Tuesday 31 December 2013

Happy 2014 and Year in Review 2013


2013 was a great year.

I got married!

I started a recipe club.

(Recipes thus far can be found here)

Was very busy in Real Estate.

Drooled over






I also shared



I also penned a blog

and a Tumblr called Like A Hawke

I wish you a successful, healthy 2014.

Hope to meet you soon!

Tweet with me here.

HAPPY NEW YEAR











Like A Hawke,
Susan

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Sunday 29 December 2013

5 tips for natural winter wellness


(NC) Winter's short days can make us feel lethargic and a little depressed; the long hours spent indoors hibernating on the couch can have a major impact on our overall wellbeing. To avoid the effects of old man winter, fight your hibernating instincts by embracing the season, while taking the necessary precautions to be healthy. To help you get there, the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) has these five tips for natural winter wellness.
Opt for healthy comfort food
In winter, we crave simple carbs because they are rich in tryptophan, creating our feel-good hormones such as serotonin and dopamine to temporarily increase. These foods, which are typically refined and have little nutritional value, cause a quick increase in our blood sugar followed by a quick decrease causing us to crave more. To avoid this vicious cycle while satisfying your cravings, opt for more complex carbs including oatmeal, legumes, soups and stews.
Dose up on vitamins and minerals
Iron, zinc and vitamin C are key to a healthy immune system that will ward off the cold and flu viruses. Foods rich in these nutrients include dark, leafy greens; red and yellow fruits and vegetables; lean red meats and pumpkin seeds. Taking a daily multivitamin is a great insurance policy to ensure you are getting your required daily intake of essential minerals and vitamins.
Go for garlic 
The sulfur-containing compounds in garlic help increase the potency of two important cells of the immune system, T-lymphocytes and macrophages. These are essential to help battle the flu and colds. Opt for odourless capsules if you want to avoid the strong taste of garlic.
Use coconut oil
Winter-proof your skin with coconut oil by using it as a moisturizer. Simply rub a small amount of coconut oil wherever you have dry, flaky or itchy skin. It also works great as a natural lip balm, hair conditioner or make-up remover. Your skin will absorb the oil quickly, plus it smells wonderful!
Shake it up and sleep it off
When it comes to exercise, don't let winter be an excuse. Develop a well-rounded fitness routine that includes cardio and strength training. Also, give yourself plenty of rest time. Restful slumber helps fight depression and eliminates extra amounts of the stress hormone cortisol. Adequate amounts of exercise and sleep should be non-negotiable in maintaining a healthy lifestyle this winter.
To learn more about how you can be naturally healthy this winter and to discover other natural health tips, visit chfa.ca.

Like A Hawke,
Susan


 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Thursday 26 December 2013

New Year, new you: health and vitality in 2014


(NC) Setting goals for the New Year is easy – it's sticking to them that becomes tricky when the days get shorter and life gets in the way. If nothing else, focusing on ways to implement a healthy lifestyle as well as incorporating wellness and balance could improve your quality of life in 2014 – and beyond.
Here are five simple ways to live and feel better in the New Year:
• Eat well: Make healthy food choices and consume a well-balanced diet. Be sure to eat foods that nourish your body; the appropriate servings of whole grains, vegetables, fruit, milk and alternatives, protein and healthy fats each day, to provide the body with the energy, vitamins and minerals it requires.
• Be active: According to the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines, being active for at least 150 minutes per week can help reduce the risks of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, premature death and certain types of cancer. Exercise also promotes improved fitness, strength and mental health.
• Get checked: Feeling sluggish, irritable, unusually weak or fatigued could be attributed to more than just a busy schedule. It's important to pay special attention to the body and address symptoms that could point to a problem. For men over the age of 45, a decrease in energy, body changes and mood changes could be a sign of health related issues and in some cases, the culprit may be a condition known as hypogonadism or Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome, also referred to as Low Testosterone (Low T). Low T is an abnormally low level of testosterone that is estimated to affect up to 40 per cent of men in Canada over the age of 45 and often goes misdiagnosed. To rule out any potential health issues, it's important for both men and women to talk to a doctor about anyhealth concerns that affect their lifestyle and day-to-day activities. For more information on Low T, visit www.lowt.ca.
• Sleep Well: Sleep plays an integral role in our day to day lives, and getting enough is as vital for fueling the body as food. Sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue, learning and concentration difficulties and even increased risk of accidents. Though sleep requirements vary from one person to the next, it's extremely important to get the appropriate amount of sleep for the body to function optimally.
• Laugh more: Research shows laughter is a great medicine. Humour produces psychological and physiological effects on the body that are similar to the health benefits of aerobic exercise.


