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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/2015-06/</link>
        <description></description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/whats-it-take-to-keep-carpet-looking-new.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/whats-it-take-to-keep-carpet-looking-new.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>What's it Take to Keep Carpet Looking New?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
When buying a new home, you want everything  to look nice. Not only is it a huge investment, but it is one that you will live with for a long time. You want everything to stay as nice looking for as long as possible. However, the one thing in your home that could put a damper on this is the carpet. Why? Because it sees the most ware and tear.


Many new homeowners will purposely change the carpet out first thing, because they want to start out fresh. It is much easier to install carpet in an empty home than a house filled with furniture. If you have opted to keep the carpet in the home, here are some tips that could help you keep it looking pristine.


Regular Vacuuming


The more dirt and debris that sits on your carpet, the bigger risk you take of damage occurring. Dirt will eventually cause the carpet to become matted down, and cause it to become worn. This will look unpleasing, and the carpet is more prone to staining. Vacuum your carpet regularly, and at the first sign of any dirt or debris. Keeping your carpet clean will help preserve its life.


You need to ensure that you are using your vacuum properly as well. Start on a high setting and lower it as needed. You want your vacuum to self-propel. Empty your vacuum as needed, and change all filters accordingly. Keeping your vacuum in working condition will also help preserve the appearance of your carpet.


Handling Stains


Make sure that you catch stains quickly, and care for them. You should never give stains time to set in. Ensure that you use the proper cleaner, because if you use harsh chemicals, it could cause the carpet to break down. You do not want to scrub too hard or you will ruin the fibers, which will cause the carpet to appear worn.


Take the necessary steps to care for you carpet properly and it will last you for many years.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2015 09:14:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/how-can-you-enjoy-okotoks-this-summer.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/how-can-you-enjoy-okotoks-this-summer.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>How can you Enjoy Okotoks this Summer?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Okotoks is full of wide-open areas and rolling hills. This makes it one of the best places to enjoy some very fun outdoor activities throughout the summer. Here are some of the best ways you can enjoy Okotoks throughout the summer season.


Berry Picking


Found just to the east of Okotoks is the Saskatoon Berry Farm. This farm provides a great place for u-pick fun with the entire family. You can enjoy picking your own berries, shopping in the general store, the cafe and even the garden centre. The scenery is amazing and the farm provides more than 50 acres of fresh berries and an orchard to enjoy. Late July is the best time to visit if you want the ripest berries.


A Round of Golf


With such amazing scenery, golf becomes a very popular activity in the summer. D'Arcy Ranch is one of the finest courses and you can take the entire family to the Crystal Ridge Golf Club for mini-golf. Other courses are also found in the area including Sirocco Golf Club, River's Edge and Heritage Point.


Taste of Okotoks


Every summer, you get the opportunity to enjoy plenty of amazing food at the Taste of Okotoks. This year will be the 3rd annual event and it will be held on July 25th. The event will include plenty of food, live music, family-friendly attractions and more. It will run from 10am to 3pm and will be held through the Olde Towne Okotoks area.


Enjoy a Polo Match


Not far from the Okotoks, you will find the Calgary Polo Club. This club provides plenty of fun for both players and spectators. Bring your blanket and a picnic lunch to make a full day of it. This is the oldest polo club in the country and provides all kinds of interesting action.


There are many ways to enjoy Okotoks in the summer season. Whether you prefer berry picking, a round of golf, a polo match or one of the many events, you're sure to find plenty of things to do this summer season.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2015 09:15:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/restaurant-spotlight-chacha-johns.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/restaurant-spotlight-chacha-johns.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>Restaurant Spotlight: ChaCha John's</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
ChaCha John’s is a combination of classic Indian and modern day foods. With this combination, there are a variety of amazing dishes created. The restaurant’s ambiance makes it a perfect place to spend those special moments with the ones who mean the most to you. If you have a special occasion to celebrate, ChaCha John’s will ensure you have an experience that will make lasting memories.


The Menu


At ChaCha John’s you will find a number of great items on the menu including:




Cha-Cha’s Tandoori Split Wings or Sweet Chili Mango Split Wings – Wings with ranch and cucumbers.


Chicken Tikka – Chicken prepared in yogurt and tandoori spices, and cooked in a classic tandoori oven.


Herb &amp; Spice Pakoras – Vegetable fritters soaked in spices, and battered in chickpea batter. 


Cha Cha’s Chili – Chili made in house.


House Feature Soup – Soup prepared according to offerings of the season.


