Supporting local as I mentioned last week is something we are trying to really promote. Saturday night date night was ordering from Zythos greek restaurant in Walnut Grove. As self proclaimed foodies…I think we are probably greek food snobs too…because we are very picky with what we consider good greek food. We usually first judge good Greek food by their tzaziki, if its not fresh and tasty then it likely means the rest of the food won’t be either…Nine times out of ten we are right. Even though the tzaziki was not our absolute favourite (we are hard to please, I know) it was still pretty good. The rest of the food from Zythos was pretty good too. We will definitely order from them again and hopefully one day soon get to eat in their dining room. 

Then for Mothers Day my request was to order and pick up Cartems donuts and  Earnest ice cream. What a treat too. We had been wanting to try Earnest Ice Cream and when we saw that Cartems was helping to support another local business we of course couldn’t help but get them both. It was Mothers day and OMG those donuts were delicious we shared a little bite of each one. If you are looking to order curbside pick up you will need to order in advance as they have been booked up a few days out. 

I realized I think I like the yeast donuts best and the salted caramel from Earnest Ice Cream was my favourite. My daughter loved the oatmeal brown sugar. We couldn’t order just one…bet you can’t order just one flavour too.

Bettina

Happy International Nurses Day to my beautiful niece who just graduated from nursing school, to all of our clients that are nurses working on the front line during these very difficult times and to all the amazing nurses out there. 

My niece has a spirit like no other and will be that nurse that makes you smile when she walks into a room. We are so very proud of her and all the nurses out there.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms, Grandmas and mother figures in our lives...even the pet moms. From a team of women at the moment, we want to wish everyone a day full of Happy memories with our loved ones...however that may be. 

As I went for a walk today with my husband I came across this beautiful bunch of tulips that a very sweet family put out in honour of their mother that recently passed away. I had to snap a photo to share the amazing generosity displayed by a family looking to brighten someone else's day...asking them to take a bloom. I did not take one...but it did brighten my day and put a smile on both of our faces. Our warmest wishes go out to that family and all the families that cannot spend Mother's Day with the special women in their lives. 

We are trying to support the restaurant industry on the weekends…so each week we pick a different place to order from on Saturday nights. Used to be our date night, well now it is an in night but with no cooking. We have had some not so great meals though and are really looking forward to some semblance of normalcy so that we can go back to enjoying a meal freshly made in a restaurant. But for now, we order in….

Last weekend once again it was looking like our order was not going to make it in a timely manner which would have meant for a terrible meal. Instead of dealing with the delivery company we called Cactus Club Langley directly. Sure enough our meals had been sitting there for quite some time. I let the manager know I did not want the meal if it hadn't been picked up. She assured me that they were going to remake our meals and then if the driver was not willing to wait for our order to be ready ..that they would arrange another driver or one of their staff to deliver it to us. Not only did she assure me that she would get us fresh meals, she even followed up to let us know when it was on its way. They even popped in a couple cookies for the wait. 

Reason for this blog is to give a shout out to Cactus Club Langley for going above and beyond to make sure our order was done well. My family was not very hopeful and we were all very pleasantly surprised. We encourage you to pick up or see if the restaurant you are ordering from actually delivers themselves instread of using the delivery companies. Small businesses are losing money because of the delivery companies and when business is already down, this is likely hurting their bottom line quite a bit.

I won't name the delivery company as we have had back luck with them all. 

Bettina

This week my daughter and I jumped on the Sourdough starter bandwagon...we figured sourdough is probably our favourite type of bread next to a good italian loaf of any kind, so why not. Since its been trending it has definitely been on our minds. We even had a family member that is a chef and at the beginning of all of the closures delivered to us a delicious loaf of homemade sourdough that didn't last more than a day in our house. 

We have watched and nurtured our sourdough starter all week and it has started to ferment quite well, we should be ready to try baking a loaf in the next couple days. As you go along you are supposed to discard some and we even found a few recipes to use the discarded portions...today we enjoyed some yummy crumpets. 