Like A Hawke, 
Susan 


 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Tuesday 24 December 2013

Merry Christmas!



Like A Hawke,
Susan

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Monday 23 December 2013

Itchin' to update your kitchen: Five Steps to Create the Kitchen of Your Dreams


(NC) Remodeling the kitchen. When you decide to tackle this daunting undertaking, you want to do it right. And, you're not alone. According to a recent survey by Houzz.com, 49 percent of homeowners plan to completely gut their existing kitchen and start with a clean state. Regardless of the scope of your project, if you're itchin' to update your kitchen, follow these five steps to design the space you've been dreaming about.
Step 1: Create a budget
Before picking up a single tool or seeking contractor recommendations from friends, it's important to determine how much you're willing to spend to achieve your ideal kitchen. Whether needing basic upgrades or a complete remodel, setting your budget will help to create a realistic plan from the start. There are a wide range of impactful updates to change the look of your space no matter what the price tag.
Step 2: Think about what you need (and what you want)
Take a step back and think about how you use the kitchen. Are you an avid baker and need more counter space for rolling out confections? Do you like to make homemade pizza, and the thought of a stone oven makes you drool? No matter what your dream space looks like, there's one area that everyone should update – the kitchen faucet.
Because it sees so much use on a daily basis, think about ways to make tasks easier, like installing a new pulldown faucet. From preparing meals and washing dishes, to watering plants and filling pitchers, you'll quickly notice the difference made by this simple update. For a contemporary look, try the new Moen Align or STō pulldown faucets. Both bring modern style and superior performance with a two-function pulldown spray wand that allows you to switch the water flow from aerated stream to spray with the push of a button.
Step 3: Research and plan
Sources for ideas and inspiration are infinite – especially online. Sites like Pinterest and Houzz provide endless eye candy and design concepts for your new kitchen space; Houzz can even provide recommendations of local professionals to contact. To visualize a few of the upgrades you're considering – not to mention touch and feel them – visit a local kitchen showroom as they have a number of vignettes and “rooms” designed throughout. Magazine articles can also provide valuable how-to information and design advice. Just be sure to save any favourite ideas in one place, making everything easily accessible when it's time to get started.
Step 4: Determine your approach
Will you hire a pro or do most of the work yourself? If you're going to change the layout or remove walls in the kitchen, it's best to work with a professional contractor. Rewiring electrical or adding new light sources are also jobs best left to a certified electrician. You can find a number of professionals online, where you can also read reviews from previous customers, and in some cases, view samples of their work. If you're an avid DIYer, you may feel comfortable installing new cabinets, flooring and countertops. But there are certain projects, like the demo, painting and installation of a new faucet that anyone – and any skill level – can easily tackle.
Step 5: Get to work
If you haven't begun working on your kitchen project yet, you're not alone; 68 percent of Houzz respondents haven't started construction, either. But with the perfect plan and a list of updates to incorporate, it will be simple to create your dream kitchen space.