House Caesar Salad – Traditional Caesar salad that is made with romaine lettuce and crouton.


Tossed Garden Salad – Home grown salad that is mixed with Italian vinaigrette.


Cha-Cha Burger – Mixture of Lamb and Beef served on a bun with tahini mayo.


Traditional Burger – Beef burger that is served with classic toppings and you can add cheese and bacon for an additional charge.




Other menu options include sandwiches, pasta, Cha-Cha’s curry bowls, and dessert. You will experience all the best that India has to offer. The atmosphere is inviting and the service is great. You will find something for everyone on ChaCha John’s menu.


Location and Hours


ChaCha John’s is located on Stockton Avenue in Okotoks, Alberta. You can make a reservation by calling 587-757-0988. Dine in and take out are both available. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 11am to 9pm, Saturday 12pm to 9pm, and Sunday 12pm to 7pm.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2015 10:08:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/how-can-you-pet-proof-your-new-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/how-can-you-pet-proof-your-new-home.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>How can you Pet Proof Your New Home?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Moving into a new home is an exciting time. Everything is fresh and clean, and you can decorate it the way you want. However, if you are a pet owner there are some things that you need to take into consideration. Here are some things you will need to do to make sure your home is pet friendly.


Rugs


It's always a good idea to own a few nice rugs. Rugs will protect your flooring, and pets typically love to lay on a rug to rest. This will help collect a majority of the animals hair and dirt that they carry with them. You will want to own rugs that have small fibers, are dark colored, and contain somewhat of a pattern. This will help hide dirt and pet hair. Rugs are a great thing to own when you have pets, and will provide a great place for them to lay.


Furniture


You will want to protect your furniture from potential clawing if you own a pet. Use stylish throws to help protect your furniture. You will want throws that blend in with your home decorations. If you have a cat, invest in a post for scratching. Provide your dog with chew toys to help deter them from chewing on your furniture.


Chemicals


You will want to keep all harmful chemicals up and out of the way, so your pets cannot access them. The best idea is to store these items in a storage cabinet. Pets can become bored, and they busy themselves by getting into things they shouldn’t. Don’t take any risk, plan for this ahead of time by taking all the right precautions.


Training


You can prepare your home all you want, but if your pet is not taught the correct manors your home will become a romping room for them. It is highly important that you take the time and have them properly trained. This will help keep your home in order, and you will be a happier pet owner.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2015 11:06:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/restaurant-spotlight-heartland-caf.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/restaurant-spotlight-heartland-caf.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>Restaurant Spotlight: Heartland Café</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Heartland Café has been in business for over 23 years, and happily caters to patrons with their unique dishes that cannot be found anywhere else. They use fresh ingredients to craft their cuisines, and they offer classic and healthy options that are packed with flavor. Also, pair your meal with the perfect drink, as they have a large selection of wine, beer and other drinks. Dishes are based on the season, and the offerings that are available at the local market.


Heartland Café is a great place to host a special occasion or business meeting, as the setting is intimate and friendly. Servers are eager to make menu suggestions, and cater to all your dining needs. Reservations are available, and can be made online or by calling 403-995-4623.


The Menu


Begin with some Thai Lemongrass Turkey Meatballs, which combines lemongrass turkey, coconut, cilantro and sesame. A sweet soy sauce comes with it for dipping, and you get four meatballs with each order.


Next have an order of Artisan Greens which includes grated carrots, sweet purple beets, roasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Suggested dressings include raspberry vinaigrette or creamy feta and herb.


For your main course try Smoky Bacon Bison Meatloaf, which combines bacon-wrapped mushroom-stuffed bison meatloaf, tomato-peach chutney, grilled sun dried-tomato cornbread and veggies. If you choose to order a sandwich or burger, all bread is made in house each day.


They also serve up desserts, which are baked in house. They have daily specials, and cheesecakes are their specialties. They also have rice pudding and carrot cake. They have a variety of wines which includes white, red, Champaign, rose, old world and new world collections. Wines come from local wineries.


The Heartland Café offers delicious dining at affordable prices with great service. You are sure to find many things to satisfy your hunger and thirst.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2015 11:23:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/restaurant-spotlight-almiras-mediterranean-grill.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/restaurant-spotlight-almiras-mediterranean-grill.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>Restaurant Spotlight: Almira's Mediterranean Grill</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you’re looking for a great dining experience in a place that offers great food, Almira’s Mediterranean Grill may be just what you need. The ingredients and meals served here are traditional and are made from the freshest ingredients. Some of the dishes offer a combination of fresh ingredients and have been passed down from one generation to the next.


