Well we all have it in one shape or another, the summer lull. That feeling of missing something that’s gone, but not sure what it is. And then you remember the freedom of summer… ah how glorious that was.

Well something that summer might have also left you with is a lot of odd socks, mixie match dishes, and a few extra piles of laundry in places… So take this time now that things are getting back on track to find time to declutter your surroundings, I can’t tell you it does a world of good.

Try this list and see how it goes, even these simple steps can make a world of difference.

 - Laundry room. Go through all the shelves and bins in laundry room. What odd socks you find, pile together and have kids go through to find matches. Any old socks head to the garbage. Anything you haven’t worn in 6 months or that doesn’t fit donate.

 - Kitchen. The container drawer. Now that kids are back to school, you are most likely using this drawer on the daily. Empty the drawer and find all the sets, what doesn’t have a match goes to recycling. You will be shocked with the space you just gained.

 - Bathroom. Under the sink. In my home, this is a spot that quickly accumulated junk from camps and beach days. First start under the sink, everything comes out. Next go through the items, and if sunscreens or bug repellents aren’t expired, give them their own basket and neatly organize for next use. recycle old bottle, and them remove and clutter. Next start on the drawers.

 - Mudroom Closet - this is a time to donate anything that doesn’t fit, or that doesn’t serve a purpose any longer. Also pack away summer jackets and sandals, to make way for what is coming. If you have the energy take a look at footwear, and anything that seems too small or old can be removed.

Decluttering is a way to keep your home feeling calmer, and more organized. I am a firm believer in keeping your surroundings tidy, as it just keeps my overall being feeling better.

What do you do through the seasons to keep clutter under control?

Earlier this week, The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5¼% and the deposit rate at 5%. That’s good news for Canadians and specifically new buyers who are entering the fall market. So now what! Well if you have been thinking about a home purchase this fall, a pause in a rate increase is a great time to start looking as it will give added incentive to the real estate market. The break in rate hikes adds confidence in the market for sellers, people who might be holding off putting their homes on the market will use this time to list their property, giving you access to inventory.

And if you are holding off and want to save a little more through this time, here are a few tips to deal with the interest hikes, lets hope this is all behind, but being prepared is key.

The key word here is DEBT. get rid of the debt and the future is bright, and when you are ready for that purchase, your bank account will be ready too.

Preparing for a change in Interest rates.

We
have officially crossed over Summer Solstice and entered the “dog days of
summer”.  Speaking of summer - pack up the family and head out for your
favorite scoop of ice cream. We have listed a couple of our own personal favorites
in the community to consider this weekend:



****No Open Houses this weekend but available for booked showings if needed.

“SLICKERS
ICE CREAM SHOP” –
If you haven’t tried “Campfire” ice cream you haven’t lived. A definite Moxam
family favorite!  They make small homemade batches every day to bring you the ideal
artisan ice cream experience.  With shops in both Bloomfield and in Picton you
have your choice of dining locations.

If
you like the Sunday drive idea, you definitely want to try out “WHATS YOUR
SCOOP” in Quinte West. Family run business at their own Farm Stand with a
wide selection of Kawartha Dairy flavors to choose from. I would highly
recommend the Chocolate Peanut Butter which is a McGinn family go-to.

For all the Sorbet Lovers out there…we have you covered! Get
over to the “OLD GREEN HOUSE ICE CREAM SHOP” in Wellington. And they
don’t stop at Sorbet…there is something decision on the menu to temp everyone
from specialty bowls, shakes and ice cream floats!