Category Archives: Community

Need a Break? Take a Picnic!

The Ultimate Picnic Guide - Sanctuary Home Decor

Photo Credit: sanctuaryhomedecor.com

Summer is a season of hustle and bustle, especially if you are buying or selling a home! Maybe it would do you good to take a moment to rest – take a break from all the efforts you’ve been putting towards your move – and take an afternoon or evening to stop, breath and reflect. What better way to rest and reset than with a picnic! Grab your partner, loved ones, and/or friends, and share a meal with the great outdoors! Take time to honor the home your leaving and show gratitude for your next adventure. Celebrate, remember, and most importantly, enjoy!

PICNIC BASKETS

It wouldn’t be a picnic without a cute basket, would it? Here are two of our faves!

The Summer Breeze Wine and Cheese Picnic Basket at Target is perfect for a sunset with wine and charcuterie.

Summerbreeze Wine and Cheese Picnic Basket - Picnic Time, image 2 of 11 slides

Photo Credit: Target.com

Summerbreeze Wine and Cheese Picnic Basket - Picnic Time, image 4 of 11 slides

Photo Credit: Target.com

Looking to fill your own, classic basket? We love the Granada Picnic Basket from Williams Sonoma, and it’s traditional checkered fabric, available in three colors!

Alt image 1 for Granada Picnic Basket

Photo Credit: williams-sonoma.com

Alt image 16 for Granada Picnic Basket

Photo Credit: williams-sonoma.com

PICNIC SERVICES

If you’re not up to the effort of packing your own picnic, but love the idea of a relaxing meal outside, search for a local picnic service to take on the setup for you! In the Greater Twin Cities area, you can find luxury picnic companies like Pillows and Prosecco or Pepper Sprout Picnics who will prepare a deluxe experience, catered to your liking, and all you have to do is show up – what a treat!

Photo Credit: peppersproutpicnics.com

PICNIC IDEAS

Head to a lakeside beach, into a forest, or even to music and movies in the park! Or even better, if you can’t get away, make a memory in your own backyard. The hope is to be with people you care about, making memories and taking a moment to be grateful and calm. Happy picnic-ing!

Donate Now | Minneapolis Pops Orchestra Association

Photo Credit: Minneapolis Pops Orchestra Association

Guest Blogger: Katya Larsen, Stager, A Home Revival

Embrace Your Outdoor Space!

Photo Credit: M&CO

You heard it here first, it’s summer here in Minnesota! That means it’s the ultimate opportunity to make use of your outdoor spaces. Plant an herb garden, set up the patio furniture and fire table, hang the café lights, and you’re set for a season of outdoor relaxation and fun!

In our home, we believe in being hospitable, not entertaining, so our goal is to create a warm, comforting space for guests, and to provide easy, tasty food and drinks. We want to avoid spending too much time cleaning, preparing and cooking (because we have two littles and don’t have the time anyways!), but we love to spend time with friends and family, and doing so outside is just perfect!

Here are a few of our favorite summertime, outdoor-friendly recipes. Add a couple of bags of tortilla chips and you’re all set for an afternoon, outdoor hang!

Cowboy Caviar by the New York Times

Two-Minute Avocado Dip by Pinch of Yum

Minted Lemonade by the Food Network

Caprese Salad by the Pioneer Woman

What are your favorite summer recipes? We’d love to hear! Email us at katya@ahomerevival.com

Guest Blogger: Katya Larsen, Stager, A Home Revival

Summer in Minnesota – So much to do, so little time!

Epic Minnesota Summer Getaways - Mpls.St.Paul Magazine

Mpls St Paul Magazine

If you live in Minnesota, you know summer is swift and special, and there’s so much pressure to embrace the season! Each weekend is filled with community festivals, art fairs, movies and music in the park, and more! Our family tries to balance rest and simple play at home with fun outings for all. Is there anything more fun than popsicles and a sprinkler in the backyard? Even as an adult it’s one of my favorite past times! If you are looking to get out and explore the wonderful communities we have here in Minnesota, here are a few, fun activities this season:

Visit Twin Cities

Music & Movies in the Park

Grab your picnic blanket, bug spray and PB&Js and spend the evening listening to music or watching films outside!

Edina Art Fair

Art Fairs

Decorate your new home with beautiful, unique pieces from local artists.

Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail sets opening date this summer

Pioneer Press

MN Zoo

Spend many days experiencing the new and improved activities at the Minnesota Zoo!

Wheel Fun Rentals Minnesota | Wheel Fun Rentals

Wheels of Fun

Water Play

It wouldn’t be a Minnesota summer without a swim in a lake!

Explore Minnesota

Community Celebrations

Towns throughout the state celebrate their heritage and traditions with community festivals and celebrations. These often include parades, fireworks, concerts, art and more!

Minnesota Monthly

Farmer’s Markets

Throughout the summer months, support local farmers by doing your shopping at a local Farmer’s market. Our family loves to buy tomatillos, tomatoes, poblanos, cilantro and make homemade salsa! Our kiddos loves visiting the market to pick out fresh flowers and dance to the live music. Everyone has a blast!

Guest Blogger: Katya Larsen, Stager, A Home Revival