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Six Taco Places in Sacramento to Check Out for Taco Tuesday!

February 18, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Happy Taco Tuesday! In honor of this delicious weekly tradition, I scoured the Sacramento area to find a few of my favorite taco spots. So, bring your appetite and get your taco fix on by visiting one of the below places today.

Zocalos: With two nearby locations in midtown and University Village, Zocalos is the perfect place to celebrate Taco Tuesday in style. This upscale restaurant and bar serves up some delicious handcrafted margaritas, mouth-watering tacos, and a lovely dining atmosphere. Kick-off your meal with their freshly prepared guacamole starter. Because why not? For entrees, try their Baja Fish Tacos or their popular Carnitas Tacos. Their robust drink menu features everything from classic margaritas to mojitos and Palomas. They also have a great happy hour menu for drinks and tacos.

Mesa Mercado: If you’re a fan of the finer things in life, like freshly muddled margaritas and authentic Mexican cuisine, then you may want to make Mesa Mercado in the Carmichael Milagro Centre your new go-to Taco Tuesday spot. For a margarita with a little kick to it, try their Pepino Picante, with muddled cucumber, chili powder, fresh lime juice, and 100% blue agave tequila, and mescal. For a sweeter margarita without a headache, try their Mango Margarita, with pureed mango and chile, their secret margarita mix and freshly sliced mango, and chile spice topped at the rim. If you want some food to go with that margarita, you can’t go wrong with their roasted pork tacos.

Chandos Tacos: If you’re looking for the authentic taco experience for a great price then look no further than Chando’s Tacos. Enjoy your choice of Chando’s Signature Meats topped with cilantro, onions, guacamole, and salsa. They also have a large menu with burritos, tortas, quesadillas, you name it! Check out one of their five locations here.

Midtown’s Cantina Alley: Voted the KCRA List A Winner for “Best Mexican Restaurant” and “Most Trendiest Bar”, Midtown’s Cantina Alley continues to raise the bar for Mexican cuisine and drinks. Try their Chorizo Street Taco or their Crispy Papa Taco loaded with potatoes, green salsa, cotija cheese and a raddish garnish…you won’t be disappointed! They also have a great selection of margaritas and oversized tropical drinks like their Pina Con Chile, which is served in a large pineapple. Check out their menu here.

Mas Taco Bar: As their name suggests, Mas Taco Bar is the place to visit if you’re craving tacos. This popular restaurant features unique, untraditional tacos ranging from pork belly and duck confit, to Korean fried chicken and fried oysters, to name a few. The tacos run the gamut of flavors, and the menu also features appetizers, a handful of “not tacos,” bowls and desserts. The cocktail menu offers specialty margaritas and craft cocktails handmade with fresh ingredients, easily paired with any taco. Enjoy a drink menu with 25 beers and more than 50 tequilas to explore and taste. Click here to find a location near you.

Taco Bell Cantina: Ok so this isn’t your typical sit-down restaurant with upscale food and tacos… but it is one of just a few Taco Bell Cantinas open across the United States and it just opened its doors so it’s worth checking out. Wondering what makes this location so special compared to other Taco Bell locations? Well for starters, it’s the only Taco Bell restaurant in the area where you can buy beer—including two local beers from Knee Deep in Auburn and Heretic in Fairfield—and freezes spiked with Tahoe Blue Vodka. They also serve up special Cantina Nachos that are not offered at any other location.

Do you have a favorite Taco Tuesday spot that you don’t see on the list? Let me know in the comments section below!

5 Home Decor Projects That Incorporate Nature Indoors

February 11, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

When I think of nature indoors, the first thought that comes to mind is the mud that my kids track into the house after they have been outside with nature. Then, we clean it up. My second thought has me looking around to see what plants we have in the house. Of those, which ones are faring well and which plants needed watering.

Kara Masterson passes on five home decor project ideas that bring nature inside.

When you enjoy nature, you can bring it inside your home to improve your mental outlook and your physical well-being. Here are five home decor projects that will incorporate nature indoors.

Add Plants to Your Home

You can add beautiful planters to your home for a variety of lush and green houseplants, but today, some homeowners are creating hanging moss walls that create a natural appearance in a room. Instead of hanging paintings or photographs on a wall, you will have a special material where moss or other types of plants can grow.

Beautiful Water Features

You can bring artificial water features into your home to create a natural ambiance. There are large or small water features available that you can fill with water. These devices may resemble waterfalls or fountains. Some of these water features cover an entire wall while others are easy to place on a tabletop. These water features have pumps that require electricity to help the water flow.

Natural Window Coverings

Rather than using flimsy fabric curtains on your home’s windows, choose wooden window blinds instead. You can find blinds that are made from light or dark colors of wood that will match your home’s baseboards, doors or furniture. It is possible to select a variety of sizes of blinds for different types of windows. The natural color and grain of these blinds is beautiful, giving each room a special ambiance.

