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Old Traditions, New Creations: Classic Crafts to Do Indoors Crafts are a chance to get off our phones and computers and either relax into a new hobby or connect with others over a creative endeavour. Enter analog arts – crafting’s 2026 reinvention. With a new name and a renewed popularity, an art project is not only fun but also keeps you (or the kids) entertained on any day, rain or shine. Plus, many of these ideas can be upcycling projects, or you can get the supplies from

Your Way, Your Day Roses, chocolates and cards not doing it for you in 2026? You’re not alone! But even if you are, you’re still welcome! Here are my best suggestions to enjoy the moment without the pressure of a fancy dinner out or even another human to share it with. For the foodies: Bake a batch of sugar cookies and decorate them – either with cute red and pink hearts, or black bows and arrows. There are no rules here! Or, try out a mixology or cooking class online and le

Home Décor Trends to Elevate Your Space Minimalism is dead. In 2026 we’ve moved on, adding colour, vibrancy, new features and personality galore into our homes. Here are the biggest trends you can keep your eyes (and budget) set on this year: Grandma Chic : If your birth year starts with 19, you’ll probably feel nostalgic about this trend. Things like florals, ruffles and pleated skirts are back on couches and chairs. Lamp shades, antique clocks, China cabinets and anything e

What’s Blooming in Real Estate: Spring Market Insights If you’re looking for a preview of what spring has in store for the housing market in Canada, you’re in the right place. Here’s everything buyers, sellers, investors, refinancers, and everyone else thinking about a change in their housing situation needs to know. Rates: Most economists, plus the Bank of Canada itself, have confirmed they believe the policy rate is at the bottom for this rate cycle. For mortgages, that me

Fraud Awareness March is fraud awareness month, a great reminder that no matter who you are, scams are lurking right around the corner (or in the next email, call or post!). 2026 will undoubtably throw more sneaky, compelling, and downright dastardly scams than ever. So, we’re going to look at how and why fraud scams work, spotlight the techniques scammers use, give you tips on how to recognize a scam, and teach you what you can do to protect yourself. Why do scams work? Her

Reverse Mortgages Visualize this: It’s 1986. You’re an accountant in Vancouver. You’re seeing seniors living longer, healthier and more self-sufficient lives than ever. But they don’t have enough cash to pay their day-to-day expenses. You want to help them. So, you create a financial product that lets them access home equity without giving up ownership. You call it… the Canadian Home Income Plan, and lovingly refer to it as a CHIP. Your product – a reverse mortgage – gives se

Finding your dream home can seem like a daunting task. But don’t despair! Here are five actionable steps to set you up for success. Start...

Summer in Canada goes by fast! Make the most of it by spending time in your outdoor space. There are plenty of projects you can undertake...

We all love a nice, air-conditioned home on the hottest days of summer, but no one looks forward to the bill for it. Here are a few ways...

If you’re interested in buying a vacation home, there is a lot to consider. A good first step to purchasing any vacation home is to think...

Are you torn between a fixed or variable rate mortgage? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common (and important) questions I get...

Mortgage advice and garden tips? Yup, that’s what you get when you work with a local broker who cares about more than just interest...

If you're considering refinancing, selling your home, or making a large payment on your mortgage, it's important to understand the...

Spring often marks a fresh start—not just for the weather, but for our homes as well. Whether you're preparing to list your property or...

Welcome to the New Home of Rita & Rachel Cousins – Your Trusted Mortgage Duo After years of helping clients across Vancouver Island and...