A friend of mine posted on Facebook the other day..."When did eating bread come back and what's with all the sourdough??" funny to see all the comments. Yes there are definitely a lot of us baking and specifically now baking bread. To be honest we are trying not to bake too much of anything, but really home baked goods of any kind are so much better than any snacks we can buy in the stores...so why not. 

Then I came across this article today in the Globe and Mail from earlier last month "The science behind why everyone is suddenly baking bread" It makes sense...they talk about how in times of stress and uncertainty we all "covet creature comforts" and what is more comforting than fresh baked goods...especially a home made loaf of bread. The ingredients are cheap, easy to store...although during this pandemic may not be as easy to find. To read the full article check out the following link: the Globe and Mail

Here's where the science of it all comes in:

“Eating carbohydrate foods like bread stimulates insulin, which raises the uptake by the brain of the essential amino acid, tryptophan,” says Harvey Anderson, professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Toronto. “Tryptophan in the brain increases production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes calm and sleep in times of stress. So enjoy your fresh bread, just don't eat the whole loaf at one time.”

Here's the recipe we used for our Sourdough starter but you really can use any they are all pretty much the same...so simple and so easy and we used white flour since we didn't have Pumpernickle or whole wheat... just takes a little longer. Be sure to find a way to use your discard, there are so many great ideas from crumpets like we did, pizza dough, cake etc etc. 
 
So looks like we will be eating bread...but homemade bread without any preservatives....that makes it good right! Let us know on our facebook page or instagram what you are baking these days? What kind of comfort foods make you feel good? Did you jump on the sourdough wagon like we did?

We found another great article to help all of you out there Alice's Kitchen the Ultimate Guide to Sourdough Bread.

Do you have pieces of wood left over from a renovation project that you just don’t know how to get rid of? Maybe you have numerous bags filled with yard clippings and tree branches that were removed during your backyard cleanup. It’s a good chance that you have these kinds of things just lying around, taking up valuable space, but you simply don’t know what to do with it. You could have a bonfire for sure (if you live in an area that allows them) but that only makes a bigger mess of ashes and waste to get rid of. Plus, you would need to have a decent sized backyard bonfire to get rid of an accumulation of wood.

That is why you should look at investing in a wood chipper shredder or at least renting one to clean up around your yard. You’re probably asking yourself why you would need a wood chipper shredder to get rid of the wood you have built up considering it only makes a different kind of wood product, but these chips are actually easier to get rid of in the long run. How? Well that’s the purpose of this post – to let you know exactly how you can get rid of and use wood chips in future endeavors.

Garden Mulch and Compost  

It is no small secret that making your own compost and mulch for your garden beds will save you money and provide valuable nutrients to your plants. Compost is made from decayed organic matter that ferments to grow nutritious bacteria that seeps into the soil of your garden beds and encourages flowers, fruits, veggies and even herbs or shrubs to grow big and strong. The use of mulch is similar but instead of providing nutrients, it acts as the protector of the garden and becomes a buffer between your plants and temperature changes, wind speed changes and even pests that could destroy or harm your garden.

One of the key ingredients in compost and mulch is wood chips. Wood chips for this purpose can be purchased at your local garden center or nursery but why not instead make your own out of wood scraps and tree trimmings that are laying around your backyard? With a few simple steps, all the scrap lumber left over from replacing the back patio is reduced down to chips and can be used in both the making of compost and mulch.

Pets Love It

Most indoor pets that are in the critter family – think hamsters, gerbils, mice, etc. love a snug warm bed of wood chips. Most times, this style of wood chips can be purchased at any pet store, but it can be expensive in the long run. Using your own personal wood chipper shredder eliminates this expense and helps you eliminate clutter around your yard.

Look at a wood chipper shredder with various attachments to change the size of the wood chips so that you can get a contrast in terms of size for your furry friend’s cage. Also, having a stock of wood chips on hand, dried out and ready to go, means that whenever it’s time to change the bedding their cage? You are on it and ready for action. They had a couple of bathroom accidents or their water container got knocked over and soaked right through? On it.

