Tuesday, 30 October 2018

20 Things Everyone Should Do Before Leaving for Vacation

It’s getting to be that time of the year once again. The weather is starting to improve, school breaks are starting to take place, and seemingly everyone is beginning to dream about taking the long-awaited (and well-deserved) vacation.

If you’re about to head out for your vacation, then it’s important that you prepare yourself. Of course, you’ll want to make sure that you’re bringing everything that you need while you’re away from home… But, before you even set foot outside of your front door, there are some things you should tend to on the homefront.

In the list below about 20 things that absolutely everyone should do before they leave on their vacation. Hopefully you already know to do many of these things, but even so it never hurts to have a friendly reminder. And, for all of you out there that always worry that you left the stove on or something of that manner, then these are definitely things you’ll want to take care of…

1. Clear Out Your Wallet

It’s time to clean out that George Costanza wallet that you’ve been carrying around for all of these years!

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2. Need them All?

Do you need to bring every credit card you have on vacation? If not, it may be best to leave a few of them at home.

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3. Hold the Mail

When robbers see mail stockpiling in a box, they know that’s a green light. Get the post office to hold your mail before you leave.

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4. Photographs of Travel Documents

Protect yourself by keeping a few pictures of your travel documents on your smartphone.

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5. Email Them Too

In fact, in case you lose your smartphone, you may wish to email photographs of your travel documents to yourself too!

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6. Call the Bank

Especially if you’re traveling far away, make sure your bank knows. Otherwise, you might have access to your account suspended, which is never fun.

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7. Reading Materials

Don’t overpay for reading material at the airport! Head out to a magazine rack before you leave.

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8. Load Up Your Tablet

In fact, if you have a tablet, then there’s no reason to pay for physical books and magazines. Load that tablet of yours right up!

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9. Wash the Sheets

Give yourself a great home to return to by taking the time to wash your sheets and make the bed before departing.

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10. Settle the Bills

Nothing’s worse than coming home to find one of your utilities has been turned off… So, pay those bills before you leave!

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11. Automatic Payments

In fact, if you really want to make your life easier, then finally get around to arranging those automatic payments.

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12. Clean the Refrigerator

Coming home to a stinky refrigerator is the worst. Clean out everything that will expire while you’re away on vacation.

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13. Empty the Trash

Speaking of not wanting to come home to nasty smells, make sure the garbage bins are all empty before you leave!

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14. Unplug Appliances

Appliances still draw power when they’re off and plugged in. So, unplug those appliances while you’re gone.

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15. Switch It Off

Make sure that anything that can’t be unplugged is switched off before you leave.

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16. The Work Calendar

Get a jump on what you’ll be returning to when you’re done with your vacation by updating your work calendar before you leave.

17. Automated Email Response

After you’re through sorting your work calendar out, it’s time to type up that automated email response that means vacation is here!

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18. Checklist Time

Want to make sure you don’t forget anything? Make a checklist of what you need to bring before you start packing…

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19. Check Your Checklist

And remember that checklist is only good if you use it… So, double-check yourself as you’re packing!

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20. Check the Stove

Come on, you did't really think I'd let you go without this time - old advice. Double-check that the stove is turned off!

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area! 604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

Monday, 29 October 2018

10 Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips

If you will be taking your kids Trick-or-Treating, you not only want them to have fun going door to door stocking up on candy, but to stay safe while doing so! Keep in mind these 10 Halloween safety tips to have the best time Trick-or-Treating!

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1. Plan your route in advance

Trick-or-treating could take you several streets away from your house, which can cause sore legs and a bit of frustration. Avoid long paths by mapping out a route before leaving the house. Stick to paths that you and your child are familiar with to avoid getting lost.

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2. Use the buddy system

As your children get a little older, they may not want their parents tagging along while they trick-or-treat. You know your kids the best, of course, but most Halloween safety tips recommend that parents accompany children under 12. If your older child is venturing out without you, make sure that he or she will be with at least a few friends the entire night. And don’t leave anyone alone—if some of the more adventurous kiddos can’t wait to check out the neighbor’s spooky haunted house display, but one of the children is a bit more reticent, make sure someone agrees to stay with him or her, at a designated place, before everyone takes off.

