20 LOW COST WAYS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME

Make your home more appealing for yourself and for potential buyers with these quick and easy tips:
- Trim bushes so they don't block windows reducing light.
- Buy a new doormat.
- Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.
- Put new doorknobs on your front door.
- Put a fresh coating on your driveway.
- Edge the grass around walks and trees.
- Keep your garden tools out of site.
- Be sure kids put away their toys.
- Buy a new mailbox.
- Upgrade your outside lighting.
- Use warm, incandescent light bulbs for a homey feel.
- Polish or replace your house numbers.
- Clean your gutters.
- Put out potpourri or burn scented candles.
- Buy new pillows for the sofa.
- Buy a flowering plant and put it in a window you pass by frequently.
- Make a centerpiece for your table with fruit or artificial flowers.
- Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light.
- Buy new towels.
- Put a seasonal wreath on the door.

CLOSING COST FOR A PURCHASER

CLOSING COSTS TO PURCHASER

Deposit cheque with your offer to purchase, which becomes part of the down payment (if applicable).

Notaries’ fees of approximately $950 plus summary costs plus all applicable taxes; GST & PST.

Adjustment of school taxes (July to June).

Adjustment of municipal taxes (January to December).

Oil costs if applicable (One full tank approx. 909 liters at current rates).

Transfer tax: 0.5% on first $50,000, 1% on the difference from $50,000 to $250,000 and 1.5% on the difference over $250,000. Tax is based on the sale price or evaluation and is payable six weeks after signing.

Appraisal and Application fee for mortgage, which normally does not exceed $250 plus all applicable taxes, GST & QST. Banks usually waive this fee.

Building Inspection, if requested, which normally does not exceed $450, plus all applicable taxes, GST & QST, for written report.

C.M.H.C. premium for high ratio mortgage .5% to 4.25% of face value plus 9% tax on the premium. C.M.H.C. charge for opening of a file is approx. $235.

Property insurance is mandatory and proof will be required before the signing.

If the purchased property is a condominium, the purchaser will have monthly condo fees to pay and might have an adjustment for reserved fund at closing.

Paul and Diane's Top Ten Reasons For Using An Agent

Paul & Diane’s Top Ten reasons for using an agent

1. Your agent knows neighbourhood real estate values.
2. Your agent will establish an effective marketing strategy.
3. Your agent will take care of the many tasks involved in selling a house.
4. Your agent is an expert in the home selling process.
5. Your agent is an experienced negotiator.
6. Your agent has access to all of the latest marketing tools.
7. Your agent can make important recommendations.
8. Your agent understands that your home is potentially your largest asset.
9. Your agent will steer you clear of the many potential pitfalls & problems.
10. Your Royal LePage agent has the support of a national firm and a network of contacts and expertise.

HOME MAINTENANCE CALENDAR

HOME MAINTENENCE CALENDAR

JANUARY

- Heating system Inspect.
- Clean Filters

FEBRUARY

- Garage door Adjust and lubricate.
- Heating sys Inspect.
- Filters Clean.
- Floor drains Fill with water to prevent odors.
- Breakers Inspect and check for proper operation.
- Vacuum sys Inspect filtration system and empty bag.

MARCH

- Ext. vents Inspect and lubricate.
- Heating sys Inspect.
- Filters Clean.
- Sump pump Inspect and clean.
- Drain wells Clean.
- Windows & Door Inspect and clean.

APRIL

- Caulking Inspect and re-caulk if necessary.
- Landscaping Spring preparation.
- Gutters Clean and inspect.
- Roofing Inspect roofing and joints.
- Ext. faucets Re-open water flow.
- Lawnmower Perform spring tune-up
- Lawn furniture General inspection. Verify kids corner.
- Heating system Inspect.
- Air conditioning Inspect and clean.
- Filters Clean.
- Drain wells Clean.
- Outlets Verify functioning of electrical outlets.
- Basement Inspect for cracks and leaks.
- Tile joints Check joints and sealant
- Fire safety Inspect and test.

MAY

- Sheds Inspect.
- Fencing Inspect general state.
- Ext. siding General inspection
- Sidewalks Inspect for cracks and movement
- Windows Install window screens.
- Windows Wash windowpanes.
- Dehumidifier Dehumidifier startup.
- Filters Clean.
- Drain wells Clean.
- Floor drains Fill with water.
- Attic Inspect and provide proper ventilation.
- Structural Inspect structural components
- Central Vacuum Inspect filtration system and empty bag.

JUNE

- Foundation Check exterior foundation walls.
- Balconies Check level and proper maintenance.
- Ventilator Seasonal shutdown.
- Filters Clean.
- Drain wells Clean.
- Basement Provide proper ventilation.
- Carpeting Seasonal cleaning.

