Spring Break Scavenger Hunt in Lake Oswego

Posted on March 20, 2022 by lovelakeoswego

Planning a staycation this Spring Break with your kids in Lake Oswego? I’ve been there, done that, and know coming up with ideas can be challenging.

So, let me pay it forward.

Load your kids up in the car and head out with copies of this Scavenger Hunt list in hand in search of as many items as you can find. Maybe give yourselves a challenge to see how many you can find in a certain amount of time. Or challenge some friends to do it with their kids too and see who finishes up first.

I’ve also listed links to some blog posts I’ve written on some of these things that could add a little more flavor to the hunt. Enjoy!

•Little Free Library. The number of Little Free Libraries has grown since I wrote this post back in 2013. Feel free to check out their inventory when you spot one, and maybe come home with a book or two (you could pack a couple to replace the ones you take)


•Chicken coop. We may be in the city, but we’ve got quite a few farmers at heart within our boundaries. My wife and I have spotted several on our walks from the simple studio layout to more of a resort complete with a covered fence tunnel and umbrellas that provide shelter in the rain.


•Porta Potty. This should be an easy one because there is so much construction and remodeling going on in our town. In fact, my wife and I started a porta-potty count on our COVID-19 walks and the current total is 366. If your kids want to take on the challenge and see if they can find more than that, well, then, there’s another day’s activity for you!


•Black house. Black exteriors are one of the design trends I mention in this post. You may be surprised how many you find in Lake Oswego.


•Boat on a trailer.


•Poetry Box. These are sprinkled around Lake Oswego neighborhoods and in front of one of our city’s institutions (hint: they carry a lot of books). Often they’re attached to a pole or tree in front of residents’ homes and display poems to enjoy for any passersby. Watch for a blog post about poetry boxes coming next month in honor of National Poetry Month.

•Someone walking a dog


•A car displaying a Lakeridge or Lake Oswego High School sticker in its window


•A birdhouse


•A tree with moss growing on it. Extra points if there are also ferns growing on the moss!


•A street sign with the word “Lake” on it


•Someone walking holding a cup of coffee from a local coffee shop. If you need to refuel while driving around, check out my latest roundup of coffee spots in Lake Oswego.


•A flower blooming


•A house with a red door


•A California license plate. Californians are some of our biggest imports and explain that positive net migration I talk about in this blog.

•A fountain


•A stream. While our lake is our dominant water feature in Lake Oswego, we are also blessed with lots of streams that help to refill our lake in the years it is drained.


•Someone walking a baby in a stroller


•Someone on a kayak or paddleboard. If you can’t find someone braving the weather on our lake for this one, don’t forget that other body of water that runs along our east side!


•A goose. They say they fly south for the winter, but Lake Oswego is such a beautiful spot that I’ve seen many who choose to stay put year-round.


•A Heritage Tree. There are 38 Heritage Trees in Lake Oswego, designated as such because of they have notable historical, cultural, environmental or physical qualities. You can look for the markers designating them as such and/or you can use this map to lead you to the spot.

I’m around during Spring Break, so if you’d like to find out how this hot housing market has increased the value of your home, give me a call and we can meet. I can provide a complimentary market analysis to give you the information you need to decide what to do going forward. And if you’d like to look at homes for sale in Lake Oswego, I can set that up too. Give me a call at 503.939.9801 or email me at costellok@hasson.com.

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10 Things About Lake Oswego That Make Me Smile