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3. Stay on the sidewalk

Your kids know not to stray into the road when they’re walking to school. But on Halloween, when kids are running amok all over the neighborhood from house to house, it may seem like all bets are off. It’s essential to make sure that your kids are still following basic safety rules, like staying on the sidewalks and looking both ways before crossing the street. On busier roads, be sure to use the crosswalk and make absolutely sure that any approaching drivers can see you. Be careful about sprinting across unfamiliar lawns, too; in the dark, it can be tricky to see decorations or other tripping hazards lurking in the yard.

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4. Wear comfy shoes

Make sure you and your children are in comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Girls in dresses should avoid heels, and all shoelaces should be double-tied to avoid tripping in the dark.

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5. Stay well-lit

No matter how cool your child’s costume may be, it shouldn’t forego safety. If the costume is dark in color, apply reflective tape to your child’s costume to ensure they are seen by drivers on the road. Also, carry a flashlight with you to keep your child’s path lit at all times.

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6. Make sure all costumes are short

Long costumes that drag on the ground can be dangerous, especially at night. After purchasing your child’s costume, make sure it’s an appropriate length, and hem anything that’s too long to avoid tripping.

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7. Avoid masks

Masks might look cool, but you should proceed with caution since they don’t really adhere to most Halloween safety tips. Many masks can make it difficult for your child to see or breathe. If possible, skip the mask altogether and use non-toxic make-up to complete the costume instead.

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8. Use flexible props

Try to avoid costumes that have weapons as accessories. But if your child’s costume won’t be complete without a weapon, make sure it is rubber or plastic. Choose a prop that won’t cause injury to your child or their friends.

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9. Be mindful of the candy you hand out

Halloween safety tips don’t just apply to your own children. If your neighborhood has a lot of tiny tots, you might want to steer clear of candies like Everlasting Gobstoppers or Skittles, which could present a choking hazard. If you yourself have a child under the age of three, make sure you check their candy haul and remove anything they could choke on, too. And don’t forget that not all kids can safely eat every type of candy. Opt for regular M &M’s rather than peanut ones to avoid triggering any peanut allergies. If you buy a variety pack of mini candy bars that includes Snickers, maybe skip the peanut-filled bars in your treat bowl. (Hey, there’s an excuse to eat them yourself!)

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10. Check your child’s candy

When sorting through candy at the end of the night, be sure to throw away any candy that is not in its original wrapper, or looks as though it has been opened.

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This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

Friday, 26 October 2018

My 5 favourite local Breweries in Vancouver

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1.33 Acres Brewing Company
15 W 8th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1M8
http://33acresbrewing.com/

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33 Acres Brewing Company is located in Vancouver near a synthesis of forest and the Pacific. Itʼs here theyʼve carved out a space to foster collectivity and fine craft beer. They hold that quality product exists in solidarity with working among friends, family, and community. This is an inclusive space; they value innovation in both their craft and design. Their common area was created to align these fundamentals with the simple aesthetics of their surrounding environment.

2. Parallel 49 Brewing Company

1950 Triumph St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1K5

http://parallel49brewing.com/

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Parallel 49 has a great vibe and a great big patio. Unlike most breweries, they actually serve food in a food truck that sits inside the actual brewery! With a lot of beers, you can probably do a few flights without repeating. Lots to try and lots on tap...

3. East Van Brewing Company

1675 Venables St, Vancouver, BC V5L 2H1

http://www.eastvanbrewing.com/

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East Vancouver Brewing Company is your Vancouver based producer of fine beers, crafted for their namesake community from which they draw inspiration. Inspired by Community.

They have 12 beers on tap. 5 core beers and 7 seasonal or sometimes a guest tap. They also have cider, wine, cocktails and beer cocktails!

4. Brassneck Brewery

2148 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C5

http://brassneck.ca/

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The public space at Brassneck, i.e. the Growler Shop & Tasting Room are designed to have their customers feel as though they are part of their process. The brew house & cellar wrap around the tasting room & growler shop putting you in the very heart of the Brewery.

5. Yellow Dog Brewery Co.
2817 Murray St #1, Port Moody, BC V3H 1X3
http://www.yellowdogbeer.com/

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Yellow Dog Brewing is a family-run brewery focused on producing high quality locally crafted beer for everyone to enjoy.

Their tasting room is right beside the brewery. In fact, you can take a look through door and admire both sides of the business at the same time.
The tasting room is where you can stop in with the whole family and enjoy a glass, pint, or you favourite four beers on what tasting rooms lovingly nickname, a 'Flight' of beer. The name for the beer tasting paddle really could have been called anything. A 'Litter' of beer? A 'Congregation' of Ales? But, the 'Flight' refers to a trip, or a voyage you take when you can enjoy a properly assembled 'Flight'. Have a nice flight!

