You don't have to wait for Spring to do your spring cleaning. If you were considering a move in the new year, now is as good a time as any to start to de-clutter and get your home ready to show. If you are already on the market and haven't done this yet....then now is the time to get that done.

In my house "If you haven't used it, worn it or even thought of it in the last 6 months...then it's time to get rid of it!" and we aren't moving any time soon. It is a good habit to get into. Stuff always seems to accumulate faster than we think and before too long we have piles of junk hidden everywhere.

When you are thinking of putting your home on the market you really need to use similar guidelines...you will realize just how much you can get rid of or at least start to pack away. I always tell my clients you are moving anyways, so why not start to pack things up.

Working with buyers there is nothing more refreshing and inviting than a home that is free of clutter and where the stage is set to entice a buyer to make a purchase. People naturally think with their senses and if there isn't a warm feeling the majority won't even consider it. First impression will be showcasing your home with great photos, you can't get good photos when your home is full of clutter.

If your home doesn't show at its best...then you will likely pay the price. Especially in a Buyer's market when there are so many other homes to choose from. Don't let yours be missed!

Having started my family in Ontario, every year in November since our daughter was 1 year old we would make our way into downtown Toronto for the Santa Claus Parade. Now our girls are teenagers and the twinkle in Santa's eye just doesn't do it for them anymore....I miss seeing all the little ones and the excitement in their eyes.

We have never been to the Parades here in beautiful British Columbia but my husband will be participating in this year's Cloverdale Santa's Parade of Lights this Sunday December 2nd starting at 5pm.

For the parade route visit the following link:

Cloverdale Santa's Parade of Lights

Vancouver also hosts the Rogers Santa Claus Parade in the afternoon starting at 1pm.

For the parade route visit the following link:

Vancouver Santa Claus Parade

If you are planning on taking your little ones, be sure to dress warm and head down early to get them a comfy spot where they won't miss out on anything!
 

I hate to admit it, but it's been over 20 years since I shopped for a grad dress...:) When I did shop I didn't really know where to shop and even had a hard time finding a dress. It's hard to believe my eldest is graduating and even though that's all her and her friends have been talking about, it really didn't sink in until we started shopping for her grad dress a few weeks ago. I wasn't sure why we were shopping so early since her grad isn't until May of next year...but after shopping and realizing it is going to take until March for her dress to come in, I am glad we did.

How different times are now, because I could have looked at a dozen magazines and had no idea what kind of dress I wanted nor where to look for them. My daughter knew exactly where she wanted to look for her grad dress and not only what styles she wanted to try on but the designers that she liked.

We started out in New Westminster where there are quite a number of shops. The only one I would recommend is the "Bridal Gallery" they have a very good selection and will be getting a lot more in over the next few months in preparation for grads next year. They were helpful and had a variety, from bridal to bridesmainds to grad dresses - short and long, formal and semi-formal.

Then last week we went to a shop here in Surrey, "Ruby's Bridal shop" on 160th Street and Fraser Highway she found her dress. At this point after previously trying on a number of dresses, she knew exactly what she wanted. The service we received by the staff at "Ruby's Bridal Shop" was top notch and they understood what it was that she wanted. They listened and even brought her a dress that wasn't even on the racks yet, then took the time to pin it on to show her how she will look in one her size. We didn't get that kind of service in any of the previous shops she had tried dresses on. They made my daughter feel comfortable and she walked out appreciating the service she received as well.

Ruby's Bridal Shop

Thank you Ruby's Bridal Shop!

The original Port Mann bridge opened in June 1964 and yesterday officially closed down forever. The new Port Mann has 2 westbound lanes now open.

http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article/422826--some-lanes-of-new-port-mann-bridge-open

If you haven't ordered your new TREO decal be sure to order it in time for the tolls that will be charged as of December 1st when 4 lanes will be open for both eastbound and westbound traffic on the Port Mann. Don't forget to sign up for your decal and receive 20 free trips if you sign up before November 30th. Not only do you get 20 free trips nut you will also receive 50% off the toll rates.

We've had the new bins for a month and a half now and it seems to be working well. The 1st week seemed a bit slow in my neighbourhood, but it seems like they have got a rhythm going now.