Posted on March 13, 2022 by lovelakeoswego
  1. Village Baskets going up. To me, this is a harbinger of summer in Lake Oswego which, as you’ll probably be able to tell from this list, is my favorite season here. But it also is a testament to the generosity of folks who contribute to the project each year and the volunteers who hang them.
  2. Kids walking home from the Lake Grove Swim Park. I recall the first time my wife and I drove through Lake Oswego and we spotted the Lake Grove Swim Park. It brought me back to my days spending summers at the Russian River in California, some of my most cherished childhood memories. Now our kids have similar memories spent at the swim park during their growing-up years first as little tykes and then later, a couple of them as lifeguards. So, when I see kids with wet towels hanging from their shoulders, walking back home with friends from the swim park, I smile knowing that they too, are forming lasting memories.
  3. Lemonade stands. In our house we have a rule, “Always stop at a lemonade stand.” And that’s a payback for all the folks who stopped by our house when our threesome used to plant themselves out in front of our yard with signs and high hopes. Neighbors and passers-by didn’t disappoint. I see those same looks of hope in little Lake Oswegans’ faces and sheer delight when one of us pulls up.
  4. Snow day. To look out and see our yard covered in a white blanket brings real delight in the middle of winter here in Lake Oswego. Everything slows down, and everything gets really quiet except for the sound of kids finding ways to play in the snow. Luckily here in Lake Oswego we often get these little breaks from what can sometimes be too much of winter’s doldrums. A day or two of it has me smiling. More than that, not so much.
  5. The sound of kids playing outside. Speaking of kids playing, I like that sound no matter the season, but again, it’s something that can be a harbinger of summer here in Lake Oswego. We have a small park at the end of our street, and when our kids were little, the neighborhood gang would gather there for capture the flag, a baseball game or tag. And we could hear them playing from our yard…that is, until we rang the dinner bell for them to come home. Sounds like small town stuff to me, and that makes me smile.
  6. Millennium Plaza Park. When we first moved to Lake Oswego, the area where this park now stands was home to apartments. Fortunately, our city leaders had a vision and a path for getting there and now this park is home to some of our town’s most treasured events. It makes me smile to recall some of those leaders who were my friends and to know that Lake Oswegans keep an eye on the future and the kind of town we want our city to be.
  7. The sound of crickets. Remember what I said earlier about summer being my favorite season here? Well, you’d think crickets would make me sad because they usually don’t start singing till later in the season and could almost be considered a harbinger of fall. But I love the sound as it’s one more sense of mine that can experience all that summer has to offer up to its Lake Oswego residents.
  8. The expression on visitors’ faces. From our lush surroundings to our beautiful lake, visitors’ eyes light up when they see Lake Oswego for the first time. I wrote a blog years ago on what some of those visitors had to say, and if you read it, I think it will bring a smile to your face too.
  9. New discoveries. We may be a small town (but growing) and I may have lived here for over 30 years (and counting) but as I mentioned in a recent blog, I continue to learn new things about Lake Oswego all the time. My wife and I have been taking daily morning walks since COVID arrived, and we’ve learned new pathways, discovered streams, and much more that you can read about in this blog.
  10. New homeowners. The great thing about loving something so much is that you want to share it. And I have gotten to do that as a Realtor in Lake Oswego for over 30 years. Whether someone is relocating here from Portland, Texas or California, they are so happy to make the move. And helping to make that possible, knowing all the reasons to smile that await them, makes me smile too.

Let’s see how I can make you smile! If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Lake Oswego, I’d be happy to meet with you and discuss how I can help. Give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at costellok@hasson.com and/or check out my website.

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Tips for Getting Your Home Ready to Sell in Lake Oswego

Posted on March 6, 2022 by lovelakeoswego

Spring has traditionally been the kickoff to the home selling season, but coming off a year when there didn’t seem to be an off-season, those old rules may no longer apply.

What does apply, however, is that if you are considering putting your home on the market, there are things you should do BEFORE that happens.

  1. Meet with a Realtor. As a homeowner you have a product—your house—and the best way to sell it is to know what the market for it is and how best to price and package it. That’s why a hyper-local Realtor should be your first step in getting ready to sell. He or she can tell you what similar homes are selling for in your area, what cosmetic things you should consider doing to improve its sell-ability and walk you through some of these other suggestions.
  2. Declutter. Letting go is hard to do but necessary when it comes to preparing your house to market. Less stuff makes it seem like your home has more space and makes it easier for potential buyer to imagine it as their home. If can’t entirely let go, then relocate those files, knickknacks, boxes and hardly-ever-worn clothes to a storage unit. The cost of renting it will pay off in the long run.
  3. Work with a stager. In a recent report by the National Realtors Association, 47% of buyers’ agents cited that home staging affected most buyers’ view of a home and 82% said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home. That’s the effect you want so that’s why I provide a free consultation with a stager as part of my service when listing a house with a client. Often the suggestions concern rearrangement of furniture, areas that need to be decluttered, decorative touches to add to curb appeal and an inviting welcome.
  4. Make needed repairs. You want to eliminate as many objections a buyer might have BEFORE you start showing your home. This again is an area a Realtor can help you with in determining the repairs you should tackle and even referring you to experts to get the job done!
  5. Consider upgrades. This again is a judgement call, best made with the advice of your Realtor. Market conditions will determine how much, if any, upgrades are needed. First place to look would be worn or stained carpets or fresh paint on dark or marred walls. On the other end of the spectrum are major renovations like updating your kitchen or master bath. But again, in a seller’s market like we saw in 2021, those type of upgrades might not have been necessary.
  6. Clean, clean, clean. If you don’t already, this might be the time you hire a professional as well as specialists to tackle things like the carpets and windows. Ask your Realtor to do a smell check. Often when we live with odors from pets or moisture, we become immune to them. But I can tell you, a bad house smell can often be the biggest turnoff to a potential buyer so insist your Realtor be brutally honest with you. Better to address the situation BEFORE you start getting that feedback from buyers’ agents.
  7. Increase your curb appeal. Do a drive-by and see what potential buyers might see—overgrown shrubs, moss on the roof, cracks in the asphalt driveway, bald spots in the lawn. Since homes with high curb appeal tend to sell for an average of 7% more than similar homes with an uninviting exterior it’s worth your time and money to clean things up and spiff them up as well with decorative planters, colorful flowers, power-washing, a newly painted front door or an updated garage door.  
  8. Get an inspection. Again, this is a judgement call, depending on the status of your home and how competitive the market is. Once a buyer’s offer is accepted, he or she will conduct a home inspection but if you’ve already done so, you’ll know in advance what issues might surface and can address them ahead of time if you wish. The fewer surprises once things get rolling, the smoother your home selling process will be.
  9. Consider putting your house on the market sooner rather than later. While typically sellers wait until late March or later to hang out the For Sale sign, inventory right now, especially in Lake Oswego, is at one of its lowest so it might be good advice to get in early.