Stone Countertops

If your home has an ugly old-fashioned vinyl countertop in the kitchen, then have it replaced with stone. Each piece of stone countertop is unique, but you can find different colors to create a special ambiance in a room. There are granite, slate and quartz countertop materials available, and a technician can cut the materials to fit precisely in your home’s kitchen.

Skylight Windows

You can hire a contractor to add skylights to your home in strategic locations. This will give you additional natural sunlight that will help you to feel better. Instead of installing one huge skylight, you can have multiple small skylights installed. These are especially attractive in homes that have vaulted ceilings to add lighting to spaces that include kitchens or living rooms.

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10 3D Floors That Will Mess With Your Mind

February 10, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Home decor is as much of an expression of personal style as the clothes you wear. Some homeowners prefer a retro look and feel, while others prefer more futuristic home design. And then there’s THIS — a new trend in home design which is rapidly gaining popularity overseas. It’s called 3D epoxy floor painting, and it’s a rousing conversation piece for any home.

The examples below were created by Imperial Interiors, a design company servicing Dubai and UAE. According to Imperial, liquid 3D floors are a recent innovation first used in hotels, offices, and shopping centers. However, they insist it’s a misconception that decorative screed can only be used in the bathroom or toilet – in fact, 3D floors are suitable for any room, “and even villas.”

As you can see below, these floors completely transform any room in the house into something right out of a storybook.

1. If you can’t bring your home to the beach, why not bring the beach to your home?

2. A room with floor views anyone?

3. If you’re going for a more “natural” looking floor.

4. Now this is just mean…can you imagine visitors thinking they’ve struck gold?!

5. Warning: If you’re afraid of heights maybe don’t try this at home…

6. Transform your garage into a beautiful underwater display!

7. A fun idea for the kids bathroom!

8. Well this could be a little scary when waking up in the morning!

9. Transform your master bathroom into a relaxing oasis!

10. I’m sensing a water theme here…but these dolphins are too adorable not to share.

Sacramento has some sweet surprises in store for February…

February 10, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Hello February! Lucky for us, Sacramento has a lot of sweet surprises in store this month in the form of food, festivities, and fun. From Kings games and concerts, to indulgent wine and chocolate tastings, to Valentine’s Day activities, we’ve got you covered.

Love is in the air…and Sacramento is gearing up in true style with events and activities that will be sure to sweep you off your feet. Click on the below links for a round-up of exciting things happening in and around the city!

Events and Happenings:

Sacramento Kings Game Schedule
Cirque du Soleil’s AMALUNA @ Raley Field (Now through March 1)
Chris Lane @ Ace of Spades (February 7)
Valentine Haunt Sacramento (February 8, 14-15)
Old Sugar Mill Port, Wine & Chocolate 2020 (February 8-9)
Sac Valentine Run (February 8)
The Key to my Heart Paint Party @ Orchid Thai (February 8)
Wine & Chocolate Tasting in Roseville (February 8)
I Heart Sacramento Zoo (February 9)
Sacramento Antique Faire (February 9)
TobyMac @ Golden 1 (February 9)
Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party @ Golden 1 (February 13-17)
Valentine’s Day Carriage Rides @ El Dorado Hills Town Center (Feb. 14)
Amador Events: Valentine’s and More! (Select Days in February)
Valentine’s Day @ Revolution (February 14-15)
Neil Hamburger @ Sacramento Comedy Spot (February 14)
Puur Chocolate & Wine Tasting @ Bailarin Cellars (February 15)
Brie & Bubbles Pairing @ La Crosta (February 16)
Evolution Sports Expo @ Cal Expo (February 22)
Rachel Anne Gray Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction a t Fair Oaks Community Clubhouse (February 28)

Cue the chocolate and roses because Valentine’s Day is just around the corner… but don’t fret! Whether you have a special someone that you’d like to treat to a romantic dinner or you want to paint the town red with friends, we have some fun restaurants and hang out spots for every occasion!

For the total romantic: Located in the heart of Old Sacramento, just steps away from the iconic river setting, small boutiques, and more, The Firehouse Restaurant exudes romance on every level. But it’s not just its location that impresses – this intimate restaurant features an unparalleled menu highlighting the freshest local ingredients and they showcase the region’s most extensive wine collection. Indulge in their four-course Valentine’s Menu and choose from delicious dishes with options including their filet mignon, garlic potato croquette, and rich brownie cake. Click here to reserve your table!

For the perfect “ladies night out”: Planning on having a “Galentine’s” night with your favorite ladies? Located in the Pavillions, Wildwood Kitchen & Bar is a must-visit! This trendy restaurant features a beautiful indoor venue with bar and booth seating, an expansive patio area with twinkling white lights, and delicious food pairings. If you’re opting for something lighter, try their Chicken Salad, which is packed with rotisserie chicken, mixed veggies, and goat cheese, then topped with a six-minute egg and drizzled white balsamic vinaigrette. They also have a wide array of vegetarian and gluten-free options and will be offering Valentine’s Day specials. Just be sure to call for reservations ahead of time as they tend to book up quickly. Click here to plan your night!