Bonfire Season and Cold Temperatures

Wood chips, while they won’t heat an entire home or create the type of bonfire needed for s’mores, can still act as a Firestarter in terms of bonfires and home fuel. People have been using wood chips for generations as the base for a warming fire throughout the cold winter night. They don’t burn as long as pieces of wood or lumber, but they are easier to light, start, and maintain a flame with than trying to start a fire from scratch.

Once the pile of wood chips has smoldered and burned, you are left with a glowing bed of coals that will heat and allow the bark of the full chunk of wood to catch. Voila! Your house is toasty, or your s’mores are hot.

Hunting Season

Those who are hunters in terms of moose, bear, deer, or even rabbit meat have been using wood chips for years to smoke their catch and keep it from spoiling. Using clean wood chips that have not been dried out will provide a hunter with a smoldering, smoking fire that penetrates the meet and seals the juices inside for a tasty snack year-round!

Conclusion

Wood chipper shredders can be pricey but if you are planning to use one on a fairly regular basis, it would be cheaper in the long run than renting one from your local industrial equipment warehouse. If you only need a wood chipper for the present – then renting is the way to go! Whatever your usage of a wood chipper shredder may be, you now know why it is important to use the wood chips over scrap pieces of lumber.

With the numerous uses of wood chips that were outlined in this post, from fuel to gardening to pet maintenance; it is no wonder that more people are looking into a wood chipper shredder and updated models make them more portable than before. Want to know how they work? Then learn more here.

We shared our winners on Instagram but forgot to share on our website. 

Every year we get so many amazing entries for our Colouring Contests. We wish we could choose them all to win, but we can only choose 2. Our first winner is 12 year old Rachel. She has entered our colouring contest many times over the years, she was definitely due for a win. We are happy she tried one more time. We loved Rachel's creativity this year and knew she had to be one of our winners. She even included our team branding on one of the easter eggs. Thank you again for your entry and Congratulations Rachel, have fun spending your prize.

Our next winner is from Sophia, she also did an amazing job. We love all the pink. Congratulations again Sophia....have fun spending your prize. For everyone else, please watch for our fall newsletter and enter to win our annual Halloween Colouring Contest. 

In these difficult times we are seeing a lot of our favourite businesses big and small having to close their doors for good. Once life gets back to normal, many of our favourite businesses may not be able to reopen. 

Steve Nash Fitness World (a BC business) is rumoured to be filing for bankruptcy. Lush Cosmetics after laying off employees like so many others due to the pandemic, recently announced they are looking at a "future as “a much smaller business.” All of Oils (one of my family's favourite local shops) just closed their Abbotsford location. We will likely hear of many other businesses in the coming weeks that will have to make changes to their business models in order to survive.

Which brings me to why I am sharing today's blog....we are all trying to cut back on our spending...but if you are going to spend...consider your local and Canadian businesses like All of Oils and Lush Cosmetics 

All of Oils is offering delivery for orders over $25 and within 20km of their 2 store locations in Langley and South Surrey. Just ordered our family's favourite Savoury butter olive oil for curbside pickup. 

Lush Cosmetics is offering FREE shipping on orders over $40. 

Surrey has created a link for businesses offering store to door services. Store to Door 
If your business would like to be added to the list visit the link Store to Door and scroll to the bottom to have your business benefit from being listed in their directory. 

Let’s all support our local businesses!

Cheap Items to Upgrade Your Bathroom

The bathroom is undoubtedly an essential room in the house. It’s that part of the house where you destress with a cold shower. It’s also the room where you get all your beauty regimen, and makeup is done. The entire place is synonymous with beauty, and you need to take care of it too.

Apart from serving you well, you’ll find that many people who want to purchase houses pay attention to the bathroom and how it looks. So, if you’re planning to sell the house anytime soon, upgrading the bathroom space will help you to get a top price for your home. 

With that in mind, here are some cheap materials you could use to help spruce the bathroom up: 

Floating shelves

Floating shelves aren’t for the kitchen alone. They provide a classy and straightforward way of storing your toiletries– especially those you don’t necessarily use daily. 