If you’re thinking of selling your home, let me be your first step in order to make all the other steps that much easier and more productive. I’ve been helping people buy and sell homes in Lake Oswego for over 30 years and I’d love to put that experience to work for you. Give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at costellok@hasson.com, and/or check out my website and I’d be happy to meet with you.  

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10 Things We Love In and Around Lake Oswego in March 

Posted on February 27, 2022 by lovelakeoswego

SHE SAID THAT. In honor of Women’s History Month, the Lake Oswego Library is challenging kids to match ground-breaking women’s quotes with their images displayed on a whiteboard in the children’s library. New women and quotes will be featured each week. Here’s one to get you started. Who said: “Do one thing every day that scares you.” (Answer at the end of this blog) 706 Fourth Street, 503.636.7628.

GLOBAL ART PROJECT. The woman quoted above also said this: “It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” The Lake Oswego Library is inviting residents to participate in the Global Art Project whose mission is to create a culture of peace by connecting people around the world through their artistic visions of peace and goodwill. Visit the children’s library to create an art piece expressing your vision of peace or create your artwork at home and bring it to the library. Works will be displayed during March and April, then exchanged with artists around the world. 706 Fourth Street, 503.636.7628.

LAKE OSWEGO READS AUTHOR TICKET GIVEAWAY. The library will be giving away free tickets to hear the author of this year’s Lake Oswego Reads Selection, How Much of These Hills Is Gold: A Reimagined History by C Pam Zhang, on Saturday, March 5 from 11:00 a.m. until all tickets have been distributed. Her presentation will be on Friday, April 29 at 700 p.m. at Lakeridge High School. Tickets are free; however, you must present a Lake Oswego Public library card to receive one.

WOODEN SHOE TULIP FESTIVAL. The 38th floral display will be held this year from March 18 through May 1, with field reports posted daily on their website. The flowers put on quite a show with 40 acres of tulips in bloom when they all get going. Currently season passes are available at $40 each; day passes will go on sale March 1. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the weekends, with more activities offered on the weekends as well. All tickets must be purchased online.

FLORAL WINE & DESIGN. Zupan’s is offering their popular virtual workshop again in March. Participants pick up floral materials, cheese and a charcuterie plate prior to class. Enrollment is limited to 10 participants. Sunday, March 13 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. $125 fee. Good News! Next month’s class will be in person again, in the breezeway. Stay tuned.

THE DULLAHAN IRISH PUB ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION. Get your green on and head over to The Dullahan Pub on Thursday, March 17 for live music and special menu and drink offerings to celebrate the occasion. While not scaled up to pre-COVID festivities yet, attendees will find plenty of reason to raise their glasses and say, “Sláinte!” Depending on demand, the special offerings may extend through the weekend. 352 B Avenue, 503.305.8087.

TRYON CREEK OWL FEST. Learn about the five owl breeds that live, breed and nest here (and another that has been known to fly over). Check for updated details. 11321 S. Terwilliger Blvd., 503.636.4398.

THE WORST DAY OF THE YEAR RIDE. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. So since the weather in March is still cold in the Portland metro area, ORbike decided to make an event out of it. Bicyclists can brave the elements in costumed style and chose one of three routes ranging from 15 to 41.6 miles on Sunday, March 20. The registration fee covers a hearty breakfast, syncopated drummers and a half-time party.

SPRING BREAK CAMPS. These are always a March highlight and you can read all about them in an earlier blog. And here’s another option: Tryon Creek is also offering a Spring Break Camp for ages 7-12 from March 21 through March 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Activities include hiking, storytelling, nature art and campfires. Fees: $425/non-Friends of Tryon Creek Members; $375/members. 11321 S. Terwilliger Blvd., 503.636.4398.

CHERRY BLOSSOM TREES. These beautiful harbingers of spring are abundant around Lake Oswego and the Portland metro area. You’ll find them in Sundeleaf Plaza, Millennium Plaza Park, and lining many of our commercial and neighborhood streets. Venture up to Portland and catch the 100 tree display on the northwest side of Waterfront Park towards the end of March or stroll through Hoyt Arboretum where 60 cherry blossom trees are planted along the 12 miles of trails.

Spring is also a popular time for home sales so if you’re in the market, be sure to start by giving me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or check out my website. I’ve lived in Lake Oswego and been a Realtor in Lake Oswego for over 30 years and would love to put my experience to work making your next move your best one!

Answer: Eleanor Roosevelt

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Lake Oswego Housing Market Forecast

Posted on February 20, 2022 by lovelakeoswego

“The structure of our market is really strong.” Those were the takeaway words from Noah Blanton, President Oregon Direct with WFG Title Company in a recent presentation to Hasson Company Realtors.

