Many people order an espresso or reach for an energy drink when they need a boost. However, there are other foods that can give you a similar increase in energy and are, arguably, a lot healthier. Here are a few examples:
 

- Coconut oil. It contains high quantities of medium chain fats, which are a quick source of energy.
 

- Honey. It tastes sweet because it's a natural form of sugar. As we all know, sugar gives you a quick boost.
 

- Iron containing foods. Lack of iron in your diet can leave you feeling sluggish. Adding more beans, spinach, and lentils to your diet – perhaps in salads – can help boost your iron levels.
 

- Nuts. Almonds, cashews and other nutrient-rich nuts are the ideal quick snack for an energy boost.
 

- Dark chocolate. It’s great news for chocolate lovers, but keep the portions small.
 

Finally, not drinking enough water can also rob you of energy. In fact, water may be the best energy-boosting "food" of them all

If you're like most people, you go to see a doctor when you're not feeling well or have a health concern. However, you may also visit your doctor for a check-up, or to ask questions about healthy living.

In fact, consulting your doctor for anything health-related is a smart idea.

The same holds true when it comes to real estate.

Many people only call a REALTOR® when they're planning on selling their property or buying a new home, or both. While that's an important reason to speak to a REALTOR®, it's not the only reason.

Indeed, there are many good reasons for you to give a good REALTOR® a call. For example:

- If you have a question about the state of the local real estate market. (Remember that it may be very different from what you hear on the news about the national market.)

- If you want to get a sense of what homes are currently selling for in the area.

- If you want to determine the current market value of your property.

- If you want to find out how much homes cost in neighbourhoods you'd like to consider.

- If you're thinking about the possibility of making a move, but you’re not sure if it’s the right time.

In other words, don't be afraid to contact a good REALTOR® when you have a question or need some advice about the real estate market.

Electricity in the home is so commonplace that it's easy to forget how dangerous it can be. According to the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, an electrical shock can knock you unconscious, cause a serious burn, or even stop your heartbeat.

Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to reduce the risk.

- Install safety plugs in outlets that young children can reach.

- Never plug in anything with a frayed or otherwise damaged power cord.

- Never use a plugged-in computer, hair dryer, or other electrically-powered item near a filled sink or bathtub. This includes phones with power cords.

- Never touch anything electrical with wet hands or while standing in water. (Water is a remarkably efficient conductor of electricity.)

- Always turn off the appropriate breaker before doing any electrical work, such as installing a new light fixture.

- When replacing a broken light bulb, turn off the breaker first. Although the glass is broken, the filament may still be conducting electricity.

Finally, unless you're an expert or an electrician, never do any major electrical work on your own. Hire a professional.

Unless you're a real estate expert, you probably look at the market and think
things are pretty confusing. Even a bit crazy! You hear news about “bubbles
bursting”, “higher or lower home sales in a particular month”, “new home
starts” that are up or down, and on and on it goes.

It’s a lot of news and a lot of jargon.

If you're thinking of selling your home within the next year or two, you will
want to understand what's happening in the market so you can make the
right decisions and get a clear sense of what to expect. So, how do you
make sense of it all?

That's where a good REALTOR® can help.

Even if you don't have any definite plans to move in the near future, a
REALTOR® who is an expert in the local marketplace can help you
understand what homes in a particular neighbourhood are selling for, and
what you can expect to get should you decide to list your property.

Getting to know a REALTOR® also means you’ll have a trusted expert to
talk to from time to time, when you have real estate-related questions.

You’ll have someone you can think of as "Your REALTOR®".

Plus, when the time comes to sell your property, you won't have to deal with
a stranger. Instead, you'll be able to work with a REALTOR® that you know
well -- and who knows YOU. Overall, that will make the buying and selling
process go more smoothly and more successfully.

Looking for a good REALTOR® who wants to get to know you? Call today!

Thinking about installing wood floors? The first decision you need to make involves the type. According to the National Wood Flooring Association, there are four types:

- Unfinished. This type requires you or your installer to sand and apply a finish. If you want a specific colour or style, or you're trying to match existing flooring, this might be the best option for you.

- Factory finished. As the name suggests, this is flooring that has its finish applied in the factory. Although it is more expensive, factory finished flooring can be installed faster and can be walked upon immediately.

- Solid. This is flooring that is made from a solid piece of wood, top to bottom. The advantage is that it can be sanded and refinished many times over the years, or even decades.

- Engineered. This is flooring that is made of thin layers of wood pressed together. It can be engineered to be very durable and expand and contract less than solid flooring.

The type you choose depends on your needs. Talk to your dealer or contractor about your specific application.

Many people only see a doctor when they're sick or have some other health concern. On the other hand, some people visit a doctor regularly for check-ups, to ask questions and get advice, and to maintain good health. 

Which do you think is the better approach? Obviously, the second one!  

The same thing is true when it comes to real estate. Even if you have no current plans to buy or sell a home, there are many reasons to talk to a realtor regularly in order to maintain your good "real estate" health.

For example, you can:
 

• Get an assessment of the current market value of your home, so you can make an informed decision about whether to stay or move.
• Ask about the state of the local real estate market (which may be vastly different than what you hear on the national news.)
• Find out what homes are currently selling for in the area.
• Learn what's currently available on the market, especially in neighbourhoods you would like to live in and that are within your budget.
• Ask for a contractor recommendation. 

In fact, it's a good idea to have a chat with your realtor once or twice a year, even if it's just to say hello. 

You want to build a relationship with a good realtor who understands (and cares about) you and your needs. That way, when it does come time for you to make a move, you're dealing with a realtor you already know and trust. 

Don't have a good realtor? Call me today!

December 31st is a common “anniversary date” for business services. 

For example, many programs and services expire at the end of a calendar year. So, it’s a good idea to check and see if any expiration dates will impact you. 

Many company contracts for services or subscriptions automatically renew if you don’t do anything. So if you’ve signed-up for something you no longer want, be sure to notify the company in writing to let them know you wish to cancel. Note that there is often a notice period before which you will need to have notified the company. Check your contract details. 

Businesses also use the end of the year to increase prices. Check your mail and email for notifications such as, “As of December 31, 2013, our standard fee will increase by...”. Some companies, including banks, will send these notices out weeks in advance. If in doubt, contact the company directly. 

You should always know, in advance, the cost and terms of the products and services you use regularly.

When people renovate or remodel a room, they almost always overlook the
door. However, changing the style of an interior door, or adding a new one,
can dramatically change the look of a living space – often for the better.

The most common type of door is the traditional solid 6-panel door. But
there are many other choices available. Want to add light and a greater
sense of space to a room? Consider a door with glass panels. Do you have
an interior door that gets in the way when opened? Change it to a bi-fold
door, which cuts the distance of the swing in half.

There are also specialty doors that are designed to block noise, and sliding
doors that tuck neatly into the wall when opened.

Interior doors are typically much less expensive than their exterior
counterparts. So making the decision to upgrade or add a door to a room is
an affordable design option.

Visit a door showroom and explore what's available.