Make Yourself At Home - Fall 2023

Dear Homeowners

���� WelcometotheSeasonofChangeandCelebration! ����

Asthevibrantcolorsofsummergivewaytothewarmhuesofautumn,we're excitedtoembracethemagicofthisspecialtimetogether.Whetheryou'rea studentembarkingonanewacademicjourney,aloverofcozysweatersand pumpkinspice,orsomeoneeagerlyawaitingthespooktacularfunof Halloween,thisseasonhassomethingforeveryone.

�� BacktoSchool:Anewchapterbeginsasstudentsreturntoclassrooms, armedwithcuriosityanddetermination.Maythisacademicyearbefilledwith growth,discovery,andthejoyoflearning.

�� FallDelights:Getreadytorelishinthebeautyofchangingleaves,crispair, andapple-pickingadventures.Let'sgather'roundforpumpkincarving, hayrides,andallthingsautumnal.

�� HalloweenThrills:ThechillsofHalloweenarejustaroundthecorner,bringing withthemaworldofcostumes,candy,andenchantment.Embracethespooky funandletyourimaginationrunwild!

Joinusincelebratingthejoy,learning,andlaughterthatthisseasonbrings. Whetherit'safreshlysharpenedpencil,asteamingcupofcider,orthethrillof trick-or-treating,there'salittlesomethingforeveryoneinthesecoming months.

Wishingyouaback-to-schoolseasonfilledwithsuccess,afallbrimmingwith coziness,andaHalloweenthat'sdelightfullyeerie.Let'smakethisseasononeto remember!

TheJoyofFall: Nature’sCanvasofSplender

Fallisaseasonthatcaptivatestheheartsandsoulsofpeoplearoundthe world.It'satimewhennaturetransformsitselfintoalivingmasterpiece, paintinglandscapeswithwarmandvibranthues.Beyondthecolorfulfoliage, there'sauniqueandindescribablejoythatcomeswithFall.Inthisarticle,we willdelveintothemanyfacetsofthisenchantingseasonandexplorethe profoundjoyitbringstoourlives.

ARIOTOFCOLOURS

Perhapsthemosticonicaspect ofautumnisthestunning transformationoftreesand foliage Asthetemperaturescool anddaylightwanes,chlorophyll productioninleavesdiminishes, allowingotherpigmentstoshine through.Theresultisa breathtakingdisplayofreds, oranges,yellows,andbrowns thatignitethelandscapewith warmthandbeauty.Thejoyof autumnisembodiedinthe simpleactoftakingaleisurely strollamidstthesevibranttrees, whereeverystepislikestepping intoapainting.

COZYCOMFORTS

Asthedaysgrowshorterandnightscooler,there'saninherentcomfortinthe actofcozyingup.Sweaters,scarves,andblanketsbecomewardrobestaples, andthewarmthofacracklingfireorasteamingcupofcocoaisespecially inviting.Thejoyofautumnliesinthesesimple,comfortingmomentsthat encourageustoslowdownandrelishlife'ssmallpleasures.

CRISP,REFRESHINGAIR

Aftertheswelteringheatofsummer,the arrivalofcooler,crisperairisawelcome relief Autumn'srefreshingbreezes invigoratethesensesandprovidethe perfectbackdropforoutdooractivitieslike hiking,picnicking,orsimplysittingona porchswingwithawarmcupoftea.The clean,invigoratingairoffallfillsourlungs andrejuvenatesourspirits,remindingusof thesimplejoysoflife.

BOUNTIFULHARVESTS

Autumnisaseasonof plenty,asgardensand orchardsburstforthwith thefruitsoftheirlabor

Fromplumppumpkins andjuicyapplestoa

cornucopiaofvegetables, thejoyofautumnextends tothebountifulharvests

thatgraceourtables.There'ssomethingdeeplysatisfyingaboutindulgingin seasonaldishesandsavoringtherich,earthyflavorsthatautumnprovides

TIMEFORREFLECTION

Autumnhasawayofencouraging introspection.Perhapsit'sthe peacefulrustlingofleavesorthe senseoftransitionintheair,butmany findthemselvesinacontemplative moodduringthisseason.It'satimeto reflectontheyeargoneby,setnew goals,andappreciatethebeautyof change,bothinnatureandinourown lives.

Thejoyofautumnisfoundinitsability totouchoursensesandoursouls.It'sa seasonthatremindsusofthebeautyin lettinggo,inembracingchange,andin findingsolaceinthesimplepleasures oflife Whetherit'stheradiantcolors, thecrispair,thebountifulharvests,or thecozycomforts,autumnpaintsa

pictureofjoythatlingersinourheartslongaftertheleaveshavefallen Aswe celebratethisseasonoftransformation,letusrevelinitsuniquecharmandfindjoy ineveryfallingleafandcool,refreshingbreeze.

CreativeBack-to-School(and Back-to-Work)LunchIdeasfor HappyTummies

Quickandeasylunchideasareessentialforback-to-schoolorback-to-work dayswhentimeislimited Herearesomedeliciousandsimplelunchideasthat youcanpackaheadoftime:

PastaSalad:Cook yourfavoritepasta (suchaspenneor rotini)andtossit withcherry tomatoes,diced cucumbers,olives, fetacheese,anda lightvinaigrette dressing.Thissalad canbeservedcold andisperfectfora fillingandrefreshing lunch.

MasonJarSalads: Prepareavariety ofsaladsinmason jarstoenjoy throughoutthe week.Layer ingredientslike cherrytomatoes, cucumbers, carrots,grilled chicken,andmixed greens Keepthe dressingseparate andadditjust beforeeatingto keepthesalad fresh.

TurkeyandCheese

Wraps:Takea wholewheattortilla andfillitwithsliced turkey,yourfavorite cheese,lettuce,and anyotherveggies youlike.Rollitup tightlyandsecureit withatoothpickor wrapitin

parchmentpaper foraconvenient andmess-free lunch

BentoBox:Createabento-stylelunch bypackingavarietyofbite-sizeditems inalunchcontainerwithdividers. Includeitemslikeslicedfruits,cheese cubes,delimeats,whole-grain crackers,andbabycarrotsfora balancedandfunlunch

VeggieandHummusPlatter:Sliceupan assortmentofcolorfulvegetableslikebell peppers,carrots,cucumber,andcherry tomatoes.Pairthemwithyourfavoritehummus foranutritiousandsatisfyinglunchoption

GreekYogurt

Parfait:Layer Greekyogurtwith granola,fresh berries,anda drizzleofhoneyin aportable container.This quickand nutritiouslunch optionisperfect forthosewitha sweettooth.

Remembertousereusablecontainersandinsulatedlunchbagstokeepyour foodfreshandsafethroughouttheday.Theseeasylunchideaswillsaveyou timeandmoneywhileprovidingyouwithdeliciousandwholesomemealsto fuelyourbusydaysatschoolorwork

SteppingBackfromTooMuch Technology: HowtoChangeOldHabitsand RediscoverBalance

Intoday'sdigitalage, technologyhasbecome anintegralpartofourdaily lives,offeringconvenience, connectivity,and efficiency.However, excessiverelianceon technologycanleadto negativeconsequences, suchasdecreased productivity,disrupted sleeppatterns,and diminishedsocial interactions.Ifyoufind yourselfstuckinacycleof toomuchtechnologyand wishtoregainbalance,this articleprovidespractical tipsandstrategiesto changeoldhabitsand stepbackfromexcessive screentime.

Acknowledgethe Impact: Thefirststepin breakingoldhabits isrecognizingthe impactof excessive technologyuseon yourlife.Reflecton howmuchtime youspendon digitaldevices,the activitiesyou sacrifice,andhow itaffectsyourwellbeing Identifying thenegative aspectswill motivateyouto makeachange andfindhealthier alternatives.

SetClearGoals: Defineyourgoals forreducing technologyusage andsetclearand achievabletargets. Whetherit's reducingscreen timebyacertain numberofhoursper dayorengagingin moreoffline activities,having specificobjectives willguideyour effortsandkeep youontrack

CreateaTechnology Schedule: Designatespecific timesforusing technologyandstick toaschedule.Limit youruseduringwork hours,mealtimes, andbeforebedtime. Consider implementing"techfree"zonesinyour home,suchasthe diningroomor bedroom,tofoster betterface-to-face interactionsand improvesleep quality.

Practicemindfulnesstobecomemoreawareofyourtechnologyhabits

Wheneveryoufeeltheurgetopickupyourphoneorengageinmindless scrolling,pauseandaskyourselfifitalignswithyourgoals.Mindfulnesswill helpyoumakeconsciouschoicesandbreakthecycleofautomatic technologyuse.

FindOfflineActivities:

Rediscoverthejoyofofflineactivities Engageinhobbies,sports,orcreative pursuitsthatdonotinvolvescreens.Spendtimeoutdoors,readbooks,cook,or exercisetoshiftyourfocusawayfromtechnologyandenrichyourlifewith fulfillingexperiences.

SocializeinPerson:

Reconnectwithfriendsandfamilyin personwheneverpossible.Plan outings,gatherings,orsocialevents thatencourageface-to-face interactions.Real-lifeconnections providedeeperandmoremeaningful experiencesthanvirtualinteractions

BePatientandForgiving:

Changingoldhabitstakestimeandeffort,and setbacksarenatural Bepatientwithyourself andforgiveslip-upsalongtheway Celebrate yourprogress,nomatterhowsmall,andremain committedtoyouroverallgoalofstepping backfromexcessivetechnology.

Steppingbackfromtoomuch technologyisajourneytowards rediscoveringbalanceand livingamorefulfillinglife.By acknowledgingtheimpactof technology,settingcleargoals, andembracingofflineactivities, youcangraduallybreakold habitsandcreateahealthier relationshipwithdigitaldevices. Embracemindfulness,seek support,andbepatientwith yourselfasyoumakeprogress towardfindingaharmonious balancebetweenthedigital worldandthebeautyofthe presentmoment

MeetYourNeighbours

HeatherGiasson R.AC

MeetHeatherGiasson,askilledand dedicatedRegisteredAcupuncturist withyearsofexperienceinhelping peopleachieveoptimalhealthand wellbeing.Withapassionfor musculoskeletalsupportandinjury recovery Heatherhashonedher expertiseinusingtheartofacupuncture toalleviatepain,reducestress,and promotehealingbyrestoringbalanceto thebody.Throughtheprecise placementofneedles,Heatherhas successfullyaidedcountlessindividuals inovercomingmusculoskeletalissues andrecoveringfrominjuries.

Havingworkedwithadiverserangeof clients,Heatherunderstandthe importanceofaholisticapproachto wellness Shebelievesintreatingthe wholeperson,notjustthesymptoms, andiscommittedtoguidingherclients onajourneytowardsabundantvitality. Mindsetandpersonalgrowth challengesoftenarrivesimultaneously intimesofillnessandinjury,and Heatherissupportiveandintuitiveguide throughthatprocessofcallingforward yourinnerresilienceandbody'shealing potential.

Withawarmandcompassionate approach,Heathercreatesawelcoming environmentwhereclientscanfeelat ease

Ifyou'reseekingacaringandexperienced acupuncturistwithexperiencein musculoskeletalsupport,injuryrecovery, stressreductionandoverallwell-being, looknofurtherthanHeatherGiasson.Your journeytoahealthier,morebalancedlife startshere.

Spooktacular Halloween Decorating and Food Ideas: A Hauntingly Fun Celebration

Halloweenisatimeforeerieenchantment,wickeddelights,andspine-chilling thrills Whetheryou'rehostingahauntedhousepartyorsimplylookingtoadda touchofHalloweenmagictoyourhome,creativedecorationsandspooky treatsareessentialforsettingthescene.Thisarticlewillguideyouthrougha collectionofHalloweendecoratingandfoodideasthatwilldelightguestsofall agesandmakeyourcelebrationaghoulishlygoodtime.

MakeYourselfatHome|Page12

PumpkinPatch:Carveorpaintpumpkinswithcreepy facesandplacethemstrategicallyaroundyourhome oryard.Youcanalsouseminipumpkinsandgourdsas tablecenterpieces.

Haunted House Entrance: Welcome guests with a haunted entrance to set the tone for the festivities. Hang ghostly drapes, place faux tombstones, and add flickering candles to create an eerie ambiance.

MummyDogs:Wraphotdogs withstripsofcrescentroll doughtocreatemummy-like appearances Servewith mustardorketchup"eyes"fora funandspookymeal.

MonsterCupcakes:Decorate cupcakeswithvibrantfrosting andcandyeyestocreatefun monsterfaces.Kidsandadults alikewillenjoytheseplayfuland delicioustreats.

Jack-O'-LanternStuffed Peppers:Carvesillyfacesinto bellpeppersandstuffthem withyourfavoritemeator vegetarianfillingforafestive andhealthyHalloweendinner.

Witch'sBrewPunch:Combineapple cider,sparklingwater,andlimesherbet forabewitchingandrefreshingpunch. Addgummywormsforanextraeerie touch.

EnsuringPetSafetythisHalloween: EnsuringPetSafetythisHalloween: GuidelinesforaFunandSafe GuidelinesforaFunandSafe Celebration Celebration

Halloweenisafun andfestivetimefor humans,butitcan beapotentially dangerousand stressfultimeforour belovedfurryfriends. Theexcitement, costumes,and unfamiliarsights andsoundsduring thisholidaycan poseriskstopets.As aresponsiblepet owner,it'sessential totakeprecautions tokeepyourpets safeandhappy duringHalloween festivities Thisarticle offersvaluabletips andadviceto ensurea spooktacularand pet-friendly Halloweenfor everyone.

SecurePetsIndoors:

OnHalloweennight,keepyourpetssafely confinedindoors.Frequentdoorbellrings, strangersincostumes,andthecommotion outsidecanbestressfulforpets,leadingto fear-basedbehaviororescapeattempts. Designateaquietandcomfortableroomfor yourpetswiththeirbed,toys,andwaterto helpthemfeelsecureduringtheevent.

AvoidCostumeStress: Whiledressinguppetsin costumescanbeadorable,it's essentialtoconsidertheir comfortandsafetyfirst.Some petsmaynotenjoywearing costumesandmightbecome anxiousoragitated.Ifyou choosetodressupyourpet,do atestrunbeforeHalloweento ensuretheyarecomfortable andcanmovefreely.Avoid costumeswithsmall,dangling partsthatpetscouldchewon oringest.

KeepCandyOutofReach: Halloweencandy,particularlychocolate andsugar-freetreatscontainingxylitol, canbetoxictopets Ensureallcandyand treatbagsarestoredsafelyoutofreach Instead,offeryourpetspet-friendly Halloweentreatsorspecialtoystoenjoy.

CreateaCalming

Environment: Toalleviatestressand anxiety,createacalming environmentforyourpets. Playsoftmusicorleavethe TVontoprovidefamiliar backgroundnoise.Youcan alsousecalmingproducts likepheromonediffusersor calmingwrapstohelp sootheyourpetduringthe festivities.

LightUpPumpkinsSafely: Jack-o'-lanternswithlitcandlescanbe afirehazardandposeriskstopets Opt forbattery-operatedcandlesorLED lightsinstead,toilluminateyour pumpkinsandavoidpotentialburnsor accidentalfirescausedbycuriouspets

IDandMicrochipCheck: WithHalloweennightbeingchaotic,there'sahigherrisk ofpetsescapingduringtrick-or-treatactivities.Ensure yourpet'scollarissecurelyfittedwithidentificationtags containingyourcurrentcontactinformation,providing anextralayerofprotectioniftheyweretogetlost.

Bytakingafewsimpleprecautionsandbeingmindfulofyourpets'needs,youcan ensureasafeandenjoyableHalloweenforyourfurrycompanions Fromkeeping themindoorsandsecuretoavoidingharmfultreatsanddecorations,youcan createapet-friendlyenvironmentthatallowseveryone,includingyourbeloved pets,toenjoythespiritofHalloweenwithoutanyscaresorrisks Withpropercare andconsideration,youcanmakethisHalloweenamemorableandenjoyable timeforyourentirefamily,includingyourfurryfriends.

RememberingtheFallen: ATributeonRemembranceDay

RemembranceDay,observedonNovember11th,isasolemnoccasion dedicatedtohonoringandrememberingthebravemenandwomenwho havemadetheultimatesacrificeintheserviceoftheirnations.Itisadayto reflectonthehorrorsofwar,topaytributetothosewhofoughtandfell,and toreaffirmourcommitmenttopeace.

AHistoryofRemembranceDay

ThefirstRemembranceDay,thenknownasArmisticeDay,wasobservedin 1919,ayearafterthearmisticewassigned.Itwasadayofreflectionand mourning,dedicatedtohonoringthesoldierswhohadperishedinthewar andacknowledgingtheprofoundimpactoftheconflictonnationsand individuals Astheworldgrappledwiththestaggeringlossoflifeandthe scarsofwar,thisdayemergedasanopportunitytocollectivelyremember andpaytributetothosewhohadmadetheultimatesacrifice

Overtime,RemembranceDayevolvedtoencompasstheremembranceof militarypersonnelfromallconflicts,becomingasymbolofrespectand gratitudeforthemenandwomenwhohavegiventheirlivesintheserviceof theircountries.Theredpoppy,inspiredbythepoignantwarpoem"In FlandersFields"byLieutenantColonelJohnMcCrae,becameanenduring symbolofthisday.Itsvibrantredcolorsymbolizesthebloodshedofwar, whileitsfragilityservesasapoignantreminderofthehumancostofconflict.

Today,RemembranceDayisobservedinvariouscountriesaroundtheworld, includingCanada,theUnitedKingdom,Australia,andNewZealand,aswell asmanyothers.Itisadayforpeopleofallagesandbackgroundstocome togetherinsolemnreflection,attendceremoniesatcenotaphsand memorials,andwearredpoppiesasasymbolofrespectandgratitude. RemembranceDayremainsapowerfultestamenttotheenduring commitmenttohonoringandrememberingthosewhohavefallen,ensuring thattheirsacrificeisneverforgotten.

TheSymbolismoftheRedPoppy

Theredpoppyhasevolvedintoapowerfulsymbolofremembranceand tributetofallensoldiers,particularlyinCommonwealthnationslikeCanada, theUnitedKingdom,Australia,andNewZealand.Itsoriginslieinthe hauntinglybeautifulwarpoem"InFlandersFields,"pennedbyLieutenant ColonelJohnMcCraeduringWorldWarI.Thepoemdescribeshow,amidthe devastationanddestructionofwar,redpoppieswerethefirstflowersto bloominthedisturbedsoilofFlanders,aregioninBelgiumheavilyscarred bybattles.Thispoignantimageoffragileredflowersflourishingamidthe desolationofwarencapsulatestheideaofhopeandrenewalrisingfrom tragedy.

WearingaredpoppyonRemembranceDayandthroughouttheweeks leadinguptoithasbecomeatouchingtraditioninmanycountries.The poppyservesasavisualandheartfeltsymbolofgratitudeandrespectfor theimmensesacrificesmadebyservicemenandwomen.Theredpoppy's vibrantcolor,fragilepetals,andhistoricalsignificanceremindusthatevenin thefaceofgreatadversity,thereisresilience,beauty,andacollective commitmenttohonoringthememoryofthosewholaiddowntheirlivesfor thesakeofpeaceandfreedom.

WaystoRemembertheFallen

AttendingCeremonies:Many citiesandtownshold RemembranceDayceremonies atcenotaphs,warmemorials,or militarycemeteries.Attending theseeventsisameaningfulway topayyourrespectsandjoinin collectiveremembrance.

ObservingtheTwo-Minute Silence:At11:00a.m.onNovember 11th,atwo-minutesilenceis observedtohonorthefallen This actofsilenceallowsustoreflect onthesacrificesmadeandthe enduringimpactofwar

WearingtheRedPoppy:Support yourlocallegionsandsimilar organizationsbywearingared poppyonyourlapel.Thefunds raisedthroughpoppysalesoften gotowardshelpingveteransand theirfamilies.

LearningAboutHistory:Educate yourselfandfuturegenerations aboutthesignificanceof RemembranceDayandthe historicaleventsitcommemorates. Visitmuseums,readbooks,and engageindiscussionsaboutthe impactofwaronsociety.

VolunteeringandSupporting Veterans:Manyveteransandtheir familiesmayneedassistance. Considervolunteeringwith organizationsthatsupportveterans ormakingadonationtocausesthat aidthem.

PersonalReflection:Takeamoment onRemembranceDaytoprivately rememberthefallen Lightacandle, readawarpoem,orsimplyspend timeinquietreflection

TOP5THINGSTOASKYOUR TOP5THINGSTOASKYOUR

MORTGAGEBROKER MORTGAGEBROKER

WhenbuyingahouseinCanadaandworkingwithamortgagebroker,it's essentialtoasktherightquestionstoensureyoumakeaninformeddecision aboutyourhomeloan Herearethetopfivequestionstoaskyourmortgage broker:

Yourmortgagebrokershould provideacomprehensiveoverview ofthevariousmortgageoptions availabletoyou.Thisincludesfixedratemortgages,variable-rate mortgages,openvs.closed mortgages,andanyspecial programsorincentivesyoumight qualifyfor.Understandingthese optionswillhelpyouchoosethe mostsuitablemortgageforyour financialsituationandfutureplans.

Beyondtheinterestrate,thereareother feesandcostsassociatedwithgettinga mortgage.Askyourbrokeraboutthe mortgageapplicationfee,appraisalfee, legalfees,andanyotherchargesyou mayincur.Understandingthefullcostof obtainingamortgagewillhelpyou budgetandavoidanysurpriseslateron.

Interestratescansignificantly impactthetotalcostofyour mortgage.Askyourbrokertoprovide informationonthecurrentinterest ratesandinquireaboutany potentialratediscountsorspecial offersavailable.Alowerinterestrate cansaveyouthousandsofdollars overthelifeofyourmortgage

1.WhatMortgageOptionsAre AvailabletoMe?

2.WhatAretheAssociatedFeesand Costs?

3.WhatIstheBestInterestRateYou CanOffer?

Beforefinalizingyourmortgage, askyourbrokertoexplainthe termsandconditionsofthe loanindetail.Thisincludesthe lengthofthemortgage (amortizationperiod),the frequencyofpayments, prepaymentpenalties,andany flexibilityinpaymentoptions.

Understandingthesetermswill helpyoumakeinformed decisionsandavoidpotential issuesinthefuture

BonusQuestion:CanYouExplain theMortgageApprovalTimeline?

Understandingthetimelinefor mortgageapprovalisessential, especiallyifyouhaveaspecific closingdateinmind.Askyour brokeraboutthetypicaltimeline forprocessingmortgage applications,obtainingapproval, andcompletingthenecessary paperwork.Thiswillhelpyouplan thepurchaseofyournewhome accordingly.

Obtainingapre-approvalfor yourmortgageisacrucialstep beforehousehunting Itgives youaclearideaofhowmuch youcanaffordandstrengthens yourpositionwhenmakingan offeronaproperty.Askyour brokeraboutthepre-approval process,includingtherequired documentationandthevalidity periodofthepre-approval.

Byaskingthesequestionsandhavinganopenandtransparentconversation withyourmortgagebroker,youcanconfidentlynavigatethemortgage processandmakethebestdecisionsforyourhomepurchaseinCanada. Rememberthatamortgageisasignificantfinancialcommitment,sotakethe timetogatherallthenecessaryinformationtoensureasmoothand successfulhomebuyingexperience.

5.WhatIsthePre-approval Process?

4.WhatAretheTermsand ConditionsoftheMortgage?