What is he basing that opinion on?

He’s looking at the expected inbound net migration, lack of inventory and the number of homebuyers in the stage of peak housing consumption.

Let me explain.

Inbound net migration. While Oregon was seeing a positive net migration pre-pandemic, that trend has continued and been fueled by people realizing they could decide where they want to live and how they want to live thanks to working from home. Popular annual surveys find Oregon at the top of many lists of most popular states to relocate to. Mayflower lists Oregon as #3 and the United Van Lines annual movers’ survey ranked Portland as #10. So, we are importing demand for housing as well as having to meet the need that is already here.

Lack of inventory. December of 2021 saw the Portland metro area’s lowest inventory with only 0.6 months available which means that homebuyers were snatching up listings as fast as they were coming up. In the last 30 days there were 2,154 new listings in the Portland Metro Area and 2,556 new pendings, so 400 more pending sales than listings. Things definitely remain tight. What I found interesting in the presentation were some of the not-so-obvious reasons for our lack of inventory.

It seems that the amount of refinancing could be playing a role in this. Refinancing was incredibly popular among current homeowners last year with many taking out loans to build an office, an extra garage or an outdoor living area. It made more financial sense for them to refinance and add the improvements they wanted in a new home than to venture out into a competitive housing market looking for those things and perhaps having to pay much more for them. As a result, some current homeowners who otherwise might have put their homes on the market are deciding to stay put.

Another force affecting the supply is the fact that we are not building our way out of the issue. Only 31% of the housing units built in 2021 in the Portland metro area were for single family residences. The rest were for multiple housing units to meet another rising demand for rental housing. The increased cost for raw materials as well as for labor means that new construction is not necessarily an affordable alternative for homeowners.

Homebuyers at the peak of home consumption. When you look at the demographics of Oregon’s population, you see that the prime homebuyer age group (ages 25-54) is well represented and projected to grow substantially by 2029, with the 35-39 age group being the largest. These are folks in the “root setting” years so they will continue to drive the demand for housing.

Forecasters like Blanton believe that these market indicators make for a very solid real estate market foundation that will ride any economic cycle we may experience.

Things still promise to be challenging for buyers, but the good news is that people buying into the Lake Oswego housing market are buying into a good thing. While appreciation rates this past year were in the double digits, the average yearly change is +6.1% and that’s accounting for the housing market crash back in 2008 when values dropped 29% over the next three years. So even in buyer’s markets, homes in Lake Oswego continue to appreciate.

Another thing buyers should take into consideration when submitting offers is that 20% of all new listings in the last 30 days are “Back on the Market” listings which means that one out of five deals ended up falling apart so it’s wise to put yourself in a backup position on a house you really want. With odds like that, you could find yourself being moved up to #1 position with the seller coming back to you and asking if you’d like to buy that house you had your heart set on.

I’ll admit—getting into the real estate market during these times can admittedly be challenging which is why working with a hyper-local Realtor like myself can be the advantage you need right now. I received a Hasson Company Top Performer award for 2021 and have consistently ranked up there over my 30+ years as a Realtor in Lake Oswego. I’d love to put my experience to work finding you a home so you too can enjoy not just home appreciation but the quality of life that Lake Oswego offers. Give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com and/or check my website.

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Register Early for Spring Break Camps in Lake Oswego

Posted on February 13, 2022 by lovelakeoswego

With COVID rules and conditions a moving target, many of Lake Oswego’s traditional Spring Break camp venues have been waiting as long as they can before posting schedules. Add to that the fact that both the Lake Oswego Golf Course and Lake Oswego Tennis Center are closed for renovation, and you’ll see why options for parents looking for resources may be a bit more limited this year than in years past. I’ve listed the opportunities that are currently available and identify websites to keep checking for, hopefully, “coming soon” information.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL. In the past, the Community School has offered programs during Spring Break. Information was not available at press time so check their website and/or call 503.534.2302.