Like A Hawke,
Susan

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Friday 20 December 2013

Planning on buying a home this year? Don't be a target of door-to-door scams


(NC) With spring still a few months away, many potential home owners will begin the New Year planning for the upcoming home buying season.
As home buyers begin looking into neighbourhoods they will also be considering other factors involved in purchasing a home—including the quality of neighbourhood schools, property taxes and qualifying for a mortgage. Few home buyers, however, will think of themselves as potential targets for deceptive door-to-door sales practices.
Despite all the research new homeowners put into purchasing their home, they may nonetheless be vulnerable to door-to-door salespeople who take advantage of their lack of understanding about their new home.
One item in particular is the water heater rental arrangement that may apply to their new home. Many new homeowners may be unfamiliar with who their provider is and the terms of their water heater rental arrangement.
When confronting deceptive water heater sales people, EnerCare Solutions, a leading provider of energy efficient products, suggests new homeowners take the following steps when confronting a door-to-door water heater sales person:
• Never sign a contract at the door. Take the time to review the contract terms and compare them to your existing contract.
• Watch out for promises of cost savings that are too-good-to-be-true. You may end up paying more in the long run.
• Do your research including an online scan of the company. Is this an organization you trust to be there if you have problems with your water heater in the future?
EnerCare also suggests that new homeowners watch out for door-to-door sales people refusing to leave marketing material behind or who don't clearly identify which company they represent. Know that EnerCare, Direct Energy, government agencies and utilities do not promote the exchange of water heaters door-to-door.
New home owners can learn more about how better to protect themselves by visiting www.FactsBeforeYouAct.ca


Like A Hawke, 
Susan 

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Thursday 19 December 2013

High home energy score could help sell home

Looking to boost the resale value of your home? Knowing its energy score could help.


(NC) An energy score is an rating given to your home after it has been audited by a professional home energy auditor. Similar to a house's walking score, an energy score can be listed on the MLS listing for your home, and it can be a selling point for potential buyers.
Assessing previous energy bills are not always indicative of the actual energy efficiency of the home. Often times, energy bills reflect the lifestyle of the residents, not the house's efficiency. An energy audit and energy score provides potential buyers the actual efficiency of your home.
An energy audit rates your home's energy efficiency level on a scale of zero to 100. The more energy efficient the home is, the higher the score. A rating of zero represents a home with major air leakage, no insulation and extremely high energy consumption, whereas a rating of 80 represents an airtight, well-insulated, and sufficiently ventilated home with high-efficiency equipment.
During an energy audit, homeowners receive recommendations on upgrades that can help make their home more energy efficient.
If you decide to sell, be sure to tell your realtor about Enbridge Gas Distribution's Home Rating program. By having your realtor include your energy score on your MLS listing and other marketing material, you are letting potential buyers know that they can save on their energy costs.
For more information on your home's energy efficiency, visit www.knowyourenergyscore.ca.


Like A Hawke, 
Susan 

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Fresh New Year, fresh new you


(NC) There's no better time than the arrival of the new year to resolve to eat better. But “better” doesn't have to mean boring; not with ample supplies of fresh blueberries, nature's perfect “superfood”, available all winter long.  Chile's blueberry crop is being harvested right now, during the southern hemisphere's summer, arriving in Canada fresh, juicy and just in time to ring in a healthy and delicious new year.
Fresh blueberries are low in calories (just 80 calories in one cup), making them the ideal snack or ingredient to add to all kinds of recipes, like the one below -- a fresh blueberry smoothie that can serve as a nutritious start to the day or a midday boost.
In addition to that sweet and tangy flavor and maximum convenience, what's great about blueberries is the powerful nutritional punch they pack: research has shown that the polyphenols in fresh blueberries not only help prevent certain cancers, but these antioxidant-rich little blue dynamos* can help reduce the risk of heart disease, and their abundant anti-inflammatory properties can help skin stay looking younger longer. With all this going for them, there's no reason not to make fresh blueberries from Chile part of any New Year's resolution.
Fresh blueberries from Chile are grown according to the highest standards for product quality and purity, meeting or exceeding all Canadian government regulations. State-of-the-art packing and exporting methods ensure that the blueberries you find in the supermarket are fresh, ripe and ready to help get the new year off to a healthy start.    
For more recipe ideas or information about Blueberries from Chile, visit www.fruitsfromchile.com/blueberryrecipes.
Berry blue smoothie
Ingredients
2 cups fresh or slightly thawed frozen Chilean blueberries
1 6-ounce container low-fat vanilla or other flavored yogurt
1 cup fruit juice, such as orange, pineapple or apple
1 tablespoon honey or sugar, more or less to taste
Instructions
Place blueberries, yogurt, juice and honey in a blender. Whirl until smooth. Serve immediately.
Serves: 3
Recipe courtesy of the US Highbush Blueberry Council


Like A Hawke, Susan Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Wednesday 18 December 2013

DECOR & INSPIRATION HOW-TO: Welcome the Holidays






via Rue


Like A Hawke,
Susan


 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Tuesday 17 December 2013

Tips for Selling Your Home in The Winter




What makes selling a home more stressful? Selling it in the middle of winter.