While no one will recommend that you keep the more unsightly bathroom products on an open floating shelf, you could always opt to keep things like towels, creams, and others, in there. There’s the obvious space-saving benefit that they provide, as they allow you to keep more items in the bathroom by collecting some of the items and keeping them enclosed. 

Apart from their ability to free up space, however, floating shelves are also great with improving the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom. Functional and good-looking, floating shelves are a win-win for anyone. 

Get new lighting

Lights might not necessarily be a bathroom item, but they do help provide an awesome upgrade nonetheless. By upgrading your lighting, you’re providing a great, modern spin to the bathroom and improving that homely feeling, thus making the bathroom more comfortable. 

Lighting can make or mar a room. So, if you’ve got that overhead fluorescent lighting option still in your bathroom, it’s time to replace it with a set of can lights. If the ceiling in your bathroom is a bit high, then you could go for a chandelier too. 

However, optimal lighting will involve installing light sources on the two sides of your vanity. Just measure your height and have them installed at eye level, so you get the best possible lighting when you do your makeup.

Get a new vanity 

Speaking of vanity, it might be time for you to get a new one too. If you’ve got an older vanity and you feel some sentimental attachment to it (maybe it’s a family heirloom or something), then you could get a fresh coat of paint, and some new components like drawer pulls and cabinet knobs. 

The vanity is one of the most prominent parts of any bathroom, and if you want to upgrade the entire room, you should look into upgrading that piece as well. So, if you see that you can’t possibly redeem the vanity with a pimp, then it’s time for you to get a new one. You can easily get a vanity from the different sizes available to fit the cabinetry in your bathroom.

However, whether you want to repaint or buy a new one, it’s always recommended that you get something with a high-gloss white color. This provides a dramatic statement and a more contemporary look.    

A toilet paper holder

When it comes to the bathroom, the little things are just as prominent as the larger ones. So, while you could get a chandelier and change your vanity, you should also not forget about the smaller things – like the toilet paper holder. Seemingly inconsequential things like the toilet paper holder can play significant roles in making or marring the entire look of the bathroom, so make sure to pay attention to it too. You could always try IKEA for a new one. 

New faucets

Speaking of the little things, it might be the perfect time for you to get new faucets. While you could spray-paint existing faucets to look better, we all know that there are some that are simply beyond redemption. If yours has crossed that point, then just like the toilet paper holder, it’s time to get a new one.

Creating A Safe Haven

There’s a general sense among the population that crime is on the rise and that the world is becoming a more dangerous place. But despite popular perception, both the overall crime rate and the rate of home burglaries in Canada have declined in recent years. 

It’s not a big leap to connect the decline in burglaries with the growing accessibility and popularity of home security systems. Chances are, if you’re buying a new home, you’ve considered installing a system in your own home. But there are umpteen home security products and even more system installers out there. How do you know which is the best home security system for you? Here are some of the factors you should consider before you decide.

What are you protecting?

Depending on whether you’re protecting a single-family home or an apartment-style dwelling, your needs will vary. If you live on the 17th floor, alarming your windows might not be of paramount concern. On the other hand, second-floor windows are entirely vulnerable to resourceful burglars. Some condo associations frown on members drilling holes in the walls and messing with electrical equipment. But today’s wireless systems can solve that problem for you. Do you often leave your children home alone? A system that incorporates cameras that alert you whenever someone approaches your property might give you even greater peace of mind.

How much do you want to know and control?

Once upon a time, the role of a home security system was to alert you and your community’s first responders in the event of a security breach. You simply set it and hoped to be able to forget it. But today’s systems can provide much more information if you want it. Many integrate with other smart home equipment. You can unlock the door for the plumber while you’re at work, open the garage for your landscaper, and even turn up the heat before you come home, all from the comfort of your smartphone or tablet. Ask yourself, “How comfortable am I with technology?” and perhaps more importantly, “Do I need all those bells and whistles?” before selecting a system.