LAKE OSWEGO PARKS AND RECREATION. Register by calling 503.675.2549 or on their website.
■ Mighty Hawks Multi-Sport Camp for ages 5-7 and 7-12. This Skyhawks camp will have your kids enjoying flag football, soccer and dodgeball. Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for ages 5-7 and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for ages 7-12. East Waluga Park, 15505 Quarry Road. Fee is $149 for both residents and non-residents. Register by visiting the Skyhawks site or calling 1.800.804.3509.
■ Intro to Fencing Camp for ages 7-12. Learn the basic skills of this Olympic sport that challenges quick thinking, coordination, strength and agility. All equipment provided. Monday, March 21 through Thursday, March 24 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road. Fee for Course #23567: $110/Resident; $127/Non-Resident.
■Tools of Rock Camp for ages 6-10. Consider this a rock immersion course for youngsters as Youth Music Project staff introduce them to the tools of the trade: drums, guitar, keyboard and bass while teaching them about various styles of contemporary music. Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road. Fee for Course #23812: $484/Resident; $557/Non-Resident.
■In My Backyard Camp for ages 5-12. Kids get to explore Lake Oswego’s very own Luscher Farm and its surroundings on daily nature hikes where they’ll learn about birds, bugs, bees and what makes a garden grow. Science experiments and games round out a lineup of fun activities. Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Fee for Course #23792: $194/Resident; $223 Non-Resident. (At posting time, this camp was already full but you can request to be put on the waitlist.)
■Minecraft Engineering with LEGO® Materials for ages 5-7. Play-Well Teknologies staff will be the guides as kids venture into the world of Minecraft building their base, crafting their tools, using their Minecart to harvest raw resources and battling to stop the Ender Dragon from ending the world. Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road. Fee for Course #23494: $160/Resident; $184/Non-Resident.
■Minecraft Master Engineering with LEGO® Materials for ages 7-12. Let the Minecraft adventures begin! Enthusiastic Play-Well Teknologies staff invite your kids to enter this Minecraft world powered by LEGO resources as they build shelters to keep out Creepers, craft mystical items that only true masters can wield, and perfect their crossbow skills to stop the Wither from taking over! Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road. Fee for Course #23495: $160/Resident; $184/Non-Resident.
■Babysitter Bootcamp for ages 10-16. This two-day camp covers pediatric CPR, First Aid and AED training, culminating with a certification upon completion. Unfortunately, the camp is full but there is a waitlist you can sign up on. (and two separate training courses that are open – keep reading!) Thursday, March 24 through Friday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road. Fee for Course #23664: $170/Resident; $195/Non-Resident.

If you can’t get your babysitter wannabe into the camp, there are two one-day Babysitter Training Courses still open that cover accident prevention, handling emergencies, first-aid and child development, positive supervision and the rights and responsibilities of a “good” babysitter offered by the American Red Cross. They are Friday, March 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (#23662) and April 9 at the same time (#23663). Fees are $130/Resident; $150/Non-Resident. Both are offered at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road.

PEAKE ACADEMY/PLAY BOUTIQUE. At the time of this posting, Play Boutique was still in the planning stages for Spring Break. More is likely to come so check their website. 464 First Street. 503.675.7529.

MOUNTAIN PARK KIDZONE. Registration for spring break camps opens March 1. Email kidzone@mtparkhoa.com for the registration link. 2 Mt. Jefferson Terrace in Lake Oswego. 503.635.3561. In the past, the spring break camps have been offered for ages 5-12 and included
sports, swimming, arts and crafts, science experiments, engineering projects, group games and more at Mountain Park Clubhouse. Fees varied depending on whether for the full week or full day. Mt. Jefferson Terrace.

THE LITTLE GYM. Lake Oswego’s Little Gym was still in the planning stages for spring break camps when I contacted them so check their website for the latest info. Generally, their camps fall into two categories: Super Quest for ages 3-8 featuring three adventure-filled hours a day with activities centered around an interactive learning theme and Grade School Skill Thrill for ages 6-12 that focuses on specific beginner, intermediate and advanced gymnastic moves to take kids to the next level. 503.595.9702, 5820 Jean Rd.

Spring Break can be a good time to look at homes for sale in Lake Oswego if you’re thinking of moving. I’ll be around so give me a call at 503.939.9801. Would love to show you around.
I update this post every year so be sure to subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss out on the latest edition!

And if you find yourself without a Valentine’s Day card for the big day tomorrow, check out my wife and daughter’s Etsy shop where they have a collection of printable Valentine’s Day cards you can print today and deliver tomorrow!

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How to Spread the Love This Valentine’s Day and Super Bowl Sunday in Lake Oswego

Posted on February 6, 2022 by lovelakeoswego

With Valentine’s Day and the Super Bowl coming up, Lake Oswegans have the opportunity to support local and show some love. The need to continue to do so was brought to my attention recently by a Portland wine bar’s Instagram post that got real and honest with its followers, admitting to how challenging the current market is.

With Covid fatigue about as contagious as the Omicron variant, last year’s message to “save small businesses” has been drowned out. Many of us are so consumed with how this pandemic is affecting us, that we may not be as other-centered as we need to be.

As the Instagram post pointed out, last year the government was able to provide some financial help, many workers were able to collect unemployment and landlords were negotiating rent. Those supports are not in place right now and yet, the Omicron variant has people staying away from discretionary activities like dining in and in-person shopping. So, while your favorite restaurant or shop may occasionally look busy and the social media feeds still look like business is back to normal, it’s very likely that the small businesses you love may be struggling.

Here are a few suggestions to spread the love this Valentine’s Day and Super Bowl Sunday.

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

Super Bowl Sunday this year is February 13 and no matter what team you’re rooting for, chances are you all have one thing in common—the snacks are as important as the score.

So much so that the USDA proclaimed Super Bowl Sunday as the second largest food consumption day in the United States (second only to Thanksgiving).

And what’s the most popular snack? Chicken wings. According to the National Chicken Council, Americans ate a record 1.42 billion chicken wings during last year’s matchup.