The garbage and recycling bins seem to be clean enough but the food waste bin is disgusting and it's way too big to get down to the bottom of the bin properly cleaned. I thought I was doing well keeping the waste in the paper bags...but then you add damp grass clippings etc and now the bin starts to have everything stick to it. No amount of water seems to get the bins fully cleaned....

I came across a program being offered in the Lower mainland that would come out and clean your bins on garbage day...not only will they clean the bins but they will sanitize them.

Which after reading up on their website...it hadn't even crossed my mind the bacteria that could potentially be growing in our bins each week. This time of year might not be so bad, but give us even just our token few days of a heat wave each summer and the bacteria will be sure to multiply exponentially.

Check out their website if you're interested in their services:

http://www.envirocanclean.com/

I can appreciate that this is yet another cost to people, but the program is a good one. Helping to shrink our landfill sites and forcing the community to think about our children's future in this world. Everyone needs to take a step towards helping to minimize our carbon footprint. This new garbage system is a step in the right direction. If it costs us a little to help keep our homes clean and safe, I am all for it. I finally signed up for "Doggie Detail" and this week was my 1st pick up. They had removed my waste from the bin first thing in the morning on my set removal day before 8:00am. I was impressed. They have my vote, now I hope they hire more people to service actually coming to my home and cleaning up the dog waste... :) Not lazy, but it truly is my least favourite chore.

Will you hire a company to come in and clean your bins or "Doggie Detail" to safely dispose of your dog waste?

Across Canada this week is anti-bullying week. Facebook has also launched a campaign for anti-bullying and their slogan is "Be Bold: Stop Bullying Canada" 

They are encouraging people to like the Anti- bullying page on Facebook to help build awareness for parents, friends and family on how to prevent bullying. Check out the following link for more details:

 https://www.facebook.com/beboldstopbullyingca

We all need to help stop bullying of all kinds. We need to stop the hurting and the pain and help prevent the unnecessary deaths of all the innocent people that felt they had no other choice. By building awareness we can  help to give them a choice and a future.

Whether you are a child or an adult stand up for what is right "Be Bold" and let's put a "Stop to Bullying"!

Looking for a Remembrance Day Parade in your community?

For more details on the time and location for these Parades visit each city's link below.

The Cloverdale Remembrance Day Parade details:

http://www.cloverdale.bc.ca/legion/taps.pdf

The White Rock/South Surrey Remembrance Day Parade details:

http://www.whiterockcity.ca/EN/main/community/events/events/674/4836.html

The Langley Remembrance Day Parade details:

http://www.city.langley.bc.ca/index.php/events?view=eventsitem&eventid=25

Something we have been doing in our house since we bought our 1st home was to keep our front porch light on in the evening. A few neighbours have wondered why, thinking we are wasting energy. For peace of mind, I think it's worth the minimal cost of keeping our outdoor lights on all night. If it keeps away the trouble makers, why not.

If keeping them on all night is a concern, read the following article with tips on what to do to help keep your home safe at night!

Informed Home Buyer November 2012

This past weekend I had some time and decorated my home for Christmas..including putting up my outdoor lights and of course turning them on.

My family all tease me because we are the first ones on our street to have our lights on. That's ok, because I love it. The holiday season is way too short, I found a way to enjoy it for a little longer by starting once Halloween is over. In fact I have been doing this for years. :)

I mean, the commercials have started and the stores are getting all geared up, so why can't I?

Even the craft fairs are starting up...

The South Surrey Christmas Fair is this Saturday from 10:00am- 2:00pm at the South Surrey Recreation Centre at 14601 20th avenue. 

http://www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/5051.aspx
 

As we approach the end of the year, I thought it prudent to remind everyone that they only have a few months left until March 31, 2013 to take advantage of the LiveSmart BC incentives that offer over $7000 in rebates for BC households. There are over 54 incentives to help improve your home's energy efficiency. From insulation to heat pumps, there are a lot of great incentives for BC households.

For more information on how to become more energy efficient and save money doing so, visit the LiveSmart BC website:

 http://www.powersmart.ca/livesmartbc