Maple madness: Ottawa’s sugar shacks and fun for the whole family

As winter's chill gives way to the warmth of spring, this is the time to indulge in one of Canada's sweetest traditions: maple syrup production.

Ottawa and surrounding regions have an array of maple farms where visitors can witness the magic of maple syrup making firsthand. From traditional sugar shacks to modern maple operations, here are six must-visit maple farms in and around Ottawa.

1. Proulx Maple & Berry Farm: At Proulx Maple & Berry Farm in Cumberland, maple syrup season is a cause for celebration. Join in the...

Downsize Your Home, Rightsize Your Life: How to Choose the Ideal Smaller Home

It can be tough to say goodbye when you've lived somewhere for many years. But if you (or a loved one) currently have a home that is bigger than necessary or is too high maintenance, it may be time to trade unused square footage for a smaller, more manageable space.

Take it from the downsizers who’ve been there: Although living small might require some adjustments, it can also be liberating––especially if you're in a stage where past responsibilities have given way to new possibilities and adventures.

In fact,...

Indoor herb garden creation: ways to produce your own food indoors

An indoor herb garden can transform your living space into an oasis of fresh flavors for cooking or for a nature-inspired aesthetic. Whether you have a spacious kitchen or a cozy apartment, growing one of these five mini herb gardens indoors is a rewarding and surprisingly simple venture.

Windowsill pots:

This traditional approach adds coziness and functionality to your kitchen, making it easy to snip fresh herbs while cooking. Choose herbs like basil, mint, or chives, and place them in small containers with...

Upgrade Your Home: 2024 Design Trends

One of the best parts of homeownership is the freedom to personalize your space with design choices that reflect your personality and lifestyle. Whether you lean toward contemporary design or a farmhouse aesthetic, your home is your canvas.

Even so, it’s always smart to consider those decisions' long-term impact on your home’s value. Choosing over-personalized or unpopular materials and finishes could make your home less appealing to future buyers. Selecting out-of-style or overly-trendy elements could cause your home to feel dated...

Embrace Ottawa’s Winter Wonderland: 

Top 5 Tobogganing Spots for Outdoor Enthusiasts!

As the winter chill sets in, Ottawa transforms into a snowy paradise, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to revel in the season's wonders. While the snow might be teasingly scarce now, we're gearing up for the next big snowfall with the top five tobogganing spots that promise thrills and winter delights for all. Grab your gear and join us as we explore these fantastic locations!

1. Bruce Pit: A Winter Wonderland Retreat

Step into the enchanting winter world at Bruce Pit, a picturesque...

Real Estate Market Forcast for 2024
Opportunities for Home Buyers and Sellers

Home buyers surprised everyone last spring when they shook off higher borrowing costs and showed up to new home sales in droves. The surge in competition for a still-limited pool of properties helped home prices pop and renewed sellers’ confidence in their ability to get top dollar for a home. But experts caution that the 2024 housing market could unfold quite differently, especially if Canada’s economy experiences another dip later this year.1

Since the Bank of Canada hiked interest rates last summer,...

Ottawa’s winter charm sets the stage for the perfect Christmas gathering. If you’re expecting guests this holiday season, giving your home a festive makeover can turn their stay into a magical experience.

From cosy corners to festive linens, here are 10 practical ways to transform your home into a haven of comfort and holiday cheer for your friends and family.

1. Warm welcome: Welcome your guests with open arms … and a doormat to save your floors. A sturdy, holiday-themed, weather-resistant mat not only adds a touch of holiday cheer, it also helps keep snow and mud in...

Ottawa MLS® October Home Sales Show Typical Lull

The number of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board totaled 816 units in October 2023. This was a small reduction of 2.7% from October 2022.

Home sales were 36.4% below the five-year average and 30.8% below the 10-year average for the month of October.

On a year-to-date basis, home sales totaled 10,700 units over the first 10 months of the year. This was a substantial decline of 12.3% from the same period in 2022.

“Life is expensive these days, which likely has both buyers and sellers staying put,”...

Nurturing Your Well-Being: A November Guide to Self-Care and Wellness

November, with its crisp air and the rustle of fallen leaves, marks a transition into the holiday season. While it's a time of joy and celebration, it's crucial not to lose sight of the importance of self-care and wellness. As the days grow shorter and the demands of life persist, prioritizing your well-being becomes paramount. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore effective strategies for self-care during the month of November, ensuring that you navigate this season with a renewed focus on your health.

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35 Tips to Furnish Your New Home for Less

Buying a new home is one of the most exciting experiences in life. And if you’re like most homebuyers, you’ll be planning your furniture placement and decor before the ink dries on your offer letter.

But before you run to the nearest home goods store, take a deep breath. First, you’ll need to delay any major purchases before you close on your new home. A large outlay or additional line of credit could affect your credit rating and, thus, impact your mortgage terms.¹ Second, moving and closing costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to be...