So, in order to have fans cheering in your household no matter what team they’re cheering for, make sure “ordering chicken wings” is part of your game plan.

And to help you be a winner, here are a few Lake Oswego restaurants that can help you score the MVP award for best Super Bowl snack provider of 2022:

Hop n’ Cork. Your order includes about 10 wings served with a choice of two sauces. Buffalo, BBQ, Habanero BBQ, or Sweet Chili. Choice of Ranch or Bleu Cheese. Charge for additional sauces. If beer is also on your menu, you can get that here too, choosing from their extensive tap list. Bring your growler and fill ‘er up! Live sports are also on tap so you just might want to settle in and watch from here! 17450 Lower Boones Ferry Rd., 503.305.5903.

Aji Tram. Google reviewers have a lot of praises to sing of this place, and especially of their wings, described as “the best you’ve ever had,” and “delicious and spicy.” And if you’ve got gluten-intolerant folks in your group, they’ll be happy to hear these are feature a gluten-free tempura batter and General Tso’s glaze. 4477 Lakeview Blvd., 503.342.6249.

Malee’s Thai Kitchen. Enjoy deep-fried chicken wings tossed with caramelized sauce, onion, toasted garlic and black pepper, served with pickled carrot and daikon. 15902 Boones Ferry Rd., 503.636.4384.

Baird’s on B. Chicken wings are on their starter menu here and let you select from hot buffalo, Asian or BBQ sauce and a choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing. 485 Second St., 503.303.4771.

Pho Lavang. Wings here come crispy with fish sauce. 16120 Boones Ferry Rd., 503.697.6253.

Duke’s Public House. This local sports bar serves up jumbo chicken wings tossed in housemade buffalo sauce with carrots, celery and ranch dressing. I imagine the Super Bowl will be playing on one if not all of their flat screen TV’s. 506 A Avenue, 503.387.5771.

Hanko’s Sports Bar and Grill. This neighborhood gathering spot can also provide a side of sports on one of their TVs while you pick up your wings (or choose to stay). They offer six whole chicken wings marinated in their special chipotle rub and served with your choice of sauce: buffalo, BBQ or sweet chili. 4 Monroe Parkway, F, 503.697.7819.  

Stickmen’s Lakeside Smokehouse and Brewery. Prefer your wings smoked? Then Stickmen’s is your spot. Crispy wings are smoked in-house, fried naked with your choice of house BBQ or classic hot sauce. 40 N. State St., 503.344.4449.

VALENTINE’S DAY

Treat your valentine to dinner. Riccardo’s is offering a special four-course menu at $110/person (not including wine, drinks and gratuities). Indoor and outdoor seating is available but limited so best to call and check. 16035 SW Boones Ferry Rd., 503. 636.4104.

Tavern on Kruse.  Owner Kent Lewis will be debuting his new winter menu for the occasion and offering a wine-paired four-course “seasonal sampler” menu Valentine’s evening. Reservations. 4835 Meadows Road, #133. 503.303.5280.  

Find the perfect gift. Visit one of our Lake Oswego shops to find something special for your valentine. Here are a few to include on your list: Lucky Me Boutique, The Grove, The Perfect Piece Gallery and Gifts, City Home PDX, Wishbone Home and Design.

Say “I Love You” with flowers and support a local homegrown florist. Brenna Burnett grew up in Lake Oswego and runs a local floral design business. COVID hit her business hard last year with weddings being cancelled, postponed, or trimmed down. But she has an incredible flair for arranging beautiful bouquets that our family has benefitted from and any of your recipients will too. R. Bloom’s, another homegrown florist, has been making special occasions more beautiful since 1989 and has a Valentine’s Day lineup worth checking out. Your valentine will thank you!

Say “I Love You” with a card and support a local Etsy shop. No need to go out and try to find the perfect valentine’s day card to send to family and friends or give to your housemate. Head over to my wife and daughter’s Etsy shop, Heartspun Printables and select one of their printable card designs. They are sure to have one that fits your needs and that you can access from the safety and comfort of your home.

Don’t miss out on what’s happening in Lake Oswego and what it’s like to live here. Subscribe to my blog by clicking on the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates to your inbox.

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7 Things We Love About February In and Around Lake Oswego

Posted on January 30, 2022 by lovelakeoswego

CHINESE NEW YEAR. The Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland hosts what many consider the biggest Lunar New Year celebration in the Pacific Northwest. The highlights of this joyous festival are eight evenings of traditional lantern viewings, both hanging red lanterns and illuminated lantern sculptures in Lake Zither. Guests will also be treated to the return of an illuminated dragon procession that is rarely seen by the public featuring ten experienced dancers who manipulate a 50-foot long “dancing dragon” to the exhilarating sounds of drums, gongs and cymbals. Hours 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. February 3-6 and 10-13. Tickets $35/members; $45/non-members. Children 3-10 $15. 239 NW Everett Street.

