the most stylish and functional finishes, you're left with minimal reasons to think twice about snapping up this gorgeous property and maximum contentment for years to come. While the two spacious bedrooms do share a polished-to-perfection bathroom, there's no need to fear not having enough space. The large and inviting living area flows through the dining area and into the gorgeous, open kitchen. The upgraded kitchen includes all new cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and an extra large wash basin. Plus, with the added space of the absolutely charming sunroom, your home can be the entertainment hub, the preferred relaxation spot, or your own private oasis.

Click here to view the whole listing.

CURRENT LISTINGS

522 N Marathon Circle- Price adjusted to $1,295,000

With show stopping mountain views and luxury finishes, this elegant, contemporary home is ideal for those who want space to breathe while still living only minutes away from the city. As you walk through the main entrance and into the great room, you'll be blown away by views in every season - lush greenery in spring, golden sun-kissed peaks in summer, fiery red, orange and yellow in fall to dramatic snow-covered slopes in winter. This home is a true respite, surrounded by clean air 365 days a year yet only 15 minutes from the University of Utah, Park City and the Cottonwood Canyons.

You can view the full listing here and the home tour video here.

10734 S Lake Ave, South Jordan

Come see this exceptionally cared for home in the development of Daybreak. With builder upgrades galore, you've got everything you need to create a warm and elegant space of your own. The spacious kitchen and great room make for an entertainer's dream. The kitchen includes quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances with a large pantry truly making it a chef's kitchen. The large main floor master has a walk-in closet and is a perfect mixture of natural light and privacy, including newly installed hardwood floors. The professionally landscaped backyard is perfect for a fire pit and barbecue. Exceptional storage space inside the home and out with extended space in the garage. With views of the mountains and all the amenities Daybreak has to offer, don't miss this beautiful home.

Click here to see the full listing.

SLC - HAPPENINGS

Here are a few events that caught my eye happening in and around Salt Lake in the next few weeks.

Silver Sky Nights

Live music, family activities and of course, spectacular fireworks theatric shows await through the season.

Dates: 2/15 Friday, 3/6 Saturday, 3/14 Saturday, 3/21 Friday, 3/27 Friday.

Click here for more information.

DIY Leather Journals

Local artisan Amanda Parramoure of My Leather Legacy has been binding books for more than a decade, and she began teaching journal workshops in 2016 to share her love of bookmaking with the community. Participants will choose between blank, lined or bullet journal paper, and will carefully tear the edges of all 192 pages for a deckled-style edge. Parramoure maintains an uncompromising commitment to quality in her workshop materials, and she will provide a variety of leather colors to help attendees customize their reusable and refillable 4.5”x7" journals. Attendees at Alibi Bar & Place workshops must be 21 years or older, and will have the opportunity to purchase specialty cocktails to sip while crafting.

For more information, click here.

HEALTH AND FITNESS

ClassPass

Committing to one single gym, workout program, or class can be hard - and expensive. ClassPass is the best way to work out at any gym, go to any class, and do it all with just one app.

You can book classes with one monthly fee, and even save up to 70% off on all drop-in fees, so you can try a variety of different exercise experiences. You also can try the app for 14 days free!

Click here to sign up and try ClassPass.

NEW RECIPE

Easy Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)

from marginmakingmom.com

Ingredients

2 Tbs olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 lb ground mild Italian sausage
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 large russet potatoes, unpeeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices.
6 cups (1 1/2 quarts) chicken broth
2 cups fresh kale, chopped
3/4 cup heavy cream or half and half (or milk if you want to decrease calories a bit)

Using the "saute" function of the Instant Pot, heat the olive oil. Add onions and cook until they begin to become translucent.
Add the Italian sausage, crumbling up into smaller pieces and cooking until browned.
Add garlic and allow to cook just until fragrant, about a minute.
Drain off excess grease if desired and return to pot.
Add potato slices and chicken broth.
Lock the lid into place and set to "sealed."
Cook at high pressure for 5 minutes using the Manual setting.
When cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.
When pressure valve has dropped, remove the lid and add kale to the pot. The heat from the soup will wilt the kale as you stir.
Pour in cream or half and half (or milk), stirring to combine.

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Neighborhood News provides people with relevant housing market statistics and information by zip code — This monthly email provides data about homes that have been sold or are currently on the market according to your zip code, including sale price information. It's a great way to stay current on your neighborhood's position in the market.

If you are interested, please email me your zip code.

Mimi Sinclair
Realtor®

801.580.6089
mimi@winutah.com
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Instagram: @mimisinclair.realestate