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If you are a brand new wannabe home owner, you may have come across house and land packages in your quest to own the perfect home. For those who haven’t, house and land packages are simply a deal you purchase that include both a home site and a brand new home. This is something that appeals to many people, as they do not have to deal with the hassles of dealing with two entities – a home builder and a land developer. Instead, with a house and land package, both of these steps are taken care for you, ensuring no conflict in interest between either entity. If you are considering purchasing a house and land package, this is the article for you. Today, we look all the things you should consider when purchasing a house and land package, so read on to find out more!

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If you suspect your aircon is the reason behind high electricity bills, the unit is possibly not maintained well and requires a thorough inspection. Check out the following common issues that cause air conditioners to use more power than they should.

Unclean air filters

This is the most common reason for aircons’ poor functioning, which causes power bills to shoot up. The air filters are your aircon is first defense against dust and other particles. They protect the internal components, including the coils, from dirt and debris and keep the aircon working at full efficiency.

Cleaning the air filters regularly and replacing them when needed is essential to avoid build-up of debris, which clogs the filters and restricts the free flow of air through the ducts. This in turn causes the aircon to work harder and take longer to cool the room, leading to increased energy consumption.

Poor maintenance and irregular servicing

A poorly maintained air conditioning system is prone to excessive wear and tear and component damage that is easily avoidable. Lack of regular service compromises the unit’s efficiency and puts load on the internal components, causing unnecessary overheating of the compressor and leading to increased power consumption. [Read more…]

How do you feel about your lawn? No, really? If it’s an area that you tent a couple of times a year but seems like more effort than it’s worth – then you are probably in the majority. Your lawn and garden is one of the first things seen and concluded about your property, so the opportunity is huge. Whether you are hoping to add some curbside appeal or preparing to sell, follow these tips on how to turn your lame lawn into a gorgeous garden.

Luscious lawn

Finding the time to hose the lawn can be challenging. But who says you have to be doing that manually? Deploying popup sprinklers by SunshowerOnline will take the hassle away from you, and will never miss a hose. No more alarms to remind you or feeling guilty when you cast a look at the brown lawn on your way to the car. This is also particularly useful if you have no idea how much you should water and ho often. Be mindful of the seasons as your lawn will need more or less depending on the time of the year. With great lawns however, comes a robust mowing and edging schedule. Be sure to not miss a mow or an edge, as the next one will be harder and you will lose the shape of the lawn. [Read more…]

By Reena Lazar and Michelle Pante

Cultivating courage arose from a trip to Ottawa with my family last summer where we almost melted during the heatwave. Despite the heat, my pre-teen daughter and I noticed how lush and green the lawns were at Parliament Hill. Back home in Vancouver, brown lawns were the norm due to drought and major watering restrictions. We got pumped-up about writing a letter to the Prime Minister suggesting the government of Canada let the lawns go brown; it would send a powerful message about water conservation to Canadians and the millions of international tourists that visit each year. Yes! I was raising an engaged citizen. Let’s do it!

We never wrote that letter.

Harsh inner critic #1: “Congrats, stellar example of apathy and not honouring your word. Don’t you know everything is a learning opportunity? What a crappy mother you are.”

Harsh inner critic #2: “You’re preoccupied by a letter you didn’t write last summer? Get a life. Six people were just killed while praying in their mosque. The leader of the most powerful country in the world is enacting discriminatory policies endangering many more lives… what are you going to do about THAT?” [Read more…]

By Reena Lazar and Michelle Pante

Don is an author, retired minister and humanities professor and founder and member of various social-justice organizations. Of all his lifetime accomplishments, however, it’s his ability to cultivate meaningful relationships that’s serving him most in his final days.

Fifteen years ago, Don was diagnosed with a degenerative lung condition. Recently he sent a health update to me and 182 other friends on the personal email list he’s built and nurtured over the years. Don uses this list to inform us of interesting events, social-justice issues needing action, and to share wisdom from people who inspire him. [Read more…]

The Wolff Company today announced they broke ground on Revel Lodi, a new independent living apartment within the Reynolds Ranch master planned community in the heart of California’s wine country. The development is expected to open in mid-2018 and will promote a healthy lifestyle by offering best-in-class wellness services and community amenities.

The community will set a new standard of quality and service in the senior living sector. Built on the six pillars of wellness, the senior living community plans on keeping residents connected, engaged and curious. The six pillars are Physical, Social, Intellectual, Spiritual, Emotional and Occupational.

“There’s an underserved market of renters aged 55+ looking for a lock-and-leave lifestyle in Lodi,” said Mike Milhaupt, Vice President of Senior Housing for The Wolff Company. “Revel Lodi will fill a gap in the market and set a new benchmark for senior living rental communities.” [Read more…]