If you do it right, you can really make your house stand out.
1. Keep snow and ice at bay.
The top tip from agents: If the buyer can't get in easily, the house won't sell. That means keeping walkways and driveways free of the frozen stuff. Just like trimming the lawn in the summer, you want to make the home look like it's been maintained. If you're away frequently or live in an area that's subject to bad weather, it can pay to hire a service to regularly salt or shovel the driveway and sidewalks.

2. Warm it up.
If you're showing during the winter, think "warm, cozy and homey," says Ken Libby, owner of Stowe Realty in Stowe, Vt., and a regional vice president of the National Association of Realtors.

Before a buyer comes through, adjust the thermostat to a warmer temperature to make it welcoming. "Sellers like to turn the temperature down because of heat costs," says David Ledebuhr, president and owner of Musselman Realty in East Lansing, Mich., and a regional vice president of the National Association of Realtors. "But buyers who come in and aren't comfortable won't stay long."
If you have a gas fireplace, turning it on right before the tour can give the house a little ambience, Libby says.
With a wood-burning fireplace, you've got to be a little more careful. If the house is vacant, don't chance it. But if you're still living there and will be there during the tour, it can be a nice touch.
Many times, sellers leave right before the agent and prospective buyers arrive. In that case, adjust the heat to a comfortable temperature and have the hearth set for a fire. Buyers feel the warmth and see the potential, and you don't have to worry about safety concerns.
3. Take advantage of natural light.
"Encourage showing during the high-daylight hours," Ledebuhr says. At this time of year, "if you show after work, you're totally in the dark."

Make the most of the light you do have. Have the curtains and blinds cleaned and open them as wide as possible during daytime showings. Clean all the lamps and built-in fixtures, and replace the bulbs with the highest wattage that they will safely accommodate. Before you show the house, turn on all the lights.
4. Get the windows washed.
"Buyers act on the first impression," Ledebuhr says. Windows are one thing that many sellers don't even consider. In winter, that strong southern light can reveal grime and make it look like the home hasn't been well-maintained.

5. Play music softly in the background.
To create a little atmosphere, tune the radio to the local classical station. Turn it down so that you barely hear it in the background. "It's soothing," says Libby, who finds that soft classical music tends to have the most appeal to buyers. "I think people tend to stay around a little longer and look a little longer."

6. Make it comfortable and cozy.
Set the scene and help the buyers see themselves living happily in this house. Consider things such as putting a warm throw on the sofa or folding back the thick comforter on the bed. Tap into "the simple things this time of year that make you feel like you're home," Phipps says.

7. Emphasize winter positives.
Is your home on a bus route or some other vital service that means it's plowed or de-iced regularly in bad weather? Be sure to mention that to the buyers.

8. Set up timers.
You want your home to look warm and welcoming whenever prospective buyers drive past. But you're not home all the time, so put indoor and outdoor lights on timers, Phipps says.

Look at the outside lighting around the door. Is there enough illumination to make it inviting? If not, either get the fixtures changed or have new ones added.
9. Make it festive.
Even if you're not actually going to be present, greet your buyers as if they were going to be guests at a party, Phipps says. Set up the dinner table with the good china and silver. Have a plate of cookies for your guests, some warm cider or even chilled bottles of water.

"First impressions are so powerful," Phipps says. "If it looks like you're expecting me and greeting me as company, that's a powerful impact."
10. Give the home a nice aroma.
The No. 1 favorite? "Chocolate-chip cookies," Libby says. "Just about everybody likes that smell."

