A spare room can easily become an overspill area for things that don't have a home elsewhere. Here are some creative ways to utilise your space... If you’re lucky enough to have one, a spare room is a fantastic opportunity to make your homework better for you, but it can often feel like a big undertaking to turn it into a practical and useful space. Whether you’re looking to create a functional, multipurpose workspace, or a calm area for unwinding at the end of the ..read more

  As the thermometer rises after what felt like a long, cold winter, you may be looking at your backyard with longing. As Canadians, we spend a disproportionate amount of time by comparison to other cultures in our own personal green space. Whether it’s to socialize, BBQ, or get some much-needed vitamin D, the backyard is the Canadian sanctuary in the summertime. Summer is About to Get Funner! Just Add Water… Maybe The vitalness of your backyard is matched ..read more

Those who were planning to sell their cottage this summer are up against the clock if they want to get ahead of the June 24th deadline in an effort to keep more of their money. The announcement of the 2024 budget revealed that as of June 25th, the capital gains tax inclusion rate will rise to 66.67 per cent, up from the current 50 per cent inclusion rate, on capital gains greater than $250,000.   What are Capital Gains? Here’s the official definition of “capital ..read more

Some people are foregoing summer vacations this year while others are taking steps to save. While travel debt may seem inevitable for some, there are ways to lower the costs. What is travel debt? According to the study, 83% of summer travelers expect to pay for at least a portion of their expenses with a credit card. However, not all of them plan to pay off the debt right away. “(Twenty percent) of summer travelers plan to use a credit card for these expenses but ..read more

                        Celebrating Mother's Day doesn't have to be expensive. It's the thought, effort, and love put into the gesture that counts the most. Whether it's through a heartfelt gift like a personalized photo book capturing cherished moments and memories, or spending quality time together, there are countless ways to make Mother's Day special for the beloved ..read more

  This year's spring housing market, whether you’re looking to sell, buy, or want to ensure your mortgage is in order, knowing what to expect can help. Here is the low down on what we are anticipating for various factors affecting the housing market this season:   Interest Rates: While the Bank of Canada held the overnight rate steady at 5% for the past five meetings, it is expected that they will make the first interest rate cut in June or July this year ..read more

  Image via CREA   If you’ve been keeping an eye on real estate markets lately, you’ve likely seen references to the MLS® Home Price Index (HPI). And while you might know it’s an indicator of what property prices are doing at any given moment, you may not be familiar with exactly what the numbers mean, how they’re calculated, and how the info can benefit you if you’re buying, selling, or simply tracking the value of your home. First ..read more

Enhance your outdoor oasis with these garden decor ideas for various styles, budgets, and landscape sizes.  ROBERT CARDILLO The possibilities are practically endless for adding decorative elements to your landscape, but these unique garden decor ideas are sure to liven up your outdoor spaces. Whether it be a cozy fire pit, a whimsical fairy house, or comfortable seating, there's an option on this list to suit almost any budget and style. So why settle for plain and boring ..read more

 Bev’s Closet                                                 Schedule time for your clean out. Empty your closet and give it a good cleaning. Sort clothes into Keep, Donate and Toss piles. Refine the “Keep” pile and put back in your closet. Make the most of hanging space by folding clothes that don’t really need to be on ..read more

Renovating a home to sell—buying a fixer-upper, putting in your own sweat equity to fix it up and then selling it (hopefully for a profit)—can seem like a good idea. It always looks so easy on TV! However, in addition to the construction and material costs needed to make over the property, there’s a long list of other fees to consider before keys are handed to new owners — starting with Canada’s Residential Property Flipping Rule, which adds tax ..read more