June 13, 2010
The 2010 Royal LePage Recreational Property Survey
Almost half of Canadians (47%) considering recreational property will buy to improve their lifestyle, according to a national survey of recreational property ownership conducted by Royal LePage. “Canadians are generally confident about buying recreational properties because they see a pay off in terms of improved quality of life,” said Phil Soper, CEO, Royal LePage. Forty-three per cent of respondents said they would buy a vacation property because it is a good investment – down from 64% in 2009. “Fewer people are looking to acquire recreational property for its investment value, a direct result of rising cottage prices,” Soper said.
May 16, 2010
Gardening in Public Places
Did you know that ‘guerrilla gardening’ is taking root all over the world? Some people use guerrilla gardening (defined as gardening without permission on public land) as a way to conduct a peaceful protest. Steven Wheens creates tiny perfect gardens in potholes to draw attention to the decay of the road system in the U.K. (Go to http://www.thepotholegardener.com) Sometimes activists will plant vegetable gardens on public land as a way to raise awareness about eating from local sources. Some of these groups now work with municipal governments to find land on which to grow food for the community.
March 1, 2010
Latest Better Homes and Gardens Survey of Home Buyers
Did you know that the new Homes and Gardens survey of home buyers revealed increased practicality? Greater energy efficiency has become more important with 87% seeking high efficiency heating/cooling systems and appliances in their next home. Multi-use space is also important, with 59% wanting a home office, but the majority wanting this office to serve multiple uses as an office, computer, hobby and craft room. A well-designed and organized space is important with 66% wanting a “no space wasted’ design and 62% listing ample storage space as very important. Also on the wish list: a separate laundry room (85%); kitchen with eating area (67%) and an extra bedroom with ensuite bath (65%).
September 1, 2009
Stay “Green” This Autumn
Did you know there are many ways to stay “green” in autumn? Here are a few ideas for an eco-friendly fall:
Put your reusable grocery bags right back into the car after you unload them so they are ready for next time.
Avoid using filmy plastic bags for produce.
When you buy your “back-to-school” shoes, ask the retailer to keep and recycle the box.
Take your own reusable coffee cup when you go out, and pack kids’ lunches in reusable containers.
Install a chalkboard in your kitchen to reduce the use of paper notepads for lists and reminders.
Visit thrift shops for great finds on retro kitchenware, furniture etc. Who needs new stuff when all of it already exists out there somewhere?
September 1, 2009
Your Pets Are Smarter Than You Think!
Did you know that dogs have similar intelligence to a 24- to 30-month old child, while cats are considered to have the intelligence of an 18-month-old? According to psychologist and dog researcher Stanley Coren, the average dog has a vocabulary of about 165 words. Tests suggest that dogs also have some basic emotions — fear, anger, disgust and pleasure — but are missing some of the more complex emotions such as guilt. Coren suggests smarter dogs can count reliably to five and can spot errors in rudimentary arithmetic. They can also learn basic abstract geometric concepts such as big and small.
May 15, 2009
Check Out Ontario’s Natural Beauty through the “Trails Open” Program
Did you know that the Ontario Heritage Foundation has launched a new program called Trails Open 2009? This province-wide natural heritage tourism program promotes trail use and education, natural heritage stewardship and an active lifestyle. With more than 64,000 km of trails, Ontario offers outstanding recreational opportunities. They traverse some of Ontario’s most beautiful and remote destinations and infuse our urban areas with a healthy dose of nature. Many trails are open to the public free of charge, giving everyone an opportunity to get out and enjoy nature. For details go to heritagefdn.on.ca
February 23, 2009
Internet Use Hits a Record 1 Billion Users Worldwide
Did you know that the Internet has now reached a landmark 1 billion users worldwide? That number is expected to grow as wireless devices such as cellphones and netbooks give more people to access to the web. In fact, these mobile devices are expected to drive the next wave of Internet usage growth. With respect to real estate, the importance of the Internet is undeniable. A 2008 research report from the National Association of Realtors found that 87% of all home buyers and 94% of buyers aged 25-44 years used the Internet to begin their search for homes.
February 23, 2009
A New Type of Graffiti is Hitting the Streets!
Did You Know that a new form of graffiti is winding its way onto the global scene? Known as “yarn bombing,” this phenomenon sees the urban landscape mysteriously transformed under woolly layers of knitted scarves, socks and pompoms. “Craftivists” work under the cover of darkness to stitch makeshift layers onto park benches, lampposts, trees, even bridges. In Mexico City, yarn bombers covered an entire bus in a knitted, crazy-quilt pattern. After “tagging” public property, these stealth knitters post their exploits on websites such as knittaplease.com
This is one form of graffiti that’s hard to hate!
November 19, 2008
Entertain in Style
Did you know the holiday entertaining season is virtually upon us? Here are a few tips to inspire you! With hors d’oeuvres, be sure to balance out crisply flavoured drinks such as fruit-infused martinis or kir royale with warm canapés. For your main course, embrace comfort foods and game dishes to beat the winter chill and create a comfortable and seasonal dining experience. Decorate in elegant shade of white on white, with winter greenery as a backdrop. Above all, spend quality time with friend and family, and have fun!
October 15, 2008
Are you a “Zoomer?”
Did you know that Canada’s organization for seniors and mid-lifers just received a make-over by Moses Znaimer, media guru, founder of CITY-TV and now founder of “Zoomer Media.” The organization previously named CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons) has been updated and broadened to include those 45+… and now focuses on a wide realm of topics of great interest to “Zoomers” aka “Boomer with Zip.” When you join CARP/Zoomers for only $19.95 per year you receive a package of benefits and a free subscription to the excellent new magazine called “Zoomers.” For more information and membership access, go to carp.ca
October 15, 2008
Top Design Trends Fall 2008
Did you know that the 14th annual showcase of home décor in London, England featured the following trends - nature-based designs of twigs, leaves, boulders and soft curves; a passion for wood whether it be natural, reclaimed or mimicked; limited edition and hand-made items; oversized floor lamps that are monumental in size yet simple in design; and a new trend called “upcycling” which turns cast-off items into artistic, one-of-a-kind reinventions.
October 15, 2008
Eliminate Unwanted Telemarketing Calls
Did you know that you can eliminate almost all unwanted telemarketing calls by registering on the National Do Not Call List? You can register your home phone, cell and fax numbers. Sign up online at http://www.LNNTE-DNCL.gc.ca or by calling 1-866-580-3625. Starting 31 days after your registration, many telemarketers can no longer call you. Callers such as registered charities, political parties and research companies remain exempt from the National DNCL, but you can avoid almost all solicitation calls by registering. For more info, go to http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/dncl.htm