PDX WINTER LIGHTS FESTIVAL. The Saint Paul Winter Carnival in Minneapolis is the oldest winter carnival in the United States. It began when business owners decided to make the area’s cold winters something to celebrate. Well, here in the Pacific Northwest, we can see a lot of darkness in the winter, so the Willamette Light Brigade decided to shed some light on our season and give us all a reason to get outside and celebrate too. This free festival returns every winter with imaginative works that combine light and technology to create interactive experiences. Displays are located throughout the city with pop-up art in windows, businesses and unusual spaces along with larger, dynamic anchor art installations. Last year’s event saw 100 illuminated art installations and more than 70 vibrant performances and live events. February 4-12.

BATTLE OF THE LAKE. The Lake Oswego/Lakeridge rivalry is one of the most celebrated in our state, whether it’s played on the football, soccer or lacrosse fields, wrestling mat, the swimming pool, the track and field, tennis or basketball courts. The Varsity Boys and Girls Basketball teams face off on Tuesday, February 8 in the Lakeridge High School gymnasium with the girls going at it at 5:30 p.m. followed by the boys at 7:30. It’s a great opportunity to go back in time, cheer on your colors, and just smell the inside of a high school gymnasium once again—guaranteed to make you feel young again! 1235 Overlook Drive.

LOST TREASURES. These popular performances are presented in concert/cabaret fashion on the Side Door stage at the Lakewood Center for the Arts. A Connecticut Yankee is February’s offering with music by Richard Rodgers adapted from the novel by Mark Twain.  February 18 and 19. 368 S. State Street.

FLORAL DESIGN AND WINE. Zupan’s is offering another one of its popular virtual workshops on February 20 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a pink-themed arrangement. Participants will need to pick up floral materials, cheese & charcuterie plate and wine on Sunday, February 20 prior to class. Tickets $125 available online.

PORTLAND SPRING HOME AND GARDEN SHOW.  If you’re itching to get back out in the garden despite the weather, then give yourself a little inspiration by attending the Portland Spring Home and Garden Show. Vendors offer all kinds of ideas from patio pavers to plants to water features and garden art. February 24 through February 27 . Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tickets $10/General Admission; Parking $12.  The Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Drive, Portland.

LAKE OSWEGO READS KICKOFF. This year’s Lake Oswego Reads selection is How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C Pam Zhang and the library will be handing out 800 free copies via a drive-through on Saturday, February 28 beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the library parking lot, 706 Fourth Street. While traditionally held in February, this year’s Lake Oswego Reads events are transitioning to April so stay tuned.

Don’t miss a thing happening in Lake Oswego, including real estate market updates. Subscribe to my blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates in your inbox.

One of the things we always love about Lake Oswego is the lake and the lake life it provides. If you’re in the same boat, be sure to check out the lake prints on my wife and daughter’s Etsy shop, heartspun printables.

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Where to Celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day in Lake Oswego

Posted on January 23, 2022 by lovelakeoswego

Thursday, January 27, is National Chocolate Cake Day and if you’re a chocolate lover like me, you’ll agree that there is no other cake worth celebrating!

Apparently, we have Dr. James Baker to thank for chocolate cake as he was the first person to discover how to make chocolate by grinding cocoa beans between two millstones. That wasn’t until 1764 so before that, folks didn’t know what they were missing!

Fortunately, here in Lake Oswego we have a few places where you can satisfy your sweet tooth and celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day the way it should be celebrated—with chocolate cake!

TOO SWEET CAKES. Take your pick from Double Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter or German Chocolate in 4”, 6”, 8” and 10” sizes. And good news for you gluten-free/vegan dessert fans out there. They can bake these up to fit your dietary requirements too!  5755 Willow Lane, B2. 503.305.8381.

ST. HONORE. Go ahead and try to resist their Gateau au Chocolat (flourless, rich and dense cake made with dark chocolate) or their Black Forest flourless chocolate sponge cake that is actually gluten-free baked with almond meal, filled with creame mousseline flavored with Kirsch and preserved dark cherries. 315 1st Street #103, 503.496.5596.

LA PROVENCE. Enjoy an individual serving or order a whole cake in a variety of sizes of one of their two chocolate flavors: Black Beauty (chocolate cake brushed with vanilla syrup and layered with dark chocolate ganache and mousse) or Versailles (chocolate sponge cake layered with vanilla, coffee, and dark chocolate mousse, and covered with dark chocolate ganache. 16350 Boones Ferry Road, 503.635.4533.

KYRA’S BAKE SHOP. Thanks to Kyra’s, people with dietary restrictions don’t have to feel deprived. Kyra’s is a gluten-free facility but many of her cakes and cupcakes are vegan and can be dairy-free upon request. The bad news is that custom orders usually require two weeks’ advance notice; however, her daily offerings often include variations on a chocolate cupcake theme. Some of her custom cakes include: Chocolate Dipped Strawberry (a chocolate cake filled with strawberry jam and strawberry buttercream, frosted with chocolate buttercream), and Chocolate Caramel (chocolate cake filled and frosted with caramel buttercream). On the cupcake side of things, consider the Hot Chocolate (chocolate cake, toasted marshmallow meringue), Ding Dong (chocolate cake with a vanilla bean frosting and dark chocolate shell) or Caramel Ecstasy (chocolate cake with caramel sauce, chocolate buttercream and chocolate dip). 599 A Avenue, 503.212.2979.