The Menu


Enjoy great appetizers, salads, wraps and more as all food is homemade and uses authentic spices and fresh herbs that give the food a unique flavour you won’t find elsewhere. Located on the Mediterranean Sea has helped this restaurant shape its culture and cuisine served allowing guests to experience food they may have never thought of before. This restaurant has gained a well-known reputation for itself and offers flavours that are out of this world.


They offer healthy alternatives as well for those looking to watch their waistline and this includes:




Hummus


Baby ghanouj


Falafel


Beef donairs


Chicken shawarma


Fattoush


Tabouli




Almira’s welcomes everyone no matter where you’re from to come experience a little bit of the Mediterranean and if you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a real treat. Offering Lebanese cuisine makes it a great way to experience new foods with family and friends while being your one stop shop for this unique cuisine.


To get you started, try the hummus, grape leaf rolls, kubbi, or even some good ol’ American French fries. If you’re looking for a light lunch you can enjoy salads or wraps that the chefs take pride in preparing with only the finest fresh ingredients and produce around town.


For dinner, there are a number of recipes including a Mediterranean rice plate, a variety plate which contains hummus, kubbi, 4 grape leaves, spinach, one baklava and a tabouli. You can also enjoy vegetarian falafel plate, a chicken shawarma plate and more.


Dessert


Don’t fill yourself up too much as desserts are to die for here. Indulge in baklava which is layers of dough pastry that is filled with walnuts, honey and pistachios. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a mouth-watering end to one of the best meals in town.


With a wide variety of foods to consider, Almira’s has you covered no matter what your taste buds are in the mood for.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2015 10:01:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/what-should-you-know-about-maintaining-your-deck.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/what-should-you-know-about-maintaining-your-deck.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>What Should You Know About Maintaining Your Deck?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
We all love how a deck can make the outer part of the home look and for some it’s crucial for their home to have a deck as they serve numerous purposes. From being great for entertaining and enjoying the great outdoors, for parents to find time to unwind and relax after the children are in the bed for the day, maintaining your deck is crucial to giving it a long life.


Decks are a great investment to any home and in fact return about 80 of their original cost when it comes time to sell your home. Establishing a routine to maintain it means less money over time and allows you to prevent future expenses that can be avoided. Here are a few pointers to help along the way.


Late Spring


In the late spring months, make sure you remove debris from between deck boards. This is because this is prime breeding grounds for mould and mildew which causes rotting of the wood. Where deck boards cross each other and where they cross the joists should be paid special attention to as well.


Make sure all shrubs and other plants are protected that may be on the deck, and be sure you are sweeping the deck from time to time. You want to make sure when you wash your deck you use a cleanser that won’t strip it from the paint or stain you currently have on it.


In the late spring months seal the deck with a sealer or a stain which can be found at your local home improvement store for about $30 per gallon. Clear sealers allow natural wood grain to show though and toners add some colour which reveals the grain of the wood. There are also semi-translucent stains that stain the wood and tint it while letting the grain show.


Midsummer


This is the time to inspect and repair any damage that may be done to the deck. Consider looking for signs of rot which can include checking for mould, mildew, loose joists, and any water damage that may have occurred. Inspect the ledger of your deck which is the framing that keeps the deck attached to the house.


Fall


Consider preventative measures that include washing and sealing the deck before the winter months arrive. This works best when temperatures are mild. You want to make sure all bushes and trees are trimmed nicely as to avoid knocking over and scratching the deck. Avoid leaves and other debris from piling up especially when it’s wet as it can lead to mould damage. These tips can ensure your deck looks great all year long.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2015 10:05:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/what-should-you-know-about-a-homes-exterior-upkeep.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/what-should-you-know-about-a-homes-exterior-upkeep.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>What Should You Know about a Home's Exterior Upkeep?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The upkeep of the exterior of your home is just as important as the upkeep inside. It keeps you safe from the outside elements. Therefore, the exterior needs to be maintained, or weather elements will make their way indoors. Here are some tips to keep the exterior of your home in pristine condition.


Gutters


You want to keep your gutters free from all debris. Clean them out to help prevent clogging, and causing water to overflow. You will have to remove the debris by hand, and use a water hose to clean out anything that remains. This will help you see if all the water is now flowing correctly out of the drain pipes.


