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UPTOWN JAZZ & DOWNTOWN BLUES

Mark your calendar for the return of two amazing summer events in Kitchener-Waterloo!

Uptown Waterloo will soon come alive with the smooth, soulful sounds of jazz. That’s right – the Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival is back, live and in person!

The exciting lineup this year includes Matt Dusk, Monkey House, and Steven Taetz, along with various other talented jazz musicians.

This year’s Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival will be held between Friday, July 22nd and Sunday, July 24th behind Waterloo City Hall.

Music lovers are in luck this year because the Kitchener Blues Festival is also back featuring multiple acts throughout the downtown core between Thursday, August 4th and Sunday, August 7th.

This family-friendly, non-profit festival presents a blend of local, provincial, national and international blues artists and it’s expected to be their best year yet!

The fundraising concert kicks off the festival on Thursday, August 4th with Whitehorse and the Sam Roberts Band but all other acts are free. Hope to see you there!

PREPARING FOR AN EMPTY NEST

Having an empty nest when the kids fly the coop can be a bit of an adjustment.

When your kids eventually pack up and leave home, you'll be presented with a newfound freedom along with a variety of unexpected emotional challenges.

While some parents are glad to see their children spread their wings and fly the coop, other parents experience “empty nest syndrome” which refers to the sadness parents feel when their children move out.

Many empty nesters find their homes are too large once their kids move out and therefore opt to buy a smaller home in order to reduce maintenance costs and gain additional capital for their retirement.

It also means you’ll be able to buy your next home for cash which will give you a bit of extra leverage when it comes to negotiating the purchase price.

Deciding whether to downsize or stay put depends on your unique situation as downsizing isn’t always the right move, pardon the pun.

If you’re facing the possibility of an empty nest, it’s important to closely examine your finances and motivations. Here are a few points to consider if you’re thinking of downsizing:

Clear Intentions
It’s important to be clear about your reasons for moving and also that you have a good idea of what you’re looking for in your new home.

Friendly Reminder
Packing up and selling the family home can be emotional so consider moving to an area that’s close to friends and/or family.

Common Ground
Bungalows are very popular with empty nesters as too many stairs can start to present a challenge as we continue to get older.

Condo Culture
Consider a condo if you plan on traveling as there’s very little maintenance to worry about yet lots of amenities to enjoy.

You Guest It
If you like to host out-of-town guests, it’s important to have room for them to stay. Don’t forget to also save room for your future grandchildren!

When the kids finally fly the coop, it can be a huge adjustment but it also means less upkeep, lower bills and more time to spend doing the things you love.

Whether you decide to sell your home or stay put, it’s a great time to declutter your home so go through every room and get rid of anything you no longer have any use for.

Whatever you end up doing, just be sure to turn your newfound freedom into a positive experience by enjoying some peaceful, relaxing quiet time and focusing on your own needs.

PUPPY-PROOFING YOUR HOME

Are you and your home prepared for the adventure of a new puppy?

Bringing home a new bundle of fur is an exciting time but it’s also a lot of work. The first thing you’ll need to do is puppy-proof your home.

Start by getting on your hands and knees so you can see things from their perspective and put everything away that a pup might chew on such as shoes and hats. Here are a few other handy tips:

Think Inside the Box
It’s a good idea to crate-train your puppy right from the start so that both of you can get a good night’s sleep.

Power Down
A teething puppy may try to chew on electrical cords so tuck them away so that they’re out of reach.

Pack Your Poison
Gather up any poisonous items such as chocolate, xylitol, bleach or ibuprofen and put them in a secure spot.

Trash Talk
Keep your garbage can out of reach so that your pup won’t come into contact with bones, plastic bags or other choking hazards.

Champion Chewer
Stockpile a wide variety of puppy-friendly chew toys to help redirect their focus away from your shoes or your couch.

Yard Time
Make sure there aren’t any holes in your fence and look out for poisonous plants such as azaleas and daffodils.

Bringing a puppy home is a wonderful, life-changing experience but it can also be a lot of work. It's therefore best to prepare your home ahead of time so that you can offer your pup the constant love and attention it deserves.

GRILLED PINEAPPLE ON THE BBQ

Grilled pineapple is an easy yet delicious finale to any backyard BBQ!

Nothing makes me happier than helping my amazing clients find that perfect home! If you’re looking to relocate, reach out so that we can discuss your next move.

Almost everyone loves pineapple as it’s healthy yet sweet but it’s even better on the BBQ because when you grill it, the natural sugars caramelize which creates a sweet/smoky taste. Here's what you'll need:

1 pineapple, cored and peeled
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tbsp. melted butter

Lightly oil the grill and preheat the BBQ to medium. Cut the pineapple into 1-inch slices.

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Brush pineapple with butter and then pat on the sugar mixture. BBQ for 5 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re slightly grilled.

This simple yet scrumptious dessert tastes even better with a side of vanilla ice cream – enjoy!