JULY

- Filters Clean.
- Water heater Check safety valve and drain tank.
- Septic tank Check level of tank.
- Drain wells Clean.
- Basement Provide proper ventilation.
- Refrigerator Defrost.
- Washer Check water faucets and filters.
- Dryer Clean filter and exhaust vent.

AUGUST
- Filters Clean.
- Heating oil Negotiate supply contract.
- Drain wells Clean.
- Floor drains Fill with water to avoid odors.
- Breakers Verify proper functioning.
- Windows doors Inspect and clean.
- Basement Provide proper ventilation.
- Vacuum System Inspect filtration system and empty bag.

SEPTEMBER

- Garage door Adjust and lubricate.
- Ext. sliding General inspection.
- Air conditioning Winter shutdown.
- Ventilator Seasonal startup. General Inspection.
- Filters Clean.
- Sump pump Inspect and clean.
- Drain wells Clean.
- Fireplace Complete inspection and cleaning.
- Weather strips Check fit and repair.

OCTOBER

- Caulking Inspect and re-caulk if necessary.
- Landscaping Prepare for winter.
- Gutters Clean and inspect.
- Roofing Inspect roofing and joints.
- Lawn furniture Winterize.
- Snow removal Negotiate contract.
- Windows Remove screens and brush clean.
- Windows Wash window panes.
- Heating sys Inspection and cleaning.
- Filters Clean.
- Heat vents Clean.
- Heating wood Purchase. Do not store in basement.
- Plumbing Complete inspection.
- Drain wells Clean.
- Tile joints Apply silicone sealant.
- Fire safety Inspect and test.

NOVEMBER

- Ext. vents Inspect and lubricate.
- Ext. faucets Turn off water flow to faucets.
- Heating sys Inspect.
- Dehumidifier Dehumidifier seasonal shutoff.
- Humidifier Inspect and clean.
- Filters Clean.
- Floor drains Fill with water to avoid odors.
- Attic Inspect and provide proper ventilation.
- Vacuum system Inspect filtration system and empty bag.

DECEMBER

- Heating sys Inspect.
- Filters Clean.
- Water heater Check safety valve.
- Carpeting Seasonal cleaning.
- Kitchen Clean and adjust cupboard doors.

From beans to zucchini, it's harvest time.....

Serve beans in oil and vinegar dressing, use zucchini in baked goods

By Helen Chesnut, Victoria Times Colonist

So abruptly the season changed. I'm swimming in the ocean under hot sunshine on Monday and donning sweaters while assessing the firewood supply the next day.

At the same time last week, familiar markers popped out of the ground to signal the transition from summer. The first colchicums began to bloom. Like crocuses on steroids, their outsized flowers greet the shift in weather with cheerful aplomb.

Fall has now officially begun. For me, the season has always felt like a fresh start as I eagerly anticipate the Great Outdoor Cleaning Project.

But first, because of the late growing season this year, harvesting remains an almost full-time occupation. The prune plums, usually picked late August and early September, have been slow to ripen.

Late summer apples require processing, and from speaking with and hearing from other gardeners, many of us are awash in beans.

I've been more than pleased with the heritage Lazy Housewife pole beans, tender and buttery, and Emerite, a French filet pole bean, has delivered its usual fine harvest.

The bush beans have provided more good, colourful eating.

Velour is a tasty purple filet bean, Thibodeau du Compte Beauce is a lovely purple-streaked green bean. Capitano is a broad, flat, Romano bean in bright yellow, and Alicante, a longtime favourite gourmet French bean, continues bearing slim, delicately flavoured pods.

Combining the lightly steamed, cut beans with red peppers and onion in a honey-sweetened oil and vinegar dressing is a fast and easy way to use beans.

Leftovers in the fridge are handy, too.

Then there's the issue of dealing with ever so slightly overgrown zucchini.

To save freezer space, I've been grating some to lightly steam, cool, package and freeze.

I've grated more to use in two recipes I recently found in an old cook book. One is a herb cornbread, another a wonderfully moist chocolate cake.

To make the chocolate cake, first melt four ounces unsweetened chocolate and 1/2 cup oil in a small saucepan over hot water.

Cream 1/2 cup room-temperature butter, add 1 1/4 cups sugar, three eggs, and one tablespoon vanilla. Beat well and add the melted chocolate and oil.

Mix together two cups all-purpose, unbleached flour with 1/3 cup cocoa, two teaspoons each baking soda and baking powder, and one teaspoon salt.

