From budgeting and maintenance to interior design and the latest Edmonton real estate information, the following apps are a must-have for homeowners.

1. Centriq 

Save some room in your junk drawer with the help of Centriq. A free, award-winning app available to both iOS and Android, this all-in-one tool helps you manage and maintain the products in your home (i.e. appliances). Whenever you invest in a new device, simply take a photo of the product’s label and manual and warranty information will be instantly stored in the app.

In addition to receiving regular reminders on product maintenance and cleaning, you’ll have access to replacement parts info, product recalls and much more (not to mention, far less paper clutter around your home).

…

732 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

As per the provincial government, Alberta is scheduled to slowly start returning to normal – with many services set to reopen as early as May 14th. While strict public health measures, physical distancing and hygiene practices will continue to be reinforced, Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy will focus on “gradually reopening businesses, resuming activities and getting people back to work.”

Here’s what to expect:

Conditions for Relaunch 

The province’s relaunch plan is divided into three phases: The Current Situation, Stage 1 and Stage 2 (with a further Stage 3, depending). According to authorities, the following conditions much be in place for stage 1 to begin:

  • Enhancement of nation-leading testing capacity
  • Comprehensive contact tracing…

480 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

In addition to spending more time with family, if there’s one good thing to come out of having to stay home, it’s the ability to tackle overdue projects around the house. If decluttering has been on your radar for some time, we have a “few” ideas to help get you started.

Stray Socks

As you purge the one-offs, consider getting rid of the holey ones, too.

Bygone Books 

Reclaim your shelf space by getting rid of books you’ve already read (and don’t intend to read again), old cookbooks, diet books and magazines.

Surplus Water Bottles

While it’s good to keep hydrated, a water bottle for every room may be a bit excessive. Not to mention, they tend to deteriorate with age.

Mismatched Linens 

Sheets, pillows and towels wear out over…

622 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

While we’re all doing our best to stay home during these difficult times, the occasional trip to the grocery store may prove unavoidable. When and if you do have to venture out, keep yourself and others safe with the help of these 10 essential grocery shopping tips:

1. Attempt Online First 

Maintain social distancing by attempting to order online first – either in a click and collect or delivery format (Instacart, for example, will shop a wide range of retailers on your behalf for delivery as soon as possible). Keep in mind, wait times will vary according to customer demand, therefore you’ll want to order a few days ahead.

2. Organize Your Shopping List Ahead of Time

Minimize the amount of time you’ll need to spend in the store by…

373 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Looking for a few fun family activities to do at home (that go beyond regular board game night)? We have some suggestions:

1. Plan a Scavenger Hunt

Have some scavenger-hunt fun by hiding items in and around your home (outside in your yard if possible). Give each member a personalized list of things to find and offer prizes for the winner.

See 5 Steps to An Unforgettable Indoor Scavenger Hunt for tips and ideas

2. Cultural Cuisine 

A culinary experience and learning opportunity rolled into one! Choose a country you’d like to know more about as a family and prepare an authentic meal that might be served there. For instance, if you chose England, you may opt to make Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie and Bread and Butter Pudding. Serve a…

567 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

To our clients, families and friends (and friends we’ve yet to meet): See below for some important information regarding the government’s Emergency Response Package in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effectively immediately the government has announced an $82-billion-dollar aid package, including wage subsidies, income support and tax referrals, to assist Canadians and Canadian business owners in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With $27 billion designated towards direct support and $55 billion to assist business liquidity through tax referrals, the response package will assist Canadians in paying for their rent/mortgages and groceries while helping businesses meet payroll and bill requirements.

Details of the response package include:

  • …

357 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Cast off the winter blues and ready your home for spring’s arrival with the help of these ultra-useful spring cleaning tips:

Plan Ahead 

Cleaning your home from top to bottom can feel like a pretty daunting task when you’re unprepared. Stay on track and prevent overwhelm with the help of a cleaning schedule or to-do list. If possible, make a plan for each room (one room at a time) and spread your list over several days to ensure you can get everything done without feeling overburdened.

Clear Clutter First 

Spring marks a great time to purge. As you move from room to room, take stock of items that may be donated, sold or recycled, paying extra attention to drawers, closets and other clutter-accumulating areas. Decluttering won’t just make…

1721 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

One of the best parts about living in Edmonton is the many winter-themed activities, events and attractions that make it such a “cool” place to live. If you’re looking for a few fun, affordable, family-friendly events to add to your calendar this season, here are a few ideas:

1. Snowshoe and Stargaze

When: Saturdays, December through February 15th

Marvel at the starry night sky as you snowshoe your way around Elk Island – one of Canada’s many revered national parks and conservation reserves. This one-of-a-kind experience takes visitors on a short, guided snowshoe hike with interactive interpretation of the constellations above. Fireside snacks and refreshments are provided at no extra charge. 

2. Experience the Deep Freeze 

When:…

973 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Celebrate the season in Alberta’s famous “Winter City”. Here are just a few of the many fantastic holiday events Edmonton has to offer!

Curated. Holiday Market YEG

Curated’s Holiday Market is quickly becoming one of Edmonton’s favourite places to (Christmas) shop til’ you drop. The market features over 70 handmade vendors/curators (offering everything from art and jewelry to home décor and tasty treats), as well as live entertainment, on-site food trucks and prizes.

When: November 16th & 17th, 2019

St. Albert Indoor Christmas Market 

St. Albert’s Christmas Market is back for yet another season of great food, good fun and, of course, shopping! This year’s market will offer the homemade wares of over 75 vendors, every Saturday, starting…

544 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

From little trick or treaters to adult-sized thrill-seekers, Edmonton hosts a wide range of Halloween-related events for boys and ghouls of all ages.

Little Scares (All Ages)

Haunted Pumpkin Festival

The Haunted Pumpkin Festival is one of the most popular Halloween events in the capital region. Every year, the folks at Prairie Gardens Adventure Farm put on a month-long Spooktacular – featuring everything from pumpkin cannons and haunted houses (no gore) to hayrides and corn mazes.

When: Every weekend throughout October

Imax Theatre Costume Party 

All aboard! Join Dracula and the rest of the gang for the ultimate cruise and costume party! Held at the Telus World of Science, this all-morning event features an optional hot breakfast,…

774 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post