What’s your budget?

Home security systems run a wide price gamut. Feature-laden smart systems naturally come with a higher price tag. But smart systems that offer simple DIY installation often provide wide-ranging functionality at a lower price. Of course, the cost of the hardware itself is only a portion of what you’ll need to pay for full protection. Your system will only be as effective as the entity monitoring it, whether that’s you or a professional monitoring service.

System monitoring often represents the lion’s share of a home security budget. Some security system companies offer month-to-month service. Others require that you sign a long-term contract and assess heavy fees for cancellation. Another cost to bear in mind as you plan your budget is the false-alarm fees that most communities assess when a home’s security system summons first responders in a non-emergency. False alarms can happen for a wide range of reasons, from operator error to faulty electronics. Systems that are subject to a lot of false alarms can cost you a bundle. Do some research and read reviews of various security system brands and installers. Frequent complaints of false alarms should cause you concern. 

On the positive side, installing a home security system can reduce your homeowners’ insurance premium. Check with your insurance company to learn whether you can factor those cost savings into your calculus. Here is a great article although US based, but still with valuable information on how security system can save you money on your Insurance premiums each year: Home Insurance Companies that offer discounts for Home Security Systems 

Regardless of whether you decide to install a home security system, there are simple measures you can take to decrease the likelihood of being burglarized. In interviews with law enforcement officials, convicted burglars have shared some of the most effective burglary deterrents. Keep trees and shrubbery neatly trimmed to avoid creating hiding places for crooks. Install exterior lighting so burglars can’t operate under the cover of darkness. Keep blinds and shades closed when you’re not home so thieves won’t be tempted by expensive electronic equipment and other highly prized items. And by the way, a big, noisy dog can’t hurt either.

The Ultimate Guide to Securing your home offers many great tips. Not every single option suggested in this guide is necessary. But it’s worth considering. Especially if you feel as though your home could use some extra security measures. 

Why is a Title Search Important?

First time homeowners in Canada will hear many different terms throughout the home buying process that they may not be familiar with. There are a lot of documents to be signed and processes to be completed. One of the most important steps in the home buying process is a title search, which will identify any issues that could prevent the buyer from taking possession of the property. 

What is a Title Search?

In Canada, ownership of land, including the title registered to the owner, is publicly recorded at the Land Title Office (LTO). A title search is a process in which all documents relating to a piece of real estate property are gathered and examined to make sure that:

• The seller has the legal right to own and sell the property.

• There are no third parties with a claim to the property that the current owner may be unaware of, such as liens, unpaid taxes, or pending lawsuits.

The title search is critical because it confirms that there are no issues that could affect the transfer of ownership, and the buyer will be the sole owner of the property once the purchase is complete.

When Does a Title Search Happen?

The title search is performed during the due diligence period of any real estate transaction in Canada. Due diligence is the fact-finding portion of the home buying process in which the buyer investigates the details of the property to make sure the transaction is sound. This process varies depending on the property, but some things that may be involved in the due diligence period other than the title search include:

• Physically inspecting the property, including environment and structure inspections.

• Checking the property’s zoning and land use laws to make sure it can be used for the buyer’s intended purposes.

• Checking the seller’s covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) relating to the property.

• Reviewing leases to confirm information on any tenants in the property, if applicable, such as their term length and income. 

How Long Does a Title Search Take?

The title search can take as little as a few hours or as much as five days to complete, depending on a few factors:

• The amount of documents that need to be reviewed and how readily available they are.

• The age and history of the home.

• The presence of any unresolved liens or other title issues.

• The nature of the property and the transaction.

• The schedule of the title company or freelance title searcher performing the search. 

What Information Can Be Uncovered in the Search?

A title search will uncover the following information on a property:

• The legal owner’s name and address.

• Information on the type of ownership, including whether there are any tenants in the property.

• The date of title registration.

• Information regarding taxes on the property.

• An official legal description of the land. 

