Tahoe Oil and Spice Shop, Historic Downtown Truckee, CA

November 4, 2014 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

Tahoe Oil and Spice Shop, Historic Downtown Truckee, CA

Have you ever tried infused olive oil? If you haven’t, put this on your shopping list of “Must Haves” and check out the Tahoe Oil and Spice Shop in downtown Historic Truckee, CA for an amazing selection of fruit, spice, and novelty infused olive oils!

A few weeks ago I noticed that our blood orange olive oil that we had purchased at the Tahoe City Farmers’ Market earlier this summer was almost gone.

At the time, it was an indulgent purchase, after all how much difference can there be with olive oil? As it turns out, there is a significant difference, and it really does make a noticeable improvement in the meals you prepare.

Once I started using the fruit (Blood Orange) and spice (Habanero) infused olive oils and vinegars (Strawberry Balsamic) at home, it became my go-to products when it came to our fresh green, pasta, and quinoa salads.

I had no idea how much additional flavor we’d get from using the infused olive oils, or flavor infused balsamic vinegars, but now that my supply was almost gone, I was a little panicked as to where I’d get more of my precious flavored oils and vinegars. Was there a place locally that we could get a similar product, or would I need to go on-line and order from a new supplier?

As it turns out, earlier this past year a new gourmet food store opened in downtown Historic Truckee – Tahoe Oil and Spice, located next to the Train Station, which specializes in olive oils, balsamic vinegars (that’s another story when it comes to my strawberry balsamic addiction) spices, honey, jams, foods, and body products.

Craig (my better half) and I made a late afternoon trip from Tahoe City over to Truckee to check out the Tahoe Oil and Spice store and tasting room.

It’s not at all what I had expected. The choices are impressive, and there are a lot of them. They have over fifty (50) olive oils and balsamic vinegars in the store, yes there are some oil oils and balsamic vinegars, that are not infused, but the selection is a sampler’s delight.

On the day we were there, Natasha, the owner, was also there and she educated us on olive oils, how the process worked, the different grades, and how to make the most out of our tasting adventure.

There was no pressure to hurry, or buy anything. It was a wonderful experience, and a great way to spend an hour, or so if you haven’t had the olive oil and balsamic tasting experience. Much like wine tasting, it’s a fun thing to learn about and do!

You may think you know what you want to buy when you go into the store, but you’ll have a hard time deciding to buy just that one item once you see the selection. For Craig and myself we really enjoy the Mandarin (they also had a Blood Orange option), Meyer Lemon, Chipotle, and Tuscan Olive Oil flavors.

When it comes to the flavor infused vinegars, we’re fans of the White Grapefruit, Lemon, Strawberry (personal favorite), and Chocolate balsamic vinegars.

Each one has its own unique taste and adds another layer to any dish you’re using it on. Natasha, also has a nice hand out to tell you what combinations will go great together and what dishes they will be good on.

If you’re interested in specialty honey, spices, jams, and other unique gourmet foods, you’ll also find them at the Tahoe Oil and Spice store.

While you can shop on-line for their products, nothing beats the in-person experience.

Tahoe Oil and Spice: Location, Hours of Operation, Phone Number, Link to their Website:

Tahoe Oil and Spice Shop, Historic Downtown Truckee, CA

10091 Donner Pass Road (next to the train station), downtown Historic Truckee, CA

Open 7 days a week: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

530.550.8857

www.TahoeOilandSpice.com

If you’ll be in the greater Truckee – Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City areas and you’re looking for flavor-infused gourmet olive oils, or balsamic vinegars for yourself, or as a gift for someone special, be sure to check out the Tahoe Oil and Spice shop in downtown historic Truckee.

The next time you are in downtown Historic Truckee shopping, check out the Tahoe Oil and Spice shop!

Thinking about making Truckee your second home? Here are some popular area options:

For all of your Tahoe real estate needs –

Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260 | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE, Tahoe Real Estate Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City, CA CalRE#01908304

All information is deemed reliable, but is subject to change, and/or correction without notice.

Tahoe Oil and Spice Shop, Historic Downtown Truckee, CA

Did you Remember to Change your Clocks? Sunday, November 2, 2014

November 2, 2014 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

Did you Remember to Change your Clocks? Sunday, November 2, 2014

Did you remember to change your Clocks and set them back on Saturday night?

It’s that time of year to once again change your clocks! The old saying is still true, Spring Forward, and Fall Back, so this Sunday, November 2, 2014, at 2 a.m. it will be time to set your clocks back one hour. It’s time to go back to Standard time, from Daylight Savings time.

If you forgot to set your clocks back before you went to bed on Saturday night, this time change is forgiving, and you can take care of things on Sunday morning.

In addition to changing the time on your clocks, I also do a few extra jobs around my home here in Tahoe City.