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This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

Hottest Interior Paint Colors of 2019

Color experts at major paint manufacturers create palettes that help make it easier for you to choose. They’re also involved in naming each color, which is serious business because the name can influence shoppers’ picks. Most of this work happens quietly, behind the scenes. But there’s one task that puts color experts in the limelight: predicting the paint color that will be the hit of the year.

Seven trending colors and ideas for using them in your home:

1. Metropolitan AF-690(Benjamin Moore)

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* Described as: A stylish gray with cool undertones.

* Why it’s hot: This neutral creates a soothing and contemplative state of mind.

* Where to use it: On bathroom & living room walls, with warm colors balancing its coolness. Use this color to add a soothing touch to a sleek kitchen; for a look that’s dreamy and sophisticated, try this soft gray in a bedroom.
* Recommended sheen: Traditionally, a flat finish is used on the ceiling, eggshell on walls, and semi-gloss on trim, but high-gloss and matte finishes can be used almost anywhere for a more stylized look.
* Where to buy: Select paint and hardware stores

2. Stainless Steel 37B-4(Clark+Kensington)

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* Described as: A fresh color, similar to periwinkle, that can brighten a space.
* Why it’s hot: “It can be paired with neutral oranges or charcoals that bring a sense of creativity to a room
* Where to use it: In a living room or bedroom, as an accent.
* Recommended sheen: Satin or eggshell. What's the difference? Satin is slightly shinier. Both are easier to clean than flat and matte paints. Take time prepping your walls to get them as smooth as possible—these sheens tend to accentuate surface imperfections.
* Where to buy: Ace Hardware.

3. Reflecting Pool HGSW2324 (HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams)

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* Described as: Soft and calming when combined with natural hues, but energizing and fun when used with vivid and bold colors.

* Why it’s hot: It speaks to balance, but with a bit of flair that embraces optimism and a sense of humor.
* Where to use it: Try it in any room; it’s versatile.
* Recommended sheen: For a soft look, use a flat sheen.
* Where to buy: Lowe’s

4. Blueprint S470-5 (Behr)

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* Described as: Warmer than denim, but softer than navy

* Why it’s hot: People naturally gravitate toward blue, and this shade is midrange and commands attention but isn’t overwhelming.
* Where to use it: In the kitchen/bedroom/bathroom for an accent wall - blue has a calming effect. Another option? Paint a door, coffee table or bench this color to reimagine a space in a less dramatic way.
* Recommended sheen: A matte or eggshell sheen in a bedroom or living space makes this color feel softer and more subdued. In semi-gloss, it adds a lustrous pop of color to cabinets or even a front door.
* Where to buy: Home Depot

5. Night Watch PPG1145-7 (PPG Diamond)

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* Described as: A classic shade of green. It resembles the deep green hue found in forests
* Why it’s hot: It reflects our craving for a connection with nature.
* Where to use it: In a dining area or on an accent wall in a bedroom. Because it conjures nature, this green is helpful in areas that don’t have views of the outdoors.
* Recommended sheen: Satin or semi-gloss adds an element of luxury, especially in a powder room. Flat and eggshell, however, allow the color to act more as a neutral, while furniture and other elements in the room stand out.
* Where to buy: Home Depot

6. Orange Slice 2002-1B (Valspar)

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* Described as: A zesty orange, according to the manufacturer.
* Why it’s hot: Experimenting with this color is easy.
* Where to use it: Your home office or an extra bedroom. Play with contrasting hues, such as a minty green, pale yellow, and neutral gray for an interesting whole-room palette.
* Recommended sheen: When using intense colors, choose a low sheen to balance the visual stimulation.
* Where to buy: Lowe’s (Valspar Signature) and Ace Hardware (Valspar Optimus)

7. Cavern Clay SW7701(Sherwin-Williams)

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* Described as: A warm terra-cotta that brings the outdoors in—think canyons and deserts.
* Why it’s hot: It represents the growing popularity of the desert-modern style, which is where mid-century modern meets the American Southwest.
* Where to use it: A kitchen, a dining area, or a room to relax in, as shown above. This hue pairs well with bright tiles, warm stone, and greenery.
* Recommended sheen: Flat, typically, to hide surface imperfections on walls.
* Where to buy: Sherwin-Williams stores

What's Your Hot Color of 2019? Tell us below

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This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.