Stir into the batter along with 1/3 cup buttermilk (or sour cream). Add three cups coarsely grated zucchini and 1/2 cup chopped nuts.

Bake in oiled bundt pan for 40 minutes at 350 F, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Ice with cream cheese frosting or, my personal, easy favourite, whipped cream, plain or with a little chocolate sauce added.
© Copyright (c) The Victoria Times Colonist

Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour - Dazzling Show

How do you stage a Michael Jackson show without Michael Jackson? With high energy dancing and acrobatics, plenty of razzle dazzle, tons of ingenuity and lots of carefully selected video clips of Jackson himself.

That seems to be more or less the recipe adhered to by the Cirque du Soleil in creating Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour which had its world premiere at the Belle Centre last night (Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011). It plays here again tonight before moving on to Ottawa, then to about 60 other North American cities.

This $60 million arena show that sold $40 million worth of tickets within 24 hours when it was first announced, is not like anything the Cirque has done before, although its genre is similar to that of Viva ELVIS and LOVE (the Beatles show) in Las Vegas.

This MJ show has circus acts, but it’s not a circus. Nor is it a rock concert or dance show, exactly, either. Insofar as people are expecting any one of the above, they may feel a bit shortchanged. But if they go with the performance art flow of it all, they are not likely to be bored.

This is a dazzling, fast-pace spectacle for people with short attention spans, flitting from one song to the next, seldom settling down with one for a whole number. All is deftly rearranged, using live music and Jackson’s recorded voice. The audience is overwhelmed with images, some of them on screens, others created through maniupulation of quirky props, like a mega-sized white glove, a huge Jackson hat that conceals several dancers or a pair of giant shoes and socks, with dancers inside.

There’s no real attempt to tell Jackson’s life story, but it does begin with a five-clown band, evoking the Jackson Five. (Not the most successful idea in the show, given their moves aren’t nearly as slick as the originals and their bad afro wigs don’t become them well.)

The show offers a fairly comprehensive sampling of Jackson’s better-known songs. Early on, there’s a poignant rendition of Have You Seen My Childhood? Some songs, like Dancing Machine and Black or White, get more of a workout than others. Fantasies of Neverland come alive, one after another, sometimes at very high volume. There’s quiet time, too, with Jackson speaking his own lyrics.

A solo dancer/acrobat in sparkling white does mime shtick that reminds us where the moonwalk came from. He returns again and again throughout the show, at one point doing a series of startling backwards cartwheels. (Do not try this at home.) Aerial acts are used frequently to conquerthe cavernous space of the Bell Centre. A single contortionist worms her way out of a giant book, in one clevelry staged scene.

Unlike most Cirque shows, this one, directed by Jamie King, is prepared to do a couple of encores. And on Sunday night it was clear that 15,000 people wanted more. And more.

*Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour premiered at the Bell Centre on Sunday. It will return March 20, 21 and 22 and July 6-7, 2012. Tickets from $50 to $250.: www.evenko.ca or 514-790-2525 or 1-877-668-8269. Next stop is Ottawa, on Oct. 7-8, 2011.

Canadian housing market growing in face of economy jitters

OTTAWA — Canada’s housing market “remains a notable out-performer” in comparison to other countries, where renewed doubts about the strength of the global economy are weakening an already fragile real-estate scene, says a report released Tuesday.

The Bank of Nova Scotia said in an assessment of the global housing market that high unemployment, concerns over the financial health of some European governments, signs the global economic recovery is slowing down and recent stock-market volatility are burdening residential real-estate markets around the world.
For many people, saving money and repaying debt have become bigger priorities than making major purchases, such as homes, the report said.

“We expect global housing demand to remain moribund until the global economic recovery gets back on a firmer footing and some financial market stability returns,” said Adrienne Warren, senior economist with Scotia Economics.

Canada is one of just three of the nine developed countries assessed that saw year-to-year price growth, adjusted for inflation, in its housing market in this year’s second quarter. There was five per cent price growth, on average, in the April-to-June period.

“Ultra-low interest rates will continue to support affordability in the face of record high prices,” Ms. Warren said of Canada. “Nonetheless, heightened economic uncertainty, combined with recent signs of a loss of momentum in Canada’s jobs market, could keep some potential buyers on the sidelines for the time being.

“On balance, we anticipate a modest slowdown in the volume of sales transactions heading into year end, alongside relatively flat prices.”

Posted in: Economy, Investing, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate Tags: Bank of Nova Scotia, Canada housing market, global economy, housing, real estate

191 CAMERON, HUDSON - O/HOUSE

191 Cameron, Hudson
Open House on Sunday, October 4th. 2-4
This quality built cottage is waiting for you....it has open concept living room/dining room/kitchen plus a finished playroom. Builder, Richard Chicoine is known for his quality construction and high end finishing. Look no further...this is the house for you!