For a memorable “night out with the boys”: If you’re planning on spending a low key night out with the guys this year, head on over to Punchbowl Social. Just steps away from the Golden 1 Center, this popular hangout spot always seems to attract a fun crowd. For starters, their kitchen whips up some delicious culinary delights including Green Chorizo Fries, Chicken ‘N’ Waffles, and Five Layer Beef Brisket Chili. Need we say more? As for beverages, the sky’s the limit! Choose anything from a handcrafted cocktail to your favorite beer. Their featured “Shot Through the Heart” drink is said to pack a punch. The best part? There’s games – and lots of them. From bowling and shuffleboard to karaoke and arcade games, there are activities here for everyone to partake in.

According to CNBC, weekly mortgage refinance applications spiked 15% last week as interest rates plunged to their lowest in nearly 4 years. Click here to read the full article and see how this change could affect real estate market!

A Few Things to Know Before Building Your Dream Home

January 27, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

When I am having a vision on my dream home, it is normally after I have visited a house or neighborhood that I really like. I have never looked at a step by step process of my dream home as the family inside the home is what makes the dream come to life.

Gary Bordeaux sees it a little different than myself. His dream home is pretty awesome as well. Read on.

You are ready to build your dream home, but you are not sure where to start. There are production homes that you can purchase, or you can hire a contractor and build your custom home. This is where you have to balance costs against your lifestyle. A factor to consider is how your lifestyle will change over the years. Most families have children while living in their house. The children then grow up and leave home. A production house may be able to have changes made during this process. A custom house can be built with the future in mind.

The following is some information that will make it helpful when making the decision to build a production house or to build a custom one. You will want to do your research and weigh the pros and cons on what type of house suits you. Either way, you want to hire a professional to walk you through the process. When choosing the professional ask others whom they worked with and how they felt about the experience. Word of mouth is the best recommendation. You can also contact the better business bureau to get suggestions on whom you want to hire.

Choosing a Production or a Custom House

When building a custom home, you will need to hire an architect. They charge a percentage of the cost of the home. This fee is the base charge. They may be more fees for additional drawings or if you have the architect handle ordering materials and administering the contract. With an architect in charge, your house can be designed the way you want it plus it easier to make changes as needed.

Hiring a Professional

You can also hire a designer-builder. The design-builder handles the entire process of building a custom home. In the construction industry, this is a project delivery system. The designer built house has one person responsible for everything from the contract to the completion of the house. This minimizes risks for the owner of the house. In the past, there was one person responsible for the design of the house and one person responsible for the building. Having more than one person in charge can cause things to slip through the cracks without realizing that it is happening.

The building of the house is led by a professional sometimes it is the general contractor. Other times it may be an architect or engineer. Some design-builder firms use professionals from all aspects of the project. It can also be a team venture with both the general contractor and the designer working together on the project. Which one you choose should be the one you are comfortable with as you will be working closely with them as they build your dream house.

When using a general contractor as the lead on the building of the house they work with the owner. They also work with subcontractors. While they are working with others, they are solely responsible for all the work being done. The subcontractors are responsible to the general contractor and the general contractor is responsible to the owner of the house. The owner has to deal with only one person which makes building the home much easier. The architect would be considered an employee of the general contractor.

When the architect is the lead on the project they work with the owner and hires the other professionals as needed. But it is the architect who is responsible for all the work. The architect starts as the designer and ends as the site supervisor. They make sure they complete the house according to the wishes of the owner. Once again one person is responsible for the work being completed on the house. In this case it is the architect.

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Celebrate National Pie Day in Sacramento!

January 23, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Need an excuse to indulge? Then you’re in luck because today is National Pie Day! In honor of this delicious holiday, I scoured the area to find the top four places in town to grab a slice…or whole pie

Real Pie Company: As its name suggests, this artisan bakery is known for its yummy pies, which are created with handmade, all-butter crusts and fresh, seasonal fruit and nuts. If you’re craving something sweet, try their Jumbleberry Pie (marionberries, cherries, wild blueberries & raspberries). If you’re opting for savory, try their homemade chicken pot pie. They also offer pie milkshakes… Need I say more? Click here to view their full menu.

I Love Pie: I Love Pie is another great pie shop to check out in Carmichael! Yelpers call their first pie-eating experience here “love at first bite!”. The shop is charming and welcoming and its pies are even more impressive! Dig into their apple pie (one of their more popular flavors) for an unforgettable experience.

Ricks Dessert Diner: This retro diner is known for serving up some delicious desserts! After all, they’ve been voted “Best of Sacramento for Dessert” every year since 1986. Some of their most popular pies include their old fashioned apple pie and chocolate peanut butter pie. Click here to see their expansive pie menu.

Freeport Bakery: Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and Freeport Bakery has got you covered with their delicious Hand Pies, which consist of a flakey pie pastry filled with your choice of apple, cherry or berry filling. A thin layer of marzipan makes these exclusive Freeport Bakery specials.

Do you have a favorite pie shop in Sacramento? Let me know in the comments section below!