Other popular scents: cinnamon rolls, freshly baked bread, apple pie, apple cider or anything with vanilla, cinnamon or yeast.
"But don't overdo it, either," Ledebuhr says. Scented candles in every room or those plug-in air fresheners can leave buyers wondering what you're trying to mask.
Watch the bad smells, too. Pet smells, smoke and musty odors can cling to curtains and carpets. Ask your real-estate agent or a friend to give it a sniff test. Then clean the house, air it out and replace drapes, carpets or rugs before you show it.
11. Protect your investment.
Some sellers (or their agents) will ask buyers to either remove shoes or slip on paper "booties" over their footwear before touring the house. Many buyers like that, Phipps says. It indicates a "pride of ownership and meticulousness that resonates with buyers," he says.

12. Use the season to your advantage.
While the holidays are over (and the Christmas and Hanukkah stuff should come down), you can still use winter wreaths and dried arrangements around the door to spark interest. "Anything seasonally appropriate is fun," Phipps says.

In the winter, with the leaves off the trees, you might also have a nice view that isn't as apparent in the spring and summer months. It's a great time to sell waterfront properties, Phipps says. "You can see the views better this time of year."
13. Consider the area.
In some parts of the country, such as ski areas or warmer regions where the snowbirds flock, winter weather can actually be a selling point. "We're right in the middle of our selling season," says Libby, who is located in Vermont. "It's not always spring and summer."


Like A Hawke, 
Susan 

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Monday 16 December 2013

How to Choose the Right Color Palette for your Home


I found an interesting article about paint colours.  It is one of the most asked questions.
Don't forget! I will be continuing my complimentary home staging to qualified Sellers
in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario for 2014.
Here's the colour article.


Like A Hawke,

Susan


 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Friday 13 December 2013

Favorite White Paints



Favorite Benjamin Moore whites: 
• True white: Decorator’s White, Super White, Snow White 
• Ivory white: Atrium White, Navajo White
• Grey white: Dune White 
• Grey-Green: White Wisp


See more neutral rooms that sell a house here.  

Like A Hawke, 
Susan 

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Wednesday 11 December 2013

Simple and Tasteful Christmas Decorating When Your House Is For Sale














Like A Hawke,
Susan

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Tuesday 10 December 2013

Colour Trends 2014












Like A Hawke,


Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Monday 9 December 2013

SAULT STE. MARIE RECEIVES TOP HONOURS AT THIS YEAR’S COMMUNITY CONSERVATION AWARDS

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2013 12 09

SAULT STE. MARIE RECEIVES TOP HONOURS
AT THIS YEAR’S COMMUNITY CONSERVATION AWARDS

(Sault Ste. Marie, ON) Sault Ste. Marie has been recognized for its commitment to
energy-savings initiatives as a recipient of the 2013 Community Conservation Awards.
The awards celebrate the leadership and innovation that municipalities across the
province are demonstrating to support province-wide conservation goals. Sault Ste.
Marie is among three winners, including Burlington and South-West Oxford.

Now in its second year, the awards are a collaborative effort supported by the Ontario
Power Authority (OPA), the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and the
Electricity Distributors Association (EDA). The winners received their awards at the
December 6, 2013 Local Authority Services Symposium, organized by AMO. Sault Ste.
Marie was recognized for the 50,000 to 150,000 population category.

The Community Conservation Awards promote a culture of conservation and encourage
Ontario’s municipalities to participate in conservation activities. Municipalities are
recognized for their efforts in the areas of: conservation leadership, innovation and
market transformation, corporate/internal and community engagement, and
conservation achievements/savings.

The Community Conservation Awards are open to all cities, towns and municipalities in
Ontario. Participating communities are required to provide a written submission that
outlines their conservation efforts and a recent case study that highlights their specific
conservation initiative.

“The City of Sault Ste. Marie has been working towards a culture of conservation for
over 5 years, and is proud to be the successful recipient of the Ontario Power
Authority’s Community Conservation Award,” said Steve Butland, Sault Ste. Marie Ward
Councillor. “Our partnership with the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre’s Community
Geomatics Centre on the Environmental Initiatives Map has expanded this mandate and
increased the awareness of our efforts to the community.”