These are home owner tasks that one day save my life, or the lives of my loved ones. You too can keep yourself safe by doing the following things too when we change the time on our clocks:

Smoke Alarm Battery Change: Change out the batteries, or back-up batteries in all of smoke alarms in your home. Don’t forget your garage. Test the smoke alarm to make sure it still works. The semi-annual time changes are a great way to do an easy safety check. It’s also a good time to think about just changing the unit out to a brand new one.

Carbon Monoxide Battery Change: Change out all of the batteries, or back-up batteries in your carbon monoxide alarm detectors in your home. If you haven’t installed carbon monoxide alarm detectors in your home, this would be a great weekend to do it. If you have carbon monoxide alarm detectors test them and make sure they are in working order too.

Tip – Put a blank address sticker on the battery and write the date you put the battery into service. Anyone checking on the device will now know when the batteries were last replaced! You can also do that on the detector so you’ll know how old the device is, and when you should replace it!

Flashlight Battery Check: In the Lake Tahoe – Tahoe City – Truckee area most of our utility lines are above ground, and several times a year the power will go out. I’ll make sure our flashlights are out and easy to get to. I’ll check the battery dates, and light strength and make sure everything is in working order.

Radio Battery Check: Don’t forget to have a small portable radio in your home. Put it in a location that is easy to get to, and check those batteries too. In the case of emergency, or a prolonged power outage, you’ll need the radio as our phones will only last so long without recharging!

Battery Supply Check: Shop for batteries! Before I start replacing batteries, I’ll check on our supply of batteries, buy new ones to replace the ones we’re low on and make sure we have what we need for the upcoming winter season.

Take advantage of this timely reminder to not only change your clocks, but to keep yourself and your loved ones safe too. If you live in a state, or country that does not change its time, use this as your reminder to be safe too!

Upcoming dates and time frames to keep in mind:

Next time Change: Sunday, March 8, 2015 – 126 days from Sunday, November 2, 2014

Shortest Day of the Year: Sunday, December 21, 2014 Winter Solstice – 49 days from Nov 2, 2014

New Year’s Day 2015 – 60 days from November 2, 2014

21 Days – The number of days it takes to make a new routine and change in your life habits!

As the clock continues to tick, take this change in the seasons and this twice a year reminder to make your home safer, and as an opportunity to set a couple of personal goals for yourself.

Why wait to start your New Year’s resolutions now, when you can start today? Greatness begins with one step, take yours today!

If you live in the greater Tahoe City area, it’s time to set your clocks back this Sunday, November 2, 2014, and if you forgot, it’s time to do it right now!

Thinking about making Lake Tahoe, California your second home? Check out the homes that are for sale here:

Want to see what condos are for sale in Lake Tahoe? Here are the current listings:

For all of your Tahoe real estate needs –

Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260 | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE, Tahoe Real Estate Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City, CA CalRE#01908304

All information is deemed reliable, but is subject to change, and/or correction without notice.

Did you Remember to Change your Clocks? Sunday, November 2, 2014

Rocky Horror Picture Show, Tahoe City, Oct 31, 2014

November 1, 2014 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

Rocky Horror Picture Show, Tahoe City, Oct 31, 2014

Happy Halloween everyone! It’s Halloween night and the trick-o-treaters have come and gone and you’re ready to have some adult fun in Tahoe City, California!

If you haven’t made plans, it’s not too late to get tickets to the Rocky Horror Picture Show, which will be playing at 10 p.m. and at midnight, tonight, October 31, 2014 at the Cobblestone Movie theater, now known at the Tahoe Art Haus and Cinema!

I missed going to the Rocky Horror Picture Show in college. While I hate to date myself, I did have the chance to go and have the full audience participation experience and I did not do it. I should have, but I didn’t, and to this day, I have never seen the movie.

Fast forward, and tonight at 10 p.m. (I know we should be going to the midnight show – what can I say, we’re older now) I will get to have that iconic cult-like experience that I should have had so many years ago.

For those of you that haven’t seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show, from what I have read on-line (thank you Wikipeda and the www.RockyHorror.com websites), and from the previews that I have seen on TV over the years, it’s a musical comedy horror film that was based upon the 1973 musical stage production The Rocky Horror Show, that is a tribute to the many science fiction and classic horror movies that have been made through the early 1970’s.

The film was released in 1975 and for the most part was ignored until audiences began participating by dressing up as the characters in the movie, and becoming an interactive part of the show. It turned the movie into a classic midnight theater experience. Today, it is one of the most successful, well-known movies that has been playing on the big screen for almost 40 years!

In preparation for tonight’s show I printed off the “Props” list (you’d be surprised at how much information and “how to” information is out there on this film) and I’ve spent the last few days tracking down the different items I would need to get the most out of my movie experience.

I checked twice, and the newly renovated and remodeled Tahoe Art Haus and Cinema in the Cobblestone Mall at 475 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, which just recently re-opened under new management, (now serving beer with wine to come) and offering on-line ticketing, confirmed on both the website www.TahoeArtHausCinema.com (which is really well-done and up-to-date) and on their recording (530-584-2431) for me to bring my own props for the showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show on Friday, October 31, 2014.

So what did I need to bring? Here’s a list:

Rice – Two plastic bags of uncooked white rice.

Newspaper – Thank you Sierra Sun!

Water Pistols – This one turned out to be harder to find, so I went with a mini-spray bottle, same effect, better control.

Candles/Flashlight – Open flame in the theater – I said no to using a real candle, but found a great glow stick that should make a nice candle-like glow. To be used in one of the songs.

Rubber Gloves – To make a snapping sound.

Noisemakers – Who knew the New Year’s Eve stuff would be so handy!

Confetti – Didn’t find that at the store, so I went with the left-over New Year’s Eve streamers that you throw.

Toilet Paper – Snagged two rolls that were nearly all used-up!

Toast – Easy enough to toast two pieces of bread.

Party Hat – You know it, Happy New Year, everyone!

Bell – Again, I thought this was going to be a hard one, but the hardware store had a single bell that Velcro onto your belt strap, or any other strap and is being used by hikers to scare away bears. When the movie is done, I haven another use for the bell.

Cards – A quick game of poker anyone?

Hot Dogs and Prunes – The guide said to pass on this one, so I did!

My props are all loaded up in my Lake Tahoe bag, and I’m ready to go with my tickets that I purchased on line.

A nice ice cold beverage, some buttered popcorn and I think we’re going to have a great time tonight at the Rocky Horror Picture Show! Right now it’s raining, and it’s setting a dark, mood for a fun-filled movie night. When I come out of that theater I expect to come out and find our SUV covered in snow, as our first real winter storm makes its way through the downtown Tahoe City area tonight – yeah!!!

If you’ll be in the greater Truckee – Lake Tahoe area and you’re looking to see a movie, or try something new check out the Tahoe Art Haus and Cinema and see what’s on their upcoming schedule of movies and special events at www.TahoeArtHausCinema.com .

I hope to see you tonight at the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Tahoe Art Haus and Cinema at the Cobblestone Mall in downtown Tahoe City! Happy Halloween everyone!

Thinking about making Lake Tahoe, California your second home? Check out the homes that are for sale here:

Want to see what condos are for sale in Lake Tahoe? Here are the current listings:

For all of your Tahoe real estate needs –

Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260 | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE, Tahoe Real Estate Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City, CA CalRE#01908304

All information is deemed reliable, but is subject to change, and/or correction without notice.

Rocky Horror Picture Show, Tahoe City, Oct 31, 2014

Tahoe City Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch, Sat., Oct 18, 2014

October 18, 2014 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

Tahoe City Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch, Sat., Oct 18, 2014

It’s that time of year when pumpkins, scare crows, and fall magic surrounds Lake Tahoe. If you’ll be up in the greater Tahoe City area on Saturday, October 18, 2014, be sure to take some time to be at the Tahoe City Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch pre-Halloween holiday event here in Tahoe City, California.

This year the Tahoe City Annual Harvest Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch event will take place at the Rideout Community Center on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe in the Timberland neighborhood from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a great, local Tahoe City community event that will be fun for all ages.

There will be several local community groups with fun activities, along with selling snacks and lunch. The children will have a great time with the Bounce House, Bungee Run, Carnival Games, Pumpkin Seed Hunt, Pie Eating Contest, Hayrides and Costume Contest!

Did I mention there will be a Great Pumpkin Seed Hunt that will start at 11:30 a.m.? If you want to be there for the big seed hunt, be sure to get there early, so you don’t miss out on the fun!

If you have missed some of the other fun fall events in North Lake Tahoe this year like the Tahoe City Oktoberfest earlier this month, or the Grill Fest last weekend, you still have a chance to enjoy some fall, pre-holiday Halloween fun here in the greater Tahoe City area at this year’s annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch event.

Here are the details:

Tahoe City Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch, Sat., Oct 18, 2014

When: Saturday, October 18, 2014, Starting at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pumpkin Seed Hunt starts at 11:30 a.m. Tahoe City Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch

Where: Rideout Community Center, 740 Timberland Drive, Tahoe City, CA

Cost: All Inclusive Activity bracelet $15; Individual game/ride tickets are available $2/game or $5/ride

Pumpkin Prices will vary $3-$7 price range.

Food and drinks are all an additional fee and will vary depending on the item.

For more information check out www.TahoeCityPUD.com or call (530) 583-3440.

Don’t forget to dress in layers. While our days are sunny and nice, temperatures have dropped and in the shade, or if a breeze picks up you’ll want to have a jacket on.

If you love Lake Tahoe and you enjoy a good festival then you’ll enjoy your day at the Tahoe City Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch.

Other fun, Fall and upcoming Halloween events in North Lake Tahoe:

Saturday, October 18, 2014 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Vintage Cars at the River Ranch Lodge and Restaurant The 7th Annual Fall Colors Moto Tour returns to Lake Tahoe this weekend, which starts in Stockton, CA and will make it’s way around Lake Tahoe this weekend. You’ll find these vintage cars at the River Ranch located at the corner of Hwy 89 S and the turn-off to the Alpine Meadows Road.

Friday, October 31, 2014 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Halloween Trick-o-Treat Put on your Halloween costume and be in the Downtown Tahoe City area and collect sweet treats from local businesses that will be handing out Trick-o-Treats, which is free for everyone. While you’re in the area, enjoy checking out the local scarecrows on parade that were made by local non-profit, local businesses, and grade school children.

See you at the Tahoe City Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch this Saturday, October 18, 2014 at the Rideout Center on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe!

Thinking about making Tahoe City, California your second home? Check out the homes that are for sale in Tahoe City here:

Want to see what condos are for sale in Tahoe City? Here are the current listings:

For all of your Tahoe real estate needs –

Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260 | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE, Tahoe Real Estate Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City, CA CalRE#01908304

All information is deemed reliable, but is subject to change, and/or correction without notice.

Tahoe City Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch, Sat., Oct 18, 2014

Grill Fest, Tahoe City, Saturday, October 11, 2014

October 11, 2014 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

Grill Fest, Tahoe City, Saturday, October 11, 2014

Get ready to celebrate the 2nd Annual Tahoe City Grill Fest on Saturday, October 11, 2014 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the Tahoe City Marina and Boatworks Mall in downtown Tahoe City, California.

Our Lake Tahoe fall days are sunny and warm, but they are numbered as we wait for that first snow fall, so now is the time to have a BBQ outside while we can really enjoy our beautiful weather. A $10 entry fee will get you into the fun and will include your first beverage and 1 sample plate. If you really love BBQ, then get the $25 ticket that will get you your first beverage and 5 sample plates.

While your eating your Tahoe City Grill Fest samples, you’ll enjoy music and a beautiful day by Lake Tahoe in downtown Tahoe City. Don’t forget a portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue group.

The Tahoe City Grill fest will give BBQ competitors a chance to show locals why they are the best. Those competing are Big Blue Q, Dockside 700, Jakes on the Lake, Moe’s Original BBQ, Men Wielding Fire, and Tahoe Mountain Brewing. There will be several categories including Best Ribs, Best Chicken, Best Tri-Tip at the Open Category (I’m hoping that someone will have an awesome BBQ vegetarian dish!).

There will be judges, but you, the attendees, will also get to vote for the People’s Choice Award Live music is provided by Sacramento favorite band Mental Floss, and for those that like an ice cold beer with their BBQ, you’ll have a choice of Coors, Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA, and Fat Tire. For those that like wine, Wente Vineyards will be there too, along with soft drinks and the return of Cheri’s Hand Dipped Ice Cream. It should be a great day of fun for everyone.

Be sure to dress in layers, drink plenty of water, and wear sunblock. In our fall sunshine you’ll be nice and warm and even get a tan (sunburn), but as soon as you are in the shade you’ll wish you had a light jacket on, and you’ll be glad you wore sunscreen!

The leaves are changing colors here in Lake Tahoe and it’s your chance to enjoy our beautiful fall weather, while having some fun at the second annual Tahoe City Grill Festival this weekend!

Here are the Event Details:

Tahoe City Grill Fest

When: Saturday, October 11, 2014 – 12 noon to 4 p.m.

Where: The Tahoe City Boatworks Mall and the Tahoe City Marina, downtown Tahoe City

Cost: $10/per person for a single sample, or $25 for 5 samples, each come with one beverage

For more information call 530.583.3348 or www.TahoeCityGrillFest.com

If you’ve been looking for a reason to come up to Tahoe City this is a great way to spend the day on the shore of Lake Tahoe, enjoying the sunshine and watching the leaves change color while enjoy some great BBQ food, music, and having some fun with friends!

Check out the 2nd Annual Tahoe City Grill Fest in Tahoe City this Saturday, October 11, 2014

Thinking about making Tahoe City, California your second home? Check out the homes that are for sale in Tahoe City here:

Want to see what condos are for sale in Tahoe City? Here are the current listings:

For all of your Tahoe real estate needs –

Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260 | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE, Tahoe Real Estate Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City, CA CalRE#01908304

All information is deemed reliable, but is subject to change, and/or correction without notice.

Grill Fest, Tahoe City, Saturday, October 11, 2014