• Information on any third party interests in the property, including but not limited to:

  • Mortgages

  • Leases

  • Liens, such as builder’s liens or tax liens

  • Legal judgments against the property

  • Restrictive covenants

  • Easements

Do I Need Title Insurance?

Your home is likely to be your biggest expense and investment, and title insurance is an important step in protecting it. For a one-time cost, your property rights to your home will be protected from unforeseen problems for as long as you or your heirs own it. 

Title insurance protects your property from any potential unknown defects or problems that may arise in the future. This includes issues that even an extensive title search would not uncover, including:

• Forged, falsely executed, or improperly recorded legal documents, including deeds, mortgages, or wills.

• A previously unknown heir or a former owner of the property claiming ownership of the property.

• Errors in tax records.

• Any legal action pending against the property.

While a title search may seem like another step in an already complicated process, it will give you the peace of mind of knowing that your property is truly yours once the purchase is complete.

Kevin McTigue of JSMT Media is a copywriter for several websites in various industries, including Scott Title Services, a New Jersey based title insurance company.

Image via Pixabay

When you are selling your home, you want it to look as clean and attractive as possible. A home that is well-staged is going to sell for a higher price than one that is cluttered and overflowing with the owner's belongings. So, follow these tips to declutter your home for photos and open houses, to ensure that you are putting your best face forward!

Ask a Real Estate Agent

To get started on this seemingly monumental task, take some time to discuss your options with a real estate agent. In addition to helping put your home on the market, a real estate agent will have the knowledge and experience to see your home through the eyes of the buyer. They will ensure that you stage your home perfectly for a successful sale.

Nix the Clutter

When showing a new home, the first rule of thumb is to make sure that the house is clean and clear of clutter. When you are living your life from day to day, it is easy to overlook things that you use on a regular basis, and it’s these things that you need to keep out of sight. If something on the counter or tabletop is functional rather than decorative, place it in a cupboard or drawer before an open house or photo session. The idea is to offer a clean visual that allows potential homeowners to visualize the home with their own belongings in it. 

Everything Has a Place

One excellent way to maintain your home clutter-free is to ensure that everything on the floors and flat surfaces has a specific place that’s out of sight. Organize your cabinets and drawers so that each item belongs in a particular place. This means washing your dishes as they are used and doing your laundry in frequent small batches so that it doesn't pile up.

If you have children or pets, sealed storage containers or cubbies are an excellent way to organize their belongings. Then, when you are prepping for a next-day showing, you don't have to scramble to find a place to put everything. After a day or two, it will become a habit to have everything where it belongs, saving everyone time and stress.

Wide Open Spaces

Remember, your open house should appear as clear and spacious as possible to allow the potential homebuyer to imagine how they will fit in. This means less furniture is more. Consider renting a temporary storage unit for unnecessary tables, chairs, and other furniture. Think of your house as a blank canvas waiting for the imagination of the new homeowner. 

Clean, Clean, and Clean Some More

Your house will sell largely based on appearance, so cleanliness is key. In addition to containing the clutter of daily life, be sure to keep your house looking spick and span. The cleaner your house looks, the more attractive it is to your potential homebuyers.

Once you've done the job of clearing the surfaces, have a cleaning service thoroughly clean your counters, cupboards, floors, baseboards, and windows. After the cleaning, it will be easier for you to maintain your home's cleanliness for the next open house or photo op. 

Wash your windows thoroughly, both inside and outside. Can't reach the higher levels? Hire a professional window washer to do the work for you. Clean windows are a must to make your home sparkle! You want your home to have as much natural light as possible, and it is amazing how clean windows make the space feel more open!

The Devil's in the Details

Finally, be sure to complete minor repairs, such as repairing loose doorknobs, replacing old or mismatched cabinet handles or smoothing and repainting chipped surfaces. Small details can have a big impact on the way your home is viewed by a potential homeowner. Fix the little problems now to ensure that your home is in the best possible condition for your showings.

Keep your house clean and clutter-free, and see what a difference it makes. With your sparkling clean home good repair, your house is guaranteed to be at the top of the market!