- More –

The Corporation of the City of Sault Ste. Marie
PO Box 580 ~ 99 Foster Drive ~ Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5N1
Telephone: (705) 759-2500 ~ Fax: (705) 759-2310
www.cityssm.on.ca


Like A Hawke, Susan Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Top Ten "Turquoise" Paint Colors


is an amazing blog resource
for inspiration and decorating ideas.
I love it!






Like A Hawke, Susan Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Friday 6 December 2013

How to save money and energy this winter


(NC) Most of the energy used by individual Ontarians goes to heating and cooling homes. During the long and cold winter heating season, there are a number of ways to cut back and save on bills. Enbridge Gas Distribution provides the following tips to save you a few dollars this New Year.:
In the kitchen
• Turn the oven off a few minutes before the cooking time is over. The heat remaining in the oven will finish the job.
• Only preheat the oven for baking – and then, only for about seven minutes. Most foods, such as roasts and casseroles, don't need a preheated oven to cook properly.
In the washroom
• Sing shorter songs in the shower. The average shower is about eight minutes. Try reducing to five or six.
• Install energy-efficient showerheads.
• The best temperature for your water heater is 54 degrees Celsius. That's hot enough for washing, showers and baths, and reduces the risk of scalding.
In the basement
• When you replace your old electric water heater, consider a tankless natural gas water heater as it heats water only as needed.
• Replace the furnace filter every three months (or clean a permanent one). When the filter is dirty, airflow is restricted and the furnace must work harder, requiring more energy.
• Keep vents and air returns free of obstructions. Furniture, dust, or pet hair can block vents, reducing airflow and the efficiency of the furnace.
In the family room
• If you have a wood-burning fireplace, keep the damper closed when not in use. This helps prevent cold outside air from coming down the flue and warm inside air rising out of it.
• If you purchase a natural gas fireplace, consider a direct vent model. It uses outside air for combustion instead of drawing air from the home.
For more ways to save energy and money in your home, visit www.EnbridgeGas.com

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Thursday 5 December 2013

RE/MAX: Our Purpose

Like A Hawke, Susan Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

How to break free from unhealthy behaviour

(NC) -- Do you recycle New Year's resolutions?
Once again we tell ourselves: Lose weight. Don't eat sugar or white flour. Go to the gym five days a week. Does that sound familiar?


These old resolutions are the “repent” phase of the 'eat-repent-repeat' cycle that keeps people trapped in old behaviours. Since resolutions are all about change, now is the time to think about making new New Year's Resolutions.
Tristaca Curley, a registered dietitian and author of Fuelingwithfood.com, suggests setting the following goals that are positive, mindful, and apply common-sense principles of balance and moderation:
Eat what you love. Instead of focusing on what you can't have, remember all foods can fit into a healthy diet—including favourites like a slice of pizza, a can of soda, and even chocolate.
As Mary Poppins said: “Enough is as good as a feast.” This sage advice can take many forms. Share a small pizza instead of a large one. Make snack-size bags of nuts and dried fruit to take to work. Opt for smaller portions of your favourite food and beverages, such as Coke mini-cans or a few squares of chocolate, to satisfy your cravings.
Love what you eat. Mindful eating—or, eating with intention and attention—allows you to enjoy eating more, while eating less. We often eat out of boredom or habit, but by shifting focus, you will soon learn to enjoy food.
Curley recommends, “Eat with the intention when you're done of feeling better than when you started. Savour the experience and the appearance, flavours, aromas and textures of food. Finally, listen to your body's cues that you're full so that you don't over-indulge.”
Do what you love. Too often people use exercise as a way to pay penance for eating the wrongfood or to earn the right to eat. This negative approach makes exercise difficult to enjoy and sustain.
The key to healthy living is discovering physical activity that you really like. Remember when you were a kid? Did you love to play ball, ride your bike, or walk around with your friends? Nobody made you do that—it was just fun.
You may be on your way to a new you.

Like A Hawke,
Susan


 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada