Curb Appeal Halton/Peel Region ISSUE 02 2021

Mary Klein

Sales Representative

&

Kaitlan Klein Sales Representative

SEE OUR FEATURE LISTING ON PAGES 10+11

74 Edgewater Road, Wasaga Beach

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Business as USUAL? Red zone, grey zone, lock down, emergency lock down, it seems that every week there is a new declaration in response to the pandemic. It would appear that the term "Business as Usual" will not be in our vocabulary for some time. With each new government announcement the list of questions these new terms bring about are long and fraught with confusion. What does this mean? How is the new one different from before?

Are we allowed to do that?

In the Real Estate market, business is far from usual! We are still open but just like everyone else, Brokerages have adopted workplaces and safety protocols in response to the pandemic in order to make sure that everyone is doing their part to keep contact to a minimum in an effort to decrease the chance of spreading this terrible virus. So, the Real Estate market is still active, showings of homes both virtually and in person continue to happen and prices continue to soar!

Obviously the mind boggling sales prices will peak your curiosity but perhaps you have reservations about the process. The idea of people coming into your home right now may be too much for you to handle. Will there be open houses? How can I reduce the amount of people through the door but still feel as though my home got the greatest possible exposure to the market?

If you have questions, if you have concerns, please give us a call. We will outline everything that we can do to market your home, to give it the best possible exposure with an emphasis on quality buyers, not quantity. In addition we will provide insight on the comings and goings of all aspects of putting your home on the market in order to put all of the information on the table, so you can make an educated decision as to whether this is the right move for you.

For over 30 years, we have had the privilege of representing the home sales of families and friends. At the grocery store, at the ice rink, on the trails we bump into past clients and love to hear the stories of their new place-how the kids are loving horseback riding lessons and how they are now able to give their in-laws the care that they were so desperately in need of. It warms the heart to help others and helping others is what we all need to focus on during these times when it is certainly not "Business as Usual".

When you ask David Waters how he’s doing, he rarely says, “Fine” or even “Great”… his normal answer is, “Olympic”. And that pretty much sums up the kind of person David is: positive, optimistic and full of energy.

David grew up in Toronto with two older siblings. He has always had an amazing work ethic, starting with his boyhood paper route, right through his teenage job at a banquet hall, and then into his first full time job with a technology company. David worked there for ten years, travelling throughout North America installing, testing and trouble-shooting their products, as well as doing project management.

After a decade though, David decided it was time to pursue his real passion…Real Estate. This is a guy who used to go to open houses on the weekends just for fun, because he just loves seeing homes. He became a Realtor in 2007, and has been helping people ever since, growing a large following of satisfied and devoted clients, many of whom have been repeat clients and referred friends and relatives. His objective in any interaction is to make people feel heard and valued, and to be sure his clients get personalized attention, honest advice, and the best service he can possibly give. David loves meeting new people, and his job gives him the opportunity to do this every day.

When he isn’t helping his clients, you can find David running on the trails or the roads. He has completed several marathons, and in the fall of 2020 was able to add an ultra-marathon (a run even longer than a marathon, in his case a full 50 MILES!) to his running resume.

David has lived in the Orangeville area with his wife Julie and daughter Katie for 14 years, and has grown to love Dufferin County, Caledon, and the surrounding areas. He is thrilled that his friendship of over 30 years with Sean Anderson has finally turned into an opportunity for them to work together again, just like they did at the banquet hall all those years ago. He can’t wait to offer his special expertise and enthusiasm to all the Re/Max In The Hills clients.

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SOLD IN JANUARY - ENJOY ULTIMATE LUXURY IN STONEGATE Hardwood floors, custom kitchen-induction cook top, on demand boiled water and quartz tops. Dining area with French doors to living room turned into home office. Family room with cathedral ceiling. Master bedroom with 8 piece ensuite, heated floor and towel rack, 2 sinks and 2 person shower! Inground pool, deck and surrounded by trees! New roof, newer windows, nest, video security, separate entry to finished basement, list goes on! Brampton.

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SOLD IN DECEMBER - PIRVATE, GATED EXECUTIVE HOME Gently rolling 25 acres. High-end finishes include kitchen, flooring and detail. Ready for large family with 4 bedrooms on main floor, 1 more lower in full basement walkout.

Soaring ceilings, travertine floors, Jacuzzi tub, list goes on. Property features pond, forest, trails and more. Detached workshop and small barn-like outbuildings in the trees. Come and enjoy the quality and finer lifestyle. Caledon.

THE MARKET IS HOT! WHY WAIT UNTIL SPRING,

CALL NOW!

FOR SALE

REFERRED BY REPUTATION FOR OVER 30 YEARS...

JUST ASK YOUR NEIGHBOURS!

ISSUE 02 • 2021

2021 DESIGN TRENDS

8 PRESIDENT James BAKER james@thnmedia.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jason STACEY jason@thnmedia.com ADVERTISING SALES Marianne KENNEDY marianne@thnmedia.com David JOUBARNE david@thnmedia.com CREATIVE PRODUCTION Tim FRANKIW tim@thnmedia.com Dereck ADDIE dereck@thnmedia.com WEB DESIGN Vaughn JOSEPH vaughn@thnmedia.com ADMINISTRATION Diana LYNAS diana@thnmedia.com PRINTING Dollco

Curb Appeal Magazine is published monthly and delivered to selected homes in Halton & Peel by Canada Post, agreement #41362062.

THN Media 2187 Dunwin Drive Mississauga, ON, Canada L5L 1X2 Office 905 278 1111 curbappealmagazine.ca facebook.com/curbappealmagazine instagram.com/curbappealmagazine

12 A BASEMENT STORY

4

TASTY PUB 6 RECIPES TO RECREATE AT HOME

DISCLAIMER: Every effort has been made to publish this magazine as accurately as possible; however errors and omissions can occur.

THN Media, their employees, agents, representatives and vendors are not liable for any damages relating to errors or omissions in the editorials or advertising which may appear herein except where a specific charge has been made. In such cases THN Media shall have limited liability only to the charge for such advertising or editorials.

certified international property specialist

Your Realtor for Life ®

RLP AWARD WINNING PERFORMANCE SINCE 2004

Direct 416.919.9802 denise@link2realestate.ca

Dedicated to Serving Town & Country Properties SUPPLY AND DEMAND CONTINUES DURING COVID-19 FACING CHALLENGES WITH HIGHER PRICES AND LOWER SUPPLY OF REAL ESTATE

Looking back this time last year, real estate pundits suggested buyers “might” return to the housing market after sitting on the sidelines following the introduction of the mortgage stress test two year ago. Now being almost one year into COVID 19 pandemic, prior forecasts have lost their validity. If you have been following the real estate market statistics, housing numbers took a deep dive due to the lockdown in the spring before they came roaring back in the summer. Meanwhile, the actual average sale price posted in at a whopping 12 and 17 per cent year-over-year gain for Erin and Halton Hills respectively.

SO, NOW THAT WE HAVE ENJOYED THE FIRST FULL MOON OF THE NEW YEAR...WHAT DOES 2021 HAVE IN STORE?

With move-up and move-over buyers continuing to drive real estate activity, an ongoing housing supply shortage continues.

This supply and demand suggest further increases in pricing for rural and farm properties. Although I do not have a crystal ball, I have a lot of qualified buyers seeking rural and farm properties and predict more buyers are wanting to venture out of the cities.

This fact is being fueled by families desiring a rural lifestyle and

taking advantage of record low mortgages rates. Despite the pandemic, rural and farm properties are being viewed as an integral element to buyers wanting to invest in real estate.

How long will this last? You can speak with five different analysts and get five different responses because there are few stable statistics causing the real estate market to remain unpredictable. Although, the Bank of Canada states stability in mortgage interest rates into 2022. Even having this knowledge and input from qualified real estate analysts, we are unable to guarantee values or timelines beyond this spring.

Besides COVID restrictions rightfully dictating safety in the viewing process of real estate, the major concern limiting sellers from listing their properties have been finding suitable alternative housing. Generally, sellers are experiencing challenges in competing with out-of-town buyers. The dream of homeownership is still a worthwhile pursuit and more buyers are willing to shift their priorities to find affordable properties within their budget by seeking smaller out-of-town properties. We may have to wait for another year potentially before real estate supply balances with demand. But, tight now it remains a sellerʼs market.

Regardless, if you want to investigate the current real estate market or get an opinion of value on your home, please let me know how I can help you. Call Denise directly at 416-919-9802 or email Denise@lilnk2realestate.ca*.

FOUR SEASONS WONDERLAND ERIN This stunning Agri and Core Greenlands property offer approx 20-acre farmland & 21 acres of mixed forest beside the Speed River. You will need GRCA to approve a site plan for any development. Simply this property has wildlife and “green acres” for $699,000 anyone wanting to enjoy nature and the outdoors on this 100% GRCA environmental protected land.

NASHVILLE NORTH HALTON HILLS This local landmark is nestled on a 6 + acre site, straddling the Credit River. The main buildingʼs unique design offers a main stage for live entertainment, main dance floor, bars and outdoor patios catering to +/- 900 loyal patrons. The detached 900+ sq ft garage provides storage. 200+ car parking, septic, town water and natural gas. CVC restrictions. $3,600,000

DREAM CATCHER GEORGIAN BAY This absolutely stunning property offers a building envelope on top of the hillside for views of mature trees, magnificent sunrises and breathtaking sunsets over Georgian Bay. This 2.844 acre building lot features a ravine with a meandering river. Pictures cannot express the abundance of wildlife, steep slope and development opportunity. Paved road. $399,000

OUT OF THE HOUSE OPTIONS ERIN If you have grown out of your house, there are various sized office and retail spaces available. Professional, commercial and retail uses from 600 sq ft to 2,080 sq ft. All units are equipped with natural gas and HVAC system. GO bus transit and parking.

COMMERCIAL LEASE Flexible terms and rent lease rates to suit your needs. Lease rates start at $6.00 PSF net rent. *Not intended to solicit buyers and sellers currently under contract.

www.link2realestate.ca

RECIPE

Tasty

STEAK + ALE MUSHROOM PIE

PUB RECIPES TO RECREATE

Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 2.5 hrs | Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS • 1.5 pounds bottom round beef, trimmed and cut into small chunks • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour, divided • 1 tsp vegetable oil • 2 carrots, peeled and roughly cut

AT HOME

• 1 large onion, chopped coarsely • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped • 1 package button or cremini mushrooms • 12 ounces brown or red ale beer • 2 tsp liquid beef bouillon or 2 beef bouillon cubes • 1/2 cup boiling water • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce • 3-4 whole sprigs of fresh thyme • Several pieces of whole fresh parsley, stems included • 1 large bay leaf • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1 box ready-made frozen puff pastry, thawed

Find more delicious mushroom recipes at mushrooms.ca

DIRECTIONS STEP ONE: In a frying pan over medium-high heat, sweat onions and garlic until transparent. Add in mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

STEP T WO: Place a large stewing pot on the stove over medium-

high heat. Toss the beef in 2 tablespoons flour and season with salt and pepper. Once the stew pot is hot, add oil to coat the bottom surface. Add in beef, but only enough so there is room for each piece to properly sear. Shake the pot occasionally and the cubes will come undone as they finish searing. Don’t force it as it will tear the meat. Continue to sear remaining pieces of beef. Once completed, remove meat from pot and reduce heat.

STEP THREE: In a heat-safe container, pour in liquid bouillon

and remaining 2 tablespoons flour. Stir. Mix in boiling water and stir until incorporated and dissolved.

STEP FOUR: In the same pot where you seared the beef, add

liquid bouillon mixture and Worcestershire sauce. Skim the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to deglaze and get up all that goodness left over from searing the meat.

RECIPE TIP : While you can make and eat the stew filling the same day, the flavours will be more concentrated and delicious if you refrigerate overnight. It’s worth the wait for best results!

STEP FIVE: Toss meat back into stewing pot along with sweated vegetables. Pour in ale. Give a good stir and add in fresh herbs, submerging them. Remove from heat, cover pot with a lid and place in oven at 325°F (162°C) for 90 minutes.

STEP SIX: Remove from oven, allow to rest and completely

cool. Remove thyme sprigs, parsley and bay leaf and discard.

Refrigerate overnight for best results.

STEP SEVEN: Once ready to bake, transfer stew mixture into a

casserole dish or individual ramekins for single serve. Carefully place thawed puff pastry over top, leaving an inch hanging over.

Press and seal pastry to the side of the dish. Apply egg wash for shine if you desire.

STEP EIGHT: Bake at 375° F (190°C) for 40 to 45 minutes or until

puff pastry is golden brown and filling is warmed through.

STEP NINE: Remove from oven and allow to rest before cutting. newscanada.com

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MONO - BUNGALOW ON 2.22 ACRES WITH SCENIC VIEWS

Near skiing, golfing, hiking trails and more is this 3 plus 3 bedroom bungalow with a finished walkout basement having gorgeous views of the rolling countryside. Approximately 3,772 sq ft of finished living space, this home offers an open concept floor plan, large kitchen with breakfast area with oversized walkout to a deck overlooking the grounds, and a sunken living room with wood-burning fireplace combined with the dining room. Master bedroom has “his & her” closets, an updated 5 piece ensuite and walkout to a private patio with hot tub. Professionally landscaped front and rear walkways and patios. Fabulous commuter location! $1,308,000

WASAGA BEACH - CUSTOM RIVERFRONT HOME ON THE NOTTAWASAGA RIVER

Enjoy panoramic views of the Nottawasaga River from this 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home featuring a finished walkout basement, heated inground pool and prime boating access to Georgian Bay. Approx 3,200 sq ft of finished living space with hardwood flooring throughout, an entertainer’s kitchen with granite counters, breakfast bar and walkout. Master has 5 piece ensuite, gas fireplace and sitting area. Finished basement has a gas fireplace and a walkout to the pool with river access. Unique turret design makes for many intimate nooks. Nestled on a quiet cul de sac and close to trails, skiing and beach. Only 1 hour and 45 minutes to Toronto. $1,798,900

HOLLAND LANDING - 2 ACRES, BUNGALOW, BACKS TO HOLLAND RIVER AND CONSERVATION

Minutes north of Newmarket, this 3 bedroom bungalow on two mature acres backs to the Holland River (east branch), which connects directly into Lake Simcoe. Features include a 2 car garage, 2 gas fireplaces, an open concept living/dining, newer rear deck and windows plus finished rec room. For nature enthusiasts there's hiking and cycling trails in nearby conservation, plus great commuting via 400 and 404 highways. $948,900

*

HOME DÉCOR

2021

DESIGN TRENDS

By Louis Duncan-He | Photography by Heather Dunbar Photography

2020 HAS FORCED US TO ALL REFOCUS OUR EFFORTS INWARDS... SPECIFICALLY TOWARD OUR HOMES. WE NOW EXPECT THEM TO WORK HARDER FOR US AND OUR FAMILIES THAN THEY EVER HAVE, AND IT IS THIS EVOLUTION THAT HAS HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2021.

HERE ARE 3 MAIN DESIGN TRENDS I SEE AHEAD:

1 / ZEN - LIKE SPACES The desire for zen and “spa-like” spaces have gained major traction in the past year. It comes as no coincidence that Benjamin Moore named Aegean Teal as its colour of the year with its tranquil and serene nature. At my company Louis Duncan-He Designs, we’ve had more clients than ever ask for spaces that are designed to make it virtually impossible to carry any remnants of the day’s stressors into them. Popular zen trends will include: • SOFT PASTEL AND SPA-LIKE COLOURS: Think teals, soft greens along with gentle blush and earth tones.

• NATURAL TEXTURES: Incorporating elements like unfinished wood, touches of rattan and wicker are all perfect and harmonious accents to further heighten the zen vibe • BEAUTIFUL BOTANICALS: We all yearn for a connection to the outdoors... we will see a lot more green (both real and fake) in homes. They can refresh our air, brighten our moods and contribute to a sense of accomplishment in seeing daily growth.

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2 / STATEMENT SPACES With so much monotonous indoor time, we all yearn for spaces that inspire us and make us feel something. In addition, the inability to travel has led home owners to venture outside of their creative comfort zones in order to replicate those missing experiences. Statement trends will include: • WONDROUS WALLPAPER: Gone are the days where wallpaper equals the tired bedroom walls at your grandparents house. With so many fabulous and chic options available, wallpaper is a cost-effective way to completely alter the ambience of a space • MEANINGFUL MILLWORK: There are so many ways that millwork can bring a feature wall to life. Think panels, shiplap, wainscotting or even a custom designed pattern.

• DRAMATIC COLOURS: Just as colour can be used to calm the senses, it can also be a transformative catalyst for renewed inspiration (e.g. Pantone’s colour of the year Ultra Violet).

Bold and dramatic colour choices are no longer tied to singular feature walls. Entire rooms along with kitchen cabinets are being revived with bold punches of colour.

3 / MULTI - FUNCTIONAL LIVING As a result of the majority of schools and the workforce being brought indoors, commingled spaces have transitioned from a want to a requirement. We’ve all had to drastically rethink how our spaces need to function. Our dining rooms need to double as offices and living rooms are now classrooms for children. Some of these trends will include: • CUSTOMIZED DESIGN: Living room fireplaces built-ins, floor-to-ceiling shelving and creative storage solutions are all long-term investments that will drastically improve how spaces both look and function.

• TRANSFORMATIVE FURNITURE: The internet has provided access to so many types of multi-functional furniture pieces ranging from fold-up tables that transition

into desks to a single stool that transforms into a bench.

Homeowners want pieces that are versatile and adaptable.

• DINING ROOM REVIVAL: The dining room and kitchen are often the hearts of the home. It’s where we gather, connect, eat and now also work. In 2021 will see a renewed focus on dining rooms that make an impact.

Regardless of the multitude of design trends we’ll see ahead in 2021 as a result of this past year, the common denominator is that they’ll need to elicit more joy, spark additional growth and ultimately make us feel safe. That’s the magic of the home, It’s the one area we can have control over in a world that seems to have lost control. ◆

LOUIS DUNCAN-HE, is the Creative Director and Principal of Louis Duncan-He Designs. This notable Calgary, Montreal based boutique design firm offers complete residential design services throughout Canada. With a distinct timeless perspective, they create unified authentic designs. @ louis.dhe • LouisDHe.com

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E D G E WAT E R R O A D

WA S A G A B E A C H

$1,798,900

WASAGA BEACH - CUSTOM RIVERFRONT HOME WITH INGROUND POOL Nestled on a quiet street in an evolving executive neighborhood on the South side of the Nottawasaga River, is this custom built 3-bedroom, 3.5 bathroom, 2-storey home with stone exterior. Having approximately 3200 sq.ft. (MPAC) of finished living space, this home has a finished walk-out basement to a heated in-ground pool, and enjoys prime boating access to Georgian Bay. Gorgeous panoramic views of the sunsets, river and wildlife can be enjoyed from two large balconies and poolside. Whether you are looking for a weekend retreat or full-time living, this home and area provide the ultimate luxury, recreational lifestyle with an optimal work from home environment having high-speed internet, natural gas heating and nearby town amenities. This custom home is located in a fabulous commuter area only 30 minutes to Highway 400, and a 1.5 hour drive to Pearson Airport and downtown Toronto.

HOME DÉCOR

A

BASEMENT STORY michelleberwickdesign.com Photography: Larry Arnal | Contracting + Cabinetry: Hartley Built

Hello design lovers. Do you have unfinished real estate in your home? The space you send your kids to make a mess because no one will see it? You guessed it - we’re talking about your basement. Basements tend to be the one space within a home people forget about when in fact, it can be used as valuable square footage. Whether you have a walk-out basement or a fully submerged

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basement, the possibilities for design are endless.

For our recent project, we turned an unfinished walk-out basement into a stylish little bar, homework/pizza night/card game zone, living hangout space, three-piece bathroom, a pool change room and a home gym. Maximizing storage and defining the hangout zones was crucial for this blank slate.

WITH AN OPEN CONCEPT ROOM, DEFINING THE ZONES IS VERY IMPORTANT ESPECIALLY IN A BASEMENT THAT NEEDS TO SERVE MULTIPLE PURPOSES AND PEOPLE.

DEFINING YOUR ZONES Our first job in this project was the kitchenette. This was the first area you walk into from the pool and patio. The millwork was designed in a deep navy sprinkle with a wavy black and white Cambria on the counter, up the backsplash and up to the shelves. A large table and chairs were added for a loose, informal feel with an oversized sisal pendant mounted above.

A console table backs onto the sectional, separating the living area from the kitchenette but also providing another perfect perch. A large rug was added to define the space and helped anchor the sectional within the invisible boundaries for the hangout space.

A slatted feature wall stands adjacent to the kitchenette carrying through the deep navy, tying the spaces together. White millwork creates contrast against the slatted wall but also compliments the large gas fireplace on the neighbouring wall. The living area invites you in for a movie while the kitchenette encourages conversation.

Separation of zones in an open concept room can be easily achieved through furniture placement, lighting placement and colour. A piece of red string dividing your shared room with a sibling is also effective, but not as pretty. â–š

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HOME DÉCOR

CREATING THE ILLUSION OF SPACE In a basement, sometimes you encounter lower ceilings and smaller rooms in comparison to the main floor of the home.

That’s ok. You can work with those dips in the ceilings and strategically carve out rooms where the extra headroom isn’t a must.

Adding the porcelain tile fireplace created the illusion of depth and height by using large-scale tiles which tricks you into thinking the fireplace is wider and taller than it actually is. The mirrors flanking the fireplace bounce around natural light, which also makes the room feel larger.

When you have a small space, you have to pull out all the tricks to make the room feel larger than it actually is and in the end, the clients were ecstatic with the final result. ◆

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Award winning Designer MICHELLE BERWICK is the Principal & Creative Founder of Michelle Berwick Design. For almost a decade this notable GTA firm has become sought after for providing livable stylish and uniquely personal interiors. michelleberwickdesign.com

HEALTH + WELLNESS

as things you are grateful for or focus on a guided meditation or instrumental music.

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

DURING COVID-19

Doing a body scan (simply paying attention to each part of your body in sequence from your head to your feet and optionally tensing and releasing each part as you move up your body), or the extended exhale breath work described above can help to switch gears and move the focus away from stress to calm you down.

• Be mindful of what you are taking in. While we need to stay informed, consuming too much bad news through the media can be harmful to our health and contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.

GET BACK TO THE BASICS OF HOW ARE YOU? I MEAN HEALTH. BE MINDFUL OF YOUR HOW ARE YOU, REALLY? THE REASON I ASK IS THAT SLEEP, FOOD, AND DRINK .

MANY OF US ARE NOT OK We need 6-9 hours per night. If you LET IT OUT RIGHT NOW. cannot sleep (either having trouble falling This is a challenging time, and if you’re struggling, I want you to know that you’re not alone. We are living in uncertain times and as a rule, humans typically do not like uncertainty.

I want to share some simple yet effective tools to help you during this time.

TAKE A BREATH It’s the first thing we do when we’re born and the last thing we do when we die.

We’ve all heard it before - taking deep breaths can help us when we are stressed.

Have you ever tried it and felt that it is much more difficult than it sounds? That’s because when we are stressed, our bodies go into fight or flight mode and breathing naturally becomes more rapid, shallow and constricted.

To counteract this and bring calm back into your body and breath, first start by observing the breath without trying to change it all. Notice the quality and the depth of your breath.

Next, turn your focus to your exhale.

Gently and gradually extend your exhale breath. For example, if you breathe in for a count of 3 (1, 2, 3…), try breathing out for 1.5 to 2x longer (a count of 5 or 6). Extending the exhale helps to calm your nervous system down. Practice this several times a day and your body will remember it when you’re using this tool in times of overwhelm and stress.

asleep or staying asleep) TRY THESE TIPS: • Have a consistent bedtime, and associated routine (getting ready for bed ritual) - this signals the brain that it’s time for sleep • Eliminate stimuli within 2-4 hours of bedtime (i.e., caffeine, sugar, screens (phone, laptop, tv)) • Keep your room cooler in temperature Be cognizant of what you are eating and drinking. Overindulgence in sugary and processed foods and drinks like alcohol, soda, or too much caffeine can wreak havoc with your physical and mental health. What you put in, fuels you. Make conscious choices for what you want in your tank.

CHECK YOUR THOUGHTS • If your mind is racing or consumed by worrisome thoughts, try journaling.

Evidence based research shows that writing down our thoughts can help to get them out of our head and onto the paper. This reduces the emotional saliency of these thoughts and allows us to store them outside of ourselves for when we are ready to deal with them.

• Choose your thoughts. You can’t control your feelings, but you can choose what to think about. When you catch yourself ruminating about worries and stressors, switch your focus to other things such

When feeling anxious and stressed, we build up tension in our body and brain. A great way to relieve this tension is to focus on your OUTPUT. EFFECTIVE WAYS TO RELEASE TENSION INCLUDE: • Exercise (sweat it out) • Feeling our feelings (cry it out) • Writing and talking (communicating our feelings, aka “Venting”) to share our feelings with a trusted friend or family member or a professional (i.e., social worker, psychotherapist. psychologist)

ASK FOR HELP IF NEEDED If at any point, you feel that you are unable to cope, please do not hesitate to reach out to a professional (therapist, doctor, emergency crisis line or hospital emergency department) for support. It is a sign of strength and resilience to seek help when needed.

WE ARE ALL DOING THE BEST WE CAN DURING THESE CHALLENGING TIMES BUT WE DON’T HAVE TO DO IT ALONE.

MELISSA SCHEICHL is a registered social worker and psychotherapist in private practice in Mississauga.

ChoosingHealth.ca or Wevsme.ca (couples counselling).

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20 QUEEN MARYS DRIVE $3,298,000

A rare offering that demans attention!

Exuding curb appeal this genuine Home Smith Tudor on The Kingsway’s most coveted Queen Mary’s Drive sits on a rare 50’ x 145’ lot. It’s noticeably grand, quaint and filled with charm, boasting 3 ground floor living rooms, eat-in kitchen, master en-suite and a beautiful secluded back yard with inground pool and lovely mature English garden. It’s no wonder Home Smith’s chief architect chose this for his own residence back in 1928! Located within walking distance of best schools, Grenview entrance to Royal York subway, Vintages LCBO, dining, shops, pubs and Humber River trails. 20 minutes to Financial/Theatre districts, airports and near some of Toronto’s finest golf. This is one of those special opportunities not to be missed. See more at 20QueenMarys.com

Linda Tickins

| Broker of Record

LindaTickins.com

416.234.2424

99 W I L L I N G D O N

B O U L E VA R D

T H E K I N G S WAY

CALL

FOR

D E TA I L S

SUPERB “BACK TO THE BRICKS� RENOVATION blends a classic Tudor exterior with a modern and chic interior in The Kingsway.

This pristine 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom home is just two blocks to Bloor and situated in the coveted Lambton-Kingsway Junior Middle School and Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School catchments. The open main floorplan basks in natural light and provides a rear walkout to a sizable patio and fully fenced backyard from the combined gourmet kitchen/family room. Featuring fine attention to detail throughout, including gleaming hardwood floors, two gas fireplaces, an upper foyer skylight, heated bathroom floors on main and upper, and ample storage. Boasting a generous master suite with walk-in closet and luxe 5 piece ensuite bath which showcases marble tiling, large walk-in shower and a stand-alone soaker tub. The spacious lower rec room has a cozy corner fireplace as well as a built-in media unit. This picturesque and professionally landscaped home is primely nestled in a family-oriented neighbourhood near restaurants, cafes, amenities, parks and the subway, with easy highway access to both the airport and downtown.