When you are cleaning out your gutter, pay close attention for any damage. Gutter damage can directly cause issues that could damage other parts of your home. When running water through them, check for leaks so that they can be repaired.


Roof


You will want to do a thorough inspection of your roof to make sure there are no loose shingles that could allow water to enter your home. Replace any shingles that look damaged or are missing. Also, check for curling of edges, as this will allow water to seep in over time. It is better to replace shingles as soon as possible, as a large amount of damage can be caused by water leaking in.


Walls


Check over the exterior walls of your home to ensure there is no damage. Try to spot rot that occurs along joints, or around the bottom portion of your home. You will want to repair any walls that have rotted. If your home is painted, ensure that there is no bubble’s in the paint. You will want to scrape off the old paint, prime it, and then add a fresh coat of.


You want the exterior of your home to look good, as well as present a healthy shell for the interior of your home. Pay close attention to elements that could affect the outside of your home.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 06 Jun 2015 10:22:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/restaurant-spotlight-taco-del-mar.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/restaurant-spotlight-taco-del-mar.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>Restaurant Spotlight: Taco Del Mar</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Everyone loves a little Mexican flavor from time to time and with little Mexican cafes and restaurants located everywhere it’s easy to choose one. With Taco Del Mar, you can have a little bit of Mexican in an atmosphere that is well loved by many. This place offers a delicious alternative to traditional Mexican food and with a large selection of burritos and tacos you can find just what you want and more.


The name of this place was founded based on the menu items that are served. Burritos and tacos are the specialty on the menu and this is a great way to fall in love with Mexican food once and for all. The Taco Del Mar made its debut its first restaurant on June of 2002. It was located in the waterfront district of Seattle.


The Food


With décor inspired by the beach lifestyle, you can eat a meal in style and in a fun and casual atmosphere. The plates are clean as opposed to being soggy and covered in sauces meaning you have fresh food you can enjoy. Taco Del Mar makes food that’s fun.


One of the many items you can take advantage of is the baja burritos. These burritos are inspired by coastal cuisine and are served authentically with or without fish. All food items are made with a personal touch that you can take part in and allowing your food to taste fresh every time.


Enjoy other great menu items including quesadillas, baja taco salad, loaded nachos, tacos and much more. You can enjoy combos meals as well as light appetizers which allows you to take advantage of light lunches with the gals or for a quick bite in the middle of the day after being out with family and friends.


Something many people like is the taco salad as you can add on to what’s inside. Choose from filling items such as Alaskan white fish, chicken, beef, steak and more. You can also add on enchilada sauce, sour cream and more allowing you to have the ideal baja taco salad.


Whether you want a dinner out with family or something to do with the kids while you’re out for the day with them, this is sure to be a great place as it offers something everyone will love.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2015 11:01:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-paint-colour-for-your-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.okotoks.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-paint-colour-for-your-home.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>How to Choose the Right Paint Colour for Your Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
When it comes to painting the interior of your home, there are a number of things to do. The biggest battle is perhaps choosing the colour. With so many choices available it can be hard to pick just one and the good news is that you can paint each room a different colour while still continuing the flow in your home.


Start Small


If you’re not sure about a colour, consider painting a small area in the room to paint before you paint the entire room. Experiment in a small corner of the room so it’s out of sight while you’re trying to find the colour that fits you the best. Once you’re happy with a colour then paint the whole room.


Think About the Overall Mood


Take your mood into consideration. When it comes to choose paint for the home you want something that isn’t going to bring down the mood of the home. For instance, in some cases darker colours can lead to a gloomy mood or one that’s a little more depressing while brighter colours or earth-toned colours can being out happiness and joy to a room. Warmer colours are great for contrasting walls when paired with the right wall décor.


Pay Attention to Lighting


You’ll notice when you are not sure of a paint colour that many places will tell you to try it out first. This is because paint colours look completely different when paired with different lighting options. Natural light in a room may bring a great atmosphere to a room while it may not look so grand when the night sky falls and you have to turn on the lamps and other lighting. You don’t want to pick colours that are going to overpower the room you are painting.


Add Depth


Once you have chosen the colour choice you will use, consider adding depth to dull walls with subtle dramatic visual aids. Get creative with glazes and other pictures or consider taking it a step further and bring in certain metals to the room which can include gold, pewter, copper, bronze and also silver. These can allow you to complete any look in the room without going overboard.


Colouring your walls can be a fun experiment, just try not to let the hundreds of colours scare you as each brand of paint offers very similar colours.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2015 09:04:00 -0600</pubDate>
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