While kids often experience back to school jitters, this year may prove a little tougher than most. With some children heading back to the classroom while others remain at home, kids may find themselves dealing with a few added stressors this fall.

Here are our top five tips for lessening back to school anxiety: 

See also: K to 12 school re-entry: Guidance and plans for students to start the 2020-21 school year

1. Talk It Out 

There’s no denying that in light of COVID-19, the upcoming school year will look a little different. Even if your children aren’t showing any signs of back-to-school stress, just like you, they’re likely unsure of what to expect. Having a conversation about how they’re feeling and answering any questions they might…

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Known as Canada’s “Festival City,” Edmonton is home to countless food, art, entertainment and cultural festivals every summer. Here are just a few of many events to look forward to in the warm months ahead:

Freewill Shakespeare Festival 

When: June 14th – July 10th

Where: Hawrelak Park 

All the world’s a stage at the Freewill Shakespeare Festival, Alberta’s largest outdoor theatre festival. Summer 2022 productions include A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Measure for Measure.

Alberta Circus Arts Festival

When: June 23rd – June 26th

Where: La Cité Francophone

Four days of contemporary Canadian circus performances hosted by Firefly Theatre and Circus. The Alberta Circus Arts Festival also leads professional development workshops…

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With warmer weather slowly moving in, now is the time to start readying your home for the plus temperatures to come. Have your home spring and summer-ready with the help of these outdoor AND indoor maintenance tips.

Outside Your Home 

1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Even if you’ve already checked your gutters and downspouts according to our Fall Maintenance Checklist, snow and ice can create an additional build-up of dirt and debris. With spring rain and runoff, especially, you’ll want to make sure water can move freely from the roof and away from your home.

2. Take a Closer Look at Your Shingles and Chimney

As you’re investigating your gutters, take the time to visually inspect your roof and chimney. Look for any shingles that may…

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From home renovation advice and selling tips to in-depth community features and the best brunch spots in the city, we’re counting down our top 20 blogs of 2020 – as voted by you, Edmonton!

20. Downsizing Your Home: 7 Essential Features You Need

If you’ve been thinking about downsizing your Edmonton home, Downsizing Your Home: 7 Essential Features You Need will give you some great insight as to which features you should be looking for.

19. 7 Benefits of Penthouse Living

Low maintenance and luxury living accompanied by some of the best views Edmonton has to offer are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to these 7 Benefits of Penthouse Living.

18. Edmonton Community Spotlight: Highlands

Voted as one of the best…

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Prepare and protect your home from Edmonton’s sub-zero temperatures with these helpful indoor and outdoor winter maintenance tips:

Inside Your Home: 

1. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Using your fans reverse switch, set your fan to turn in a clockwise rotation. This will force the rising heat down and away from the ceiling, keeping your home nice and toasty (without the need to crank the heat).

2. Detect For Drafts 

Speaking of cranking the heat, get a handle on your utility bills ahead of time by checking your home for drafts. We recommend paying particular attention to your doors and windows, as they’re often the biggest culprits of cold air entry.

3. Protect Your Pipes 

Because water expands as it freezes, any remaining H2O in your…

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A clean, organized pantry doesn’t just look good. It can also save you time in the kitchen, money on groceries and stress when it comes to finding what you need (without having to launch a search party).

If you’ve been meaning to organize your problem pantry, we have nine simple (and clever) tips to help get you started.

Tip 1 = Eradicate Expired Items 

Purge your pantry first. Take everything out and place items on your counter so it’s easier to check expiry dates (this includes baking items and spices!). For items without dates, check out this shelf life of pantry foods chart. 

Pro Tip = Make a list as you go so you know what needs replacing 

Tip 2 = Storage For the Win 

Use pantry baskets and bins to group and organize items (i.e.…

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Hiring the right contractor is the essential first step to any home renovation project – especially if you hope to save time, money and avoid stressful reno-related problems. Below are our top five must-know tips for choosing the right professional for your next project.

Tip 1= Ask For Recommendations and Referrals 

Of course, you’ll want to hit the web to explore potential contractors, but it is also highly recommended you ask for recommendations or referrals from:

  • The RenoMark program (through the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, or CHBA)
  • Local building supply chains (i.e. Home Depot or Lowe’s)
  • Edmonton’s Better Business Bureau
  • Friends or family who have committed to similar projects

From here, you can make a list of…

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With cooler temperatures setting in, now is the time to start readying your home for when the snow flies. Prevent any unwelcome surprises this winter and upcoming spring with the help of these essential fall maintenance tips:

1. Store Outdoor Items 

Start by giving your outdoor furniture and tools a quick clean before putting them away in storage (or under a weatherproof cover). Ready motorized outdoor equipment such as your weed trimmer or lawnmower by either removing any remaining gas or adding a stabilizer to what’s left in the tank.

2. Fertilize Your Lawn 

Set your lawn up for success next spring by giving it a final weed and feed now. Be sure to mulch or rake up any leaves, so the fertilizer really has a chance to take root (you may…

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When buying a home, the surrounding neighbourhood is just as important as the home itself. Of course, it’s essential to purchase a property that meets your wants and needs – but the area you choose and surrounding amenities are likely to have the largest impact on your quality of life.

When it comes to ensuring maximum happiness with your next Edmonton community, here are seven amenities to look for:

1. An Easy Commute

No one wants to spend countless hours traveling to and from work. That’s why having convenient access to nearby transit options and/or commuter roads is priority number one for many home buyers. Be sure to ask yourself how much time it will take you to get from your potential new home to your workplace and other areas of the…

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Of course, you love your home. After all, you picked it, right? Unfortunately, nothing stays the same forever – not even you! Careers change, families grow, lifestyles evolve and, as a result, you may find your home isn’t meeting your needs the way it used to.

Have you outgrown your current home? Here’s how to tell:

1. You’re Bursting at the Seams With Stuff….

If you need to clear a path to make it from one end of your home to another, it might be time for a new one. Even if you’ve managed to keep clutter out from underfoot, if your closets are bursting at the seams (no matter how many times you purge and organize), a home with more storage will make life a lot easier.

See our previous post:  20 Things to Get Rid of When Decluttering…

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