ZUPAN’S. Luckily this store sources its goodies from a variety of bakeries so you can choose from Papa Haydn’s Triple Chocolate Cake or Dessert Tray’s German Chocolate Cake in their bakery case or Rubicon’s Chocolate Blackout Vegan Cupcakes or Portland Style’s Double Chocolate Cheesecake in their refrigerated section. 16380 Boones Ferry Rd., 503.210.4190.

Consider me your Lake Oswego expert no matter what you’re looking for, whether it’s chocolate cake or your next home. I’ve lived here and been a Realtor here for over 30 years. Give me a call and let’s see how I can help! 503.939.9801. Email: costellok@hasson.com. Website: http://www.kevincostello.hasson.com/

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6 Points To Add To Your Lake Oswego Homebuying Checklist

Posted on January 16, 2022 by lovelakeoswego

You’ve toured a home with your Realtor and checked off all the boxes:

  • Location
  • Square Footage
  • Good size backyard
  • In your price range
  • Excellent schools
  • Updated

What are you forgetting?

Here are a few other things to consider before signing on the dotted line.

NOISE. The World Health Organization considers excessive noise a serious health problem that can disturb sleep, cause cardiovascular and psychophysiological effects, reduce performance and provoke annoyance responses and changes in social behavior. It has risen on enough people’s radar that Realtor.com now has a noise indicator feature on its app. You can also enter an address into Howloud.com and receive a Soundscore™ for that particular location. The app factors in vehicle traffic, air traffic and local sources (restaurants, schools, stores, etc.). The higher the score, the quieter the address. My home scores an 82 with a ranking of “CALM” on each measure.

NEIGHBORS. You can only tell so much about a neighborhood by driving around. Be like some old neighbors of ours—get out and knock on some doors. They were a young couple wanting to make sure that other young families lived in their neighborhood and we assured them they would be in plenty of company at the time. Neighbors can also give you the lowdown on how friendly (and quiet or loud) the neighborhood is. Ask them what they like best about where they live. What are the drawbacks, if any. Do the neighbors seem to get along? Is there anything they think you should know? A little time spent doing this in-person research could leave you feeling much better about your homebuying decision.

SUN EXPOSURE. Location is certainly one factor to consider when buying a home. Its orientation is another. How much natural sunlight you need can be very personal but it’s good to know that about yourself and factor that into the home you are buying. In the Pacific Northwest, south-facing windows receive the greatest amount of sunlight because the sun shines from the south. And depending on your lifestyle, you’ll want to factor in morning (east-facing homes) or afternoon (western exposure). Especially here in Lake Oswego, where our winter days can lean towards dreary and gray at times, reaping in as much natural sunlight as possible can keep our serotonin levels charged.

WALKABILITY. If you’re like my son who has spent the last few years living in San Francisco and London, being able to walk to the grocery store, restaurants and entertainment is important. And if you’re like my wife and I, being able to walk around safely for recreation is also a factor to consider when deciding where to live. Fortunately, you can just type in your address on walkscore.com and it will show where your property falls on their ranking system from 90-100 being a Walker’s Paradise to 0-24 for areas that are car-dependent, requiring a car to do most errands. You will find quite a range in Lake Oswego with the First Addition capturing the Walker’s Paradise title and River Run coming in at a 14. There is also a bike score that seems to factor in bike/pedestrian pathways so a neighborhood like River Run scores higher there, in the 44 range. Again, this is one of those issues that may be more important to some homebuyers than others.

PROPERTY TAXES. If you’re considering buying a newly built home or one that has been remodeled, make sure the estimated property taxes you are factoring in reflect the new appraisal for the upcoming year. New construction and major renovations trigger reappraisals come property tax time so you may not know the actual figure until November rolls around but I usually advise my clients to assume the new tax will be based on an appraisal that is close to 75 to 80% of the sales price. The previous rate, which in many cases is the rate listed with the sales listing, is based on the home/property’s value the previous year BEFORE construction/renovation. In the case of new construction and/or significant remodeling, you most likely will be facing much higher property taxes and want to ensure that those figures are part of your calculation when deciding whether you can afford a home or not.

ASSESSMENTS. If the home you are considering is part of a homeowner’s association, you want to make sure there are no sizeable assessments in the planning stages. This should be identified in the seller’s disclosure but it never hurts to double-check. Contact the homeowner’s association directly and confirm what fees traditionally are and if anything outstanding is on the horizon.

A professional Realtor will work with you to make sure you weigh in all the significant factors relevant to your home purchase. I’ve helped many Lake Oswegans find the perfect fit when it comes to buying a home in Lake Oswego and I’d love to do the same for you. Please give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at costellok@hasson.com and/or check out my website.

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