Sweet dessert a must for Jewish New Year table

MARK ROSH HASHANAH WITH HONEY CAKE!
In the Jewish religion and tradition, no dish symbolizes the beginning of the New Year (Rosh Hashanah) more than honey cake.

Rosh Hashanah, which begins on the evening of Sept. 28, signifies the Day of Judgment, when Jews examine their thoughts and deeds and pray that God will remember them favourably. Through prayer, charity and repentance, man’s sins will hopefully be forgiven, and they will be inscribed in the Book of Life.

Jews celebrate what will hopefully be a "sweet" New Year — thus the importance of honey as an ingredient. People for generations have been baking honey cakes as an integral part of the holiday meal.

Every chef has his or her secret ingredient such Coca-Cola, steeped tea or coffee. Below are two takes on this must-have for the Rosh Hashanah dessert table.

Honey cake improves with age — so bake ahead and freeze.

RECIPES

Yummy Yomtov Honey Cake

1/2 cup (125 mL) raisins

1 teaspoon (5 mL) flour

1 cup (250 mL) sugar

1 1/2 cups (375 mL) flour

1 teaspoon (5 mL) baking powder

1 teaspoon (5 mL) baking soda

1 teaspoon (5 mL) cinnamon

1/2 cup (125 mL) oil

2 small jars baby food carrots

2 eggs

2 tablespoons (25 mL) honey

1. Put raisins in water to plump. Drain and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon (5 mL) flour.

2. In a large bowl sift remaining dry ingredients.

3. In another bowl blend wet ingredients.

4. Combine dry and wet ingredients and then add raisins. Mix well.

5. Pour into greased 5-by 9-inch (13-by 23-cm) loaf pan. Set oven to 350°F (175°C).

6. Bake 50 minutes. Cool then wrap in foil and refrigerate.

---

Traditional Honey Cake

3/4 cup (175 mL) oil

1 cup (250 mL) sugar

4 eggs, separated

1 cup (250 mL) honey

2 3/4 cups (625 mL) flour

2 teaspoons (10 mL) baking powder

1 teaspoon (5 mL) each: cinnamon and nutmeg

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon (5 mL) baking soda

1/2 cup (125 mL) cooled strong coffee

1/3 cup (75 mL) orange juice

2 tablespoons (25 mL) Triple Sec

(orange liqueur)

1/2 cup (125 mL) slivered almonds

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. Cream the oil, sugar, and egg yolks. Add honey.

3. Sift flour, baking powder, nutmeg cinnamon and salt together.

4. Dissolve baking soda in coffee. Combine coffee mixture, orange juice and Triple Sec.

5. Add dry ingredients to egg mixture alternately with coffee and orange juice mixture.

6. Beat egg whites till soft peaks form and fold into batter. Pour into a greased 9-by 13-inch pan (23-by 33-cm) or two 5-by 9-inch (13-by 23-cm) loaf pans. Sprinkle almonds on top and bake for 50 minutes.

Source: adapted from the book I Can't Believe it's Kosher.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/Mark+Rosh+Hashanah+with+honey+cake/5459629/story.html#ixzz1ZLzAO8m5

Take your best shot at photo walk in Hudson

Calling all shutterbugs: The 4th annual Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk comes to town Saturday, Oct. 1. Several walks are scheduled to take place in the Montreal area, including one in Hudson.

Last year, more than 30,000 photographers participated in photo walks in more than 1,000 different locations on the planet, taking close to 6 million images in the one-day event celebrating photography. The walk's founder, Scott Kelby, is a photographer and author of numerous books on photography and on Photoshop techniques.

Jennifer Frezza, a Hudsonbased professional photographer, will be leading the photo walk event in Hudson, offering camera tips along the way. Other photo walks are scheduled for Montreal's Botanical Gardens and Beaver Lake on Mount Royal.

"It's all about perspective," said the 39-year-old Frezza. "You and I can stand in the exact same spot and take two very different photographs."

That's the beauty of photography, she said. An empty children's swing set can look "lonely" and "forlorn" if shot with a wide-angle lens that captures a broad image. But the same swing set can also appear "loved and well-used" if the photographer takes a close-up and focuses on the swing's well-worn chain or seat.

"It really sparks the creativity," she said of the group shoot, which this year will run from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and allow photographers to capture both small town Quebec life and nature.

Last year, 10 photographers joined the Hudson walk. This year, 15 people have already signed up for the event, which is free and open to photographers of all levels, including children 10 and older so long as they are accompanied by an adult.

At the end of the walk, Frezza said, each participant submits his or her best shot, including edited and Photoshopped images. For each walk, a winning photo is chosen and the photographer is awarded a prize.

For this year's walk, Oct. 1, participants will gather at 4 p.m. at the Hudson Community Centre parking lot, 394 Main Rd.

The walk will proceed along Main Rd. to Sandy Beach Nature Park Trail on the Ottawa River.

For more information or to sign up go to worldwidephotowalk.com/locations.
© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette

Fake Blueberries...

Definitely take time to read this.


This definitely will ingrain the need to read the labels when it comes to blueberries and other fruit additions to cereals...

We know that real blueberries are full of antioxidents but look at what several BIG food companies are doing to make for huge profits.

Quite the video.

Isn’t this something? Nothing but disregard and greed! Who would have thought Kellogg’s or Betty Crocker products deceiving? Watch for yourself, they are killing the public little by little.
Here is the link and please watch it and send it to your friends.

Click Here To View: http://www.naturalnews.tv/e.asp?v=7EC06D27B1A945BE85E7DA8483025962&s=1




P.S. I plan to make a banana/blueberry loaf today.....with real blueberries!

Basement Waterproofing Technologies

Basement leakage is the most common problem found in houses, and over 90% of all basements will leak and suffer damage at one time or another. Some evidence of moisture penetration can be found in almost every house. A house with water problems does not necessarily mean it was poorly constructed. Water can appear in even the best built home.

Moisture problems can be intermittent. In some houses, water penetration will occur after virtually every rainfall. In other houses, it will occur only after periods of prolonged rain. In most cases however, the resultant damage gives no indication of frequency.

Not all basement leakage problems are solvable, but the majority of leakage problems can be solved by directing surface water away from the building regarding around the foundation or/and using downspout extension to force rainwater to flow away from the house.

Warning signs of water leakage:

Mold and mildew: Fungus that grows in damp and dark areas, and causes discoloration, or musty odors.
Musty odors: This could be the result of the decay process from mold, and dry rot.
Peeling paint
Damp spots on walls: Water has absorbed through your walls.
White substance on basement walls: This is a chemical breakdown of the bonding agent that holds your walls together. The white substance is a sign of possible structural deterioration.
Cracked walls: Should be inspected to determine the exact cause.
Rust on appliances, furniture or furnaces.
Dry rot: Black fungus grows mostly on walls or wooden surfaces, causing wood to decay.

Why is waterproofing important?
A wet basement can dramatically reduce the value of your home. Studies show that most people won't even consider buying a home with water leakage. Selling a home with water leaks can easily result in as much as a 25% reduction in the sale price.

Even if you rarely have problems with dampness or flooding, it's best to solve the problem completely before doing any remodeling work. Permanent solutions can take time to implement. A good place to start is to talk to an independent home inspector who specializes in waterproofing problems.

Damp proofing or water proofing on walls?
There is a big difference between damp proofing and waterproofing. By definition, damp proofing can retard moisture but, unlike waterproofing, it does not stop hydrostatic water pressure.

To damp proof, you apply a coat of tar-based material to the outside walls. Tar damp proofing is inexpensive and meets the lowest minimum standard.

Damp proofing may be acceptable if there is a sandy soil and great drainage. But often, there is a high water table or poor soil. Clay holds rainwater, which builds up hydrostatic pressure against the foundation. Moreover, water cannot drain through the undisturbed soil under the footings and groundwater level rises.

Complete waterproofing is ideal
Good waterproofing is a wise investment. It is not just a coating but a whole system that includes:

1- Redirects water away from the foundation
The various exterior waterproofing barriers have varying levels of effectiveness in protecting the outside wall areas. But wall anti-leaking barriers do not affect water penetration due to water accumulation at the footer or floor level. The ideal solution to this problem lies in directing the accumulation of water away from the foundation or into drainage or pumping systems.

2- Install an interior drainage system
To control leakage in the basement, you may want to install a drainage system on the inner side of the foundation. The floor is broken up along the perimeter of the basement wall and drain tile is placed in a trench that carries the water to a discharge point, or sump pump, which takes the water away from the house.

3- Apply waterproofing compounds to the walls
With mild or occasional capillary seepage, capillary waterproofing materials can be applied to either exterior or interior wall and floor surfaces. If properly applied, they will penetrate several inches into concrete and close off minor cracks by forming crystals in the presence of water. You should carefully read the product label to determine if the product waterproofing limitations is sufficient to fix the problem. Waterproofing paint is most effective if applied directly over cement and not to existing painted walls.

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